The Clare Echo 31/01/19

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CLARE NURSES ON STRIKE

The all new KADJAR comes to town 22

31 Jan 2019

Election posters get chop PĂ RAIC McMAHON

COMMENT

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RONAN SCULLY

Make the World Smile...

Thought for the week 16

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WEATHERING THE STORM: Clare nurses and midwives at Ennis Hospital were amoung 37,000 who protested yesterday

photo by Martin Connolly

UTGOING councillors in West Clare have agreed not to use posters for the upcoming local elections in May. Initially raised in the March 2017 meeting by Cllr Ian Lynch as a suggestion to introduce bylaws to abolish posters for future elections, the move was welcomed by all councillors of the West Clare Municipal District.

Legislation prohibits the outright banning of posters for elections however, administration officer John Corry outlined yesterday a voluntary charter had been agreed by councillors in Newcastlewest where existing members have abstained from putting up posters.

Cllr Lynch & Cllr PJ Kelly proposed a voluntary charter, they were unanimously supported.

Full story PAGE 4

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

13

COMMUNITY

18

Clare nurses strike over pay negotiations

REELING IN 1970

19

STUART HOLLY

Index BUSINESS

20-21

MOTORING

22-25

SPORT

26-27

CLASSIFIEDS

28-29

PUZZLE&QUIZ

30-31

editor@clareecho.ie

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The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie or ger.naughton@clareecho.ie

l SPIRITS NOT DAMPENED: Two members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation on the picket line yesterday near Ennis Hospital despite the pouring rain Photo by Martin Connolly

LARE’S nurses and midwives joined a national strike of more than 30,000 staff members over pay and staff shortages.

The local injury unit in Ennis was closed yesterday while people were also being urged not to attend the Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick unless absolutely necessary.

A further five 24-hour strikes have been organised to take place in the coming fortnight by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), with the Psychiatric Nurses Association due to start an escalating campaign of industrial action tomorrow.

In a ballot held in November, over 90% of members that were polled voted in favour of

industrial action.

A Claire Byrne Live/ TheJournal.ie poll carried out by Amárach Research of 1,000 adults found broad support for the nurses’ action, with 74% of respondents saying they supported the 24-hour strikes.

And a number of local businesses in Ennis yesterday showed their support for the picketing nurses and midwives, with the local Kavanagh’s Spar offering free tea and coffee while their neighbouring Fairgreen Stoves offered the nurses a place to keep warm during their breaks.

Sweet’N’Green Café in Ennis offered free homemade soup to all striking nurses and midwives.

The INMO insists that staffing challenges can only be addressed with an across the board pay rise, bringing them in line with other graduate health professionals.

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4

NEWS

'Turn unused hotel into a historic theme park'

PÁRAIC McMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

HANNON Group “have a golden opportunity” to turn an unused hotel into a historic theme park in Bunratty, local councillors have claimed.

In 2009, the Shannon Shamrock Hotel closed as a new owner could not be found to take over its operations. In April 2017, Crescent House Ltd who had taken ownership of the site submitted plans to carry out renovation works which included the partial demolition of existing structures at the rear of the building and for refurbishment and reconfiguration of the existing hotel including its 55 rooms, kitchens and bars as well as to convert the swimming pool to a function room.

However the property was put up for sale last year and members of the Shannon Municipal District are encouraging Shannon Group plc to buy it.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the MD, Cllr Pat McMahon requested Clare County Council “to ask Shannon Group to seriously consider the purchase of the Shannon Shamrock Hotel, Bunratty, Co Clare to consider the creation of a historic theme park and also to alleviate car parking problems”.

Speaking this week, the Fianna Fáil councillor stated, “This is an absolute eyesore on

l PLANS: An aerial view of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, which is planning to build 53 holiday cottages along with a new leisure centre and restaurant

Photo www.trumphotels.com

the growth of Bunratty”.

“This is an old chestnut of mine, that I first brought up at the Council 30 years ago. I said at the time two theme parks were sustainable in Ireland, we have Tayto Park and we could have this in Bunratty”.

“Shannon Heritage’s Niall O’Callaghan could have an open mind to examine the situation. History is so much to the

The inaugural

Clare Community Awards 2019 Celebrating Clare’s Communities

area and you would incorporate that”.

McMahon stated 71 percent of visitors to Orlando Theme Park were adults and maintained the theme park would attract individuals aged over fifty in the autumn and children in the summer.

Fine Gael’s John Crowe seconded the motion, adding, “This is a golden opportunity for Shannon Group”.

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

Inaugural community awards...

THE valuable contribution made by Co Clare’s community groups and volunteers to their local area is being celebrated through a new awards scheme.

Clare County Council is inviting nominations to the inaugural Clare Community Awards which will culminate in a prestigious awards event honouring communities and volunteers at Hotel Woodstock, Ennis, on March 7, 2019.

Applications are being invited under 8 categories including Volunteer of the Year, Junior Volunteer of the Year, Best Festival/Event, Community Innovation Award, Community Enhancement Award and Community Environmental Award. Applications are also sought for the Best Kept Public Residential Area and Private Residential Area. The overall Clare Community of the Year and Clare Volunteer of the Year award winners will also be selected during the awards ceremony in March.

Cllr. Pat Hayes said, “This scheme is all about honouring people who give freely of their time to give something back to their local community, and in doing so deliver a wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits for those areas.”

Applications forms available from www. clarecoco.ie/services/community/competitions, must be submitted by 4pm on February 15, to awards@clarecoco.ie or to Clare Community Awards 2019, Rural Development Directorate, Clare Co Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis.

Clare County Council is hosting a prestigious awards event to recognise and celebrate communities and volunteers on March 7th, 2019.

The overall Clare Community of the Year and Clare Volunteer of the Year award winners will be selected on the night.

Applications are invited under the following categories: 1. Community Innovation Award 2. Community Enhancement Award 3. Best Kept Residential Area (public) 4. Best Kept Residential Area (private) 5. Community Environmental Award 6. Best Festival/Event 7. Junior Volunteer of the Year 8. Volunteer of the Year Applications forms available from www.clarecoco.ie/services/ community/competitions (application deadline: 4.00pm, 15 February 2019). Email applications (max file size 6mb) to awards@clarecoco.ie or send by post to Clare Community Awards 2019, Rural Development, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 DXP2.

6

NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

Streetscape needed to provide Shannon with 'missing heart'

PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

A

PROPOSED streetscape can provide a ‘missing heart’ for Shannon and lead to more businesses setting up in the town.

On Tuesday last, Cllr Mike McKee proposed at a meeting of the Shannon Municipal District that councillors meet senior officials in the planning department “to agree a strategy to progress a potential streetscape within the town. This is to be seen as a priority for all”. Brian McCarthy in his reply stated an allocation was made for funding of the development for a strategic masterplan for Shannon in September of last year. The senior planner confirmed the Council has requested a meeting with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government to discuss the scope of such a plan and that it will be viewed “as a priority for the Economic Directorate and Clare County Council in 2019”.

“When I was moving to Shannon the movers said to me it was all housing estates, 40 years later it’s still all housing estates”, Cllr McKee said. The Sinn Féin councillor main-

Shannon to have a town with streetscapes. Our town closes at 8pm every night, let’s grab the bull by the horns”.

Cathaoirleach of the MD, Cllr Gerry Flynn seconded the motion. “I’m hoping the dream comes true for you.

The people who said it’s a quantum of building estates are right”. He suggested the library road in Tullyvarraga or the road leading through the Kincora Apartments as possible locations for the street.

Fianna Fáil’s Cathal Crowe l DREAMER: Cllr McKee (inset) quoted Martin Luther who is the youngest electKing, saying he has a dream for Shannon town ed representative in the MD recalled his time playing the tained Brú na Síonna was the only street in Shannon, referencing the reply he clari- video game SimCity during his teenage fied that he was not focusing on one facil- years. “I played SimCity as a teenager, you ity, “Shannon needs to be developed into failed in the game if the town wasn’t evolving”. He believed that the Airport, Indusa town”.

Prior to the meeting, McKee watched trial Estates and Greenways were all posa documentary on Martin Luther King Jr itive aspects but highlighted, “the failure and he borrowed the infamous line of the is the commercial side”. “If you could play civil rights activist when speaking in the SimCity to dismantle SkyCourt it would Shannon MD offices. “I have a dream, for help, Limerick has the beautiful Crescent

Shopping Centre but no footfall to the city centre. The winding down of the food court in Sky Court spelt a lot for me”.

Cllr Pat McMahon who did not play SimCity during his youth, recalled “Shannon was to be a new town and take away from the people of all over Ireland when it was built, it hasn’t”.

The Newmarket-on-Fergus councillor continued, “You often hear that there is no heart in Shannon, how to turn that around will be difficult”.

“As long as I’m on the Council we’ve been talking about a street in Shannon”, Fine Gael’s John Crowe commented. “I’ve been living on the side of the street all my life, it is the heart of the community, you can walk outside at any time and you will either meet people and start talking or else see dogs scratching. A lot of houses have been built in Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus but we had the heart before they went in”. The shop-owner continued, “Pick the street, then one or two businesses will come in. This will be the opportunity for the people of Shannon to build their own street”.

According to Council Director, Liam Conneally, “The assistance of people that own the streets in Shannon is paramount” to the success of such a proposal.

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

Clareabbey roundabout is ‘like Mondello Park’ PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

SCHEME designed at improving the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists at one of the busiest roundabouts in the county is being devised.

An update was sought by Cllr Paul Murphy as to what future safety measures were proposed for the Clareabbey Roundabout.

In a reply to the January meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Senior Executive Engineer, Ann Cronin confirmed that a scheme to “improve safety for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers at N85/ R458 Clareabbey Roundabout is currently being designed by the Road Design Office and five different options are being evaluated”.

