The Clare Echo 18/01/2018

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AN ODE TO DOLORES

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18 Jan 2018

150 new jobs for Shannon STUART HOLLY

S

editor@clareecho.ie

Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan with Davy Fitzgerald on January 1, 2014. The photo was taken as Dolores met Davy, who was in Shannon with his All-Ireland winning Clare squad ahead of their departure for their holiday. Dolores was flying out to Canada following her New Year’s eve performance in Limerick to open the 2014 National City of Culture programme. Dolores was tragically found dead in London on Monday.

FOR MORE ON DOLORES’S LEGACY, TURN TO PAGE 23.

Photo courtesy of Bridge PR

HANNON Group says that this week’s announcement by Jaguar Land Rover of 150 jobs is a major validation of the ambitious investment programme at the Shannon Free Zone.

Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed that it will locate its new software engineering centre at two new state-of-the-art buildings at the Shannon Free Zone, a four-storey office block and an advanced technology engineering unit.

The buildings have been newly developed

by Shannon Commercial Property, a Shannon Group company, as part of a €40m first phase development of its wider investment programme launched at the Free Zone in 2015. The programme aims to develop cutting edge office/

commercial space to attract new FDI and local companies and bring additional employment to the region.

Welcoming the Jaguar Land Rover announcement, Shannon Commercial Properties MD Ray O’Driscoll said it was huge endorsement of the investment undertaken by the company.

FULL STORY PAGE 4

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Index

Inside The Clare Echo FEATURE: PAGE 8-9

Bishop is a real tweetheart...

SHANNON JOBS BOOST 4 WEST CLARE FUN DAY

6

BISHOP FEATURE

8

AOIBHIN GARRIHY

12

CARMODY’S HOTEL

14

COMMUNITY

24

MOTORING

30

PROPERTY

34

GET IN TOUCH

Bishop Fintan Monahan met Clare Echo reporter Elaine Tubridy to discuss the modern day challenges faced by the Church in Clare

SPORT: PAGE 19

Clare falter in Munster league

NEWS: PAGE 6

This’ll Melt your heart

Clare’s hurlers and footballers were beaten at the final hurdle of their respective pre-season competitions with their league campaigns just around the corner. We have reports and photos from the weekend

A group in West Clare called The Melting Pot are having a fun day this Friday to send a group of asylum seekers on holidays in Clare. Elaine Tubridy reports

RECEPTION

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: monica@clareecho.ie

EDITOR Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: editor@clareecho.ie

NEWSDESK Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: news@clareecho.ie

NOTES

l MEMORIAL: Marie Cecile, Karel De Regge, Ghislaine De Regge and Marie Louise De Regge who’s Father Ernest De Regge died in the Carmody Hotel tragedy, at the Carmody’s Hotel commemoration to mark the 60th anniversary. More on page 14

Photo by Eamon Ward

Telephone: 065 671 9021

Clare’s richest list

Email: elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

SALES Telephone: 065 671 9021

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

PLACE AN

ADVERT To learn how we can promote your business call us on 065 671 9021 or email ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie.

ELAINE TUBRIDY news@clareecho.ie

C

LARE’S richest families are worth a combined total of €360 million, the Irish Independent annual rich list has revealed.

Patrick Purcell, who founded Shannon based drilling tool company Mincon in 1977, comes in at number 115 on the overall rich list. The 79 year old is worth a sweet €135 million (up from €101 million last year), making him the richest man in Co Clare.

Mincon makes specialist mining equipment and floated on the stock market in 2013. The Purcell family currently own 57 per cent of the company, which is run by son Joseph.

Next up is 51-year-old Domhnall

Slattery who takes the 170th spot on the national rich list. Worth a total of €95 million, the former GPA executive made a small fortune when he sold aircraft leasing company Avalon to Bohai. Slattery is now based in Hong Kong, where he still runs Avalon.

He recently paid €5.6 million for a house on Shrewsbury Road, previously owned by Sean Dunne.

Clare born Louis Fitzgerald comes in at number 197 with his €77 million fortune. The 72 year old and his family own Dublin’s biggest pub empire, including the Stag’s Head and Kehoe’s, as well as the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel.

Next up is the Mangan family who just about make the list at number 242 with a combined worth of €52 million.

Founded in 1932, the Clare based wholesale business sold in 2008 to BWG, with turnover of €200 million.

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THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Jaguar jobs roar into Shannon

150 new jobs is ‘major validation’ of investment in Shannon Free Zone STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

S

HANNON Group plc, has said that this week’s announcement

by Jaguar Land Rover of a 150 job investment is major validation of the ambitious investment programme at the Shannon Free Zone.

Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed that it will locate its new software engineering centre at two new state-ofthe-art buildings at the Shannon Free Zone, a four-storey office block and an advanced technology engineering unit, which combined provide almost 90,000 sq. ft to meet their needs.

The buildings have been newly developed by Shannon Commercial Property, a Shannon Group company, as part of a €40m first phase development of its wider investment programme launched at the Free Zone in

2015. The programme aims to develop cutting edge office/commercial space to attract new FDI and local companies and bring additional employment.

Welcoming the Jaguar Land Rover announcement, Shannon Commercial Properties MD Ray O’Driscoll said it was huge endorsement of the investment undertaken by the company.

“We welcome this announcement by Jaguar Land Rover and look forward to helping to make their very exciting commitment to this region a successful one.

This is hugely positive news for Shannon Group and, indeed, for the region. To have a premium global brand establish a new base here speaks volumes for the attractiveness of this region,” he said.

“It validates the ambitious programme we embarked on just over two years

l ANNOUNCEMENT: Jaguar Land Rover has confirmed the addition of 150 jobs in its facility in the Shannon Free Zone

ago to develop facilities that would be capable of winning major inward investment just like this. The fact that our new business accommodation is being snapped up so readily reaffirms that our confidence in the Shannon Free Zone as an attractive location for major national and international brands is well placed.”

Shannon Group CEO Matthew Thomas said: “The 150 jobs are testament to a bold and well thought out investment programme by Shannon Commercial Properties delivering state-of-the-art facilities.

“We have a brilliant combination of newly developed sites in the Shan-

non Free Zone next door to a fantastic international airport that creates a compelling proposition for business. It is no surprise that over 40 per cent of US FDI companies in Ireland are within Shannon Airport’s catchment area.”

Shannon Group Chairman Rose Hynes added: “Jaguar Land Rover is one of the world’s best known premium brands and to have it commit to such a significant investment in Shannon is one of the biggest announcements for the Shannon Free Zone in decades. This is a very positive day for Shannon and the wider region and, we believe, is going to be followed by other similar announcements over the coming years.”

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Drumcliffe ‘too difficult to navigate’ ELAINE TUBRIDY news@clareecho.ie

M

AYOR of Ennis Paul Murphy has called on Clare County Council to change the naming system of Drumcliffe Cemetery.

It follows a suggestion from author Flan Hehir, who recently launched a book on Drumcliffe cemetery, to make the graveyard more personal and easier to navigate.

No one knows exactly how many people are buried there, but Drumcliffe Registrar Michael Flanagan’s best estimate places the headstone count at just over 3,000.

There is also a cholera grave (350 buried approx), a famine grave (>2000) and a paupers grave (unknown amount) in the old cemetery.

As well as this, there are 408 double graves in the new section, which leaves roughly enough space for the next 14 years.

“It would make it a lot easier. The graveyard is huge and you have people going around in circles looking for graves for hours on end and getting frustrated. It can be upsetting enough without having trouble to find a grave,” Mr Murphy said.

Paul and Flan suggested moving from the letter and number system to dividing the graveyard into section with names of native Irish trees. For example, the council could plant a willow tree in a section, which would be known as the willow section.

“We’re now gone from being a mainly Catholic country to being a multi denominational country as well.

“So you need something that’s neutral to all faiths as well so that’s why we suggested that trees might be the way to go...The days of naming everything after Catholic saints is gone. It’s probably for the better. We have a country with different cultures you know so we have to respect them,” Mr Murphy added.

NEWS 5

Flood works to begin soon STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

MINISTER Pat Breen is confident work will begin on the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme in the very near future, as the Office of Public Works (OPW) confirms it has completed its review of the project’s tender evaluation.

The OPW had asked for a Report on the Tender Evaluation process for this third phase of the Ennis Flood Relief Scheme from Clare County Council.

“There were certain matters that required close consideration as part of the review of the report, including project costs, but the OPW worked closely with the local authority and its consultants in order to fully clarify these matters,” said

the Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market & Data Protection.

“The OPW has informed me that it has now completed its review and expects to be in contact with Clare Country Council on the matter very shortly. It is hoped that construction will commence shortly thereafter.”

“The sooner the work begins the sooner frustration of residents effected by flooding in this area of Ennis can be alleviated. I sincerely hope this is the beginning of the end of flooding issues in this part of Ennis.

“The OPW has already allocated €4.71 million in funding to the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme. Works proposed un-

der the scheme include a Flood Overflow Culvert from St. Flannan’s Stream to the Clare Abbey flood plain, a Flood Overflow Culvert from Ballybeg Stream to the Clare Abbey flood plain, and the upgrade of the existing flood defence embankment between the Quin Road and the Clarecastle tidal barrage, including rehabilitation and construction of sluices,” he said.

Flood Relief works have previously been carried out from Bank Place to Doora Bridge, Watery Road/Elm Park and the Fior Uisce Estate following serious flooding in 2009.

Over €18 million has been invested in the upper and lower schemes.

6

NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

West Clare wonderwomen bring joy to asylum seekers

Members of the Miltown Malbay group known as The Melting Pot explain why they have decided to send 80 asylum seeker mammies, daddies and children on holidays to West Clare ELAINE TUBRIDY

news@clareecho.ie

for the weekend.

The Melting Pot held a very successful fundraising evening in The Westbridge, Miltown Malbay before Christmas.

Some women came from Knocklisheen for the event and one of them stood up to talk about their experience.

“When she spoke, we looked around and you could see that other women were quite tearful and Yvonne just spoke from the heart.

“She spoke about what life was like living in a direct provision centre and one thing she said was if somebody was convicted of an offence and they got a prison sentence, they would be told this is the length of time for which you are going

‘‘

l INSPIRING: Miltown Malbay book club members who formed the melting pot. (back row L-R) Rosie Coakley, Emer McCarthy, Lorna Cahill, Fiona Whyte (front row L-R) Phil Martin, Carol Akroyd, Eileen Ryan, Irene Burden, Brigid Rynne (missing from photo, Sally O’Dwyer, Shona Blake, Gillian Simpson) and (inset) Des Cahill

‘‘

IT’S not often we get to help the people in need we read about in books, but a book club in West Clare have decided to do just that.

Lorna Cahill and her fellow readers found that a lot of the stories they were reading were based on asylum seekers.

They decided to get in touch with the Knocklisheen Accommodation Centre to see what they could do to help out.

The book club soon started to meet the women in Knocklisheen every Wednesday for coffee and a chat.

As they got to know the people living in the centre and learned about the struggles they go through, they decided to organise a holiday for them.

“As the months went by we kept saying we really should do something and we all acknowledged that we live in a very privileged part of the world we’re here in West Clare, we’re on the beach, it’s beautiful, it’s gorgeous,” Lorna said.

The book club rebranded themselves as The Melting Pot (though they have kept the book club going) and got cracking on plans to bring 80 mammies, daddies and kids to West Clare at the end of February.

“It will be quite a structured weekend. We are going to lay on a lot of activities; for instance Quilty Holiday Cottages have given us a lovely two bedroom house for the weekend, but they have also given us free use of their swimming pool all weekend with life guards,” Lorna added.

Glynn’s coaches have offered to collect the families from Knocklisheen and drop them back at the end of the holiday.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience have donated free parking spaces and access to the Visitor Centre.

The Melting Pot are still looking for people to help transport the families to and from their activities throughout the weekend and they hope to bring the holiday makers to the beach if the weather holds up.

They are also looking for accommodation for the families

When she spoke, we looked around and you could see that other women were quite tearful

to be incarcerated.

“But when you’re living in direct provision, you’re not actually given the time span or a date,” Lorna added.

The Melting Pot still have a ways to go before they can afford to bring the families to West Clare, so they are set to hold another fundraiser this weekend.

They have organised a family fun day in Supervalu and Londis in Miltown Malbay this Friday.

RTÉ sports presenter and Dancing with the Stars contestant Des Cahill will be on hand for a bag packing stint with local sports heroes.

Customer receipts will be entered into a draw to take place on the hour, every hour, in both Supervalu and Londis resulting in eight receipts from each shop being entered in a final draw to take place at 5pm.

First prize winners in both Supervalu and Londis will have their shopping personally paid for

by Des Cahill (maximum 100 euro each) and both winners can enjoy an Irish coffee with him in Londis.

Activities planned will include, bag packing, free face painting, balloons, complimentary mulled wine to name a few. Des will also choose a winner of the children’s colouring competition and will then present them with their prizes.

Get in touch with Lorna Cahill on 085-1134928 for more information.

NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

More the Merrier as winter school celebrates 50th year THE 50th consecutive Scoil Gheimhridh Merriman (Merriman Winter School) will be held in Ennis the weekend of 26-28 January 2018 - and while activities are all in Irish, there’s always a lively bilingual element at the Merriman schools. ‘Éigse Éireann go hAonteach’ is the theme; the organisers are Máire Ní Neachtain and Liam Ó Dochartaigh and the winter school is run in partnership with the Ennis-based language initiative ‘An Clár as Gaeilge’.

The first Merriman winter school was held in Nenagh in January 1969, organised by Seán Ó and Eoghan Ó hAnluain. Among those who spoke at the school were Máirtín Ó Cadhain, Seán Ó Ríordáin and Máirtín Ó Direáin and the young poet Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill read her own composition for the assembled ‘scholars’.

Nuala will be a participant again in the 50th Scoil Gheimhridh (Saturday, 27 January). She will be in conversation with Professor Patricia Coughlan (UCC and a Limerick native). Among the topics anticipated will be her ‘céadsearc’, her ‘first love’, the great songs of the Munster poets, a selection of which will be sung on the night by Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh.

Other prominent writers of Irish who will feature are Máirín Nic Eoin agus Alan Titley; they will be interviewed by Cathal Póirtéir, teasing out their views on

how creative writing and scholarship in Irish provide another view of - and from – Ireland (‘súil eile ar Éirinn’; ‘súil eile as Éirinn’).

Not all events will be retrospective. Siobhán Ní Ghadhra (director of Eo Telefís, producers of ‘Ros na Rún’), the performance poet, Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin, and author and publisher Darach Ó Scolaí (Leabhar Breac) will discuss contemporary writing in Irish, which is thriving. The concluding event will be the renowned poet Doireann Ní Ghríofa, a native of Ennis, reading from her own work, and a selection of other favourites, interspersed with the best of trad music from Clare.

