The Clare Echo 09/11/2017

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9 Nov 2017

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Dad’ll do Clare men

MUNSTER FINAL BOUND

619 Clare dads take paternity leave STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

C

LARE dads are stepping up and staying at home to help look after new-born babies.

That’s according to new statistics from Governemnt which

show that 619 fathers in County Clare have taken paternity leave since it came into operation in September 2016.

The figures show that 34 per cent of Irish fathers nationally took paternity leave in the first three months of 2017 and 27, 307 Irish fathers have taken paternity leave since the scheme came into operation in September 2016.

lFAMILY FUN: Conor, Sineád and baby Donnacha McMahon enjoy Kilmaley’s win at the weekend.

Photo by Martin Connolly

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Index BOURKE BIRTHDAY

FEATURES: PAGE 18

Michelle’s got the power...

12-13

18

GUTHRIE LIFTS IT SPORT

Inside The Clare Echo

19-22

Michelle Guthrie from the North Clare village of Ballyvaughan has gone from strength to strength in Strongwoman competitions. Now she’s ready to take on the world.

23

OPINION REGIONAL NOTES

24-25

BUSINESS

26-27

MOTORING

30-32

PROPERTY

34-36

GET IN TOUCH

NEWS: PAGE 13

Clare girl’s early Christmas gift

SPORT: PAGE 20

Kilmaley set for Munster final In Clare Echo Sport this week, we look back at what was a great weekend for Clare Intermediate Hurling Champions Kilmaley after they defeated An Rinn to reach the Munster Final where they will look to bring home to trophy for the very first time.

Éimhear Greene got the call to perform a piece on the harp in this year’s episode of RTÉ’s Late Late Toy Show. We talk to her family on page 13.

THE CLARE ECHO

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

l BLAZING SADDLES: A group of cyclists taking part in a fundraising cycle last Saturday for the local emergency services. The Civil Defence volunteers provided medical support on the day.

Photo by Pat Flynn

Mosquitos in Clare ELAINE TUBRIDY elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

T

HE sunshine on our face, sand between our toes, cocktails by the pool and the itchy welts the size of grapes all over us from the bloody mosquitoes.

They’re a friendly reminder of the trip, even for a week or two after we get back to the daily grind.

Those lucky enough to holiday in Ireland may now also get the tropical treatment as species of mosquitos known to carry malaria have been discovered at Shannon Airport.

A report released by the HSE Environmental Health service found 53 species of mosquito found at entry and exit points to Ireland.

The sites chosen for the monitoring

programme were Cork Seaport, Limerick/Foynes Port, Shannon Airport, Dublin Seaport and Dublin Airport.

The report states that the discovery of species like mosquitos has become more likely due to our changing environment.

“Ongoing climate change has created the potential for an increase in insect vector populations and the establishment of invasive mosquitoes in Ireland is potentially more likely,” the report reads.

Zika virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus, dengue, and malaria are all known to be carried by mosquitos, but there isn’t a huge cause for concern just yet.

“The Ades mosquito which is associated with the spread of Zika virus was generally not thought to have been present in Ireland as the Irish climate temperature is not consistently high enough for it to breed.”

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

No Roche replacement one of Government’s failures - Harty STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

DR Harty has welcomed the news that Clare County Council has already identified sites in the Ennis area along with Shannon and Scariff as potential places to develop large scale data centres in Clare, while highlighting the need to find a replacement employer for Roche in Clarecastle.

The Council is seeking expressions of interest from landowners, companies and developers who own or can identify sites which will support the development of one or more large scale Data Centres in County Clare by 2023.

The call has been issued by the Local Authority’s Economic Development Directorate, which is seeking to identify additional sites or properties with land-banks of up to 50 acres in size and which should be easily developable with the potential for future expansion possibilities.

“With a newly adopted statutory land-use and economic Clare County Development Plan up to 2023, Clare County Council is seeking through its economic promotion and infrastructural development remit, companies and partners to identify sites which could credibly support the needs of such projects of scale and deliver one or a number data centres,” explained Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council.

The Call for Expressions of Interest from landowners and developers has been advertised on the eTenders website, www.etenders. gov.ie. The closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest is Friday, January 19 2018.

Welcoming the news, Clare’s Independent Dr Michael Harty said: “The decision “The decision

by Clare Co Council to identify sites which would support the development of one or more large

scale data centres in Clare is innovative and positive. They have already identified sites in Ennis, Scariff, Clarecastle and Shannon and I hope that the latest call for expressions of interest from landowners, companies and developers will identify additional sites in West Clare. “One of the failures of the Government is to find a replacement industry for Roche in Clarecastle. The expansion of Regeneron is very welcome news for Limerick but it is does not answer Clare’s employment needs. I welcome the reduction in unemployment figures and the recent job announcements at Vitalograph in Ennis and at Wild Irish Seaweed in Quilty. Nevertheless, the county needs a large modern project and a data centre is wholly appropriate for the times we live in.

“Getting any project off the ground in this country is a tortuous business. As we trip ourselves up in a tangle of red tape, businesses will go elsewhere. We need to learn lessons from the Athenry debacle with the proposed Apple project hanging by a thread. I support the Taoiseach’s proposal to designate data centres as strategic infrastructure for planning purposes.

“Of course, we need to do things properly by protecting the environment and citizens’ rights. If we want to remain in the game, we need to do these things smartly and more efficiently. The modern world will not wait while we trawl points of law from court to court.

Meanwhile we lose highly skilled well paid jobs. Although, our unemployment figures are down, we still have emigration because our highly educated graduates are unable to find employment commensurate with their skills and ambitions.”

l

Dr Michael Harty TD Constituency Office 3 Daly Villa's, Carmody Street, Ennis, County Clare Tel No: 065-6868505 Email michael.harty@oireachtas.ie

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5

6 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

619 Clare new dads take leave STUART HOLLY

Clare woman eyes up world record attempt

ELAINE TUBRIDY

W

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

editor@clareecho.ie

CLARE dads are stepping up and staying home to help look after new babies, according to new stats which show 619 fathers in Clare have taken paternity leave since it came into operation in September 2016.

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune has welcomed figures released to her by the Department of Social Protection which show that Paternity leave take up amongst Irish fathers is steadily increasing. The figures show that 34 per cent of Irish fathers nationally took paternity leave in the first three months of 2017 and 27,307 Irish fathers have taken paternity leave since the scheme came into operation in September 2016.

