The Clare Echo 28/06/2018

065 671 9021

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editor@clareecho.ie

EYES ON THE BALL

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28 Jun 2018

Seaside towns sizzle in sun

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Clare

8-PAGE FEATURE INSIDE

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of Clare County

Echo

Photo courtesy

FUN IN THE SUN

Council

THE

FUN IN THE SUN

In Clare

Martin McNamara giving it his best in the Puc Fada competition at Clarecastle Regatta last Sunday. Photo by Martin Connolly

CONCERTS GIG RIG FLEADH TV COMPETITIONS PUB SESSION TRAIL and much more...

The Fleadh is Back!

ROUND 15,000 to 20,000 people descended on the coastal town of Kilkee on Sunday as the spell of fine weather was beginning.

According to restaurant owner Cillian Murphy, the impact of the sunshine to the town has been incredibly positive.

“The [sunshine] has been significant and that’s probably the understatement of the year”, he said, adding, “I’m here 30 years and I reckon it’s as busy a day as I’ve ever seen in Kilkee”.

“Shops were cleaned out, restaurants were packed to the door, accommodation is booked out and everyone is having a good time on the beach, enjoying the amenities here, the Pollock Holes, swimming, diving, snorkling. It’s come at the

PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

perfect time of the year for us, just to give us this boost a little earlier than we’d get in the summer,” said Mr Murphy.

Cillian told The Clare Echo, “I went for a walk after work last night and the town was packed to the rafters and a real lovely buzz and feeling here, everybody’s happy here, why wouldn’t they be. There were cars parked in places that I’ve never seen cars parked before”. The coming weekend is set to be as busy in Kilkee as the Hell of the West Triathlon takes place.

SEE PAGE 4 for more

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

Index ENTERTAINMENT

10

BOURKE BEAUTY

13

COMMUNITY

14

FUN IN THE SUN

17-24

FARMING

25

MOTORING

30-31

CLARE HURLING

32-35

CLASSIFIEDS

36-37

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

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

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

l BATTLING IT OUT FOR TOP SPOT: With determination on their faces competitors sprint to the finishing line at Clarecastle Regatta last Saturday Photo by Martin Connolly

The Fleadh is back STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

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LEADH CHEOIL NA MUMHAN, Ireland’s second biggest Fleadh, will take place in Ennis from 15th to 23rd July. A packed programme of activities is scheduled for the week.

Four top class concerts, three evenings of performances on the gig rig, Fleadh TV broadcasting live from Lower Market Street on Sunday 22nd and a comprehensive pub session trail are some of the highlights we can look forward to.

Following its highly acclaimed debut at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August and a sell-out performance last December, the Clare Youth Trad Orchestra returns to glór to celebrate Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan in Ennis.

The 100-strong collective from across the county will perform original arrangements of some trad favourites, under the direction of founder Padraic O’Reilly and will be joined by some surprise special guests from the trad world for another great performance.

An Irish traditional band with a truly worldwide reach, Téada has appeared as a frequent headliner at major music festivals throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, Russia, the Middle East and Australia.

Featuring Oisín Mac Diarmada, Paul Finn, Damien Stenson, Tristan Rosenstock, Seán McElwain and the inimitable accordion player and singer from West Kerry, Séamus Begley.

Ceol na mBan (Music of the Women) will be a very special concert at Fleadh

na Mumhan 2018 featuring all women performers who have achieved great success as musicians and singers. A number of well-known and internationally recognised Clare performers will be joined by musicians from other counties for this special one-off event.

The most famous céilí band in the world, The Kilfenora, will make one of its few appearances in Clare at glór during Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2018. Established in 1913, their core repertoire of dance music, punctuated with an incomparable lift and rhythm, defines an unbroken tradition that dates from the beginning of the twentieth century.

They will be joined as usual by a number of well-known guests for this very special concert as we bring Fleadh na Mumhan 2018 in Ennis to a close. lFor a full list of events, go to www.munsterfleadh.ie and join us for another unforgettable week in Ireland’s friendliest town.

Bígí linn don ceol agus an craic.

4 NEWS

Tasty events

THE Burren Food Trail members have put together three tastylicious events this summer where locals and tourists will have an opportunity to mingle, dine and discover the wonderful produce of the Fertile Rock. Each event will consist of a pop up restaurant style dining table at unusual venues to celebrate local, seasonal, artisan, organic, wild and home made produce.

The first of these series of events took place at Pot Duggans in Ennistymon last Friday 8th of June, the 50 available spaces sold out within 2 weeks of its announcement. The evening started outside in the glorious June weather with pre-dinner drinks.

The Burren Food Trail members that worked together on this wonderful showcase of food, wine and entertainment were: Burren Fine Wine & Food, Wild Kitchen, Burren Free Range Pork, Anam Coffee, The Cheese Press and Ennistymon Market House.

The next event, “John Blake Dillon Table”, takes place at Burren Fine Wine & Food in Ballyvaughan on July 19th. John Blake Dillon was an Irish writer and Politician who was one of the founding members of the Young Ireland Movement. He was harboured by his friend Fr Ryder in the Parochial house of Glenaragh Church (now Burren Fine Wine and Food ) after the 1848 Rising before he made his escape to America.

The third long table event will take place at Doolin Cave on September 14th, giving guests an opportunity to explore the Burren underground, nibbling on canapés and home made punch while listening to a recital by the great stalactite. Main course, cooked in pit fires, will be served back upstairs to catch the beautiful Burren sunset. After dessert the Midnight Court, performed by Gerry Howard will bring an end to this fabulous extravaganza. n Tickets for the July and September long table events can be purchased through our website www.burren.ie/events/

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

Ireland's heatwave set to peak today PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

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RELAND’S heatwave is set to peak today and tomorrow with Shannon Airport already having recorded the highest temperatures in the country this week.

Met Éireann has issued a status yellow heat warning with temperatures expected to exceed 30 degrees. Meteorologist Siobhán Ryan expects the conditions to last into the weekend. "There has only been a handful of times where temperatures here have just exceeded 30C. We could be looking at the second highest ever temperature in Ireland before the week's end". 33.3C was the highest temperature documented in the country which was in Kilkenny in 1887.

Ms Ryan added, "At the moment it looks like the heat will continue to build right up until Friday for sure, still some very high temperatures into Saturday, and as of Sunday temperatures might fall back but will still be warm."

Clare McGrath, water safety develop-

Shannon Airport recorded highest temperatures in the country this week

lRECORD HIGHS: Temperatures set to peak, and (right) Shannon Airport

ment officer with Clare County Council is asking people to swim only in lifeguarded areas denoted by lifeguard flags. She told The Clare Echo, “I would urge members of the public to observe notices on any beach or where they want to swim, to observe the lifeguard’s rules and regulations regarding off-limit swimming locations”.

West Clare has seen a considerable increase in visitors to its beaches and restaurants because of the fine weather.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, co-founder of Loop Head Tourism, Cillian Murphy noted that Kilkee had its busy day in over thirty years as a result. “The sunshine has delivered a huge boost but it has to be seen in the context that business in Kilkee has changed, all the restaurants here are open since March which is a significant change in how the town has traditionally done business but there’s no getting away from it the town is ramped to the rafters”.

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

NEWS 5

Dysart’s Zara needs €100k for urgent surgery PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

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l BRAVE: Zara (10) pictured at her home in Dysart on Wednesday morning.

Photo by Arthur Ellis

ARA CRONIN, 10-years old, was diagnosed with Ehler-Danlos Syndrome after she dislocated her C1 & C2 vertebrae in a simple accident in December (2017).

Now wheel-chair bound, the Dysart girl neck is in a hard-collar, having been in a halo brace to ensure stability and to mitigate against further damage. Zara requires a cranio-cervical fusion to keep her head in a normal upright position. Currently her C1 & C2 vertebrae dislocate continually even with minor movement. Following the injury, she was admitted to University College Hospital in Galway (UCHG), where she was fitted with a halo-brace that required the insertion of four screws in her skull, to keep her head from flopping on to her shoulders.

Ehler-Danlos Syndrome affects the connective tissues mainly the skin and joints, although it can also affect the blood vessel walls. The connective tis-

sue is a complex mixture of proteins of which collagen is one and this mixture provides the appropriate strength and elasticity to the underlying structures of the body.

To receive the cranio-cervical fusion that Zara requires, both she and her mum, Ann will travel to the Teknon Private Medical Centre in Barcelona in September. This is the only centre in Europe that can carry out this type of surgery. Diagnosed in Ireland and referred to an Ehler-Danlos Syndrome expert in London, an upright scan at the Medserena MRI Centre (London), assessed her condition as severe and from there the Teknon Private Medical Centre was identified for the serious surgical procedure.

Zara doesn’t qualify for the HSE operated Treatment Abroad Scheme or the Cross-Border Health Initiative. The requirement for both is that Zara be referred by an appropriate Irish consultant and since there isn’t a surgeon in a public or private hospital in Ireland who can undertake this type of surgery or even provide a sit-up or stand-up MRI service in this country, they are left with no option but to travel to the

Teknon Medical Centre in Barcelona. €100,000 is the cost for surgery and post-op care. She is scheduled for admission at the Barcelona Hospital on the 10th September with surgery to take place three days later. With a deposit paid, the outstanding money required for the surgery is due on the 24th August. The fund currently stands at €30,000. Donations for the Zara Cronin Fund are hugely appreciated

by Zara and her Mum, Ann O’Gorman and can be sent as per details below.

Direct contact can also be made with Ann on 087-7928780. n A fund-raising Walk (6km) with the Clare Senior Hurling Team will take place on Saturday 21st July 2018 assembling at 10am in the village of Ruan, outside Ennis, Co. Clare. They appeal to as many people as possible to support Zara on the day.

Permanent TSB, O’Connell St., Ennis, Co. Clare IBAN IE671 PBS 99072827283203 BIC IPBSIE2D See also www.fundraiserforzara.com

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NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

Cllr Flynn encourages safe and smart travel

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ITH the holiday season upon us, our attention turns to passport renewals and travel plans, and Cllr Johnny Flynn urges people to travel smart, safe and fly from Shannon Airport where possible.

Waiting for a new passport can be frustrating but anyone 18 years or older can save time by applying online with a digital photo, valid email address and a card for payment. The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly suggests you allow six weeks for processing due to the influx of applications but current average turnaround time is 10 working days for an online passport renewal while the Passport Express can take up to 40 days.

Accessing medical care while abroad is another area that causes people concern when planning summer holidays. Every Irish resident is eligible to receive public health care for illness or injuries while you are visiting a European Union country with a European Health Insurance Card. These cards give you access to necessary health care through the public system if you are visiting on

holidays, travelling for work or studying abroad.

Cllr Flynn explains, “You can apply for these cards free of charge through the Health Service Executive. If you already hold a Medical Card or Drug Payment Scheme card, you can easily apply online, or anyone can request a card in their local HSE office for each member of their family. These cards normally take 10 working days to process, but if you are travelling sooner, you can apply for a Temporary Replacement Certificate, which will give you the same cover.”

It is also essential to know your consumer rights for flight cancellations and delays, baggage, safety and mobility access. There is a helpful website to flightrights.ie that provides information on your entitlements and the best way to make a complaint if there are changes to your flights by the airline.

As a closing note, Cllr Flynn commented, “I encourage everyone to take advantage of the convenience of travelling from Shannon Airport when possible to support this important element of infrastructure for the county.”

lGORSE FIRE: Firefighters tackling blaze in Clare recently

Red fire risk alert

Extreme fire risk alert issued for Co Clare

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RED extreme fire risk has been issued for the first time in Co Clare.

Arising from current prolonged high pressure weather patterns, high temperatures and effective drought conditions, a Condition RED – Extreme Fire Risk has been announced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.

Clare County Council has been notified today that all outdoor use of fires, barbecues and other open ignition sources be avoided on forest lands and in other high risk areas until further notice.

The Department says the meteorological risk

is further compounded by high levels of public activity and related ignitions risks associated with the fine weather.

Adrian Kelly, Clare Chief Fire Officer, added, “Extreme caution is also advised with respect to hay making and the use of machinery and other agricultural activity that may also present a risk of fire in dry vegetation on cultivated land types in current conditions.”

“Pending further review, this risk condition will remain in place until midday on Friday, and will revert to Condition Orange at this point unless otherwise indicated,” he stated.

BE PREPARED. BE VIGILANT. STAMP OUT FOREST FIRES Advice to the General Public/Forest Visitors. Where fire outbreaks occur at or near recreational areas the following actions should be taken by visitors in the interests of safety.

1. Do not light fires in and around forests or open land.

2. Do not attempt to intervene or fight fires under any circumstances.

3. Gather all family/group members and move to a safe fuel-free location such as a car park, upwind of the fire.

4. Telephone Fire and Rescue Services via 112 and report the fire and its location.

5. Evacuate if instructed to do so, and cooperate with all Emergency Service Instructions.

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

NEWS

Teresa going the extra mile raising funds for Crumlin PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

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SPANISH POINT cancer survivor will cycle 265km this August to raise funds for Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin.

Teresa Morrissey first entered Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin on the August Bank Holiday weekend in 1998 where she was admitted to St. John’s Oncology ward. It became her home having been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Twenty years later, Teresa wants to mark the occasion and show appreciation to the staff and medical care she received there.

She’s going to cycle all the way from Spanish Point to Crumlin

and in doing so is appealing for the people of Clare to support her by donating to the cause.

Now a marine scientist living and working in Galway, Teresa first decided to do this in January.

So far she has got “great support” from the people of West Clare.

She told The Clare Echo that her own cancer story makes her more determined to give back to Crumlin.

