The Clare Echo 16/11/2017

The new T-Roc now at Western Garages, Quin Rd, Ennis.

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065 671 9021

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editor@clareecho.ie

Martin Daly

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16 Nov 2017

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WE HAVE LIFT OFF

Ennis in the friend zone Town scoops friendliest place award STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

l Astronout Chris Hadfield with members of the 1st Clare Shannon Scouts, with Rose Hynes, Shannon Group Photo by Arthur Ellis

C

LARE has strengthened its reputation as one of the most welcoming counties with its county capital claiming the Retail Excellence Award for Friendliest Place in Ireland.

Ennis was nominated for the award by the Economic Development Directorate of

Clare County Council and beat off competition from the other finalists (Swords, Limerick City, Trim and Waterford City).

Mayor of Ennis, Clarecastle native Councillor Paul Murphy said: “Being named Ireland’s Friendliest Place is testament to the high quality visitor and shopping experience on offer in Ennis and is a vote of confidence in the partnership approach adopted by the Economic Development Directorate of Clare County Council, Ennis Chamber and local businesses to promoting the town.”

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

Index

Inside The Clare Echo FEATURES: PAGES 10-11

Just the cuppa for Aoibhín...

6

FRIENDLY ENNIS

AOIBHÍN GARRIHY

10-11

SPORT

19-22

Clare Echo columnist Aoibhín Garrihy picks her five favourite places in Clare to stop in for a cup of coffee. It’s sure to put a pep in your step!

23

OPINION REGIONAL NOTES

24-25

BUSINESS

26-27

MOTORING

30-34

PROPERTY

35-36

GET IN TOUCH

NEWS: PAGE 6

Ennis making new friends

SPORT: PAGE 19-22

Photos from around Clare In Clare Echo Sport this week, we are packed with fun-filled pictures from underage camogie and GAA matches taken around the county. We also joined Kilmurry Ibrickane as they exited the Munster Senior Championship.

We look at what makes Ennis the friendliest place in Ireland after the county town scooped the award at a Retail Excellence ceremony in Dublin last week.

THE CLARE ECHO

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

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

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

NOTES Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

SALES Telephone: 065 671 9021 Email: ciara.farrell@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.

l CHEQUE IT OUT: Winner of the Clare’s Got Talent Grand Final, St Flannan’s student Sean Lyons, is presented with a cheque at glór by Cormac O’Sullivan of the event’s main sponsor, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Photo by Julie Tillett

Lotto luck in Clare STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

T

HIS week has taken a turn for the better for one person in Clare – because The National Lottery has revealed that the winning ticket for last Friday night’s €500,000 Ireland only Euromillions Plus draw was purchased in Ennis.

Lottery HQ are urging people to check their lucky numbers because the winner is yet to present themselves. The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased in Dunnes Stores and the numbers are 8, 15, 19, 21 and 42.

Another winner of the Euromillions Plus prize from Clare picked up her winnings on Friday, having gone a whole month without realising she had the ticket.

The woman picked up her ticket in Barry’s Mace Store in Ardnacrusha on October 6 and went the month without realising that she was in luck.

A National Lottery spokesperson said: “Ireland is on a winning streak with Euromillions this year, with 28 of our players boosting their bank balances. This is a great start to this huge sporting day for our Clare player. We urge everybody to check their tickets and look forward to welcoming them into the National Lottery Winner’s Room.

“If they are too busy in front of the television watching the big games to go to their local shop to buy a ticket they can do so from the comfort of their sitting room by playing online at www.lottery.ie or through the National Lottery App. We wish our players best of luck with the Lotto and our rugby and soccer heroes the best of luck in their big games.”

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STUART HOLLY

drew Murphy. Hadfield said: “I’ve always had an interest in Ireland and Irish culture; hence my tweet As Gaeilge from space. I was delighted to be a tourism ambassador for Ireland and that got me to see much more of the country than I could ever have hoped. That included a trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, which was majestic. One of the most beautiful places I’ve visited.

“And now I’m back here at Shannon Airport, the gateway for the Wild Atlantic Way and an airport with its own space links given it was a designated emergency runway for space shuttles”. He added: “I’m staying at a 15th century castle, Knappogue Castle in Clare, which will be a great experience also.”

Rose Hynes added: “We were delighted to welcome Chris as he touched down at Shannon. He’s been a wonderful ambassador for aerospace and for Ireland, and in particular, the Wild Atlantic Way. As the gateway airport for the Wild Atlantic Way, we’re delighted that he will get an opportunity to stay in the area and rekindle his love for the Wild Atlantic Way.”

Famous astronaut Chris Had’ a field day visiting Co Clare editor@clareecho.ie

THE world’s most famous modern day astronaut Chris Hadfield jetted into Shannon Airport last week and stated it was good to be back.

Hadfield brought the International Space Station into popular culture in 2013 when he performed the David Bowie classic Space Oddity while rotating around the earth.

The astronaut with a grá of Ireland garnered a huge response with the first ever tweet as Gaeilge from space later that year, it reached all of half a million people.

Such was the response to his satellite sign-post that Tourism Ireland signed him up as an ambassador, resulting in him travelling to Ireland.

And when he stepped back on Irish soil last week, he declared “It’s good to be back”.

Hadfield was given a warm Shannon welcome as he was greeted by scouts from the 1st Clare Shannon Scouts and by Rose Hynes, Chairman of Shannon Group and Shannon Airport Managing Director An-

l SCOUTS’ HONOUR: Finn Bliss (11), Shannon Scouts, Rose Hynes, Chairperson of Shannon Photo by Arthur Ellis Group, with Hadfield and Dani McGuinness (11), 1st Clare Scouts

Ho, ho, hope for Shannon Santa tickets STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

SHORT of Christmas Eve, Santa’s busiest day in the run up to December 25 is set again for Shannon Airport as the big man jets in for his fifth successive annual Santa Flights on December 2 and 3.

Over 2,000 children and their parents/guardians will be carried into the skies to meet Santa 15,000ft above sea level in what has become the most anticipated event for local children aside from the big day itself.

To raise even more funds for the Shannon Group charities this year, the airport is putting a new lottery system in place, to replace the €9.99 charge per seat last year. A €1 per seat application fee will apply to enter this year’s lottery and if you win the lottery no other charges will apply. All profits raised from the event will go to Shannon Group’s designated charities for 2017, the Cahercal-

la Community Hospital & Hospice, Ennis and Home Share Clare.

The lottery system went live yesterday, with details on how to enter available on www.shannonairport.ie.

The lottery will close on Monday at 3pm and the winners will be notified by text on Wednesday November 22. Children will also be treated to a range of Christmas activities – dancing elves, games and other treats – in the transit lounge Said Matthew Thomas, Shannon Group CEO: “This is a very special Christmas event for us. We get huge support from the region and across Ireland every year and convincing Santa to come here and jump on board flights mid-air is our way of saying thank you. It’s a special time of year and we’re delighted to be able to put such huge smiles on so many children’s faces”.

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Ennis ‘proudly’ crowned Ireland’s Friendliest Place ELAINE TUBRIDY

W

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

E ALREADY knew that the Banner County has the soundest bunch of people around, but now it’s official as Ennis has been crowned Ireland’s Friendliest Place by Retail Excellence Ireland.

Retail Excellence Ireland CEO David Fitzsimons said the people of Ennis should be happy with their outstanding result.

“Ennis and Clare County Council can be proud of this achievement and the team at Retail Excellence would like to commend them for their very significant efforts,” he added.

It was a great night for Ennis as Willow was named in the top five Irish retailers and their neighbours Bambino’s also made the top 30.

Retail Excellence, the largest retail representative body in Ireland, run the prestigious awards on an annual basis.

The Awards are designed to drive standards in retail operations and town centres throughout the country.

The sell-out event, held at the Malton Hotel in Killarney last weekend, was attended by 600 Irish retail industry executives.

The awards are the biggest and best supported event in the Irish retail industry calendar.

Mr Fitzsimons confirmed that Retail Excellence Ireland were delighted with the quality of entries received this year and the standard set was second to none.

He added that it is always difficult to choose a winner but Ennis is a standard bearer in driving

l SMILES ALL ROUND: Jean McCabe and Mayor Tom McNamara were among those on hand to pick up the award

customer excellence, hospitality and pride in their town.

“Ireland is renowned the world over for its warm welcome and hospitality to all.

“This is particularly evident in retail operations throughout every village, town and city in the country and

Ennis demonstrates this in abundance.

“It is important to mark the significant contribution being made by retailers and city and county councils in driving standards which is why we introduced his category of award,” Mr Fitzsimons said.

‘I’m in retail 21 years, it’s the people make it’ ELAINE TUBRIDY

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

l BOOMING: Ennis during this year’s Fleadh Photo Clare Co Co Cheoil na hEireann

MAYOR of Clare Tom McNamara is over the moon about Ennis being announced as Ireland’s Friendliest Place.

He paid tribute to the town on hearing the news, stating that the Ennis’ win will help to raise the already dazzling profile of the bustling town.

“Ennis’ success in this awards scheme will further raise awareness of the town’s attractiveness as a shopping destination and visitor location.

“This award is complemented by the recent awarding of ‘Coach Friendly Destination’

status to Ennis by the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland,” he added.

Manix Menswear’s Kenneth McMahon said it’s the people of Ennis who make the town such a lovely place to visit.

“It’s the people, definitely the people. I’m working in retail here for 21 years. It’s everything, the people make it. We’re big enough to be an important size of a town, but small enough to keep that individuality,” he added.

Ennis shopper Aine O’Driscoll concurred with this

idea and said the town has everything going for it.

“I think Ennis is a lovely, clean town, lovely people. I must say every house you go into they are as nice or as helpful. It’s a good booming town, things are looking up for it,” she added.

All Seasons proprietor Gary Keane said the establishment of Shannon Airport has played a big part in the friendliness of the locals.

“The Americans are here so we are used to them and I find that no matter where you

go in Ennis people will always welcome you and there will always be a smile and a bit of chat and craic,” Gary said.

County Boutique co-owner Maeve Flouchbelieves the independently owned businesses in Ennis give the town a bit of an edge, “We have a lot of independently owned businesses and we offer something a little bit different in our town. We’re exceptionally customer orientated and we love our town.

That’s what makes Ennis so special,” she added.

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THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

Seal causes a flap in Kilkee ELAINE TUBRIDY elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

CUTIE: The seal in Kilkee

Photo by Vanessa Keane

WE COULD hardly contain ourselves when we saw the little cutie that has been hanging out at the cliff walk in Kilkee.

A baby seal has made the grassy verge his temporary home for the last few days as he loses his baby fur.

The Irish Seal Sanctuary are aware of the pup and have been keeping an eye on him.

Latoon Creek Bridge on the R458 (Old N18), located 4 kilometres south of Clarecastle, will undergo significant remediation works over the next 6 months. These works will necessitate the closure of a section of the R458 for the duration of the works. The works are due to commence on the 27th November.

enforced at housing estates ELAINE TUBRIDY

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

Background to project:

Traffic Management:

In November 2015, Clare County Council implemented a weight restriction on the 52 metre long by 12 metre wide Latoon Creek Bridge on the R458 (Old N18), located 4 kilometres south of Clarecastle. The Local Authority identified that the structural capacity of the bridge was compromised and could not reliably accommodate anything other than light vehicles until the bridge had been replaced.

• Access to Clarecastle will be provided via the M18, N85 and R458 (see overleaf).

The diversion route to Clarecastle will be signed using temporary signs and variable message signs. Signage will indicate that Clarecastle is open for business.

Whilst Clare County Council regrets the proposed works will inconvenience commuters, the current structural condition of this post-tensioned bridge dictates that these significant works be undertaken to ensure a full level of service on the R458 in the future.