“34 per cent is not a bad start. Take up is as low as 4 per cent in France where a campaign to make paternity leave compulsory has kicked off.

“We should look at more incentives to encourage fathers to take paternity leave. I would be reluctant to go down the road of making paternity leave mandatory, and propose that we use other incentives like “use it or lose it” to further increase the take up of paternity leave.”

E CAN think of nothing better in this weather than snuggling up under the world’s biggest blanket.

This may be do-able sooner rather than later, as Ennis woman Valery Larkin is attempting to break the Guinness World Record by creating a toasty 15,000 square foot blanket.

But she needs the people of this fair county to help her out, because she is currently only two thirds of the way there.

“I’m appealing to people because I still need squares knitted and stitcher-upper volunteers for the project,” Valery said. Valery has received knitted squares from the furthest possible reaches of the planet, including Australia, New Zealand, British Colombia, and Singapore. She puts the current knitted square estimate at about 40,000, not bad for a year’s worth of knitting.

“I just received 1,200 squares from Cork today and 300 from England the other day,” Valery said.

She has a team of “stitcher-uppers”

l RECORD ATTEMPT: Just one bundle of Valery Larkin’s blankets

coming over to Ennis from Liverpool today to join her very dedicated regular volunteers, who meet three times a week.

“One of them is 77 and suffers from arthritis, but she hasn’t missed a single day since we started,” Valery said.

People usually have their own reasons for taking on such a project and Valery is no different.

Two weeks before her 66th birthday, she couldn’t sleep because she felt she needed a challenge in her life.

“I used the internet to contact people and the response has been fantastic,” she added.

Valery and her team of volunteers are stitching the blanket in such a way that when the project is finished, she will be able to donate 600 blankets to the Red Cross. l Those wishing to knit six inch squares to send to Valery can contact her on 0863685030 or check out her Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/largestknittedblanket/

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NEWS

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Project to boost maritime opportunities for young people

I

N PARTNERSHIP with four other EU local authority areas Clare County Council has received European Union (EU) funding totalling €388,000 to increase participation in maritime activities and to encourage young people across Clare to consider maritime related careers.

The Local Authority’s Social Development Directorate, through its remit to increase overall participation levels in sport and physical activity in Clare, has been awarded the EU Erasmus+ programme funding as part of the ‘Atlantic Youth Project’.

“As the only Irish partner in the European-wide project, Clare County Council is tasked with encouraging and developing the maritime culture of young Europeans, through the practise of water sports and maritime education at school,” explained Tim Forde, Head of Sport & Recreation, Clare County

Council. He continued, “Over the three-year term of this project, the Local Authority will facilitate the involvement of a significant number of second level school children with opportunities to participate in water sports in our county whilst also participating in organised maritime education opportunities that will be EU-funded.”

Mr. Forde and Liam Conneally, Director of Social Development, Clare County Council, represented the Local Authority at the project launch and inaugural meeting of the participating partners which was held recently in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, home to the Lead Partner, Cim Alto Minho.

Mr. Conneally noted that Clare had been selected to participate in the ‘Atlantic Youth Project’ due to its “ready access to sea and river waters surrounding the County, maritime heritage, existing maritime

infrastructure for hosting project activities, and Clare County Council’s lengthy track record of delivering education outreach programmes.”

“With partners in Spain, Portugal, France, UK and Ireland (Clare County Council), the Atlantic Youth Project will also contribute to the implementation of the EU’s Atlantic Maritime Strategy, through the development of a maritime culture among young people which in turn will encourage the upcoming generation to consider maritime sport, recreation and industry as a career path,” he added.

Over the coming months Clare County Council will be working with sporting and educational stakeholders across the County and will confirm details of the rollout of the ‘Atlantic Youth Project’ in County Clare in early 2018.

7

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8 ADVERTORIAL

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Green fingers at the ready for Garden Festival talk STUART HOLLY

4pm Talk Klaus Laitenberger 5pm Talk Jim Cronin 6pm Panel discussion 6.30pm Finish

editor@clareecho.ie

AN AFTERNOON of garden talks with organic gardening experts Klaus Laitenberger and Jim Cronin is the last of this year’s Autumn events organised by Clare Garden Festival. The theme for the afternoon is ‘Clever & Creative Gardening’ combining the time saving fun side of the popular hobby with empowering people to care for themselves, the soil and the planet.

The event will be taking place on Sunday, November 12 at the Old Ennis town council offices, Drumbiggle road, Ennis. The afternoon will be run in aid of local project Moy Hill community farm and is supported by Creative Ireland.

SCHEDULE FOR THE AFTERNOON: 3pm Start of event/ door open 3.30pm Welcome/ Talk by Moy hill Community Farm

l TALK: Jim Cronin will be among the speakers at Drumbiggle this Sunday

This is a Creative Ireland event and they are delighted to offer it on a donation basis. All donations to Moy Hill Community Farm.

Jim Cronin has a farm in Bridgetown, Co Clare and is known to many as a leading expert in organic horticulture. He is a mine of information and advice on all aspects of growing organically, with a lifetime of experience and a deep love of working in cooperation with nature. .

Klaus Laitenberger is one of Ireland’s most respected vegetable growing horticulturists, renowned for his expertise in soil management and organic gardening.

Moy Hill community farm, started with a back garden in 2012, then a half acre community garden, to a loaned 1 acre site, is now a 17 acre-farm whose mission is to feed local people, love earth and inspire.

Arrive & Jive for four weeks only

See your dance steps improve in TomJive style with month-long classes at Roslevan NATHAN Carter, Derek Ryan, Mike Denver and many more, of the country and Western singers are riding high while TomJive.com has taken Ireland by storm.

This four week TomJive style

format of teaching has been very successful for many reasons.

The progressive nature of the course means an absolute beginner on week one turns into a very competent dancer by week four.

Visit the website at

TomJive.com and watch the videos of many classes (and especially the Bantry class on week four) showing off great jive moves, with the majority of students never having danced before.

According to Tom: “Another reason people enjoy my course is I teach the ladies steps and also show the men exactly how to turn their partners.

“Experienced dancers come to improve their timing and learn the nice moves. Also, I’m very lucky in that I seem to attract equal numbers of men and women,” he added.

So, if your interested in learning to Irish Jive properly come along to Fahy Hall, Roslevan Ennis.

Tom teaches beginner and improver Jive Courses, as well as beginner and improver Old Time Waltz and Quickstep Courses..