“It’s just something I’ve always thought about doing ever since I was in Crumlin, I always wanted to give something back. The support makes you feel more responsible for carrying it and going through with it. I never had any doubts that I’d get the job done, the support would give you an extra push to carry it out”.

She continued, “I have experienced it first hand, the work that they do in Crumlin, the research programmes that they carry out

for cancer and many other things there’s plenty people that have benefitted from being in Crumlin and different treatments for different illnesses over the years.

Anything we can raise for it is worthwhile”.

In training for the cycle, Teresa is on the bike two or three times a week.

“I’ve done the Ring of Beara and will be doing the Ring of Kerry in a few weeks, they’re little milestones that will keep you going and generally keep tipping away at it, there’s different people that are going to come along with me, different friends of mine, we follow each other and see who’s doing what, we don’t all train together but we push each other on all the time”. n More information is available on the Facebook page: Cycle2Crumlin.

lGOOD CAUSE: Spanish Point’s Teresa Morrissey

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NEWS

CLLR LYNCH CONCERNED ABOUT IMBALANCE

FOR the next twelve months, Cllr Ian Lynch will serve as the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District but he’s worried about the job that awaits his successor.

Following the publication of a report by the Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee the twenty eight seats in the Council be retained and the district of North Clare reintroduced.

Independent councillor, Ian Lynch expressed his concern on the changes to The Clare Echo. “I am very open on it, I have a major concern. The dynamic of the West Clare area which I think for representation is very good, you’ll have five in the West and four in the North. The problem is I don’t think it’s been thought through fully, the West Clare Municipal District still remains the same and now it’s nine councillors, five from one area and four from another creates an imbalance.

We still have the same budget, the same resources to pull from.

“My concern is that whoever gets voted in next year will ensure that the balance and fairness remains between North and West Clare because there will be an advantage to the five in the Kilrush area and I do hope that the five don’t take advantage of it and when it comes to budget that it is spread fairly”.

He does believe it will encourage more new candidates to run for the Council. “From a representational point of view I think it’s great and it will open the door to new people, while it will be a challenge to the role I have and my possibility of being elected, I think it’s very important that we try and encourage new people to come up through the ranks and get into the Council, without the Town Councils it’s very hard for people to have a platform so it’s really important that it’s made easier, but I am concerned about the imbalance it’s after creating but I think it’s going to be an exciting year next year, 2019 will be an exciting election it will be good to watch”.

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

O’Halloran throws hat into ring for 2019 local elections PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

I

NCREASED focus is turning to next year’s local elections following a redrawing of the municipal districts in Clare, Ger O’Halloran is the first non-sitting councillor to announce his intentions to run in 2019.

A candidate in the Ennis Municipal District for the 2014 election, just three votes separated O’Halloran from Clare Colleran Molloy for the final seat.

Changes next year will see Clooney and his native Quin moved from the Ennis MD and into Killaloe.

With Colleran Molloy to remain in the Ennis MD, O’Halloran is set to benefit from an increased parish vote.

O’Halloran confirmed to The Clare Echo where he would be running next year, “I never had any doubt about where I was going to run. Where other candidates position themselves is completely up to them. Anyone that puts their name on a ballot paper I would have to have regard for them, they’re putting their name out there to their peers to become a public representative so that’s for them to consider. I never had any doubt about where I was standing, whom I’m representing

and who I’ll be looking to for support”. Of the electoral area changes, the Fine Gael member outlined his disappointment at parts of his native parish being fragmented.

“Quin has been included in the Shannon area in the past so the changing of the boundaries I suppose we’re caught and compromised in the area because the area is so close to Ennis. The population changes in Ennis have led to the reconfiguration so being sent towards East Clare is no major surprise, we had done the maths on it and a bit of homework. What is disappointing is our parish boundary is somewhat broken up and fragmented seeing as Spancilhill is remaining in the Ennis area and that will also be affected in my branch membership for Fine Gael in the Clooney, Spancilhill and Doolin area”.

Despite securing more first preference votes than Mary Howard and Clare Colleran Molloy, the Quin man failed to get elected in 2014.

Similarly in the Killaloe MD four years ago, Fine Gael’s Joe Cooney topped the poll comprehensively yet his surplus went towards an array of candidates as his par-

lIN THE RUNNING: Ger O’Halloran

ty colleague Joe Arkins lost his seat and Pat Burke was one of the last councillors elected. Ger is keen to get a share of the Cooney vote next year.

Now working as a personal assistant to Clare TD Joe Carey, Ger said he has dealt with loss in the four intervening years since the last local election.

“We’ve all come through a difficult past four or five years in business in local communities looking to secure funding and personally I’d have lost family members that were very good to me. I’ve friends who have lost close family members and that has an impact on our lives, on our thinking and where we might like to go on a personal level and I’m very conscious of that, local elections are about local events and local people and we should never lose sight of what the really important things are”.

Entertainment

SUMMER AT COIS NA HABHNA

THE Summer season at Cois na hAbhna is off to a flying start with a fantastic line up of events with entertainment from some of the finest performers of traditional music, song and dance in the county.

It all kicks off on Wednesday June 27th at 8.30pm with the annual Comhaltas Summer Seisiún series. Seisiún traditional music shows are held annually throughout Ireland during July and August and offer locals and visitors alike authentic traditional entertainment, in a traditional setting. The show runs every Wednesday and Friday from June 27th to August 10th starting at 8.30pm. Admission is €10.

On Saturday, June 30th at 9.30pm, Cois na hAbhna is delighted to play host to the hugely popular Five Counties Céilí Band. Several of the line-up are members of the Shandrum Céilí Band which won – for a Third year running the All Ireland Céilí Band Competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann here in Ennis 2017. Dancing from 9.30pm - 12.30am.

Admission €10.

Ennis, County Clare plays host to this years Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan. As part of the week’s celebrations, two ceilithe and a Sean Nós Dance Workshop will be held in Cois na hAbhna with the world famous Tulla Céilí Band playing on Wednesday July 18th and The Shandrum Five Counties Céilí Band on Friday July 2oth, both starting at 9.30pm.

Cois na hAbhna is the place to be for a Summer filled with ceol agus craic and to enjoy some of the best of traditional entertainment in Clare.

Bígí linn ag Cois na hAbhna! www.coisnahabhna.ie www.munsterfleadh.ie

Universal Language

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HIS summer, glór gallery presents an exhibition featuring three makers at the top of their game: Contemporary Willow Artist and Basket Maker Hanna Van Aelst; Ceramicist Jackie Maurer and Textile Artist Lesley Stothers.

Common Languages celebrates the best in design and innovation and features the work of three exceptional craftspeople, each of whom are passionate about the idea of making, their sense of place and the sharing of skills. This exhibition showcases work that is produced using very traditional craft skills but with outcomes that are innovative and reflective of 21st centu-

Common Languages exhibition celebrates the best in design and innovation

ry craft practices. Hanna Van Aelst explores our connection with nature and makes contemporary vessels and organic shapes from willow using traditional basket making techniques. Her work is inspired by nature and her ability to heal, regrow, nourish and support other life.

Ballyvaughan based Jackie Maurer’s vessels are inspired by the colours and textures of the Burren, a stunning counterpoint to the fragility of the coloured porcelain that is her chosen material. Looking and responding to the ever changing moods, textures and tones of the landscape is evidentially present in her individual pieces. Cork based Lesley Stothers is a multi-media textile artist whose work revolves around her exploration of home, the family circle, connections and family ties.

Using deconstructed book forms she unravels stories and reveals the hidden details. Alongside traditional materials and techniques, she experiments with

wrapping, binding and weaving materials such as wire, plastic and paper to explore 3D surface patterning.

Common Languages celebrates the values of crafts practice in the 21st century by bringing together work that expresses imaginative contemporary ideas through an understanding of materials, skills and traditions, whilst also providing a platform for the artists to pass on their skills and knowledge.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a Guided Tour of the exhibition and Demonstration led by Jackie Maurer on Saturday 14th July at 11.30am.

Free of charge and all welcome, and by a Guided Tour and half day Basket Making Workshop with Hanna Van Aelst on Saturday 11th August at 11.30am.

LIGHTING UP THE STAGE THE Light Runners were formed in 2014 by Lazare Mbouwoua, from the Central African Republic. The lead singer and front man of the group who’s passionate and enigmatic performances have brought people of all ages to the dance floor all over Europe & Africa. The lead singer with a number of Reggae bands for over 15 years in the Congo and Germany Lazare is the band leader and driving force on stage.

Apart from their ever growing list of self-written reggae and funk tunes, soon to be released on a new album, The Light Runners also like to re-live those popular reggae classics we all know and love; hits by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Lucky Dube, Max Ro-

meo, Mighty Diamonds…. the band frequently being out-sung by the chorus from the audience. As the night progresses Lazare’s voice appears to get closer and closer to those whose songs he is singing, by the end of the night it seems like Bob, Peter, Lucky and Max were also ‘in the room’. The Light Runners reggae ‘versions’ of songs by Jimmy McCarthy and Chuck Berry are always a popular hit with the Irish audiences that they have visited on their tours around Ireland in the last 3 years.

n The Light Runners (Reggae Band)

coming to Cultúrlann Sweeney Kilkee on the 7th July at 8pm. Tickets €16 and €14 for students and seniors.

n A Dementia Friendly Exhibition Tour for People Living with Dementia & their Family, Friends & Carers will take place on Thursday 12th July at 11.30am. Please prebook with Sinéad Cahill on 065 6845370 or scahill@glor.ie

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

‘A burden’ lifted off McKee’s shoulders as Mayoral spell ends

PÁRAIC McMAHON

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news@clareecho.ie

AVING the title Cathaoirleach as opposed to Mayor of the Municipal Districts across Ireland has caused many debates but is it just a title or can the person in the position really influence change regardless of how it is said or spelt, we asked some of the people vacating and taking up the role in Co Clare.

Cllr Mike McKee completed his twelve month term as the Shannon Municipal District’s Cathaoirleach, he found the label quite effective. “It’s certainly not just a title and I must say the burden has been lifted off my shoulders in the last few days having relinquished the chain of office.

It was a great twelve months and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you’re asking does it make a difference being Cathaoirleach, it certainly does, when you try to contact different Government departments they take it a lot more seriously when you have the term ‘Cathaoirleach’ at the end of your name, I’ve always used that if it’s on emails, if it’s on phonecalls I’ve always let people know I was Cathaoirleach and they did stand up and take notice when you did that, so it certainly has an impact”.

Independent councillor, Ian Lynch last week was elected as the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District. He’s confident the tag will be of use to him for his tenure. “I think it is more than a title.

You have the direct line to the Executive and they’ve already their commitment to the role in West Clare.

It’s the fourth year of a very different dynamic in the Council and a huge dynamic change has taken place here in the Council chamber with a new CEO and a new management team. This year is the first it’s really bedded in so it’s an opportunity to drive on and the projects that have started and there’s a lot of projects but now it’s to see them go to fruition, there’s no point in talking about them.

“I do believe the role does carry a certain amount of weight with the Executive and I do believe the support will come with the role and we will get a lot of jobs done, it’s important that we look at communities over the next twelve months because we’re not getting the commitment from Government, Clare County Council have committed to the rural directorate here and I do believe that rural communities are the key to the heart and soul not alone of West Clare but all rural towns and villages in the rest of the country. It’s going to be an exciting and busy year but I’m hoping we’ll achieve a lot”.

Shannon Municipal District’s new Cathaoirleach, Cllr Gerry Flynn is going to use his role to “demand” more for his area.

“I can only speak for myself and over the years I would feel that I have delivered for the Shannon Municipal District and I am confident that I will get more resources from Clare County Council to make sure that the Shannon Municipal District has a place at the top table, at the minute we don’t have a place at the top table. I want more emphasis on the Districts and of course closest to my heart would be Shannon naturally enough, it is the area that elects me so I would be hoping that the Shannon Municipal District could be as clean looking and tidy looking as the Ennis Municipal District, I’m a former Chairman of the Tidy Towns in Shannon we are disappointed that we’re not getting a fair share of resources in Shannon to make sure the built environment is kept up to an acceptable level.

Concerts in Glór Clare Youth Trad Orchestra Thursday 19 July, 8pm, €15

Téada

Friday 20 July, 8pm, €20

Ceol na mBan

Saturday 21 July, 8pm, €20

The Kilfenora Céilí Band Sunday 22 July, 8pm, €27.50

Booking

065 684 3103 www.glor.ie

12 INTERACTIVE

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

A new era of

INTERACTION twitter.com/ ClareEcho

facebook.com/ clareecho

instagram.com/ theclareecho

www.clareecho.ie

Facebook comment Tweet of the week of the week

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WESTERN HERD BREWING ‘I’m sure the tourists love buskers @WesternHerd particularly this lady who is very sweet’ Always nice to get a mention in Maria Peoples

in reaction to ‘Busker Jane Fraser gave us her views on the Council bye-laws which state that buskers cannot use amplification when performing on the streets of Clare’

the local press thanks to @ClareEcho.

Hope you liked the Dolmen Irish Whiskey Stout. #Clare #ClareFood #HontheBanner

THIS STORY REACHED 2,839 PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK Clare community sending 40ft container to Tanzania

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WEST CLARE community is putting together a 40ft container full to the brim of donations to assist a parish in Tanzania.

Fr. David Mlemeta works in the parish of Chikopelo which is 500km from the Tanzanian capital city of Dodoma. A visit to Lough Derg in Donegal seven years ago was followed by a trip to Co Clare where he developed relations with people in Ballynacally and Lissycasey, he now comes to the county once a year.