Consultation with TII has occurred and Cronin anticipated that a “feasibility report with a recommended option will be submitted to TII in March 2019 along with a request for fund-

ing”. A road safety audit is also required at the location.

Some of the measures being considered in the report include; the narrowing of the circulating carriageway plus roundabout entry and exit points, the provision of uncontrolled and controlled crossings, the provision of widened paths to provide a two-way cyclepath/foothpath around the west side of the roundabout, all necessary alterations to services, drainage, signing and lining.

“I’m delighted that a bit of traction is coming down the road. It’s like Mondello Park at the best of times with the speed people come onto the roundabout at. It doesn’t encourage youngsters from Clarecastle to cycle or walk to St Flannans. I welcome the reply and look forward to it coming to pass”, Cllr Murphy said.

Independent Cllr Ann Norton seconded Murphy’s motion. “This has been going on for some time, it needs to be looked at. We talk a lot about health and safety, this is a hugely

lSAFETY CONCERNS: An aerial view of Clareabbey roundabout, which is the subject of a current safety scheme being designed by the Road Design Office

Photo by John Mangan

important section of road”. Ennis’ Pat Daly also supported Cllr Murphy. “There are so many cyclists and pedestrians using what is one of the busiest roundabout in the county”. Cllr Mary Howard stated “at least two” cyclists were injured

at the roundabout in recent times.

“I go by this roundabout every single day and I must applaud Cllr Murphy for continuing to highlight it”, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy commented.

NEWS

7

Ennis needs new festival for 2020 AN ENHANCED Fleadh Nua or separate traditional music festival is needed in Ennis for 2020.

Having hosted Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2016-17 as well as the 2018-19 Munster Fleadh, a replacement festival must be lined up for the town. Such was the view expressed by Joe Arkins, Chair of the Munster Fleadh Committee in Clare when addressing Ennis Municipal District members.

“2020 is about keeping Ennis on the musical map, we will need to fill the void after four Fleadheanna in a row. One option we could do is to enhance the Fleadh Nua and move the date forward to the whit weekend”.

Cllr Ann Norton praised Arkins and the individuals responsible for Fleadheanna in Clare, adding “What ye have achieved over the last number of years for the county is excellent”.

Fine Gael’s Mary Howard felt moving the Fleadh Nua to the whit weekend was “a great idea” as did Fianna Fáil’s Pat Daly. “I remember the Fleadh Nua in the 70s, there were 300 tents in the Fair Green. Moving the Fleadh Nua to whit weekend would be fantastic”. Cllr Daly confirmed that his proposal for a festival in honour of Tommy Peoples for the Spring “is on the road I believe”.

Arkins added, “Put the facilities in place and people will come, the Fleadh Nua will require a lot of funding but the dividend will be there”.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

Success for Clare at Wedding bash PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

UNDREDS of businesses gathered at The Crowne Plaza Hotel on Monday for the Irish Wedding Awards where two Clare companies brought home awards.

Bella’s Baking was named overall winner as cake designer of the year while Ennis Bridal Boutique was deemed to be the West’s wedding boutique of the year. Author and presenter, Andrea Hayes hosted the celebration of industry personnel including wedding planners, coordinators, specialists and caterers to photographers, videographers, florists and stationary suppliers.

Founder of Bella’s Baking, Fionnuala Crowe (pictured right) told The Clare Echo of her shock at scooping the national gong considering her business only officially opened in October. “I had nothing

prepared because I didn’t think I was going to win.

The competition for cakes in Ireland is huge, the standard is very high so it was a massive shock.”

Now living in Feakle, Fionnuala who is from Limerick City, admitted the success hasn’t yet sunk in. “The next day I pretty much spent all day on my phone trying to thank people and get back to all the well wishes”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Victoria O’Connell, bridal assistant at Ennis Bridal Boutique maintained the recognition was testament to its hard-working owner Linda Kelliher. “We have stiff competition and at the end of the day we were surprised and we’re absolutely delighted. It’s recognition for the brand and for Linda who works ridiculously hard, this woman could be opening the shop at nine in the morning and finishing at nine at night and it doesn’t phase her... she loves it that much”.

Victoria, a Kilrush native, added, “We’re building a brand here for four years and we’ve won an award that we truly do deserve. Linda has put no limit on anything so that’s what our unique selling point is...we do go the extra mile”.

NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

‘Ennis data centre should look to use renewable energy’ STUART HOLLY

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editor@clareecho.ie

ARLIER this month Clare County Council passed a statutory resolution of the Council objecting to the importation or use of fracked gas in Clare and Ireland in response to the purchase of the Shannon LNG project at Ballylongford by New Fortress Ireland, a US-based energy company.

The Shannon LNG site, on the Shannon Estuary is designed to import gas from ships and has full planning in place for a deep water jetty, storage facilities for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and connections to the Irish national gas network. The USbased energy company will use this site to import gas from both the US and the Middle East, where fracking is legal.

Cllr Flynn comments, “I put the motion to ban the importation of fracked gas to the Council at the recent meeting, and I was delighted to get unanimous support.

Any plan to import fracked gas would be a step backwards if we wish to keep Ireland fracking free and to embrace alternative renewable energies.

“Since 2003, I have campaigned for policies that support the development of a sustainable community like public transport and renewable energies. Hopes for my children’s future got me involved in promoting and investing in renewable energy projects in Clare to provide green energy to replace fossil fuel-based electricity. As an engineer, I have researched and raised awareness for renewable energy projects over the last decade and a half, initially with the Clare Wood Energy project. This group advocated for increased use of local wood sources which resulted in the Clare Co Council installing a large wood chip heating boiler fuelled by locally sourced wood cuttings.

“My commitment to local action to

prevent climate change, motivated me to help set-up Clare Energy Action Network (CLEAN) and Renewable Energy Skillsnet in 2004 which provided training for individuals and industry which could reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.”

With Clare now producing substantial green energy through wind farms, Cllr Flynn believes enterprise and business in Ennis could embark on achieving a clean tech future. These energy sources are also valid in the debates regarding the proposal for a large-scale data storage centre near Ennis, added Cllr Flynn.

Data centres are not new to Ireland, with 46 centres hosted in the country, but a low carbon data storage facility which primarily uses green energy could attract other green tech companies to the area, argued the Fine Gael councillor. The growth in this sector of the economy was witnessed in the city of Lulea in northern Sweden.

Facebook built its first data centre outside of the US in Lulea back in 2013 and is getting ready to expand into the third building in this town. While the actual data storage centre employed about 1,000 people during construction and 200 people at the centre, these centres attract more industry to the area. Boston Consulting Group estimated data centres could employ 30,000 people in Sweden by 2025.

Cllr Flynn added, “If a sustainable data centre is planned and built that is compatible with the needs of its neighbours whilst using renewable energy sources and other technologies such as low power servers, free air cooling, hot and cold aisle containment... this could be a first step to making Ennis a green tech hub. As part of global responsibility, larger companies are committing to moving to low carbon data centres, which could include Ennis.

Smart planning for the development of this centre is essential to ensure no impact on neighbouring residents while building a centre that is the first step to a sustainable future for Ennis. ”

l DAY OUT FOR THE LADS: Liam Downes from Doonaha and Aidan Downes from Lissycasey attended the Clare vs Donegal National League Snr. Football Round one game in Cusack Park on Sunday Photo by Martin Connolly

9

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

16-20 week wait for driving tests PÁRAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE residents have to wait between 16 and 20 weeks to sit their driving test according to the latest data from the Road Safety Authority.

Ennis and Shannon both recorded 27 weeks as the longest waiting time for a driving test, while the average waiting time in each area is currently 16.5 and 19.5 weeks respectively.

In a motion to Clare County Council’s January meeting, Cllr PJ Ryan requested “Minister for Transport, Shane Ross would immediately take action to ensure that nobody has to wait any longer then 6-8 weeks for a driving test and furthermore anybody that has taken a driving test and failed on minor faults should be allowed to drive unaccompanied provided they reapply for a new test immediately.”

Ryan stated, “In Shannon there is a wait of 18-20 weeks, I recently came across someone who came out of college, their parents insured their car, he has no money to go to work and has communicated with RSA every second day and cannot sit the test. In

Ennis it is 19 weeks, when you’re talking about four or five months it is absolutely crazy. There a lot of young people who spend their time getting educated and then try to get a car coming out of college. If a young person comes along and fails the test on minor faults, they should be allowed drive unaccompanied provided they apply straight away”.

Referring to RSA television advertisements on the dangers of unaccompanied drivers, the Independent councillor said, “There has been a lot of talk with unaccompanied drivers, the ads are riveting but we need to support young people and look after them. We could make their licence valid between 8 in the morning and 8 in the evening or govern their speed to 60km/hr”.

Shannon councillor Gerry Flynn told Ryan the second part of the motion was “irresponsible”.

Cathaoirleach Michael Begley questioned if Cllr Ryan wanted to just submit the first part of the motion, to which he answered, “If I thought it would make any difference, I would reluctantly remove second part”.

Only nine elected representatives were present for the vote and the motion was passed five votes to four.

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

Hayes 'relieved' to move on PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

ISABILITY activist Dermot Hayes has left The Labour Party having been a member for close to two decades.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Corofin native who was nominated against Seamus Ryan for the party’s local election selection for the Ennis Municipal District confirmed he informed Labour HQ the days before the convention that he would not be contesting and that he was leaving the party.