Vanessa was lucky enough to get these gorgeous shots of the young one and she said he looks pretty healthy.

“He has a little infection in his eye, but he is losing a lot of hair so it’s probably from that,” she added.

The Irish Seal Sanctuary has also requested that any sightings of dead seals be reported to jwoodlock@eircom.net.

Speed limits under review Motion could see 30km/h

Latoon Creek Bridge Information

Clare County Council anticipates that the demolition and reconstruction of the entire bridge deck, which will prevent all traffic flow, will commence in late November. Works also include repairs to piers and abutments. According to Clare County Council’s Consulting Engineers, the works will take approximately 6 months to complete. Given favourable conditions, works may be completed ahead of schedule. The old Latoon Bridge will not be accessible during the proposed work period due to its location within the Latoon Creek Bridge construction site.

They have advised people to keep their distance from him, to avoid feeding him and to keep their dogs on leads.

Vanessa Keane from Kilkee said that the seal pup has started making his way back to the water and she believes his mammy is not too far away.

“It looks like his mammy is out there waiting for him, but it could just be another adult seal. It could be a coincidence,” she added.

• Local Access will be provided to persons who live on the R458 north of Latoon Bridge.

Similarly, landowners will be accommodated north and south of the construction site. Access through the construction site will be prohibited

USAIN Bolt could soon exceed the speed limit in Co Clare housing estates, as they could be reduced to 30km per hour.

Fine Gael Councillor Johnny Flynn proposed the motion at Monday’s council meeting, emphasising the fact that he has been raising the issue since his election in 2004.

“The evidence is that in zones of 50km per hour, the speed limit is often exceeded to 60km per hour,” he added.

If a pedestrian is struck by a car at 60km per hour, they only have a one in 10 chance of survival, but if they are struck at 30 km per hour, the survival rate is nine out of 10.

“We need to be much more

proactive, we can’t solve this overnight,” Cllr Flynn said.

A pilot project has already been rolled out in Bothar na Rinne in Shannon and could soon be seen across the Banner.

Independent Councillor Ian Lynch was concerned that a speed limit sign could actually increase vehicle speed as it would give drivers a target to reach.

“The Irish mentality when drivers see a speed limit is: “I must aim for that speed,” he said.

Senior Engineer Tom Tiernan commented that in his experience, speed limit signs do not work on their own and need to be backed up with other resources.

• The public is advised to check with public transport service providers to review any changes to schedules.

Persons wishing to receive updates for the duration of the remediation project should email latoon@clarecoco.ie. Further information is available from the Roads Department, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Rd., Ennis, County Clare, V95 DXP2, Telephone: (065) 6846312.

Visit: www.clarecoco.ie

l TOTALLY TRADICAL: Elaine Hogan playing her harp at the opening of last weekend’s Ennis Trad Festival Photo by Martin Connolly

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

Kilkee needs your help to raise €100,000 ELAINE TUBRIDY editor@clareecho.ie

IT’S probably fair to say that we sometimes take our beach side towns for granted.

As soon as the thermometer sneaks anywhere near 20°c, we down tools and head for Kilkee to soak up the rare Irish sunshine.

But sometimes we forget that small communities like Kilkee often struggle to keep themselves afloat, which is why Kilkee Chamber of Commerce have come up with a plan.

They have launched an appeal looking for people

from all over the world with a connection to the town to invest in the future of Kilkee.

They are hoping to raise €100,000 to invest in a range of both economic and social amenity projects over the course of the next five years.

Chamber member Cillian Murphy said they have already identified schemes such as LEADER, BIM FLAG, and Sports Capital funding that could benefit the area, but the community needs to be ready to take up

these opportunities.

“The hardest thing for most community groups is to have a war chest of available funding built up to avail of these grants when they are announced, often with very short lead in times.

We are trying to get ahead of the process by launching this fund raising appeal,” he added.

A dedicated email address, rethinkilkee@gmail. com, has been set up for anyone that would like to get involved.

l BREATH-TAKING: A stunning summertime evening sunset scene of Kilkee beach Photo by Julie Tillett

NEWS 9

10 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE CLARE THE NOTEBOOK

T

HAT chill in the air seems to have us all sniffling this weather. I had a right dose last week but I have started to take Source of Life called Gold Liquidas a vitamin supplement (available in most health food stores) and it is super.

I’m as right as rain again! It was a pretty good week for Clare. Ennis won Ireland’s Friendliest Place at the Retail Excellence Awards and a special congratulations to my great friend Jean McCabe and her team at Willow who nabbed one of the Top Five Store gongs on the night amongst some extremely stiff competition. So deserved.

It was great to see more Clare talent grace the cover of RSVP Magazine’s Christ-

mas Issue this month. Davy Fitzgerald and his beautiful girlfriend Sharon O’Loughlin feature along side yours truly and the glam squad responsible for turning us out so festive all hail from Clare too including Deirdre Body, Trish Toomey, Niamh Cavanagh, Sharon Connellan and the stunning locations at Armada Hotel and Trump Doonbeg.

I had the pleasure of attending Dancing with the Stars’ beautiful host, Aman-

da Byram’s new active wear launch last week. Amanda spent two years developing Body by Byram and it shows. Her hard work has paid off and the collection is stunning and so comfortable. I’m delighted to say it is now available in Pamela Scott in Ennis and Amanda will be stopping by in the coming weeks...so watch this space!

COVET IN CLARE COZY UP With the weather significantly colder it’s time to layer up.

Brass boutique in Ennis is a one stop shop for cozy/ funky jumpers and knits and this one is a particular fave of mine. (pic right) €75 Brass

DIY Homeware and interior designer, Laura Vaughan (pic right) has just opened a brand new design studio and gift store in Ennis just in time for the festive season.

Expect beautiful statement unique Irish pieces and leave fulfilled having supported Irish design.

HELLO FLAWLESS One of my favourite make up brands benefit, has finally arrived to Clare at Rochfords Pharmacy. My hero pieces...Hello Flawless foundation, Boi-ing concealer and Ka-brow eyebrow cream.

Check out the full range available in store now!

MADE FOR WALKIN’ Nozomi Shoe Boutique have given us their take on this season’s sought after Gucci’s (pic above right) and their

version is FABULOUS...Dear Santa...€165 Nozomi FITSPO Looking for some motivation to get you up off the couch and moving...look no further than Amanda Byram’s stunning new active wear range (pic left).

Now available in Pamela Scott, Ennis.

HAPPENINGS PAT SHORTT Pat Shortt brings his hilarious brand new live show “How’s Tings” to the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point on Friday November 24. Tickets available on 065 7079000 or ticketmaster.ie IRISH SEEDSAVERS Irish Seedsavers Winter Workshop weekend takes place in Scariff November 18 - 19 and includes creating an orchard, natural skincare

and cosmetics and beer making.

See irishseedsavers.ie for more.

BOOM? Boom? at glór is a comedy set in 2006 when the Celtic tiger was hale and hearty but on the verge of collapse as five well known, finely tuned, Irish actresses tell their tale of woe. Thursday November 16.

Tickets €18 available at glór.ie

lSTOPPING

BY CLARE: Amanda Byram will be Ennis-bound in the coming weeks

COLUMNIST 11

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

lFEELING FESTIVE: It was great to see more Clare talent grace the cover of RSVP Magazine’s Christmas Issue this month. And (right) Aoibhín with Amanda Byram who is launching her ‘Body By Byram’ active wear collection

Top 5 Five favourite cups of coffee in Clare

DODI, LAHINCH

1

This little seaside gem is home to a unique blend of carefully chosen artisan coffee, Roasted Brown, served to perfection. A flat white, a sunny day and a surf... what more could you ask for?

2

THE CHEESE PRESS, ENNISTYMON

Fair trade, fluoride free, specialised Anam coffee with an eco friendly message and a super friendly welcome, The Cheese Press will have you high on life, not just caffeine!

THE PANTRY, KILKEE

3

The coffee is good, particularly after a brisk coastal walk...but the delicious array of freshly baked accompaniments are the pièce de résistance.

4

THE WOODEN SPOON, KILLALOE

Grab and go or take a cosy window seat and allow the delicious Badger and Dodo coffee at The Wooden Spoon kick start your day the right way!

TEA AND GARDEN ROOMS, BALLYVAUGHAN

5

Coffee and Cake...what’s not to love. This quaint little cottage is the perfect little haven to hang out with a book, enjoy the beautiful gardens and sip away on a creamy latte and chocolate cake! Divine.

THE LATE NIGHT

PHARMACY

IN CLARE OPEN

Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm

12 THE SCENE

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

The scene

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

FINALISTS: All of the Clare’s Got Talent finalists on stage at glór

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

All photos by Julie Tillett/Clare Echo

Clare’s got plenty of talent Final of Clare’s Got Talent in glór was a truly spectacular event

FAMILY FUN: Sally, Alana & Aoife - Show Sisters

FAMOUS FACES: Singer Brian Kennedy performing at the event

THE SCENE 13

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

ARCADIA ON FIRE: Falling Arcadia from Corofin

STUNNING PERFORMANCE: Katelyn Cusack from Clarecastle

COLOURFUL BUNCH: Barefield NS Choir with their powerful performance

TAKING TO THE STAGE: Sponsors of the event DNG and Clare FM presenter Ger Sweeney

ON SONG: Clodagh Lawlor from Newmarket on Fergus

WINNER ANNOUNCED: The moment the winner of Clare’s Got Talent 2017 Sean Lyons is announced

GUITAR HERO: Sean Lyons blasts out a tune

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

A new era of

INTERACTION twitter.com/ ClareEcho

facebook.com/ clareecho

instagram.com/ theclareecho

Facebook comment of the week

‘‘

Absolutely brilliant show well done to you all such amazing talent.

Marie Kelleher

in reaction to ‘Mamma Mia, how can you resist it?’ article on Scariff Community College’s production of Mamma Mia

www.clareecho.ie

Tweet of the week SHANAHAN PAINTS @Shanahanpaints1

Santa is definitely going to be visiting #Ennis this #Christmas cause it’s the friendliest place woo-hoo!@LEOCountyClare @visitennis1 @ClareCoCo

VIDEO SHARED 66 TIMES ON FACEBOOK East Clare Cluster talks COMMUNITY and the power of positive thinking is at the core of three talks which started this Tuesday, that are set to draw people in from across the county to East Clare.

The free talks, titled ‘Together We’re Strong’, are aimed at reaffirming the importance of community and how it can, in particular, bring people through the toughest times in their lives.

The first talk took place on Tuesday night in Scarriff Community College at 8pm and saw Everest mountaineer and Co. Clare man John Burke talk of the spiritual aspect of his journey, how people no longer with him but who had a huge impact on his life brought him through and, indeed, how he and his wife Aoibhín have established a charity, Elevate, to focus on youth mental health.

His talk will be followed on Tuesday, November 28 at St. Joseph’s Secondary School by Eugene Hogan, a native of Tipperary but who now lives in East Clare. He will talk about the tragic death of his brother Dermot – then the Offaly U-21 hurling manager – in a farming accident and how his family was wrapped up in a circle of support by local, GAA and farming communities during that tragic time.

The third and final talk will be from Armagh star and motivational speaker Oisín McConville, who will

give an account of his battle to overcome a gambling addition, a battle that he could never have taken on were it not for the support of others.

The talks are being arranged under the banner of the East Clare Cluster of parishes and, according to one of the organisers Fr. Donagh O’Meara, Moderator of the Cluster, are aimed at reminding people of the importance of positivity and community.

“We’re doing these talks for two reasons. One is to bring people together in a spirit of community because if you look at rural Ireland so many of the places where people gathered are gone so you now have to create spaces where people can come together.