Once they discovered the conditions Fr. David was coming from, they were keen to help. In the past they have hosted fundraisers but felt that aid would be of more benefit to the people of Tanzania.

Karen Clancy is one of the Clare people leading the cause to pack the 40ft container full of donations.

She explains why she got involved, “When we realised the poverty that he came from, he was able to show us pictures. His parishioners

live in mud huts for all the world like what Crauggownen would look like. In this day and age that’s what they’re living in, their huts only last for about one year and they have to rebuild”.

Torrential rain this year in the parish killed people in Mlemeta’s parish and washed away houses. It’s another reason why Karen and co are appealing for items. Desired donations include; Clothes, dried food, bicycles, tools, first aid kits, large plastic storage boxes, crayons and colouring books, school supplies, footballs, large water barrels, suit cases, reading glasses, saucepans, cutlery, blankets, solar lights and religious items.

A special request is being made for non electric sewing machines. Karen outlined that it is hoped this will lead to the creation of an industry in the parish that will allow them to make their own clothing. Similarly the benefit of the container will be long term.

“We purchased the container from the funds we

raised and we will fill the container to the brim, I mean if we’re sending footballs they will be deflated, every single millimetre will be filled. Then the container will be sent to Tanzania and it will actually stay there, they will keep it.

They can cut out windows and put a roof on it and it will

either become a home for several families or it will be used for the industry”. lSeptember is the planned departure for the container so that Fr David’s parishioners can have the aid on time for Christmas.

Items can be left into

Ballynacally Community Centre between 9:30am and 3:30pm from Monday to Friday or by contacting Margaret (085-8433118), Karen (087-4160385), Bernie (086-1220067) or Mary (087-7759272) for more information or to make a donation.

Caroline Bourke

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

MAKE-UP AND STYLE

SUMMER SECRETS

LIFE HACKS TO KEEP YOU FEELING IN TIP-TOP SHAPE ALL SEASON LONG

I easy.

N SUMMER, when it comes to beauty, we tend to get relaxed about things. Of course, stylish women know that getting an easy, breezy summertime look is anything but

SKIN

Even if you use an SPF, the sun is still drying. Dehydrating the skin can also increase oil production and cause blemishes.

After being in the sun, cleanse, tone and apply a hydrating mask to re-hydrate and plump the skin from a long day.

Then use a moisturiser, making sure you choose a lighter one in summer than winter.

FEET

It's especially important to take care of your feet in summer, when us girls tend to wear a lot of open-toed shoes.

Your heels get dried and cracked.

Use a moisturising product that also includes an antibacterial agent, such as tea tree oil.

And get a pedicure.

NAILS

For holiday nails stay away from your safe colours and go for something bright, this summer is all about pretty colours and

bright coloured nails always give you that summer feeling.

MAKE UP

Bronze is also big for skin, whether it's in the form of bronzers brushed on cheeks, shoulders and dĂŠcolletage, or sunless tanners that mimic a tan without the sun's damaging rays.

THE THREE TRENDS FOR THIS SEASON ARE:

Gold and metallics, primarily on the eye area, a pale face, minimal eye makeup and really red lip, which could also be a really pink lip, or a really orange lip.

Thirdly, eyebrows are becoming healthier, fuller and not as defined as they have been in recent seasons.

HAIR

This season, there are two strong trends in hair. Short and modern, or long, soft and curly. The trend is largely inspired by a batch of newly cropped young stars such as Sienna Miller, Natalie Portman, Keira Knightley. With hair colour, again, there are two strong trends, rich, solid tones in reds and browns and blondes, which are always popular in summer.

lON TREND: Natalie Portman, Sienna Miller, Kiera Knightley

COLUMNIST 13 lSKIN: After being in the sun, cleanse, tone and apply a hydrating mask to re-hydrate and plump the skin from a long day

14 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

WEST CLARE KILRUSH MEETING The Annual General Meeting of Kilrush and District Historical Society will be held in the Teach Ceoil, Grace Street, Kilrush, on this coming Tuesday 26 June at 7:30pm.

It will be followed at 8pm by a presentation by Eric O’Neill on “Blacksmiths and vernacular ironwork traditions of West Clare”.

The event will incorporate a tour of some of the best examples of vernacular ironwork in Kilrush Churchyard and elsewhere in the town.

Eric O’Neill is a Limerick-based blacksmith, artist and teacher. He has been involved for many years in promoting and teaching the craft of the blacksmith and runs his own forge known as Killuragh Kraftworks.

KDHS lectures are free to members, EUR5 for non-members. New members are welcome. The annual membership fee (July-June) is EUR20. Please note that membership renewals for 2018/2019 are due at the AGM. You can expedite the process of renewal by completing the membership form available on our website and bringing it with you to the AGM: http://kdhs.ie This will be the last regular monthly event of the 2017/8 season and monthly lectures will resume on the last Tuesday of September. KDHS will not be idle during the summer, as we are planning a trip to Tarbert House and Listowel Castle on Sunday 29 July and a special event on the history of Kilrush Ceramics during National Heritage Week in August

ENNIS FREE CAR SEAT CHECK FREE Child Car Seat Check being held this Friday June 29th A representative from Maxi-cosi (a market leader in car seats) is coming to Mo Leanbh Nursery store in the Quin Road Business Park this Friday between 12 &4pm ALL car seats will be checked on the day!

INIS ARTISTS Inis Artists present 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 July.

The group exhibition, which runs from 2-28 July, features a wide variety of styles in varied media across many different styles and themes.

Organisers say the artists aim to bring a creative mix to each exhibition and to offer something of interest for all tastes.

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

The official opening of the new School Astro Turf pitch in Kilnamona, which was officially opened by Fr. Sean Sexton PP on Sunday, June 24.

This is an exciting new venture for Kilnamona National School and a great addition to the facilities in the parish, for children of all ages. The Chairperson, Pat Hogan and the School Principal Sean Crowe thanked all of those who made the new facility possible including the Board of Management, the contractor and the parishioners, parents and businesses who have donated to the facility. Pictured above is Fr Sean blessing the new facility.

ST FRANCIS CREDIT UNION COMMUNITY GAMES COUNTY ATHLETICS FINALS The St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games County Athletic Finals were held on Sunday in glorious sunshine in John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Rd. At the opening ceremony the Chairman John Wall welcomed Bishop Fintan Monahan, Mayor of Clare Michael Begley, Mayor of Ennis Claire Colleran Molloy, Ollie O’Regan St Francis Credit Union sponsors, He welcomed all the participants and hoped they would enjoy the experience of participating in the finals.

The Mayor of Clare said he was delighted to be present and wished the children good luck in the finals and those who progressed to National finals best of luck there, this was reiterated by the Mayor of Ennis. .Bishop Fintan Monaghan said he was delighted to be here in such a festive atmosphere. He congratulated all the children and wished them well.

He praised the work done by volunteers at area and county who give so much to community games.

Prior to the opening ceremony there was a very colourful parade of athletes from nineteen areas led by a piper from Loughrea.

The torch bearers were Gabriel Kehinde of Ennis St Johns and Aine Garry of Ballynacally/Lissycasey.

The pledge was read as gaeilge by Caoimhe Cahill of Inch/ Kilmaley/Connolly and in english by Darragh Walsh of Feakle.

THE WINNERS OF THE PARADE Best Presented area – Shannon Development Cup – Clarecastle/Ballyea Runner up Best Presented area – Dan Donoghue Trophy – Inagh/Kilnamons/Cloonanaha 3rd Best Present area – Meakins Family Shield – Cooraclare/Cree Best Presented Small Area – O’Sullivan Family Shield – Ballynacally/Lissycasey Mascot – Clare Community Games Shield – Moylussa (Oisin Minogue).

OPINION 15

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

How realistic is a United Ireland?

W

ITH the publication of a second poll showing growing support in the six counties for a United Ireland, this may be something we need to focus attention on. For a long time the goal of a 32 county Republic was seen as a pipe dream. However, that all changed two years ago this week. The vote, predominantly by English and Welsh people, for the UK to leave the EU was a turning point. The shambles that is British politics since, and the mess they have made of Brexit, have finally got people in the North thinking, “Is the devil I know really better than the devil I don’t?”

A poll by Lord Ashcroft polling company in Britain found that 44% of the North’s electorate now support a United Ireland, should the UK leave the EU, compared with 49% saying they would prefer to stay welded to Britain.

Most notably, a majority of people from outside the Protestant and Catholic faiths, as well as Alliance Party voters, now favour joining with the Republic for the first time ever. This comes hot on the heels of a BBC NI poll which found that 45% wished to remain in the UK post-Brexit compared to 42% who would prefer to join the Republic in the EU. These will come as startling figures to those who contend a border poll would see a crushing defeat for the 32-county dream.

Perhaps it is these new figures that has prompted DUP leader Arlene Foster to soften her attitude in recent weeks. She was photographed with members of the Muslim community in NI celebrating the feast of Eid Al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, last week and then she paid a visit to Fermanagh GAA to wish her countymen well in the Ulster Football Final. These

were both unprecedented steps for Foster who has a reputation as a steadfast Unionist. Over the past number of days, we’ve seen much more language of inclusion from her.

Regardless of softening attitudes, it remains an issue for all striving for a United Ireland to convince Unionists that there is a place for them in 32 county Ireland. Without giving that community an advance look at what’s on offer, they will never be convinced that taking a new road is in their interest. A recent cross party Oireachtas report, headed by Kerry Fianna Fáil Senator Mark Daly, outlined what such an Ireland might look like.

Running over 1,000 pages, it’s not a light read and underlines the scale of the task reunifying the country would be. FF had also promised to release an, as yet unseen, white paper on a United Ireland.

Most concern on this side of the border revolves around the state of the Northern economy. It is heavily dependent on subsidies from Westminster and a wealth transference from England and Scotland. However, the same cross party Oireachtas committee found that any such move would see a dividend to the collective economy of some €35.6bn over eight years, post-unification. There were similar concerns between affluent West Germany and poor East Germany ahead of reunification there. In the end, the unified German state quickly got back to running a self-sustaining, affluent economy.

Social issues though still abound in Germany and these are lessons we must learn from. Although only two generations of Germans experienced the full rigours of life under Communist rule, there still exists some hangovers from that era almost three decades on. Xenophobia in

Germany is highest in East Germany, as is evident in the popularity of far-right party, AfD. If we are to progress with a United Ireland, it must be one that respects all traditions without alienating any section.

The idea of Ireland changing to a Federal Republic is one that has been mooted previously to achieve this.

It may also be a road map to deal with issues like balanced regional development. The island could be split into five regional assemblies, covering Dublin, Munster, Connacht, the rest of Leinster, and Ulster which would then be given devolved powers in several areas, not least the collection and spending of taxation such as property and motor tax. They could also have a regional input into education curriculum and an oversight over healthcare, like in the time of the health boards of old.

Finally, though, we need to address the elephant in the room; symbolism.

Yes, flags and anthems may seem trivial, but they mean a lot to many people whether they care to admit it or not. This weekend thousands of Clare people, myself included, will travel to Thurles adorned in the Saffron and Blue. The colours are part of who we are. The last act we’ll all be asked to do before the referee throws in the ball will be to face the Tricolour and sing Amhrán na bhFiann.

It always fills me with pride doing so. I remember well getting chocked up signing it from the combatants’ relatives’ enclosure opposite the GPO in Dublin at the 1916 Centenary. Would we be willing to sacrifice that flag and anthem to bring on board a community for whom they represent fear and hatred? Perhaps.

Perhaps not. One thing the majority on both sides would agree on though; no one would welcome “Ireland’s Call” as an official replacement!

16 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

Bullying is never ever okay

M

Y THOUGHT for this week is about something very specific, an epidemic that has been striking at young people and adults alike at an alarming rate. It is, “Bullying.” Like me you probably grew up and were taught, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.”

But I want to tell you that it’s not true. I broke plenty of bones playing football and hurling and I’ve been teased, mocked and at times bullied. And I can tell you firsthand, the wounds of a broken body heal far more quickly and more cleanly than the damage words or bullying can cause.

Words matter.

Words have weight, they can wound, they can divide, they can destroy, and they can even bring death. Bullying is evil, because it strips another person of his or her worth and dignity. A mother recently told me about the horror of bullying that her son is going through and has gone through in his school and where his and her cries for help have fallen on deaf ears from the powers that be in our society.

Although her son has become stronger and more assured after he dealt himself with the bullying and thank god is doing well in life now. But not everyone survives this experience. In the last few years a great deal of attention has been drawn to the subject of bullying, in light of some high-profile suicides which were the result of bullying.

‘Use the light inside of you, the positive force that is moving forward, to help brighten someone’s dark world’

And while bullying in schools and amongst teenagers and young adults is nothing new, it seems that bullying has gained a whole new dimension, thanks largely to technology, social networking and the Internet.

Instead of trading punches on the playground after school and going home to cuts and bruises, bullies can now perpetrate their taunts and torture victims morning, noon and night, with the ability to reach their vulnerable victims in the middle of the night in the “sanctuary” of their own homes. Many of these taunts, such as those posted on the Internet; do not disappear as quickly as cuts and bruises.

Once uploaded, they may

very well be out there forever, allowing victims no reprieve, even when their bullies are not within physical proximity.

We must as a society try to stamp out the real evil of bullying in our schools, in our communities and in our country.

grieve deeply for those young people who have taken their own lives because they either believed the things that their bullies said about them, or they simply couldn’t live with the thought that other people believed them.