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9

There is always Hope ENNIS National Learning Network provides innovative courses which help people who are unemployed due to accident, illness or disability, as well as school leavers who need extra support to gain national and international qualifications and the experience that they need to enter the workforce.

“Our courses vary depending on the students needs at any given time,” explains Val Real, Area Manager of the National Learning Network, Limerick/ Clare. “Class sizes are kept small so that students receive individual attention.

Students are encouraged to work at their own pace with support from experienced instructors. We can also adapt much of our equipment to meet the needs of people with disabilities. We have continuous intake and provide travel allowances if applicable”.

“Our multidisciplinary team of staff include instructors, resource teachers and psychologists, who have a range of skills and expertise in the training and rehabilitative fields. The student is at the heart of everything that we do. Each student has an Individual Action Plan which means that they plan how to do their chosen course at a pace that suits them within an agreed timeframe”.

Our Employer Based Training Programme is designed to support people who want to get a job in a specific skills area in their own locality. They get the opportunity of on-the-job training while still enjoying all the supports of our training centre. Students must be aged over 16 years: No fees apply for the courses

Need training to get a job?

PROJECT: Some of our students who are involved in Hope Flies, a collaborative project between Clare artist Shona Mac Gillivray and Ennis National Learning Network and all course materials are provided.

All courses offer literacy and numeracy supports on a needs basis.

Limerick National Learning Network also offers a number of centre-based programmes including Catering Assistant, Information Technology and Office Skills, PC Maintenance and Networking.

Artists and participants are working together over several weeks sculpting their ideas and wishes of what hope means.

The final work will be transported to the Dublin Civic Offices in December to be installed and hung by a team of professional abseilers as part of a two week ‘First Fortnight’, a national festival that presents art works, theatre and dance that explores the theme of mental health.

If you, or anyone you know are interested in applying for a place on any of the courses offered by National Learning Network, please contact NLN, Francis Street, Ennis: Tel (065) 6864560 or email clare@nln.ie

If you need extra support, if you have had an accident, illness or injury or have a disability then NLN can help. National Learning Network in Clare and Limerick have a range of free vocational training courses to give you the skills you need to get and keep a job. Our courses combine classroom-based learning and on-the-job training and offer you the personalised support you need to gain a QQI qualification.

• Introductory Skills Training (Ennis and Limerick) • Employer Based Training (Ennis and Limerick) • IT with Office Skills (Limerick) • Catering Assistant (Limerick) • PC Maintenance & Networking (Limerick) Find out more at NLN Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare: 065 686 4560 | clare@nln.ie 061 229 777 | limerick@nln.ie nln.ie facebook.com/NLNIreland

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10 THE SCENE

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

The scene

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

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BRIGHT FUTURE IN STORE: All the staff of Patrick Bourke’s outside their Ennis shop

Celebrating 21 years in style There was a big turn out for the occasion

P

ATRICK BOURKE Premium Menswear celebrated its 21st birthday in Ennis on Saturday night with a party for its staff and customers.

The celebrations, which coincided with a 21 per cent sale, included music on the night from Ennis group Acoustic Ninjas while Marty Morrissey was joined by a number of special guests such as Podge Collins and Jamesie O’Connor.

Reflecting on 21 years in business in Ennis, Patrick thanked his customers, who he told The Clare Echo he considers personal friends.

“Twenty one years was a milestone to mark and well worth marking,” said Patrick. “I’ve a very loyal and dedicated staff and it’s as much for them as it is for myself, to show a bit of appreciation but more

SHOWING SUPPORT: Cormac O’Sullivan, Jamesie O’Connor, Gerry Quinn and John Burke

so to show appreciation to my customers and friends. Because most of my customers are friends and I would consider them friends. Very genuine people who shop with us on a regular basis and I’m delighted to be associated with them.”

He added: “We’re looking forward now to the next 10 years being way better than the last 10 years because I’m a forward thinking guy and I’m a positive person. I always consider it like driving a car – I’ve a big front windscreen and a small rearview mirror. I rarely look back and I always look forward so I’m looking forward to another 10 good years at least.”

JUST THE TONIC: Patrick Bourke pouring pink gin and Caroline Keely

THE SCENE 11

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

21 AGAIN: Patrick Bourke with Clare Echo Reporter Lauren Guilfoyle

FRIENDLY BUNCH: All the staff from Patrick Bourkes

ENJOYING THE CELEBRATIONS: Alan Flynn (The Old Ground Hotel) and Michael Donnellan (Irish Dancer)

DRESSED FOR THE OCCASION: Patrick Bourke (centre) and his Senior managers Willie McMahon (left) and Pat Casserley (right)

GALWAY GUYS: L-R Paul Conroy, Cathal O’Byrne, Patrick Bourke, Jason Flynn (All-Ireland Galway Hurler) Cian Noonan, Cathal Kelly

l ON SONG: Acoustic Ninjas band performing at the event. Pictured right, Anna Kelly from Ennis, and Podge Collins. Pictured left, our reporter Lauren with her Godfather Michael Guilfoyle

All photos by Julie Tillett/Clare Echo

12 NEWS

Making waves In a new documentary producer Brendan Daly explores the incredible story of big-wave surfer and church pastor John McCarthy

J

OHN MCCARTHY’S place in the firmament of Irish surfing is assured: He is one of the first to ride the colossal Aileen’s Wave at the Cliffs of Moher – he starred in an exhilarating bank advert filmed there – and in 2006 he won a bronze medal for Ireland at the European Surfing Championships. But in the same year, McCarthy’s life took a dramatic twist when he found God and later established a church in Lahinch where he is now a pastor.

In ‘Shipwreck and Deliverance’, McCarthy speaks frankly about his life before and after his conversion. For much of it, McCarthy presented himself as a classic surfer dude. Outwardly, he was winning national surf titles and representing Ireland around the world but, in truth, his life was falling apart.

Shortly after he began looking for answers, McCarthy attended a Christian Surfers’ Conference in England and experienced an epiphany: “I really felt the call of God in my soul…

In my mind’s eye, Jesus Christ was on the cross, His blood was falling, and a drop of His blood fell on to my hand. And I knew I was guilty”.

AWESOME: John is a world class surfer Offering a rare glimpse into the subculture of Christian surfers, ‘Shipwreck and Deliverance’ travels with McCarthy a decade after his rebirth as he returns to a surfing event to testify to his transformation and it chronicles the tensions that McCarthy’s conversion provoked among his family and friends: “It’s as if someone came along in the morning and paid off your mortgage. You’re now debt free and you want to tell the world”.