“Friends and people from community organisations, a lot of people have left the Labour Party in Clare, lots of people, there is a very small cohort of people there unfortunately. It has gone away from what I perceived to be the Labour Party when you go back to its foundations in the 1970s, when it was strong enough, and '92 under Dick Spring we had a couple of great years. When Eamon Gilmore got elected there was great hope, I was at that meeting in Dublin where we agreed collectively all of us that we’d go into Government with gusto, the country was in bad shape but

l POPULAR FIGURE: Dermot Hayes said it was a difficult decision to leave

we thought this would change it and obviously things didn’t work out.

"All the cuts affected people on lower incomes which was tragic while the bankers and millionaires got away with it. The people with disabilities, lone parents got cut left, right and centre and the housing crisis emerged. It’s very hard for me as a democratic socialist to hang in and I thought this time around it might make a difference but after talking to my friends and family, I withdrew my name”.

At the age of 14, Hayes first got involved with the Corofin Youth Club, “since then I’ve been involved in community intensely at various levels. I’ve been elected here locally to the Clare Local Development twice, on the ground I’m very active with community organisations locally, disability is obviously very big in my life I’m a founding member of the Disabled People of Clare and the Clare Leader Forum”.

A resident of Ennis since 1974, Hayes admitted “it was a difficult decision. I had built up friendships and sometimes they are great but I had to look at the policies and the people I want to work with, people around social housing, disabilities and community groups, Travellers. We’ve got an influx of people from abroad, we’ve a lot of lovely immigrants here in this country and we need to be including them in society, I feel they’re left out and not being included which is very damaging to society in the long run, whether it’s sport or tidy towns we need to be including them and make special provision.

"I know there’s multiple migrants of different nationalities - when you look at the local convent school there’s 42 nationalities there which is great in one way, so

much to be learned and enjoyed by that but they need to be included in our society. There is a danger we are going to fracture our society in years to come unless we do something”.

Dermot added, “I saw the light. I’m an optimist by nature so I was giving it a chance but it wasn’t working out for me and I’m relieved I’m gone not to be moving on with the circle."

A former Chairperson and Secretary of Clare Labour, Dermot is not hopeful that his former party will have representation on Clare Co Council after May’s local elections. “I can’t unfortunately see them getting elected unless there is some miracle. The sitting councillors are there and it’s very hard to see them being removed, then you have another three or four people coming in, you have the Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats and I’m sure you’ll have one or two more before the election is called”.

Prior to Christmas, he attended the selection convention of the Green Party but stated he will not seek a nomination from another party. “I wouldn’t for another party but I am impressed with the Greens because reality is kicking in and we need to do something on the green issue whether it is the Green Party that will be able to carry it off, I don’t know."

Hayes hinted he may run as an Independent candidate, adding “there’s life in the old dog”.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

Crowe reports CLARE OLYMPIANS horrific online OFF TO ABU DHABI 'fight club'

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

STUART HOLLY

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editor@clareecho.ie

IANNA Fáil General Election Candidate, Cllr. Cathal Crowe has requested the Gardaí to investigate a Snapchat ‘fightclub’ that is showcasing both organised fights between teenagers and random attacks on young people in Clare and Limerick.

Cllr. Crowe reported the ‘Irish Drillting’ Snapchat group to Gardaí in Limerick’s Henry Street Station on Tuesday after being contacted by a group of parents who are incredibly worried about the activities of the group.

“Some of the fights feature boys fighting girls and worse, unsuspecting young people being attacked on the street by gangs of youths. Horrifically, the videos show heads being kicked and jumped on.

“Locations and schools are clearly visible in the videos due

to recognisable landmarks and school uniforms.

“This type of behaviour should not, and can never, be tolerated.

For the teenagers being attacked, the pain and trauma extends far beyond the physical; there is the fact that footage of the attack is being put up online for all and sunder to view it. It’s extremely humiliating and downgrading.

“While of course, it will be, no doubt, easy to shut down this page, I am very concerned that a similar page can be set up in minutes and these activities will continue.

“There is a clear gap in legislation when it comes to technology companies allowing content of this nature to be uploaded on to their platforms. Last week’s horrific accident on the M50 and the footage that made its way online should be a wakeup call to the Government and to the technology companies based in Ireland that all is not well, and their laissez-faire approach to regulation must come to an end,” concluded Crowe.

l ON THE WAY: (back) coaches Frank Fitzgerald and Jean Molony. (Front) athletes Mairead Moroney and Emma Barrett of Team Ireland Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

TWO Clare athletes will represent Team Ireland at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

In March, Ennis duo Mairead Moroney and Jean Molony will compete as part of a 91 strong Irish team flying the flag for their country at the highest level of sporting competition for Special Olympics athletes.

Abu Dhabi 2019 which runs March 14-21 will be the largest sporting and humanitarian event in the world this year. Team Ireland has a volunteer management team of 39 people which includes athletics coach Frank Fitzgerald from Newmarket-on-Fergus. 7,000 athletes from 170 countries will be involved at the Games.

Team Ireland’s last residential training session has taken place. Emma McMenamin, Head of Delegation said, “These athletes are extremely focused and determined and like any athlete facing into a major competition, they are putting 100% into their training. It was great to see how excited the athletes are to be part of this huge event.”

President Michael D Higgins has sent a message to Team Ireland, he told them, “Being chosen to represent your country on the international stage is a great honour indeed. It is a tribute, not only to your great talent as athletes, but also to your dedication, hard work and perseverance; qualities which make you inspirational role models and admirable ambassadors for Ireland.”

As the countdown to the World Games gets under way, Special Olympics Ireland is calling on the business community and individuals to help them raise funds to send the athletes to Abu Dhabi. To cover the cost of sending Team Ireland to the Games, Special Olympics needs to raise a total of €455,000 (€5,000 per athlete).

Entertainment

SUCCESS WITHOUT A SEX TAPE

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RISH comedy star Eleanor Tiernan returns home with a new show that explores the rewards for removing your clothing.

So you still haven’t made your most intimate sexual acts available on pay per view? You’re not even willing to tweet so much as a naked pic? Let me guess, you’ve not provided any way for future generations to know if you even lost your virginity. How conventional!

How are things in 1994?

So far Eleanor has managed to remain a living breathing human without making a personal porno for public consumption. She may have been on such favourites as Irish Pictorial Weekly, Bridget and Eamon and the Savage Eye but doing this sans nudité hasn’t been easy. There are so many excellent reasons to give in. Seeing the way others

are rewarded for releasing footage of their sex lives makes it more and more difficult. Will personal dignity may be turning out to be the most expensive accessory of them all?

This is a show about what happens when someone isn’t willing to give everything in the name of success. Can one still get ahead without giving it*? Success without a Sextape is the new lifestyle for people who can’t be bothered giving 110%.

23/02: Glor, Ennis www.eleanortiernan.com

ENNIS PLAYERS PREPARING TO STAGE SIVE ON IT’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY

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SATURDAY February 2nd marks the 60th Anniversary of the first staging of John B. Keane’s classic play, SIVE. The play had been rejected by Ernest Blythe of The Abbey and received its first staging by an amateur group - by the Listowel Players in Walsh’s Ballroom, Listowel on February 2nd 1959. The play proved hugely popular with audiences and Listowel Players competed on the amateur circuit with no great acclaim. It won all the major awards at the Clare Festival in Scariff and went on to win the All-Ireland Drama Finals in Athlone that year.

Subsequently it was invited to perform on the Abbey stage, however it was not until 1985 that the Abbey actually staged a production themselves.

Ennis Players are delighted to celebrate the 60th anniversary by launching their upcoming production of SIVE which will be staged in glór from March 20th – 23rd. Ennis Players previously staged SIVE over 40 years ago, in 1977 and will be joined by some of the original cast members on the day. The 1977 production was directed by Hugh Gallagher who plays the part of Sean Dota in the current production, directed by Bernie Harten.

John B. Keane was one of Ireland’s most beloved playwrights and a great storyteller. His plays explore the social issues of the time in a dramatic way, with marvellous characters, poetic language and plots to keep an audience on the edge of their seats. Prior to SIVE playwrights tended to romanticise the nobility of poverty and the dignity of dealing with the hardships of life. John B chose to exposed the meanspirited characters and ugliness of greed and poverty. His characters are readily identifiable and the worst traits of humanity are explored

alongside the goodness in a richly humorous way.

SIVE is considered one of Keane’s best plays, telling the story of the innocent SIVE in love with Liam Scuab but at the mercy of the heartless matchmaker Thomasheen Sean Rua and her conniving aunt Mena. The pair contrive to match SIVE with the old Sean Dota against her will, for the payment of £200.

It is a powerful story still relevant today with young girls exploited by the sex trade and the reality of mail order brides.

SIVE deals with illegitimacy, rural isolation, greed, poverty and the powerless position of women in 1950s society.

Keane manages to deal with all these issues in a highly dramatic, eloquent and at times hilariously fully way but staying true to the reality of the people & places he knew.

Ennis Players are getting enormous enjoyment from exploring the characters, the language and the social realities in John B’s masterpiece and look forward to presenting it to the people of Clare in glór on March 20th – 23rd.

14

OUT & ABOUT

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

The scene

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l TICKLED PINK: Andrea O’Regan playing Judy Marshall (bride to be) along with Pauline McAllister (the housemaid), discussing the style Photo by Martin Connolly

l LIVING ON A PRAYER: Damian Pilkington playing The Painter and William Crowley playing Arthur Marshall and (below) Laurence O’Brien playing the part of Rev Fr. Ger

Photos by Martin Connolly

A class act at Cloughleigh

T

HE Cloughleigh Amateur Drama Group will stage it’s first ever production this weekend.

Sam Cree’s hilarious comedy ‘Separate Beds!’ will be performed for three nights only at Cloughleigh Community Centre - on Friday February 1, Saturday February 2 and on Saturday February 9 at 8pm.

T h e story is as follows...

