The Clare Echo 31/10/19

COUNIHAN

8am and lunchtime appointments available

DENTAL PRACTICE

Your smile means the world • General family dentistry (Private and PRSI)

• • • •

065 671 9021

clareecho.ie

editor@clareecho.ie

Hygienist services Clear braces Teeth whitening Cosmetic Dentistry

facebook.com/clareecho

• Facial aesthetics anti-wrinkle injections & lip-fillers Call us today • Payment plans available on 353 65 6840855 4 Bank Place, Ennis Co. Clare www.counihandental.ie

twitter.com/ClareEcho

31 Oct 2019

Urgent public meeting on hospital crisis PÁRAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

A l WICKED WITCHES: Four year old Harper Considine, Shannon enjoying the “Monsters, Misfits and

Mayhem” Halloween event at Bunratty Castle and Folk park on Bank Holiday Monday.

Photograph by Eamon Ward

N “urgent public meeting” will take place in Ennis this coming Monday in a bid to address overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

The meeting organised by the Mid-West hospital campaign will hear contributors give accounts of their experiences, commencing at 8pm in The Old Ground Hotel.

Members of the public need to “make their voice heard”, stressed Noeleen Moran who is part of the

campaign group. “The intention of the meeting is to put forward patient and health workers’ perspectives on the problems and possible solutions to the crisis. There will be public representatives from Clare, Limerick and Tipperary present at this meeting”.

SIPTU Honorary President, Pádraig Peyton will address the meeting as will Ger Kennedy, industrial organiser for SIPTU’s Health Division representing workers in the Mid-West. Dr. Des Shearer and Dr. Fergal Hickey will also contribute to the meeting which will be chaired by journalist Andrew Hamilton.

Full story Page 10

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

Index NEWS

DOUBLE TROUBLE

G

2-15

ENTERTAINMENT

18-19

COMMUNITY

20-21

CHRISTMAS PARTIES 23-27 BUSINESS

28-31

PROPERTY

32-33

SPORT CLASSIFIEDS

34 35-37

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: ger.naughton@clareecho.ie or niall@clareecho.ie

Panic alarm for farmers suggested to fight rural crime

l TRICK OR TREAT: Twins Oisin and Tadhg Kelleher, Limerick coming face to face with the twins from The Shining at “Monsters, Misfits and Mayhem” Halloween event at Bunratty Castle and Folk park on Bank Holiday Monday Photo by Eamon Ward

ARDAÍ need to be more visible in rural areas to help prevent rural crime, the Deputy President of the IFA has said while an Ennis representative has suggested farmers install a panic alarm to cut down on assaults.

Clarina dairy farmer, Richard Kennedy addressed members of the Clare JPC at their October meeting in Ballyvaughan.

“In order to build a greater level of trust and confidence, IFA believes members of the farming and rural communities must see a greater Garda Presence,” Kennedy outlined.

Kennedy highlighted that the assault, burglary, theft and trespassing are the most common crimes carried out on Irish farms. “We have seen where Gardaí are proactive on this it can be handled in some areas and it is only in some areas. These guys don’t want to be interviewed by the Gardaí,” he said of personnel guilty of stealing from farmers.

Upon hearing of the joint initiatives between the IFA and An Garda Síochána such as crimestoppers, community text alerts and property marking initiatives, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) stated, “There are a lot of criminals assaulting farmers in rural areas. When a group of criminals arrive, the farmer has no chance.

Have ye thought of a panic alarm so that the farmer can alert the Gardaí immediately”.

HomeGallery-SofaSale-CC-PG.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2019 21:01 Page 1

SOFA SALE

ORDER NOW FOR PREXMAS DELIVERY CHOICE OF COLOURS

LUCY CORNER GROUP WAS €1795, NOW €1195

CARRARA CORNER GROUP WAS €2195 NOW €1595

CHOICE OF COLOURS TANGIERS CORNER SOFA, WAS €2295, NOW €1,595

BEATRIX 3 SEATERSOFA, WAS €1595, NOW €999

SWIVEL WAS €795 NOW €595

Lusso Corner Sofa was €1895 NOW €1195

KAYLA 3 SEAT AND 2 SEATER WAS €1495, NOW €995

CHOICE OF COLOURS

CHOICE OF COLOURS

ARMCHAIR WAS €995 NOW

€649

TOSCA 3 SEATER SOFA WAS €1395 NOW €999

CHICAGO CORNER SOFA WAS €2195, NOW €1,595

Open Mon - Sat 9.30am-6pm Sunday 1pm-5pm

CHOICE OF COLOURS

HAVEN 4 SEATER WAS €1295, NOW €895

I N T E R I O R S

Kilrush Rd, Ennis Ph: 065 6797040

4 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

HPV jersey fitting at Clare Co Council PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

JERSEY fitting day is to be held in Clare County Council as part of a bid to promote the HPV vaccine in memory of the late Laura Brennan.

This move comes following a motion from Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) which received the backing of fellow councillors. The Clarecastle representative proposed the Council hold a jersey fitting day encouraging all staff and the wider Clare public to participate. He also requested that they inform other local authorities of the action so that they can follow suit.

Over 5,000 jerseys sporting the HPV vaccine logo have been distributed to places such as San Francisco and Melbourne since the initiative began in June of this year.

Cllr Murphy stated,” The goals of this is to raise awareness of the HPV vaccine in the community and save lives”. Cllr Pat Daly (FF) seconded the motion. “Laura Brennan is a hero in this county God rest her, she has highlighted the HPV vaccine more than anyone else. A jersey day in this Council

would be fantastic”.

“Laura was an incredible young woman and will always be remembered,” Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) commented. Her colleague, Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) added, “I commend Cllr Murphy for bringing this motion forward. I thank the Brennans for the work they have done to date in promoting the HPV vaccine, it has been second to none. The vaccine has been offered to first year boys for the first time ever. It is an emotional topic. May Laura Brennan live among the saints forever more”.

Jerseys will be made available at the cost of €17 at the fitting day which is due to take place at the beginning of November.

lGREAT CAUSE: The jersey promotes the HPV vaccine

Asylum seekers give back to Miltown community FOURTEEN asylum seeekers living at the Central Hotel in Miltown have been giving back to the local community.

Thando, Zee, Jonas, Mbekezeli (Zimbabwe); Dan (South Africa); Andrian (Georgia); Aung (Bangladash); Abdulahi, Aweis and Shire (Somalia); Mebrahtu (Eritrea); Lawrence, Lucky and Innocent (Nigeria) conducted a major clean up starting from the main street and ending at Spanish Point beach.

The group organised the clean up to show their appreciation to the local community for their kindness and generosity. They intend to have a clean up once a month from now on.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Innocent said: “Since the arrival of a group of all-male asylum seekers into the Central Hotel, the community has been so benevolent, doing all within their means to make sure the men feel loved and comfortable.

“There is an adage among the Igbo people of Nigeria that says, ‘ekele dike na nke omere, omekwa ozo’ which its English interpretation is ‘if you thank a mighty person for what they have done, they will do more’.”

The people of Miltown have been helping out by donating laptops, phones and clothes, as well as offering English lessons.

lHELPING HAND: Some of the asylum seekers posing for photos after the clean-up at Spanish Point beach. Back row L-R: Mbekezeli, Thando, Innocent, Zee, Aung, Dan, Andrian, and Lucky. Front row L-R: Shire, Abdulahi, Aweis, Jonas, and Mebrahtu

LIVING IN RURAL IRELAND? CAN’T GET HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND

CHECK AGAIN! Ireland’s largest rural broadband network

NATIONAL COVERAGE RURAL PREMISES

INCLUDING

CLARE

234,000 REMOTE PREMISES

ACROSS RURAL TOWNLANDS

6 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

‘Sense of relief’ as hero Micheál is laid to rest PÁRAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

T

HERE was “a sense of relief ” for the Ryan family of Lahinch as they buried Micheál, seven months on from his tragic death in Ethiopia.

Micheál Ryan was on board an Ethiopian Airlines flight that crashed on 10 March in Addis Ababa. There were no survivors after the Boeing 737 crashed shortly after takeoff en route to Nairobi in Kenya, it was carrying 149 passengers and eight crew members.

A married father of two, Micheál worked as Deputy Chief Engineer with the United Nations’ World Food Programme on projects in the developing world. He died two weeks before his fortieth birthday.

His remains were recovered from Ethiopia last week with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs notifying the Ryan family at the beginning of October.

On Sunday, his mother Christine and brother Tiarnan flew to Addis Ababa to bring the remains home to Clare.

Upon landing in Dublin Airport on Tuesday from Frankfurt, they were welcomed by President Michael D Higgins’ Aide de Camp Liam Condon and Amir Abdulla, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme.

From there, they made the journey home where a guard

of honour of students from Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon and Ennistymon CBS formed a guard of honour in Lahinch along with friends and neighbours of the deceased. A private burial took place in Ennistymon Cemetery.

Speaking ahead of the repatriation, Christine Ryan said of her late son, “He’s coming back as a UN hero because of all the lives he has saved”. She admitted that the trip was “emotionally draining” but offered some healing for the family. “We all have a sense of relief that the remains have been found and that we can bring him home”.

On how she would like Micheál to be remembered, the former secondary school teacher stated, “As a very caring person who cared about humanity and was concerned for people and the betterment of situations”.

Major increase in rape cases THERE has been a 150 per cent increase in the amount of rape cases dealt with in the Clare Garda Division.

Ten incidents have been reported to Gardaí from January to September this year comparable with four in the same period in 2018.

An eight percent rise in the amount of non aggravated sexual assaults reported to Gardaí, up from twenty four to twenty six.

"We know the majority of these are historic claims," Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran outlined at the October meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee.

"The figures we want to see coming down are, there is a reason for these ones going up".

More domestic incidents

are also being reported in the county. Barring, safety and protection orders have been breached 45 times this year in comparison to 26 in 2018, a 73 per cent difference. 291 domestic disputes have been dealt with

by Clare Gardaí so far this year, the figure was 226 for the same time-frame last year.

Chief Supt Colleran stated, "I welcome the increase.

These cases weren't being reported before. People are now comfortable to come forward and report these crimes to the Gardaí. The stigma has been taken out of it".

Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said the increase in six rape cases was "frightening". The Ennis representative ques-

tioned what sanctions were in place for individuals who do not comply with barring orders. "It is very much case dependent," Colleran confirmed, he said that certain restrictions may be in place.

Madeline McAleer, a Clare PPN representative on the committee felt it was "very difficult" to track what happens next after personnel are guilty of breaching barring orders. "We in Clare have been very active on the issue of domestic abuse, hopefully the good work will continue".

If you've been affected by any of the contents in this article, please contact Rape Crisis Midwest (1800311-511), One in Four (01662-4070) or visit rapecrisishelp.ie.

SHOP N’

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SAVE

at the Crescent Shopping Centre

Customer Discounts from

4pm to 9pm

THURSDAY

NOV 07

TH

Over 50 Retailers with Discounts & Offers between 50% and 10% OFF. Start that Christmas list now!

DAZZLING

CUSTOMER DISCOUNTS!

Join Spin South West on the evening for a chance to win prizes!

PLUS Live Entertainment & fun for all Shoppers!

See WWW.CRESCENTSHOPPINGCENTRE.IE for details of DISCOUNTS from Tues 05 November on Crescent website and Social Media.

T&C’s Apply

Follow Us

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

Fantastic deals at Kmc sale

ADVERTORIAL

KMCc Home Trends located on Parnell Street Ennis have extended their SPECIAL 4 DAY STOCK DISPOSAL SALE until Sunday 3rd November. Due to a high influx of new stock arriving in store, the team at Kmc Home Trends need to clear all surplus stock and make room for new stock arriving.

Fantastic bargains will be guaranteed in every area of the store, and some of the items available will include: Sofas (Fabric, Leather & Microfibre), Recliners, Divans, Bedframes, Mattresses, Dressing Tables, Chests, Coffee Tables, TV Units, Mirrors, Rugs and so much more.

KMc Home Trends are having this one-off event with special reductions on every product range and all stock must go. All stock will be sold to the public on a first come first served basis.

KMc Home Trends are an Irish owned, family-run business and the company ethos has always been about ensuring the highest quality products and service. Unlike many competitors, KMc Home Trends buy directly from the manufacturer which means bypassing the wholesaler.

This process allows them to pass on these incredible sav-

ings to their customers without compromising on quality.

Noteworthy, is the Elegant Cliona 3+1+1 Fabric Sofa with Recliners, was €1,995 now an incredible €995. With up to 60% off all stock this is a one off chance to avail of amazing savings.

For the duration of the SALE KMc Home Trends are offering FREE nationwide delivery, FREE assembly and FREE recycling of Packaging to all their customers. The delivery team will place your new piece of furniture in your preferred room of choice, carry out any assembly and also remove the packaging for recycling. The team will work with you if you have a specific budget and also cover the Commercial, Rental and Airbnb market with prices to suit every customer.

Sale must end this Sunday and will not be extended so don’t miss this opportunity to grab yourself a bargain at prices that will not be repeated.

With up to 60% off, early attendance will guarantee massive savings while stocks are available.

Check out Kmc Home Trends on Facebook for more information. KMc Home Trends, 29-31 Parnell Street Ennis.

Maura than meets the eye in Co Clare STUART HOLLY

L

editor@clareecho.ie

ongford native and Love Island favourite Maura Higgins has been highlighting Co Clare and our spectacular scenery on ITV's This Morning. The final part of her three-part series – called Maura's Love Ireland – aired last week. The popular show has around 3.7 million viewers.

Tourism Ireland worked with ITV's This Morning, to bring its new presenter Maura Higgins to Ireland. In the second segment, Maura met Gerry O'Sullivan at the Red Bank Food Company in New Quay, who encouraged her to sample oysters for the first time ever – to see if they really are the food of love! She also met the famous matchmaker Willie Daly in Lisdoonvarna. In the third episode, Maura visited Doolin Cave and the Cliffs of Moher.