As the saying goes, “Don’t undermine your worth by comPERSONAL paring yourself with others, It is EXPERIENCE because we are different that each Personal experience and the exof us is special. Don’t set your perience of the son of the mother goals by what other people deem whom I mentioned at the start important, only you know what of this thought for the week who is best for you. Don’t take for thankfully survived bullying and granted the things closest to your is making his way through life heart. Cling to that as you would now on his own terms gives me your life, for without them life is a perspective on the wounds that meaningless. Don’t let your life bullying leaves behind especially slip through your fingers by living school and workplace bullying. in the past or the future. By living They are raw and painful, and your life one day at a time, you while the pain sometimes decreas- live all the days of your life.” es with time, they permanently alter one’s psychological make-up, BE THE BEST PERSON much as a disfiguring cut YOU CAN BE or abrasion does to Don’t let anyone’s ignorance, hate, one’s physical drama or negativity stop you skin. from being the best person you I can be. People who hate you are just confused. There are many in this world that are ignorant, and from this ignorance are full of hate, drama and negativity. Never let someone rain on your parade just because things in their lives aren’t as they want them to be.

Instead use the light inside of you, the positive force that is moving forward, to help brighten someones dark world.

Bullying is a very real, very common and at present an epidemic problem. It’s not a problem that is local to any one place, but is global. It’s everywhere from schools and offices to sports fields to churches and anywhere you look.

Cyber-bullying nowadays is rampant and even though our children might be able to turn off a phone, or a computer, the hate is still there when they power up again. So hear these words of grace, there is nothing, nothing in life, nothing in death, not even suicide, nothing that can separate NOT OKAY: It is time for all of us to reclaim the power of healing words, to speak life, to speak hope and to raise our children to do the same

us from the love of God. Our God is a loving and gracious God, even and especially to those who have come to such a dark and lightless place that they consider ending their own lives.

God’s grace is big enough for us all. There is nothing that God cannot forgive. If you find yourself in that dark night, with no hope, overcome by despair, contemplating ending your life, please, please, wait. It gets better. It really does. I can tell you firsthand, as someone who has struggled with depression, that the darkness does not last forever.

There is light on the other side.

And please don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Look around you. You are not alone.

There are lots of great organisations out there that can help you and be there for you.

It is time for all of us to start saving lives. It’s time for all of us to stand up for those who have had to stand alone for far too long. It is time for all of us to speak up for those who do not have a voice.

It is time for all of us to reclaim the power of healing words, to speak life, to speak hope and to raise our children to do the same.

It’s not enough to teach our children how to cope with the teasing and bullying they receive; we need to challenge them to stand up for, to stand beside, others, to take the risk of befriending or defending the outcasts, the awkward, the lonely, the scrawny, the smelly, the foreign and the strange.

And we need to model it in our own lives too. We need to stop laughing at another’s expense, to stand together and say: Bullying is not okay, and we are not going to be silent any more. All that is needed for evil to triumph in the world is for good men and women to stay silent and refuse to act.

We’ve been silent for too long. We have to do something. We have to act as though we truly believe that each and every person is of sacred worth.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, never under estimate the power of your words and actions!

Always as much as possible try to use them for the good and well being of others!

Clare THE

Photo courtesy of Clare County Council

Echo

FRE E

FUN IN THE SUN

In Clare

18 FUN IN THE SUN

Top tips for firing up the BBQ

W

ITH temperatures hitting record highs this week in Ireland - and Shannon recording a sizzling 29 degrees celsius - barbeque season is well and truly upon us.

Of course, first and foremost, safety is top of the agenda with Clare County Council issuing a status red fire warning, but with that in mind, here are our top grilling tips for during the heatwave.

Gas vs. Charcoal The age-old debate over which grilling method is “better” involves multiple variables, from flavour to cost to convenience.

While no studies prove that either is healthier, gas does burn cleaner. Charcoal grills emit more carbon monoxide. From a taste perspective, many prefer the smokier taste of food cooked on a charcoal grill.

Get It Hot! Preheat your grill 25 minutes before you start cooking to make sure it reaches the right temperature (and kill bacteria). Your grill should be 400-450°F for high, 350400°F for medium-high, 300-350°F for medium and 250-300°F for low. A properly heated grill sears foods on contact, keeps the insides moist and prevents sticking.

Brush It Off It’s easier to remove debris when the grill is hot, so after preheating, use a long-han-

dled wire grill brush on your grill rack to clean off charred debris from prior meals.

Scrape again immediately after use.

Oil It Up Even on a clean grill, lean foods may stick when placed directly on the rack. Reduce sticking by oiling your hot grill rack with a vegetable oil-soaked paper towel: hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack.

(Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.)

Marinate Your Meat Marinating does more than infuse food with flavour; it also inhibits the formation of potentially carcinogenic HCAs (heterocyclic amines), which form when grilling poultry, red meat and fish.

Is It Done?

The best way to know if protein is fully cooked is to check its internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer.

The Hand Test To gauge the temperature of a grill without a thermometer, place your open palm about 5 inches above the grill rack; the fire is high if you have to move your hand in 2 seconds, and low if you have to move your hand in 10 seconds.

Give It A Rest Let finished meats rest on a clean platter, tented with foil, for 10 minutes before carving so juices can redistribute evenly.

l SUNTHING TO SMILE ABOUT: Revellers enjoy the sun at glór’s Gin & Jazz Photo by Bob Singer event which took place at the Old Ground in Ennis

Try our tasty smokey joe BBQ lion pork ribs BBQ chicken pieces 5 for €3 (Gluten-free) 6 steak burgers €5 Range of gourmet beef burgers 4 for €6, (gluten-free) cheese & scallion/cracked black pepper/hot & spicy/ (gluten-free) smokey bacon burger

5 steak burgers, 5 sausages, 5 kebabs, 5 chicken pieces, tray of potato gratin €20 (Gluten-free) Turkey spinach & sweet potato burgers 6 for €6 Chicken & veg kebabs 3 for €5 BBQ chicken skewers 6 for €5 New lamb spinach and feta cheese burger 4 for €6

 Extensive range of 3 for 10 and 3 for15 pre-packed meals all prepared in our butchers  All sauces and marinades gluten-free  We stock an extensive range of sauces from spice of life an Irish company

Lifford Road, Ennis (065) 6822497

Derg Court, Cullina, Ballina/Killaloe (061) 375111

20 FUN IN THE SUN

‘Take caution in sun’ T lBROLLY GOOD: Finty Hayes from Ennis basks in the sun at Clare V Offaly last weekend Photo by Martin Connolly

HE next time you pop out to purchase sunscreen, don’t forget to pick up some sunglasses, too.

That’s because both products work together to protect your body from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays.

Julie Moore Neylon, BSc (Hons) Optometry, Optometrist and Practice owner of Wild Atlantic Opticians, Kilrush, speaks about the sun and our eyes while giving some helpful insights into how to protect our eyes this Summer.

When should I wear sunglasses?

Wearing sunglasses should not be reserved for sunny days.

There’s UV light on cloudy days and during all seasons, anytime it’s daytime. “It’s incredibly important to protect your eyes all year round,” she says.

What’s the harm?

Cataracts, macular degeneration, other growths and some cancers are directly related to UV exposure. Not protecting your eyes

from the UV light can lead to irreversible loss of vision.

The public are better versed about risks of skin cancer than they are about the risks sun poses to the eye. The underlying process is the same, says Julie. In human tissues — whether skin or eye — she says: “UV light causes oxidative stress.

It plays a role in the aging process and in disease processes.”

Cataracts occur with normal aging — the lens of your eye gradually turns cloudy. They can cause your vision to be blurry or doubled, and can lead you to have difficulty seeing at night. When severe impairments of vision result, cataract surgery may be recommended.

So age is the main risk factor, and research has implicated exposure to the sun’s UV rays as another. “UV exposure increases your risk of getting more advanced cataracts, or cataracts at earlier ages,” Julie says. In other words, you might get cataracts in your 40s or 50s instead of your 70s or 80s. People who smoke or have di-

abetes are far more susceptible to cataracts and should invest in high quality, polarised sunglasses.

As children’s eyes are more porous, evidence shows UV light has more effect on the eyes in early life, childhood and into your 20s. It is crucial to protect your children’s eyes as damage at an early age is often irreversible. “Here in Kilrush, we have specialised Cébé kids sunglasses which offer unrivaled protection for the kiddies.”

Remember, if you pay PRSI, have a medical card or are self employed you are entitled to a free eye test and glasses so why not pop into Wild Atlantic Opticians, Kilrush in order to see our endless ranges of sunglasses, overspecs and clip ons to protect your eyes this Summer. Chat to one of us Monday Saturday or call us on 065 9051832 and let us see you right, with eye care and eyewear for West Clare!

With brands like Bollé, Guess, Ted Baker and Karen Millen available instore, what’s stopping you!

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22 FUN IN THE SUN

Tips to keep your garden growing in the heatwave

W

HILE the current heatwave is welcomed by many, it sure is keeping local gardeners on their toes. Of course, when the rain does arrive, lawnmowers will be at the ready but remember to operate during cooler times of the day to protect your skin. Here are some tips on keeping your garden healthy during the hot spell.

Water wisely for healthy land especially during heat waves.

If a plant looks wilted early in the morning, it needs water. If plant looks fine in the morning, but droopy in the afternoon, check it the next morning.

Avoid brief, frequent watering which leads to shallow roots sys-

1

tems that are more susceptible to insects, disease, drought, and temperature extremes.

Avoid watering foliage; water the soil at plant base. Sun heats the water on leaves resulting in scorch or burn and increasing the possibility of fungal diseases.

Timing: Morning between 4am and 9am is the best time to water.

This decreases evaporative water loss, conserving water, and reduces development of fungal diseases.

Amount: Irrigate the soil deeply and infrequently rather than giving plants a light sprinkling each day.

Apply enough water each week to wet a sandy soil 12” deep and a clay soil 6-8” deep.

Keep weeds to a minimum to reduce competition for nutrients, water, and space, and to promote strong growth.

2

heavy pruning of shrubs 3Avoid in extreme heat.

Move potted plants and con4 tainers to shady areas until end of heat wave.

Mulch around plants with a 5 light covering of organic material to retain soil moisture, prevent

weeds, and maintain cooler soil.

Evaluate your garden – take a stroll to see what is sunburned, wilted in the morning, overcrowded, and/or exposed to sun.

Sunburned plants may need to be moved to a shadier location to survive. Other reasons for plant heat stress include plant overcrowding.

Avoid chemical pesticide sprays of any type, but especially avoid spraying during daytime heat.

Remove destructive bugs by hand.

6

lPRETTY AS A PICTURE: Lily Purcell has her face painted at Fossetts Circus in Bunratty on Sunday Photo by Eamon Ward

7 8

FUN IN THE SUN 23

l TOO HOT TO TROT: Patrick Meenan from Doonbeg with his little girl Kate at the Clare vs Offaly game in Tullamore last weekend and (right) a furry friend enjoying the sunshine at the successful Clarecastle Regatta on Sunday

Photos by Martin Connolly

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24 FUN IN THE SUN

County Show to beam final PÁRAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

THIS Sunday the 114th annual Clare Agricultural Show takes place at Ennis Showgrounds.

Gates open at 8am with show jumping the first event on the timetable and that commences at 10am. Organisers are hopeful that the recent good weather runs through until after the Show at least.

Chairperson Joe Lillis maintains that the prize fund for the Banner Yearling means this event will more than likely generate the most excitement. “We’ve twelve entries and I know there’s three more to come, that’s 15, we could well have 20 entries in that, that’s €2500 prize fund and the guys that wins that I think the first prize is €600 or €700 so if its worth travelling for that alone. The All-Ireland breeding heifer we were only 45 cattle four years ago, last year we were 135 cattle, we’d the sixth or seventh biggest cattle show in the county right now”.

Along with the horse classes, there are eleven Connemara classes and various cattle classes throughout Sunday. On top of that there will be showjumping, horticulture, dog show, donkey and carriage driving classes. There’s plenty of activities to keep the children entertained with a theme

lSOLUTION: Fans can watch Clare on the big screen Photo by Chris Copley

park and funfair plus tug of war, rodeo bull, vintage cars and miniature horse classes.

“We have nearly everything, we tried to get lamas but it’s not easy get those, we have everything else that you’d want”, Lillis said.

Joe feels the popularity of the show is growing each year. “The All-Ireland breeding heifer we were only 45 cattle four years ago, last year we were 135 cattle, we’d the sixth or seventh biggest cattle show in the county right now”.

There’s another important event taking place on Sunday involving the county and Joe is expecting a drop in the crowd because of the Munster senior hurling final.

“We certainly will have a smaller crowd, there’s no doubt in the world it’s going to take a bit from it but the people interested in showing horses and cattle never go to too many matches anyhow, their sport is a different sport and a different discipline altogether. We will have a smaller crowd but we’re trying to cater for the people who want to see the match as well with the two big screens”.

When asked whether the County Agricultural Show could have been rescheduled as a result of the hurling, Joe replied, “There was earlier on but we didn’t anticipate the two things happening on the one date. We had fixed our date last November and we didn’t expect this to happen and who would have given odds two months ago that Clare would be in the Munster Final, I don’t think anyone would have given even money on it but I’m delighted that they are of course”.

Such a clash won’t be happening next year, “If this Munster Final is on the first Sunday in July next year we will have to reschedule and go a different day. We’re not in the Irish Shows Association and these are the people that dictate the days, all other shows in Clare are in the Irish Shows Association but we broke rank with the Irish Shows Association five years ago and would you believe our show has gone from strength to strength since,” Lillis concluded.