Arthur & Claire Marshall are separated: but for their daughter and blushing bride to be, they agree to act like a happily married couple to impress the strict, old fashioned and soon to be Mother-in-law. A task which isn’t easy when dealing with a forgetful old priest, along with a housekeeper and a painter who can’t keep their hands off of the drinks tray!! And throw in a lusty neighbor who is quite enamoured with Arthur! Sure what can go wrong?

The Clare Echo caught up with the newly established drama group this week as they went through final dress rehearsals.

A couple of months ago a new amateur drama group was set up in the Hermitage and Cloughleigh area.

Most of the cast have never threaded the boards before and others are returning to the stage after a long absence.

The play is directed by Anthony Morrissey and Fr Ger

Fitzgerald, and the cast is made up of Willie Crowley, Andrea O’Regan, Pauleen McAllister, Mark Nestor, Carmel Tully, Laurence O’Brien, Damien Pilkington, Sarah Kennt and Geraldine Sherlock.

l BIG TALK: Alan Rea played by Mark Nestor listening to advice from his future Father in Law Arthur Marshall, played by William Crowley Photo by Martin Connolly

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

SVP appeal for donations ahead of Ennis expansion STUART HOLLY

S

editor@clareecho.ie

T VINCENT de Paul have confirmed that they are preparing for an expansion in Co Clare, with a second shop for Ennis in the immediate pipeline.

James Dinnen, manager of the Ennis charity shop based on Carmody Street, told The Clare Echo that St Vincent De Paul are hoping to confirm their new location soon, with the shop focusing on furniture, a new service in SVP’s 21 year history in Clare.

It comes less than three years after Vincent’s established their state of the art shop and offices in Ennis and Mr Dinnen says that the success of that shop has led to huge demand for their services, hence the expansion.

James who has been in the St Vincent’s charity shop on Carmody Street since its first day in 2016 says “It’s been a huge success for us so much so there’s been an increase in demand for

our services, which is therefor why we’re expanding as well, trying to get another outlet.

“That particular shop has been a great success and it was a man called Dr Edward Staunton that gave us the funds to build that shop so it’s his legacy we’ve been able to increase through the services we’re able to provide.”

St Vincent’s has been in operation in 1997, and the new charity shop was established in November 2016.

SVP, which also runs a men’s homeless shelter in Ennis, provide an education fund for those hoping to go to third level and in some cases helping people stay in second level. The Ennis-based shop has 16 individuals working there through the Community Employment scheme while there are in the region of 20 volunteers.

Mr Dinnen continued that while the shop in Ennis is ultimately a business, it’s also the first point of contact for many people interacting with SVP in Clare.

“It’s the first point of contact for many people ... if they want

lSET FOR ANOTHER EXPANSION: St Vincent’s state of the art charity shop on Carmody Street in Ennis, which opened in 2016

to donate something or donate to the charity, it’s the first point of contact for many people. It is also our office so many people do call us for personal assistance and we have someone there to provide that service.

“We’re trying to raise the profile in general in Ennis to match the demand for our services. We do rely on donations and we’re very grateful to the public in that

regard. We also have a demand from our clients and people who need help and we’re always trying to chase that as we don’t want to fall short on helping people.”

SVP has in the Midwest Region 21 shops, which generated about €1.65 million in funds in 2018.

All donations are welcomed.

For more information phone (065) 682 4188.

NEWS 15

Rock armour works set to recommence WORK to complete the rock armour protection work in Lahinch will begin in the next few weeks, according to Clare’s Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market & Data Protection Pat Breen said Minister Breen said, “Contracts were signed this week and work is to begin in February to complete phase 2 of the rock armour protection for Lahinch.

“The €2.1 million phase of the project will cover the area along the seaboard from O’Looney’s Bar and Restaurant to the Miltown Road. Work has already been completed on the first phase at a cost of €2.5 million.”

The junior minister said that the work is necessary to protect public facilities among other things, while it is hoped the work will be completed ahead of the Irish Open in July.

“The completed rock armour protection work should address the issues of boulder protection along the promenade which had proven in the past to be inadequate to prevent waves overtopping the structure during extreme storm events.

“Such work is necessary for the protection of human life, public facilities and private property in Lahinch, while also allowing for future development of the area,” added the minister of state.

If the second phase of the rock armour protection works are not completed before the summer; work will cease until the peak tourist season is over.

16

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

MAKE THE WORLD SMILE!!

A

LINE from one of my favourite songs which was made famous by Louis Armstrong says: “When you’re smiling, when you’re smiling the whole world smiles with you.” Think about that for a moment after you have stopped singing it in your mind and then think about the people in your life you know who have a lot of love in their lives, and recall whether they smile a lot and then try to be one of them! No financial crash or adversity can devalue the power of a smile, and it might be just the stimulus package you or a loved one or a friend needs.

You see we are all people in need of help and support a lot of the time on this journey through life. We are not perfect and far from it at times if your anything like me.

We all make mistakes. We are only human.

We all need grace. We all need compassion.

We all need love and acceptance. We all need help and support at times. We all need other people. And you know that’s okay for that is what it is to be human. Not every day will be good, but there will be something good about and in every day. Notice it if you can. Ignore the negativity around you. None of us know the exact road we will travel or the trials that will come our way. The secret is to find joy and love in the journey. The more obstacles you overcome, the stronger you will become. Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, you

just get stronger, more experienced and more resilient. Smiling and appreciating each step you take on this journey of life is the best choice. Your positive attitude to life will help you realize that sometimes the bad things that happen in your life put you on a direct path to the best possible things that could ever happen to you. So please smile more if you can. You’d be surprised at how much faster it is to make love happen in your life when you make a habit of this simple physical process of smiling. For a variety of reasons, smiling makes you happier and more open and gives you the appearance of being approachable, touchable, and lovable, the very qualities you are looking to develop in order to lead a loving and caring life. For me, one of the ways I sense spirituality and compassion in other people is by smiling. Smiles spell love, compassion, generosity, kindness, warmth, reliability, patience and real-love. ‘God’s love’ is not just romantic love, it’s much more than that, it is a never-ending series of positive, creative, affirming, challenging, forgiving, healing and protecting feelings and actions whose purposes are to promote our sense of well-being for ourselves and others and help’s us to be aware of how God feels lovingly and warmly towards us.

A smile is a part of that purpose and is a powerful means of communication. It is made up, not only of parted lips, but also of eyes, which sparkle or weep, eyes, which

are full of tenderness, acceptance, humour, forgiveness, love and compassion.

The Light of a Smile

When you smile, not only do you feel happy, but you also bring a ray of light into the lives of others. Someone once said, “A smile is a curve that sets everything straight, by increasing your face value.”

Know that a smile is a little thing that can produce great results.

All it takes is a smile to make short work of many difficulties, for just being happy helps others along. I’ve often thought of a smile as the touch of God given to His people. A day without a smile is a day wasted.

Some people grin and bear it, while others smile and change the world. Don’t you love the feelings of a returned smile? It can penetrate the soul and release good into the world. It can make friends of strangers. It can bring friends closer together. It can bridge the generation gap. It can fill the heart with love. A smile is a light in the window of the soul, indicating that the heart is at home.

God put a smile on our faces so that we would see that the world needs that aura to lighten the darkness of iniquity and inequality that we live in today. A smile is nature’s best antidote for discouragement. It brings rest to the weary, sunshine to those who are sad, and hope to those who are hopeless and defeated. A smile is so valuable that it can’t be bought, begged, borrowed, or taken away against your will.

You have to be willing to give a smile away before it can do anyone else any good.

So if someone is too tired or grumpy to flash you a smile, let them have one of yours anyway. Nobody needs a smile as much as the person who has none to give. There is a saying that goes, ‘A smile costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive it, without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it lasts forever. It brings rest to the weary, cheer to those who are discouraged, sunshine to the sad and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as no one needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.’ It is often said and I agree that smiling is infectious, you catch it like

the ‘flu, when someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too. I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin. When he smiled, I realised I’d passed it on to him. I thought about that smile then I realised its worth. A single smile, just like mine could travel round the earth. So, if you feel a smile begin, don’t leave it undetected.

Let’s start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected. And here is a poem I like that helps me keep smiling by Alexandra Skiathitis and I hope might help you at times also and it goes as follows, “If at times you feel you want to cry and life seems such a trial. Above the clouds there’s a bright blue sky, so make your tears a smile. As you travel on life’s way, with its many ups and downs, remember it’s quite true to say, “One smile is worth a dozen frowns.”

Among the worlds expensive things a smile is very cheap and when you give a smile away, you get one back to keep. Happiness comes at times to all, but sadness comes unbidden and sometimes a few tears must fall among the laughter hidden. So when friends have sadness on their face and troubles round them piled, the world will seem a better place and all because you smiled.”

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, see what your smile does for you. You might find that you should smile more often and that the power of a smile will work wonders for you and for others. As Woody Allen said, “Life is full of miserableness, loneliness, unhappiness, and suffering. And it’s all over much too quickly.” So let a smile be your protection from the despair of life. As you go through your day, remember to smile.

Your smile is a message to everyone you meet that you know the joy of living. Sadly, so many people simply forget to smile as they worry too much about what is going to happen tomorrow. As Mother Teresa said, “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do!” Therefore chose to smile and spread joy all around. And find that “the whole world smiles with you!”

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

NEWS 17

Recruiting now for Horticulture course

W

OULD you like to work in the great outdoors growing your own fruit and vegetables or creating a lovely garden? Would you like to retrain and upskill in a new and rewarding career?