"We were delighted to support Maura's visit to Ireland," said Julie

Wakely, Tourism Ireland's Head of Britain. "The three episodes were seen by around 3.7 million viewers across Britain – highlighting our beautiful landscape and encouraging British travellers to put Co Clare and Ireland on their holiday 'wish-list'.

Television and film are recognised as strong influencers for prospective holidaymakers and Tourism Ireland regularly works with TV and production companies in Britain, and else-

where around the world, to facilitate the making of travel programmes.

Britain continues to be a very important market for tourism to the island of Ireland, delivering 44% of all overseas visitors and around 25% of all overseas tourism revenue. Its contribution to the regional tourism economy and to season extension objectives are also significant, with 42% of British visitors arriving between October and March.

l LOOKIN SH-ELL: Gerry O'Halloran with Maura Higgins at the Red Bank Food Company in New Quay

SUPER HALLOWEEN HOBBLE IN KILRUSH

l SCARY CREATURES: Waiting to go on the Halloween Hobble in St. Senan’s Primary School, Kilrush

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

'Time to speak up on health service'

A

N "urgent public meeting” has been called to address continuous overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

On Monday November 4, a public meeting organised by the Mid-West hospital campaign will hear contributors give their experiences which for some will be horror stories. The gathering will commence at 8pm in The Old Ground Hotel.

In May of this year, The Clare Echo reported on the story of Tommy Wynne who died having spent 36 hours on a trolley at UHL. His wife Marie McMahon of Ennistymon is among the contributors on Monday. “I have spoken to many people and all have either had a

direct experience with the Emergency Departments or have someone close to them who has. Many have felt helpless and isolated and although have corresponded with the HSE have not received the support they expected. This was the experience of both my daughter and me.

The system is set up to 'protect' itself and is cold and unfriendly for those who seek answers while they are grieving and in shock. This cannot continue,” she said this week.

Loop Head’s Mags Mullaney will relay how her 89 year old mother Kitty had to be airlifted to hospital because she was too sick to travel by ambulance, “after that she was left for days on a trolley”. “For the people of West Clare especially, the upgrading of Ennis hospital and the reopening of a fully operational ED is critical”. She added, “It’s

a long enough journey from Cross to Kilrush never mind going to Limerick. The people of West Clare need Ennis. I think it’s abhorrent that a person with a life threatening illness has to travel over 90 miles to the nearest hospital”.

The public need to “make their voice heard”, stressed Noeleen Moran who is part of the campaign group. "The intention of the meeting is to put forward patient and health workers perspectives on the problems and possible solutions to the crisis. There will be public representatives from Clare, Limerick and Tipperary present at this meeting”.

SIPTU Honorary President, Pádraig Peyton will address the meeting as will Ger Kennedy industrial organiser for SIPTU’s Health Division representing workers in the Mid-West. Dr. Des Shearer and Dr. Fergal Hickey will also contribute to the meeting which will be chaired by journalist Andrew Hamilton.

Harty welcomes Minister Ross visit to Shannon

CLARE’S Independent TD Dr. Michael Harty has welcomed the visit of Transport Minister Shane Ross to Shannon today. He said it comes at a critical time in the Airport’s history with large question marks hanging over its future. It is absolutely necessary to have Government support and to have the ear of the Minister responsible for aviation “The timing of the visit has taken longer than I hoped, but now that it is happening, let’s make the most of it. I want it to mark the beginning of a process of constructive engagement with the Minister.

There is no quick fix for Shannon, the turnaround will take time,” said Dr. Harty He said it has become popular to blame Shane Ross for a host of issues affecting rural Ireland. “I think the scapegoating should stop. It is much better to sit down and talk and work towards solutions.

People here have strong views about Shannon and how it is currently managed. At the same time, the vast majority of us are not aviation experts and ultimately the work of improving the fortunes of the airport will be handled by the airport professionals,” he added Dr. Harty emphasised that confidence in the airport is hugely important. At the moment levels of confidence are low. By displaying an interest in and a commitment to Shannon, the Minister can assist in restoring confidence. In practical terms, he will have to consider whether the Board of the Company should be strengthened. He will need to examine what further financial support Government can provide in addition to the marketing supports announced in the Budget.

“I have no doubt he will be told that securing a hub on mainland Europe is a key focus of current airport policy. The Transport Minister said in recent days that Shannon Airport has been “disproportionately affected” by the global grounding of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft. I hope there is some elbow room here for discussion with Shane Ross on how the airport can be assisted to overcome this disproportionality. This visit could be the start of something vital for Shannon if we all work together in a cooperative spirit,” Dr Harty said.

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

HITTING THE ROAD

NEWS 11

Bus stops are disappearing PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

B l RUNNING FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Runners of all ages enjoyed the John Kerin charity run in aid of Irish Red Cross at Lee's Road on Monday Photos by Eamon Ward

US signs that have been in place “for decades” have disappeared along the dual-carriageway connecting Clare and Limerick.

Safety concerns were raised by the removal “without any prior consultation” of bus stops between Bunratty and Cratloemoyle along the N18 which has seen secondary school students cross four lines of traffic along the dual-carriageway.

Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF) at a recent meeting of the Shannon Municipal District requested Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority “to immediately reinstate” the various bus stops that are no longer along the N18. “I don’t know what rules Bus Éireann were operating when they removed these,” he said. According to Cllr Crowe the bus stops have been at their locations along the route “for decades”.

“A bus driver would be within his rights not to stop if there isn’t a bus stop there”.

He pointed out that Bus Éireann apologised for the matter five months ago when addressing councillors at their April meeting.

“Each year the school bus service runs into turmoil in the Cratloe and Meelick area, a lot of these students are going to Limerick schools and now Bus Éireann have unilaterally changed where they drop off students”.

As a result, the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council flagged that a 13 year old girl “had to cross four lines of a dual-carriageway” after getting off the bus. “It is a driver and a pedestrian hazard”.

Newmarket-on-Fergus' need for a shelter to the bus stop on the Limerick Rd was also highlighted by Cllr Pat McMahon (FF).

Senior executive engineer, Aidan O'Rourke referred to NTA correspondence from July 2017 which noted that there were no plans for a sheltered stop and such a move would "take a number of years to complete at current funding levels". O'Rourke confirmed a follow up letter would be issued to the NTA, "If the answer to this is not positive, quotations will be sought for bus shelters. A source of funding will need to be identified to progress this matter," he stated.

12 NEWS FEATURE

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

BOOMING DAYS OF ENNIS MARKET CAN YET RETURN PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

E

NNIS’ booming days as a market town could return in the future, an optimistic Cllr Pat Daly has told The Clare Echo.

An elected member of Clare County Council since 1999, Cllr Daly (FF) was not on the Town Council that backed the €1.75m redevelopment of the Market which also included the €500,000 building.

In September 2016, he proposed it be named ‘Ennis Market’. “It’s a pity it didn’t work out, the original idea was to put in the building and bring in the Farmers Market but they became successful out in Roslevan and they declined to come in, that was a major disappointment in the Council.

“It’s a fine building but it’s totally lost at the moment because there is no activity there.

There is a few cars in there everyday but that wasn’t the idea of the building at all, it was there for the markets. I would suggest

a regular car boot sale every week, antiques sale on a weekly basis; they are gathering great momentum across the country. There might be alternative farmers markets that might come there, it’s a pity it is not being used more for retail”.

Pat recalled the success of Ennis Market when he was growing up. “I was born beside the Market in Parnell St, the markets in the 60s and 70s were booming here in the town of Ennis, every Saturday you couldn’t move in the Market because it was packed. This building would have been a great asset towards bringing that back. Whoever goes in there would want free parking in the area and a few perks, to catch a fish you’ve to throw out a bait, you have to invite them and give them some perks to go in on a regular basis”.

Cllr Johnny Flynn maintains that putting the Ennis Market building into private ownership will help bring a new lease of life to the area. During his time on the Ennis Town Council, Cllr Flynn (FG) in 2011 proposed that the architects behind the Milk Market building in Limerick carry out a Clare version. “They proposed we would do a cov-

Garraunakilla: the story so far

BUILT at a cost of €500,000 as part of a €1.75m redevelopment, the Market Building in Ennis has struggled to attract traders with its primary function now as a 27-space car park, writes Páraic McMahon.

Initially approved by the now defunct Ennis Town Council, the project was designed to house traders, the farmers market who moved to Roslevan and have remained there, and other personnel selling goods.

At the opening of the Garraunakilla facility in September 2016, then Mayor of Ennis Cllr Ann Norton stated the “very significant investment

by Clare County Council in the heart of Ennis will enhance the market to standards expected in the modern age. It will provide traders with a quality and convenient location to promote their locally-sourced and produced goods. We will continue to enhance the facility over the coming months so that its use can be maximised for the town.”

Before any red tape was cut, concerns had been raised in the Ennis Town Council and Ennis Municipal District. In March 2011, Cllr Johnny Flynn had sought feasibility research be undertaken into an Ennis equivalent to Limerick’s Milk Market. The Fine Gael representative tabled similar motions in April 2013 and in July 2014 when then Director of Service Ger Dollard advised him that the Garraunakilla site was chosen by elected representatives on the Ennis Town Council.

Councillors received a detailed briefing on the proposal on the market project not long after the 2014 local elections. Dollard told the May 2015 meeting that residents and businesses in the Garraunakilla area as well as the members of the Farmers Market were all happy with the final design, “It is hoped that in the future it may be possible to have a seven day week market in operation. When finished this will be a vibrant location which will add significantly to the centre of Ennis”. Members were “unanimous” in their support for the project, minutes from the meeting stated. At the same meeting, Cllr Flynn was seconded in his request by ex councillor James Breen in his call to create a covered market liaison group.

Council officials in September 2016 confirmed there had been “significant interest from traders to trade in the Market Building”. However five months on, an “insufficient amount of interest” from traders prompted the decision to close the Market on Saturdays and utilise it as a car park.

Members in September 2018 acknowledged the Market Building has been a challenge but was a successful event venue during both Fleadhanna and other festivals in the town, in addition to its use as a car park.

A tense debate on the venue took place in October 2018 with James Breen outlining that councillors were “getting it in the neck from every part of the county about the white elephant. Why not turn it into a gold elephant”. Former Mayor of Clare, Tom McNamara took exception with the terminology used, “It’s absolutely awful, that name, and it needs to be dropped, and it needs to be dropped now,” and added that the success of the facility would not happen overnight. Twelve months on, no success has materialised, no definite future plans have been outlined and certainly there has been no comparisons with gold elephants.

ered market area in Paddy Quinn’s car park at the back of the community centre, at the time I was fully in favour of that and that we would consider building on O’Connell St and open up through the car park. It was a very exciting opportunity to bring the market centrally into town but unfortunately the elected members of the Ennis Town Council voted to go with constructing it where it currently is at Garraunakilla,” he lamented.

“We need something that is visionary in there to make it work, it hasn’t happened to date, there has been huge work done by staff in the Ennis Municipal District for community and cultural use but I think there needs to be commercial use of it as well”. Trustees are responsible for the Milk Market in Limerick, personnel with business acumen are required for the Ennis Market, he felt.

Reputational damage and regular criticism of the ‘white elephant’ is reversible in Flynn’s view. “It has great potential but it is to manage it correctly.”

Cllr Mary Howard was a member of the Ennis Town Council that voted in favour of developing the Market at Garraunakilla, she

is adamant the building has untapped potential such as hosting a jazz festival that can benefit the county.

As an Ennis councillor, the current lack of usage of the Ennis Market is one of the most common critiques fired at Ms Howard.

“The building has had a baptism of fire when in fact it’s a very valuable space. All groups and all organisations within the town should be aware that they can use it for different events, any festival or event that comes to Ennis should be using that”. She added, “It’s an important civic space that we all should use, it’s there and it’s not going to be knocked, it’s important that people change the narrative and start to use it”.

“Originally the Market was built to facilitate the farmers market, we had a very good and successful farmers market then they moved temporarily out to Roslevan and they didn’t come back in,” Cllr Howard (FG) recalled.

She felt someone “whose finger is on the pulse” is needed to attract in artisan producers, another farmers market, record collectors, antiques fair, the Clare Youth Service or young musicians to utilise the space.

BUSINESSES HAVE THEIR SAY 1. Dermot Fetton of Henry’s Bistro “Certainly, you would like to see it as something else other than a car park. It’s a real shame that the market traders weren’t consulted in the first place. They could have had a say on what went on there and then we could have had a lovely town central market. It’s what it should be. In terms of the future and as a venue, it needs to get back to its original use. Certainly, on Fridays and Saturdays...The traders shouldn’t be charged.

They are an integral part of the town centre and they should be at all costs, invited back in to retake their place.”

2. Sheila O’Connor of O’Connor’s Newsagents “It’s very disappointing really. There’s nothing in there and the whole scene of the market has been taken out...If I was someone in the council, I would be going to [the Market traders] and saying ‘right guys we really want ye to come back in.’ Give them whatever they want. Obviously, no rent for a year or two years even.

Offer them other incentives to get them back in and getting it back going on a Friday. One or two traders in there is very disheartening.”

3. Mike McGrath of Safeway Tyres “The streetscape is lovely, the trees are lovely and the walls are lovely, but the building itself is not fit for purpose. We said it to the council at the design stage, “right idea, wrong location.”

4. Noreen Furey of Food Heaven “I would like to see it knocked and have more parking.

I have been to meeting upon meetings to do with the building. They tried to have a meeting last January and it was cancelled. There has been no contact since except when they closed the market for a few days...I don’t know what the answer is but it seems to have been a forgotten cause.”

5. Anonymous Business Owner “It’s not a market anymore it’s now a car park. It’s just horrible, they left the windows open for some reason and now they have boarded it with ply, and now it looks like a derelict building. To be fair, the footpaths are fantastic, the roads are very good, and the place is clean and tidy, but the town is crying out for parking. As well, they never put an ATM into it and it’s a market. You have to go all the way up to O Connell Street.”