Due to anxiety about the risks involved and

ACHIEVEMENT: McCarthy (pictured above and right) was one of the first to ride the colossal Aileen’s Wave at the Cliffs of Moher

doubts about God’s plan for him, McCarthy decided to stop surfing at the Cliffs of Moher.

But, as the documentary reveals, a year later McCarthy believes that God spoke to him and encouraged McCarthy to make a comeback.

‘Shipwreck and Deliverance’ accompanies McCarthy as he returns with his surfboard to the wave that he is credited with naming: The thunderous, 12-metre barrel known as Aileen’s that crashes at the Cliffs.

Examining what it means to dedicate yourself to promoting the Word of God to a 21st century Irish audience, ‘Shipwreck and Deliverance’ charts an unorthodox life that swapped winning surf competitions for winning disciples in an intimate, vivid, and incisive portrait of an enthralling cocktail of certainty and risk.

‘Shipwreck and Deliverance’ broadcasts on Newstalk 106108fm on Sunday, November 19 at 8am and is repeated on Saturday November 25 at 10pm.

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Pictured L to R: Pat Conway, Lahinch Seaworld and Leisure Centre Board Member; Joe Garrihy, General Manager of Lahinch Seaworld and Leisure Centre; Denis Creedon, Chairman of Lahinch Seaworld and Leisure Centre, Minister Ring, Michael Cagney, Board Member; Cllr Bill Slattery, Board Member, and Michael Cagney, Secretary

Mayor to launch Atlantic Community Sports Hub Lahinch MAYOR of Clare Cllr Tom McNamara will officially launch the Atlantic Community Sports Hub Lahinch, a new initiative that aims to put sport at the centre of rural regeneration in Clare, by helping communities to come together to enjoy and participate in all forms of sport.

The Atlantic Community Sports Hub is a natural progression of the work undertaken by Lahinch Seaworld and Leisure Centre (formerly Lahinch Development Association) for half a century, with the addition of outreach programmes bringing a new sporting skill set to communities and groups throughout the north west of the county, from a professional run base or hub in Lahinch.

The popular community and tourist facility will become the base for the sports hub providing quality infrastructure and space to run sports related programmes, as well as co-ordinating the outreach programmes.

The aim of the initiative is to maximise use of the resources and skills already in the centre and general community for the overall benefit of this rural region. A huge amount of work has been done to date by volunteers and communities across the region. A key objective of The Atlantic Community Sports Hub Lahinch is to provide a forum where all involved in sports and activity and are committed to the future of the area, can collaborate, share ideas and be a stronger entity together.

The Hub in conjunction with Clare Sports Partnership will offer a series of programs, workshops and training supports in the area of health and fitness, sport skills development, nutrition, club development and community participation. Linking in with the best national and international practice will provide great benefit to the grass roots sporting organisations who ultimately deliver programmes to our rural community.

It will support community organisations, schools, groups and clubs who deliver facilities and services to the area in line with the objectives of the Clare Sport Partnership and the Clare Rural Development Strategy.

On Sunday next, November 12, the Atlantic Community Sports Hub will be introduced to the people of North West Clare at the official launch, which will coincides with the 21st anniversary of the opening of the indoor swimming pool and Ireland’s first aquarium in Lahinch.

Mayor of Clare Cllr Tom McNamara describes the Atlantic Community Sports Hub Lahinch as a sports, social and community initiative that will benefit the health and well being of the people of Lahinch and north west Clare area.

“The Atlantic Community Sports Hub Lahinch has the potential of not only providing expertise in the area of various sports, games and fitness to people of all ages, gender, ability and interests in this large, mainly rural area, but also has the potential to bring communities together in a positive and sociable atmosphere,” said the mayor.

Joe Garrihy General Manager Lahinch Seaworld and Leisure Centre Ltd said that the Sports Hub will make sports accessible to everyone.

NEWS 13

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Greene with envy as Éimhear to perform at the Toy Show

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T’S every kid’s dream to take part in The Late Late Toy Show.

Let’s face it, it’s every adult’s dream too, whether they admit it or not.

So we were just the teensiest bit jealous when we heard that West Clare girl Éimhear Greene will get to showcase her fantastic musical talents in this year’s show. Éimhear’s mom Claire confirmed that the whole family is delighted with her success and can’t wait to see her perform.

“We were thrilled, shocked really when we got the phone call on Friday evening. It’s great for Éimhear herself,” Claire said. Éimhear lives in Lisdeen, Kilkee with her mom, dad Francis and 20 year old brother Enda.

The multitalented 13 year old plays the fiddle, tin-whistle and harp, as well as being able to dance to a championship level. l DREAM COME TRUE: Clockwise from above, The Late Late Toy Show. Pic: RTE. And (right) Éimhear Greene

Blood Bike Mid West Provides Emergency Transport Services to UL Hospitals Group UL Hospitals Group has signed a three-year service level agreement with Blood Bike Mid West for emergency transport services.

Blood Bike Mid West has been transporting laboratory samples, breastmilk, drugs and much more to, from and between acute hospitals in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary since 2013 and currently has a team of over 40 volunteer riders, both male and female, operating in the region.

Based in Limerick City, Blood Bike Mid West offers a 24-7 emergency callout service to UL Hospitals Group. They have a dedicated weekend service transporting samples from the Maternity Hospital to the Laboratories in UHL and in addition they have scheduled collections in Ennis, Nenagh and Croom Hospitals every weekend.

“We did in the region of 1,000 urgent callouts last year: Bloods,, urine, placentas, breastmilk, burn dressings, whatever is needed,” said Larry Hunt, Operations, Blood Bike Mid West.

Blood Bike Mid West rely entirely on donations and are always on the lookout for new volunteers. These may be in administrative roles as well as riding motorcycles.

“We currently have three specially equipped motorcycles and a small van for volunteers who don’t have a bike licence.

All are used for cross country link-ups and for work in the city. All our riders are

l RIDING HIGH: Pictured at University Hospital Limerick were, left to right, Brendan Caffrey, Chairman, and David Scullane, Treasurer, Blood Bike Mid West; Prof Colette Cowan, CEO, UL Hospitals Group; Larry Hunt, Operations, Blood Bike Mid West; Mary Donnellan O’Brien, Directorate General Manager, Diagnostics, UL Hospitals Group, and Kevin O’Connell, Pathology Laboratories Manager, UL Hospitals Group

trained to RoSPA standard which is an international certification in advanced driving,” explained Mr Hunt.

Premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at University Maternity Hospital Limerick regularly rely on Blood Bike Mid West to transport breastmilk from the milk bank in County Fermanagh.

Volunteer riders are provided with train-

ing by the HSE on the regulations and requirements (including maintenance of specimen integrity/temperature etc) around transporting laboratory samples.

Mr Hunt said his riders showed great dedication in helping patients in the MidWest.

“Some people have the notion that what we do is glamorous. But there is nothing glamorous about getting the call at two in the morning to go to Dublin. But it’s what our volunteers do without hesitation whenever we get the call. The reward is knowing that in some small way have helped a very sick person,” he said.

Mary Donnellan O’Brien, Directorate Manager, Diagnostics, UL Hospitals Group, said: “We are delighted to progress a new service level agreement with Blood Bikes Mid West. They have been providing a vital service to UL Hospitals Group and to all the people of the region since 2013”.

And Prof Colette Cowan, CEO, UL Hospitals Group, added: “Health workers were rightly praised for their dedication and commitment in their response to Storm Ophelia.

The volunteer riders with Blood Bikes Mid West show a similar commitment by being out in all weathers, 365 days a year. They are an example to us all, and deserve every support from the community in the Mid West”.

Currently a member of Inis Cathaigh Kilrush Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, Éimhear has won multiple county and national titles for her performances.

She dances with the Helen Hehir school of dancing in Lissycasey and she won all girls all Ireland u15 set dancing competition in Ennis this year.

She impressed the judges at the Toy Show auditions in Mullingar a couple of weeks ago with her musical skills.

She doesn’t know the full details of the performance just yet, but she has been invited to play the harp on the best show of the year.

“We’re delighted because she has such a love of music.

She just always wanted to be on the Toy Show. She watches it every year,” Claire said.

The Toy Show will air on RTE at 9.30pm on Friday, December 1, and will also air on RTE player, as if we needed to remind you.

World tour concludes with Scariff exhibition SCARIFF Library Gallery will host an exhibit of works by Mountshannon-based Fionnathan Productions, and a host of artists and craftspeople from all over the world from November 13 to December 9.

Supported by the Clare County Council Arts Office, ‘Travelogue 1’ features works produced during a world tour by Fionn and Jonathan Angus which saw the father and son team journey across four continents, from the Amazon to Zanzibar.

Commenting on the exhibition, Fionn and Jonathan said: “This exhibit of works celebrates the people and places we have visited on our sojourns to discover what a great life feels and looks like.”

“This exhibition is part of the work of Fionnathan Productions, a social enterprise that exists to have fun and change the world, to trouble your understanding of ability, to reveal superstars in our midst, and to prove that, in fact, we are the people we’ve been waiting for,” they added.

For more visit www.fionnathan.com or find ‘Fionnathan’ on twitter, youtube, instagram and facebook.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

A new era of

INTERACTION twitter.com/ ClareEcho

facebook.com/ clareecho

Facebook comment of the week

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That documentary was shocking and I can imagine some tenants were afraid to complain in case they got turfed out on their head. With low wages, unable to save for a deposit and very few rental properties. they could easily end up homeless.

Christina Kina

in reaction to ‘99 per cent of tested Clare rental properties are below living standard’ article

instagram.com/ theclareecho

www.clareecho.ie

Tweet of the week LAUREN GUILFOYLE @LaurenGuilfoyle

Niall Gilligan thanks foam rollers & stretching for getting him through 2017 but says 2018 may be a ‘Bridge too far. More on @ClareFM #GAA

STORY LIKED 136 TIMES ON FACEBOOK A chip like no other at Enzo’s TODAY FM’s Dermot and Dave got their teeth into Ennis on the most recent leg of their Ireland’s Best Chipper competition.

Enzo’s on Parnell Street did the Banner County proud by achieving 90 per cent, the highest score of all the chippers so far!

In a video posted on Today FM’s Facebook page, the pair can be seen chatting to some locals, before dropping in to the chipper amid cheers and dancing Conor McGregor cardboard cut-outs.

They even got their very own salt and vinegar shakers.

The competition is broken down into Fluffiness, Salt and Vinegariness, Temperature, Bag Stains, Crispiness and Portion size.

Enzo’s did spectacularly well, scoring 10 for temperature, nine for fluffiness, seven for crispiness, 10 for portion size, 10 for salt and vinegariness and eight for bag stains.

The lads were so impressed with Enzos’s, we definitely reckon they will be back for more.

Dermot and Dave are currently touring the country with their ‘Ah Sure Lookit’ comedy tour.

YUMMY: Dermot and Dave chow down on Enzo’s chips

NEWS 15

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Decision to be made on Caitriona Lucas stamp before Christmas

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HE campaign to get Coastguard volunteer Caitriona Lucas’ artwork on a stamp may come to fruition before Christmas.

An Post have confirmed that they hope to make a decision on the submission before the end of the year.

A spokesperson for An Post commented that Caitriona’s artwork is among a number of projects currently under consideration by the committee.

“The Coastguard, the late, brave Caitriona Lucas and her artwork are among a number of subjects currently being considered, as is the design approach.

We expect to have definite word before year-end”.

The online petition to get Caitriona’s artwork on a stamp currently has just over 2,000 signatures.

One post on the petition reads: “These

Cool Route project expanded to include Clare CLARE County Council has welcomed the inclusion of County Clare into the marketing programme for the Cool Route project which aims to grow numbers of private craft, super-yachts and passenger liners visiting the coastlines of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, the Faroe islands and Norway.

Discussions led by the Harbour Master at the Port of Galway, Captain Brian Sheridan, led to the inclusion of an additional 150 nautical miles of Irish coastline incorporating the coastlines of Clare, Galway and Mayo, into the bi-directional yacht cruising route.

Kilrush Marina is one of six locations being promoted as part of the Cool Route marketing campaign.

Mayor of Clare Councillor Tom McNamara said County Clare will now be promoted to a growing marine visitor clientele as part of a wider Cool Route marketing programme.

“This new sea route is being marketed internationally and will have a common branding, booking and information system. Clare’s coastal locations already have well-developed land-side tourism infrastructure and therefore, have plenty to offer marine visitors in terms of scenery, attractions and marine visitors,” added the Mayor.

Brian McCarthy, Acting Director of Economic Development, Clare County Council, said: “The inclusion of the Clare coastline represents a very significant addition to the route in terms of its overall visitor offerings.