A staple of Scoil Gheimhridh Merriman is book launches. Books on Brian Merriman (a stage adaptation

by Celia de Fréine), Antoine Raiftearaí (a new edition of songs and poems first published by Douglas Hyde), and studies on the literature of childhood and on the novel in Irish will be suitably sent on their way.

The principal location will be the Old Ground Hotel (the School will transfer to the Rowan Tree for Saturday afternoon). The Old Ground was the main location for the first Merriman Summer School in Ennis in 1968.

The customary good company is anticipated, along with lively conversation, music and song, and plenty of good humour to help disperse the gloom of winter.

l LAUNCH: Organising committee members Dónal Ó hAiniféin (Principal, Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg) Liam Ó Dochartaigh (Cathaoirleach, Cumann Merriman) Sara Nic Conmara (Development Officer An Clár as Gaeilge) and Brian O’Dálaigh (Cumann Merriman)

7

8 FEATURE

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Jesus would Bishop Fintan Monahan discusses how the Church must adapt with modern technology ELAINE TUBRIDY

D

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

l FRANK DISCUSSION: Bishop Fintan spoke to The Clare Echo about the challenges facing the Church from his home at Westbourne in Ennis this week

ESPITE arriving late to the Bishop's House after being led astray by Google Maps, Bishop Fintan Monahan didn’t bat an eyelid.

Half a century ago, you wouldn't DARE turn up late for the Bishop, let alone not be aware of his place of residence. How times have changed.

Bishop Fintan gave a very warm welcome and was more than happy to show The Clare Echo around Westbourne, which holds its own fascinating history, but that’s a story for another day.

The rocky lead-up to the meeting is a sign of the times, with regular churchgoer numbers and vocations plummeting.

Bishop Monahan’s welcome is also a sign of the changing times as the modern, forward looking Bishop is moving with them.

He is known for having a fairly sizeable social media following and made the reporter’s week when he asked for a selfie at

the end of the lengthy discussion.

But he says he is doing what Jesus did, using the technology of the day to spread the Good News of the Gospel.

“It’s a modern phenomenon and Jesus would have used whatever medium he could at the time. I’m not unique in that.

“There are many other bishops, Bishop Eamon Martin, who is the Primate of All Ireland has a huge following on his social media profile. Pope Francis himself has something like 20 million followers on Twitter with all of his different languages and everything.

“But I suppose we are in the business of communication as followers of Jesus Christ and we’re proclaiming the good news and we use every medium,” Bishop Monahan said.

He recognises that Church attendances are dropping and social media is a way to reach people who may not know all of the right times to kneel or stand at Mass, but who are still very much spiritual people.

“That would be the big impetus that Pope Francis has, is that you reach out to the margins at any opportunity that you can to reach people that you wouldn’t ordinarily

FEATURE

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

9

have been a Twitter user “His English isn’t great so I don’t know if he knew what I was saying but I made the effort anyway... it isn’t for lack of effort if he comes or doesn’t come,” Bishop Monahan said.

Bishop Monahan was happy to discuss at length the problem of church attendance dropping, vocations falling and ageing priests, but he said it’s a problem the Church has faced more than once before and will probably bounce back from again.

‘‘

‘‘

I certainly invited the Pope to come to Killaloe l SELFIE: Bishop Fintan took time out for a selfie with our reporter Elaine Tubridy

meet by being in your diocesan office or in the church and social media is a good opportunity to do that,” he added.

He does admit to getting sucked into the odd Facebook scroll like the rest of us, but he is fairly disciplined when it comes to screen time (unlike the rest of us).

So it’s the big question we all want the answer to. Is the Pope coming to Co Clare?

We don’t know.

Bishop Monahan pointed out that the Pope’s visit will not be a pastoral one, as well as the fact that he is not a young man, but there is still hope that he will stop by.

“Some people would love if he came to Holy Island which would be great, or Scattery Island or Canon Island or somewhere significant like that and you know when we were out there last year in Rome I certainly invited the Pope to come to Killaloe.

“There have been troughs and great times in the Church. It’s going through a difficult time at the moment. It goes through phases where it’s strong and other times where it isn’t. A lot of the big empires have come and gone. The Roman Empire is gone.

The Church is still continuing. It’s still the Church of Jesus Christ.

“It may be sinful, it may have difficult times, but it’s still there. In the 1950s in

Ireland and 1960s, there were a huge number of vocations, a huge number attending, but then if you look back 50 or 60 years prior to that there wasn’t a huge attendance or there wasn’t a huge vocation rate,” he added.

He said that people tend to come back to the Church in times of difficulty, with the Celtic Tiger crash the most recent example.

He made the point a number of times that just because people are not attending Sunday services, it doesn’t mean they have stepped away from the Church completely.

“The fact that they are not going to regular practise on Sunday, it doesn’t mean that people aren’t religious or they don’t have faith. You see it at Christmas time where the churches were absolutely full and you see it again on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

“The Church of course would prefer that they were practising their faith and observing the rituals that are recommended, so I just don’t know how it will go.”

There have been plans for a major Diocesan overhaul in the works for a number of years and Bishop Monahan plans to implement them sooner rather than later.

However, he doesn’t have plans to start closing churches any time soon.

“But the services that are there, it’s almost impossible to maintain that. So we’re looking at ways, first of all with the cluster system set up. That was an effort to rationalise things but we even have to be much more radical than that,” Bishop Monahan added.

The changing face of Communion and how we celebrate...

COMMUNION IN MODERN-DAY SCHOOLS STATE-RUN schools are removing formal religious instruction for pupils in Ireland which includes preparation for the First Communion, it was announced last September.

The move came from Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), as schools debate the place of religion in the classroom.

Nowadays, schools operate under a multi-belief programme in their classes but there is time allocated for religious instruction.

This can take the form of a number of things - but most of us will remember it as all the time spent rehearsing for our Communion before the big day finally arrived and we celebrated with our family with lunch, and possibly a visit to the Burren or Bunratty if we were lucky.

According to the changes, students will still receive religious instruction and practice for their Holy Communion but it will be done outside the school day.

SHOPPING The day itself is a happy one, but can

be expensive which is why it’s important to shop around when dressing up your loved one.

Depending on where you are based, The Family Store in Kilrush and CD2 in Ennis are very good starting points as they specifically cater for suits for the young’uns (and girls communion dresses in the case of The Family Store).

WHERE DID COMMUNION COME FROM? The early Church celebrated Jesus by taking communion, sometimes every day. They saw that every time they gathered around a table to eat and drink, it was a chance to recognize Jesus and thank God for all He’s done.

Jesus started the tradition of communion. He instructed His followers to use bread and wine to remember the sacrifice He was going to make when He died for our sins on the cross.

Jesus called Himself “the bread of life,” which means that we’re nourished

by Him, we survive because of Him, and He satisfies us when everything else leaves us empty. There’s a connection between our nearness to Jesus, believing in Him, and being fulfilled by Him.

l DAY TO REMEMBER: Robert with mum Claudine and dad Robbie Keane on his Communion day Image: Instagram/Robbiekeane

CD2 has you sorted for his special day AT LOWER Market Street, Ennis, CD2 offers excellent quality clothing for young boys and teenagers (8 – 16yrs).

Whether it’s casual or formal, CD2 have what you’re looking for

with brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Farrah, Lyle & Scot, Losan and Converse to name but a few.

With Confirmations and Communions coming up, CD2 have smart Jackets, Chinos,

Shirts and knits to suit your son on his special day.

The friendly staff will help you choose the best colour and style for the occasion.

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

€3m vessel for Doolin STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

ACCESSING Ireland’s most popular offshore destination, the Aran Islands, and the Cliffs of Moher by sea is to get more comfortable, faster and environmentally friendly thanks to a record investment by one of the best known sea faring families in Clare.

In what will be the biggest single private transport infrastructure investment on the Wild Atlantic Way, the Garrihy family run business, Doolin2Aran Ferries, has commissioned a state of the art, €3m new vessel that is being built by OCEA Shipbuilding in La Rochelle, France. This is the first ship to be built for the port of Doolin this decade.

Doolin2Aran Ferries is owned and operated by the Garrihy family from Doolin, who have been operating commercially on the seas around Doolin for half a century.

The 26meter vessel will be the fastest and most comfortable domestic cruise ship on the entire Irish coast. It will operate daily sailings to the Aran Islands as well as the cruise to the foot of the Cliffs of Moher.

In production since late October, the

200-seat vessel will have the highest specification. It will incorporate system built seating and air conditioning, and the most advanced computerised stability system.

The ship also embraces the latest in terms of environmentally friendly technologies with a high-tech, on-board waste water treatment plant and TIER ii advanced low emission energy efficient engines.

On completion, the Doolin2Aran Ferries vessel will be sailed back from La Rochelle, with stops in Brest in North West France before making its way to Doolin where it will join the fleet of Doolin2Aran Ferries vessels.

Commenting on the investment, Eugene Garrihy of Doolin2Aran Ferries said: “We worked hard to get the new improved pier facilities at Doolin and now we are investing in this state of the art vessel. We have grown the business year on year and we feel the time is right to take our business to a new level with this investment. The Wild Atlantic Way is proving a global tourism phenomenon and we have to respond in the industry by improving the quality of our offering to ever more discerning customers.”

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NEWS 11

12 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE lSTOMPING GROUND: I was back in the DWTS Ireland studios to cheer on Marty

THE NOTEBOOK

B

LUE Monday is behind us and I can already feel a stretch in the evenings!

It’s great to be over the first couple of weeks of January, which, for a lot of people can be the toughest of the year. I’m trying to stick to resolutions and objectives for the year ahead but it’s not always easy! Checking in with yourself and readjusting things in your own life to help improve your overall wellbeing is so important and now is a great time to do it. I’ve had a busy fort-

CLARE

night. Last week, I shot the brand new Spring/Summer campaign for Knight and Day Jewellery.

The new collection is gorgeous and I’m so delighted to be an ambassador for this wonderful Irish brand for another season. Watch this space for the new catalogue coming soon! I also had my debut in the kitchen for a stint on TV3’s The Restaurant and what a busy day it was.

Luckily I had a little crash course with Clare Head Chef Peter Jackson beforehand and so I didn’t go in completely blind! It was certainly daunting cooking for Marco Pierre White and Rachel Allen and anxiously anticipating their reactions to each dish. Tune in to the new season

to find out how I got on! I was back in my old stomping ground to cheer Marty and all the contestants of the new series of Dancing with the Stars on last week. I’m so impressed with the standard this year, especially the ladies! Week one down and there is some serious talent emerging. However, it was great to see Marty keep up with that super quick quickstep and no doubt he has lots more up is his sleeve in the coming weeks!

Don’t forget to vote!

I’m so excited and proud of my sister Doireann who has launched her brand new comedy pilot for the RTE Player this week. If you have not seen it yet, check out The Doireann Project. It’s sure to put a smile on your face.

lCOOKING UP SOMETHING NEW: I had my debut in the kitchen for a stint on TV3’s The Restaurant

COVET IN NEW COLLECTION I get so excited to see the new season stock arriving in to stores mid January and I am SO ready for SS18!

Check out this Crane Print, easy to wear, Willow beauty. €220

BAG A BARGAIN The winter sales are still in full flight and these Chanel inspired boots are too good to leave behind! Grab them now at Nozomi, Ennis for just €150

PRETTY IN PUFFA January is the month to invest in a stylish jacket and this Adidas number will see you nicely to the gym or out for a Sunday walk with the dog. Available at Lifestyle Sports, Ennis and Shannon €120

COLUMNIST 13

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

lNEW PROJECT: Doireann Garrihy’s show is sure to put a smile on your face

Top 5 Groups, Clubs and Societies worth joining this January CLARE CRUSADERS RUNNING GROUP

1

Reach your fitness goals, meet new people and raise funds for the wonderful work carried out at the Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic. The Clare Crusaders Running Group meet every Saturday at 8am at Darcey’s Corner in Ennis. See clarecrusaders.ie for more.

2

AMATEUR DRAMA SOCIETY

Whether you have always imagined your name in lights or you love the idea of costume or set design, directing or writing, your local drama society is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the theatre and with some of the countries best groups around Clare you will be spoiled for choice!

THE BURREN CHILDREN’S CHOIR

3

The Burren Children’s Choir are a fantastic bunch of enthusiastic young singers from all over North Clare. Meeting every Wednesday in Teach Ceoil, Ennistymon, to sing a variety of songs providing the perfect outlet for any child looking to make new friends and feel part of something unique.

4

COAST AND CLIFF RESCUE SERVICE

Clare being a coastal county means we rely quite heavily on our valued volunteers in the coast guard. These active members gain qualifications in a range of skills, such as boat handling, first aid, VHF radio operation, navigation, search management and sea survival. For more info visit doolincoastguard.com

CLARE CUT BACK ON CAFFEINE Sleep is crucial and our obsession with coffee should really cease by noon! A healthy alternative is Pukka tea, available in a range of blends with a whole host of benefits. Pick up a box in any health food store today.

PICK ME UP I found this book last year and it’s exactly the pocket sized companion one should have in these dismal January days.

Packed full of feel good inspiration this book is available to buy at The Kilkenny Shop, Ennis €9.95

SPANISH POINT GOLF CLUB

5

One of the counties best loved links courses, Spanish Point Golf Club have some fantastic winter membership deals on offer so brush up your putting skills and you’ll be paring every hole before long!

HAPPENINGS

SHANNONSIDE WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL: Between Thursday 18th and Monday 22nd almost 80 concerts, pub gigs, sessions, and shows will keep the villages of Sixmilebridge and Bunratty buzzing and bouncing with acts from far and wide, as well as the cream of local talent. See wmw.ie for more.

STEP TO THE WEST: Kicking off it’s 11th year of set dancing, everything from Sean Nos workshops, to Ceilis, to the many sessions – both planned and impromptu, you will be toe tapping all weekend!

January 27th-29th Falls Hotel, Ennistymon ARMADA WEDDING EXHIBITION: For all the brides and grooms to be, this is your one stop shop for all things wedding related with over 40 wedding exhibitors, food demos and tours. Join Doireann, Ailbhe and I for a day of bridal bliss! January 28th 1-4pm Armada Hotel, Spanish Point.