Compiled by Cian O’Broin

NEWS FEATURE 13

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

Farmers Market continues to reap rewards of Roslevan move

DURING the development of the Ennis Market Building, members of the Ennis Farmers Market were forced to relocate to Roslevan Shopping Centre on the Tulla Road, writes Cian O’Broin. Having previously run their market every Friday at Garraunakilla since 2004, The Clare Echo asked the Farmers Market to elaborate on their decision to not return to the purpose-built Market which was officially opened just over three years ago.

The Farmers Market free traders congregated to put their heads together to answer the question put to them by The Clare Echo.

In a statement, they said, “Ennis Farmers’ Market traded at the Garraunakilla site from 2004.

“When, after ten years, the Council proposed to develop the site, they did not offer the Farmers’ Market any alternative trading location. We were offered space by Roslevan Shopping Centre and we have been made very welcome there. This venue is very accessible for our customers, with easy parking and an attractive setting for this vibrant market.

“When the development at Garraunakilla was eventually completed, it was evident, despite all our best efforts to have meaningful consultation with the Local Authority, that the building had neither sufficient space nor accessibility to house Ennis Farmers’ Market. We have remained at Roslevan Shopping Centre, where our Friday morning market continues to go from strength to strength.”

‘I want to see it knocked’ CIAN O’BROIN

M

cian@clareecho.ie

Mike McGrath and Noreen Furey operate their respective businesses in close proximity to the Ennis Market building.

One runs a lively fine food delicatessen while the other manages an industrious motor tyre outlet; Safeway Tyres and Food Heaven, respectively. Despite functioning in different sectors, both business owners have shared similar experiences over the last three years in respect to the state-of-the-art Market structure.

During the construction period, Mike and Noreen put their heads together in an effort to vocalise the concerns felt by local business owners in relation to a loss of park-

ing, jobs, financial implications and the sterility of a once vibrant social hub.

Mike concedes, “It nearly closed us down as customers were no longer coming into the market. They just stayed away from the area. In my business, tyres last on average for two years. Invariably, I’ve lost that customer for two years, I’ve broken their habit. With food shops you might be in there several times per month. There is continuity in that. I need the same continuity but when you break it over three or six months, you’ve lost that person for the next two years in the hope that the customer may or may not come back.”

Noreen shared similar sentiments at the time, feeling the building lacked foresight, “With any business you would have had a feasibility and marketing plan and we don’t seem to ever have had one, for the building. What was

the point of building it? It was built for the purpose of an indoor market but that hasn’t happened. The free traders didn’t want to move in there. It seems there was never a plan, you would never open a business without having a plan.”

Mike recalls contact from the council coming in the form of design plans, however he felt that any constructive feedback fell on deaf ears at New Road. He believes that the design failed to consider the invariable Irish elements, “We said it would have a terrible draught.

Now we have sheets of timber out there. We said the wind blows in one side and out the other side, it’s going to make it very cold. Everybody that you would talk to, traders or otherwise, would say the same thing, that a gale blows through it. Not great for market stalls.”

Frustrations have turned to bitter disappointment for Noreen at

Food Heaven, despite her proactivity in establishing a group for local business owners concerning information relating to the vacant development.

The council appear uncommitted in her eyes, feigning interest intermittently. The group includes businesses as far as Barrack Street and Parnell Street, all of which were directly affected by the closure of one of the main thoroughfares into the town centre for a total of 16 weeks.

Speaking of her self-appointed administrative duties, “I don’t want to go too negative because it is too tiring. It seems you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t. I always feel disappointed and what they do then is turn the tables and say why don’t you get involved. We were involved for two years, giving up several hours from our businesses.”

As a final note, both business

owners shared similar feelings on the proposed future of the building with Noreen chiming in first with the suggestion, “It’s a shame because we are the people who had to live through it and we have to live with 50 percent less parking.

I would like to see it knocked and have more parking.”

Mike similarly proposed the use of dynamite or Semtex, as a light-hearted smile swept across his face.

Noreen of Food Heaven concluded our investigation with some final thoughts on the overall project, “We attended one of the municipal meeting and were asked did we not see that the building was for the greater good? I said no. I don’t know where the greater good is and it has been spoken about for a long time. There is no greater good now and don’t know when there will be.”

Supports for Shannon cannot come at expense of Cork and Knock warns Leo Varadkar PÁRAIC McMAHON

G

paraic@clareecho.ie

REATER investment into Shannon Airport can not come at the expense of Cork and Knock, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar recently told the Dáil while the Chamber also heard a call from Deputy Timmy Dooley for Chairperson of Shannon Group, Rose Hynes to be replaced.

Clare TD, Dr. Michael Harty (IND) brought the subject of Shannon Airport before Dáil Éireann in recent weeks.

He stated that the Airport lacked “strong Government support” in promoting it as a gateway to The Wild Atlantic Way. Dr Harty described the airport as “an iconic institution” but flagged the grave concern within the county regarding its long-term viability. “The Government needs to step in to promote and protect Shannon Airport. If that involves changing its status or putting in place other mechanisms to allow it to develop and attract investment, that should be considered. A mechanism needs to be found to support new routes into the region”.

Beginning his response Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said Shannon Airport had “a special place” in his heart.

Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley accused Varadkar of “finishing” the Airport during his stint as Minister of Transport.

“At the time of the airport being made independent, I set a target of reaching 3 million passengers. We are currently very far off that level. We need to examine how we can support the airport to develop new routes. We must be mindful that there are other airports of which we must take account, such as Cork Airport, which is having a good year but had bad years in the past, Ireland West Airport Knock, which is doing well, and Waterford Airport, which is keen to get lLOOKING BACK: An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with Rose Hynes, Chairperson Shannon Group Photo by Arthur Ellis

flights again. Dublin Airport receives no Government or State support,” the Taoiseach commented.

Varadkar felt Shannon’s routes to Heathrow and North America were “very strong” but added, “It lacks a route to a significant continental hub such as Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam or Copenhagen. If that could be achieved through marketing supports, it would be of real benefit to the airport.

In so doing, we need to ensure we get it right. More flights to Malaga, Faro or Mallorca would be of little economic benefit to the region.

“If one provides route supports to an airport, one must ensure it does not cannibalise another. It is of no benefit to the country as a whole for a route to be moved from Cork Airport to Shannon Airport. I am interested in this issue.

I have been in touch with the chairman of the airport and recently met her in Limerick. We are examining proposals in regard to how we could, in a meaningful way, assist the airport to get more routes”.

Harty expressed his view that the board of Shannon Group needed to be strengthened “rather than abolished or replaced” with Deputy Dooley urging the Taoiseach to get “rid of the Chairman”.

Concluding the discussion, Varadkar said, “Subsidising a new route that is just a route move from Cork to Shannon or from Knock to Shannon. That does not make any sense.”

‘Brexit to bring further job losses to the Mid-West’ 500 PENDING job losses in Shannon with next year's closure of Molex may be just the beginning according to Joe Robbins who is of the view Brexit will hurt employment in the Mid-West, writes Pairic McMahon.

Whispers of potential redundancies had been circulating around the Shannon Free Zone over recent months with regard to Molex but none as severe as the closure of the factory. For many the news was shocking but for Director of CareerWise Recruitment, Joe Robbins the announcement was not a surprise. "As time goes by and your product line comes to an end and you're looking at new products, margins, I think it was a business decision taken but I wasn't surprised".

"For the twenty years we've been in business, Molex has been one of the top employers and for much longer, over forty years, I know people from the Golf Club, Camogie, GAA involved in Molex, I know some of the senior management, I've placed people in the company, it's an absolutely fantastic company, very progressive with superb peo-

ple. I'd like to reach out to everyone there and say how sorry we are that this happened.

I know Molex will treat the people very well in terms of redundancy packages, out placement and everything else, it is very sad".

When asked what his advice for Molex employees would be, the Offaly native was confident those who wished to secure a job would be successful in their endeavours. "If things can continue and we get Brexit sorted, we'll find that a lot of the people leaving Molex because they are so well qualified will find jobs in the region, not just the Shannon area but also companies in Limerick doing very well and some Galway companies just up the road on the motorway, I think a lot of those people will get sorted, those that are there for forty years may just take the opportunity now to retire. It's very sad news for Molex and the people but I would be very encouraged by the number of companies in the region and that have come into the region the last few years".

Both market demand and Brexit were key

factors in the decision to wind Molex's operations at Shannon, Joe felt. "With the Brexit decision now, I think there are a number of other companies struggling and we may see a few more announcements coming up but overall inter-trades are very low, commodity prices are very low, the macro economy is very strong worldwide, the two big issues are Brexit and the Tariffs with Trump and China. Strangely the Trump China tariffs are going to have a benefit to Ireland because you're finding the American companies are really scared about this, they don't want the supply chain to be dried up".

He continued, "Brexit is going to affect the food and agri business no question, it will affect the supply of goods and services in and out of Ireland but my overall sense is that if there is some sort of a deal there is pent up demand that is really going to fly once Brexit is sorted. Brexit has had an affect on some companies but also on decision making, a lot of companies are putting off decisions until it does get sorted”.

lEXPERT: Director of CareerWise Joe Robbins Photo by Martin Connolly

16 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE

Happy Halloween THE NOTEBOOK

G

OD be with the days Halloween meant a black refuse sac and a bit of face paint...et voila, you’re a witch!!

We have great pictures growing up of our DIY costumes but leaving things until the last minute (as usual) and frantically searching the shops on Tuesday for a Halloween costume for my novice trick or treater made me realise those days are well and truly gone! There was not a costume to be got! All the usual haunts (pardon the pun) were sold out completely!! I eventually managed to source a pumpkin ensemble for my little pumpkin but only after walking the length and

breath of Clare, Limerick and Dublin to source said costume! What has Ireland come to?! It seems we have taken the lead from our friends state side and embraced this holiday with gusto!

Speaking of festivities and embracing them (all be it a little early!), the Wild Lights display at Dublin Zoo is really a site to behold. On Tuesday night we ventured to the Phoenix Park in Dublin, in the dark, to witness the lights and lantern display and it did not disappoint!

People of all ages were totally mesmerised by the beauty and magic of Alice in Wonderland, Irish mythology and more. Highly recommended!

This weekend sees the very first BEO Baby event take to the stage at the Galmont Hotel in Galway City for Mums and Mums-to-be and as I countdown to the arrival of number two in the coming weeks, I’m personally really looking forward to

hearing from some of Ireland’s leading experts in Baby feeding, sleep, development and more! I’m a firm believer in happy mum, happy baby and that’s what this day is all about!

My Dad, Eugene and Sister, Doireann are in Rwanda this week with the wonderful Irish charity Bothar, as they check in with the Irish livestock who are settling in to their new homes and new families, 25 years after the horrific mass Genocide. It’s been a real eye opener to hear Dad and Doireann’s account of their trip so far. You can check it out on Doireann’s Instagram @ doireanngarrihy or see bothar.ie for details.

WILD LIGHTS: (top) An amazing display in Phoenix. (below) Hanorah ventures through the lights and lantern display in Dublin Zoo. ADVERTORIAL

COVET IN

CLARE

SKIN TLC As the weather gets colder and you prepare to brave the elements...your skin needs plenty love and attention which is why these Vital C Image Kits at Laserderm Clinic, Ennis are a great solution to tired, exposed skin. Dehydration be gone!

EVERYDAY BRUNCH Now in a brand new home, Mondo Coffee Shop in Ennis (home of 3fe coffee), offers a brand new, delicious brunch menu every day, complete with healthy breakfast options and freshly baked delights. The coconut macaroons are a firm favourite!

CLASSIC CHIC This velvet pinafore will add a touch of class to that little ladies’ wardrobe this winter.

Available in size 4-10years at Bambino’s Ennis, your girl will look as pretty as a picture in this ensemble as it offers an ideal occasion wear option for the strong willed anti-dress divas out there! Problem solved!

THE BEAUTY OF IPL PHOTOREJUVENATION

IPL Therapy—also known as a Photo Facial and Photorejuvenation—is a non-invasive treatment where a broad spectrum of light is safely delivered to treat skin imperfections. Conditions this treatment help treat include: • Rosacea • Broken facial capillaries • Diffuse redness • Fine lines • Dilated pores • Hyperpigmentation and melasma • Sun-damaged skin

HOW DOES IT WORK?

IPL treatments work by delivering concentrated light pulses to the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis), leaving the superficial aspects of the skin (the epidermis) untouched. The pulsed light is attracted to the browns and reds of the skin (known as chromophores), as well as the deeper collagen tissues.

When the laser goes into your skin, the heat from the light: • Vaporizes the browns, sloughing it off • Coagulates the reds, so it’s absorbed into your body • Thickens the collagen

SPARKLE AND SHINE Too early for sequins?!

Never! This beauty, sported by the stunning Thalia Heffernan, is giving us all the party season feels... it’s an LBD with a whole lot of seasonal Pzazz! Available for just €59 in Carraig Donn now!

WHY YOUR SKIN TYPE MATTERS CHEESE PLEASE! As the evenings get longer, is there anything cosier than a cheese and wine night in? Put presentation top of the list with this beautiful Acacia wood Cheese Board from Meadows and Byrne for just €29.95.

IPL treatments are safest on lighter skin types (types I, II, and III). Skin type IV can also be treated with the guidance of an experienced physician.

IS PHOTOREJUVENATION RIGHT FOR ME?

Intense pulse light treatments are ideal if you’re experiencing the following concerns on your face, neck, and chest: • Rosacea, flushing, redness, ruddy complexion, broken capillaries, or spider veins on the face • Sun spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, pregnancy mask, unwanted freckles • Chronic sun damage, photo-aged skin, dull skin • Fine lines and dilated pores At Ennis Medical Aesthetics IPL or Photorejuvenation treatments are one of our most popular medical aesthetic procedure due to its non-invasive nature.

COLUMNIST 17

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

Top 5 Spooktacular Activities this Halloween!