€15m available to farmers in final Burren programme STUART HOLLY

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news@clareecho.ie

ORTH Clare farmers with species-rich grazed land are being encouraged to apply for the final tranche of the Burren programme which focuses on the conservation of the local farming landscape.

According to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey, up to €15 million is being made available under the fourth and final phase of the highly successful programme and he is anxious that local farmers have their applications submitted before the July 6 closing date.

The Burren Programme is one of a suite of locally-led schemes being rolled out by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as part of its Rural Development Programme (RDP).

“It builds on the success and experience of similar schemes for the Burren piloted under the Burren LIFE Project and the Burren Farming for Conservation Programme. The principles that evolved out of those schemes are central to how the new measure goes about meeting its objectives of conserving the unique heritage, environment and communities of the Burren,” Deputy Carey explained.

Launching the scheme earlier this week, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said that Rural Development Programmes had funded farming in the Burren region for many years and the current Burren scheme is central to meeting the common objectives of conserving the unique heritage, environ-

l OPPORTUNITY: Joe Carey in Carron with Michael Davoren, Burren IFA and Sharon Parr, scientist with the Burren Programme

ment and communities of this unique area.

“I had an opportunity last year to take part in one of the farm walks organised as part of the Winterage Weekend and can see that the Burren project is an excellent example of an innovative locally-led project under our

Rural Development Programme.

“I would like to congratulate the Burren Team and the participating farmers on a scheme which ensures that agricultural activity is undertaken with regard to the local heritage and environmental priorities and

which has fostered a palpable sense of community pride. We look forward to working with them on developing this project into the future,” Minister Creed concluded.

The application form is available at www. agriculture.gov.ie.

Beef cows selling extremely well ENNIS MART THURSDAY, JUNE 21 2018 Trade was strong in Ennis. Numbers were up on last week. Light stores sold well for good sorts but easier than the week before. Heavier bullocks and more forward types also an excellent trade once again this week. Both farmers and agents active once again around the bullock ring. Heifer trade was strong for better quality heavy types, with plenty of quality on offer in the heifer ring. A good entry of feeder cows and beef cows met a strong demand with trade similar to previous week with beef cows selling extremely well with factory agents active with some top-quality cows on offer today and many lots still breaking the €2/kg mark. Aged bulls sold to a top price of €1,520 for a CH bull weighting 905kgs.

BULLOCKS

2 LMX 350kgs - €1,010 - €2.88/kg 2 CHX 680kgs - €1,600 - €2.35/kg 4 LMX 452kgs - €1,300 - €2.87/kg 1 AAX 655kgs - €1,520 - €2.32/kg 2 CHX 392kgs - €1,140 - €2.90/kg 1 CHX 735kgs - €1,615 - €2.20/kg 2 LMX 505kgs - €1,340 - €2.65/kg 1 HEX 670kgs - €1,460 - €2.18/kg

HEIFERS

1 LMX 320kgs - €845 - €2.64/kg 1 CHX 480kgs - €1,250 - €2.60/kg 7 CHX 348kgs - €980 - €2.81/kg 1 AAX 525kgs - €1,060 - €2.01/kg 1 HEX 535kgs - €1,070 - €2.00/kg 1 CHX 545kgs - €1,470 - €2.70/kg 1 CHX 470kgs - €1,270 - €2.70/kg 1 BBX 525kgs - €1,480 - €2.82/kg

DRY COWS

1 LMX 495kgs - €1,040 - €2.10/kg 1 LMX 680kgs - €1,520 - €2.23/kg 1 CHX 550kgs - €1,280 - €2.32/kg 1 BBX 745kgs - €1,650 - €2.21/kg

1 CHX 565kgs - €1,140 - €2.02/kg 1 LMX 985kgs - €2,050 - €2.08/kg 1 BBX 500kgs - €1,050 - €2.10/kg 1 CHX 830kgs - €1,660 - €2.00/kg 1 FRX 585kgs - €890 - €1.52/kg 1 FRX 620kgs - €1,180 - €1.90/kg

KILRUSH MART WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20 2018 A decent entry at Kilrush for the time of year but numbers back on last sale. Trade for better types was steady but these were very scarce plainer types sold reasonably well. Mostly lighter cattle on offer today. Quality was very variable in both the heifer and bullock ring today but a good clearance was achieved. Dry cows were a shade easier.

DRY COWS

1 LMX 530kgs - €995 - €1.87/kg 1 AAX 665kgs - €1,045 - €1.57/kg 1 FRX 575kgs - €920 - €1.60/kg 1 SHX 475kgs - €660 - €1.39/kg 1 AAX 540kgs - €920 - €1.70/kg

HEIFERS

1 CHX 295kgs - €725 - €2.46/kg 1 HEX 420kgs - €750 - €1.78/kg 1 AAX 220kgs - €500 - €2.27/kg 2 FRX 497kgs - €880 - €1.76/kg 2 LMX 300kgs - €750 - €2.50/kg 1 FRX 350kgs - €610 - €1.74/kg 2 AAX 370kgs - €750 - €2.02/kg 5 LMX 432kgs - €780 - €1.80/kg

BULLOCKS & BULLS

1 CHX 260kgs - €750 - €2.88/kg 1 CHX 370kgs - €1,085 - €2.93/kg 2 LMX 292kgs - €795 - €2.72/kg 2 AAX 375kgs - €885 - €2.36/kg 1 HEX 340kgs - €855 - €2.51/kg 1 FRX 420kgs - €770 - €1.84/kg 4 HEX 35kgs - €690 - €2.26/kg 1 FRX 550kgs - €865 - €1.58/kg

26 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, JUNE 28 2018

BUSINESS

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

New Frontiers for Midwest start-ups A MEDICAL devices to prevent UTIs, a cashless taxi app, an online car service booking system and a games company were the big winners at the 2018 LIT New Frontiers Start-up Awards held this week.

Nine new business leaders from the acclaimed New Frontiers programme showcased their start-up companies at a ceremony in the Millennium Theatre at LIT last week.

New Frontiers is the leading national entrepreneur development programme run by LIT and Enterprise Ireland at the Hartnett Enterprise Acceleration Centre in collaboration with the Nexus Innovation Centre. The programme focuses on developing core entrepreneur and leadership skills, an innovators toolkit and opening networks for promising entrepreneurs who have ideas with international potential.

The end of year ceremony supported by LIT, EI Enterprise Ireland, Limerick Local Enterprise Office, HOMS Solicitors and Bridgewater Management, further recognises the entrepreneurship and innovation through awards for Startup of the Year, Best Business Opportunity, Best Innovation and One to Watch.

New Frontiers 2018 Winners: Startup of the Year: Assuré Medical, a medical device company l IN BUSINESS: Prof. Vincent Cunnane, President of LIT presents Ger founded by Ger O’Keeffe. The company is focus- O’Keeffee of Assuré Medical with the New Frontier Startup of the Year Award. ing on treating Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) by a Also photographed is Gillian Barry Head of Enterprise at LIT.

preventative prophylactics rather than continually relying on antibiotics.

Best Business Opportunity: Richie Commins Flag, a taxi app that allows users to travel and pay without the use of their phone, bank card or cash. This new “wallet-less feature” allows the user to flag a taxi on the street, give the driver his or her name and enter a four-digit PIN on the driver’s app to effect payment from his or her pre-registered card.

Best Innovation: New Frontier Best Innovation was awarded to Iain Gilmore, a former Irish National Tarmac Rally Champion who’s business LYNKMechanic allows motorists to book a service at their local garage online, while also converting the bookings information into servicing data that helps mechanics to operate more efficiently and accurately.

One to Watch: Gerard Comerford was recognised as the New Frontier One to Watch for his company - Cerebros Games. The competitive e-sport player in Pro Evolution Soccer is making deliberate use of the “disruptive innovation model” to address players’ under-served desire for innovative gaming experiences at a low cost. He then uses the business to fund products that deliver more sophisticated innovative experiences that engage players’ intelligence and creativity.

Make-Up Studio to host inaugural Summerfest THE Make-Up Studio in Ennis will celebrate its second birthday on July 8.

To mark the occasion, they will be hosting a beauty and wellness event called Summerfest in the Strand Hotel’s Shannon Suite.

Blogger Sinead O’Brien, better known as Sinead’s Curvy Style will be a special guest on the day. Ennis Medical Aesthetics, Richard Rocker Clinic, Brown Thomas Fashions and Rituals are teaming up with The Make-Up Studio to bring you an afternoon packed with skincare, nutrition, fitness, make-up and fashion tips.

GP Emma Kearney will be answering questions on Botox, dermal fillers, micro needling and there will be a discussion on the outstanding Image MD skincare and what sets it apart from all the rest. Then there will be a summer makeup demo showing you to how to perfect your look for special summer occasions.

Sinead will be doing a shapewear segment giving tips on how to get the correct shapewear to enhance your natural shape and some swimwear options from the Brown Thomas Lingerie Department. She will also pick best dressed lady and there will be a very special prize on the day.

Canadian-born Richard Rocker, former nutrition coach for the Irish Ladies Volleyball team and Lennox Lewis, former heavyweight world champion will be offering his fitness and nutrition advice to get and stay in shape for the summer.

New to Brown Thomas is luxurious skincare brand Rituals will be holding a skincare workshop to end this wonderful afternoon. There will be afternoon tea included for every lady and a goodie bag compliments of Brown Thomas.

It promises to be an action packed, glamorous and fun afternoon, exactly what every lady needs.

Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

THURSDAY, JUNE 28 2018

RECRUITMENT

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

6 quick tips for a great CV The CV: there are so many conflicting recommendations. But having a good one may be your best chance to make a good first impression, so you’ve got to get it right. Here’s how.

Open strong: The first 15-20 words of your CV are critical.

Start with a brief summary of your expertise. You’ll have the opportunity to expand on your experience further down in your resumé and in your cover letter. For now, keep it short. And be sure to avoid clichés.

Get the order right: If you’re switching industries, don’t launch into job experience that the hiring manager may not think is relevant. Add an accomplishments section right after your opener that makes the bridge between your experience and the job requirements.

Be selective: It’s tempting to list every job, accomplishment, volunteer assignment, skill and degree you’ve ever had. But don’t.

Share accomplishments, not responsibilities: “I managed a team of 10” doesn’t say much. You need to dig a level deeper. Did they exceed targets?

Make it readable: Nowadays, two or three pages are fine, but that’s the limit. You can supplement what’s on the page with links to your work.

Get help: It can be hard to be objective about your own experience. Many people overstate – or understate – their achievements. Consider working with a CV writer, mentor, or a friend who can help you.

SEAT TO FILL?

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BUSINESS / ADVICE 27

Sheila Lynch Solicitor Legal Matters

What happens my estate with no Will?

Be seen in The Clare Echo recruitment section.

Call 065 671 9021 or email ger.naughton@clareecho.ie.

Take the pain out of sharing news of your vacancy today.

THERE is a mistaken belief of some that if one dies without making a Will, that their property will pass to the State on their death. This is certainly not true and it is only when no surviving relations can be traced that the State becomes entitled to a deceased’s estate.

A person who dies without making a Will is said to die intestate and the Rules of Intestacy govern what happens to a person’s estate in such circumstances. Generally, • If a person is survived by a spouse or civil partner but does not have children then that spouse or civil partner is entitled to the deceased’s entire estate.

• If a person is survived by a spouse or civil partner but also by children then the spouse or civil partner is entitled to two thirds of the estate and the child or children are entitled to the remaining one third of the estate. In the event that a child of the deceased has died before them, then their child or children take their deceased parent’s share.

• If a person dies with children but without a spouse or civil partner then the children inherit the entire estate equally between them. If one of the children has died before the person, then that child’s child or children will take their deceased parent’s share.

• If a person dies with no spouse, civil partner or children surviving them but does have a parent surviving, then the surviving parent (or parents) is entitled to the estate, and if the parents are deceased but

there are siblings, such siblings will share the estate equally between them, and similarly, a predeceased sibling’s child or children is entitled to their parent’s share.

The rules also provide for other circumstances, such as if the only next of kin are cousins so that ultimately in the case of Intestacy the estate is divided between the nearest equal surviving relations.

To control and direct how and to whom your property should pass upon your death, and whom should take responsibility for administering your estate, it is essential that you give consideration to making a Will.

It is also very important to obtain professional legal and taxation advices, so that you understand all implications for your family and intended beneficiaries of your estate and you can make the best and most suited decisions to your personal circumstances.

This article does not constitute legal advice. For further info, contact Cashin & Associates Solicitors, 3 Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare. Tel: 065 6840060.

Email: slynch@cashinlaw.com

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

TRULY REMARKABLE HOME

BALLYOGAN, BAREFIELD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 HPY8 €495,000

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OPEN VIEWING: SAT, JUN 30TH, 11:30 - 12:00PM

OCATED in the exclusive and much sought after suburb of Ennis (Barefield) and in the townland of Ballyogan is this remarkable property set on a stunning and highly landscaped 0.75 Acre site. This home has been designed to ensure that every square inch is enjoyed and admired, with many incredible features, features that begin the moment you enter the lead glass doorway into the vast open plan hallway, into formal dining and into the remarkable double height vaulted ceiling main reception. From this space is a small hallway that leads to the ground floor garden bedroom (en-suite with walk in wardrobe) and home office/bedroom two.

Separate access is given to the second reception, amazing kitchen, family dining, the services room and

the downstairs WC. The ground floor is a fantastic living space with the French doors onto the garden and decking from every rear facing room.

The kitchen, which features integrated appliances, granite work surfaces, centre island and fantastic larder is open plan to the family dining which further opens onto the rear decking and gardens. To the first floor the pillared landing facilitates a home office/study/reading space which looks out over the main reception.