14 COMMEMORATION

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

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

60 years on, crowds gather to mark Carmody Hotel disaster Six decades after the Abbey Street disaster in Ennis, family, relatives, friends and locals gathered at the site of the former Carmody Hotel on Abbey Street to pay respect to the eight people who lost thier lives ON SUNDAY a large crowd gathered in Ennis to pay their respects to those who lost their lives in the Carmody Hotel disaster of Abbey Street, which claimed some eight lives and injured many more 60 years ago this week.

Described as a black day for Clare, Wednesday January 15, 1958, saw a crowd of between 50 and 60 people gather in an upstairs room of Carmody’s Hotel, Abbey Street, Ennis, for an auction when the floor collapsed.

The eight victims of the 1958 Carmody’s Hotel Disaster were, Brigit Byrne (38) Kilrush, Josephine Carmody(50) Barefield, Margaret Coffee (41) Killoo, Clarecastle, Nora Considine (60) Corofin, Ernest De Regge (57), Bindon Street, En-

nis, Thomas Donlon (13) Bindon Street, Ennis, James Fitzgibbon (65) Marian Avenue, Ennis, Helena McNamara (73) Crusheen.

On Sunday, many family members of the victims, along with people who remember the day, took part in a commemoration ceremony of the sad day.

These included Aine Hyland, sister of Tomás Donlon, the youngest victim; Kathleen Quin, daughter of victim Nora Considine who was from Corofin, and many more.

A Mass ceremony in the Cathedral also took place to mark the tragic day, while John Bradley of the Clare Roots Society also launched a glossy book on the Carmody’s Hotel Ennis Tragedy at the commemoration to mark the 60th.

MARK OF RESPECT: The crowd at the Carmody’s Hotel commemoration on Sunday

Photo by Eamon Ward

Chinese delegation visit County Clare Clare County Council on Monday afternoon hosted a visiting delegation from the Department of Transport Administration, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.

The Mayor of Clare Councillor Tom McNamara and Clare County Council Chief Executive Pat Dowling hosted a meeting at Áras Contae an Chláir.

Director of Economic Development Brian Mc Carthy provided a presentation and overview of County Clare while the Chinese Delegation outlined opportunities for mutual co-operation.

l MAKING FRIENDS: Members of Clare County Council meeting with a delegation from Zhengzhou, China

Photos by Eamon Ward

COMMEMORATION 15

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018 REFLECTION: Gabriel Keating chatting to Sr Rionach Donlon, Aine Hyland, Eithne O’Riordan and Eilis Humphreys at the launch of John Bradley’s book on the Carmody’s Hotel Ennis Tragedy at the commemoration to mark the 60th anniversary Photo by Eamon Ward

MEMORIAL: Family of the victims at the commemoration to mark the 60th anniversary Photo by Eamon Ward

FAMILY MEMBER: Kathleen Quin, daughter of victim Nora Considine at the 60th anniversary commemoration of Carmody’s Hotel Tragedy, which saw the first floor of the hotel collapse leaving eight people dead and 25 injured Photo by Eamon Ward

l HISTORIC: Jane Halloran-Ryan, Clare Roots Society, Paul Murphy, Mayor of Ennis, Eric Shaw, Clare Roots Society and John Bradley at the launch of John Bradley’s book on the Carmody’s Hotel Ennis Tragedy

Photo by Eamon Ward

PERSONAL TRAGEDY: Aine Hyland, sister of Tomás Donlon, the youngest victim Photo by Eamon Ward

16 INTERACTIVE

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

A new era of

INTERACTION twitter.com/ ClareEcho

facebook.com/ clareecho

instagram.com/ theclareecho

www.clareecho.ie

Facebook comment Tweet of the week of the week

‘‘

‘‘From the high rocky slopes at the Cliffs of Dooneen’ That came to mind ....The Christy Moore version when I saw the word Kilrush.

Love his music’ Regina Herlihy Wallace

in reaction to story ‘Kilrush woman to appear on Winning Streak’

TOMMY BOWE @TommyBowe14

I’ve spent most of my career in Belfast, At first George said I wasn’t very fast, I eventually found my gears, Had some incredible years, But it’s time to tell you - this is my last!

THIS STORY REACHED 9,835 PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK

Bosco comes to Co Clare KNOCK knock, open wide, see what’s on the other side. Knock knock, any more, come with me through the magic door.

Got any plans for Saturday, February 17?

Cancel them.

We were very excited to learn that Bosco is coming to glor in Ennis to go on an adventure with Hansel and Gretel.

The Bosco theme song

will stir up major nostalgia in people of a certain vintage, with Faherty’s Garden, the Magic Door and Make and Do immediately taking us back three decades.

Tickets cost a reasonable €10, or €35 for a family of four.

Check out boscosbox. com for more info and a trip down memory lane.

Entertainment

Feast of music in Sixmilebridge and Bunratty this weekend Shannonside Winter Music Festival now in its 19th Year

T

HE Shannonside Winter Music Festival, which commences this Thursday, January 18 and runs through to Monday 22, will deliver a hectic schedule of 80 events across 15 locations between Sixmilebridge and Bunratty in Co Clare, bringing an eclectic mix of music styles to brighten the gloomiest winter.

The 2018 trad highlight is the Saturday concert with fiddle legend Frankie Gavin and concertina master Noel Hill, joined by pianist Brian McGrath, while bluegrass fans look forward to the return of Greg Blake who has formed a special band from an elite collection of topnotch American bluegrass artistes.

Jimmy Bozeman & the Lazy Pigs, bring honky tonk / country-bluegrass sounds from the Czech Rep. and from France, Sarah Savoy is back playing wild Cajun tunes.

On the home front, Luka Bloom makes his first festival appearance. From Mayo, Flat Out bring trad and original folk while Coda bring sweet mellow harmonies. The Polyphonics Barbershop Chorus join in from Cork, and DD and the Delta Blues band will rock down from Donegal. Cork is well represented with Two Time Polka (Cajun) replacing Skazz on the schedule and Cork poetry group

O’Bhéal, headed by Paul Casey will give festival goers a break from all the music on Saturday at 5pm. Swiss country band Maple Tree Circus are back, as are the Athenry Youth Orchestra who partner with an exciting young band from Dublin, ReGroovanation. Classic Bluegrass will be provided by the group Woodbine while festival favourites, The Fake McCoy’s will entertain with their ragtime county blues.

A full-day of concerts at Bunratty Folk Park gives the day tripper a chance to experience a variety of songs and tunes.

Singer’s sessions featuring members of Coda, Brian O’Rourke, Aidan Agnew and Grainne Hunt along with representatives from many of the other bands will fill the pubs with atmosphere.

As always, the set dancing featuring Johnny Reidy in Bunratty Castle Hotel is always well supported, and sessions throughout both villages will feature the best of local and visiting talent. Ruaile Buaile will close the festival on Sunday at one of the great new stages available to the festival this year.

Festival director Brendan Walsh, who initiated the festival and continues to work with the organising committee to increase the content each year says: “This is the hidden gem in the Irish music and

festival calendar and is a great start to the year. We are always delighted with the numbers that support us. It’s a festival for eclectic music lovers and families, organised by musicians with families and that’s why we have mixed music in pubs with the music trail day in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. This gives families the opportunity to savour all of the acts in a non-pub environment. Its appeal is growing year on year. We can’t wait for he music to begin on Thursday.”

All music, except the headline concerts and Bunratty Folk Park are free of charge. Ticketed concerts can be booked online, at the venues or at the Festival office in Bunratty Castle Hotel over the weekend. A shuttle bus will run hourly between Sixmilebridge and Bunratty each day, commencing at 7pm on Friday and Saturday and 10.30am on Sunday.

Full Festival details available online or in the festival brochure; copies of which will be available at each of the participating venues or at the Festival office, which opens at 4pm on Friday.

The Shannonside Winter Music Festival is supported by the Arts Council, Fáilte Ireland, Clare County Council, Metis Ireland, Shannon Springs Hotel and Lenmac Services.

Check out the Facebook page or wmw.ie

ECLECTIC MIX: Clockwise from main image; Sarah Savoy and The Francadians, Frankie Gavin, Greg Blake and The Bluegrass Band and Luka Bloom

TALENTED: Great musical duo Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones from Virginia

CLARE TO HOST IRELAND’S FIRST EVER OLD TIME APPALACHIAN MUSIC GATHERING

IRELAND’S first ever ‘Old Time Appalachian Musicians Gathering’ is to take place in County Clare next month.

Staged at the Roadside Tavern and Burren Storehouse in Lisdoonvarna February 16-18, the event will feature leading old time musicians from Ireland as well as the US, UK and elsewhere.

“An annual gathering like this has never been held before in Ireland, but has happened for decades in the US, for example over 5000 musicians meeting up at Clifftop in West Virginia, and on a smaller scale in Gainsborough in England,” said event organiser Andy Lambert.

Old Time music refers to the musical culture of descendants of the early settlers in the backwoods of the Appalachian mountains, stretching from Canada to Alabama. The music derived primarily from tunes and ballads of Ireland, Scotland and England, subsequently absorbing influences from other European nationalities and rural blues musicians.

Scattered across Ireland there are many old time music enthusiasts and musicians who hold regular sessions in Dublin, Belfast, Cork, Galway, Sligo, Clare and Carrick-on-Shannon.

“Many Irish musicians say they are interested, and this will enable them to mix with and learn from some of the best players from Ireland, and from the US and UK old time communities. And it made sense to host this event in County Clare with its rich traditional music heritage”, Andy observed. There will be workshops for fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and flatfoot dancing.

Amongst those attending will be Dan Levenson, considered to be one of the US’s finest Appalachian musicians. Joining him will be a great musical duo Erynn Marshall and Carl Jones from Virginia. Details of these artists can be seen at www.irisholdtime.com The three-day event kicks off at the Roadside tavern on Friday night at 7pm with informal jam sessions throughout the evening. Sessions will continue through Saturday daytime alongside workshops for registered participants. These will take place in the Roadside Tavern and various venues nearby in Lisdoonvarna.

The cost for the weekend is €15 per person, or €10 for those registering before January 31. Entry to the barndance in the Burren Storehouse is also open to non-participants for €10 from 7pm on Saturday February 17.

For more information and to register for the event go to www.irisholdtime.com

18 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

Always try to be kind There are many ways in our daily lives that we can practice kindness

 SMILING: A smile from you could brighten someone’s day

A

T the start of each new year I always try to dedicate the year to kindness and being kind to people and to try and treat people the way I would like to be treated. Another thing I am always mindful at this time of the year is of what Abraham Lincoln once said: “Kindness is the only service that will stand the storms of life and not wash out. It will wear well and be remembered long after the prism of politeness or the complexion of courtesy has faded away. When I am gone, I hope it can be said of me that I plucked a thistle and planted a flower wherever I thought a flower would grow.”

In the quest to create a gentler, more loving world, kindness is the easiest tool we can use. Though it is easy to overlook opportunities to be kind, our lives are full of situations in which we can be helpful, considerate, thoughtful, caring, loving and friendly to loved ones as well as strangers. The touching, selfless acts of kindness that have the most profoundly uplifting effects are often the simplest: a word of praise, a gentle touch, a helping hand, a gesture of courtesy, a listening ear, the lighting of a prayer candle, a hug or a smile. Such small kindnesses represent an unconditional form of love that we are free to give or withhold at will.

When you give the gift of kindness, whether in the form of assistance, concern, or friendliness, your actions create a beacon of happiness and hope that warms people’s hearts. All living beings thrive on kindness. A single, sincere compliment can turn a person’s entire world around. Holding a door, or thanking someone who has held a door for you, can inspire others to practice politeness and make already kind individuals feel good about their efforts. Smiling at people you meet, even those who make you feel like frowning, can turn a dreary encounter into a delightful one, for both of you. Every kind act has a positive influence on the individual who has performed the act as well as on the recipient, regardless of whether the act is acknowledged. Kindness brings about more kindness.

 PHONE A FRIEND: Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while

DO GOOD

Helping and being kind to others is not only a good thing to do, it also makes us happier. Giving also connects us to others and helps to build a happier society for everyone. And it’s not all about money, we can also give of our time and energy. So if you want to feel good, do good! Doing things for others, whether small, unplanned acts or regular volunteering is a powerful way to boost our own happiness as well as of those around us. The people we help may be strangers, family, friends, colleagues or neighbors. They can be old or young, nearby or far away.

Giving to others can be as simple as a single kind word, smile or a thoughtful gesture. It can include giving time, care, skills, thought or attention. Acts of kindness increases life satisfaction provides a sense of meaning, increases feelings of competence, improves our mood and reduced stress. It can help to take our minds off our own troubles too.

Giving to others helps us connect with people and meets one of our basic human needs - relatedness.

Kindness and caring also seem to be contagious. When we see someone do something kind or thoughtful, or we are on the receiving end of kindness, it inspires us to be kinder ourselves. Kindness and selfless giving really are the key to creating a happier, more trusting community. So this year I am deliberately going to try and nourish my soul with acts of kindness. The following is a list of acts of kindness that we can all do and you can add to the list if you want. ‘Say “I love you” to the people you love. Hold the door open for the person behind you.

Let someone out in front of you in traffic. Give something to the homeless or a charity in need especially if you can, your time. Write a thank

you note to one of your teachers or someone that supported you in the past or present and let them know how grateful you are for them. Call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Put some money in the parking meter or on the cafe bill for the next person.

Help the elderly and parents with small children. Thank the men and women in uniform. Smile and say hello to a complete stranger. Pay someone’s toll. Be kind to people and animals. Pick up a cheque in a restaurant. Volunteer in your community. Practice gratitude everyday and simply be kind. Take a minute to direct someone who is lost. Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbour. Give a homeless person a tea or a friendly listening ear. Help a mother carry her baby stroller up the shopping centre stairs. Each time you get a new item of clothing, give away something old. Bring your colleagues coffee. Out of the blue, send flowers to a friend. Say “please” and “thank you”— and really mean it. When you’re on a crowded train or bus, offer your seat to an elderly, disabled or pregnant person. Don’t interrupt when someone is explaining themselves.

Let a fellow driver merge into your lane. Forgive someone a debt–and never bring it up again. Listen with all your senses. Help as much as you can the most vulnerable and needy in our society. Write a note to the boss of someone who helps you, and explain how great a job that person is doing. Simply say “I’m sorry” when you’re wrong.

Encourage someone who seems despondent. Ask someone “How are you really doing?”—and then really listen to there response. Add to your own list of acts of kindness you can do this year.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, make it your goal and habit to be actively looking for opportunities to show kindness to one another and to others. Practice genuine kindness as much as you can in your daily life and ‘plant flowers’ and ‘warm people’s hearts’ wherever you can! Be kind!