1

2

CATCH A SCARY MOVIE

From “Zombieland” to “The Addams Family”, the cinema is a great way to get your “fright on” this Halloween. Empire Movieplex in Ennis has a range of Halloween themed listings including the much anticipated “The Joker” movie and the movies is a great way to get you in the spirit of things, for the night that’s in it!

3

BAKE A TRADITIONAL BARMBRACK

Along with the spooky costumes and pumpkins, one of the traditions of Halloween, or Samhain that many of us remember from childhood is making and eating Barmbrack complete with ring! With lots of delicious recipe options online, why not make your own at home and enjoy with your nearest and dearest.

GO CAMPING (NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED!)

Whether it’s in your back garden or you travel a little further to find the perfect location for All Hallows’ Eve, once it’s not too cold and you have the right gear, camping can be the biggest adventure on Halloween night! If the sky is clear, you can gaze at the stars, light a mini bonfire, tell ghost stories or simply snuggle up with a loved one!

5

4

HOST A TRICK OR TREAT FOR TEMPLE STREET PARTY

Trick or Treat for Temple Street’, is Ireland’s biggest Halloween fundraiser, having raised over €2.1 million to date for life-saving equipment for the hospital’s wards, theatres, departments and Intensive Care Unit. Host your own ‘Trick or Treat for Temple Street’ party and help raise much needed funds. See templestreet.ie for details.

VISIT CLARE’S MOST HAUNTED LOCATION, LEAMANEH CASTLE

For those who really dare, Leamaneh Castle is known as one of Ireland’s most haunted buildings. It is said to be haunted by the menacing apparition of a red haired girl who’s taunting cackles and screams are heard echoing from the walls! Visit at your peril!

Entertainment

glór becomes a madhouse

B

ASED on the extraordinary true-life story of comedian PJ Gallagher, Madhouse is a warm and hilarious portrait of an Irish family in exceptional circumstances and was a smashhit sell-out critical success when it premiered at Dublin Fringe in September 2018.

Starring Katherine Lynch and Shane O’Reilly, and written by PJ Gallagher and Una McKevitt who also directs, Madhouse comes to glór on Thursday November 14.

Through the laughter and tears Madhouse asks one important question: who’s mad anyway?

In the 1980s, many psychiatric institutions were closing down and there were few places for long term residents to go. To supplement the family’s income PJ’s Ma, a nurse, moved six men into the family home to look after. She did everything for them from administering their medication to cutting their hair. One of only four residential homes in Ireland to engage in this experiment, it began when PJ was 10 and ended when he was 19.

“When PJ first told me this story, that he grew up in these circumstances and then went on to become a comedian, I just couldn’t believe it. But then again, no one ever does,” says writer and director Una McKevitt.

She continues “We’re really delighted to have Katherine Lynch back for the tour, she captures the humour and empathy of ‘Ma’ so well and Shane has PJ’s ability to present a whole range of characters.”

“The first time we did the show I was nervous what my Ma would make of it,” says PJ, “but she absolutely loved it, so I’m excited for the tour now. Having lived through the madness I reckon I might as well try and make a few quid from it!”

Tickets cost €22/€20 Conc. are on sale at glór box office on 065 6843103 or www.glor.ie ‘Madhouse is crazy good. It’s a pacey, brilliantly written production full of PJ’s trademark humour - honest and observational without ever being cruel.’ www.dublinlive.ie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jamboree in the Park Returns this weekend!

J

AMBOREE in the Park Oktoberfest is back for 2019 with an incredible line-up at the Ennis Showgrounds this Saturday 2nd November.

Irelands largest Beer and Country music festival combined returns to County Clare with its biggest ever stage and lighting rig, valued at over 1 million euro, and festival goers are in for a real treat!

Headlined this year by Country music superstar, Derek Ryan. Fresh from the summer festival season and with a Scottish headline tour under his belt, Irish Country music’s golden boy has chart topping albums, self-written smash hit singles, box office busting live tours and of course – an army of faithful fans around the world. Event organisers AJS Promotions are very excited to be welcoming Derek back to the Jamboree in Ennis this weekend to perform on our massive stage.

The supporting bill on the night is incredible, including the multi award winning Jimmy Buckley and his daughter Claudia. Jimmy has spent many years at the very top of his profession and is widely recognised as one of Ireland’s top entertainers.

Alongside his daughter Claudia they are no strangers to TV and stage and have just completed their second hugely successful concert tour together.

Joining this already huge festival line-up will be Ennis’ own Clodagh Lawlor. Clodagh is the 2019 winner of the Late Late Show’s Search for a Country Star competition and will be joined by two of the fastest rising stars in country music, Paul Kelly and Christopher King. Paul from Pettigo, Donegal has been playing music in bands for over 10 years and

is regularly filling dancehalls across the country. Christopher King is an Ireland’s Got Talent Semi Finalist and Golden Buzzer act that has burst onto the scene over the past year.

Join us this Saturday night at the Ennis Showgrounds for an unmissable night with great music, beer, an unrivalled atmosphere and a unique

show you will not experience anywhere else. For more information and for early bird tickets and travel packages visit www.ajspromotions. com or call 048 8225 2800. Check out our social media @jamboreeinthepark or follow us on snapchat @ jamboreefest for further information and exciting updates.

PAUL KELLY

CHRISTOPHER KING

DEREK RYAN

JIMMY BUCKLEY

CLAUDIA BUCKLEY

CLODAGH LAWLOR

THIS SATURDAY 2ND NOVEMBER SHOWGROUNDS ENNIS INDOOR EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

LIMITED EARLY BIRD TICKETS AVAILABLE www.ajspromotions.com | 048 8225 2800

JAMBOREEINTHEPARK

JAMBOREEINTHEPARK

JAMBOREEFEST

JAMBOREEFEST

Paula Lambert Puppet Theatre presents Bosco’s once upon a time tour

B

OSCO is Bosco, not a boy, not a girl, just a Bosco: a cheeky, lovely, funny, slightly-cracked, irrepressible, eternal five-yearold who lives in a box and who loves nothing more than to just be Bosco and meet all the boys and girls.

After starring on Irish TV for three decades, you’ll see why Bosco remains a firm favourite for each new generation.

Enjoy the enchanted story of Sleeping Beauty where an evil Fairy-Night filled with jealousy try’s to harm Beauty but luckily she has very good fairy friends. With its brilliant array of Characters, lots of fun and excitement through this completely interactive live experience with the absolute magic of Puppet Theatre.

Saturday 2nd November, 1:30pm in glór ennis.

Tickets: €12, Family of 4 €42

ENTERTAINMENT

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

19

glór welcomes the Ladies in the Blues

D

UE to popular demand, glór is delighted to welcome back Ladies in the Blues to Ennis on Friday 15th November. Ladies in the Blues celebrates the power of women in the evolution of blues music, from the gospel roots of the 1920s through vaudeville and jazz up to 1960s blues-rock.

Having received standing ovations throughout the country, this show takes you on a women’s journey, emphasising the importance of women such as Ella Fitzgerald, Bessie Smith, Nina Simone, Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin and many more, in the progression of blues music.

Fronted live on stage by four of Ireland’s greatest female exponents of the blues, each with their own interpretation of the songs ranging from twelve bar acoustic blues to African American blues, Vaude-

ville to Jazz, and rhythm & blues to modern times.

The singers are Clara Rose, Jhil Quinn, Anne Randolph and Emma Nicolai and the house band comprises James Delaney [keyboards] Eoghan O Neill [Bass], Ed Dean [Guitar], Kevin Malone [Drums].

Ladies in the Blues’ journey began in 2015 as a pub gig and has since premiered to SOLD-OUT audiences in the Mermaid Arts Centre, Wicklow and received standing ovations in national theatres and jazz festivals all around the country. This year the show has been invited to perform at Glastonbury Festival on the acoustic stage.

Valentine’s day 1920 was an iconic moment in blue’s history when Mamie Smith stepped up to the microphone in The Okeh Company in New York and shouted out “That Thing Called Love”. This was the first recording of a black female vocalist! It

led to a second recording which sold 75000 copies in its first month of release and although it wasn’t a classic blues recording it opened the door to a generation of ‘Classic Blues’ vocalists. Through that door came Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Ida Cox, Alberta Hunter and many more transforming the blues from local folk music into the art form it is today. These blues women brought black culture into the American mainstream.

Ladies in the Blues brings these pioneering women to life - singing such songs as CC Ryder, Black Coffee Blues, I Put a Spell on You, Bring it on Home to Me, Ball and Chain, Piece of My Heart, Feelin Good, I’d Rather Go Blind, Ain’t Nobody’s Business and many more.

Tickets now on sale at €24/€22 Conc./€12 Under 18s on 065 6843103 or www.glor.ie

Community 20 COMMUNITY

WEST CLARE

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

MONASTIC IRELAND TALK Alf Monaghan’s illustrated talk looks at the history of early Irish Christianity from a different perspective - a Mediterranean perspective. It provides a tantalizing glimpse under the veil of history. It asks many questions and confounds some of the accepted theories about the history of early Christianity in Ireland. It traces links with ancient Egypt, connects Irish monasticism with the Desert Fathers and the early Irish Church with the Egyptian Coptic Church. Recent Irish discoveries such as the Faddan More Psalter - Egyptian papyrus found in an ancient book of psalms from a Tipperary bog - are clues pointing to a more substantial Eastern Mediterranean influence, than has been acknowledged to date. Monastic Ireland - A gift of the Nile Talk: Kilrush Community Centre, Wednesday 13 November at 8pm. Entrance €5 KILRUSH CLOTHING COLLECTION Kilrush Youth Ministry[Taize] & Missionvale Group are holding a Clothing Collection up to Christmas 2019 as a fundraiser.

We are looking for the following items; Mens/Womens/Childrens Clothing, Curtains, Towels, Paired Shoes ,Belts, Handbags, Blankets Strictly No Duvets and Pillows.

Please place them in Black plastic bags and drop them to the Kilrush Community School [ Hall] on Wednesday afternoons where they will be stored until collection day Please contact Pat Kelly ,5 Moyne Court ,Kilrush[ 0872922874] or Patricia O’Shaughnessy at Kilrush Community School.

AQUA AEROBICS FOR OVER 55S Join an Aqua Aerobics group for over 55s in Ennis swimming pool every Tuesday morning for six weeks starting Tues 5th of November to Dec 3rd, Bus from the Community Centre Kilrush at 9.15.

Cost €10 per outing, includes bus and aqua aerobics session. 10 places available.

Activities for the over 55s West Clare FRC at 065 9052173.

TAI CHI IN KILRUSH Tai Chi for the over 55s will continue at the Community Centre Kilrush on Wednesdays from 2.30pm – 3.30pm with Michael Enright. Tai Chi is relaxation through gentle bending, twisting, contracting and extending movements combined with deep breathing. You’ll be the better for it. Cost is €4 per session.

Activities for the over 55s West Clare FRC at 065 9052173.

KILRUSH EXERCISE FOR OVER 55S Would you like to do a bit of exercise in a social setting? Kilrush SitFit exercise group meet very Wednesday morning 10.30 – 11.30 in the Community Centre Kilrush. Go for Life games for over 55s are played from 12 – 1.00 at the Community Centre Kilrush.

Just drop in to see if you would like to take part, or contact West Clare FRC on 065 9052173 for more information. Kilkee exercise for older people: Would you like to do a bit of exercise in a social setting?

Kilkee SitFit exercise group meet very Thursday morning 11.30 – 12.30 in the school hall, St. Joseph’s Community College, Kilkee. Just drop in to see if you would like to take part, or contact West Clare FRC on 065 9052173 for more information.

DOONAHA SOCIAL EXERCISE GROUP Doonaha social gathering in O’Curry’s GAA Hall Doonaha on Wednesdays from 11am – 12.30pm for gentle exercise and a cup of tea and chat. New members welcome. Suitable for all over 55. For more information call West Clare FRC 065 9052173.

SOCIAL OUTING TO GALWAY Get aboard for a day’s outing to Galway by bus from Kilrush on Thursday 21st November. Cost is €20 per person. Activities for the over 55s West Clare FRC at 065 9052173.

THURSDAY MUSICAL AFTERNOON IN KILRUSH Join us for an afternoon of music and dancing with PJ Murrihy at the Community Centre Kilrush on Thursday 14th November from 2 – 4.30.

Admission €5. West Clare FRC 065 9052173 45 CARDS KILRUSH Enjoy a relaxed game of 45 every Tuesday afternoon from 2.30 – 4.00pm at the Community Centre Kilrush. West Clare FRC 065 9052173

l ON THE MOVE: Participants enjoying the John Kerin Memorial 5km charity walk/run in aid of the Irish Red Cross at Lees road on Bank Holiday Monday Photo by Eamon Ward

WEST CLARE SINGALONG IN KILRUSH Singalong with us at the Community Centre Kilrush. All ages and abilities welcome. Friday Mornings 10.30 – 11.30. Just drop in. West Clare FRC 065 9052173.

THURSDAY MOVIE MATINEE CLUB KILRUSH Next showing at the club will be Thursday 28th November 2.00PM. At the Community Centre Kilrush. West Clare FRC 065 9052173 REMINISCENCE GROUP Do you remember when…? Take a stroll down memory lane Thursday 28th November at the Community Centre Kilrush 10.30 – 12.00AM IT ASSIST KILRUSH Learn how to get the best use from your phone, tablet, or computer, through our One-to-One guidance. Only €7.50 for a one hour session. For information and to book a place please call West Clare Family Resource Centre on 065 905 2173.

Community THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

COMMUNITY 21 CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

NORTH CLARE

l FLYING THE FLAGS: Brian Whelan and Sarah Butler at the Gort Community School Culture Day

Photo courtesy of Carmel Neylon

WEST CLARE CHARITY CONCERT Miltown Malbay Community Choir Concert in aid of Slainte an Chlair. Showcasing local talent Accompanist Michael Henessy. Guest performers include Tim Dennahay & 3 Women Sing. Thursday 14th November at 8pm at Miltown Malbay Community Hall. €10 on the door.