“The second reason for the talks is everybody in their lives experiences challenges or suffering in one way or another at some point.

Somebody once said that it’s not so much that you suffer but it’s how you face your suffering that defines you. It can often hearten you when you see the courage of another. It can lift you and these talks will be uplifting.

“The common thread in it is that all these talks will essentially be about how community pulled and brought our speakers, in one way or another, through and there’s a lesson for us all in that.”

l COMMUNITY: The organising committee for the East Clare Cluster talks on the importance of community, which start this Tuesday, November 14 at 8pm, in Scarriff Community College with Everest mountaineer John Burke. From L to R: Ger Hoey, Fiona Cahill, Fr. Donagh O’Meara

NEWS 15

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

Clare Echo Winter Photo competition STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

THE Clare Echo is officially launching its Winter Readers’ Photo Competition – with the winner getting their photograph transformed into a stunning museum quality oil painting courtesy of Smart Art. The theme for this competition is ‘Beautiful Clare’ and we’re looking for our readers to take a photograph of anything beautiful in the county, whether it’s the Cliffs of Moher or the neighbour’s dog.

Any amateur photographer can enter, the closing date is November 19 (Sunday week) and we will be naming the five finalists’ photos online with the winner being announced in our November 23 issue. To enter, email your photo to editor@clareecho.ie or send it to The Clare Echo, O’Connell Square House (above Sherry Fitzgerald), Ennis, Co Clare.

Smart Art offer Ireland’s only professional PhotoTo-Oil painting service. They take your photo, and one of their skilled artists will transform this into a 100 per cent, hand created Oil Painting.

Specialising in the supply of art for homes & businesses, Smart Art take pride in their ‘affordable art for all’ ethos with oil paintings starting from just €49 and never exceeding a relatively modest €299.

“Like most other art suppliers, our artwork is authentic and of excellent quality and we are delighted to team up with the Clare Echo in this fantastic competition to transform a well deserved winning photo into a unique oil painting that can be treasured for a life time” said SmartArt’s Sean Rowland. Sean can be contacted on 091 450516 or info@smartart.ie

l EARLY ENTRIES: Two early entries we have received online; (left) Nicole Pennekamp’s entry which was taken in Ennis last Sunday and (right) a photo of Scattery Lighthouse taken by Pauline Dunleavy from Kilrush

Calls for age-friendly car spaces ELAINE TUBRIDY

editor@clareecho.ie

THE general Clare population is not getting any younger and according to CSO statistics, the people of the Banner County are living longer and more independently.

Medical advances and a better quality of life mean that the older generation can motor around well into their golden years, but this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be making life a little easier on them.

With this in mind, Fine Gael councillor Mary Howard has requested that Clare County Council provide ‘Age Friendly’ parking spaces.

“This is just a courtesy, they would pay the same as everybody else but there would be a good chance that they would get parking in particular parts of town. It’s just a couple of

spots here and there.

“We’re all getting older, that’s the reality and we are living longer, healthier independent lives and this is all part of that,” Cllr Howard said.

The designated public parking near the desired destinations would increase accessibility and usage of public and other essential services such as doctor’s surgeries, post office, banks, library and local shops etc.

“Ennis is the friendliest town in Ireland I think it will be friendly for everybody if we get this over the line.

“I was delighted our Chief Executive was very positive towards it and it will possibly become part of our age friendly strategy into the future,” Cllr Howard added.

16 NEWS

Kilrush to meet over Shannon Doc services

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

ELAINE TUBRIDY

T

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

HE ‘Support the Reinstatement of ShannonDoc’ Committee will hold a public meeting on Friday, November 24 in Kilrush.

The objective of the meeting is to look at how the scaling back of the ShannonDoc services have impacted the local community.

The committee will consider if the issues that were highlighted last year have been addressed, as well as examining how close they are to finding a suitable solution.

The committee is encouraging the public to attend and to give their views on the issue.

Former Sinn Fein election candidate Noeleen Moran said she has received reports from the public that there has been some confusion over the opening hours of the ShannonDoc service, as well as reports that doctors are being moved from ShannonDoc to cover HSE services.

She urged ShannonDoc to clarify the situation, stating: “Management at University Hospital Limerick are urging the public to use alternatives instead of presenting in Limerick.

“It’s vital that ShannonDoc give clarification on what service is being provided and also the reason why they are removing doctors from Shannon to support Ennis,” she added.

In a statement issued to The Clare Echo, ShannonDoc management stressed that there have been no changes to the operating times for the out of hours, non-emergency GP service in Shannon.

“The GP, however, at Shannon may, if there are no appointments scheduled, go on house calls or return to the Ennis Base.

“At all times during our operations the triage telephone service is available and if appointments are needed people will be seen at the centre up to 22:00 hrs, ensuring the same uninterrupted service

for patients,” the statement reads.

The public meeting marks the one year anniversary of the decision to scale back some of the ShannonDoc services.

The weekday services in Kilrush and Ennistymon were moved to Miltown Malbay, with both centres now only

operating until 10pm at weekends.

The Killaloe centre has also been scaled back and according to the ShannonDoc website, only operate on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

The public meeting will be held on Friday, November 24 at 8pm in the Community Centre, Kilrush.

l REEL DEAL: The Ennis TradFest organising committee at the festival launch in Ennis

Photo by Martin Connolly

Clean Ireland is top household waste provider ELAINE TUBRIDY

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

l CLEAN WORK: Winners of the Waste Collector of The Year Household Award, Caroline Walsh, IWMA Chairperson, Winners of the Waste Collector of The Year Household Award Brian Lyons & Michelle Nagle, Clean Ireland Recycling, with Minister for Communications Denis Naughten TD

CLARE company Clean Ireland Recycling is celebrating national success again after being selected Ireland’s best household collector for the fourth time in six years at the industry’s only prestigious national awards.

The leading provider of waste management solutions in the Mid-West claimed the 2017 Household Waste Collector of The Year award, sponsored by the Irish Waste Management Association, at the Pakman Awards in Dublin.

Over 400 representatives gathered for the Repak sponsored event at the InterContinental Hotel Dublin, with Clean Ireland Recycling beating off

opposition from across the country to claim the title. It follows successes at awards in 2012, 2013 and 2014, making Clean Ireland Recycling consistently Ireland’s leading household waste collector.

Speaking after receiving the award, Brian Lyons of Clean Ireland Recycling, said: “We’re thrilled with this award.

For a company based here in the Mid-West to be competing and recognised at a national level says a lot about what we do. It showcases our staff and their dedication and the level of service provided to each customer.”

“From the origins of the company back in the early ‘90s,

Clean Ireland Recycling have always pushed the boundaries in terms of standards and this proves it. We have, as the name suggests, pushed the green agenda by always looking to introduce cleaner, greener technologies and have, without question, pioneered in this regard.”

Clean Ireland Recycling were the first to introduce the 360ltr recycling bin as standard to householders, allowing for increased recycling levels. They have now introduced the first dedicated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) waste collection trucks into Ireland, which will lead to lower emissions.

ADVERTISEMENT 17

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

7 AWARDS 2017

Excellence in WasteMangagement & Recycling

Thank You Find us on Facebook for service information, news & offers.

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Together we continue to protect the environment while achieving sustainable savings with this award-winning service Clean Ireland Recycling wishes to thank you, our customers and staff, for your role in this award.

CALL 1890 361 800

www.cleanireland.ie 14/11/2017 09:56

18 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity Life isn’t always rosy but we must be grateful for what we have

A

LBERT EINSTEIN once said: “There are only two ways to live your life, one is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as if everything is”.

Perhaps the greatest genius of the previous century, Einstein expressed so eloquently a life philosophy predicated upon gratitude.

Over the past year I have been giving a lot of thought to developing a deeper gratitude for those things which I am truly thankful for.

Thanksgiving for the ups and downs of life

‘LIFE IS BOTH ROSES AND THORNS!’

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her shoes as she pushed against a November gust and the florist shop door. Her life had been easy, like spring breeze. Then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a minor automobile accident stole her ease. During this Thanksgiving week she would have delivered a son. She grieved over her loss.

As if that weren’t enough, her husband’s company threatened a transfer. Then her sister, whose holiday visit she coveted, called saying she could not come. What’s worse, Sandra’s friend infuriated her by suggesting her grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathise with others who suffer. “She has no idea what I’m feeling,” thought Sandra with a shudder. Thanksgiving? Thankful for what? She wondered. For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an air bag that saved her life but took that of her child? “Good afternoon, may I help you?” The shop clerk’s approach startled her.

“I....I need an arrangement,” stammered Sandra. “For Thanksgiving? Do you want beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the Thanksgiving Special?” asked the shop clerk. “I’m convinced that flowers tell stories,” she continued. “Are you looking for something that conveys ‘gratitude’ this Thanksgiving?” “Not exactly!,” Sandra blurted out. “In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong.” Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the shop clerk said: “I have the perfect arrangement for you.” Then the door’s small bell rang, and the shop clerk said: “Hi, Barbara...let me get your order.”

She politely excused herself and walked toward a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and long-stemmed thorny roses; Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped. There were no flowers.

“Want this in a box?,” asked the clerk. .

Sandra watched for the customer’s response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers? She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed.

“Yes, please,” Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. “You’d think after three

 BEAUTIFUL: Roses smell sweeter when you have overcome the thorns

years of getting the special, I wouldn’t be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again,” she said as she gently tapped her chest. “Uh,” stammered Sandra, “she just left with no flowers.... she just left with no flowers!” “Right, said the clerk, “I cut off the flowers. That’s the Special. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet.” “Oh, come off it, you can’t tell me someone is willing to pay for that!” exclaimed Sandra.

“Barbara came into the shop three years ago feeling much like you feel today,” explained the clerk. “She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had lost her father to cancer, the family business was failing, her son was into drugs, and she was facing major surgery.”

“That same year I had lost my husband,” continued the clerk, “and for the first time in my life, had just spent the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too great a debt to allow any travel.”“So what did you do?,” asked Sandra. “I learned to be thankful for thorns,” answered the clerk quietly. “I’ve always thanked God for good things in life and never to ask Him why those good things happened to me, but when bad stuff hit, did I ever ask! It took time for me to learn that dark times are important. I have always enjoyed the ‘flowers’ of life, but it took thorns to show me the beauty of God’s comfort. You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we’re afflicted, and from His consolation we learn to com-

fort others.” Sandra sucked in her breath as she thought about the very thing her friend had tried to tell her. “I guess the truth is I don’t want comfort. I’ve lost a baby and I’m angry with God.” Just then someone else walked in the shop. “Hey, Phil!” shouted the clerk to the balding, rotund man. “My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement, twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems,” laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue-wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.

“Those are for your wife?” asked Sandra incredulously. “Do you mind me asking why she wants something that looks like that?” “No...I’m glad you asked,” Phil replied. “Four years ago my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord’s grace and guidance, we slogged through problem after problem. He rescued our marriage.

Jenny here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she learned from “thorny” times, and that was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific “problem” and give thanks for what that problem taught us.”

As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, “I highly recommend the Special.” “I don’t know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life,” Sandra said to the clerk. “It’s all too...fresh.” “Well,” the clerk replied carefully, “my experience has shown me that thorns make roses more precious. We treasure God’s providential care more during

trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don’t resent the thorns.” Tears rolled down Sandra’s cheeks.

For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on resentment. “I’ll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please,” she managed to choke out. “I hoped you would,” said the clerk gently. “I’ll have them ready in a minute.” “Thank you.

What do I owe you?” Sarah asked. “Nothing; nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year’s arrangement is always on me.” The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. “I’ll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first.” It read: “My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns.

“Teach me the glory of the life I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant.” Praise Him for your roses, thank him for your thorns.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, pray and try to become oriented toward looking for things to be grateful and thankful for.