Clare hurlers trumped by Limerick page 20

Ennis RFC lose out in Junior Cup fixture page 22

Sport

l FINAL PREPARATIONS: Clare’s Cathal O’ Connor holds off Jamie O’Sullivan of Cork in last weekend’s heartbreaking defeat

Photo by Martin Connolly

Clare footballers and hurlers now turn attentions to league C LARE’S senior hurlers and footballers both ended their respective pre-season preparations last weekend with defeats that will be long forgotten by the time the National League campaigns come to an end.

Meanwhile, our camogie stars were overwhelmed by Kilkenny in the first round of the league.

Clare’s hurlers were taken care of with relative ease by Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds, but the management team of Dónal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor will be satisfied that they have learnt a lot in recent weeks having handed out a number of debuts (eight against Cork alone) and having given game time to all three of their goalkeepers.

They were defeated in the Munster Senior League final by

0-16 to 0-10 points, and possibly the most disappointing aspect of the defeat was an inability to find the net, a marked trait of the Banner’s game which will need to be on song should they prosper this year.

However, the early season games have served their purpose and much-needed exploring was done within the panel, something which will be decisive this year with an intense competitive schedule ahead

due to structural changes.

Meanwhile, the footballers will arguably be more upset at the manner of their defeat on Saturday, as it appeared the McGrath Cup was in their hands up until the last minute of the game when Stephen Sherlock struck a goal in stoppage time to hand Cork a one-point win in Mallow.

Clare were leading by four points with less than 10 minutes remaining, but early positive

signs show that Clare should compete strongly in Division 2 this year.

Clare’s camogie team were up against Kilkenny in the first round of the league, and despite leading by 1-3 to 0-4 at halftime, all scores thanks to the highly talented Chloe Morey, Clare failed to register a single score in the second half.

In difficult conditions, Clare were beaten 1-13 to 1-3.

20 SPORT

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Second half strife for the Banner men

‘‘

Munster Hurling League Final at the Gaelic Grounds

Hurling JAMES MULVIHILL

L

IMERICK were crowned Munster Senior League Champions after a tense battle against Clare in the Gaelic Grounds.

It was a tight game in the first half with no team prepared to give an inch but in the second half the Treaty men were dominant in all areas of the pitch.

Clare looked disorganised in the latter stages, hitting aimless ball into their full-forward line and the fullback line struggled to contain the Limerick attack. Clare finished with 14 men thanks to referee Cathal McAllister showing two yellow cards to corner back Jack Browne.

Cian Dillon is a massive loss at the heart of the defence and without his presence the Banner men will find it difficult to handle the best attacking teams in the country.

Another cause for concern is the goal-keeping position. The management team decided to give each goalie a chance in this pre-season campaign.

Donal Tuohy, Pa Kelly and Andrew Fahy were givin opportunities to impress before the National League gets underway later this month. Whoever gets the No 1 jersey against Tipperary, Clare must stick with him because the defence will be unsettled if they keep experimenting.

Limerick have a young team after winning two All-Ireland U21 titles in the last three years. Manager John Kiely will be very pleased with the attitude

‘‘

Limerick 0-16 Clare 0-10

Another cause for concern is the goalie position

his team showed throughout this campaign and can take a lot of positives as they bid to get out of Division 1B at the eighth time of asking.

Limerick started this contest the better team with Aaron Gillane opening the scoring which was followed by a well taken point from midfielder Paul Browne. Clare got on the scoreboard after seven minutes thanks to Cathal Malone. Seamus Flanagan and Podge Collins shared the next two points before a placed ball from Cathal ‘Tots’ O’Connell levelled the game.

Tom Morrisey replied for the Treaty men before Cathal Malone hit back for Clare. The full-forward line did not get any service from their team mates as the Limerick full-back line were first to the ball on most occasions.

Limerick hit the front again through Aaron Gillane (free) and Barry O’Connell. The Banner men replied with two points of their own thanks to Cathal O’Connell and Cathal Malone.

Limerick finished a poor first half the stronger with scores from Gearoid Hegarty and Gillane (free) leaving the score 0-08 to 0-06 at the interval.

Clare started the second half brighter scoring three unanswered points through the in-form Cathal Malone, Niall Deasy (free) and Tony Kelly.

This was as good as it got from a Clare point of view, who spent the rest of the second half chasing shadows and went 35 minutes including added time without scoring. Limerick scored three

l PRE-SEASON BATTLE: (From top) Handbags result in a yellow card for Seamus Flanagan and Jack Browne; Shane O’Donnell and Seamus Hickey tussle for possession; Clare’s Patrick O’Connor receives a yellow card; Josie O’Sullivan with Laura, Shane and Kate Hensley from Shannon; Cathal Malone is stopped in his tracks by Limerick’s Diarmuiod Byrnes Credit: Martin Connolly

points without reply through Tom Morrisey (2) and Gillane (free) before the game’s first flash point resulted in yellow cards for Seamus Flanagan and Jack Browne. Clare were beginning to lose belief and struggled to win clean possession and Limerick extended the lead thanks to a brace from Gillane.

The Banner men’s miserable second half got worse when Jack Browne was giving his marching orders for persistent fouling and Clare had a mountain to climb after that set back. Gillane scored another free and added a further point from play taking his tally to eight points. The Treaty men’s final score came from Man of the Match Tom Morrisey. The last score of this game came from a placed ball by Clare sub David Reidy and Referee Cathal McAllister blew the final whistle shortly afterwards ending a game to forget

from a Clare perspective.

Limerick: Nicky Quaid; Tom Condon, Seamus Hickey, Richie English; Diarmuid Byrnes, Dan Morrisey, William O’Meara; Paul Browne (0-1), Cian Lynch; Tom Morrisey (0-4), Darragh O’Donovan, Barry O’Connell (0-1); Aaron Gillane (0-8,5fs), Seamus Flanagan (0-1), Gearoid Hegarty (0-1).

Subs: Barry Murphy for O’Connell (57 mins), David Reidy for Hegarty (66 mins), Andrew La Touche Cosgrave for T. Morrisey (70 mins).

Clare: Andrew Fahy; Jack Browne, Conor Cleary, Patrick O’Connor; David Fitzgerald, David McInerney, Diarmuid Ryan; Ryan Taylor, Colm Galvin; Tony Kelly (01), Cathal Malone (0-4), Niall Deasy (0-1f); Shane O’Donnell, Cathal ‘Tots’ O’Connell (0-2,1f), Podge Collins (0-1).

Subs: David Reidy (0-1f) for Taylor (46 mins), John Conlon for Deasy (52 mins), Conor McGrath for Collins (59 mins), Jason McCarthy for O’Connell (69 mins), Seadna Morey for Fitzgerald (70 mins).

Referee: Cathal McAllister (Cork).

SPORT 21

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Despite loss, Clare ladies have big say in outcome LAUREN GUILFOYLE

Camogie

T

HE Littlewoods Ireland National Camogie Leagues got off to an earlier than usual start with a full round of division one fixtures played across the country last weekend.

Clare travelled to Nowlan Park last summer to take on the then reigning champions Kilkenny in a championship round robin figure that not many saw ending in defeat for the home county, but Clare provided the shock of the round and perhaps left the Marble city somewhat disappointed with only half the points available in the bag as Kilkenny salvaged an injury time draw.

It was the Cats that travelled to Clare this time as Clonlara played host to a repeat fixture with the same sides, Kilkenny presumably aiming to exert dominance once again.

The facilitation of the “blowing off of the cobwebs” resulted in a low-scoring first 30 mins, Clare leading 1-3 to 4 points at half

time. Sixmilebridge’s Chloe Morey reaffirming her place as one of the top players of the game claiming all 1-3 of the Banner’s tally, including an impressive goal scored from distance.

Halftime is where Clare’s luck ran out however as they failed to score in the second period. Aoife Doyle hit the net for the visitors, while Ann Dalton and Miriam Walsh kept the scoreboard ticking over to ultimately finish up 1-13 to 1-3.

Kilkenny will most likely claim either of the two spots available in Group Two, but as Clare demonstrated last year, they are far from indestructible.

David Herity will hope his side’s experience of some big match victories will stand testament and their form will carry through to this campaign but Clare and Limerick will have a lot to say about that.

Cork 0-16 Clare 0-10

McGrath Cup final at Mallow

l CLOSE GAME: (right) Keelan Sexton and Cork’s Conor Dorman battle for possession; (above) J.J. and Killian Mc Quaid from Kilmaley supporting Clare in Mallow;

Photos by Martin Connolly

IMPACT: Clare star Chloe Morey

Photo supplied by Clare Camogie

22 SPORT

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Ennis valiant in Junior Cup defeat RUGBY Junior Cup

Ennis 11 Highfield 38

ENNIS RFC gave a very good account of themselves in the Junior Cup this year, despite being ultimately knocked out at an early stage at the weekend.

Having seen off Bruff in the first round, the Clare side were given another difficult task with the visit of Cork side, Highfield.

Highfield, who play in Senior Seconds South league, can boast the use of many fringe first team players who ply their trade in AIL Division 2A, where some of the country’s most talented and ambitious amateur players compete every week.

Ennis keenly contested the match for long periods but were ultimately defeated by a highly-organised, and physically large outfit who benefit from the demands of AIL-intensity training.

Ennis can be proud that they really put it up to Highfield in the first half, defending vigorously while also attacking with some real intent.

Enda Galvin rises highest to secure a lineout for Ennis against Highfiled last weekend.

The fact that the visitors got three tries in the first half, leaving the score at 19-6 at half time, wasn’t a fair representation of how the first 40 went.

The first try came before the 10-minute mark off the back of an Ennis kick from just outside their own ‘22 which went out on

the full, giving Highfield an attacking line-out. Securing the lineout, resulted in the Cork side mauling over for their first try, which was converted.

A lot of Ennis pressure followed directly and after an infringement by the stretched Cork side at the breakdown, Ronan O’Holloran slotted over three points.

Despite a run of possession in attack throughout this period, two more tries were scored against the run of play.

Firstly, Highfield exploited a gap in the Ennis defence which led to an overlap of numbers and Highfield gladly scored in the corner to leave it 12-3.

Just before the half time whistle, with Ennis continuing to apply pressure, the Clare side knocked on giving Highfield a scrum in their own 22. The resulting move saw their outside centre breaking the line and the Cork side ran the length of the pitch to touch down for a third try.

Before the half-time whistle, Ennis’s continued pressure finally payed off after Highfield were adjudged offside and O’Holloran slotted over another penalty.

As the second half wore on, Highfield’s physical size and relentless running began to break Ennis down and they were worth their scores as the game wore on. Ennis began to miss tackles and conceded another three tries.

l BATTLE: Dylan Tylan and Mark Taylor are on hand to break down a Highfield attack and (below) Enda Galvin secure lineout ball for the home side Photos by Helen McQuillan

The last score of the game came to Ennis, to their credit, with good work from Liam Ryan and Bryanie Murphy, who made a break and offloaded to Noel Downes who scored in the corner to put a more reflective look on the scoreline.

Despite the loss, Ennis are performing well this season and will compete in the semi-final of the Martin O’Sullivan Cup against Killorglin. In the league, Ennis sit in fifth with three games to play and with a difficult schedule behind them, they will look to finish in the top three to put them in a strong position for playoffs.

Ennis: S Hayes, Mark Taylor; D Tylan, F Coffey; C Nugent; R O’Holloran, J Martin; M McNamara, D Flynn (c), G McGonagle; E Galvin, J Considine; L Ryan, A Ryan, J Smith; Subs; N Downes, N O’Loughlin, J Queally, S O’Grady, B Murphy

Success for St Mary’s athletes ATHLETICS THE Munster Senior and Masters athletics competition was held in Nenagh on Sunday just gone and a number of members of the West Clare-based St Mary’s Athletics Club were celebrating after a number of medal successes.

Double gold went to Joseph Miniter, who won the Senior long jump and senior triple jump at just 18 years old.

Promising young athlete Darragh Miniter, who has represented Ireland, won silver in

the senior long jump and another silver in the 60m sprint at the tender age of 16.

In the Masters event, Martin Fitzpatrick won double gold by winning the master shot put and 56lb weight for distance.

Senan Miniter making a return to athletics after 35 years, won bronze after finishing third in the long jump.

Meanwhile, Michael Hayes (not pictured) took gold and set a new championship record for shot in the over-85 category.

COLUMNISTS 23

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Eoin Neylon

EDITOR’S OPINION

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Stuart Holly

Let’s talk about 2018, Part II: Don’t Dolores, the person write off the little guys

T

HE plan this week was to write about Shannon. Since The Clare Echo was established last October, the number of good news stories relating to developments - industrial, retail and Airport - in the town has been overwhelming. It’s a tribute to the Shannon Group and indeed the Shannon Chamber that here in Co Clare, we continue to have such an vital source of industry and employment.

But, changing the subject entirely, music from The Cranberries has played non-stop on the radio since we learned of Dolores O’Riordan’s death. It’s news that will have struck a chord with many people.

Tributes have flooded in for Dolores and, rightly so, the Limerick singer has been remembered for her angelic and powerful voice. Also, she leaves behind a legacy of a uniquely talented woman with strong convictions, someone a generation of young Irish girls could look up to in the 1990s.

The circumstances of her death, at the time of writing, are still unknown, so there has been a reluctance to focus on her mental health issues. Musically, little can be learned from Dolores. She was simply gifted. That can’t be taught.

But Dolores’s struggle in recent years has been well documented, magnified by an incident at Shannon Airport. How she bravely spoke about her difficulties was, arguably,

among her greatest achievements.

Medical reports at Ennis District Court revealed she suffered from various forms of mental illness. She revealed in an interview, seperately, that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. These came to light after the death of her father in 2011 and later her split from husband Don Burton. Always looking to challenge it face-on, Dolores spoke.

In 2013, Dolores was praised by The Rape Crisis Centre for her “tremendous courage” in speaking out about the childhood sexual abuse she suffered for four years, between the age of eight and 12, at the hands of her abuser who was in a position of trust in her home county of Limerick. The 46-year-old said it took years of counselling to recover.

“It is something that I carried forever,” O’Riordan said. “There is a great sense of a great burden off my shoulders. I feel it is going to help me by opening up and just confessing to all of those people who bought my albums and that love me.”

She was, without knowing it, a teacher to young women who have suffered a similar fate. It’s important to talk, to get help, to express yourself; and that she did brilliantly.

Speaking after her dad’s death, she said that the deceased “certainly cross over from this dimension to another one”. Dolores, you’ll always be remembered in this dimension, for not just talent but your bravery.

RIP Dolores O’Riordan.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR email: editor@clareecho.ie post: The Clare Echo, The Square, (above Sherry Fitzgerald), Ennis, Co Clare

POO-POO TO AWARD Dear Editor, I must compliment you on your article (Dog Fouling) in The Clare Echo dated January 11, 2018.