COUNTYWIDE ABSEILING WITH ANGELA The Children’s Grief Centre and the Redemptorist Christmas Hamper Appeal are joining forces to launch an imaginative fund-raising venture. ABSEILING WITH ANGELA will take place in Thomond Park on November 16th. Sr Helen Culhane, Director of the Children’s Grief Centre, speaking at the launch of ABSEILING WITH ANGELA, explained that the service, which provides support to children, young people and their families who are grieving and experiencing a loss through bereavement, separation or divorce has plans for a NEW BUILDING. The new centre will provide a more stimulating environment for children and young people. The new centre will contain an arts room, a theatre space as well as volcano and splatter paint rooms. The funds raised from ABSEILING WITH ANGELA will go to the New Building Fund. Fr Seamus Enright, Rector of the Redemptorists, said that the funds raised will help the Redemptorists and their partners distribute 6,000 hampers at Christmas and support organizations dealing with food poverty and homelessness and promoting social inclusion throughout the year. Sr Helen and Fr Seamus are appealing for volunteers to take part. For information or to register as a volunteer contact Katrina at 086-457 8030, Eileen at 087-900 0245 or email Fr Seamus at msa@redemptorists.ie IRISH WHEELCHAIR ASSOCIATION CALENDAR Paul Fitzhenry has created a charity calendar showcasing 12 of his pencil sketches. Paul contracted a spinal cord injury in 2016 and spent seven months in hospital. He learned to sketch to pass the time. The calendar is available for €10.00 and because Paul was lucky enough to get sponsorship for the printing of the calendar ALL proceeds will go directly to the Irish Wheelchair Association Clare Branch. The calendar was launched in the IWA Centre, Francis Street last Thursday.

l GIVING BACK: Mags Hurley IWA, Paul

Fitzhenry, Johnny Crawford IWA

22 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

Remember loved ones T

HE month of November always tends to evoke memories and reflections within us. The world of nature appears to be in decline all around us and, as it were, is about to fall into a deep sleep or a type of hibernation as we arrive into the season of winter. The symbol of this decline are the colourful leaves on paths, walkways and roads we have been walking and indeed in some cases driving over in recent weeks. It is a time for reflection as the darker evenings gather in and the clocks have now been turned back, and we have fewer daylight hours.

November is also the month that we remember our dead, our loved ones gone before us or the Holy Souls, when we pray for the dead in the firm belief that we can assist by our prayers our deceased brothers and sisters on their way to God, to the joy and peace of heaven. With every hello there has to be a goodbye. Despite death being a part of life it still never fails to leave a hole in our heart whenever we lose someone we loved. It's the hardest pain we as humans have to go through — to grieve those that have passed away.

Death leaves a wound that's difficult to heal. I have found the only thing that heals all wounds is Jesus. Knowing that I will see those loved ones once more helps ease the pain of not having them here with me again. In writing this thought for the week I would like to remember in prayer all of you who are reading this article and let me offer my sympathy and heartfelt prayers to all of you who have experienced the loss of a loved one or a special someone or a remembrance of someone gone a longtime and especially anyone recently over the last year.

We carry in our memories of those who have gone before us, and our dead live on in some way in a new presence in our lives.

November has always had a special significance in helping us do this at the start of the winter season. We remember our loved ones gone before us, those we once knew but are now dead, and we ask God to show mercy to them and we also pray to them to help us to live out our lives as lovingly and as faithfully as some of them did. These faithful departed handed on to us many of the things that make life worthwhile such as insights, beliefs, culture, traditions and val-

ues. They handed on to us whatever goodness and truth they had discovered in their life even if it was for just a short time that they journeyed with us.

Be Kind to Everyone I am convinced that grief and loss affect everyone. None of us knows how to truly process those emotions. We at times really don't know how to grieve. We expect there to be a standard timetable for it. We don't make space for it. We don't feel safe talking about it. We want it to follow predictable steps and then for everything to get back to normal. The result is that we try to bury our grief, hide away our pain, and act as if it's not there. And yet it comes up in all kinds of ways and in places we least expect. If you are truly awake in your own life, you are in touch with the loss you have experienced.

And it's no doubt painful.

I have cried privately many times at situations and losses in my own life and recently on a trip to Africa I cried for days at the extreme poverty I witnessed especially for the children who were close to death and many that had died so needlessly because of extreme poverty. The best way to cope with it is to deal with it kindly, gently, lovingly and with the support of family, friends and the communities we live in. We should try to keep in our minds and in our hearts the knowledge that everyone deals with these feelings on a daily basis. If we truly remembered that, we would be kind to everyone.

Loss of a loved one A sudden loss, such as the death of a family member or a close friend or colleague, makes us realize the brevity of life. We often take life for granted. Their death can make us sit down and reflect. Losing a friend recently made me take time to appreciate the loved ones in my life because I don't know what tomorrow will bring. It made me put things in perspective. I want to live life and love it; I don't want to spend my life being unhappy or dissatisfied. I want to put a smile on my face and indeed on others faces, because that's what can make a dark day seem bright. My friend is gone; I cannot bring him back, but, at least in memory of him, I can live a life that I know he would be proud of. Death opens our eyes, showing us that the only time that matters is right now.

Remember A little word of love during a person's life is worth far more than all the speeches after their death. Sometimes we leave it too late and we think about the things we could have done to make someone just a little bit more happy, or cared for. I notice at times at funerals how people try to outdo one another in buying the most beautiful wreath of flowers. I often think, did these people ever think of giving the person who died beautiful flowers when they were alive so they could smell the beautiful fragrance and really cherish the gift? Here is an ancient poem about remembering that I shared recently at a friends funeral and that I have at times adapted for others who have gone before us, that gives me hope in times of grief, let me share it with you now.

A Poem of Remembrance "Somewhere in the early morning of Eternity you are running free. Loosed from the bonds of Earth. Unchained from all that bound you here. The years together were too brief, yet who is to measure time? Or how long is long enough? You brought joy and whispered hope to those who loved you most. A single thread of darkness or loneliness pulled you beyond to the moment of now. We cannot fully understand nor shall we try. We simply know that somewhere in the vastness of all that is you are running free and the ocean of eternity cools your feet as you run unhampered on the sands of all tomorrow's. And a lone seagull calls to you and you respond with laughter. You carry now, no burden, no chain nor bond to hold you. You carry only the warmth and the love of those who cared. So run free and open your arms and touch the clouds and dance with the morning sun and know that even in our tears we celebrate with you and bid you good journey, Till we meet again tomorrow. Amen."

Thought for the week As your thought for the week, treat everyone around you in a gentler way as much as you can and be thankful for loved ones gone before us that are no longer with us in the same presence as they were, especially during this month of November which is dedicated as a time of remembering! As

one of my favourite writers John O' Donohue wrote "live the life you would love to look back on, from your deathbed.'' A prayer called 'God's Garden' I love to pray that gives me solace when I think of my loved one's gone before me goes as follows, "God looked around His garden and saw an empty space. He then looked down upon the earth and saw your beautiful face. He puts His arms around you and lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. God knew you were suffering.

He knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough and the hills were hard to climb, so He closed your weary eyelids and whispered 'peace be thine'. It broke our hearts to lose you but you did not go alone for part of us went with you the day God called you home." Treat everyone around you in a gentler way as much as you can and be thankful for loved ones that are no longer with us in the same presence as they were, especially during this time of remembering. And as the poem,"Don't Leave It Too Late" goes, 'If ever you are going to love me, love me now while I know all the warm and tender feelings from real affection flow!

Love me while I am living. Don't wait till I am gone, and then chisel it on marble, warm love words on ice stone. If you have dear thoughts about me, why not whisper them to me? Surely they would make me happy and as glad as glad can be.

If you wait till I am sleeping, never more to wake again. There'll be walls of earth between us and I cannot hear you then. If you know someone was thirsting for a drink of water sweet, would you then be slow in bringing it? Would you step with laggard feet? There's a tender heart right near you that is thirsting for your love. Why should you refuse to give it, since God sent it from above?

You have flowers in your garden, some are white and some are red. Give them to me now while I am living, I can't see them when I'm dead. I won't need your fond caresses when the grass grows over my face. I won't want your love and kisses in my last resting place. So if you are ever going to love me, if for just a little bit. Won't you love me while I am living so I can treasure it?

CLARE ECHO GUIDE TO Christmas

Parties

Ennis Area The Rowan Tree

The Rowan Tree is a firm local favourite for special family and work occasions; the character-filled premises on the River Fergus is warm, inviting, historic but most importantly, the food is delicious. Lunch and dinner Christmas menus mean that the Rowan Tree is the perfect festive experience before moving on to one of Ennis's busy night spots.

065 686 8669

Tulsi

Indian is a brilliant option for the Christmas work do – and Ennis has a couple of excellent options. Tulsi has for many years been the standard bearer in this respect and the quality of food and service is second to none.

065 684 8060

The Red Onion

The new upstarts that has already created a great buzz among diners in County Clare, Red Onion offers an opulent dining area, huge booths and private dining tables. Its two chefs come with a brilliant reputation and have so far delivered.

065 686 8111

Dan O'Connells

Dan O'Connells underwent a refurbishment early this year with a strong focus on their food offerings. The upstairs area is the perfect, relaxed setting to get a Christmas party into full swing. Christmas Sharing Platters are available at a very reasonable €13.50pp which include turkey & ham sliders, pakora tiger prawns, breaded chicken and more. It helps that a fully stocked bar is on the premises too.

065 694 9914

Knoxs

Much like O'Connells, the landmark Knoxs on Abbey Street also underwent a very impressive refurb this year. The overhaul was confined to the enormous pub area which has nooks and crannies galore where you can reserve an area for your posse. But not before digging into some grub at the Storehouse upstairs, where a 3-course meal comes in at €27.95. There's also finger food options in the pub.

065 682 2871

Treacy's West County

Christmas events and Treacys West County go hand in hand. Names including Nathan Carter, Michael English, Mike Denver and Ultimate Bublé are among the festive con-

certs. On Deember 13, Ultimate Buble provide the entertainment for the Christmas party night, with a mulled wine reception, 4-course meal and DJ til late. Prices only €45pp.

065 686 9600

Nora Culligans

With four uniquely designed bar areas, there is a variety of spaces available for groups of different sizes. The Victorian style balcony bar offers a private party area for groups of between 50-70 and has its own private smoking area, while smaller groups can be accommodated in the main bar and whiskey bar. A resident DJ will keep the Christmas and party tunes going during the party season while finger food options are also available.

065 68 24954

Bonfire

Formerly based at Woodquay, Bonfire recently moved to Parnell Street where their new menu now includes fast food options with the same exciting Indian offering as before. So if you're looking to cater for all tastes for a price-friendly offering, Bonfire is the place for your Christmas outing.

065 689 3841

Lucas's

Lucas's Pub on Parnell Street in Ennis is one of the town's favourite festive establishments. A toasty warm open fire greets all those who cross the door of this traditional pub where comfort, service and atmosphere are invariables. A top class outside area and large private bar for functions mean that Lucas's ticks all the boxes when it comes to a brilliant Christmas night out.

087 626 3229

Brogans

Located on the busy O'Connell Street, Brogan's is one of the oldest Family-run Traditional-Style Bar & Restaurants in this Market Town of Ennis.

Using the best of local produce, with local talent in the kitchen Brogans deliver exquisite food with a vibrant atmosphere.

A Brogans gift voucher would make an excellent stocking filler.

Book a table now on 065 684 4365

S hannon / East Clare Durty Nelly's

Bunratty's famous pub is now taking bookings for Christmas Parties. Established in 1620, it's 400 years of fun waiting to be explored. But more importantly, it's a night of fun in one of Clare's most historic pubs where huge emphasis is put on creating the perfect Christmas menu.

Christmas 'after-work' gatherings include tapas and party finger food, or you can go all out with the Christmas lunch or Dinner menus. Private function rooms available throughout the Chrstmas season.

061 364 861.

€35pp enjoy a delectable menu that includes the likes of roast pork belly with black pudding bonbon and apple puree to start; turkey & ham, or rib eye steak mains; and Christmas inspired Bailey's trifle, or traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce for dessert (that's just to name a few!)

061 374 717

Shannon Springs

Inn At Dromoland

The four-star Shannon Springs Hotel is now taking bookings for Christmas work Break-up lunches. Treat your staff to a festive four-course luncheon before the holidays (and book early to avoid disappointment!).

061 364 047

Pipers Inn

Go all-out with a 'Greatest Showman' themed Christmas party night at Treacy's Oakwood Hotel on Saturday, December 14, where a theatrical drinks & treats reception will be followed by a sit-down meal, live band and DJ, with spot prizes. Christmas Party Nights can also be tailored for larger companies, while Christmas lunch groups and private parties can also be catered for.

061 361 500

Christmas Party Nights at the Inn at Dromoland are selling out fast and include an all-in Christmas party experience. Drinks reception, an MC, games, spot prizes and a band will all provide entertainment aournd the 4-course meal while there's the added bonus of a late bar (and midnight snack!) The night all in works out at a very reasonable €49pp and there are options for overnight stay.

061 368 161 Celebrate lunches, dinners and private parties in style in the hillside surrounds of the Pipers Inn near Killaloe. For

Treacys Oakwood Hotel

North Clare Falls Hotel

The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon is putting on a Christmas Party Night on Saturday, December 14. Mulled wine, four-course menu, live entertainment and dancing until the wee hours, it's the perfect way to forget about the stresses of work life for a bumper Christmas night out. Private dining options are also available (dinner, lunch and brunch) while seasonal afternoon tea starts at €20pp and is available any day for the month of December.

065 707 1004

Lahinch Coast Hotel

The newly-renovated Lahinch Coast Hotel, which is also under the new ownership of John & Bríd O'Meara, is the perfect place for a Christmas Party in the bustling seaside town. The hotel has already been nominated for Best Four Star Hotel in the Hotel & Catering Gold Medal Awards. They are taking Christmas group bookings with special menus at the Aberdeen Bar & Restaurant for €35. There are also lunch and finger food menus available while if you're planning on staying over, special overnight rates are available from €79.