From here doors lead to the garden view gym, three further bedrooms and main bathroom.

PSL No. 002295 Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

IMMACULATE ACCOMMODATION 11 FIORUISCE, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 E80E

T Stunner by the sea DOUGH, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE

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XECUTIVE 2,700 sq.ft. home immaculately finished throughout set on a 0.75 acre site which has been landscaped with natural stone walls, cobble lock driveways, various patio areas to the front and rear.

The property boasts 3 reception areas, ground floor study and 4 double bedrooms

€550,000 and overlooks Lahinch’s famous Golf Course, Town and Atlantic Ocean. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. PSL No. 002295 Contact: Douglas Hurley, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

HIS immaculate three bedroomed mid-terrace home must be viewed to fully appreciate the bright, spacious and well proportioned living accommodation and the quality finishes featured throughout. The current owner has carried out many upgrades over the years to ensure the property meets the high standard of energy efficiency and the high standard of fixture and fittings. Such improvements include upgrade to heating system, solar panels offering 24/7 hot water, sealed fireplace unit, quality fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and extensive timber flooring and tiling. These improvements are also continued to the exterior which boasts extensive raised rear decking, detached garden shed, built in BBQ unit and stone feature wall to front with mature shrubbery. Conveniently located within walking distance of all local and town amenities, this home would make an ideal first time buyer/investment/retirement home in this small cul-de-sac estate.

Viewing is highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

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

€179,000

O’SULLIVAN HURLEY

(065) 684 0200 74 O'CONNELL STREET ENNIS PSL NO. 002295 BALLYOGAN, BAREFIELD - €495,000 OPEN VIEWING SATURDAY 30TH JUNE – 11:30AM – 12:00PM BER C3 BER NO. 111198768 FEATURES INCLUDE: 5 bedrooms (2 en-suites, 1 with walk-in wardrobe), Main Reception, Family Room, Formal Dining Room, Kitchen/Dining, Larder, Utility, Services Room, Office, Gym, Downstairs WC, Main Bathroom, Quality timber, tile and carpeted flooring throughout, Central vacuum system. PVC double glazed windows, PVC fascia and soffit, Stone wall front boundary with cobble lock. Spacious pea gravel driveway, Impressive landscaping throughout, spacious deck, Situated on a 0.75 acre site, Under floor heating at ground floor, Zoned ground and first floor, Geo Thermal heating Built in 2003

27 GLENINA, GORT ROAD, ENNIS – €199,950, BER C3 BER NO. 103727459 Presented for sale in excellent condition throughout with its current owners having carried out extensive refurbishment. Accommodation incudes: 4 Bedrooms, Main Reception, Kitchen/Dining, Family Room, Utility, Downstairs WC, Main Bathroom.

CLOONEY, QUIN - €220,000, BER E1 BER NO. 100107457 Conveniently located in Clooney, just a 10 minute drive from Ennis Town Centre and positioned on a stunning circa 0.5 acre site, accommodation details include: 4 bedrooms (1 en-suite), Main Reception, Kitchen/Dining, Utility, Main Bathroom

56 LIOS ARD, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS – €199,950, BER C2 BER NO, 108531872 Located in the popular Lios Ard housing development, within 400 metres of the M18 Motorway and just 1km from the Roselvan shopping centre, this bright, spacious, and well accommodation includes: Three Bedrooms (one en-suite), Entrance Hallway, Main Reception, Kitchen/Dining, Utility, Downstairs WC., Main Bathroom.

7 PARNELL COURT, ENNIS – €99,000, BER E1 BER NO. 102500550 Parnell Court has over the years become one of Ennis' much sought after Town Centre gated development, consisting of approximately 20 residential units with ample car parking in the hearth of Ennis Town Centre. No. 7 extends over three floors with private door access at ground floor level.

Accommodation includes: 3 Bedrooms, Entrance Hallway, Shower Room, Open Plan Kitchen/Dining/Living.

39 ABBEY COURT, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS – €189,950, BER C3 BER NO 100679240 In the popular housing development of Abbey Court and within a short walking distance of Ennis Town Centre and the facilities including Ennis National School, St. Flannan's College, Treacy's West County Leisure Centre, convenience stores and access to M18 Motorway is just 500 mts. This bright, spacious and well proportioned semi-detached home has been reconfigured by its current owners with accommodation including 3 (one en-suite), Entrance Porch, Entrance Hallway, Two Reception Rooms, Kitchen/Dining, Utility, Main Bathroom.

8 CUIRT NA BHFIACH, TULLA – €280,000, BER C1 BER NO. 111128855 No. 8 Cuirt na Bhfich is one of just 12 exclusive homes in this stunning cul-de sac development conveniently located within a short stroll of Tulla town centre and all surrounding amenities. Set on an landscaped private site which fronts onto the main green area of the estate, the property extends to approximately 2142 Sq. Ft.. Accommodation details 5 Bedrooms (3 En-suites), (2 Walk-in-Wardrobes), Entrance Porch, Entrance Hallway, Open Plan Kitchen/Dining/Family Room, Utility, Downstairs Shower Room, Bathroom.

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

YES YARIS! ROAD TEST: TOYOTA YARIS GRMN

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NCE upon a time, Toyota made some very dull cars. To be honest, every car maker at some point in its history, has made at least one dullard car (yes, even Ferrari, have you never seen a 412i Automatic?) but because Toyota got very, very good at making cars that were, perhaps, at the less exciting end of the scale, and which were themselves very, very good at being reliable and dependable, some people got jealous. Toyota only makes ‘beige’ cars, they said. Boring cars. Dull ones.

Well, Akio Toyoda, grandson of the company founder and currently head of all things Toyota decided that this was going to come to an end. Ever since he rose to become president of the Toyota Corporation in 2009, he has slowly but surely been turning around the internal culture of this corporate behemoth. The idea now is to make cars with the same reliability and solidity of old, but with a sense of brio and excitement that tickles the fancies of the world’s cars enthusiasts. Enthusiasts such as Akio Toyoda himself, a man who has been known to take his own products racing on the fearsome Nurburgring.

Which is where Gazoo Racing comes in. Gazoo Racing is Toyota’s own in-house motorsports squad. That big victory, finally achieved after decades of trying, at this year’s Le Mans 24hrs? That was a Gazoo

job, and Toyota (and Toyoda) wants to take Gazoo and turn it into Toyota’s answer to Mercedes’ AMG and Ford’s RS and ST brands. It’s the badge that will be stuck on the fun stuff.

Fun stuff such as this, the Yaris GRMN. Now, the GR bit is probably pretty obvious by now — Gazoo Racing. The MN, though? That stands for Master of the Nurburgring, that same terrifying racetrack where Toyoda himself has pitted his skills against the cream of the world’s sports car racers. The idea, as the plan moves forward, is to have sporty-looking and feeling Toyotas badged GR (rather like BMW’s M-Sport models, or Ford’s ST and STLine linuep) and some headline-grabbing hardcore models, badged GRMN, which have actually been put through their paces on that famous racetrack.

So while this looks like a normal Yaris with some stick-on black and red plastic bits, underneath it’s very, very different.

This is a staggeringly serious hot-hatch.

The whole chassis has been re-inforced, lightened, and stiffened. The suspension is also lower and stiffer, with specially-made dampers from German experts Sachs. Those hold up ultra-light 17-inch BBS alloy wheels, and behind those are larger disc brakes with chunky four-piston callipers.

Even all of that has nothing on the engine. The supercharged 1.8-litre VVTI unit is related to the engine Lotus uses in its ultra-fast Elise, but Toyota has added

its own tweaks and the upshot is 212hp, and 250Nm of torque. Powering the front wheels through a Torsen limited slip differential, this little screamer can propel the Yaris GRMN from a standing start to 100km/h in just 6.4secs. That’s properly quick.

Better yet is the manner in which it does so. Because it’s supercharged, not turbocharged, power kicks in hard from low down, without the laggy delay of a big turbo, and the Yaris pogo’es up the road on its stiff springs, with the engine grinding and whooshing away at you like the Devil’s own cement mixer. Refined? No. Fun? Absolutely. On a tight and twisty road, the Yaris GRMN just feels so at home. Yes, it’s harsh enough to bounce from bump top to bump top, but the steering is amazingly sharp and responsive, and full of feel, and as long as you keep the sweet-shifting manual gearbox (there’s no auto option, which tells you everything you need to know about this car) stirring, then there’s no end to the acceleration.

It is staggeringly crude and hard-edged at times, feeling either like a mid-1990s BTCC super touring race car in miniature, or just like being inside a washing machine that’s been pushed down the stairs, but in many ways that’s part of the appeal.

By only making 400 of these, Toyota gave itself licence to make the Yaris GRMN as hardcore as it could. The cabin is the same plain grey-and-black mix as that of a standard Yaris, with only a pair of high-

backed bucket seats to enliven it — clearly the thinking is that serious performance drivers don’t need the distraction of an over-styled cabin. Those bucket seats render the Yaris very awkward as a family car, as they’re so bulky they rob room from the back and make it difficult to climb in and out. Again, that’s kind of the point. This is not a car for shrinking violets.

Want one? Too late. All 400 sold out long ago, and only this one came to Ireland and it belongs to Toyota. They’re not selling, and even if they were, it would set you back in the region of €42,000. Which is a lot, even by pukka hot hatch standards.

Still, that again is not the point. The point is that here is where Toyota changes.

No more beige. No more boring. Instead, the same reliability and solidity we need, but now with the interest and excitement we crave. Thanks, Akio-san.

FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: Toyota Yaris GRMN Pricing: €42,000 (estimated), all sold out Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder supercharged petrol Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive Body style: three-door hatchback CO2 emissions: 170g/km (Band D, €570 per annum) Combined economy: 37.6mpg (7.5 litres/100km) Top speed: 230km/h (electronically limited) 0-100km/h: 6.4 seconds Power: 212hp at 6,800rpm Torque: 250Nm at 4,800rpm Boot: 286 litres EuroNCAP Rating: Five-star; 83 per cent adult; 80 per cent child; 63 per cent pedestrian; 57 per cent safety assist

lSPORTY: This hot little Yaris will only sell in tiny numbers, but it’s one of the most significant Toyotas of all time

MOTORING 31

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

Ford and VW to make vans together

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OLKSWAGEN AG and Ford Motor Company have announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding and are exploring a strategic alliance designed to strengthen each company’s competitiveness and better serve customers globally.

The companies are exploring potential projects across a number of areas – including developing a range of commercial vehicles together to better serve the evolving needs of customers. The potential alliance would not involve equity arrangements, including cross ownership stakes.

“Ford is committed to improving our fitness as a business and leveraging adaptive business models – which include working with partners to improve our effectiveness and efficiency,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s president of Global Markets. “This potential alliance with the Volkswagen Group is another example of how we can become more fit as a business, while creating a winning global product portfolio and extending our capabilities.

“We look forward to exploring with the Volkswagen

team in the days ahead how we might work together to better serve the evolving needs of commercial vehicle customers – and much more.”

Dr. Thomas Sedran, Head of Volkswagen Group Strategy said, “Markets and customer demand are changing at an incredible speed. Both companies have strong and complementary positions in different commercial vehicle segments already. To adapt to the challenging environment, it is of utmost importance to gain flexibility through alliances.

This is a core element of our Volkswagen Group Strategy 2025. The potential industrial cooperation with Ford is seen as an opportunity to improve competitiveness of both companies globally.”

The companies will provide updates and additional details as talks progress. It’s actually the second time that VW and Ford have collaborated on vehicles. The last time was in the nineties when the two companies came together to co-develop a family of large seven-seat MPVs, which resulted in the first-generations of the Ford Galaxy, VW Sharan, and Seat Alhmbra.

lVANS PLANS: Motor industry giants announce second collaboration to share the costs of new vehicles

Toyota’s bringing the Camry back to Ireland

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lPOPULAR: Big saloon comes back next year

FTER an absence of 14 years, Toyota is re-introducing the Camry in Ireland and across Western Europe, to maintain the brand’s presence in the D/E-saloon segment.

Available as a self-charging hybrid, the new Camry expands Toyota’s line-up of hybrid electric vehicles to 8 models.

Its 2.5-litre hybrid electric powertrain combines fuel efficiency and low emissions and quiet operation with more power and greater responsiveness.

The all-new Camry is the 8th generation of a car that has won countless awards and distinctions since it first went on sale in 1982. The model is sold in more than 100 countries globally, with sales totalling over 19 million units to date.

With annual sales of more

than 700,000 units globally, Camry remains the best-selling D/E-segment saloon in the world.

The latest generation Camry showcases Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) design and engineering philosophy.

TNGA places enthusiast-oriented ‘fun to drive’ characteristics and alluring styling on an equal footing with superlative build quality, highly efficient packaging, and innovative, user-friendly technology.

As a result, the all-new Camry builds on all the core values that have made it so popular to date -segment-leading levels of quality, durability and reliability, quietness and ride quality- with head-turning new exterior and interior design, outstanding comfort and roominess, state-ofthe-art powertrain technology

and newfound levels of driving pleasure, thanks to driving dynamics specifically tuned for the European market The new Camry Hybrid will be available in Ireland in the second quarter of 2019.

To follow the Camry’s return to Ireland, potential customers can now register their interest on Toyota.ie, where they will receive regular updates between now and the launch in Q2 2019.

Is there a downside to the return of one of Ireland’s favourite nameplates? Yes, because it also means the departure of another.

Thanks to Toyota ending diesel engine production this year, it means that there’s no more room for the Avensis, so that goes with the Camry replacing the higher-end models, while the incoming new RAV4 takes care of the lower end.