It is certainly true that Ennis town is covered with dog poo, - the pavements, footpaths, and green areas. One has to watch where they step when they are out walking and also children playing in the green areas, because of the fouling. It is not the dog’s fault; it is their owners who are responsible. It makes one wonder if they flush the toilet after using it – I have my doubts.

I am concerned about all the litter thrown around the town and in surrounding areas, cans, bottles, plastic, glass and papers. It is everywhere. The judges must have gone around blind-folded to miss all the litter. I have heard from people who come into the town in the mornings that the place is covered with litter. The council workers clean the streets in the mornings, but not the surrounding areas.

They clean the main streets and car parks. Some business people keep the areas around their premises in order. Tidy Towns spends less than an hour a week in the summer time picking up litter.

One could not believe that €40,000 is going to be spent on a useless sculpture for Ennis to mark its achievements. What achievements? For a dirty town!! Where

is the money coming from? The Council no doubt. They need to re-think and not waste the public’s money on USELESS TRASH, whom no one would appreciate.

That money should be spent on the poor of Ennis; the homeless who would benefit from it, - e.g., shelter, food, clothing. I hope the Council will think again and not waste the public’s money.

Congratulations on your great article.

E. McCarthy Co. Clare Resident.

PRAISE THE BAR STAFF Dear Editor, I was thinking the other day that the staff of hospitality sector especially bar section, there is not enough thought of them.

Years ago there was competition in the town of Ennis for best barman/woman.

Wouldn’t it be a good idea to bring it back.

Each pub’s customers [could] nominate an employee of premises online and you could do a pub spy on that person [and] make the decision on who wins.

Each nominee gets a certificate and winner a trophy and holiday voucher. It would bring young people back into applying for bar work.

I thought it was an idea worth writing to you about to bring it to your attention.

Yours sincerely, An Ennis publican.

I

N LAST week’s article we looked at what 2018 might have in store for the larger parties in the Oireachtas. However, the year ahead might be a seminal one for smaller parties. With many parties on the left vying for position and a relatively new right-wing hoping to jump on the populist bandwagon, the next election is do or die in many cases.

The Social Democrats launched in 2015 to much fanfare and in a very slick manner. Since then, the party has had mixed fortunes. They did quickly bring a small number of talented Independent Councillors to their banner but losing founding TD and star performer Stephen Donnelly to Fianna Fáil robbed them of their unique selling point. Rather than being viewed as a pro-business but socially liberal party they initially were, the loss of Donnelly has seen the party move to occupy identical ground to that which Labour traditionally held. If the party are to survive, they need to get a unique selling point once again to distinguish itself from the other small parties of the centre-left. Currently, they’re being squeezed between Labour and Fianna Fáil on one side and Sinn Féin and the hard left on the other. Being the driver behind ‘Sláintecare’ might give them a platform to become the leading reformist party and help them find their niche. Locally, the party still doesn’t exist in a tangible form. However, there have been efforts in the past six months to get them up and running in the Banner.

If they fail to set themselves apart though, expect them to merge with Labour at some stage.

Solidarity-People Before Profit are in fact two distinct groups that form as one in the Dáil for technical reasons. The former, Solidarity is the new name for the Anti-Austerity Alliance (AAA) mixed with all Socialist Party Councillors.

The group has enjoyed small success in its various guises throughout the years, be it in the form of various Socialist Parties or the brief United Left Alliance project. There will always remain a rump support for the hard left in Ireland. There has never been

any significant breakthrough for them, nor does there seem to be any appetite for one.

The 2011 and 2016 elections would have been the perfect backdrop for success, but it wasn’t forthcoming. Different high-profile personalities in the protest movement will invariably do enough self-promotion to get elected but ultimately, the politics of constant protest has proven fruitless.

Irish people want make-sense, practical policies. In Clare, the hard left has not garnered success historically. If they were to make the breakthrough, Shannon would be the place to do it. The town is undoubtedly the most left leaning part of the county and in the last local elections the AAA picked up a total of 726 first preference votes (FPVs).

Running two candidates, however, ruined any chance they had of contesting the last seat which would still have required significant transfers. If the left wish to win a seat on Clare Co Council, they’ll need a single, united candidate in that electoral area next time.

Renua made a couple of attempts to get off the ground in Clare in recent times. Then party leader Lucinda Creighton made utterances of a potential general election candidate in Clare before the 2016 Election. Ultimately though, that never came to pass and the party, both locally and nationally, has been floundering since. Although Renua did not return a single TD to the Dáil two years ago, they still receive approximately €250,000 in State funding given the number of votes they received combined across the State. It remains a fact though that no one has ever been elected under the Renua banner. At their height, their three TDs, one Senator and five Councillors had all been defectors from other parties or were previously elected as Independents. That figure has plummeted to just two Councillors nationally after several high-profile members quit the party after their disastrous General Election saw all their Oireachtas members lose their seats. Offaly Councillor John Leahy is now the party leader and has rebranded the party as a staunchly pro-life, right wing party. Ireland is not known for having a

particularly strong hard right political ideology. Historically centre-right parties have been as far as we’ve gone so it’ll be interesting to see if they can get sufficiently organised to compete for the populist vote we’ve seen rise across Europe in the past two years. The rump of a party that remains in Clare would be best served trying to recruit high-profile community activists to challenge for council seats at next year’s local elections. A general election between now and then would be a step too far for them. Nevertheless, the party’s survival is arguably the most tenuous of any currently receiving state funding.

Clare’s Green Party has fallen a huge amount since 2007. At that election, then Cllr. Brian Meaney won an impressive 2,858 FPVs as they returned eight TDs to Dáil Éireann. Meaney looked to have at least a council seat wrapped up in Ennis for the foreseeable future. As they say, a week is a long time in politics. The coalition with Fianna Fáil allowed the larger party to assume most of the Greens’ environmental policies, taking away its unique selling point. Coupled with the financial crisis that came with the Greens in Government, the party’s popularity was devastated. Meaney’s defection to FF ahead of the 2014 local elections marked a low point in the party’s history. Since then, the party has seen a mini revival and returned two deputies to the Dáil last time out. Environmental concerns are once again a hot topic with many innovative ideas and technologies coming on line that the party are keen to champion.

If these can capture the imagination, then their long-term future might be secure. Fergal Smith’s 1,700 FPVs in 2016 was a better result than many expected and if he can secure a similar vote in West Clare to that he took in the General Election, he may well challenge for a seat on the local authority.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael may be electorally dominant in Clare but write off the “little guys” at your peril. Many of these parties will watch the local boundary commission report with great interest.

24 COMMUNITY

Community ENNIS ELEVATE HOST YOUTH WELLNESS EVENT Some of Ireland’s most inspiring people will share their wisdom with 100 young people from Co Clare.

The event, entitled “Thrive”, is being hosted by youth wellness charity Elevate this Friday at the Temple Gate in Ennis.

Youthreach learners will hear from adventurer Gavan Hennigan, nutrition and fitness expert Leanne Moore, Elevate ambassador Podge Collins and meditation and mindfulness expert Monica Coady.

Youthreach is an integral part of the national programme of second-chance education and training in Ireland.

The programme is directed at unemployed young early school leavers aged 15-20.

It offers participants the opportunity to identify and pursue viable options within adult life. Gavan Hennigan, one of Ireland’s leading adventure athletes, is committed to delivering a significant change in the way Ireland responds to, supports and thinks about youth mental health.

Nutritional advisor and fitness expert Leanne Moore will delve into the area of health, wellness, stress, energy and productivity.

She will educate the Youthreach learners on clean foods, healthy snacks and essential ingredients to work within their everyday diet.

Jamie Harrington is an 18 year old community activist from Ballymun in north Dublin, who travels Ireland talking to young people about his own journey with mental health, how it’s ok not to be ok and it’s absolutely ok to ask for help.

Clare County hurler Podge Collins has become Elevate’s very first ambassador.

Best known for his passion on the pitch he is now supporting an initiative close to his heart, promoting positive mental health.

His hopes are to inspire young people to realise their full potential and embrace the many opportuni-

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ties, which await them in their very bright futures.

Guiding the group in a simple cleansing and grounding guided meditation is Monica Coady.

Monica has been practising mindfulness for over 10 years, and she has been teaching and lecturing in education since the 1980s.

MNÁ AG COMHRÁ Women speakers of Irish in Ennis are invited to ‘Maidin na mBan’ on Saturday 3 February at 11:00AM in Bia agus Caife, next to the Friary.

Unique to Ennis, Maidin na mBan is an opportunity for women to get together in a relaxed and informal setting and enjoy a chat in our own language. All women regardless age, nationality or levels of knowledge of Irish etc. are welcome. This event is facilitated by Caint agus Comhrá the voluntary Irish conversation group in Ennis. No cover charge.

Further information caintaguscomhra@eircom. net SCHOOL ENROLMENT AT BAREFIELD Barefield National School is now accepting enrolment Applications of new pupils for September 2018. Closing date for receipt of Applications is Friday, February 2nd, 2018. Please contact the school office (6820303) if you require an Enrolment Application Form. Also for your information, applications Forms and Admission Policy can be downloaded from our website: http://barefieldns.com/ documents/enrolment.

MASS FOR IRISH CANCER SOCIETY Bishop of Killaloe Bishop Fintan Monahan is to celebrate a mass in aid of the Irish Cancer Society on Sunday, January 21 in the Cathedral in Ennis at 3 pm.

Scarriff native James Treacy is the main organiser behind the event which he has been planning since last August.

Mr. Treacy said that he has organised a number of pilgrimages and Bishop Fintan has been very supportive of any event he has planned in the past.

Clare hurler Podge Collins is one of the speakers at the Elevate ‘Thrive’ event taking place this Friday in The Temple Gate

“I had often dealt with Bishop Fintan even when he was Diocesan Secretary with the Diocese of Tuam before he was ordained Bishop of Killaloe,” Mr Treacy said.

Mr. Treacy told The Clare Echo that over the last number of years he has been successful running pilgrimages to Fatima and the Holy Land.

“We are expecting a good crowd with refreshments severed afterwards and all monies collected will go towards the Irish Cancer Society Fund which is nationwide,” Mr Treacy added.

WEST/NORTH CLARE WEST CLARE MINI MARATHON It’s the 20th year of the West Clare Mini Marathon, time to dust off the boots and take to the road for this great cause. All money raised is kept local and goes to the people of West Clare funding counselling, taxi services

to cancer centres all over the country, palliative care units in Regina Kilrush and Ennistymon. Please take time to support your local charity and our local services as we never know the time it can strike.

Cards are available from the cancer centre Monday to Friday from 11am – 2pm. Also available are West Clare Cancer Centre polo shirts for €10 to mark the 20 year anniversary.

The mini marathon takes place on Sunday, January 28. Visit www.facebook. com/westclareminimarathon/ for more information.

YOUNG SCIENTIST SUCCESS FOR PATRICK Huge celebrations are taking at the CBS Ennistymon.

Patrick Sheridan a TY student picked up three awards at the young scientist at the RDS Dublin he won the Science Foundation award and then two minutes later came third in his category; intermediate technology. He also received an award for his display stand.

President of Ireland Michael d Higgins requested to meet with the young man.

Students from the school travelled up with the principal on Friday to support the young scientists. Patrick also featured on RTÉ 6 o clock news on Thursday.

EAST CLARE COFFEE DAY IN TULLA A Coffee Day is being run to promote Mental Health Awareness in the grounds of Tulla United Soccer Pitch.

Sat the 27th of January 2018 will be the group’s 5 year anniversary with the day running from 10am to 4pm, with people welcome to have a cup of tea/coffee, a chat, sample the sweet treats on display and read information leaflets and listen to key speakers on mental health.

A raffle will be held on the day with prizes donated by local businesses and there is also a dona-

tions box. Over the years the group has donated to Aware, Reach Out, Clare Suicide Bereavement Support and Ennis Mental Health Day Hospital.

Being the 5th Anniversary, and the room getting more crowded, organisers have decided to add an outdoor marqee or weather depending use one of the dressing rooms, with different stalls on keeping well and staying well, yoga, eating well, keeping active, mindfulness and information from various organizations on mental health issues.

CLARECASTLE BUILDING OF HOPE The Building of Hope project, a group of Volunteers that help the people of Africa, have a number of fundraising events coming up.

Music With Steve Flaherty And Friends, Jan 20th - Sat 22:00pm · Tom Steele’s Ennis; PUB QUIZ Jim Lynch Building of Hope, Jan 26th on Fri 20:30pm · Powers Pub Clarecastle.

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Community

COMMUNITY 25 CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l YOUNG SCIENTISTS: Students from CBS Ennistymon on their way to the Young Scientist Awards at the RDS in Dublin last week, where TY student Patrick Sheridan picked up three awards (pictured inset)

EAST/SOUTHEAST CLARE KILLALOE BYPASS GETS FUNDING Minister Pat Breen announced that funding has been allocated for the Killlaloe Bypass and the upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Bridhilland following the Capital Plan Review.

Minister Breen said that the Shannon Crossing Bridge at Killaloe in also included in the Capital Plan, and will move to construction on a phased basis over the next few years.

“Overall an additional €486 million was secured for roads for the period 2018 to 2021, bringing total roads investment for this time to €4.26 billion,” said Minister Breen.

“I am particularly pleased that this announcement today brings the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme a step closer. Clare County Council has a lot of preparation work completed on this project, and were hopeful of beginning work on it early next year, subject to Government funding. I am therefore pleased that the council’s work has been recognised and the project included in the Capital Plan Review.

“Once this work is completed local people, commuters and tourists will benefit from a western bypass of Killaloe, a new bridge crossing of the River Shannon and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Bridhill,” the Clare Minister of State added.

OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITES This week brings a new and exciting education opportunity for people with disabilities in Clare. Sixteen mature students with disabilities will take up the Advocacy, Leadership and Independent Living Skills programme designed and delivered by Limerick Institute

The results of West Clare man Patrick Mungovan’s homeless campaign before Chrismtas. He delivered three cars worth of supplies to homeless people in Limerick and Ennis over the festive period after making an appeal in The Clare Echo

of Technology (L.I.T.) This initiative is a collaboration between the Clare Leader Forum, L.I.T and Clare County Council, Municipal District.

Higher Education opportunities for this group of students are limited consequently all involved are keen to support further developments in this educational space. Lectures will be delivered over 14 weeks in Ennis with two sessions taking place on

the L.I.T campus. Clare Bus have offered support to ensure course participants have access to transport to allow them to sample the full student experience on LIT campus.