Kilrush Marina is located close to Scattery Island which recently won an EDEN award and it is an ideal base from which to explore the waters of the Shannon Estuary and the Clare coastline up to the Cliffs of Moher.”

Clare tourism operators interested in promoting their products or services as part of the Cool Route marketing campaign are invited to register at https://arcg.is/0zPWn1

l HERO: Caitriona Lucas tragically lost her life trying to save others. Pictured right, Caitriona’s artwork

volunteers are never appreciated and I have witnessed what they do on two horrific occasions.

“This wonderful woman and her Family deserve to be recognised for her bravery”.

l Full information on the Cool Route project is available at www.sailcoolroute.eu.

The Cool Route Project is funded by Interreg VB Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme.

Its Irish partners include Cork Institute of Technology, Údarás na Gaeltachta and The Irish Sailing Association.

l GOOD CAUSE: Jackie Bonfield, Duncan Casey, Cllr Mary Howard, Fr Ger Fitzgerald

Clare locals asked to take part in Thomond Park sleepout

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ONCE IN A LIFETIME opportunity to sleep out in Thomond Park for a night has arisen and it’s all in the name of a good cause. And for rugby fans it gets even

better as participants will be invited on to the pitch for a place kick shoot out. The winner will take home a prize sponsored by the Clayton Hotel, Limerick.

Organisers are requesting your support for the annu-

al Corporate Sleep Out in Thomond Park to raise much needed funds for Midwest Simon, to cover the cost of operating Foodbanks throughout the region.

The charity needs help to continue providing this ser-

vice and is asking the public to help raise up to €2,500 at Thomond Park on Saturday, November 18.

A few places still available, call 085 8878130. Visit midwestsimon.ie for full details about the event.

Clare County Library celebrates Science Week 2017 CLARE County Library is celebrating Science Week 2017 (November 12-19) by inviting children to engage with science through four hands-on workshops in Shannon, Kilrush, Kilkee and Sixmilebridge.

‘The Science Magic Show’ facilitated by W5, the award winning Interactive Discovery Centre in Belfast, will take place next Tuesday (November 14) in Kilrush Library at 10.30 am and in Kilkee Library at 1.00 pm.

On Wednesday (November 15), the venues are Sixmilebridge Library at 10.30am and Shannon Library at 1.00 pm.

Clare County Library’s participation in the 22nd annual Science Week is in support of Science Foundation Ireland’s ongoing work to promote the potential that science and discovery offers today and in tomorrow’s world.

16 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

Cherish your life today

A SINGLE UNFOLDING MOMENT

And this week closer to home, as I type these words, one of my dearest friends is waiting in vigil with family members at the bedside of a close family member who has been slipping away peacefully day by day.

But they are thankful for her life and this special time that they are

 SEIZE THE DAY: When you are wholeheartedly waiting for tomorrow, you are wasting today

We should love and care for one another as much as we can having with her now. Also many people have asked me to pray for loved ones who are unwell or going through a hard time in life at present, and who knows when we ourselves might be in that situation in the future. I titled this thought “Cherish your Life Today,” because in that time of driving from my house to the Poor Clare’s Church and indeed hearing personal stories from people who ask me to pray for them, I was vividly reminded of how much life

‘‘

Our happiness lies in the happiness of other people. Give them their happiness; you will get your own happiness

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F

OR the last couple of weeks I have been finding nourishment for my life and soul in a Poor Clare’s Church that has become one of my favourite places of prayer. As their best selling book says it is definitely a place to “Calm the Soul”.

One morning on the way there recently as I listened to my radio in the car, the news spoke about the 25 million people or so that have been affected by famine and drought in East Africa particularly in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia where many of the Irish aid agencies like the one I work for Gorta Self Help Africa.

Irish missionaries are trying so hard to save children’s and people’s lives. Another broadcast shortly after revealed about the atrocities in Syria, Yemen and Somalia where lots of more people lost their lives by more evil acts and then it was announced about the shocking numbers of homeless people and children living in our own country of Ireland that had reached an all time high. It made me feel unbelievably sad and heartbroken about how little some people cherish human life.

can change for any one of us by a single unfolding moment.

We sometimes get so caught up in our routines and in the business of living that we take it for granted that we will be here tomorrow or next week or next year. We put things off, little, but important things like spending time over a cup of tea with a friend; writing e-mails or letters or making phone calls to family members who live far away; building bridges of forgiveness with loved ones and friends, thanking people of all ages who do nice

things for us; appreciating the blooming and the nurturing of nature that lovingly supports our lives. Sometimes, we forget how each new day is a gift to us to learn and grow and share again, to put aside the regrets and the evil of yesterday and move united forward with a renewed spirit for living and loving and forgiving and caring more fully. For all we know, today, this present moment, is all we really have.

Many people nowadays don’t know how to hold on to “today.”

They do not value the opportunities right in front of them but worry about the future or what happened in the past. No matter what, all people can have is today and this moment. As usual a story might help to explain.

FIND HAPPINESS BY CARING FOR OTHERS

“Once a group of 50 people were attending a training work conference. Suddenly the speaker stopped and decided to do a group activity.

“He started giving each attendee one balloon. Each one was asked to write his or her name on it using a marker pen.

Then all the balloons were collected and put in another room. Now after awhile these delegates were let into that room and asked to find the balloon which had their name written within five minutes.

Everyone was frantically searching for their name, colliding with each other, pushing around others and there was utter chaos. At the end of five minutes no one could find their own balloon. Now each one was asked to randomly to collect any balloon and give it to

the person whose name was written on it.

Within minutes everyone had their own balloon. The speaker then began: “This is happening in our lives. Everyone is frantically looking for happiness all around, not knowing where it is. Our happiness lies in the happiness of other people. Give them their happiness; you will get your own happiness. And this is the purpose of human life, to help, love and care for one another no matter who they are as much as we can”.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, reflect and pray on this loving poem by Jenny Crespo called, ‘Cherish Time.’

“Time, such a precious word. It gives us the gift of moments. Moments so beautiful that change our lives forever. But those moments turn into memories that can never be recaptured. We are left with footprints in our minds and in our hearts.

Longing to recapture time, hoping it will last forever. To be left with the reality of the passing of time; So precious and so fleeting. We can’t bring it back or relive.

Only be grateful that it happened. So cherish every moment, never taking anything for granted, Because some day, that will be the moment you’ll want to relive.