EchoSport l FACE OFF: Shane O’Donnell will look forward to renewing battle with Cork’s Colm Spillane this weekend Photo by Martin Connolly

Páraic McMahon GAA

Clare joint manager Dónal Moloney insists that Clare aren’t overwhelmed by the Cork jersey - the Rebels have just been better, writes Páraic McMahon.

‘Cork are no bogey team’

H

E’S managed Clare teams to win Munster and All-Ireland titles at minor and U21 level alongside Gerry O’Connor, now the challenge in front of Donal Moloney is to steer his side to success at senior level.

Having managed the likes of Colm Galvin, Tony Kelly, David McInerney and co since they were 17, a smile comes across Donal’s face when asked how he deals with these guys differently now that they are men and no longer boys. “They’re very different now. Of course you have to adjust, life is very different at 24, 25 than it is at 16, 17 and 18. These guys have really moved on, they’re very successful in their own careers outside of hurling and you recognise that and try and leverage that. Really tapping into that capabilities has been really important to us, it’s something we tried to do last year but we really tried to accelerate that with the lads, they’ve great capability, great prowess and we’re really trying to make sure that helps us in what we’re trying to achieve”.

While becoming Munster champions has

to be the goal, Moloney is very proud of the victories recorded by the Banner in recent weeks although winning on Sunday would mean they’ve beaten all teams in the province in the one campaign. “Beating Tipp in Thurles and beating Limerick the last day even in isolation means a lot because the competition is so fierce now, when this Munster Championship started there was very little perceived difference between the five teams and on any given day any one could beat each other so to win one game at this level is a huge plus.

“Beating Waterford in the Park, I know from a public perspective it was probably packaged away because Waterford got a few injuries and stuff like that but for us it was absolutely huge, beating Tipp in Thurles, we stated openly that we needed to win in Thurles but people were saying the result in the last game against Limerick will do ye and we were saying ‘no bloody way we have to go Thurles and try and win’ and we were fortunate to do so.

“It isn’t about looking at it in that context

and saying it would be great to beat all four teams, it’s more about you take each game in isolation and try on the merits of that you’re happy or sad. It’s a novel competition but maybe in three or four years’ time people will have forgotten the knockout structure if this competition sticks, so I think it will”. t’s been 20 years since Clare defeated Cork in the Munster championship, the Scariff man is adamant that’s because the Leesiders have had the upper hand. “They’ve been better than Clare, that’s the reality. They’re not a bogey team, we haven’t been unlucky or anything, Cork have been better and that’s the reality. You just have to deal with that and close the gap”.

Consistency and maturity have been two areas in which the Clare players have impressed Moloney this year. “Every game is nearly eighty minutes these days so that’s 320 minutes of hurling, sometimes in knockout competition you can come up with a big performance on the day and that will get you through from round to round, you need consistency when you’re playing

I

this competition otherwise you’re exposed.

If you don’t have a level of consistency and I think that’s something we’ve achieved this year to date.

“People were maybe giving out that we lost to Cork, name me a county in Ireland that’s going to fancy their chances of beating Cork in Pairc Ui Chaoimh especially when they’re starting as Munster champions, we performed quite well, we were disappointed in the margin and a couple of things in the last quarter but by and large we felt with the core aspects of our game we did an awful lot of things right. People made a big thing about our first 20 minutes against Tipperary but I really admire the lads because Tipperary were throwing the kitchen sink at us and with the prowess that they have when they’re in full flow you’ve got to batten down the hatches and hang in there and that’s exactly what they did”.

This level of maturity will be needed on Sunday as Clare try to take down Cork, it’s something they need to do regardless of if the Rebels are a bogey team or not.

SPORT 33

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

‘We’re not out for revenge’ Cleary keeps emotions in check PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

S

INCE the age of nineteen Conor Cleary has been part of panels managed

by Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor.

He’s 24 now and is pleasantly surprised at how the pair manage to keep things fresh.

“The big challenge the boys always put to us and put to themselves was that you had to be constantly improving and constantly evolving. I’ve been involved with them since 2013 and I can see them constantly improving in themselves throughout the year ... they’re not just saying that to us as players they’re doing it themselves.”

Throughout the league campaign, the Miltown man was positioned at full back, and it appeared

that management would persist with this but for the Munster championship he’s been reverted to his more familiar spot at centre-back.

Wearing number three was a beneficial exercise in Conor’s development.

“I feel it helped me improve as a hurler. My reading of the game had to be way better inside there, how close I was marking my man had to be better, I think it has improved me.

“It was a great experience, I would never have played anywhere else but the half-back line throughout my career and playing in the full back line, you’re the last line of defence so you have to be mentally tuned in the whole time, it was a great experience that I will hopefully use to better myself out

the field”.

Cleary admits that Clare were lucky with the scheduling of their games during this campaign but is more than happy to be playing so many games.

“This time last year we had only one game played. It’s brilliant really because players and panels are really peaking for championship and to be testing yourself against players in the heat of championship is where you’re going to improve and to be able to test yourself.”

Of last year’s Munster final defeat to Cork, the UL Fitzgibbon Cup winner remarked, “I’m a firm believer if a team beats you they’re worthy winners and Cork were worthy winners, if you focus too much on the past and are over analysing things - especially if you start talking about revenge - there’s emotion attached to that too so we’re just focusing on this game on its own and not focusing on the past at all”.

Getting a chance to line out in Croke Park would be a first for Conor, he’s keen to make it to Jones Rd but has his eyes firmly

l FLYING FORM: Conor Cleary at Caherlohan last week

on the Rebels this weekend.

“A lot of us haven’t played in Croke Park at senior level or since minor level so it would be great. But

Photo by Martin Connolly

to be honest we’re not looking past the Munster final, it’s a competition we haven’t won and if you look past it you’re only fooling yourself”.

Podge Collins refuses to entertain claims of ‘soft’ All-Ireland in 2013 PÁRAIC McMAHON Hurling

news@clareecho.ie

IN 2013 when Clare stormed to only their fourth All-Ireland senior hurling title, the electricity generated by corner forward Podge Collins was one of the many ways in which they lit up the hurling world.

This year has been a challenging one for the Cratloe attacker, he’s had to adjust to making his impact from the bench and only against Limerick did he earn his first starting spot of this year’s hectic championship. Not alone is he determined to nail a position on the first fifteen but he’s keen to right the wrongs of seasons gone by.

“Since 13 it’s been poor enough from my own point of view, getting suspended in 14, playing football then for a year.

This year it’s very competitive, there’s a very good panel there and obviously glad to be playing at the moment but whoever takes the field there’s a good mentality there and we’re all working hard for the team”.

Watching from the sideline can be difficult but Collins doesn’t see it that way.

“You’re a big supporter when you’re on the line and you’re just cheering on the lads and really hoping for the best and if you do get on that you make an impact”.

He and fellow Cratloe forward Conor McGrath have gone from being regulars in Clare teams to having less game time.

It’s something that “hasn’t come up in conversation” between them.

After their glory five years ago, the fact that Clare didn’t beat Kilkenny or Tipperary in the All-Ireland series led to critics labelling it as a ‘soft’ All-Ireland. Such comments didn’t irk the UL graduate. “It didn’t really annoy me at all, it didn’t bother me in the slightest to be honest. Whoever wins this Munster championship it will probably be the toughest Munster championship even played because you do nearly have to beat everyone to get there, whoever wins Clare or Cork it will be a massive achievement to have won it,” he told The Clare Echo.

A lot of attention has focused on the workload endured by players because of the revamped structure, Podge doesn’t think it is as bad as the hype suggests.

“I’d be very pro the way the structure

was this year, the more games the merrier.

Less training more games suits always suits the players I find. Even our own club team in Cratloe when we went well in ‘14, we lost the Munster Final after extra time and the football semi-final after extra time so that’s how close we were and that was 17 weekends in a row, so I don’t think that this three week thing is too much challenging”.

Collins says “it’s very important” that Clare win a Munster title but is quick to add, “It’s also

very important that if it doesn’t go well that we are able to refocus very quickly because you’re out in two weeks after that in a quarter-final against Wexford or the winners of the Joe McDonagh [Westmeath or Carlow] so you can’t worry about it if it doesn’t go according to plan, you just have to focus and concentrate on the All-Ireland.

“Inevitably we’re in that competition aswell that’s what finishing in the top three did for us and we’re very grateful to have got there”.

Road to Munster Final Cork’s route to the final Round 1: Clare (H) won 2-23 to 1-21 Round 2: Tipperary (A) drew 2-20 to 1-23 Round 3: Limerick (H) drew 1-25 to 0-28 Round 4: Bye Round 5: Waterford (N) won 1-23 to 1-20 Clare’s route to the final Round 1: Cork (A) lost 2-23 to 1-21 Round 2: Waterford (H) won 2-27 to 2-18 Round 3: Bye Round 4: Tipperary (A) won 1-23 to 1-21 Round 5: Limerick (H) won 0-26 to 0-15

COMPILED BY JAMES MULVIHIL Cork v Clare previous Munster Hurling Final meetings 1914: Clare 3-2 Cork 3-1 1915: Cork 8-2 Clare 2-1 1927: Cork 5-3 Clare 3-4 1928: Cork 2-2 Clare 2-2 Replay: Cork 6-4 Clare 2-2 1932: Clare 5-2 Cork 4-1 1972: Cork 6-18 Clare 2-8 1977: Cork 4-15 Clare 4-10 1978: Cork 0-13 Clare 0-11 1986: Cork 2-18 Clare 3-12 1999: Cork 1-15 Clare 0-14 2017: Cork 1-25 Clare 1-20

34 SPORT

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

A step closer to Super 8s as footballers overcome Offaly Clare 1-18 Offaly 2-14 @ O’Connor Park, Tullamore

Football PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

LATE Kevin Hartnett insurance point sealed the win for Clare, it was fitting given the effort the Meelick man has gone through to make himself available to wear the county jersey. He played no part in the NFL following a shoulder operation and in his first appearance of the year, he appeared in the right place at the right time to put them two clear and in Monday’s draw for the next round of the qualifiers.

Offaly started well with wing-forward Ruairi McNamee goaling inside the opening three minutes.

They kicked the next two scores without reply. Jamie Malone ended a nineteen minute scoring drought for the Banner with a green flag to narrow the gap to a single point.

Freetakers Bernard Allen and Eoin Cleary swapped efforts before Clare hit five on the bounce, the hosts rallied with two final scores in the half to leave it all square at the break.

Two scores each at the begin-

ning of the second half kept with the tight nature of this contest. Jamie Malone fired over two points while substitute Gavin Cooney made an impact on the scoreboard to push Colm Collins’ side three clear with fifty minutes on the clock.

Offaly hit six of the final ten scores but it wasn’t enough as white flags from Gearoid O’Brien and Kevin Hartnett proved significant and enough to put Clare through to the next stage.

Without question it’s very positive for a team to pull off a result in a close finish. But if Clare’s aspirations are to be in the Super 8s, then there’s a fair chunk of work to get through between then and now, even then a difficult draw is expected for the next round. Defensively there’s still question marks for the Banner, 1-06 was conceded from placed balls and that figure is way too high, equally the 0-12 scored

by Offaly’s full-forward line is also too high. The goal coming down to Offaly was to win, Colm Collins’ men did that and the manner of which gives them a valuable lift ahead of next Saturday.

Although they have exited the championship, there is reason to be more optimistic about football in the Faithful County. At the end of the day, they are a Division 4 side

lBATTLE: Clare’s Eoin Cleary clashes with Offaly Goalkeeper Alan Mulhall and they pushed their Division 2 counterparts all the way and could have easily caused a surprise. Their target for 2019 must be to get out of the bottom division and that in itself will lift the atmosphere regarding the big ball in Offaly.

Clare: 1: Eamonn Tubridy (Doonbeg); 2: Gordon Kelly (St Josephs Miltown); 3: Cillian Brennan (Clondegad); 4: Eoghan Collins (Ballyhaunis); 5: Pearse Lillis (Cooraclare) (0-01); 6:

Banner can reverse result

by JAMES MULVIHILL

C

l MAN OF THE MOMENT: John Conlon will hope to continue his fantastic form for Clare on Sunday

Photo by Martin Connolly

ORK and Clare will contest the Munster Hurling Final in a repeat of 2017 when the Rebels emerged victorious by five points.

In terms of how Clare will line up this weekend, much should remain the same from the resounding win over Limerick if Seadna Morey is passed fit to play. Morey is a doubt after sufferng a hamstring injury last time out but the Sixmilebridge man is back training and will hope to line out this Sunday.

If he does not make it in time, David Fitzgerald is the likely replacement and will join Conor Cleary and Jamie Shanahan in the half-back line. A very settled team from midfield through to full forward will line out again, with Podge Collins doing enough last time out to merit his selection over Conor McGrath.

Having learnt the hard way, Clare must now push up on the Cork puck-out from the very start and force Anthony Nash to go long and make it a 50-50 contest.

The former All-Star goal-keeper was central to Cork’s success last year when they scored seven points from his precise distribution. The Rebels have lethal forwards who can hurt any defence on their day with the likes of Conor Lehane, Seamus Harnedy, and Patrick Horgan.

John Conlon is in the form of his life, an early candidate for hurler of the year, and if his rich vein of form continues this weekend Clare will have a great chance of landing a first provincial title since 1998.

With the motivation of not having a Munster Championship medal in their cabinet, Clare will be determined to get over the line.