Cathy Jones, Head of Department of Applied Social Sciences at LIT said that ‘bringing this programme that has ran successfully for over 10 years in Limerick to Ennis, will provide a more accessible alternative

to applicants from Clare. It will also compliment our BA (hons) in Social Care Work currently bring offered in our campus in the Clare Museum and our upcoming Early Childhood Care and Education programme scheduled for Sept 2018.

The course commences on 19 Jan in the Clare Education Centre. For more please contact Padraic Hayes at clareleaderforum@gmail.com.

26 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

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

l STAND UP AND FLIGHT: Pictured about to board their flight to Paris last weekend were Munster’s CJ Stander and Peter O’Mahony with Carmel Donnellan, Duty Airport Manager Shannon Airport. As part of its wider group of initiatives to support Munster since it announced a three-year partnership last year, the Airport has transformed the stairwell from Gates 1-5 into a permanent tunnel of red, to recreate a flavour of pre-match atmosphere Photo by Arthur Ellis

Shannon Airport gets added U.S. services

Norwegian bumps Boston and NY flights

S

HANNON Airport has welcomed today’s news that Norwegian Air International is to expand its Boston and New York services to Shannon for 2018.

The airline, which commenced services at Shannon in July last year, is to double its frequency from two to four flights a week on its service to Providence Green Airport, Rhode Island, just over one hour from Boston.

In addition, it is adding an extra service to Stewart International Airport, Orange County – just 90 minutes from New York, increasing from two to three flights a week. The extra services will kick-in from March 2018.

Norwegian Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Ramdahl said: “Our new transatlantic routes from Ireland have made a strong start so we are delighted to add extra services at Shannon where our affordable flights to the US have proved particularly popular with passengers.”

Andrew Murphy, Shannon Airport Managing Director said: “This is excellent news for Shannon and excellent news for tourism on the Wild Atlantic Way and wider region that we serve.

This announcement clearly demonstrates Norwegian’s commitment at Shannon and results in an increase of over 200% in capacity by the airline in 2018.”

Commenting on its significance, Matthew Thomas, CEO, Shannon Group added: “We are delighted that Norwegian has chosen to grow its passenger base at Shannon. This expansion further strengthens our long haul connectivity and Shannon’s position as a key transatlantic gateway. We will now have our largest number of US services in over 17 years, which is fantastic for the wider region and for transatlantic aviation generally. It also shows that the new model for low cost transatlantic flying is proving popular and complements our existing range of transatlantic carriers.”

Seats are on sale on at www. norwegian.com/ie.

l FLYING IT: Norwegian Air International will double its frequency from two to four flights a week to Providence Green Airport and is adding an extra service to Stewart International Airport

BUSINESS 27

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Calling Clare’s entrepreneur nominations STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

NOW in its 21st Year, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ (EOY) 2018 programme has officially opened for nominations from Clare. The theme of this year’s programme is “Ambition” and all sectors and businesses of all sizes are invited to submit their nominations until 16 February. The 24 finalists for 2018 will be announced on 23 April.

Clare’s entrepreneurs are encouraged to put themselves forward to follow in the footsteps of well-known Clare resident, Louis Keating, L&M Keating who was a finalists in 2017.

The successful finalists will have the opportunity to connect, learn and do business with the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ alumni network, which consists of almost 500 of Ireland’s most successful business people. The finalists will get an opportunity to participate in the renowned international CEO Retreat which is designed to help Irish entrepreneurs transform their thinking and vision through executive education. They will also gain significant profiling, nationally and internationally.

Kevin McLoughlin, Partner Lead for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Ireland said: “I am delighted to launch the 2018 EOY programme, which I am incredibly proud to say is in its 21st year. This is more than just an awards programme and the benefits of participation extend far beyond October 2018. The theme of this year’s programme is “Ambition” and at EY we see it as our responsibility to challenge our 2018 Finalists and EOY Alumni to re-assess their vision and goals, helping them to discover unimagined depths to their ability, and set new, more ambitious targets. If we are to continue establishing our path in a new

l LAUNCH: Kevin McLoughlin, Partner, EY; Anne Heraty, Chairperson of the judging panel and Jack Teeling, Emerging EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2017 Photo by Naoise Culhane

world, we must continue to be bold, forward-thinking and innovative pioneers of ambition.”

Who can be nominated?

Operating in more than 60 countries worldwide, EOY is recognised as the most prestigious business accolade for entrepreneurs. The programme is open to entrepreneurs across all sectors on the island of Ireland. The awards programme is divided into three categories

- Emerging, Industry and International - with 8 finalists chosen per category.

The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent panel of judges, comprised of former EOY winners and chaired by Anne Heraty of CPL Resources plc. Individuals who wish to put themselves forward or nominate an entrepreneur with their consent, can fill out the online nomination form at www.eoy.ie or call the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™

team for further information at eoy@ ie.ey.com. The deadline for nominations is Friday, 16 February 2018.

The programme will include executive education sessions, the annual Gala Awards Dinner and many additional finalist benefits. In addition they will receive significant media profiling. An award is presented for each category, and an overall winner is announced in October.

Dr Peters appointed to UHL position STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

UL Hospitals Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Catherine Peters as Clinical Director for the Medicine Directorate.

Dr Peters has been a Consultant Physician and Geriatrician at University Hospital Limerick since 2012. She succeeds her colleague Prof Declan Lyons in her new role.

“I am delighted to take up the role of Clinical Director in Medicine and continue

the excellent work undertaken by my predecessors,” said Dr Peters.

“Over the last few years there have been major developments and continuous improvements within the Medicine Directorate at University Hospital Limerick, including direct access to specialist stroke services and cardiac care. Delivery of excellent quality care to our patients has always been our goal.

“I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Medicine and the Executive at University Hospital Limerick Group to further develop specialty services and improved access for the people of the MidWest region. Provision of exemplar care and clinical expertise will be

my priority.”

Dr Peters was educated at Presentation Secondary School, Clonmel, and at UCC Medical School. She undertook her specialist training throughout Ireland and at Kings College Hospital London.

Following completion of Higher Specialist Training, she was appointed Consultant Physician and Geriatrician at University Hospital Limerick in 2012.

Her area of interest is stroke and she has been involved in the development of an acute stroke pathway in UHL. This has resulted in the provision of specialist stroke services, thrombolysis 24/7 and improved outcomes for patients suffering a stroke in the MidWest region.

l APPOINTMENT: Catherine Peters

Have an empty seat that you need to fill?

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

28 COLUMNISTS

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Jess & Ciara

FIT TIPS

lSKIPPING: Full body workout

NO MORE EXCUSES We share ways that you can incorporate exercise into your busy lifestyle

S

O you want to get fit? Or fitter.

Perhaps you aren’t ready to brave a class, or maybe your work schedule is hectic. Or maybe you can't find the time between everyone else’s demands...kids, family, dog, boss...the list is endless.

These are all really valid reasons for not reaching your goals, right? Ah nope, no dice! Honestly if you want something enough you will find a way, not an excuse!

But you might just have to start at home ( where all the best things start!)

I am a big believer in these three exercises, and if you are consistent you can make a difference to your fitness in a matter of weeks. So find a little space and commit a little time to adding these three things!

CAN YOU SKIP? You should! Go and treat yourself to a skipping rope. Hands up it is easier with a nice leather one (watch the backs of the calves though while you get used to it!

Ouch!!) but your pound shop finest will do. Start small, two to three minutes and see how hard it feels! Honestly this is a full body workout! Work up in time and watch your fitness steadily improve. Have you seen how fit boxers and fighters are?

Have you seen them skip...enough said.

WALKING? GREAT! NOW UP THE ANTE Whether it is just from your desk to the canteen, your kitchen to the front room or a fresh 5km, add walking lunges. Your

thighs will burn, your backside will ache, and you will so thank me for it! This super simple exercise strikes fear into every client of mine! We do them with weights, without, in warm ups and leg sessions and wow are they effective. You are so welcome.

CORE You have to add some core, and while I love a good plank, there is a safer, tougher and equally effective exercise for targeting that tummy. Get down on the floor lying flat on your back and raise one leg at a time into a 90 degree position, with the knee directly over the hip joint….no closer! Lift your head and shoulders slightly, lift those finger tips off the floor and hold while keeping your back completely in contact with the ground. And hold. And hold. And hold. This one is torture!

Look it up, Pilates 100 position, and do it daily.

You see, you don’t need a lot of time or space or cash to make the first step towards a fitter, healthier, happier you...just three good exercises and a little dedication! Let us know how you get on!

Jess and Ciara will be on hand to answer any of your fitness and sport related questions each week as well as giving advice on personal fitness and well-being.

Do you have any questions you would like them to answer?

Send them into fitness@clareecho.ie

lWALKING: It's easy to go one step further and incorporate lunges

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Accommodation includes an entrance hall, generous kitchen/ dining/living area, hallway, two double bedrooms, one with an

en-suite and a bathroom.

Viewing of this fine property is highly recommended. 82sq.m (882.32 sq.ft) approx.

BER No. 105480156

Contact: Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 6867866

Bungalow in Barefield OPEN VIEWING: SATURDAY, JANUARY 20TH: 11.00AM TO 11.30AM BALLYMACAHILL, BAREFIELD, ENNIS, CO CLARE, V95 D932 €215,000

SEASIDE LOCATION

18C MOORE BAY, KILKEE, CO CLARE THIS property is located in Moore Bay Holiday Village which is a popular development of holiday homes situated in the seaside resort of Kilkee, within 5 minutes walk of the beach.

This property is in good condition throughout and is offered for sale with all contents, fixtures and fittings included.

Accommodation comprises 110 sq.m.

(1,183 sq.ft approx) and includes an open plan kitchen, living and dining room, bathroom and 3 bedrooms (one of which

€99,000

is ensuite). Residents of this development also have the use of a private children’s playground area.

Due to the size and location of this property, it would make an ideal holiday home or investment property for long and short term lettings. BER D1. BER Code 101550895. BER Code 233.54 kWh/m²/yr.

Contact: Danielle Kavanagh, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866

THREE bed bungalow, nestled in a picturesque mature setting within easy reach of Ennis town centre and the M18. Boasting two reception rooms and a sunroom. The property also features stunning manicured mature gardens. Internally, the kitchen/diner and two reception rooms are spacious and offer ample entertaining space, in addition to a sunroom. This property also features three bedrooms and a generous shower room. Externally, there are attractive, manicured gardens featur-

ing mature trees, hedges and rose bushes.

There are very large, handsome, old-world stone sheds at the bottom of the garden that provide excellent storage space.

This is an ideally located property, just a short distance from town but in a countryside setting surrounded by mature trees.

Viewing is highly recommended. BER G. BER No. 110015021. 108.sqm Contact: Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 6867866

30 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Sought-after location 2 AN SEAN DUN, ENNIS, CLARE V95HYC6

L

OCATED in the much sought after Sean Dun housing development, located in the popular Roslevan suburb of Ennis town, providing ease of access to the M18 Motorway linking Shannon, Limerick and Galway.

No 2 is an ideal opportunity for the family home buyer seeking an outstanding and convenient home with all amenities within a short distance. Inside the property is very smartly laid out with spacious entrance hallway, which gives access to two equally spacious reception rooms, open plan kitchen/dining, utility, downstairs wc, and downstairs bedroom/office. To the first floor are four double bedrooms and main bathroom.

To the rear are private rear gar-

€329,000 dens and large rear paved patio area and to the front is ample off street parking and raised shrubbery areas. This home is presented in excellent condition boasting many features including extensive Karndeane flooring on the ground floor, timber floors to first, quality tiling and modern fitted kitchen, limestone surround feature fireplace and much more. This is a must view. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. PSL No. 002295

Contact Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG. Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

Estuary views TONLEGEE, LISSYCASEY, CLARE V95V9YK

THIS modern, exceptionally finished 4 bedroom (2 en-suite) home is located on a 1 acre site which enjoys Estuary views and spacious living accommodation. The property is situated approximately 20 minutes from Ennis Town Centre and a 5 minute drive to Lissycasey and all its amenities. Viewing is highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents.

House was built and finished off in 2006 but also underwent energy efficiency

IDYLLIC PRIVATE COUNTRY SETTING 1 RATHWILLADOON, TUBBER, CLARE H91EDVN UNIQUELY located within a short drive of the Burren National Park and just 1km from Tubber Village is this detached family home on a 0.5 acre site. The home is accessed through private automatic gates with cut stone front boundary and features tarmacadam drives which extends to side and rear for easy access to the detached garage.

Inside features extensive timber flooring and tiling throughout, quality fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, en-suite bedrooms, spacious reception, family room and much much more.

€239,000

This home represents excellent value within a truly stunning countryside setting and yet just a short drive to the Gort town and the M18 Motorway linking Shannon, Limerick, Ennis & Galway.

Viewing strictly by appointment with sole selling agents. PSL No. 002295

Contact Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG. Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

€249,000

upgrading in terms of new condensing oil boiler, pumped insulation into the walls, increased insulation into the attic, hence the excellent energy rating certificate, oil fired central heating, built in 2006.

PSL No. 002295

Douglas Hurley MIPAV B.A & Ins. Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

PROPERTY 31

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

(065) 684 0200

O’SULLIVAN HURLEY

SELLING IN 2018?

CALL THE AGENTS SELLING MORE PROPERTIES THAN ANY OTHER AGENT IN COUNTY CLARE

Drimanure, Kilmaley Price: €139,000 - Detached 3/5 bedrooms

29 Park Avenue, Ennis Price: €179,950 - 4/5 bed semi

22 Gort na hAbhna, Tulla Road, Ennis Price: €189,000 - 4 bed semi

Crovraghan, Kildysart Price: €149,000 - 4 bed detached, detached garage

Clare Road, Ennis Price: €149,950 - 4 bed semi

1 Cappa Lawn, Roslevan, Ennis Price: €249,950 - 4 bed semi

OPEN VIEWING: SAT JAN 27 11:00AM TO 11:30AM

33 Ocean View, Lahinch Price: €149,000 - 4 bed detached

14 Fergus View, Ennis Price: €149,950 - 4 bed semi

Mountshannon, Labasheeda Price: €199,950 - Cottage and 25 acres

COMMERCIAL SALES

4 Westgate, Kilrush Road, Ennis (tenant not affected) Price: €235,000

The Black Oak, Lahinch Price: €395,000

Kilkee Hostel, Kilkee Price: €325,000

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

SUPER STONIC ROAD TEST: KIA STONIC 1.4

H

ERE’S the thing. None of us actually needs a compact SUV. No, the thing is you want one. The chunky shapes and gappy ground clearances bespeak of a more rugged, more interesting, more outdoorsy lifestyle.