Sporting pictures from around the county

Pages 19-22

Sport

Kilmurry Ibrickane fall to Crokes in Killarney Dr Crokes 2-19 Kilmurry Ibrickane 0-10 Munster SFC semi-final in Killarney

l THY KINGDOM COME: Pictures of fans and players in action in Kerry (Clockwise from above); Colm ‘Gooch’ Cooper and Darren Hickey compete for the ball; Karen Galvin, Helen Talty and Carmel Galvin; Sean Hickey came to support his dad Shane; Aidan, Patricia and Pat McCarthy who travelled from Inagh; captains Martin McMahon and Daithi Casey with referee Sean Lonergan of Tipperary Photos by Martin Connolly

20 SPORT

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

Clonlara edge goal-fest in Shield final

‘‘

A strong showing in defence resulted in a second half with one score

Truagh Clonlara 6-1 Broadford 4-6 (AET) Clare Championship U16B Shield Final In Meelick

A

HIGHLY entertaining match between neighbours Broadford and Truagh Clonlara took place on Sunday in Meelick, where both sets of players showed incredible work ethic throughout the match in tough underfoot conditions.

The first half of the game was a goal fest with 8 in total being scored in 30 minutes! Broadford started the game well with a point from a free and a goal shortly after.

Truagh Clonlara’s first goal of the day was scored by Leah Hawes from play. Two more points from Broadford - one from a free and one from play were followed by their second goal to give Broadford a strong lead after the first quarter.

‘‘

GAA

Truagh found their form then and full forward Rebecca Foley scored two goals in quick succession to level the match.

However Broadford had the perfect answer with two goals of their own to restore their lead.

Foley completed her hat trick shortly before the break to vitally narrow the gap to one goal at half time, Broadford 4-3 Truagh Clonlara 4-0.

A strong showing from both sets of defenders resulted in a second half with only a single score! Joanne Egan of Truagh got the important goal to level the match and send the game into extra time.

With the freedom of a further 20 minutes to play both teams managed two scores in the first half of extra time.

l BLUE-MING BRILLIANT: The Truagh Clonlara team after their hard-fought win in Meelick

Egan added to her earlier goal with another to put Truagh ahead for the first time in the game with Broadford adding two points, one from play and one from a free and before the extra time half time whistle blew Egan again got on the scoresheet with a fine point from play to extend Truagh’s lead to 2 points.

The second half of extra time again provided only one score a well taken pointed free from

l VALIANT: Inagh Kilnamona were defeated in the AIB Munster Senior Club Championship by Burgess Duharra on a score of 2-10 to 1-10. Pictured left is Sinead Quinn under a high ball and (right) Fiona Lafferty striking the sliotar in their game at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick at the weekend

Broadford’s free taker who had struck the ball so well throughout the game.

This was Truagh’s second extra time game this year (losing out to Clooney Quin in the Quarter Final of the Championship) and they were determined not to lose out again in 80 plus minutes of play. They worked very hard in the dying minutes to deprive Broadford of any score and held out to win the U16B Shield for 2017.

Truagh Team: Katie Conlon, Eve McMahon, Jane Begley, Rebecca Reilly, Molly Fennessy, Sinead Ryan, Clodagh McNamara, Eva Larkin, Joanne Egan (2-1), Christina McKeon, Leah Hawes (1-0), Louise Kavanagh, Kate O’Callaghan, Rebecca Foley (3-0), Emily Clancy.

Subs: Katryn Galvin for O’Callaghan. Amie Carmody.

Referee: Ger Lyons, Ruan

SPORT 21

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

AGM for Crusheen Ladies CRUSHEEN Ladies Football Club will be having their annual Parents Meeting/AGM on Monday, November 27 in the clubhouse at Crusheen, from 7.30-8.30pm.

Organisers say it is important to attend if you wish to register your girl with the club next year.

We are looking for trainers/mentors for all our teams, if you can help out in any way, it will be greatly appreciated by the girls.

Nominations and motions shoud be sent to Julie by Saturday, November 25, and she can be contacted by emailing crusheenladiessecretary@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you all and please spread the word to anybody you think may be interested. l ‘HON THE MAGPIES: The girls of Doonbeg’s U14 team, who won the County Division 3 Football Final against Photo by Julie Tillett Crusheen on a scoreline of 4-7 to 2-4 in Doonbeg

U14 Division 3 Football League Final

DID THEMSELVES PROUD: The Crusheen U14’s girls football team lost at the final hurdle Photo by Julie Tillett

HIGHLY COMPETITIVE: Crusheen and Doonbeg in battle

Photo by Julie Tillett

l CHAMPIONS: Doonbeg captain Ailish Dunne Photo Julie Tillett

22 SPORT

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

New year for Doora Barefield

Parish up for Games National Award COMMUNITY GAMES

I

T’S THAT time of the year again, winter is closing in and we wonder how to keep our kids active. The answer is Community Games. It all begins in December, getting the volunteers together and scheduling the training and games.

In Doora-Barefield we are looking forward to 2018, but what an incredible success 2017 was.

The year is not over yet though.

The feather in our cap would be winning the Community Games National Award in two weeks time.

We have almost 400 children registered with us, those children entered 49 events between them and were coached, trained and helped along by 35 Volunteer Games Mentors.

We entered everything from Handwriting to Futsal, Talent to Cycling on Grass, Tag Rugby

to Gymnastics. If we offered the opportunity to participate...the kids took it!

It’s not all about competing though, it’s about participation, it’s about the whole community coming together for the good of the children.

Community Games is for children from four years old to 16, having fun, making new friends, being active, being involved, learning new skills and talents along the way.

It’s so important that this is encouraged in a fun and enjoyable, positive atmosphere to ensure the children’s long and active participation in Community Games.

Our numbers have been growing year on year because friends and families in the community have rolled up their sleeves and become Event Co-ordinators, trainers,

l INVOLVEMENT: The Doora Barefield Community Games team has almost 400 children mentors, helpers, fruit cutters, jersey washers, team drivers, flag day sellers or whatever else it is that is needed.

This year we had 22 children compete in the National Finals.

We took home numerous Gold, Silver, Bronze and 4th place certificates. We’ve had 11 County AllStar Award recipients, but probably what matters more are the 121 Gold, 131 silver & 76 bronze County medals that have pride of place in homes in Doora-Barefield.

This is the first year that Doora-Barefield has presented a Perpetual Cup - it’s not awarded for

winning but is given to the child who most embodies the Spirit of The Community Games.

A few years ago, our Community Games nearly fell apart but we couldn’t let it happen so with renewed vigour, we got together and when each one does a little it’s amazing what we can achieve.

This year we won the award in County Clare for Best Large Area and on November 25, in Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co Meath, we are hoping to win the National Award.

We have also been awarded Gold in the HSE’ s Steps to Health initia-

tive. This aims to promote healthy living across all aspects of everyday life. We worked hard to promote good nutrition, hydration, positive Mental health, positivity, inclusivity and sun safety for the better of the whole community.

We are one of only three areas in the country to be awarded the Gold standard.

Fingers crossed that we win the National Award!

Facebook: Doora Barefield Community Games.

Ennistymon star Darragh shines in UK ATHLETICS

l SUCCESS: Darragh with his medal in Glasgow last week

CBS ENNISTYMON student Darragh Miniter put in a superb performance last Friday in the Emirates Stadium Glasgow.

Darragh was taking part in with the Irish schools’ team which flowered in Scotland at the Combined Events International at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow on Friday, November 10.

Darragh was selected for the schools side after scoring over 3,000 points competing in five events nationally; hurdles, shot putt, long jump, 200m sprint and 1,000m run.

He was part of the intermediate

boys’ team which was placed third overall with the North Clare athlete taking home a personal tally of 2866 points.

The Schools International was a grueling multi event competition and full of top class athletes and the Ennistymon CBS 5th year student did not disappoint.

Darragh is a promising athlete and divides his time between academics and athletics, he recently moved to the Ennistymon school where he has settled in well and is encouraged to achieve highly both at school and in all sports by his Principal and staff.

COLUMNISTS 23

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

EDITOR’S OPINION

Eoin Neylon

An ode to Miltown

What makes one want to dip their toe in politics?

Stuart Holly

A

QUOTE from a poem that caught my eye this week: “Romance might strike, don’t be surprised, Miltown’s full of luck.” Now, I’m not a man for poetry but even I try to write at least one a year.

Usually it goes into my wife’s birthday card and reads something like; “I’ll fulfill all of your wishes, just last week I even washed the dishes”.

Award-winning stuff.

There were a couple of reasons this poem about Miltown Malbay caught my eye. It followed a phonecall I received from a woman who is organising a ‘girls night out’ in the West Clare town, so I had Miltown Malbay on my mind already. It also promoted positivity in Clare.

Clare is a county that wears a smile on its face. This is reflected on a national and international stage and no area in the county wants to get left behind.

Ennis has just been named Ireland’s Friendliest Place by Retail Excellence Ireland. Think Tidy Towns, Information Age Town, Purple Flag Awards, the list goes on. The Loop Head Heritage, the farming for conservation Burren Programme, Clarisford Park in Killaloe. All award-wining local projects touched by the gold-dust that is community spirit.

It’s easy to say that awards ceremonies can be taken with a pinch of salt, but all of the above were very hard-earned and more importantly well deserved.

But beneath that glittering surface, community spirit in Clare is bubbling away in a healthy simmer and sometimes it’s the small things that make you take notice. This week, it was a poem about Miltown Malbay. The poem was submitted anonymously to a Facebook page called ‘Lovely Old Miltown’.

I made contact with the author, who said: “The idea came to me after attending the Business Enterprise Town event in Miltown Malbay on Friday evening. It was a great success and lovely to see our town connect and see so many of our local exhibitors showcasing”.

I’ll stop blabbering on and let you enjoy.

“Come to Miltown, see the sights, so very much to see. We’ll welcome you with open arms. It is the place to be. Romance might strike, don’t be surprised, Miltown’s full of luck.

Boyle Sports might cash out highly with odds on a couple struck.

You can meet in Peadars for the craic, loads of fun to break the ice. Or dine with Cogans pub grub for a curry, chips and rice. The Old Bakehouse is a hidden gem, serves wonderful local fish, or Mr. Kebab delivers if you like an Indian dish. You might like the Guinness in famous Hillereys, it’s half way down the street.

Or Michael A’s across the road to take a high stool seat.

You could take her to the Malbay or Brigid’s Westbridge bar, if you fancy pizza or pasta, you’ll give The Yard five star. Martin Flynn’s has snooker, you’ll probably feel you’ve scored, not until Friels Lynch’s, the trad will have you floored. You can dance the night away, in Kelly’s Hostel Bar, or visit Clearys or the Blondes as it’s known so wide and far. The Markethouse acoustic groups will have her entertained.

Shane O’ Connell physio, will treat a muscle strained. In Clancy’s bar there’s young and old and Thursdays are a treat, or stay indoors with a book from Sean’s, the Townhouse serves a good nights sleep.

Anne Marie and Leonard’s garage will serve all your convenience store needs. Fresh Kebab will cater for wholesome take away feeds. Mc-

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

A LOVELY: Miltown Malbay

Namees in Londis will serve your pocket right, Bank of Ireland is right next door in case your pocket’s tight.

You’ve lots to entertain your love. You’ll have lots of memories to share. You’ll do no better than in our town and to have your friends aware. You’ll not get tired, you’ll not be bored, you’ll be active as can be. You’ll improve in Vision Fitness, to explore our town, you’ll see.

You really might want to shower your love with gifts from An Ghiolla Finn, or if decide to pass My Boutique Store, your love might think a sin. You’ll sort her shoes in An Siopa Beag and you’ll jewel her from Vardens Pharmacy.