065 708 1100

Red Onion takes gold at Curry Awards The Red Onion restaurant located in Ennis won the ‘Best Newcomer Award’ in Gold Category in Irish Curry Awards 2019 held at The Pillo Hotel, Ashbourne on 22nd October, 2019.

What not to do at a Christmas Party 1. Don’t talk work It’s a party. Lighten up a little. This isn’t the time to talk workplace politics or promotions. This is the perfect chance to get to know the office. Discuss sports, hobbies, addictive online shopping habits. You might find that you find a friend in someone unexpected.

2. Don’t get too drunk It might be a free bar but that doesn’t mean you should go and get plastered. If you feel yourself start to push past tipsy, toss your drink and run. It will be less embarrassing than hitting on your boss or scream-crying at your manager for a pay rise.

3. Don’t bitch about work mates There’s about a 99.9% chance they’re standing behind you. Ok, so we made that figure up but really it’s not worth the risk. When people drink, they talk and chances are your bitchy comment is going to make its way around the room by the end of the night.

4. Don’t get frisky If you think the Christmas Party is a great chance to try your luck with your office crush then think again. Hooking up at the office party is a sure way to get caught or make a mockery of yourself.

5. Don’t skip work the next day.

Funnily enough, after drinking an entire bottle of wine and vomiting in a pot plant at the Christmas Party, your boss does indeed know that you don’t have a sudden onset of the flu. Who would’ve thought?

Have a big buffet breakfast and (wo)man up! If Santa doesn’t get a break then either do you.

28 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

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

Robbins, the ‘Wise guy Joe Robbins, co-founder of Clare recruitment company Careerwise, speaks about the value of integrity in business

PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

S FAR as sporting administration is concerned, Joe Robbins is one of the county’s most colourful characters but he is also the founder of a business that has withstood three recessions and a tech bubble.

In 1999, Joe co-founded CareerWise Recruitment but his five year stint as Chairperson of Clare Camogie this decade gave GAA followers a different view on the fashion style that can accompany an administrator.

Those fortunate enough to attend County AGMs would have heard him quote figures such as John R. Wooden, Theodore Roosevelt and Pablo Picasso.

For this interview at the Shannon offices of CareerWise, Joe avoided referencing such individuals as he reflected on twenty years in business.

Born in Clara, his youngest daughter Emma once told him he was the third most famous person from the Offaly town, behind Brian Cowen and Shane Lowry. After graduating from UL with a business degree, “a brain drain” which resulted in no jobs in Ireland forced Joe to emigrate. “I went to work in England for about seven years, I came back to Cork where my wife is from to set up an American multinational in 1991; then we transferred to Shannon in 1996 or 1997, they were transferring back to the UK in 1998 and they gave me an opportunity to move back which I wouldn’t do.”

This particular stage in his life led to the foundation of CareerWise.

“I was working for a company at the time which had 120 people in Shannon, I started getting them jobs because I knew a lot of local companies, that was very success-

l NATURAL BORN LEADER: Joe Robbins indulging in one of his other passions, speaking at a Clare camogie AGM Photo by Martin Connolly

ful because I got a lot of people jobs and I said to myself, I can do this and get paid for it. That’s why we set up CareerWise, we’ve gone from strength to strength, we’ve about 30 people now with offices in Cork, Galway, Shannon, Mayo and Dublin.

Joe continues, “We’ve survived three different recessions and a tech bubble. We never had any big plan, we wanted to add value, enjoy our lives and when we started we kept going, we kept things nice and tight.

We’re really good at what we do because everybody comes with an ethical way of doing

business, we’re very good with our clients, we’re respectful, knowledgeable so all of this gives us an edge on the opposition. We grew slowly and twenty years later we’re here, I’m hoping we’ll continue for another twenty years.

“My background is in operations and general management, that is one of the key reasons we’ve been successful, we haven’t come from a sales background we have come from a technology background in the industry so we [understand it]. I’ve created companies, I’ve set them up, I’ve made people redundant and I was made redundant myself, I’ve been through every experience in life”.

Over the course of two decades, CareerWise has found employment for between 11,000 to 12,000 people.

“Integrity and honesty is very important, if you do anything wrong or some kind of sharp practice it will come back to you in some shape or fashion. You’ve got to do your best, be honest, truthful, work hard, embrace the things that will give you an edge,” explains Joe. “People like to do business with people that they like and trust. Over twenty years, our company and me, we’re very likeable,

we do a really good job so people trust us. I might have placed a young engineer twenty years ago, that guy could be a General Manager now and he remembers how well we looked after him back then so when he has opportunities to hire people, he’ll come back to us. You can’t get in a few months what you’ve built up over twenty years in honesty, trust and loyalty”.

When the recruitment company began they used to post CVs to clients, that evolved to faxing and it is now done via email, “with technology now I can get a CV and email it to a client within ten seconds. Technology has enabled faster and quicker communication, we’ve embraced all of that, we also use the tools out there so we advertise on IrishJobs.ie, in newspapers, we’re into Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, we do blogging, we use LinkedIn very well it is the key tool for professional recruitment”.

Currently they are examining the potential of doing video CVs where prospective employees talk about themselves on video, clients can then judge based on a person’s articulation if they may be suited to their company. The screening method is all part of how they try deal with millennials.

“Millennials won’t apply for a job, they expect someone to come looking for them, that is another reason why our business has changed,” argues Joe. “Instead of putting an ad out there in a newspaper or Irish Jobs and hope you get a flood of people, you have to work much harder now, you have to go after the people because they are waiting for you to go after them”.

Intel, UTC Aerospace System, Zimmer Biomet, Tekelek, Microsemi and Dairygold are just some of the clients that choose CareerWise. The profession requires Joe and his staff to know what is going on in the area so they can best deal with these companies.

He is positive when assessing the current employment trends in the Shannon region.

“I don’t necessarily subscribe to the doom and gloom that is out there,” Joe insists.

“The news on Molex is very sad, that is a given but if you look at the last ten years since the financial crisis I don’t think we’ve seen many companies close, we’ve seen a number grow and develop. Zimmer Biomet is an example that has gone from 0 to nearly 500, there are others, Jaguar Land Rover has 350 people, the Aerospace and Aviation cluster.

“This region is growing and doing very well over the last few years, if you drive around the Shannon Free Zone you’ll see some flagship companies doing well, there’s a number of companies in Westpark doing

BUSINESS 29

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

lEXPERIENCED PRACTITIONER: Mr Robbins (also pictured below) with CareerWise staff. Joe employs in the region of 30 people with offices in Shannon, Cork, Galway, Mayo and Dublin Photos by Eamon Ward

very well, we’ve to keep a perspective on things.”

He continues, “If you consider that American multinationals that come to Ireland, they are running out of space in Dublin, the rents in Dublin are very high, the cost of accommodation is very high, the cost of buildings is very high so they are migrating down here by default. A number of financial service companies are coming to Ireland and now to here.”

Joe contines, “I’d be very encouraged, I think the Shannon Group are doing a fantastic job, Shannon Commercial Properties are bringing in new tenants all the time to the Shannon Region, we’re hearing the casualties we’re not celebrating the success of the companies.

“If you’re living in this region, you could easily work in Limerick or Galway. I wouldn’t like to get parochial about Clare, put a big picture on it and say the Mid-West, looking at that in the big scale of things it’s very easy to commute around. I’m positive by nature but I’ve saw the development in the Shannon Free Zone myself. If an American multinational was coming in tomorrow, there are businesses available in this region that could easily change and adapt to get up to speed quickly whereas if you’re building a greenfield site or looking for something in Dublin it takes far longer, Zimmer Biomet is an example, they went into a ready made building that they converted and they are up to speed”.

Married to Brenda who also works as the company’s financial controller, they have two daughters Katie, an accountant and Emma a pastry chef at Adare Manor. It is often these three people he turns to in switching off from work.

“I love my house, my family and sitting in front of the fire with a glass of wine watching golf on the television. I play golf, do a bit of walking and try keep fit”.

Once a week he’ll head to Shannon Golf Club for a round of golf usually to start the weekend, his handicap is now 12. During his five year tenure as Clare Camogie Chairperson he oversaw the development of Fr McNamara Park while as Chairman of the Oatfield fundraising committee he led the re-development of the local church.

Such achievements prompt The Clare Echo to query if Joe ever contemplated running for a seat on Clare County Council. It turns out, we’re not the first to have posed such a question to him.

“One of my best friends in Sixmilebridge, Mike Morey and James Shanahan my neighbour up the road, they’ve often said to me you should get involved in local politics. Being Chairperson of Clare Camogie for five years, being involved with the business because it has to be hands-on, once you take your eyes off something it could go horribly wrong very quickly, it’s something I haven’t really considered at this point.

“I’m really focused on my business because I have to be, I have been really fo-

cused on adding value to the community, for now I’m very happy with all those things”.

So the title of Cllr Robbins may have to hold for now and instead Joe will continue to lead CareerWise while also appreciating time with family and friends, playing golf and supporting Clare camogie.

30 BUSINESS

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

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

Liffey Mills to host top Agriculture speakers

L

IFFEY Mills is one of the biggest agri food suppliers in the country and opened their 6th outlet in Ennis a mere 3 years ago on a green field site. Since then they have built up a significant client base providing a superior level of customer service, value for money and complete range of products both for the farm, home and garden.

To celebrate this anniversary, they are hosting a talk on November 7th at 8pm at their premises in Ballymaley, followed by a massive Weekend Sale that kicks off right after the talk on Thursday evening.

Some of the speakers on the night include; Darragh McCullough from Ear to

the ground, Thia Hennessey, Professor and Chair of Agri Food Economics in Cork University, Joe Burke from Bord Bia, Ed Payne, a dairy farmer in Roscommon who, in 2011, converted from a suckler and sheep herd to a dairy herd, Willie Hanrahan from IFA, and Pat Ryan, MD of Liffey Mills.

The talk will be about Agriculture in a Post Brexit era and refreshments will be served on the night.

Patrons are asked to get there early to secure their seats and everyone is welcome.

For further information log onto Liffeymills.ie

Tannian appointed Enterprise Development Manager of Burren Lowlands PÁRAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

Laura Tannian has been appointed as the Enterprise Development Manager of Burren Lowlands.

On Tuesday last, the Burren Lowlands hosted their fifth AGM in Gort which featured guest speaker Cathal O’Donoghue. The Dean of Arts at NUI Galway discussed the area’s past, present and future of the Burren Lowlands.

Architect, Brent Mostert spoke at the AGM of the reintroduction of the Christ the King statue to the Gort Market Square. Woodville Gardens’ Margarita Donohue reported on the progress of the Aughy Trail development while Teresa Clay gave an account on the community and cross county study being conducted by the group.

Recently appointed Enterprise Development Manager, Laura Tannian was introduced to attend-

Darragh McCullough pictured on his farm in Stamullen, Co. Meath.

Picture credit; Damien Eagers / INM

Launch of Taste the Island at the Burren Smokehouse

ees. The Tannian family have lived in the Burren for centuries and Laura commented on her abiding love for the Burren ecosystem and community.

With experience in developing and operating tourism related businesses, Laura is confident the Burren Lowlands Enterprise Centres will bring entrepreneurs, startups, remote workers, and local businesses together to create sustainable employment and encourage ongoing investment into the area. (top) Sabina Higgins officially launching the “Taste the Island - The Salmon Experience” at the Burren Smokehouse, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare on Friday with Birgitta Hedin Curtin, Tim Madden, Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geoparks, Teresa Morrissey, IFA Aquaculture, Joe Garrihy, Mairtin Walsh, BIM, Tracey Coughlan, Failte Ireland and Jarleth O’Dwyer, Burren Ecotourism.

Photographs by Eamon Ward

LEO Clare Helping Businesses Get Online Pauline Dunleavy of Anchor Crafts speaks with the Clare Echo on her association with the Local Enterprise Office on securing a grant for her website

CIAN O’ BROIN

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

Tell us about your business?

My business is a special and personal craftshop & art gallery located in Henry St. Kilrush. I stock jewellery, knitwear, household gifts, candles, bags and my own art pieces. All these items can be seen on my website: www.anchorcraftskilrush.ie.

Why did you decide to trade online?

Well, it was a no brainer, as the only way I could expand was through the internet. I had to move into the 21st century. Demand was becoming quite clear from customers that I needed to broaden my base.

What did you use the website grant for?

When costing the price of the set up of the webpage, it was difficult to do it on my own. I put the enquiry to my local enterprise office where I received the most helpful support from the LEO team. I dealt with Declan Meaney and with ease he described the necessary protocol for the grant. I got to work on it immediately.

Declan advised me and encouraged me on all matters.

What was the impact of the website grant on your business?

It meant that I didn’t have to use up all of my own resources.

This was an immediate benefit. The investment I made was equally matched by the grant I received from the LEO. Would you advise other companies to trade online & what is the most important piece of advice you can give to other businesses?

I would advise people to contact the Local Enterprise Office to discuss with the professional team their own story. A website is a difficult way to get your business name and goods out there. This is a digital age and therefore all businesses have to move with the times.

Since completing your website project has it made a difference to your business?

As my location is in a remote area, now that I have a webpage, I am at the centre of the marketplace. I not only open 10-6pm, 5 days a week, I open 24/7, 365 days per year. Location no longer matters. I’m accessible at all times. My customers have access to me both locally and internationally at the click of the button.

Has anything surprised you since you began trading online?

The most surprising thing is that it works, business continues 24hrs a day, when a website is formed. When I launched my website, I was intrigued by the number of people that were interested.

32

COLUMNISTS

REELING IN THE YEARS

with Cian O’Broin

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

1992 A

T

HIS year we relive one of the finest victories ever recorded in Clare Senior Football against the omnipotent powerhouse of County Kerry.