You may actually use your new small SUV just for trips to Dunnes and the school run, and schlepping around the same traffic-choked ring road as the rest of us, but you’ll look and feel as if your spare time involves an awful lot more canoes and surf-boards than is actually the case.

And here, right here, lies the genius of the Kia Stonic. It looks the part. And in fact, it really looks the part. There is a positive tsunami of small SUVs and crossovers descending on the market right now, from Citroen’s C3 Aircross to Ford’s revived EcoSport, to Seat’s Arona and I think that the Stonic just might be the best looking one of the lot. It’s properly square and chunky, looking rather as if Timberland has suddenly released a range of brightly-coloured roller skates. I love the way the rear pillar, in slightly seventies style, seems to wrap over the back of the roof, almost as if it’s a truss supporting the front end of the car.

At that front end, we find the now-traditional ‘Tiger’s Face’ mix of gaping grille and narrow lights, which still hasn’t aged much, if at all, and the standard-fit 17-inch wheels looks very handsome indeed. Kia says that a majority of buyers in this class base their decision to buy almost purely on looks, so going by that, Kia has this all sewn up.

Inside, there’s a lot that’s familiar from the Rio supermini, which good in the sense

Kia’s new small SUV looks the part and is nice to drive too

plumping for some optional contrast-colour panels - again, customers here are buying with their eyes, rather than other senses.

To drive, the Stonic is not bad at all.

Actually, by the standards of the class, I’d say it’s really quite good. The Renault Captur has it bettered when it comes to that combination of poise and comfortable ride, but the Stonic’s steering feels surprisingly direct, and so it’s very agile in its natural environment of the city centre. That big wrapover rear pillar means over-the-shoulder visibility isn’t great, but other than that there is a clear, and logical layout to the that the Stonic makes an agreeable urban companion. controls. The main dials are big and easy To get the best engine available in the to read and look rather nice, and there’s a Stonic, Kia’s excellent 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol very good seven-inch touch screen in the three-cylinder, you have to upgrade to middle, which is standard on all models. range-topping model. Most Stonics sold Spec it up a bit and you get nice toys such in Ireland will come with the aged 100hp as a reversing camera and Apple CarPlay, so 1.4-litre four-cylinder, which is fine much your tech desires are certainly satiated. It’s of the time, but lack’s the 1.0’s low-down comfy too, with good seats and a well-sort- punch and appealing exhaust note. It does ed driving position. have the virtue of simplicity, of course, and The rear seat space is average, and you certainly with that seven-year warranty can see where Kia has made cost savings in doing the backing up, we’d expect the Stonic the grades of plastic used. Still, there’s no to be exceptionally reliable. quibbling with the actual way the car is put Is it worth having one, though? The together, and you can enliven things a bit by answer is yes, if you’re prepared to accept

FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: Kia Stonic 1.4 MPI K2 Pricing: €21,099 as tested.

Range starts from €18,599 Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive Body style: compact crossover CO2 emissions: 125g/km (Band B1, €270, per annum) Combined economy: 51.3mpg (5.5 litres/100km) Top speed: 172km/h 0-100km/h: 12.6 seconds Power: 100hp at 6,000rpm Torque: 133Nm at 4,000rpm Boot space: 352-litres (seats up); 1,155-litres (seats folded) EuroNCAP rating: Not yet tested

the compromises. The compromises being that you are, effectively, spending Cee’d money on a slightly taller Rio — mechanically, that’s what the Stonic is and while the Cee’d is ageing, and due for replacement soon, it still feels like a more sophisticated car than the Stonic. In fact, go for the roomy Cee’d estate and it annihilates the Stonic in terms of sheer family practicality.

But, of course, that’s not why we’re here.

We’re here because people crave the styling and image of a butch 4x4, but without Land Cruiser running costs. And in that sense, the Stonic is pure genius.

lGENIUS: Kia Stonic is ideal for people who crave the styling and image of a butch 4x4, but without Land Cruiser running costs

ADVERTISEMENT 33

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

USED CAR OFFERS FROM LIAM CLEARY Discover more on www.liamclearyautoworld.ie YEAR

MAKE

MODEL

FUEL

ENGINE SIZE

MILEAGE

PRICE €

2017 2017 2017 2017 2017 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2015 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2014 2013 2013 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011

Kia Kia Kia Kia Kia Kia Kia Peugeot Kia Hyundai Nissan Renault Mazda Kia Kia Kia Kia Kia Ford Mazda Kia Kia Ford Toyota Kia Hyundai Kia Hyundai Peugeot Kia Volkswagen Volkswagen Toyota Volkswagen Opel Kia Kia Volkswagen Kia Nissan Kia Renault Volkswagen Volkswagen Kia Renault Hyundai Peugeot Toyota Toyota Ford

Sorento Platinum 4x4 (172)(DEMO) Ceed EX Hatchback 5dr (172)(DEMO) Pro_Ceed GT Line 3dr (172)(DEMO) Sportage Platinum SR (172)(DEMO) Rio EX (DEMO) (171) Optima SW EX (162) Optima Platinum 1.7CRDI 2008 Active BlueHDi Sportage Platinum 1.7CRDI Ix20 Deluxe (161) Quashqai Capture Signature 6 SE-L Nav (161-Road Tax €190pa) Picanto ex Carens EX - Reverse Cam (161) Sportage Platinum SE (152) Sportage EXL (151) Sportage EXL (151) C-Max Edition (152) 2.2 Executive Sportage EXL (151) Sportage Platinum (152) C-Max Titanium Automatic (151) Corolla Luna Ceed EX Hatchback (141) Ix35 Comfort (141) Sportage 4x4EXS I20 Delux 208 Active (141) Sorento Platinum Comm Auto (141) Tiguan Sport (142) Tiguan Trend&Fun (141) Verso Terra Jetta Comfort Line Insignia Venga L (141) Sportage Polo Venga EX Micra Automatic Rio EX crdi Fluence TOMTOM Edition Passat Tech Bluemotion Passat Tech Bluemotion Sportage EXS 4x4 Scenic 5 Seater i30 5008 Automatic Corolla Luna Yaris Automatic Focus Titanium

Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel

2.00 1.60 1.60 1.70 1.25 1.70 1.70 1.6 1.7 1.40 1.50 1.50 2.20 1.00 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.70 1.60 2.20 1.70 1.70 2.00 1.40 1.60 1.70 2.00 1.40 1.40 2.20 2.00 2.00 1.33 1.60 2.00 1.40 1.70 1.20 1.40 1.20 1.40 1.50 1.60 1.60 2.00 1.50 1.60 1.60 1.40 1.00 1.60

6,000km 2,000km 1000km 3,000km 4,200km 12,000km 61,000km 10,500km 74,000km 23,000km 49,000km 14,000km 40,100mls 8,500km 70,500km 70,000km 40,500km 62,500km 37,000km 78,000 96,000km 54,500km 49,500km 31,600km 53,000km 51,000mls 87,000 72,000 42,000km 112,000km 123,000km 79,400km 56,000km 80,000km 93,000km 50,000km 27,000 65,000km 94,000km 61,500km 63,000km 244,000km 143,000km 130,000mls 140,000km 130,000km 87,000mls 98,000mls 122,000km 109,700km 95,000km

43,900 24,500 23,900 32,950 15,950.00 23,950.00 23,950.00 17,950.00 24,450.00 18,900.00 21,900.00 17,450.00 21,900.00 10,900.00 21,450.00 23,900.00 23,450.00 22,900.00 18,450.00 18,450.00 19,900.00 23,250.00 18,950.00 17,950.00 14,850.00 16,500.00 19,950.00 11,450.00 11,950.00 21,950.00 18,400.00 19,900.00 12,450.00 13,450.00 14,950.00 12,950.00 17,450.00 11,450.00 10,900.00 8,950.00 9,950.00 5,950.00 11,950.00 9,950.00 16,450.00 10,950.00 8,450.00 10,950.00 9,450.00 8,950.00 10,450.00

Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Diesel Petrol Diesel

Liam Cleary Auto World

Kilrush Road, Ennis, Co. Clare | Tel: 065 682 3888 www.liamclearyautoworld.ie

34 ADVERTISEMENT

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

MAKE MODEL SPEC 171 SKODA CARS 171 Skoda Superb Style/Elegance 171 Skoda Octavia RS *Extras* 171 Skoda Octavia Ambition*Extras* 171 Skoda Rapid HB Ambition 171 Skoda Fabia Ambition 171 VOLKSWAGEN CARS 171 VW Passat Highline 171 VW Passat Comfortline 171 VW Jetta Comfortline 171 VW Polo T/L 171 VW Shuttle 9 Seater 171 VW Tiguan Comfortline 171 VW Golf All Star TOYOTA CARS 171 Toyota Yaris Luna 162 Toyota Auris Luna 161 Toyota Avensis Aura 132 Toyota Avensis Trend 12 Toyota Avensis Luna 12 Toyota Corolla Luna 10 Toyota Corolla Trend 09 Toyota Avensis Terra 08 Toyota Avensis Estate Luna 08 Toyota Avensis Luna 07 Toyota Avensis Trend 06 Toyota Yaris Trend

MAKE

SPEC

MODEL

FORD CARS 161 Ford Mondeo 141 Ford Mondeo 132 Ford Focus 132 Ford C-Max 11 Ford Mondeo 10 Ford Mondeo 10 Ford Focus 08 Ford Focus 07 Ford Fiesta NISSAN CARS 11 Nissan Qashqai 13 Nissan Micra 08 Nissan Qashqai SKODA RANGE Octavia 162 Skoda 161 Skoda Octavia 161 Skoda Superb 161 Skoda Yeti 161 Skoda Fabia 151 Skoda Octavia 151 Skoda Octavia 151 Skoda Superb 151 Skoda Octavia 142 Skoda Superb 141 Skoda Octavia 141 Skoda Octavia 131 Skoda Superb 12 Skoda Octavia 12 Skoda Superb 11 Skoda Octavia 09 Skoda Octavia VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 161 VW Passat 151 VW Passat 141 VW Passat 131 VW Passat 12 VW Passat 11 VW Passat 10 VW Passat 09 VW Passat 08 VW Passat VW JETTA 161 VW Jetta 151 VW Jetta 141 VW Jetta 131 VW Jetta 12 VW Jetta 11 VW Jetta 10 VW Jetta 09 VW Jetta 08 VW Jetta VW POLO 161 VW Polo 151 VW Polo 141 VW Polo 131 VW Polo 132 VW Polo 11 VW Polo 09 VW Polo 06 VW Polo VW GOLF 161 VW Golf 161 VW Golf 151 VW Golf 141 VW Golf 131 VW Golf 12 VW Golf 11 VW Golf 11 VW Golf 09 VW Golf 08 VW Golf ESTATES/7 SEATERS 161 VW Touran 12 Hyundai Santa Fe 11 VW Caddy 10 Volvo V50 10 Skoda Octavia

ENGINE

COLOUR MILEAGE

PRICE

1.6TDI 2.0TDI 1.6TDI 1.4TDI 1.0MPI

Brown Race Blue Cappucino Race Blue White

30000kms 25000kms 12000kms 13000kms 10000kms

€ 27,500 € 29,500 € 22,500 € 21,000 € 13,500

1.6TDI 1.6TDI 2.0TDI 1.0MPI 2.0TDI 2.0TDI 1.6TDI

Silver Grey Grey Red Red White Red/Blue

10000kms 12000kms 18000kms 12000kms 15000kms 18000kms 14000kms

€ 27,500 € 26,500 € 22,500 € 13,500 € 38,500 € 29,500 € 23,000

1.0 Petrol 1.4 Diesel 1.6TDI 2.0 Diesel 2.0 Diesel 1.4 Diesel 1.4 Petrol 2.0 Diesel 2.0 Diesel 2.0 Diesel 1.6 Petrol 1.0 Petrol

Silver Black Bronze Silver Silver Black Silver Grey Black Silver Grey Grey

17000kms 30000kms 20000kms 90000kms 140000mls 100000kms 99000kms 150000kms 150000mls 140000mls 120000mls 120000mls

€ 14,950 € 18,500 € 19,500 € 12,950 € 4,950 € 11,000 € 7,500 € 6,500 € 4,950 € 4,950 € 2,950 € 2,500

ENGINE

AL HAYES MOTORS CONTACT

www.alhayesmotors.com

065 682 2400

Damien 0872368841 Ronan 0979031373 COLOUR

Eoin 0852892222 Martin 0862056597

MILEAGE

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40000kms 120000kms 100000mles 120000kms 200000kms 120000mls 90000miles 150000mls 100000mls

€ 19,500 € 13,500 € 11,000 € 12,000 € 7,500 € 8,500 € 6,500 € 4,950 € 3,500

Acenta Visia

1.5DCI 1.2 Petrol 1.5 Diesel

Black Grey Brown

100000mls 150000km 200000kms

€ 10,500 € 8,500 € 6,500

Elegance *Extras* Elegance *Extras* Elegance *full leather* Elegance *full leather* Ambition Elegance *Extras* Ambition Elegance *full leather* Elegance *full leather* Ambition Elegance Ambition Ambition Ambition Elegance Elegance Elegance

1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 2.0TDI 1.0MPI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.9TDI

White Black White Grey Gold Black Gold Silver Brown Gold Gold Silver Silver Gold Grey Silver Silver

80000kms 50000kms 50000km 20000mls 10000kms 30000kms 40000kms 70000kms 60000kms 70000kms 90000kms 100000kms 130000kms 100000kms 70000kms 100000kms 100000mls

€ 19,500 € 19,500 € 25,000 € 19,950 € 12,500 € 18,000 € 17,500 € 19,500 € 18,000 € 17,500 € 14,500 € 13,500 € 13,500 € 12,500 € 12,500 € 9,500 € 7,000

Comfortline Comfortline Comfortline Comfortline Comfortline Highline Comfortline Highline Comfortline

1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 2.0TDI 1.9TDI

Grey Blue Black Silver Silver Black Black Silver Blue

50000km 60000kms 75000kms 100000kms 100000kms 120000kms 130000mls

€ 19,950 € 18,500 € 16,500 € 14,500 € 12,500 € 11,500 € 9,000 € 8,550 € 5,000

Trendline Comfortline *Extras* Comfortline Comfortline Comfortline Comfortline Trendline Comfortline Comfortline

2.0TDI 2.0TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI

Blue Silver Black Silver Brown Grey Silver Beige Red

50000mls 60000mls 60000kms 90000mls 120000mls 160000kms 130000kms 100000mls

€ 18,500 € 16,500 € 14,500 € 14,500 € 11,500 € 8,500 € 8,500 € 6,500 € 4,000

Trendline Comfortline Trendline Cross

1.0 Petrol 1.4TDI 1.2 Petrol 1.2TDI

Trendline Match Comfortline

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White Blue Grey Red Grey Grey Blue Black

50000mls 68000mls 18000mls 49000mls 50000kms 100000mls 100000mls 140000km

€ 12,500 € 14,500 € 12,500 € 12,500 €10,500 € 7,500 € 6,500 € 2,500

Sports Comfortline Bluemotion Sports Comfortline Comfortline Trendline Highline Trendline Comfortline

1.6tTDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.6TDI 1.9TDI 1.9TDI

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40000km 50000KM 60,000KM 95,000KM 110000KM 130000KM 150000 1000000mls 100000mls 100000mls

€ 18,500 € 17,500 € 15,000 € 14,000 € 13,000 € 11,500 € 8,500 € 11,000 € 7,000 € 6,000

Comfort 7 Seater Maxi Life Estate Estate

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€ 25,500 € 16,500 € 13,500 € 7,450 € 8,450

ZETEC ZETEC Comfort Style Style Estate ZETEC

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

MOTORING 35

Motoring News

Ford Ireland will supply vehicles to the FAI again in 2018

F

ORD Ireland has renewed its existing partnership with Irish football for 2018 and in doing so, handed over a fleet of new 181 Ford models to the Football Association of Ireland to assist in the delivery of grassroots football and ultimately the future of Irish football.