Don’t be afraid to visit our church to plan and see it’s elegancy.

The Bellbridge and Armada can host your special day and Kelly’s pharmacy in Miltown has the make up, tan, you say. The Bridal Emporium and Floral & Hardy know their wedding stuff, and with all Maeve Keavey has to offer, you’ll never see enough. Frank Healy can provide you with all the meat you need and Grace Events will grace you with ribbons and props agreed. Your friends can buy your wedding cards in Larkin’s with a chat. Hair by Laura and the Beehive will sort your mother’s hat. The Perfect Touch and Rays of Beauty can transform your bride to be. Dapper Dan will focus on his man and finalise groom to be. Hanrahans or Urchin Buoy can make your wedding cake and lucious treats from Catriona O’Dea for all you need to bake. Melanie Cahill will plan your trip for the perfect honeymoon, and on return The Seabrook Clinic will treat you to a massage or two.

You might need a nutritious bite to eat before you leave the town. The Dolphin will surely suit your stomach before you find that frown. Supervalu and Centra, have it all, not your groceries alone, and the Cottage Garden Centre will provide your gifts for taking home.

And as you return again to live, for its memories and its charm, there’s plenty of builders to build your house or someone might sell you a farm. Cahills Kitchens and Burke & Egan will sort you with your plans, and Spraoi are on hand to babysit, the staff have children fans.

Burke’s hardware can help to furnish rooms, Vaughan’s fuel depot will keep it warm, Flynn’s TV to provide entertainment, though you’ll be making your own in a storm. High stool days are regular, in the town we love so well. Call Matt, Joe, Johnny or Luke or Tom when the publican’s ring their bell.

As you can see there is much to love when we shout ‘Come on the Town’ cause there’s nowhere to be, but beside the sea in our ‘Lovely Old Miltown’.”

QUESTION I’ve been asked more times that I could possibly count is “What made you want to get involved in politics?”. I’ve heard it jokingly referred as ‘a particular form of insanity’. Maybe there’s a kernel of truth to that.

Complaining about politicians is an international obsession and sometimes, it’s very much deserved. In truth, however, the work of a politician is often very demanding, very unappreciated and, compared to how that work would be remunerated in the private sector, not very well recompensed.

The work of the average TD is a 12-hour day without travel seeing to constituents’ needs, reviewing and drafting legislation and meeting with various bodies and lobby groups from the community and various industries. This is before correspondence and media are even factored in. When media report that the ‘Dáil are going on holiday’, what that means is the main chamber isn’t sitting but all the other work goes on alongside committee meetings of the various sub-committees. In this day and age of social media and 24-hour news, intrusions into politicians’ private lives are all too common as well. So, what is it that gets people to put themselves before the people?

Looking back at the TD’s Co. Clare has sent to the Dáil since the foundation of the state makes for interesting reading to try answer that query. The first post Home Rule election in 1921 was a non-event with all nominated candidates being returned uncontested. This meant the first electoral test was in 1922 with pro-treaty and anti-treaty Republicans (58 & 36 seats) taking the lion’s share of the seats with the Labour Party and Farmers Party getting 17 and seven respectively.

In Clare, this broke down as two pro and two anti-treaty Republicans, again unopposed as the same four had been the year previously. Since that election, 35 people have been elected to Dáil Éireann by the people of Clare. Of these, only two have been women, namely Madeleine Taylor-Quinn and Síle De Valera. Nine of them have listed farmer as their occupation, five teachers, five ‘businessmen’, four doctors and three publicans.

The other professions being barrister, Garda, Trade Union official, soldier, academic, publisher and full-time public representative.

Of the 35 elected from the county, 14 have been from Fianna Fáil, 10 from Fine Gael (including Cumann na nGaedheal), three Labour members, three independents and two farmers. The remainder were republicans elected prior to the parties as we know them being founded. So far, the best bet on being elected, statistically speaking, is to be male, from one of the ‘big two’ parties, who works as a teacher and farms on the side.

That’s history though and, as we’ve seen, Ireland societally and politically has changed an awful lot of the previous three decades.

It’s 27 years this month since Mary Robinson took office as President and the Ireland we live in today has come on in leaps and bounds in that time. We are an open, modern country that leads the globe in terms of technological and pharmaceutical output per capita. We have been ranked the most open economy in all the OECD and are way more tolerant and more secular than we were when we welcomed our first female head of state. The 2016 election say the most women ever returned to Dáil Éireann but we still have a way to go on that front.

It’s true to say that we still face many of the old problem though; housing, health care, transport, employment.

They’re the old issues that come up time and time again.

So why get involved where so many have gone before and only scored marginal success? For the vast majority MODERN COUNTRY: It’s 27 years this month since Mary Robinson took office as President

of people I’ve met over my 13 years actively involved in politics, it’s out of overall a sense of duty. People in political parties and thosewho run as independentsbelieve, rightly or wrongly, that they have something that can give to the body politic that no one else can. Few get to the lofty heights of Leinster House, but quite a number do contribute heavily on County Councils and in the background team of volunteers it takes to get any one candidate elected.

In these teams, each person’s voice rings as loud in private planning meetings as the candidate themselves and so, can have a major impact on what policies are eventually decided upon. You might not want the pressure or intrusion that holding the office itself entails.

However, you might know someone who does, with whom you broadly agree with politically who you think would make a fine public representative. All too often I hear people complain about the political process for whom exclaiming a defeatist “sure they’re all the same” absolves them of any responsibility of having to dig down and decide how best to use their vote. For those that believe they or someone they know could genuinely do better, then a sense of public duty would demand that you put yourselves forward for consideration by the people.

In all my years I’ve disagreed with people’s policies and argued long and hard about contentious issues but never will I castigate someone with the bravery to put their name on the ballot.

What does it take to be a TD? My honest answer is that typically, you need bravery, a sense of public duty, a thick skin for abuse (founded or unfounded), a team of dedicated supporters and volunteers that believe in your policies, and, the will of the people to trust you with something very precious; their vote.. Everything after that is down to the individual. For those whom holding office isn’t their thing yet still want their voice heard and to have a say, join a party.

Any party you feel is closest to you. It’s a far more effective way of getting your point heeded than shouting at the TV or writing a comment on Facebook. Take it from me, it’s far more rewarding too.

24 COMMUNITY

Community ENNIS ENNIS PLAYERS Ennis Players’ Supper Theatre 21st. to 24th.

November inclusive, Old Ground Hotel, 8pm, tickets 18 euro includes supper.

Booking is at Record Rack in Salthouse Lane, Ennis, tel. 0868320769. Tickets also available at the door on the night. Free seating.

Our play is called ‘Select Accommodation’ by Cliff Wedgbury, who is an Englishman based in Cork.

Cliff won a play writing competition in Cork with this play and it has been taken on the One Act Play Festival Circuit in the past.

It is a quirky comedy.

CAST Arthur.....Laurence O’Brien Pauline......Órla Devanny......

Ursula......Ethel O’Mahony Mildred.....Gillian Dunphy Ivan.....Fergal O’Connor Director.....Helen Forde Three of the cast members are treading the boards for the first time with Ennis Players, (Órla, Gillian and Fergal).

The other play which will be performed at the Supper Theatre is ‘Semblance of Madness’, by John Newmeir, a psychological thriller, directed by Geraldine Greene. ‘Semblance of Madness’ is representing Ennis Players on the One Act Festival Circuit this year.

IRISH LANGUAGE Ennis Irish language group Caint agus Comhrá which facilitates informal conversation in the language can now be found at three cafes in the town every weekend. On Fridays they meet in Peckish, Saturdays in Bia agus Caife, and on Mondays in Zest, all at 11:00AM. These meet-ups provide a great opportunity for people to get together and practice their Irish in a relaxed and social atmosphere, to meet other Irish speakers, and strike up new friendships. Speakers at all levels of knowledge of the language regardless of age, nationality etc. will find a welcome. Information from: caintaguscomhra@eircom.net

INIS ARTISTS Inis Artists present new collection at Clare Museum.

The 15 members of the Clare-based arts group, Inis Artists will present a new collection of work at Clare Museum during November.

The group exhibition, which runs from November 6th-25th, features a wide variety of styles in varied media. From soft watercolours and pen/ink work to vibrant oils and acrylics the exhibits will have something to interest all who attend.

Organisers say the event will afford members of the public with the opportunity to find something original as a special gift this Christmas.

Visit www.inisartists.com to find out more about each of the members and to view samples of their work.

WEST/NORTH CLARE SALE OF WORK Stella Maris Day Centre, Lisdoonvarna, is having a fundraising Sale of Work next Sunday, November l9th, from 12.00pm to 2.00pm. There will be handmade items, knitwear, baked good, books, and music for sale.

Admission is free and all are most welcome!

TABLE QUIZ Kilmihil Ladies Football Club will hold their annual Table Quiz in Daly’s Bar, Kilmihil on Friday, November 24, @ 9pm.

Teams of 4 €20, lots of prizes to be won! All welcome.

OLDER PEOPLE PROJECT West Clare FRC Older People Project have organised a day trip to Tralee for Friday 24th November. Cost is €20 per person. For more info call West Clare Family Resource Centre, Kilrush 065 9052173

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l PURE MADNESS: Bríd Flanagan, Maeve Plunkett and Saoirse Byrne who star in the Supper Theatre production’s Semblance of Madness which will be staged at the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis

COMPUTER CLASSES Computer Classes: If you would like to start using a computer or tablet or to improve your internet skills why not join a group at the Community Centre Kilrush, on Tuesday mornings at 10.00am.

There is a special training course for farmers on Tues evenings at 7.30pm at the Community Centre Kilrush. To book a place call West Clare Family Resource Centre on 0659052173

EAST CLARE MAMMA MIA, HOW COULD YOU RESIST IT Scariff Community College made another bit of history last weekend.

They packed the school hall over four nights and entertained 2,000 people as the students and staff brought the hit Musical-Mamma Mia to East Clare. A rip roaring success for the school, and a never to be forgotten experience for the cast, crew and the

l THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC: Amelia DeCarteret from Mountshannon, who plays Donna, surrounded by the cast of Mamma in Scariff Photo by Eoin O’Hagan

appreciative audience.

The sell-out shows were performed by a cast of 90.

Huge kudos to Angela Murphy McNamara, her staff, the amazing cast and crew, and all involved in what was another rsuccess for Scariff Community College.

RAISE THE BANKS! East Clare Fianna Fail Councillor Cathal Crowe is calling on the Council to import materials like soil and stone to provide improved flood protection. He believes raising the river banks would help to protect the more vulnerable communities

of his municipal district.

“Shannon Airport is low-lying and located beside a tidal part of the Shannon River - it could be vulnerable to future flooding...raised embankments would give the communities the protection that they desperately need.”

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

Community

COMMUNITY 25 CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l HATS OFF: As part of the Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2017 for “Team Hope”, which serves needy children and their families worldwide, St. Senan’s N.S., Shannon collected over 100 shoeboxes. Here they are in full Christmas spirit with their wrapped shoeboxes

SPOTLIGHT ON CREE CREE’S COLM TAKES DANCING TROPHY The people of West Clare are a talented bunch and Cree teenager Colm Browne is no exception.

He recently added the title of U18 Rince ar an Sean Nos Steip Beo 2017 Champion to his extensive collection.

The 2017 Oireachtas na Samhna festival was held in Killarney, Co. Kerry recently, drawing 10,000 people through the doors.

Seventeen year old Colm faced the best Sean Nos dancers in the country and came out on top.

“There was very stiff competition. You had all the top people from Connemara and all the Gaeltacht people,” he said.

Colm said he is delighted to have won, as he also won the All Ireland Fleadh title this summer in Ennis.