Clare Local Development Company in partnership with the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board are currently recruiting for our QQI level 5 course 2019 in Horticulture taking place at Clarecastle GAA grounds. It is a 40 week fulltime programme that runs from 4th February until the 8th of November 2019, for 5 days a week, from 9:30am to 4:30pm and a half day on Friday. Priority is given to the 18 to 35 age group (but not exclusively), and you will retain your social welfare benefit in the form of a training allowance. There is also a small travel and meal allowance and for anyone relocating from another area there is an accommodation allowance.

This course contains a mix of practical and theory based certified subjects in the classroom and our garden including: Plant Science, Plant Propagation, Plant Protection, Plant Identification and Use, Soil Science & Growing Media, Fruit & Vegetable Production, Safety & Health at Work, Communications & Work Practice. We also do a number of additional subjects to prepare students for the working environment including Enterprise Development, Food Production, Safepass, Manual Handling, First Aid & Chemical Awareness.

The focus of this course is to prepare students for a career in Horticulture, i.e. working in garden centres, hotels, landscaping, garden nurseries, selling produce at market or setting up in business. It also provides another route to further education degree level courses as it offers up to 390 points.

All students will be supported by experienced coordinators and tutors, identifying their individual learning needs. Students are encouraged to develop to their maximum potential in a positive and supportive environment and assistance will provided for literacy and numeracy etc. as required.

If this is for you contact Claire on 087 7778502 to set up an interview immediately. You can also register your interest on www.fetchcourses.ie reference no: 230782.

This is a fantastic opportunity, go for it!

TOWERING REPAIR

O’BRIEN’S Tower, the landmark building that stands on a headland at the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, will undergo restoration in the coming weeks.

Millions of people from around the globe have visited the tower since local landlord Cornelius O’Brien constructed it in 1835. The viewing platform is located near the highest point of the 214-metre high cliffs and provides views of Clare, the Kerry Mountains, Galway Bay and the Aran Islands.

Clare County Council, which owns the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, has signed contracts with Mid West Lime Ltd. to carry out works including the removal and replacement of existing stair enclosure, staircases and windows and the application of a lime wet dash externally as well as the repair of the internal face of the stone fabric of the tower.

The works will commence in February and are scheduled for completion in early May. Full drawings and a report are available to view at the Planning Office, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, and at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre.

Pictured at the contract signing for O’Brien’s Tower were (L-R) Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare Co Council; Cllr Michael Begley, Mayor of Clare; Donnacha Lynch, Acting Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience; Leonard Cleary, Director of Rural Development, Clare Co Council; and Kevin O’Leary, Mid West Lime Ltd., Kevin Hennigan, Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience; and Austin Dennany, Dennany Reidy Asc.

Photo by Eamon Ward

18 COMMUNITY

Community DOOLIN

l THEY’VE GOT THE WRITE STUFF: L-R Donal Minihane, Matt Hohner, and Annemarie Ni Curreain attending the opening drinks reception at the annual Doolin Writers Festival last weekend

EAST CLARE CEILI IN SIXMILEBRIDGE A fundraising ceili will be held at the Sixmilebridge GAA Hall on Friday, February 1.

Dancing will take place from 9pm-midnight and admission is €5. All proceeds will go to Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin. All support is appreciated.

Tea & Cakes etc.

WEST CLARE KILRUSH HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Kilrush and District Historical Society’s February lecture on Tuesday 26 February is

entitled “Tales from the Annals: Clare Surnames and Y-DNA”.

KDHS lectures are free to members, EUR5 for non-members, payable on the night only.

New members are welcome. The annual membership fee (July-June) is EUR20.

ENNIS FLOOD SCHEME Workers are expected on site to commence construction for the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme in March although a contractor has yet to be appointed.

ENNIS PLAYERS SET FOR SIVE THIS Saturday marks the 60th Anniversary of the first staging of John B. Keane’s play, SIVE. The play had been rejected by Ernest Blythe of The Abbey and received its first staging by an amateur group - by the Listowel Players in Walsh’s Ballroom, Listowel on February 2 1959. The

play proved hugely popular with audiences and Listowel Players competed on the amateur circuit with to great acclaim. It won all the major awards at the Clare Festival in Scariff and went on to win the All-Ireland Drama Finals in Athlone that year.

Ennis Players are delighted to

celebrate the 60th anniversary by launching their upcoming production of SIVE which will be staged in glór from March 20th – 23rd. Ennis Players previously staged SIVE over 40 years ago, in 1977 and will be joined by some of the original cast members on the day.

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

COLUMNISTS 19

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

REELING IN THE YEARS

with Cian O’Broin

Miriam O’Donohoe Join Miriam on her history tours to hidden locations of Clare

1970 H

T

HE seventies are cherished dearly in the hearts of the older generation. It was a time for change accentuated by individual freedom of expression. Humanitarian and civil rights came to the forefront and Ireland’s political and social landscape were beginning to change dramatically. A collective conscience began to click throughout the world. County Clare quickly began to follow suit.

SPRINGBOCKS COME TO TOWN Political unrest in South Africa made its way to County Clare in 1970 with the arrival of the Springbock Rugby team at the Shannon Shamrock Inn Hotel. There was a large Garda presence at the Hotel keeping watch twenty-four hours per day. A sizeable force of sixty extra Gardai was accrued by Superintendent James Doyle.

The South African Rugby team were in the process of a threemonth tour of Britain at the time and were gearing up to face Munster on 14th January 1970.

The match ended 25-9 in favour of the visitors.

The short stay was not far from controversy, however; as rival anti-apartheid demonstrators grabbed the Irish Flag being carried by the Limerick branch of the National Movement. Tensions soon abated as the team flexed their skills on the hotel lawn drawing a flock of starstruck fans. Rugby once again finding a peaceful middle ground amidst political turmoil.

LAST OF THE ENNIS WORKHOUSES

The last of the Ennis Workhouse was to disappear in April of 1970 with the demolition of the last of the original workhouse buildings. At the site of St. Josephs Hospital this workhouse stood, a malevolent building with deep and dark secrets which were to be expunged along with its brick and mortar. In 1841 the Workhouse was built to accommodate 800 poor persons. There were also three other similar buildings in Ennistymon, Kilrush and Scariff. The workhouses were grim both in stature and in nature and were erected in order to house those who could not adequately provide for themselves. Although perceived as some sort of hospital or safe haven at the time, the workhouses were nothing of the sort. The great work carried out in St Joseph’s Hospital today is in stark contrast to the unjust deeds of the Ennis Workhouse which can stay buried deep below the rubble.

CLARE MISSIONARIES IN NIGERIA Moving on from small scale demonstrations to war-torn Biafra in Nigeria, several Clare missionaries survived massacres in 1970. A recurring news item in Clare during 1970, four priests from the Holy Ghost missionaries were reported to be in the danger zone at the time. Rev. Michael Frawley, Rev. Sean Broderick, Rev. Harry Mullen and Rev. P.J. O’ Connor all partook in massive stints in Nigeria returning home infrequently to spend time with family. Several months later and General Gowan of Nigeria orders an immediate expulsion of all missionaries from the area formerly known as Biafra. Unbeknownst to the people of Clare, General Gowan was assisted by them after purchasing obsolete railway tracks from Dr. Andrews in County Clare. These tracks were used in the transport of troops in Nigeria to the front line.

FLEADH NUA’S BEGINNINGS OUTSIDE OF CLARE 2019 Fleadh Nua in Ennis promises to be an exciting and innovative festival, full to the brim with Concerts, Ceilis, Sessions, CD Launches, Recitals, Irish Dance Ccompetitions and Street Entertainment.

Since 1974 Fleadh Nua has developed from a three-day event to a festival spanning eight days. However while we’re very proud of our traditional music culture in Clare, not everybody knows that the resident festival started in Dublin in 1970. While the town of Ennis has lost nothing of its warmth and welcome since Fleadh Nua was first held there in 1974, one thing that has definitely changed is the time it takes to get to the capital of County Clare.

Short-lived entrance gates to the Burren I ALL,

Last week I received a call from my friend Katrina, who wondered if I would join her on a Sunday walk through the Burren. I was only too willing to accept.

She text to say that she would meet me at “Sir Donath’s Road’’.

Now Katrina is always playing tricks on me but this was a new one. Totally bewildered, I asked where is Sir Donath’s Road?

Well! During the 17th century, 1639 to be exact, Mary O Brien of Clonderlaw (midway between Kildysart and Kilrush) married Conor O’Brien, a descendant of Brian Boru, and they lived happily in Lemenagh castle for at least 12 years.

Unfortunately Conor was killed in 1651 while leading his men against Cromwell’s advancing parliamentary armies. Now Maura was well aware that the penalty in relation to Conor’s uprising would result in the surrender of Lemenagh. To try and stop this Maura offered her hand in marriage to the first Cromwellian officer who accepted. Fortunately for her, an officer called Cornet John Cooper accepted and the couple married in 1653, thus saving the Lemenagh estate and securing her son Donough’s inheritance.

Cooper was very comfortable in financial terms, as following the marriage to Maura he left the army and accumulated considerable wealth as a result of land investments in Clare. However he later ran into financial difficulty which resulted in Lemenagh having to be mortgaged.

In 1660 Sir Edmund Ludlow (one of Cromwell’s officers) gave orders to ambush the Burren.

During this time they tried to seize large amounts of land, however back then, land in the Burren was so scarce that the locals used to steal it from one another. Ludlow remarked on its barren terrain, and described it as a place where “There isn’t a tree to hang a man, water to drown a man, nor soil to bury a man’’. Having said that, Ludlow was also said to have commented on how fat the cattle were, assuming that it was from eating the grass growing in turfs of earth between the rocks. On

the other hand he was very impressed by Lemenagh Castle, a strong limestone structure unlike earlier strongholds made of wood. Therefore he used it on and off as living quarters and furnished it.