Ford has been a long-standing vehicle partner of the FAI (since 2006) and each year, supplies over 30 vehicles to the association including, Ford Focus and Mondeo models. The partnership ensures that FAI Development Officers and other personnel can deliver a detailed programme of grassroots initiatives throughout Ireland. Speaking at today’s an-

nouncement, Ciarán McMahon, Managing Director and Chairman of Ford Ireland commented; “As official vehicle partner to the FAI, we’re very proud of our long-standing link with Irish football. Football is ingrained in the Ford brand in Ireland and we are delighted to help foster the game from the roots up through the provision of a fleet of the latest Ford vehicles to key team members within the association.”

Mr. McMahon continued: “We want to invest further in developing the future of Irish football and we’re very excited to partner with the association in introducing some really great grassroots initiatives later this year.” Also speaking at today’s

announcement was FAI CEO, John Delaney; “We’re incredibly proud to extend our partnership with Ford Ireland. The partnership enables us to offer specific programmes that are delivered to every corner of the country at grassroots level, which is extremely important to the development of football in Ireland. Ford have always had a genuine passion for the game and we are delighted to be in a position to continue working closely with them going forward.”

The dual-branded (Ford and FAI) vehicles can be seen around Ireland as the association’s Development Officers and other representatives work on promoting the game countrywide.

Renault KADJAR Crossover by Renault

The key is 3 this 181, with: 3% APR 3 years’ servicing 3 years’ road tax From €199 per month Model shown: Kadjar Signature Nav ENERGY dCi 110 starting RRP €31,290. Finance example: KADJAR Expression+ TCe 130. RRP €25,490. Deposit €8,779. Term 36 monthly payments of €199. APR 3%. Total cost of credit €1,096 inc doc & completion fee €75 each. Optional final payment €10,502. Includes 3-year service plan. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. Excess mileage plus excess wear-and-tear charges may apply upon return of vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

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

Book a test drive

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

MOTORING 36

Motoring News

Skoda had a record year in Ireland in 2017

S

KODA Ireland has announced that despite the Irish new car market decreasing by 10 per cent compared to 2016, Skoda has increased new car turnover by 1 per cent to €146million in 2017 and increased turnover from parts and accessories by 8 per cent to €9.6million. A growing number of customers are also availing of the competitive Skoda finance offers, with the brand loaning over €112million to customers over the past twelve months, an increase of 5 per cent on 2016.

Skoda Ireland has also recorded market share of 6.9 per cent which is the highest ever share recorded by the brand in Ireland and saw it deliver 9,056 new

vehicles to customers in 2017.

The growth has solidified Skoda’s position as the sixth bestselling car brand in the country for the third year in a row, as the brand now sets its sights on a top five finish in 2018.

In addition to this record sales and finance performance, the brand had a busy twelve months with the introduction of five new models into the product range including the brand new Kodiaq and Karoq SUVs; a refresh to the compact Citigo and Rapid models; and a newly designed top-selling Octavia.

Globally, the Skoda brand is also going from strength to strength and will deliver almost 1.2million cars in 2017, which is an increase of over 6 per cent on

last year. Since joining Volkswagen Group in 1991, the Czech car manufacturer has increased its production seven-fold and transformed itself from a regional operator into an established high-volume manufacturer.

Speaking today, John Donegan, Brand Director at Skoda Ireland, said: “There’s no doubt that the new car market has been impacted by the level of imports in 2017.

Brexit and sterling values pose big threats to the industry but Skoda has remained strong based on our extensive range, strong dealer network and competitive offers.

We are even more optimistic for 2018 based on our impressive order bank to date and also due to the increased supply of

our new KAROQ SUV which launched earlier this month.”

In relation to the exceptional financial results announced, Mr. Donegan also commented:

“Just over 53 per cent of the cars sold by Skoda in Ireland were financed by Skoda Finance and we’re looking forward to growing that number further in 2018.”

THE ALL-NEW ŠKODA KAROQ. ANOTHER WAY TO DO RUSH HOUR. From €27,715 at Al Hayes ŠKODA.

Following the success of the 7-seater KODIAQ, ŠKODA introduces the KAROQ. The spacious 5-seater SUV combines comfort, style and cutting-edge technology.

The KAROQ includes touch screen sound systems, 17” alloy wheels, cruise and climate control, plus rear parking sensors as standard. Powered by an excellent range of familiar ŠKODA Diesel engines as well as new efficient 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI petrol options, there is no shortage of choice.

Live life another way with the ŠKODA KAROQ. Available to order now from just €319 per month.

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

Tel: 065 682 2400 • www.alhayesskoda.ie

skoda.ie

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THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

Classifieds WORK FROM HOME

RL PAINTING & DECORATING

Excellent home based opportunity for those who want to earn extra income. Work your own hours around day job.

Full training provided.

CALL 087 2907702 FOR MORE INFO.

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CONTACT WILLIE DALY, ENNISTYMON, CO. CLARE – PHONE: 087 671 2155 EMAIL: WILLIEALY@YAHOO.IE

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

CAR HIRE

Interior & exterior, spray painting & hand paint kitchen cabinets. Power washing - drive ways & roofs. Clean gutters, fascia & soffits.

Competitive rates.

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PHONE: 0877866481: E-MAIL: INFO@RLPAINTING.IE

LISDOONVARNA MATCHMAKERS WILLIE DALY AND DAUGHTERS

CLASSIFIEDS 37

Replacement car and van hire located in Lissycasey. Cheapest rates around using your own comprehensive insurance.

CONTACT JOE CONWAY 0862480673

COUNSELLING SERVICES Inisfree Psychotherapy, Ennis Counselling services available in Ennis from a professional accredited psychotherapist.

Completely discreet. Help is here for those suffering with stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, trauma and more.

Fee €40-60.

CONTACT EILEEN ON 086 8386 888 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

BUSINESS OWNER TESTIMONIAL

I would like to compliment the Clare Echo for the way in which they have helped with my business .

I have used the Clare Echo for my business classifieds and have experienced great interest thanks to the Clare Echo.

Martin Ryan, Ennis Aloe Vera & Forever Living

Be Seen, Be Heard

ECHOING YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS THE COUNTY

Contact our sales team Ger or Ciara to place an ad 065 671 9021

If you are reading this so are 35,000 other people

Get your Classified out there with The Clare Echo To advertise with us contact sales@clareecho.ie or 065 671 9021

38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

Your Horoscopes January 18 Gemini

IT’S easy for you to remake your shell (hair, shoes, clothes and so on), but the work of making over your spirit is much more work for you -- but in the end, much more rewarding as well! If you’ve been wondering whether to take on some big self-improvement program, now is definitely the time to dive right in. While you’re at it, get a new haircut and some crazy shoes to complement the new you.

IF you can’t get enough, don’t worry -- it looks like your supply is unlimited! In fact, with such huge piles of fun and thrills available, you ought to put out a general notice to your people to come on out and join in. No one can get a party going quite like you, and right now, that talent is cranked up to eleven by your hard-partying energy. Get the word out by any means necessary.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

A PERSONAL crisis is a tricky -- and persistent -- thing. It’s kind of like a weed growing in an otherwise lovely and vibrant garden -- you need to tear it out by its roots instead of pruning just a tiny bit of what you can see. Don’t just put the blame on some outside phenomenon for making you feel restless or out of sorts. You need to go much deeper to discover its source. Then you can address the issue much more effectively.

JUST like Robin Hood, you have your own gang of merry rascals. Unlike the guy in tights, you’re not stealing from the rich (or anyone else), because you’re on a different kind of mission. You all want to simply have as much fun as you can with as many people as you can find. You’re the best at coming up with good times, so writing up your guest list is a piece of cake. Sherwood Forest isn’t large enough to hold everyone!

IF you’ve ever seen a cat chasing its tail, you know how funny confused obsession can be -- for everyone but the obsessed on, that is! You’re a little like that with someone special right now, but you know exactly what’s happening.

It may be a new friendship or a new potential love, but you need to spend extra time with this person -- and the feeling should be mutual. The sparks are flying like nothing you’ve seen before.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

YOU tend to work best with people who share your values, so make sure to surround yourself with lots of like-minded peers to keep you on track. If you can simply keep your eyes down and your heart in the game, you can accomplish far more than you had ever thought possible. It’s also a great time to get something new off the ground, so start brainstorming right away with your people.

TODAY begins with you feeling extra-social and much more motivated to mix it up than usual. By later in the day, though, you’re definitely in a more introspective kind of place. Try to spend the second half of the day in a quiet, calm space where you can find your center and spend some serious quality time with your own inner thoughts.

(3)

D

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difficult - just lso an ideal

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16 Leather workers finding old coins (7) 17 Times for incantations? (6) 19 Extremely awkward teacher reveals accessory (3-2) 22 Part of iceberg visible in dump?

(3)

L

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22

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O

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P

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS L

12

2 Provoking remark about Somerset town (7) 3 Drink from mid-Wales (3) 4 Fuss about French article in Spanish city (6) 5 I’m obsequious chap, stony broke (9) 6 Attempts to find neckwear?

That’s about right (5) 7 Birds of Florence?

(12) 8 Rational sect involved in rows (12) 12 A nice long break may be pleasing (9) 16 Leather workers

24

11

DOWN

N

10

O

9

teacher reveals accessory (3-2) 22 Part of iceberg visible in dump?

(3)

S

8

7

finding old coins (7) 17 Times for incantations? (6) 19 Extremely awkward

23

6

that place (5) 23 Like this new boy (3) 24 No more letters after this bugle call? (4,4)

(7) ) in

5

1 National Trust island in collection of maps is long-lost land (8) 6 A colour of some importance (3) 9 Despicable chap left river (5) 10 Without resin and ruler (7) 11 Tempted to throw ten dice? (7) 13 Outgoing mail, I assume (5) 14 Clergymen soon appearing in empty churches (6) 15 Dolly’s a bit forward (6) 18 Wind up with letters read aloud (5) 20 Tie up an awkward flower (7) 21 The police should have paid this long ago (3,4) 22 Some other environment in

7)

4

ACROSS

16 Leather workers finding old coins (7) 17 Times for incantations? (6) 19 Extremely awkward teacher reveals accessory (3-2) 22 Part of iceberg visible in dump?

(3)

3

JETTING between one pole and another can be kind of exciting at first, but it just starts to make you feel off-kilter in the end. There is a happy medium, and you’ve got to find it before too much time passes. Ask yourself what it is that makes you veer so steeply, and once you’ve got some answers, you should know just what to do next. ugle

The Clare Echo Crossword 2

YOU need to play nice today, even if you know you’re right.

Take just a second to consider other perspectives before weighing in with the last word, A bit of thought brings surprising revelations -- about other people, but also your own motivations. Once you have that fresh P.O.V., you might dig up an answer that’s good for everyone.

s

JUST sticking wax in your ears and lashing yourself to the mast might put you in good company, but it can’t keep you from hearing anything uncomfortable that you still need to know. Avoiding the issue just makes more trouble than it’s worth, for sure -- so fight the urge to just shut down and try to take the news gracefully and with your intellect intact.

That attitude alone can see you through anything.

DON’T say no today, especially if an especially charming person (you know the one) is making the request. This doesn’t mean you should unthinkingly assent to all over-the-top adventures -- but if they propose some wild and crazy fun that goes a beyond your usual comfort zone (a little), there’s no harm, right? If you’re up for anything, you are sure to be surprised by how much you enjoy yourself.

1

1/1

e

ALMOST anything turns out to be possible for you today, especially if you’re in tune with your own energy. Go right ahead and tackle this new challenge -- you’re certainly able to rise above it all, and if you start by getting some clarity about the desired end results, so much the better. Find a trusted friend and talk things over if you need a fresh perspective, then take a deep breath and dive right in!

Taurus

Aries

ult - just n ideal

)

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, JAN 18 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz CLARE GAA NAMES

1Kilrush GAA nickname 3PJ O’Connell’s nickname two Clare clubs share the 2Which same nickname?

4Ger O’Loughlin saint lends it name to Kil5What kee GAA club?

The Shams, Tones, Magpies

Fingers, Legs, Toes

Robin, Wren, Sparrow

Kilkee and Ennistymon, Doonbeg and Clarecastle, Corofin and Miltown

St Imy, St Senan, St Joseph

saint lends its name to the 6What GAA club in Doora Barefield?

St Joseph, St Senan, St Michael

7 are Michael Cusack’s 8Where based?

Where are the Banner based?

l NAMED AFTER A FAMOUS CLARE NATIVE: Where are Smith O’Brien’s based?

Lahinch, Ennis, Lissycasey

Kilnamona, Corofin, Killaloe

l FOUNDER OF GAA: Where are Michael Cusack’s based?

North, East, West

STUNNING SHANNON

l PEACEFUL: Beautiful image of the River Shannon, taken in Killaloe. Photo by Elaine Tubridy

6. St Joseph 7. Ennis 8. Bellharbour 9. Killaloe 10. West

9 part of Clare are Naomh 10What Eoin based?

Where are Smith O’Brien’s based?

ANSWERS

1. The Shams 2. Doonbeg and Clarecastle 3. Fingers 4. The Sparrow 5. St Senan

Mountshannon, Knock, Bellharbour

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