We are introduced to the very first Muslim man elected as a TD for County Clare, following his escape from apartheid in South Africa.

Finally, we look at Mountshannon’s deeply seeded history involving Catholic and Protestant unrest, as they joyously celebrated 250 years in existence in the year 1992. Shall we begin…

CLARE SHOCK THE KINGDOM In 1992, Clare recorded one of the biggest footballing upsets over Kerry in the Munster Senior Football Final. Football in County Kerry was second only to religion at the time, with the favourites heading into the game with a grand total of 63 competitive Munster titles. Clare, on the other hand, were looking to add to a single itemed trophy cabinet, having beaten Cork 5-4 to 0-1 in 1917, to claim their first Munster Senior Title. Astonishingly, up until 1992 the Munster title had been won by either Cork or Kerry apart from Tipperary’s victory of 1935 and Clare’s win in 1917. The Banner men made their way out onto the Gaelic Grounds under the command of manager John Maughan.

It was to be a landmark occasion for Kerry, as Seamus Moynihan made his debut and the remarkable Jack O’ Shea bore saffron and blue, one last time.

The opening few minutes spelled danger and disappointment for Clare as Gerry Killeen’s penalty was saved by Kerry keeper, Peter O’ Leary, shortly after Kerry drew first blood. Domination then ensued for the Banner boys, with the first half ending a point in favour of County Clare. A Colm Clancy goal early in the second half put stars in the eyes of the Clare support. The final score ended 2-10 to 0-12 in favour of County Clare. A very proud Marty Morrisey put the enthralling victory into perspective, addressing the nation with, “And I can tell you that there won’t be a cow milked in Clare for the whole week!”

THE INDIAN FROM CLARE

The nineties saw a diversity in culture and a greater acceptance of ethnic minorities in Ireland. The conservative nationalism resounding throughout the majority of the century began to dwindle. In 1992, the first Muslim man was elected to Dail Eireann. Moosajee Bhamjee was born in South Africa in 1947. The final wishes of his father, who had emigrated from India to South Africa were that one of his sons would travel to Europe to further his education. Mosajee travelled to Dublin, studying medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons. In 1975, he married a woman from Cooraclare and subsequently took up a position at Our Lady’s Hospital in Ennis, nine years later. Dr. Bhamjee joined the Labour Party in the 1991 general election and was elected as the first Muslim TD to Clare the following year.

He was nicknamed ‘the Indian among the cowboys’ during his tenure as a backbencher from 1992 to 1997. His dedication to medical practice never lost its merit as he continued to practice as a consultant psychiatrist throughout his political career. Despite being raised as a Muslim, Dr. Bhamjee and Claire’s children were raised with the option to choose their own denomination, with two deciding to take after their mother and pursue a Catholic faith. His assimilation into Irish society paved the way for a profusion of other Indian doctors within the Irish health service. Dr. Moosajee Bhamjee retired from the HSE after 37 years of diligent service.

MOUNTSHANNON CELEBRATES 250 YEARS In 1992, Mountshannon celebrated 250 years since its establishment.

Sounds underwhelming? This village has quite an interesting backstory. In 1742, a linen manufacturer by the name of Alexander Woods leased the parish of Inis Cealtra from the Dalys of Dunsandle, Co Galway. His intention was to build 50 “staunch and tenantable houses fit for tradesmen and manufacturers”. One hundred years earlier Cromwell had decreed that no one was permitted to live within a mile of the Shannon. In the era of the penal laws, no catholic would apply to live at such a place. By 1751, Alexander’s plan was in motion, with the establishment of 70 girls working in a spinning school as well as shoemakers, carpenters and blacksmiths in the village. Following the sudden death of Alexander, his son and shortly after his grandson, the British Government stepped in to curb Irish manufacturing, leading to the closure of the linen industry in the parish. In 1796, the once thriving town centre was decimated. The following 130 years brought further hardship. In 1820, protestants outnumbered catholics 1500 to 302. The Catholic Church was converted into a malt house. Local landlord Philip Read stepped in with a 10,000-pound imbursement for the parish after the famine took over 1,000 lives in 1851. The latter half of the 19th c. brought prosperity to Mountshannon and in 1898, the parish along with Whitegate were switched from Co. Galway to County Clare.

Check back next week as we make our way up the proverbial timeline and take a look at what shook the county in 1993.

Will Brexit dictate shotgun Irish election?

S I write this, it looks likely that the UK are heading for yet another General Election. The Liberal Democrats and Scottish National Party look set to have their bill for an election passed with the backing of the Conservatives and Labour, now that a Brexit extension has been granted. This paved the way for Jeremy Corbyn to finally get on board with the notion that the UK needs to change the Parliamentary arithmetic in order to see the current political impasse settled. However, I find it almost amusing to see certain British politicians celebrate getting an election seeing as they look likely to suffer during said campaign. Labour will not, under the current circumstances, win this election. Bar a scandal of epic proportions coming to light about the Tory party, they will stay well ahead of Labour and on course for another electoral victory. That said, there is the chance that the Lib Dems and SNP will win enough seats and Labour hold enough that a coalition of those parties may deny Boris being elected Prime Minister in December, especially if the Brexit Party upset some Tory targeted gains.

With arithmetic seemingly so close in Great Britain, attention will undoubtedly turn to Northern Ireland and the 18 seats that are up for grabs there. At present, the DUP hold 10, Sinn Féin 7 and Independent Unionist, Syvlia Hermon, makes up the 18.

Some of these seats are marginal, however. In 2017, the SDLP narrowly lose seats in Foyle (by 169 votes) and South Down (by 2,448 votes) to Sinn Féin and South Belfast (by 1,996 votes) to the DUP. Should this be reversed, this would be an extra three Remain voting MPs in Westminster. SF also had a mere 875 votes to spare over the UUP in Fermanagh - South Tyrone.

This opens the prospect of a likely additional Leave voting MP, seeing as the UUP have changed tac on Brexit in the intervening years since the 2016 referendum. Hermon will be a target for the DUP who were just 1,208 votes away last time out when the UUP did not contest the seat. Lastly, North Belfast will see a Titanic struggle between SF and the DUP as current Belfast Lord Mayor, SF’s John Finucane will look to try make up the 2,081 votes he needs to unseat the DUP’s Nigel Dodds.

On a good day for Remainers in the Brexit fight, the SDLP would win back its three seats, Hermon hang on in North Down and Sinn Féin unseat the DUP in North Belfast. This would change the Brexit maths in NI from 10 Leave, one Remain and seven Abstentionists to eight Leave, four Remain and six Abstentionists. In a Parliament where every vote will likely count, and Brexit hangs in the balance, these marginal seats in the North have never

been more important for the future fate of all residents of these islands.

What’s also interesting will be the Irish Government’s reaction to the situation in London. With the British and Northern Irish public heading to the polls, this may prove an opportune time for Taoiseach Varadkar to take a trip to Áras an Uachtaráin to call an election. ‘Votegate’ has seen his Fine Gael open up an eight-point lead over Fianna Fáil in the latest opinion poll, with Sinn Féin a very distant third, a further 13 points behind. This represents their lowest poll rating since 2011. It’s understood he is under increasing pressure from his own Ministers to seek an early election. The only obstacle that stands in his way is the legislation surrounding the recent budget. Much of this is not formally passed in the house yet. However, the Government may use the Parliamentary Guillotine to fast track these bills and pass them ahead of the dissolution of the 32nd Dáil. It would seem almost a fitting end for what has, to date, been a very turbulent political year.

Matters will be dictated by Brexit once again though. Given the likeliness of a Tory win in the election and the fact that most of the Withdrawal Agreement hard negotiation work is now completed, it may prove the best time possible for an election here, much to the chagrin of party volunteers it must be said. The prospect of canvassing on darkening nights in the cold and the rain will not appeal to

them one bit. It would be the shortest possible campaign though. If we are to have an early election this side of Christmas, expect it to last the minimum of just three weeks.

The shorter the campaign, the more advantageous it is to established candidates and sitting Government as people’s time to weight up the alternatives is shortened.

That said, those who try predicting electoral results before the election is called regularly end up with egg on their face. General Election campaigns are peculiar beasts, and anything can happen during one, throwing all polls and expert punditry out the window in the process.

As for what would happen in Clare under such a scenario; at this juncture, the smart money is still on a guaranteed seat for each of FF and FG with a dog fight between FG, FF and at least one if not two Independent for the remaining two seats. As to the identity of who those Independents who will be fighting it out for the trust of the Clare public, that’ll only be revealed much closer to a potential polling date. The game is most certainly afoot.

l DECISION TIME: With the British and Northern Irish public heading to the polls, it may prove an opportune time for Varadkar to call an election Photo by Martin Connolly

INDUSTRY FORUM

The Future of Irish Agriculture Date: Thursday 7th November 2019 at 8:00pm Venue: Liffey Mills, Ballymaley, Ennis, Co Clare Liffey Mills invites you to attend an industry forum on the future of Irish Agriculture on

AUTUMN SALE WEEKEND

Thursday 7th November at its store in

7 November from 7pm

Ballymaley, Ennis. Attendance is free of

8 November, 9am - 5:30pm 9 November, 9am - 5pm

charge.

Liffey Mills, Ballymaley, Ennis

Guest Speakers

Ed Payne

Willie Hanrahan

Professor & Chair of Agri

Hilltop Dairies

Clare County Chair

Beef Farmer

Food Economics UCC

Co Roscommon

IFA

Killaloe, Co. Clare

Darragh McCullough

Joe Burke

Thia Hennessey

Broadcaster,

Meat Senior Manager

Journalist & Farmer

Bord Bia

Michael Culhane

34 SPORT

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

London based McDonagh steps up DURING St Josephs Miltown’s final finish of five points in succession to claim their fifteenth ever Clare SFC title, Darragh McDonagh was among those leading the crusade, writes Páraic McMahon.

Clare GAA Vice Chairperson PJ McGuane had given Jack Daly to captain Gordon Kelly; Christy Ryan on behalf of MD MyClubShop presented the top scorer award to Eoin Cleary in association with The County Express while Conor Cleary received man of the match. All the while, Darragh McDonagh was being asked to take photos with relations, neighbours, parishioners and supporters.

By The Clare Echo’s estimation, the photograph count was close to 50. “Oh Jesus I haven’t a clue,” McDonagh said of the

amount of snaps he posed for.

“After winning a county final, the supporters and everything, it’s all worth it.”

Their strong finish was all part of the plan and was emphasised by manager David O’Brien and coach David Geaney at half-time. “David Geaney and DOB just said to us, ‘you’re either going to have excuses or go out there and work hard’, we upped the ante, stayed with it and thankfully in the last ten minutes we got the five points that we needed”.

When the need was greatest, Darragh was among those stepping up to the plate as he kicked two points, one which levelled matters and the other that put them ahead on 60 minutes. “When you’re playing a team as good as Kilmur-

ry Ibrickane that have won as many championships, you just have to stay with it, thankfully in the last few minutes we opened it up a bit and got the vital points we needed.”

A physiotherapist based in London, the son of former Clare GAA Chairperson, Michael ‘Malty’ McDonagh and Mary admitted “my mind wasn’t on football during the week” due to the pressures involved with working in a hospital.

His commute for football became more regular when the championship began in June.

“I was training with a team over in London so that got me ready for championship. It’s been a different year for me definitely”.

“You don’t get many opportunities to win finals, I said last year that I’d regret it if Miltown

were here and I couldn’t contribute. It was an easy decision, there’s a great crop of players there, they are so committed and honest, when you see that it’s a lot easier to come home.

Once we got into the quarter-finals you were looking forward to coming home but the mind definitely wouldn’t be on football during the week”.

Celebrations may determine the date of his return flight to London. “We’ll see how the celebrations go. I owe a few favours to people in work to do weekends after getting the last few off, the replay definitely wasn’t planned”. Such favours may have to be postponed until further notice as attention turns to Munster where Darragh will be hoping to play a central part l IMPACT: Darragh McDonagh pictured in Cusack Park on Sunday Photo by Gerard O’Neil once again.

Clare name provisional squad for Oscar Traynor

S

HANE Keegan has named his provisional squad for Clare’s opening Oscar Traynor outing in the 2019/20 competition.

Four members of the squad have been involved with the Clare side that won

the competition in 2016 and 2017, namely Conor Mullen, David McCarthy, Eoin Hayes and Stephen Kelly.

Elsewhere there’s plenty of fresh faces including Clare footballer Cian O’Dea. Netminder Shane Cusack who has lined out with Colchester Utd, Limerick and

Athlone Town and Dylan Casey who was part of the Leicester FC academy are included in the twenty eight man provisional squad.

Clare are in Group C along with Limerick, Kerry and the Desmond League.

They begin their campaign on Thursday in Jackman

Park at 7:30pm against Limerick. Two time winning manager, Donie Garrihy is on board as Keegan’s assistant manager.

CLARE SQUAD: Conor Mullen (Avenue Utd) Dylan Casey (Avenue Utd) Mark Roche (Avenue Utd) James Tierney (Avenue Utd) Cian McDonough (Avenue Utd)

Cian O’Dea (Corofin Harps) Evan Kelly (Ennis Town) Elias Kunz (Ennis Town) Ruairi Norrby (Lifford) Stephen Jordan (Manus Celtic) Patrick Fitzgerald (Mountshannon Celtic) Shane Cusack Callum McNamara David McCarthy Eoin Hayes Stephen Kelly Kieran Mahony (All Newmarket Celtic)

Nathan Walsh (Shannon Hibs) Liam Delaney (Shannon Hibs) Gary Leahy (Shannon Hibs) Kieran Hackett (Shannon Town) Colin Scanlan (Shannon Town) Aidan Leahy (Shannon Town) Kai Khetan (Shannon Town) Rory Hayes (Shannon Town) Stephen Carroll (Shannon Town) Ciaran Monaghan (Sporting Ennistymon) Jack O’Dea (Sporting Ennistymon)

Understanding your grip Padraig McGrath

T

HE golf grip is one of the most important fundamentals of a golfer’s set up, after all their hands is the only point of contact they have with a golf club.