Verdict: Clare

Photo by Martin Connolly

Aaron Fitzgerald (Éire Óg); 7: Cian O’Dea (Kilfenora) (0-01); 8: Gary Brennan (Clondegad); 9: Cathal O’Connor (Coolmeen); 10: Kieran Malone (St Josephs Miltown) (0-02); 11: Eoin Cleary (St Josephs Miltown) (0-06 2f); 12: Jamie Malone (Corofin) (1-04); 13: Eimhin Courtney (Éire Óg); 14: Keelan Sexton (Kilmurry Ibrickane); 15: David Tubridy (Doonbeg) (0-01) Subs: Gavin Cooney (Éire Óg) (0-01) for Courtney (HT) Gearóid O’Brien (Kilrush Shamrocks) (0-02) for Tubridy (56) Ó hÁiniféin (Éire Óg) for K Malone (63) Jonah Culligan (St Breckans) for Sexton (68) Hartnett (Meelick) (0-01) for Collins (70)

Clare face long trip to Armagh

CLARE will travel to Armagh in Round Three of the qualifiers as part of the All-Ireland SFC. After edging past Offaly by two points on Sunday, Colm Collins’ must now travel to the Athletic Grounds in Armagh to take on the Kieran McGeeney managed side. Armagh recorded a six point win over Sligo on Saturday.

Kevin Hartnett made his first appearance of the year for Clare in Sunday’s win and the Meelick man will now be seeking more game time as they make the trip up North.

Cratloe’s Sean Collins is still battling an injury while teenager Gavin Cooney has put his hand up for selection after impressing when introduced from the bench.

Times and venues will be confirmed by the CCCC later this afternoon with all qualifiers scheduled to take place this weekend.

All-Ireland SFC Round 3 qualifier draw Kildare v Mayo Armagh v Clare Leitrim v Monaghan Cavan v Tyrone

SPORT 35

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

Standing room only at a packed Clare soccer AGM PÁRAIC MCMAHON

T

HE most-attended AGM in the history of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) took place in the Auburn Lodge Hotel on Monday.

Standing room only was par for course in a room that Secretary Michael Lydon described as “an oven” with club delegates, committee officers and members of the media all gathered for the AGM. First elected as Chairman three years ago, Oliver Fitzpatrick defeated the challenge of current Fixtures Secretary, Donal Kirby 33-17 to retain his position. Kirby had previously announced he would not be overseeing the fixtures for the first time since 2014, the Shannon men led the introduction of a masterplan and an earlier start to the season.

Ronnie Pyne was nominated to succeed Kirby but was elected as Vice Chairman instead, the former Chair of the CSSL suggested that a committee be set up to organise fixtures as opposed to one person being solely responsible. Michael Lydon, Jason Ryan and Thomas Leahy will continue as Secretary, Registrar and Munster Delegate respectively.

Tony Downey, Kieran McManus and Leonard Meaney join the CDSL committee for the first time as Treasurer,

Youth Liaison/Child Protection Officer and Womens Football Officer.

Long-serving Jim Madden departs after close to twenty years at the top table. He was defeated by Donie Garrihy 8-42 for FAI Junior Council Delegate and by Derek Dormer 15-35 for PRO. Alan McCoy and Gerard Kelly fill the committee positions.

A motion from Kilrush Rangers for only the two top and bottom teams to be promoted or relegated as opposed to three was defeated. They also proposed the CDSL run a FAI Junior Cup competition with the last four teams standing to progress, it was agreed to make a representation to the FAI on this matter. All clubs entering a second team must now have sixteen teams registered with their A team at all times.

CDSL Officers 2018/19; President; Michael Leahy, Robert Clancy, Brendan Daly, Padraig McCullough Vice-President; Michael McInerney Chairman; Oliver Fitzpatrick Vice-Chairman; Ronnie Pyne Secretary; Michael Lydon Treasurer; Tony Downey Registrar: Jason Ryan FAI Junior Council Delegate: Donie Garrihy PRO: Derek Dormer Munster Delegate: Thomas Leahy Youth Liaison Officer/Child Protection Officer; Kieran McManus Womens Football Officer; Leonard Meaney Committee Members; Alan McCoy & Gerard Kelly

l HUGE CROWDS: The Clare District Soccer League AGM

Clare’s Minors & U20s suffer defeat in Munster

by PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

LARE’S Minor and U20 football teams have both been swept aside in their respective Munster Championship games against Kerry and

Cork.

There was a considerable difference between the sides at Páirc Uí Chaoimh as Kerry claimed their sixth Munster minor title in a row after beating Clare 3-21 to 1-07.

With twenty seven minutes gone in this final, all six of Kerry’s forwards plus their midfield pairing and centre back had registered on the scoreboard, Clare meanwhile had registered just a single score in that period.

Early points from Jack O’Connor and Paul Walsh settled Kerry before they were rocked by a goal from Shannon Gaels’ Thomas Kelly. Corner back John Murphy burst out of defence with possession, Cian McDonough orchestrated proceedings from centre forward before spotting Kelly and he made no mistake to get their opening score on ten minutes.

It didn’t have the desired impact of driving Clare on and instead revived the Kingdom as they kicked 1-12 without reply. Maurice Walsh’s side finished with two of the final three scores of the half via Emmet McMahon and Shane Meehan to leave it 1-15 1-02 at the break.

Clare still have the All-Ireland series to look forward, learning their lessons from this encounter and regaining their focus must now be the priority.

Meanwhile, Clare have been knocked out of the U20 Munster football championship with a four point defeat to Cork, Cork 1-16 to Clare 0-15 at Pairc Uí Rinn.

Coming away from Cork with a win is never easy but a strong start to the contest from Seamus Clancy’s charges gave life to this belief.

They built up a 0-06 0-02 inside the opening quarter, they seemed to be riding out the storm with netminder Stephen Ryan pulling off a save to prevent a Mark Keane goal.

Another Cork goal chance wasn’t capitalised on but they stayed patience and wing forward Chris Óg Jones soon raised a green flag, the Iveleary finished the evening with a tally of 1-08. He

kicked the final score of the half to leave the Rebels leading by the minimum at half-time.

They wouldn’t repeat the mistakes of the first half twice, they nailed five points without reply at the beginning of the third quarter. This was the advantage they needed to muster and from here they weren’t going to be caught.

Clare weren’t ready to go home just yet and found energy towards the finish.

Two goal chances came their way but neither Tom Hannan or Colm O’Brien had the conviction to rattle the net. Corner back Jack Sheedy popped up with a late point but ultimately their resurgence wasn’t enough to upset the Leesiders who now face Kerry in the final, the Kingdom defeated Waterford 3-22 0-01.

Best for Clare on the day were Jonah Culligan and Dermot Coughlan who between them scored 0-09 with Jayme O’Sullivan continuing to show promise as an inter-county defender. Not enough threat was posed by their full-forward line, five players featured in this area of the field and amassed only 0-02.

Their attack would have been greatly boosted with the presence of Éire Óg’s

Photo by Martin Connolly

LOCAL GOLF RESULTS ENNIS LADIES 18 HOLE SINGLE S/F Wednesday 20th & Sunday 17th June 2018 1st Suzanne Deane (16) 36 points (back 9, 19v13) 2nd Rita O’Brien (21) 36 points Gross Shannon Hegarty (6) 21 gross points 3rd Ann Dunne (25) 33 points 4th Anne Casey (20) 31 points 5th Frances Bergin (36) 31 points CSS Sunday 33/76 Wednesday 34/75 9 HOLE S/F 1st Mary Woulfe (28) 18 points 2nd Kathleen Frehill (34) 18 points Best Improver Rose Enright (36) 11

points Senior Ladies Scramble Tuesday 19th June 2018 1st M.McMahon, D.Molyneaux, L.Kelly & M.Colton.

2nd A.Casey, M,McEnery, E.McMahon 3rd P.Ryan, P.Butler, N.Linnane & P.Parks WOODSTOCK Result 21/06/18 Open Singles Stableford (W) 1. Colm O’Callaghan(13) 42 pts 2. Josh Bravender(8) 41 pts Gross Bob Loftus(0) Lahinch 35 pts 3. Michael Conroy(12) 39 pts CSS 73(35 pts)

Gavin Cooney. The nineteen year old however is ineligible for the grade because he came on for the Clare seniors in their twenty two point defeat to Kerry in the Munster SFC. His clubmate Danny Griffin would have made an impact in the middle third but missed out due to injury.

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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

Your Horoscopes Jun 28 YOU know what they say about all work and no play -- and you’ve been working hard, perhaps harder than ever. Find some time in your busy schedule to have some fun. Try sneaking out of work for a matinee, treating yourself and a friend to a fancy lunch or squeezing in some shopping for a few special little items to give to a few special people.

Taurus

Gemini

YOU’RE definitely a fan of domestic tranquility, but more than likely you’ve faced some challenges in this area recently. It’s hard to both keep the peace and remain firmly entrenched in a power struggle. A little arbitration is in order; find someone who can help you with some realistic options for detente. You might also find some ways to increase your own tolerance.

YOUR best allies at the moment are those who think the same way you do -- nimble-minded individuals who’re curious, clever and inventive. Put a couple of you together, and there’s very little you can’t do. What seemed like a fairly big issue is suddenly entirely surmountable with the plan you hatch, and you’ll even have fun carrying it out.

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

IT’S not surprising that the ideas of giving and receiving are in the stars, but it’s definitely about more than pretty packages tied up with ribbons. On a deeper level, there’s a balance to be sought in what you’re handing out and what you’re getting in return. You may have the instinct to show off by being jaw-droppingly generous, but it’s probably not the right way to go. Keep the long-term in view while you do what you’re going to do.

YOU’RE making your list and checking it twice, and those who’ve been naughty will probably be getting stars next to their name and special consideration. Your generous spirit totally befits the cosmic vibe that’s going around at the moment, and chances are, you’re totally loving life.

Spread the joy -- everyone whose life touches yours can be warmed by your very existence, even those you just share a secret smile with.

THERE’S so much happening right now that rather than feeling a part of all the hustle and bustle, you may be tempted to just keep your head down and stick to your projects and plans. The thing is, if you can grab onto some of the energy around you, you’ll see entirely new ways of handling it all -- ways that are not only more productive but way more fun. Similarly, tonight your instinct may be to hole up with a cozy blanket.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

YOUR personal warmth and extra-special touch when it comes to any one-on-one situations now make you a natural leader. Anyone who’s got a quibble with your master plan will suddenly see that you’re a hundred percent correct -and they’ll want to help you with the very parts they thought were flawed. It’d be a shame to waste your amazing energy in front of a computer.

THE demands that are being placed on you at the moment could begin to seem rather overwhelming. Between social obligations, family stuff, work and all sorts of little errands, this day may not be the easiest one. And feeling personally put upon like this when everyone else seems to be enjoying themselves and in fine spirits can be hard. Maybe the most important demand you should make is that you give yourself a break.

1/1

Aries

EXPECT challenges at work at the moment -- perhaps in the form of some negative energy coming from your boss.

Maybe there’s a way to head this off at the pass? Doing an extra little task -- with a positive attitude, even if you have to fake it a bit -- might smooth things over in a very productive way. Right now, an ounce of prevention is definitely more than worth a pound of cure.

IT’S time for an interruption, one of the fun and fanciful variety. What -- or who -- do you need to get yourself into the spirit? Conspire with a friend to bust out of your daily routine: Bundle up and walk to work instead of carpooling, plan a trip to a gallery during the day, do some window shopping and then play a board game at a new cafe -whatever suits your mood. The only important factor is that it’s different.

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1 Where actor’s not seen, having cancelled coach? (8) 6 Fuel needed for grilling a sausage? (3) 9 A financial transaction, we hear, that’s not with others (5) 10 A married woman in the USA (7) 11 Drive back from outskirts of Rome with sign of life (7) 12 17 not seen as item in programme? (5) 13 Tempt French nobleman in bishop’s domain (6) 15 Capital letter from Argos followed by one from Sparta (6) 19 Issue that’s upset girl (5) 21 Increase a nutmeg’s nuttiness? (7) 23 In which we serve on the level? (7)

FINDING a new way to celebrate is the perfect task for you, and right now you’re seeing that the traditions you and your family and friends have built could absolutely use some creative augmentation. Look for ways to strengthen your little community and ways to ground it in the larger one.

Spending a day volunteering together may be the best gift you could ever give.

YOU’VE been minding your own business and keeping your opinion about something to yourself in a very admirable way. But by this evening, your feelings about how to proceed should begin to shift, reflecting a change in the cosmic energy. You might start to see that your opinion is more than valid and it’s important that someone involved hears about it. Watch for your opportunity to voice it in a helpful, caring way.

24 Informed about a conflict beginning to escalate (5) 25 Charge for fifty per cent of coffee (3) 26 Natural ability to cook pud and eat it (8)

DOWN

2 Fine cut was a failure (7) 3 Least awkward bargain (5) 4 A labyrinth has daughter dumbfounded (6) 5 Always set out for the highest mountain (7) 6 Move smoothly,taking cover in middle of hedgerow (5) 7 Bright vehicles going north (5) 8 Outlaws holding Irish children (6) 14 Italian city in which more can mingle? (7) 16 Odd male with red

and green gem (7) 17 Half of coat in spotted material (6) 18 Male cat and sheep turned up to see rodent (6) 19 Material in gorge (5)

20 Scout leader getting long way with pleasant look (5) 22 Huge American soldier meets small insect (5)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, JUN 28 2018

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 …

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?

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

Christy Ring Cup with Kerry in 2105?

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

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Co. Clare (between ca. 1860-1883).

Photo from The Stereo Pairs Photograph Collection (National Library of Ireland)

The Clare Echo is on holidays for the week of Thursday July 12 KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR OUR GLOSSY SUMMER MAGAZINE

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