When Cromwell finally withdrew his troops Donough, now Sir Donath, tried to repair the damage caused by military occupation. Using strong pillars he erected a gate at either side of the intersection which connected Lemenagh with Kilnaboy, as this was an important crossroads where the baronies of the Burren met. These became known as gate houses. Also on either side of what is now known as the R 476, he placed flanking stone walls which created a long avenue. The O’Loughlan clan who ruled over much of the present day North Clare, discovered O’ Brien’s attempt to control approaches to and from the Burren. Therefore Terence O’Loughlan, led by a strong force of hardy Burren men, headed for Lemenagh.

Armed with jacks and bars they quickly demolished the gates which had barred their flight of passage, and from that time onwards the Burren was guaranteed right-of-way forever.

The gatehouses at which the tolls were collected have since been destroyed, however parts of the flanking walls can still be seen today.

It is also believed that after Maura Rua’s evection in 1659 she lived in Corofin for a while, Corofin House to be exact. Yes, exclaimed Katrina, the house

that’s located down the paved lane towards the River Fergus.

Furthermore it was understood that Maura’s grandson Lucius (Sir Donath’s son) and his wife later occupied the same house.

At that time Corofin would have had a population of 92 people.

Even though Lucius was a bit of a rogue, always in debt and a continual embarrassment to his father who was Sherriff of Clare 1690 and MP for Clare 1695/1713, the people of Corofin were delighted to have him as it meant so much to the town as regards employment. After all, this distinguished household needed accommodation for both servants and retainers along with stables for horses.

Before Katrina and myself parted, she informed me that the barbican gates which once adorned the entrance to Lemenagh Castle were moved to Dromoland in 1906/8 and now stand as an aesthetic feature of the walled gardens. Also there is an inscription over gateway in remberance of Conor O’ Brien and his wife Mary McMahon built in 1648.

Well I’m off now to check out Corofin house, and perhaps I may even have time to view the barbican Lemenagh gates in the beautiful Dromoland gardens. Thank you for keeping me company along the way, and I hope you will join me on my next trip .

Bye for now.

PS: As with all historical sites, take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.

20 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

BUSINESS

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

€50k fund for young entreptreneurs

L

OCAL Enterprise Office Clare is inviting young entrepreneurs from across the county to submit entries to represent the county at this year’s Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition. The winning entries in Clare will share a €50,000 investment fund.

Hosted by the Local Enterprise Offices around the country, the competition is staged in conjunction with the Department of Business, Enterprise & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and locally by Clare Co Council. Now in its fifth year, the nationwide competition invites 18 to 35 year olds who have a business idea, a start-up or an already established business to enter.

Speaking at the launch Minister Pat Breen said “I have had the privilege over the past number of years of meeting many of these young entrepreneurs who have taken part in IBYE and have seen first-hand the difference it has made to their businesses. IBYE provides vital investment funding and a wide range of practical supports, all of which are available locally through Ireland’s network of LEO offices, including Local Enterprise Office Clare”.

“I would encourage all young people with a business idea or currently running a business to apply for IBYE before the deadline of March 15, 2019,” he added.

Speaking at the launch of IBYE 2019, Mayor of Clare Councillor Michael Begley said that Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneurs is one of the headline events each year for Local Enterprise Office Clare.

He continued, “Hosting Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur each year allows LEO

Clare to connect with young entrepreneurs and explain to them the services and supports available to them to help accelerate their business growth.”

Peter Hunt of Piggyback from Bridgetown won the Regional award in the Best Business Idea Category (pre-trading) in 2015 and Damien Mason of FlexiBod from Scariff was runner-up at the national awards in the Best Business Idea Category (pre-trading) in the 2016 competition.

“We know from past participants that the real value for them is in being part of the process. Taking part in Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur challenges young business people to stop and really focus on where their business is now and where they can take it,” explained Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Clare. “The business planning, mentoring, advice and support they receive during the process is really valuable. They tell us that being part of IBYE helps them to build a network of fellow entrepreneurs and they often become trusted friends and advisors to each other. Finally, IBYE is often their first experience of getting media exposure, which is a really important in building profile.”

He added, “Applying is quick and simple.

It takes about 15 minutes, is free of charge and is done on www.IBYE.ie.”

Former IBYE participant, Ciara O’Halloran of Clare-based Redbank Food Company, commented “The prize fund through IBYE allowed me to expand into the developing area of food tourism for our business, to facilitate us in offering experiences, which allows us to proudly promote our region,

We’re looking for Ireland’s best young entrepreneurs of 2019!

If you are between 18 and 35 and either have a business idea or have already started a business, #IBYE is offering financial investments, free business bootcamps and mentoring to help further develop your business ideas and ventures.

l SUCCESS STORY: Former IBYE participant Ciara O’Halloran of Redbank Food Company said she found the competition very benificial to developing her business

our story, our grade A waters and our exceptional seafood provenance.”

Another former IBYE participant, Aidan Quilligan of Clare-based Clubzap (formerly Clubify), added, “Attending the mentoring sessions provided us with insights into the world of entrepreneurship and while no two businesses are the same, the highs and lows experienced in the journey are very similar so having a support network like the IBYE and LEO is essential. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about setting up their own business or in the early stages of business to apply - This process will expedite

you along the path of getting a product to market or growing your existing brand.”

“Since entering IBYE we have progressed to having over 400 clubs registered on our platform in 11 different sports across 6 different countries”, added Mr. Quilligan.

IBYE County Winners proceed to the Regional Finals and, if successful, they proceed to the National Finals which will be held at Google’s Dublin headquarters later this year.

Applications can be made on www.IBYE.ie.

The closing date is Friday, 15 March 2019.

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THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

RECRUIT Have an empty seat to fill?

CALL THE CLARE ECHO TEAM TO PLACE A RECRUITMENT AD 065 671 9021

WE’RE HIRING

Due to operational requirements we wish to recruit for the following permanent position:

OPERATIONS MANAGER - Permanent Position

This position will be with the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. The manager will take full responsibility for daily operations of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre. This position will include the management of the team on duty on the day in the Visitor Centre and will involve some of the following tasks: preparation of daily roster, cash reconciliation, liaise with tenant companies and suppliers, management of health and safety, crisis management, management of capacity issues as they arise and overall service delivery. This position will also be involved in recruitment and staff training, performance management, procurement and project management as required. This position will ensure the smooth running of the visitor centre and the delivery of a world class visitor experience to all visitors. A full job description can be obtained by e-mailing careers@cliffsofmoher.ie REQUIREMENTS/ ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED FOR THIS ROLE: k

Proven track record in supervisory management and leadership skills in operations.

k

Flexibility and a strong problem solving approach.

k

Experience in hospitality, tourism or a visitor attraction would be desirable.

k

Ability to demonstrate a high level of teamwork & motivational skills.

k

Excellent customer services skills.

k

Proven organisation skills and experience in multi-tasking.

k

High level of numeracy with strong cash handling experience.

k

Strong knowledge of Visitor Centre operations.

k

Project management skills and experience desirable.

k

PC literate, good keyboard skills and Microsoft Office proficient.

Liscannor, Co. Clare, Ireland.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Applicants should have a full, clean driving licence. This position will be operational on a seven day a week basis according to the monthly published roster in advance with extended hours at certain times according to seasonal business requirements. Hours of operation will vary seasonally.

If you wish to apply for this role please forward your curriculum vitae accompanied by a cover letter stating why you would like to work at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience to: careers@cliffsofmoher.ie by Friday 8th of February 2019 at 5pm.

CANVASSING WILL DISQUALIFY. CLIFFS OF MOHER CENTRE LTD. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.

E: careers@cliffsofmoher.ie www.cliffsofmoher.ie

BUSINESS

21

MOTORING

LATEST KADJAR MODEL ARRIVES IN HOGAN MOTORS

T

RENAULT KADJAR

HE new facelift Kadjar has arrived in Clare and is now available at Hogan Motors from €26,995.

Efficient new petrol and diesel engines are fitted across the range while New Kadjar’s equipment levels are

more generous than ever – each version includes Climate Control, 7” touchscreen with Android Auto® and Apple CarPlay®, alloy wheels, parking sensors, and automatic lights and wipers.

The exterior of new Kadjar is sleeker and the body coloured area of the front and rear bumpers is now larger lending a more premium feel. The grille is wider, and the C-Shaped LED lights now incorporate the front indicator which gives a high tech and impressive look. New Kadjar is available with new types of 17- and 19-inch wheels, along with three new colours: “Oural Green”, “Iron Blue” and “Highland Grey”.

The big news for new Kadjar is the addition of the new 1.3TCe 140 GPF engine, one of the finest petrol engines in the segment and this powertrain meets the highest standards in performance and drivability. On Kadjar, this engine is fitted with a gasoline particulate filter (GPF). The all-new 1.3 TCe petrol

engine is available in two versions. The TCe 140, available with 6-speed manual or 7-speed EDC automatic gearbox options, is smooth and powerful while the manual-only TCe 160 offers the highest power output ever for a Kadjar. Customers looking to make the transition from diesel back to petrol will be impressed by its performance and real -world fuel consumption.

New Kadjar also features an upgraded 1.5 Blue dCi 115, more powerful than before but still the most economical engine in the line-up, and with AdBlue, cleaner than ever.For customers requiring economy and torque, but with more performance, the all-new 1.7 Blue dCi engine is now available with 150hp and comes in 4x2 and 4x4.

New Kadjar features the Renault Easy Life Trim line up, already available on Mégane, Scenic and Grand Scenic and is very generously equipped.

The entry level trim for new Kadjar is

Play and features 17-inch alloy wheels, dual climate control, parking sensors, automatic lights and wipers, 7-inch touchscreen and Android and Apple Car Play.