He is a very deserving winner as he has put in hours of practise with his dance teacher Siobhan Hughes, who hails from Spanish Point.

Colm won the under 15 All Ireland concertina in 2015 and got third place that year in the All Ireland Sean Nos competition.

“My parents and grandparents have a great interest in dancing and my parents dance and my grandfather Tommy Browne is a great dancer, singer and musician.

He did the Oireachtas himself three years ago in Killarney in Sean Nos,” he added.

Colm Browne receives his trophy for winning the U18 Rince ar an Sean Nós Steip Beo competition in Killarney

26 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

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

LEADERS IN THEIR FIELD: The L&M Keating Kilmihil team led by Director Lorchan Hoyne (3 from right) celebrate winners the FBD ‘Leadership in Industry and Industrial Services Award’ All photos by Mike Mulcaire

OVERALL WINNERS: The team at St Francis Credit Union Ennis Celebrate on the Double winning Best Customer Service Award and named Overall Winner of FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards 2017

Sheer excellence

O

RGANISED by Ennis Chamber of Commerce, The eighth annual FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards successfully attracted entries from right across the county.

MC for the awards ceremony, John Cooke of RTE Radio 1 (formerly of Clare FM) noted: “The finalists represented every corner of the county, from Kilrush to Killaloe and including Kilmihil, Doonbeg, Lissycasey, Ballyvaughan, Quilty, Miltown Malbay, Lahinch, Spanish Point, Corofin, Bunratty, Shannon and Ennis”.

250 people from across County Clare and beyond attended the FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, on Friday (November 10) at Treacy’s West County Hotel. Amongst the large gathering were 28 finalists vying for top honours across nine highly competitive categories.

The big winner on the night was St Francis Credit Union, Ennis.

Having won the hardest fought category - ‘Clare Customer Ser-

St Francis Credit Union Ennis Scoops ‘Overall Winner’ at FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards 2017

vice Excellence Award’ – early on in the ceremony, they later went on to scoop the ‘Overall Winner’ award with a value of €11,000 Euro comprising web development and e-marketing solutions from Acton BV, taxation consultancy from Cahill Taxation, legal consultancy from Cahir & Co and HR consultancy from Elaine Ryan HR. Louis Fay, General Manager, was delighted to accept the award for Customer Service Excellence and said he was bowled over when St Francis Credit Union Ennis was announced Overall Winner. He thanked his hard-working team, who had greatly impressed the independent judging panel.

The judges commented: “We were treated to a truly excellent experience in all respects on our secret visit to St Francis Credit Union, Ennis. Staff were well

informed, enthusiastic, engaging and completely focused on providing outstanding service”.

William Cahir, President of Ennis Chamber said: “We were delighted with the quality and quantity of entries to this year’s FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards, choosing the overall winner wasn’t easy. However, given that St Francis Credit Union scored an astonishing 95 out of 100 in their tough Customer Service Excellence category –the highest score registered by any of our finalists, they left judges in no doubt that they are the deserving FBD Clare Business Excellence Overall Winners 2017”.

William Cahir went on to thank the awards title sponsor FBD, plus category sponsors Essilor, AIB, Shannon Airport, Energia, Microsemi, Dublin Coach and Local Enterprise Office Clare. He also

thanked drinks sponsor BWG. Commenting on their continued support of these awards, Ide O’Keeffe, Branch Manager FBD, Ennis said: “As a strong supporter of Irish business, FBD is proud to have been title sponsor to these awards, since their inception.

As leading business insurance experts, with such an established presence in County Clare, these awards are a perfect fit with the FBD brand and service. We were delighted to again support these awards in 2017, knowing they help drive and promote ever higher standards amongst businesses across the county”.

FBD CLARE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017 – THE WINNERS l Clare Customer Service Excellence Award: St Francis Credit Union, Ennis

l Clare Best Hospitality Award: Bellbridge, Spanish Point Best Place To Eat in County l Clare Award: Vaughan Lodge, Lahinch l Best Tourism Experience Award: Aillwee Cave & Birds of Prey Centre, Ballyvaughan l Clare Retailer of the Year Award: Gleeson Goldsmith’s, Shannon l Best Use of Technology Award: Clare Spring, Lissycasey l Clare Professional Services Excellence Award: Clare FM l Clare Leadership in Industry and Industrial Supply Award: L&M Keating, Kilmihil l Best Start-Up Award: West Coast Marine & Manufacturing Ltd, Kilrush l Overall FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards Winner 2017: St Francis Credit Union, Ennis

BUSINESS 27

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

TAKING HOME THE GOLD: Michael Nugent,Regional Sales Manager, Energia presents Brian Gleeson of Gleeson Goldsmiths Shannon with Best Retailer of the Year Award

GREAT START: Paraic McElwee Clare LEO presents Irene Hamilton and Gerard Hamilton of WCM with Start-up Business of the Year Award

GLAM SQUAD: Gwen Culligan Maeve Flouch and Catherine Shannon from the County Boutique Ennis - Finalists in Retailer of the Year Award

FLYING HIGH: The Team from Aillwee Caves and Birds of Prey Centre, led by Director Nuala Mulqueeny celebrate winning Best Tourism Experience in Clare Award and runner-up in Clare Customer Services Excellence Awards

ENJOYING THE NIGHT: Chief Super John Kerin and his wife Joan, June Cahir, Timmy and Emer Dooley attend the FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards

CONGRATULATIONS: Dermot Graham, Head of Business Banking Limerick and Clare, AIB, presents Susan Murphy Exec Dir and Gen Mng Clare FM with Professional Services Excellence Award

WINNING COMBINATION: Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry FitzGerlad McMahon presents Nuala Mulqueeny Director, Aillwee Caves and Birds of Prey with Best Tourism Experience Award

Have an empty seat that you need to fill?

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

Caroline Bourke MAKE-UP AND STYLE

28 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

BEAUTY TIPS FOR THE MORE MATURE LADY Your make up needs to work with the 'new' you

W

HEN a woman reaches her sixties and seventies, she is in her prime as a mature woman and has developed her own sense of style.

At this age make up should be kept to a minimum, as the skin is softer and less absorbent when matured.

Colour is essential but in shades that are more neutral and flattering to your natural colouring. If you have been wearing the same colours since your fifties, it really is time to update, as your

skin, hair and brows have all changed.

Your new make up needs to work with the new you!

When applying your make up, the lighting is essential as your eyesight may not always be the best. My advice is to invest in a good magnifying mirror and always apply your make up in daylight.

Start with a rich moisturiser adding concealer and a little light foundation or tinted moisturiser. A nice pink or coral blush to add colour to the cheeks and a rosy or coral lipstick to finish the

look, staying away from any dark or brown tones.

It is also important to define your eyebrows with a good brow pencil, as they do tend to fade. Keep your eye make up simple – Just a small amount of lid colour to brighten the eyes using either a cream or powder formula. Always ensure that whatever you choose is not too greasy or too dry.

When wearing glasses the only eye make up needed would be a light coat of mascara. lGLAMOROUS: Helen Mirren is a style icon

BEAUTY ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR SEVENTIES AND BEYOND

MOISTURIS1dayRICH ER: Use this everyeven if you wear no other make up.

SHEER FOUNDA2 TION OR TINTED MOISTURISER: Heavy foundation can look mask like on your skin.

BLUSH: Find a 3 creamy formula that blends easily

plus a pop of powder blush to make it last.

LIPSTICK: 4 Creamy matte formula will moisturise without seeping off lips.

ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR 5 MAKEUP BAG: Clarins All Day Glow tinted

moisturiser (pictured left) is great.

Lady Blush Cream or Modern Mandarin Blush, all by Mac, give a great glow.

Laura Mercier Colour Buff Concealer is fab for under the eyes, as is Clarins Instant Concealer.

Hypnose Mascara 02 Brun (pictured above) give fabulous lashes and Lancôme Brow Pencil works wonders for your brows. lips 6lipsCoral or rosy from any

brand to add pop to the lips.

l POP: Coral lips add pop to the lips

COLUMNISTS 29

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

Jess & Ciara

FIT TIPS

THE SCIENCE OF FAT LOSS W HEN it comes to fat loss (notice I didn’t say weight!) there are some cold hard scientific facts that cannot be ignored. We focus on inches not pounds. Look to see a difference in your body not in a number. Your weight only measures the effect of gravity against the space you take up and that is not very sexy! So here it is in a nutshell: Firstly, excess body fat is created by excess sugars. Yep…..sugars, not fats.

All our carbohydrates like breads, grains, fruits and veggies, break down l DRINK MORE WATER: You can't sweat out that fat without it!

into sugar in the body and are then used to create the energy on which we run. We are essentially really fancy machines and our food is our fuel. Knowing this, the second fact makes perfect sense.

To lose body fat we have to create an energy deficit. We need to burn off more than we take in.

So far this is simple right?

This third fact is my favourite. Fat is expelled through oxidisation.

Basically, fat leaves the body by being broken down into liquid and air. We literally sweat and breatheout fat cells when we get a good workout! Result!!!

However, life is just never that simple is it?

Science is great on paper, and honestly

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

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

you cannot argue the facts. But in real life fat loss gets complicated. Daily routines, old habits, hormones, and stress all impact our abilities to apply these facts and see the results that could be so simple (if we lived in a bubble).

There is no one size fits all plan to cut body fat. It is trial and error to figure out what works for you, and find a way to do it with a healthy happy balance.

When I work with clients I ask them to apply a few simple principles for a fat loss goal. Their meals plans won’t all look the same, they won’t all do the same workouts and they won’t all get the same results. But what they will get is a system that works for them and fits their life.

Drink more water…… you can’t sweat out that fat without it!

If you can’t read it don’t eat it! Have you really read the labels of the food you eat lately? If I can't pronounce it I am sure

it doesn’t belong in my belly. Well, except for quinoa!

Move more! Be prepared to sweat it out.

Nope, hot sweaty mess is not my favourite look either, but I always feel better after.

Life is too complicated to be overly scientific about the day to day. Keep it simple, , keep it real and know that not everyday is going to go to plan. Most importantly, every once in a while, throw it all out the window and eat the cake! It really won’t change the end result, but it might make that tough day a little sweeter.

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

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

She’s electric Half electric Yaris is simplest route to E-motoring

ROAD TEST: TOYOTA YARIS HYBRID

T

HERE was a time when the Toyota Yaris Hybrid was one of the most wretched cars on the road. Small of fuel tank (which desperately precluded longer journeys), noisy and not especially economical on the motorway, and fitted with an intensely irritating CVT transmission, it was pretty much roundly hated by car critics.

This, then, illustrates the value of not giving up. Not that Toyota ever would.

Since 1997 it has been carefully honing and refining the hybrid concept, to the point where the technology has now received mass acceptance. Oh sure, the diesel scandal has given things a useful boost, but the fact is that hybrids, and Toyota hybrids in particular, have just been getting better and better.

So it proves with the Yaris Hybrid. Toyota’s engineers have just kept at it, tweaking a part here, a part there, finessing the software, improving the CVT, and here at last is a Yaris Hybrid which can be wholeheartedly recommended.

The latest set of updates come as part of a general refresh for the Yaris range as a whole. On the conventional engine front, there’s a new 1.5-litre petrol (it replaces the older 1.33 petrol model), plus some tweaks to the exterior styling, and a general gussyup for the interior. The Hybrid model itself

has received new engine mounts and more sound deadening material in an effort to quell unwanted engine and transmission noise, while the suspension and steering have received a going-over. In all Toyota says that it has invested as much as €90-million in updating the Yaris. Was it worth it?