Understanding your own grip position and the role it has in relation to the swing path and face aim of the golf club is vital to optimising your ball flight. Firstly there are three grip options when holding a golf club, baseball grip, overlap grip and interlock grip (As seen below). Ideally the interlock or overlap grips are better options because using either of these grip methods means your hands will definitely work together throughout the golf swing.

The baseball grip works fine as long as you place both hands against each other. If you have a space between your hands then your hands won’t work together but independently and you will not achieve a consistent ball flight.

In the past golf coaches used work tirelessly to get golfers to hold every golf club with a neutral grip. It was widely recognised that the best results would be achieved if a golfer used a neutral grip versus a strong or weak grip (As seen in the attached image above right).

PGA Golf Professional

Golfers who use a stronger grip generally tend to swing with a shallower angle of attack com-

#PadraigKnowsGolf

GOLF ANALYSIS

The Scorecard in association with

pared to those who use a weaker grip which will be steeper. Also those golfers with a stronger grip, their clubface will arrive at the ball closed and can lead to a hook or pull hook golf shot, compared to those with a weaker grip. Their face will approach the ball with an open clubface causing slices. When coaching my clients if I notice their ball flight is not starting on target or if their ball flight is a severe hook or slice then I will pay attention to working on neutralising their grip.

If your ball flight is dramatically curving right to left or left to right then tweaking your golf grip will immediately improve and lessen the amount of curvature on the flight of the ball. For instance if you hook the ball then weaken your grip and if you slice the ball then strengthen it. The key is to only tweak your grip slightly until you find the position where you are hitting the ball straight.

We are all built differently and the optimal neutral position is different for everyone. What you need to understand is how each grip position will alter the path of your swing and the direction of your club face aim at impact. Don’t be afraid to hit shots with a slightly stronger and weaker grip and see how these will affect ball flight. You won’t know if your grip is the optimum position, unless you are willing to compare it to stronger or weaker positions. Find your neutral grip position and you will find a lot more fairways in regulation.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Men’s Singles Michael Larkin (20) 34pts Men’s Seniors Pat Duggan,Seamus O Dwyer,Ger Shortt Ladies Wednesday Rachael Whelan, Breda McCarthy, Mary Jo Minogue ENNIS GOLF CLUB Senior Ladies 1ST Mary McMahon Joan Coote & Una Patton 49.33 2ND Susan O’Brien, Nuala D’Auria & Mary Lenihan 55.16 3RD Ann White, Ann McMahon & Ann O’Loughlin 56.66 4TH Carmel Verling, Kate O’Ceallaigh & Mary Leahy 57.66 Men’s Seniors Social Group 1ST Liam Pyne, Willie Molony, Michael Ball 48.1 2ND Kevin Murray, John Guilfoyle, JK Considine 48.4 3RD Joe Dilleen, John Mc Namara, Paul Mockler 49.4 4TH Joe O Brien, Ken O Farrell, Tommy Heath 49.5 5TH Luke Coote, Peter Quinn, Noel Pilkington 49.5 6TH Andy Cregan, Fintan McEvoy, Tom Pilkington 50.5 KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Weekly Oct 19/27 KGC Open Singles 1 Pat Mulcahy (24) 28 pts

2 Noel Thornton (16) 26 pts Back 9 3 Sean Moran (21) 26 pts Wed Oct 23 Clare/Galway Senior Men’s Alliance in Kilrush 1 Tom Cleary (Kilrush) 36 pts 2 Frank Mc Enery (Woodstock) 36 pts 3 Joe Griffin (Ennis) 34p BEST GROSS John McNamara (Ennis) 22 pts Senior Ladies Scramble 22/10/2019.

1. Marion Brennan, Margaret Griffin, Freda Moran, Carmel Lillis, 41.08 2. Margaret Clancy, Anne McMahon, Mary Collins, 41.22 3. Agnes Shannon, Pauline Kirk, Muriel Kiely, 42.67 SPANISH POINT GOLF CLUB 27th Oct - Ladies’ Singles 13-Hole S/F 1ST Valerie Shannon 22 pts 2ND Deirdre Molyneaux 21 pts 3RD Maura Killackey 18 pts Mens’ Weekend Singles 18-Hole S/F 1ST James Keane 40 pts 2ND Greg Davidson 40 pts 3RD Len Wilson 38 pts 22nd Oct - Seniors’ Open Singles 1ST Bernie O’Halloran 38 pts 2ND John Burns 35 pts 3RD Billy Clarke 35 pts 21st October - Mens’ 9 Hole Singles S/F 1ST James Keane 18 pts 2ND Jim Marrinan 17 pts 3RD Jonathan Wilson 14 pts

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

Classifieds ACCOUNTANCY

CAR REPAIRS

CLEANING

CLASSIFIEDS 35 CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

EDUCATION Maths Grinds Available

Leaving Certificate & Junior Certificate.

Ennis Qualifications & Experience • B.A Hons in Mathematics - Trinity College Dublin 2018.

• Professional Masters of Education – University of Limerick – Current Student (Year 1) • Four Years Experience Tutoring Maths.

• Professional experience teaching Leaving Cert Higher Level.

Contact Dara at 086-7367654 or ryanchad@tcd.ie

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT

CARER REQUIRED

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

EDUCATION

PAINTING

36 PLANNING

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

Classifieds PAINTING FRESH LOOK SERVICE Residential & Commercial

085 110 2001

- NO MESS NO STRESS -

PAINTING & DECORATING PAINTING DECORATING

- Indoor and exterior painting services - high quality only - spraying and traditional painting

LANDSCAPING

- Garden Maintenance - We offer a range of gardening services

POWER WASHING

- Patio and walkway cleaning - Hard to reach gutters - Exterior house washing and more..

Fully insured. vat reg. All areas Covered www.freshlookpaintinglandscaping.com

PLANNING Clare County Council ment of the prescribed Killinny, Cross, Kilrush fee, â‚Ź20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning Take notice that M. B. on the date of receipt Downes intends to ap- by the authority of the ply to the Planning Au- application and such thority for permission to submissions or observaerect proposed dwelling tions will be considered house, foul sewer treat- by the planning authorment plant, percolation ity in making a decision area and new site en- on the application. The trance at the above ad- planning authority may dress. grant permission subject The Planning Applica- to or without conditions tion may be inspected or may refuse to grant or purchased at a fee not permission. exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at LIMERICK CITY & the offices of the plan- COUNTY COUNCIL ning authority during its public opening hours. Take notice that Pallas A submission or obser- Foods UC intend to apvation in relation to the ply to the above named application may be made authority for planning in writing to the plan- permission for the ning authority on pay- change of use of part of

the ground floor of the existing building from warehouse storage to offices, meeting rooms, gym, locker rooms, shower room, comms room, plant room including elevational alteration and additional car parking spaces including all ancillary site works at Pallas Foods UC, Ballylahiff, Newcastle West, Co Limerick. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Limerick City & County Council Offices, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick during its public opening hours and a submission or ob-

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

servation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

Clare County Council, Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Co. Clare Take notice that Armada Hotel Holdings Ltd. intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for the following a) to construct an extension and outside winter garden area to the bar/dining room area on the south elevation b) to construct an extension and outside terrace area

to the pre-wedding reception area on the south elevation along with associated site works at the above address.

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

ROOFING

SERVICES

STORAGE

TARMACADAM

The Clare Echo Classifieds Contact 065 671 9021

mbs-clare-echo.indd 1

18/12/2018 22:08:41

› Word › Best Daily Word Se… (http://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/category/word/)

Game (http://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com)

38 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

Best Daily Word Search

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES OCT 31 Best Daily Word Search: 24 October 2019

4

8

9

5

2

7

3

) 5( ) a ) 6 ( 9 n a9 8i 8 ) 6( r e9 a

4

8

6

8

7

2

3

6

1

3 6 2

1

5 7

9

9 1 8 4 3

1

3 6

4 5

7 3

9

7

9

4

6

2

8

1

5

) 3D 4 10/24/2019

Reveal

5

Save

2

Check

2

Clear

00:01

2

Software © 2017 crossword-compiler.com

8

Proclaim . Unbury

7

D B L H E H M

4

I

D C T R M

5

H O E G L U V

I

. Publish Indicate . Reveal Open . Tell

9

C U S E S O L C S

I

6

D T R H B V N R R S

1

I

1

M E E

T R B U A E M K A

8

I

4

B

6

I

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

1

E X H

ANSWERS

HOW TO PLAY

7

G E A O E V H B C L

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

5

I

Expound . Open . Proclaim Impart

3

U P S L

How to play

. Indicate

9

9

T R N N O B U E O C

7

I

3

S

5

8

9

I

1

5

6

R O

4

5

R S L N T E N U C C A N T L O

8

5

I W R N R

4

1

. Expose Divulge . Expound Exhibit . Impart Expose

2

D

3

4

6

9

I

6

9

8

E E B U D A V N

8

2

4

V F U O E Y U N T E M R A U P

. Utter

3

E X P O U N D U U V P A Y R B

. Disclose

Develop . Divulge Disclose . Exhibit

5

6

8

8

Y N B E A P V Y N

2

1

6

I

. Unwrap

9

2

A C S U T

. Unveil

4

1

L H L A C E B U R L R W U E L

Betray . Break . Develop Break

1

3

. Unlock

7

B A A U L A E O T L P G C

. Unearth

7

4

How to play

I

R G H L A P R O R D R

8

. Uncover

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

S

I

. Announce Announce . Bare Bare . Betray

1/1

A N T

I

1/1

W E A Y C F U L K L E O R C

SUDOKU

10/24/2019

4

WORD SEARCH

Disclosure

* el 1 ni r < *

Solution

1/1

) 5( 8 8 er

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS DOWN 2019 1 Expensive (6) 1 Day nursery (6) (6) 2 Rider’s footrest (7) JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG4 Mariner SEP OCT 8 Proclamation (5) 3 Numbers game (5)

9 Outer districts of 5 White of an egg (7) town or city (7) 6 Sophia ___, Italian

24 October: Solve (/games/best-daily-word-search/?

10 Whaling weapon (7) actress (5) now puzzleDate=20191024) Disclosure 11 Person under age 7 Holiday destination

(5) (6)

12 Deferred (9) 9 Wading bird (9) More Puzzles . Announce () 17 More secure (5) 13 Become shrunken

19 Sweet dish named . Bare () and wrinkled (7) after a ballerina (7) 14 Cease to participate

. Betray () 21 Everywhere (3,4) (4,3) . Break 22 Chess pieces (5)

()

15 Area surrounded by 23 Hang loosely (6) . Develop () water (6)

24 Putrid (6) (7) 16 Sherlock Holmes’s Di l () assistant (6)

puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/games/best-daily-word-search/#!201910 18 Criminal (5)

20 Sixth sign of the zodiac (5)

1

2

3

8

4

5

6

7

9

2019

10

CROSSWORD ANSWERS N

E

O

U

S

K

)

kled

13

14

15

O

R

E

L

G

N

A

O

E

R

R

E

O

V

O

P

L

A

V

O

L

V

A

02

W

E

I

P

R

E E

F

A

81

91

R

L

I

) 7 ( >9i ) r 5

S 71

H

I

61

51

D

E

N

O

P

T

41

O

N

S

O

31

T R

A 12

I

a r e9

N

L

22

T

D 32

G

O

11

12

I

E

D

M

N

P 21

U O

O

P

R

A

11

O

E

.k

E

t s uj - tl u ciffi d o ot t o n

H 01

U

A

T

R

C

9102 rebotcO

16

18

19

20

21

23

T

42

difficult - just

17

T

22

24

S

B

R

U

B

U

S

T

C

I

D

E

9

E

O

R

O 7

8

L

L

I 6

O

A

S 5

Y 4

T

L

T 3

R

S

O 2

C 1

1

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, OCT 31 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz Bunratty Castle Knappogue Castle Leamaneh Castle

Mary is said to haunt 2 Clare’s______ most mysterious castle? a. Red b. Black c. Yellow

How did Mary meet her 3 demise at the hands of her enemies? a. Shooting b. Hanging c. Starvation

Our Lady’s mental hospital 4 was established in what year? a. 1830 b. 1868 c. 1905

A malevolent spirit A murdered mermaid

What happened to the ec7 clesiastical city of Kilstuiffen off Liscannor Bay?

a. b. c.

Deserted by all inhabitants Burnt to the ground Swallowed by the sea

Castle has been 8 sealedCarrigaholt up since which decade? a. 1850’s b. 1920’s c. 1960’s

Who was killed at Carriga9 holt Castle before it was sealed up?

a. b. c.

Island was named Where in County Clare is the 5 afterScattery a __________?

10 haunted site of Killone Lake? a. b. c. island

Sea Serpent Mysterious rock feature A ship that was wrecked on the

What makes Carrigaholt 6 Castle one of the most haunted in County Clare? a.

l QUESTION 9 : Who was killed at Carrigaholt Castle before it was sealed

up?

An exorcist A fisherman A monk

a. Scariff b. Killaloe c. Ballyea

By Cian O’Broin

6. A malevolent spirit 7. Swallowed by the sea 8. 1920’s 9. An exorcist 10. Ballyea

a. b. c.

b. c.

ANSWERS 1. Leamaneh Castle 2. Red 3. Starvation 4. 1868 5. Sea Serpent

Which of the following Clare 1most castles is known as one of the haunted in Ireland?

A torture device

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Tommy Barrett of Newport Tipperary and Ronan Cregan - Dungarvan Waterford pictured as they graduated in Arts at todays Mary Immaculate College conferring ceremonies in Limerick.

Pic. Brian Arthur

Last weeks Answers . White stripe on womans jacket missing (left) . Bracelet missing on woman wearing green . Nails different colour on woman in

green . Fingers missing on man . Badge missing on man . light in background (centre) missing . Design in railing missing over mans right shoulder