Love with all your heart. Let your loved ones know how much you care. Smile even when you want to cry. Live life to the fullest, Because you never know when your time will pass with the wind.”

NEWS

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

l DOCTOR: Conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy at the conferring ceremony was Dr. Olena Madden, Ennis Co. Clare pictured with her daughter Alina. Photo by Alan Place

17

l CONGRATULATIONS: Pictured at the Conferring were B.Sc in Electronic Systems graduate, Adam Ryan, Durrow Co. Laois, B.Eng in Electronic Engineering graduate, Pleader Roughen, Kilnmona Co. Clare and Sean Murphy, B.Sc in Electronic Systems, Carrigaholt Co. Clare. Photo by Alan Place

We’re Grad you made it The Clare Echo celebrates Clare students who graduated recently

l HARD WORK PAID OFF: Leona McInerney (left) from Kilrush who graduated from Athlone Institute of Technology with an Honors Degree in Bachelor of Science (General Nursing) and (right) Jessica Ayton from Kilkenny

l HIP-HIP HOORAY: Pictured at the conferring were BA in Social Care Work graduates, Aine Ryan, Kilaloe Co. Clare, Jessica Keogh, Clonlara Co. Clare and Louise Flannery, Clononey Co. Offaly. Photo by Alan Place

l WELL DONE: Limerick Institute of Technology’s Conferring Ceremony, Limerick. Pictured at the conferring were BA in Social Care Work graduates Amy Sweeney, New Quay Co. Clare, Deirdre Sexton, Mullagh Co. Clare, Sabrina Tighe, Bangor Co. Mayo and Sarah Burke, Miltown Malbay Co. Clare. Photo by Alan Place

l THREE CHEERS: Pictured at the Conferring were B.Sc in Pharmaceutical and Forensic Analysis graduates Sarah O’Callaghan, Meanus Co. Limerick, Conor Cassidy, Ennis Co. Clare and Emma Downes, Kildimo Co. Limerick.

Photo by Alan Place

18 FEATURE

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

l ACHIEVEMENT: All Ireland Strongest Woman with nutrition coach Bryan Hickey

Guthrie going Strong Ballyvaughan native Michelle Guthrie to take on world’s best in epic battle

B

chelle has already claimed numerous Strongwoman titles.

So far, Michelle has won Republic Strongest Woman 2017 (lightweight), All Ireland Strongest Woman 2017 (lightweight), National record for deadlift (lightweight) at 165kg, Max Deadlift & Total tonnage winner 2017(lightweight), Lightweight Champion at Winter Wreckage 2.0 2016 and Lightweight Champion at Riverfest 2016.

“I went over to Lancaster in Pennsylvania in December of last year and l SHOW OF STRENGTH: Michelle Guthrie, Strongwoman Galway Dec 2015 for quite a long time. Some of them are considered professionals, whereas I’m an amateur,” Michelle said.

Michelle has been putting in endless hours at the gym in preparation for the event, but she is used to the tough schedule that Strongman demands.

“I’ve kind of worked out a schedule, I used to train in the morning time and then I was like ‘OK my training sessions are a lot longer now so I need to train after work’.

“So I just kind of changed up my training and I just realised now that when I leave the house at 8.30 in the morning that I’m not going to be home until at least 9pm that night after training. I’ve just accepted that now, that’s the lifestyle that I have.

“It’s not as big an issue as it may seem for somebody who wouldn’t train that much, but you just get into the habit of it,” she said.

It’s not her first rodeo however, as Mi-

‘‘

A lot of the women that I will be competing against have been competing for quite a long time. Some of them are considered professionals, whereas I’m an amateur

‘‘

ALLYVAUGHAN native Michelle Guthrie is not your average Josephine Soap, walking around the block in an effort to shift last night’s takeaway.

Michelle follows a strict diet and spends three to four hours in the gym nearly every single day, as well as holding down a full time job.

Why in God’s name would she put herself through that?

Michelle has been chosen to represent Ireland for a chance to win the title of World’s Strongest Woman at the Official Strongman Games in Raleigh, North Carolina this December.

“To be recognised amongst the strongest women in the world is huge because Ireland is so small so the field of play is smaller for me than it would be for somebody competing in America.

“While I understand that maybe my level of achievement or what I’m able to do may not be enough to be the strongest, I’ve been recognised as potentially being and that’s huge for me because it shows that the hours that I spend in the gym mean something,” Michelle said.

In a gruelling test of strength and agility, Michelle will show 30 other competitors what she is made of.

She will compete in the lightweight (64kg and under) category, taking on the log, yoke, loading medley and even lifting a car to prove her strength.

The Strongman event will run over two days and Michelle has to finish in the top 10 to guarantee herself a place in the second day.

“A lot of the women that I will be competing against have been competing

competed in a competition, there was probably about 200 to 300 people there and in my category I think there was about six or seven lightweights and I won that.”

Not bad for someone who only started lifting weights in 2015.

Michelle was working full time when she completed her Masters, so her busy schedule didn’t allow for any decent

amount of exercise. She joined a circuit class with her sister when she finished her college course and her fitness journey quickly went into overdrive.

Michelle currently works as an Inside Sales Manager for a Galway based water filter company, managing a team of eight people.

She made the move from Ballyvaughan to Galway for college and stayed to progress her career, but she is happy to be close to home.

Speed and agility is almost as important as strength when it comes to training for Strongman events.

With the help of coach Matty Costello, Michelle pushes herself to the limit to make sure she is well prepared for the World’s Strongest Woman competition.

Michelle receives no financial help for her sport, so she has to pay for her training programme, gym, nutritionist, transport and competitions out of her own pocket.

She is reluctant to ask for help, but she is hosting some fundraising events to raise €1,500 for her trip (though she knows it will cost more).

“I’m positive it’s going to cost me at least €2000, I don’t even want to think about it. So just any bit of money that I can get raised at all to help me, it will make me relax and be able just focus on the training,” Michelle added.

We can’t wait to see how Michelle gets on and we will be cheering her on all the way.

Check out Michelle’s Facebook page for upcoming fundraising events.

And access her Go Fund Me page here: https://www.gofundme.com/the-road-toworlds-strongest-woman

Sport

Kilmaley beat An Rinn to reach final page 20

l UPPING STICKS: The Clare contingent at the Liberty Insurance Camogie Association All Star ceremony at City West

Truagh grit sees off Joseph’s see off Inagh-Kilnamona Blues T HE Division 1 League Final took place in Meelick on Sunday where county senior winners Inagh-Kilnamona were looking to win the Clare Senior Camogie double for 2017.