I think we can say a pretty unequivocal yes to that question. The interior, in terms of style, is a step behind the best of the latest small hatchbacks (such as the excellent new Seat Ibiza) but the overall quality is little short of excellent, and the Yaris does have exceptionally comfy front seats. The seven-inch central touchscreen has a wellthought out menu system, and while Toyota hasn’t yet jumped on the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto bandwagon, it is exceptionally easy and quick to connect to your mobile phone.

The 1.5-litre petrol engine (related but not identical to the 1.5-litre unit in the non-Hybrid Yaris) is effectively unchanged from the outgoing model, as is the electric motor, CVT gearbox, and the compact nickel-cadmium battery pack for the hybrid system. So it should be the same, but it’s not. Again, Toyota is practicing the mantra of continuous small improvements here.

So, the extra refinement work pays off when you accelerate hard — yes, the CVT ‘box means that the engine revs high and long when you want to pick up speed, but it’s quieter than it was, and the improved software better juggles the output of the

petrol engine and electric motor to make things rather more smooth. The Yaris Hybrid is now an accomplished motorway cruiser, and achieves much better overall fuel economy. In previous test drives, we’ve sometimes struggled to get a Yaris Hybrid past 35mpg. This time around we managed better than 50mpg, and if you take your time around town, you’ll do better than 60mpg. The Hybrid is at its best around town, actually, where the refined petrol engine and low-down torque of the electric motor make for easy, seamless progress, and even though there’s not a plug in sight, you’ll spend a surprisingly large amount of time running on just electrical power.

Get it out on an open road with corners, and you’ll find that the Yaris Hybrid copes, but you can tell that it’s not really that keen.

The steering is pleasantly weighted and feels good, but it’s not that enthusiastic when it comes to corners, and while the suspension is very good at flattening out bumps, it’s less good at keeping the body straight and level when you’re pressing on. Fair enough — it’s not a car designed for thrashing on a favourite back road, and when you keep to its core competencies, the Yaris Hybrid really shines.

It’s practical too. There’s decent legroom in the back, and the boot swallows a reasonable 286-litres of whatever it is you need to carry. Not ideal for a trip to IKEA perhaps, but not bad. As with the larger Prius and Auris, and the various Lexus hybrid mod-

lYARIS SHINES: The Hybrid is at its best around town where the refined petrol engine and low-down torque of the electric motor make for easy, seamless progress

FACTS & FIGURES:

Toyota Yaris Hybrid Luna Sport Pricing: €23,310 as tested; Yaris range starts at €15,950.

Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol + hybrid electric Transmission: front-wheel drive, CVT hybrid Body style: Supermini CO2 emissions: 82g/km (Band A2, €170 per year) Combined economy: 84mpg (3.6 litres/100km) Top speed: 165km/h 0-100km/h: 11.8 seconds Power: 100hp at n/a rpm Torque: 111Nm at 3,600rpm Boot space: 286- to 768-litres EuroNCAP rating: five-star; 89% adult; 81% child; 60% pedestrian; 86% safety assist

els, the Yaris Hybrid feels like a car whose time has very much come. Toyota Ireland is reporting fast-accelerating sales of hybrids, as people start to steer away from diesel and recognition of the problems of city-andtown centre air pollution starts to take hold.

Hats off to Toyota’s engineers, then, for not merely sitting back and letting public opinion and sharp marketing do the heavy lifting, but actually getting stuck in and making cars such as the Yaris Hybrid better, and better suited to how people actually use them. It’s not the most affordable car (a similarly equipped 1.0-litre Yaris will cost you at least €4-5,000 less, which is certainly not chump change) but for those feeling a pricking environmental conscience, and who want to keep one step ahead of the tax-man, the Yaris Hybrid is one of the best ways to get a foot on the (part) electric car ladder.

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THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE NOW AND AVAIL OF THE

32 MOTORING

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

Motoring News

Minty-fresh

VALUE: The new Polo is dramatically larger than the car it replaces

New Polo arrives in December

T

HE sixth-generation of the Volkswagen Polo arrives in Ireland in December in time for 2018 sales, and left-hand drive models can be seen in the majority of Volkswagen dealers nationwide. New pricing has been revealed for the new model, with pricing starting at €16,795 for the 1.0-litre 65hp Trendline.

The new Polo is dramatically larger than the car it replaces. It is 81mm longer, has a 92mm longer wheelbase and has a 71 litres larger luggage capacity than before (351 litres). There is a much more powerful, masculine design to the new car.

Inside, this is a car that has been developed for the digital era. It is the first car in its class to be offered with the optional Active Info Display. This replaces the traditional analogue speedometer and driver cluster with a hi-res 10.25-inch digital display. There are infotainment systems of up to 8-inches in size available and digital interfaces for smartphones allowing users greater access to their apps and various online services on board.

This new Polo is an entirely new car from the ground-up and is now only available as a five-door model, with a choice of 14 colours and three dashpad colours.

In Ireland, the new Polo is offered in Trendline and Comfortline specification, but there will also be a top-of-the-range GTI version, which will come in early 2018.

The engine range offered consists of the 1.0-litre 65hp petrol, 1.0-litre 75hp petrol, 1.0-litre TSI 95 bhp petrol and two diesels; a 1.6-litre TDI 80 bhp and a 1.6-litre TDI 95hp. The GTI features a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine putting out 200hp.

The Trendline model is available with the choice of 1.0-litre 65hp, 1.0-litre 75hp and 1.6-litre 80hp TDI diesel. Standard equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, 6.5-inch “Composition Colour” radio system with four speakers, a multi-function display and Forward collision warning “Front Assist” with autonomous emergency braking. The Trendline model is available with 3.9 per cent APR PCP Finance with monthly payments from €199.

There is also a Technology Upgrade offer available for the Polo Trendline. This includes an upgrade to a 15-inch ‘Sassari’

Alloy wheels, a Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Front Fog Lights, Multifunction Display Plus, Floor Mats and the Driver Alert System. Priced individually, these items cost €861, but available for just €499 with this offer.

The Polo Comfortline comes with a choice of 1.0-litre 65hp petrol, 1.0-litre 75hp petrol, 1.0-litre TSI 95hp petrol (7-speed DSG only) and two 1.6-litre TDI diesel engines, with either 80- or 95hp.

The Comfortline specification starts from €18,695 and in addition to the Trendline specification, adds items such as a multifunction steering wheel, 15-inch Sassari alloy wheels, cruise control, 8-inch “Composition Media” radio system with six speakers, App Connect, 2 USB interfaces and Air Conditioning. The Comfortline model is available with 1.9 per cent APR

PCP Finance with monthly payments from €199.

There is also a Technology Upgrade available for the Polo Comfortline. Customers can upgrade to 16-inch ‘Las Minas’ alloy wheels, a Lights and Vision Pack, Park Distance Control and the Driver Alert System, which would cost €1,429 when these items are priced individually, but with the 181 offer, costs just €499.

At the top of the range, the high-performance 200hp GTI version costs €32,395 with a six-speed DSG transmission. More details on the GTI model will be released next month.

Also, customers who are trading in a Euro 1-4 emissions standard diesel vehicle and want to replace it, can avail of a €1,750 EcoGrant to be used against the purchase of a new Polo.

ALFA ROMEO CUTS IT FINANCE RATE TO ZERO AS the January new car market draws near, Alfa Romeo has announced details of its exceptional ‘181 Sales Event’. Available from now until 31st December 2017, the superb offers include attractive Personal Contract Plan (PCP) finance, with an APR rate of just 2.9 per cent, as well as an incredible low rate Hire Purchase (HP) finance rate from 0 per cent.

The most recent addition to the Alfa Romeo, the stunning new Stelvio SUV embodies everything a true Alfa Romeo should. Featuring perfect 50/50 weight distribution, Alfa Romeo Q4 all-wheel drive

architecture, best in class power-to-weight ratios and innovative engine and driver technologies, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is available in dealerships nationwide with 2.9 per cent APR PCP finance or from zero per cent APR HP finance.

Alfa Romeo’s super-mini and hot-hatch, the gorgeous MiTo and Giulietta marry Italian flair with a youthful, functional, sporty design. With PCP finance rates of only 2.9 per cent APR or HP finance starting from 0 per cent APR, they’ve never been so affordable.

The award-winning Alfa Romeo Giulia

saloon, combines style and comfort with exceptional driving dynamics. An unmistakable Alfa Romeo with its distinctive front grille, long bonnet, short overhangs and muscular haunches, the phenomenal Giulia saloon is available with a range of flexible finance offers all designed with the customer in mind. With either 2.9 per cent APR PCP finance or from zero per cent APR HP finance, there really are zero reasons not to experience the stunning Alfa Romeo range today.

MOST RECENT ADDITION: Stelvio SUV

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

ADVERTISEMENT 33

The new Polo.

For life’s adventurers.

From €199 per month.

The new Polo is packed with active safety features such as Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Monitoring, Hill Start Assist and Tyre Pressure Sensors; plus there’s no fear of missing out with reassuring connectivity and state of the art infotainment systems. Order your new Polo now and you’ll receive Volkswagen Connect, our connected car solution, free-of-charge!

We make the future real.

Western Garages, Volkswagen Clare, Quin Road, Ennis, Co Clare.

T. 065 6828505 W. www.westerngarages.com Polo Range Fuel Consumption l/100km (high to low): urban 6.0 – 5.7, extra-urban 4.1 – 4.0, combined 4.8 – 4.6 CO2 emissions g/km (high to low) 110 – 105.

Increased weight of a vehicle, including higher trim levels and the addition of options may have an effect on the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions produced. The CO2 and fuel consumption figures are the official figures obtained from tests under standardised EU test conditions. Typical Finance Example: Polo CL 1.0TSI 65HP. Recommended OTRP €19,470.00. Deposit/Part Exchange €5,660.56. 36 monthly payments of €199. Optional final payment €7,104.10.

Total cost of credit €608.66 including acceptance fee (€75) and completion fee (€75). Minimum deposit is 10%. Typical APR 1.9%. Subject to lending criteria.

Prices are subject to change. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland is authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. This offer does not apply to fleet sales. 1.9% APR is available on selected new models. For more information visit www.volkswagen.ie. Offers mentioned are available for a limited time only. Model shown is for illustrative purposes only. Information correct at time of print. See www.volkswagen.ie for details.

34 ADVERTISEMENT

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

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Property HIDDEN GEM

€239,950

BALLYBEG, ENNIS, CO CLARE

T

HIS truly is a hidden gem accessed by a private avenue which opens onto a vast driveway extending to side, front and rear of the property, this stunning and private 3-bedroom detached bungalow is in the exclusive Ballybeg suburb of Ennis town.

On a site extending to approximately 1.0 acres, this home is the ultimate in privacy with mature hedgerow and trees, detached garage with car port and extensive patio.

The inside accommodation will certainly not disappoint, with all the accommodation set out at ground floor level. Each

RARE OPPORTUNITY

FERGUS HOUSE & GUEST LODGE, COROFIN, CO CLARE

€550,000

THIS magnificent residence is located on a stunning, treelined, landscaped site of 2 acres situated close to the renowned Lake Inchiquin in the village of Corofin. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a unique property and viewings are strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. PSL No. 002295 Price in excess of €550,000 Contact Douglas Hurley, DNG. Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

room is exceptionally proportioned boasting formal reception, 3 double bedrooms all of which have built in wardrobes, main bathroom, separate shower room, kitchen/dining and a stunning open plan family room into an extended sun room.