The new exclusive sporty S-Edition features all that Iconic trim has, plus a half leather interior while also benefiting from equipment such as a panoramic roof, LED/Xenon lights. From €31,395 for the petrol version the S-edition version will have the competitors’ eyes watering!

The top of the range trim the GT-Line adds an extra touch of luxury with leather seats, panoramic sunroof, full LED lights and auto park, and with the petrol version the Kadjar GT-Line gives customers a lot of fantastic features and equipment for under €34,000.

Customers can avail of savings of over €4,000 on Kadjar at Hogan Motors for 191 with a complete package of 1.91% APR PCP or HP finance, €1,000 cashback AND three years’ servicing available until 31st January 2019.

New Kadjar needs to be driven to be experienced, and you can now book in for a 24-hour test drive at Hogan Motors to experience Kadjar for yourself.

Renault MEGANE Hatch The only brand to offer...

1.91% APR AND €750 Cashback AND 3 Years’ Servicing 12 Months’ Free Road Tax with Orders Made before 31st January Model shown Mégane Hatch GT Line TCe 140 GPF, starting RRP €26,940. Finance example Mégane Hatch Play TCe 100 GPF. RRP €22,140. Deposit €7,732. Term 36 monthly payments of €169. APR 1.91%. Total cost of credit €615 inc fees of €150. Optional final payment €8,790. Includes 3-year service plan. €750 Cashback offer is based on the RRP excluding dealer delivery charges, metallic paint and options. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. Excess mileage plus excess wear-and-tear charges may apply upon return of vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes. Offer ends January 31st 2019.

HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

24-Hour Test Drive Available

Book a test drive

YOUR NEW BABY IS READY FOR DELIVERY. ŠKODA KODIAQ available now from €379 per month.

Introducing the New KODIAQ, it’s not only ŠKODA’s largest SUV but it’s first car with 7 seats. It delivers on ŠKODA’s usual qualities of practicality, thoughtful design, as well as innovative connectivity solutions that are sure to make family life that little bit sweeter.

Available now with 2.9% finance.

Al Hayes ŠKODA, Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Tel: 065 6822400 • www.alhayesskoda.ie Typical Example: KODIAQ 7 Seater 1.5 TSI 150 BHP Active OTRP €32,950. Deposit €10,123.28. 36 monthly payments of €329 including service plan of €12.99 per month. Optional final Payment of €12,880. Total hire purchase price €34,529.64. APR 2.9%. Total cost of credit €1,579.64. Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Volkswagen Bank GMBH branch Ireland is authorised by the federal financial Supervisory authority (BaFIN) in Germany and is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Offer available on all orders taken between 15th October to 30th November 2018 & registered before 31st January 2019. Picture for illustrative purposes only. Price includes delivery and related charges. CO2 from 163-129g/km. Combined fuel consumption from 8.5-4.5 l/100km.

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

VOLKSWAGEN RENEWS ‘ECOGRANT’ DISCOUNT OFFER FOR 2019 YOU CAN GET AS MUCH AS €5,000 OFF THE PRICE OF A NEW VW BY TRADING IN AN OLD CAR

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VOLKSWAGEN

OLKSWAGEN Ireland are encouraging the uptake of the latest generation, lower-emission new cars, hand-in-hand with the removal, of older, Euro 1-4* emissions standard vehicles from the Irish car park, by relaunching their attractive EcoGrant offer.

Owners of any petrol or diesel vehicle that complies with pre-Euro 5 emissions legislation qualify for the EcoGrant offer.

They are able to trade-in the vehicle to benefit from incentives - ranging from €1,000 to €5,000 - against a variety of Volkswagen models. The trade-in vehicle needs to have been owned by the customer for at least six months. Volkswagen has set up a special website - www.ecogrant.ie where you can find out if your current vehicle qualifies.

All new Volkswagen petrol and diesel vehicles meet the latest Euro 6 emissions standards, currently the most stringent yet.

There is a huge choice of models to choose from under the EcoGrant offer, starting from entry-level cars such as the up! or Polo, to traditional favourites such as the Golf and Touran and the new T-Roc, right up to larger models such as the Tiguan, Arteon, Sharan and even the new Touareg.

The EcoGrant offer is also available on the e-Golf and e-Golf Executive Edition.

The offer includes up to €1,000 off the price of an Up, €1,750 off a Polo, €3,000 off a Golf, €2,000 off a T-Roc, €4,000 off an e-Golf, €3,500 off a Tiguan or Tiguan Allspace, €4,000 off a Touran, €4,000 off a Passat, €4,500 off an Arteon, and €5,000 off either a Sharan or a Touareg.

EchoSport Clare can learn from last Sunday’s defeat to Donegal at Cusack Park, says Martin Daly, who takes a look at how the new rules can work in the Banner’s favour

Martin Daly GAA ANALYSIS

Let’s look at offensive mark

A

N INTERESTING start to Division 2. Despite defeat in round 1, other results will have favoured the two beaten teams, Clare and Tipperary who lost to Meath.

Six teams currently sit on either zero or one point following two draws on the league’s opening weekend, an indication of things to come in a very compact-looking division.

Donegal left Cusack Park with what most people envisaged they would do on Sunday; two points. However it looked anything but inevidable with five minutes left of normal time. Clare gave themselves every chance of winning as the The Tír Conaill men, bereft of five or six starters, found themselves out of sorts as the second half progressed. At one stage Clare led by 0-11 to 0-10. Donegal’s shooting was out of sync and they were hitting a few hopeful balls that materialised to nothing. Clare seemed to have a stronger holding of the game at that stage.

But an outfit like Donegal, one of the top five sides in the country, has depth to call on and showed composure and experience to see out the game by starving Clare of possession as the clock ticked into eight minutes of injury time. Donegal are kingpins at that stuff. When they got their noses in front with a few minutes to go we found it very hard to get the ball back off them.

Essentially, we were beaten by a smarter and more experienced outfit.

Clare meanwhile don’t yet have that maturity in higher-intensity situations and when we did have the lead we didn’t do enough with possession. Colm Collins was forced to turn to the likes of Pierce Lillis and Sean Collins to bolster experience in the ranks, neither of whom were match sharp and we suffered because of it. Lillis ran into a couple of tackles, got blocked down once or twice when there were better options available and on another day we may have got scores out of those. But overall, Clare should be encouraged to finish within touching distance of Donegal. The game was very good and it was a good start for Clare even though it’s two points left behind. We all know how tough Division 2 will be and the strongest team in it is Donegal. They’re the team you’d tip to go straight back up to Division 1.

OLDER BOYS IMPRESS Clare blooded a lot of new guys last year and with Dean Ryan coming back into the fold this year, Colm Collins probably has a better idea of his strongest team now. It was still three older boys who impressed at the weekend and led the charges. Gordon Kelly maybe got caught once or twice for pace in defence but going forward his attitude

the mark rule sooner rather than later, they give themselves a better chance to prosper.

The only team that exposed the mark inside the 45 last weekend was Monaghan, who outfoxed Dublin when freetaker Conor McManus came on. And all they had to do was pop the ball chest high to him as he waited 35 yards out from goal.

With Tubridy, Coughlan and Keelan Sexton - who is on a serious roll with UL - Clare have viable danger men. There’s no reason the towering Gary Brennan and Cathal O’Connor can’t serve as a platform to bang a few balls in front of the boys at chest height because if Tubridy takes a mark from 35 yards out, that ball is over the bar. For a freetaker, that should be a dream scenario.

Time your run, wait for it, get out in front - and then bang, no-one allowed to tackle you from 35 yards out? McManus scored three points from three marks against Dublin. We didn’t do that once against Donegal.

By the end of the league campaign there could be a scenario where every team is looking to get three scores from a mark in every game. Clare need to get cuter. It could be the difference between winning and losing against the likes of Cork and Armagh.

l RISING HIGHEST: Clare’s Gary Brennan shows his worth in the air when rising highest on Sunday

Photo by Martin Connolly

NEXT UP, ARMAGH The Armagh side we’re facing next week in Newry (Armagh lost home advantage when they broke the training rule before Christmas) continue to improve under Kieran McGeeney. Because we came so close to beating them in the Championship last year away from home - in fact we handed it to them for a finish - spirits should be high that we can achieve a result up there.

If we can foster experience from the Donegal defeat, just show that bit of composure at the end of the game when it comes down to the wire, get the ball into the forward line and make use of the mark, it just might be the winning of these tight games.

n and ability to penetrate the opposition was excellent. Captain Gary Brennan (0-03) had an excellent game in the middle and David Tubridy worked extremely hard for three from play and three frees – to do that against Donegal is no mean feat.

Meanwhile Dermot Coughlan (0-01) looked very comfortable on the ball – he’s still very young and has a lot to learn but

somebody who won’t be out of sorts at this level. It was also great to see Kevin Hartnett back in defence; he does the simple things well and he’ll strengthen us.

ADAPT TO THE MARK Outside of Donegal every team in this division is within a score of each other which is why I believe if Clare can adapt to

WE LOST a former player in Lissycasey this week, Michael ‘Malo’ Melican. He was a huge part of the success that Lissycasey had in ’07 and was the backbone of our side for a number of years. He was a role model for all who played with him and those coming behind him. A huge loss to our club and I wish his family condolences.

SPORT

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

27

Clare way off pace at Thurles Tipperary 2-16 Clare 1-11

National Hurling League At Semple Stadium

Hurling JAMES MULVIHILL

C

LARE’S winning start to 2019 came to an end at the hands of Tipperary in front of 8,217 people at a wet, windy Thurles.

Captain Tony Kelly’s straight red from referee Colm Lyons following a collision with Padraic Maher was the big talking point. Replays suggest it was a harsh decision and Clare will look to have this overturned ahead of Kilkenny in Cusack Park this weekend. Clare were off the pace from the very start and only managed to three points from play. However, Ryan Taylor, Aidan McCarthy, David McInerney and Donal Tuohy performed well.