This is an ideal family home and viewing is highly recommended and by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agent. PSL No. 002295 Contact Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG. Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

BRIGHT AND SPACIOUS

39 CAHERCALLA HEIGHTS, ENNIS, CO CLARE € 159,950

PRESENTED for sale in excellent condition and located in the much sought after and mature Cahercalla Heights development, No. 39 is an exceptionally bright and spacious 3 bedroom one with adjoining garage just a short stroll to Ennis Town Centre. Inside, the ground floor is laid out with entrance hall, main reception with double door to formal dining, kitchen, utility and access to garage. To the first floor are 3 bedrooms and main bathroom. To the outside, the property features off-street parking, front and rear lands (not overlooked to the rear), rear access, adjoining garage, block built shed to rear. PSL No. 002295 Contact Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG. Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

36 PROPERTY

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

ONE OF A KIND SITE

€300,000

QUERRIN, CO CLARE

THIS fabulous 5 bedroom detached residence is situated on a one of a kind site located approximately 2 miles from Querrin village.

Set on an elevated 1.5 acre, private site with unobstructed water views, this really is a unique property. Accommodation comprises 283 sq.m. (3,045 sq.ft. approx) and includes a kitchen and dining area, utility room, living room, bathroom and 5 bedrooms (one of which is ensuite). The two master bedroom suites are located on the first floor and both have fabulous, uninterrupted water views. One of these rooms could potentially serve as another living room if preferred.

COUNTRY LIVING

TIERNAGLOHANE, COORACLARE, KILRUSH, CO CLARE €295,000

T

HIS fine 5 bedroom country home situated on c 2.45 ha (6 acres) located 1.5 miles from Cooraclare village. It also within easy reach of Doonbeg Golf course. The design and finish of the property is the perfect marriage of new and old. An open plan contemporary layout gives an excellent sense of space and there are a number of attractive features throughout the house such as a floor to ceiling, stone and brick fireplace and a large mezzanine gallery which would be suitable for many uses.

Total area 278 sqm (3,000 sq.ft. approx).

The grounds are mainly in lawn with

tarmac drive ways and mature trees. Adjacent to the property there are a number of re-pointed stone finished stables plus a storage shed, a large corral, 2 fuel sheds, a barn and large workshop comprising 105 sqm. The land has its own separate access.

Contact: Danielle Kavanagh, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 6867866

Externally the grounds are mainly in lawn and there is a large, detached, two storey garage with a first floor loft area.

Other features include CCTV cameras, electronic, secure gates and high speed internet access.

Rarely does such a private property with such amazing water views come to the market.

Viewings are highly recommended to appreciate what is on offer.

BER C2. BER Number 110227048.

Contact: Danielle Kavanagh, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon, O’Connell Square House, Ennis. Tel: 065 6867866

Residence with workshop CIRCULAR ROAD, KILKEE, CO CLARE

€210,000

A FINE 3 bedroom detached property ideally located within walking distance of Kilkee beach and all amenities. This spacious property is situated on a 0.55 acre private site with a huge workshop and a range of outbuildings to the rear (total area of main work shop 230 sq.m.

(2,474 sq.ft. approx). Due to the size and location of the property it would make an ideal family home with on site work premises. BER G. BER Number 101976090. BER Code 641.93 kwh/ m2/yr.

Contact: Danielle Kavanagh, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon, O’Connell Square House, Ennis. Tel: 065 6867866

WE’RE YOUR LOCALS IN CLARE SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON

O’CONNELL SQUARE HOUSE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

T: 065 686 7866 SHERRYFITZ.IE

/SHERRYFITZGERALDGROUP @SHERRY_FITZ

Email: ennis@sherryfitzmcmahon.ie

PSRA No. 0O1212

CLASSIFIEDS 37

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

Classifieds PAINTING & DECORATING

Interior - Exterior Painting - Contractor - Interior Design

SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

CLARECASTLE SQUASH CLUB

WORK FROM HOME Excellent home based opportunity for those who want to earn extra income. Work your own hours around day job. Full training provided.

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CONTACT

YOGA

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Gort Road Industrial Estate

FOR SALE

PILATES Learn how to move efficiently by training several muscle groups at once in smooth, continuous movements. Classes: MondayKilrush, Beginners 6:45, Intermediates 8pm; Tuesday, Ennis NS – 6:15pm & Wednesday Kilmihil @ 7pm – both these venues are mixed ability.

CONTACT MONICA ON 087 763 6744 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

Dresden Piano, upright, in good condition; Beige couches, 3 seater & 2 Seater, excellent condition.

Ennis area, pick-up only.

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PLASTERER WANTED

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THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

Your Horoscopes November 16 Aries

Taurus

Cancer

Leo

YOU’RE irresistible, and that is lots of fun -- but it’s not always easy. You might have to juggle a few people who are helpless in the face of your magnetic charms.

It doesn’t help that your personal energy is turning up the volume -- way, way up -- on your already high levels of charisma. All this attention is kind of fabulous, and you’re loving it more and more with every moment.

Gemini

DON’T overload yourself, especially if someone close is trying to talk you into making a long-term commitment you’re really just not too sure about. Listen to your feelings -- if they tell you to hold off, there’s almost certainly a good reason for it. Most importantly, don’t try to just be nice and say ‘yes’ to everything that everyone asks of you -- that road leads only to disaster. Hold off for a while before asking for more.

YOUR social and work calendars are filling up fast, but let’s face it -- you love all the activity and wouldn’t have it any other way. Occasionally, though, something or someone might have to take a hit as one event or another takes precedence. As long as you warn people in advance, you shouldn’t cause any serious problems. Just revel in your exciting schedule, and make sure not to overextend yourself.

Virgo

A MAJOR effort is needed from you today, and you might be the go-to person for organising others as well. If a leadership role doesn’t feel quite right now, get ready for all that to change. You have more resources, inside and out, than anyone realises, including yourself. Don’t worry that you’re not up to the challenge -- just say ‘yes’ and see what happens next.

IT’S funny how sometimes people say they believe one thing and then turn around and do the exact opposite. Try not to call them hypocrites today, however.

Nobody’s perfect, and expecting either yourself or your loved ones to adhere to some impossible ideal just ensures that you end up deeply disappointed in someone sooner or later. Why not just cut them (and, you guessed it, yourself) the tiniest bit of slack?

YOU know that life isn’t a battle, but a game, and you don’t let anyone tell you differently. The only trick is knowing the rules of the game, and if you do, you can turn any circumstance into victory. Today’s rules are pretty straightforward, actually, and you’ve seen them coming. First, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Second, keep the faith. Finally, remember that what you get out of this life is what you put into it.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

1/1

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS S

12

1 Fortunate girl sheltering king (5) 2 Pubs that stop people escaping?

(4) 3 Free - and terribly secure! (6) 4 Bear gets broken toe later (8) 5 Withdraw from a place of privacy (7) 6 Writing censored by editor taken to court (10) 9 Mail is in each new carriage

E

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DOWN

U

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9

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19 Does nothing but slide about (5) 20 Commanding officer has little time to view Italian lake (4)

E

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(4,6) 12 Unsure about The Saint (8) 14 Talk about small herb (7) 16 A composer we rang about (6)

T

2

1 Left-wing eloquence in scientist’s workplace? (10) 7 Discs that may be broken? (7) 8 Tulip may be illuminated (3,2) 10 An eyesore seen in nasty environment (4) 11 Accommodation in certain parts (8) 13 Metal policeman (6) 15 Still convering attics (6) 17 End of new tramline? (8) 18 Help with a Verdi opera (4) 21 Mouth forming Greek letter (5) 22 Part of a Chi-

nese meal, perhaps, one sold out (7) 23 Yes, tourism may be puzzling (10)

N

1

ACROSS

S

The Clare Echo Crossword

ONCE again, your dreams are trying to tell you something -- both the night and day variety. Listen up! Some big clues to your latest puzzles lie in the realm of your subconscious, so don’t summarily just dismiss them out of hand, even if they seem extra crazy. Start tracking your reoccurring dreams if you can. Many answers are well within your reach, so inquire within.

E

LOVE, romance, laughter -- you’ve got all the right elements put together, but it might all feel like a house of cards. Make sure you’ve cleared everything with that special someone in your life, or it all could blow over in a strong wind. Communication is the key to ensuring that these grand plans come off in grand style. You should never assume that someone else knows what you’re thinking anyway.

SOMEONE new might look simply irresistible, but you need to reserve your judgment until you know just a little bit more. Whether the situation is work- or romance-related, now is not the perfect time to dive headfirst until you have a greater sense of their character. Once the shiny wrapping and gold foil comes off, they might not be who you thought they were. Be cautious and move slowly.

Y

YOU know deep in your bones that the only way to real success is through practice, practice and more practice. You can see that you need to shape up a bit more today, too. You might ask a perfectly straightforward question only to get a weird reply. Look beneath the surface and draw on your experience to find some very good advice.

THE best thing about the wheel of fortune is that it always turns the right way sooner or later -- so if you’ve just lost big, that means a big win is on the way. Luck is most definitely turning in your direction, so make sure you’ve got your heart’s desire well within your sights. Don’t act hastily or greedily, though. If you try to make too much of this streak, you’re sure to end it before its time.

M

CONTINUING to do things in a certain way because it’s the way they’ve always been done may feel safe and comfortable to you, but it’s not doing much to help you achieve your real goals. Make a serious effort to bust out of your comfort zone. Take a look at what you could be doing to get where you really want to go -even if it entails shaking up to your life and habits in a serious way. Be brave and take that first step.

23

t - just deal

38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, NOV 16 2017

The Clare Echo Quiz Clare man has the county’s Ladies football team won 1Which only football All Star award?

6 Clare’s National League Div 1 in 2001

Offaly All Ireland semi-final five minutes prematurely?

Niall Gilligan, Barry Murphy, Ollie Baker

3

How many All Star awards did legendary Clare hurling goalkeeper Seamus Durack win?

One, Three, Five

Chloe Morey (Sixmilebridge), 4 Maire McGrath (Cratloe), and which other Clare woman has a

camogie All Star award in her pocket?

Catherine O’Loughlin, Orlaith Duggan, Aoife Keane

Cork, Wexford, Monaghan

have won the All Ireland 7 Clare hurling Championship four times.

Before the 81 year drought, who did the Banner defeat in the 1914 final?

Laois, Kerry, Dublin

Clare men have won the All 8 Three Star ‘Hurler Of The Year’ award.

Tony Kelly, Brian Lohan and …

Seanie MacMahon, Davy Fitzgerald, Jamesie O’Connor

many senior Munster foot9 How ball titles do the Clare men have?

Two, Four, Six

In 1995 Eamon Taaffe scored the 2013 All Ireland med5 decisive goal in the All-Ireland 10Which al winner went on to win the final against Offaly. But how many Championship appearances did Taaffe make in his Clare career?

Eight, Twelve, Fourteen

l HISTORY: Clare have won the All Ireland hurling Championship four times. Before the 81 year drought, who did the Banner defeat in the 1914 final?

Christy Ring Cup with Kerry in 2015?

Patrick Donnellan, Pa Kelly, Patrick O’Connor

6. Monaghan 7. Laois 8. Jamesie O’Connor 9. Two 10. Pa Kelly

Which Clare player had posses2 sion of the sliotar when referee Jimmy Cooney blew up the Clare v

for the first time. But who did they defeat in the final?

ANSWERS 1. Seamus Clancy 2. Barry Murphy 3. Three 4. Catherine O’Loughlin 5. Eight

Martin Daly, Seamus Clancy, Odhran O’Dwyer

PLAY ON PLAYERS

l COLOURFUL PRODUCTION: Clockwise from centre: Ethel O’Mahony as Ursula, Laurence O’Brien as Arthur, Fergal O’Connor as Ivan, Órla Devanny as Pauline and Gillian Dunphy as Mildred. Ennis Players’ Supper Theatre November 21 to 24 inclusive, Old Ground Hotel, 8pm, tickets €18 includes supper. Booking is at Record Rack in Salthouse Lane, Ennis, tel.

0868320769. Tickets also available at the door on the night. Free seating.

40 ADVERTISEMENT

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