Tipperary were awarded a penalty in the early stages when a long delivery from Maher was caught by

Seamus Callanan before he was taken down by Jason McCarthy.

However, the penalty attempt was brilliantly saved by Donal Tuohy.

The Premier men finally scored the opening point thanks to a placed ball by Callanan. Noel McGrath landed the next two points which included a trademark side-line cut.

Clare got off the mark through a placed ball from Niall Deasy. Tipperary led by 0-06 to 0-01 after 18 minutes with scores through Callanan (free), Jake Morris and Alan Flynn.

John Conlon reduced the lead with a well taken point however Tipp were ahead by seven thanks to scores by Callanan (two frees) and Noel McGrath. Clare were awarded a penalty of their own

when a long delivery by John Conlon was gathered cleanly

by Colin Guilfoyle before he was dragged back by Cathal Barrett. Niall Deasy made no mistake in dispatching the resulting penalty to cut the gap to four points. Tipperary kept momentum however with four points broken up by a long-range Tony Kelly point, to leave the score at 0-13 to 1-03 at the interval.

Clare made three changes at half-time with the introduction of Colm Galvin, Peter Duggan and Podge Collins who made an instant impact with a point, while a side-line cut was converted

by Tony Kelly.

Clare were then reduced to 14 men when Colm Lyons flashed a red card in the direction of Kelly for a challenge on Padraic Maher and Clare never recovered from that setback, with Callanan soon after taking full advantage with two goals in two mintues. Clare re-

How to: control ball flight in the wind...

H

AVE you ever played a shot that was hit so well the wind didn’t move the ball? Well the reason for this was, that particular shot had a low rate of spin.

Keeping these spin rates low allows you to keep more control of your ball flight, especially on a windy day. Every shot we hit has back spin however if we can keep this backspin down then the wind won’t have as much of an impact. Any slight side spin on a ball will cause the ball to curve as shown in the attached image (below, image relates to right hander). Whatever spin is on the golf ball, generally the wind will exagerate and increase that spin, therefore keeping these spin rates lower is the key to straighter golf shots on a windy day.

me to release the clubhead later and it also reminds me I’m not trying to hit the shot with full speed, instead I’m trying to swing smoother.

Shorter follow through: When I hit a normal full swing I release the clubhead fully with my wrists hinge. This is to maximise my clubhead speed and the launch of the ball. However when I’m trying to lower the spin and flight on the ball I don’t follow through fully and I don’t completely hinge my wrists like in the attached image. In fact the length of my follow through arc is close to 1/2 the length of my normal swing. This shorter follow through arc will help you to achieve a lower flight and spin on your ball flight.

l SEEING RED: Tony Kelly looks on in disbelief following his straight red card following a collision with Padraig Maher Photo by Martin Connolly sponded with three points from placed balls through Duggan. Tipperary were awarded a second penalty which Callanan slotted over the bar before Clare scored two more points from placed balls through Michael O’Malley. Tipperary scored the last point of the game through Robert Byrne.

Tipperary: Brian Hogan; Cathal Barrett, Padraic Maher, Donagh Maher; Alan Flynn (0-1), Ronan Maher, Barry Heffernan; Michael Breen (0-1), Robert Byrne (0-1); Dan McCormack, Noel McGrath (0-3, 1 side-line), Patrick Maher; Willie Connors (0-1), Seamus Callanan (2-7,6fs,0-

PGA Golf Professional

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

GOLF ANALYSIS

The Scorecard in association with

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Wed 23 Jan. Senior Men Scramble 1.Seamus O’Doherty, Michael Hogan, Pat Shannon Cny, Gerry Duffy 59pts 2.TJ Lyons, Sean Moran, Jim Kelly, Tom O’Dea 58.5 3.Tom Coffey, John Stapleton, Tom Cleary 58.5 21-27 Jan Weekly Comp 1. Declan O’Donovan 25pts Upcoming Events: Weekly Men’s Competition 28-3 Feb. 12 Hole Open Singles,re-entry

The following tips are effective ways of how I lower the spin and launch of my ball in the wind.

Ball Position: I play these shots with my ball position slightly further back in my stance. That way I don’t need to try to hit down on the ball.

Hitting down on the ball increases the spin and if you’re too steep with your angle of attack this will cause the ball to pop upwards, which we don’t want. The main reason for playing the ball slightly back is to help keep the initial ball flight launch lower by delofting the club slightly.

Grip down: Gripping lower down the club will help you to achieve less clubhead speed as well as a lower ball flight. When I grip lower it helps

Clubhead speed: Swinging smoother helps me to keep the spin down therefore I use at least 1-2 extra clubs every time, however on extremely windy days I could be using 3-4 clubs more than normal, having less loft allows me to keep my tempo smooth knowing I don’t need to hit the ball hard in order to reach my target.

Take plenty of club and find a smooth rhythm that helps you control ball flight on stormy days.

Make sure to practice these techniques first so you have the confidence to use them when you need to on the course.

1pen), Jake Morris (0-2). Subs: Mark Kehoe for McGrath (61 mins), John O’Dwyer for Morris (63 mins), Niall O’Meara for McCormack (69 mins), Killian O’Dwyer for D. Maher (70 mins), Cian Darcy for Byrne (70 mins).

Clare: Donal Tuohy; Jason McCarthy, David McInerney, Jack Browne; Aidan McCarthy, Conor Cleary, Cathal Malone; Shane Golden, Tony Kelly (0-2,1 side-line); Diarmuid Ryan, Niall Deasy (1-1,1-0pen,0-1f), Ryan Taylor; Colin Guilfoyle, John Conlon (0-1), Michael O’Neill. Subs: Podge Collins (0-1) for O’Neill (H/T), Peter Duggan (04,3fs,1 ‘65’) for Deasy (H/T), Colm Galvin for J. McCarthy (H/T), Michael O’Malley (0-2,1f,1 ‘65’) for Taylor (52 mins) Ian Galvin for Conlon (64min).

Referee: Colm Lyons (Cork)

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB Jan 26/27 Club modified 4BBB 1ST:Tony Neville (12) Steve Lahiffe (10) 43 pts 2nd: Paddy Meehan (10) Eugene Conroy (20) (42pts) Upcoming fixture 2nd & 3rd February Club Singles Stableford ENNIS GOLF CLUB Gent’s Modified Scramble,

26th & 27th January 1st Peter Quinn(17), Don Ryan(16), Ml Sullivan(12) Seamus Bowe(19) 95pts 2nd D Considine(11), S Ryan(8), K Ryan(18) C Corry(12) 95pts 3rd J Mc Namara(12),E Glenny(17), N Normoyle(13) F O’Brien(16) 94pts Seniors Thursday Comp 24th Jan 1st Fintan McEvoy, JK Considine, John Guilfoyle 43.2 2nd Denis O Ceallaigh, Paschal Russell, Paul Higgins 44.1 3rd Liam Barry Pat G McInerney, Peadar Cosgrove 44.2 4th Tom Woulfe, Conor Murphy, Alph Duggan 45.0 5th Pat Rutherford, Eamon Corry, Michael Cummins 45.5 6th Michael Butler, Tony Kehoe, Brian Warner 45.6 Ennis G.C. Ladies Results 14 Hole Stableford January 16th to 23rd 1st Sinead Hegarty (19) 25 Pts 2nd Ann O’Loughlin (14) 24 Pts 3rd Helen Harnett (24) 24 Pts 4th Patrice Ryan (32) 23 Pts

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QUIZ 31

THURSDAY, JAN 31 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz THE DONALD TRUMP ROUND

1

The Secret Service, Wexford Senior Hurlers

A battle I will win, All fun and games A very unpleasant experience

did Clare Cllr Michael Beg7 What ley call Donald Trump when he

2

“Unpredictable”, “Insatiable” , “a bad sport”

How did Donald Trump describe the planning process in Co Clare, in relation to planned expansions of Trump International, Doonbeg?

When Donald Trump flew into Shannon Airport and was greeted by a red carpet and musical trio dressed in red, what colour tie was he wearing?

Blue, Red, Green

3

Which of the following is NOT a golf course owned by Donald Trump?

Turnberry, Trump Dundee, Trump Aberdeen

cancelled his proposed visit to Clare last year?

rare creature was given as 8 What an environmental reason to deny planning for a flood defence system to protect Doonbeg Links Golf Course in 2016?

The common lizard, A microscopic snail, Bunny wabbits

How much did Donald Trump 4 spend on Doonbeg when he purdid Donald Trump say about chased the resort in 2014?

9 What Irish people in July last year?

8. A microscopic snail 7. “Unpredictable”

2. Red

6. The Secret Service

1. A very unpleasant experience

Alaska, Indiana, Massachusetts

ANSWERS 9. ‘They like me a lot’

European Tour golf officials,

Trump’s running mate, emigrated to the US from Doonbeg. But before becoming vice president, Mr Pence was governor of which state?

3. Trump Dundee

€28,000 was spent by which 6 group on visiting Trump Doonbeg in early 2017?

great-grandmother of 10The Mike Pence, who was Donald

4. €8.7m

Ivanka, Eric, Donald Jr

l QUESTION 1: How did Donald Trump describe the planning process in Co Clare, in relation to planned expansions of Trump International, Doonbeg?

10. Indiana

5

Donald Trump resigned as director of his Doonbeg hotel before becoming US President, but which of his children has since also resigned as director of the company?

‘They’re smaller than me’, ‘They have beautiful accents’, ‘They like me a lot’

5.Ivanka

8.7m, 15.5m, 28m

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Abbey street, Ennis, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: Lawrence Photograph Collection