In their way were championship semi finalists Truagh.

This was a close encounter and Inagh Kilnamona showed no signs of being distracted by a Munster Club Final next weekend.

Both teams exchanged points in the opening quarter to keep things on an even keel until Truagh’s Laura Foley found the net.

Inagh Kilnamona answered with two points before another Truagh goal from Louise Egan.

Truagh Clonlara 4-5 Inagh Kilnamona 1-8 Camogie Division 1 League Final Inagh Kilnamona’s Fiona Lafferty found the net for the senior champions but Truagh held onto the narrowest of margins at half time.

A low scoring second half did nothing to take from an exciting game, InaghKilnamona used their full list of substitutes to try get the scores needed to get ahead.

Truagh never gave up their lead and showed good determination as Inagh Kilnamona got a number of points, answering a goal from Truagh captain Sarah Sherlock.

In injury time Aine O’Loughlin found the net to secure the victory for the South East Clare side.

Truagh Clonlara: Aideen Hogg, Sinead Ryan, Máire Begley, Eileen Gleeson, Hannah Horgan, Eimear Kelly, Michelle Powell, Ellen Horgan, Michelle Caulfield, Louise Egan (1-0), Kathleen Horgan, Laura Foley (1-1), Roisin Begley (0-2 frees), Aine O’Loughlin (1-1, 0-1 free), Sarah Sherlock (1-0). Subs: Roisin Powell for K Horgan, Niamh Powell for M Powell.

Referee: Fintan McNamara

AIB Munster Senior Club Championship Final Burgess Duharra (Tiobraid Árann) v Inagh Kilnamona (An Clár) Date: Saturday November 11 Time: 2.00pm Venue: Gaelic Grounds (Luimneach)

St Joseph’s 1-11 Newmarket 0-7 U21B Championship semi-final

St. Joseph’s qualified for the U21B Cup Final when they accounted for Newmarket on Fergus in Newmarket On Fergus on Sunday morning.

St Joseph’s Hannah Meaney opened the scoring with a point from play inside the second minute. Zoe McInerney levelled matters in the sixth minute with a free. With little separating the sides in the opening ten minutes, the parish upped the anti scoring 1-2 without reply heading into the final quarter of the half with a goal from Hannah Meaney and two converted frees from Aisling McMahon. Rachel Kelliher tagged on two frees for Newmarket to leave the half time scoreline 1-3 to 0-3.

Zoe McInerney pointed for Newmarket in the opening minute of the second half, before Aisling McMahon replied with a free. Newmarket kept the pressure on and were rewarded for their efforts with points from Rachel Kelliher (2,1 f) and Michelle McMahon (1) to level matters midway through the half.

But from here on in, the Parish had the upper hand with Aisling McMahon (4f) Hannah Meaney (2) and Vanessa Meaney (1) scoring the next seven points without reply.

20 SPORT

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Munster final beckons for Kilmaley men JAMES MULVIHILL Kilmaley 0-24 An Rinn 1-08 Intermediate Munster SF

K

ILMALEY advanced to the Munster Intermediate Championship Final after a comfortable victory over An Rinn of Waterford in Cusack Park.

Manager Conor Clancy will be pleased with composure shown by his team when the Waterford side scored an early goal and it looked like they were going to give them every bit of it in terms of intensity, hard work and their team spirit.

In the second half the Clare champions were just too good for their opponents who looked tired and the scores were coming more easily for Kilmaley.

Michael O’Neill came on as an early sub and demonstrated the form he had when playing for Mary I in the Fitzgibbon cup earlier this year. Michael O’Malley, captain of the Clare U21 team, put in a huge shift helping out in defence while scoring long range points.

There were also good performances by the likes Eamon Bracken and Daire Keane in attack while in defence goalkeeper Bryan O’Loughlin pulled off some outstanding saves in the second half.

The men from Kilmaley showed a big improvement after surviving

‘‘

‘‘

Hurling report

An Rinn brought a big crowd with them to Cusack Park

an almighty scare against Murroe/ Boher of Limerick last time out.

They will now play Kanturk of Cork in the Munster Final as they look to bring a Munster title home for the first time in their history.

An Rinn brought a big crowd with them to Cusack Park in the hope of causing a big upset but they had no answer to Kilmaley’s onslaught in the second half. The Gaeltacht based club have five players who play on the county football team. They are very strong physically but couldn’t convert that into a winning formula.

An Rinn scored an early goal through corner forward Fearghal O Cuirrin. Daire Keane responded for Kilmaley, who nearly conceded a second goal when a long ball from Ray O Ceallaigh landed in on top of the defence but somehow goal-keeper Bryan O’ Loughlin managed to clear the ball off the line to avoid going further behind.

Kilmaley were struggling to win primary possession and An Rinn extended the lead to four points through Liam O Lonain and Donal Breathnach (free).

The Clare champions hit back thanks to Eamon Bracken, Michael O’Malley and Cian Moloney (free)

l FINAL BOUND: (From top) Conor, Sinéad and baby Donnacha McMahon; The fulltime scoreboard at Cusack Park last weekend; Kilmaley’s Mickey O’Neill flanked by An Rinn supporters Mick and Paula O’hUllacháin; Kilmaley goalkeeper Bryan O’Loughlin under serious pressure from An Rinn players Credit: Martin Connolly / Clare Echo

to the leave the score at 1-02 to 0-04 after 18 minutes. Criostoir Breathnach ran through the Kilmaley defence to slot over a good point.

Sean O’Loughlin responded for the Clare champions but that was cancelled out by Tadhg O hUallachain.

Kilmaley finished the stronger by scoring five unanswered points through a brace of frees from Cian Moloney, Michael O’Neill, Paraic McNamara and Eamon Bracken to leave the score-line at the interval 0-10 to 1-04.

Kilmaley started the second half well through points by Daire Keane and Sean O’Loughlin. An Rinn responded with a brace of points before the Clare men hit six points without reply thanks to Eamon Bracken (2), Daire Keane, Cian Moloney, Michael O’Neill and

Paraic McNamara. Donal Breathnach hit over his third placed ball of this contest and Noel O Murchadha slotted over a long-range point which was sandwiched by Michael O’Malley to leave the score at 0-19 to 1-08 after 50 minutes.

Kilmaley finished the game very strongly through scores from Michael O’Neill (2), Sean O’Loughlin, O’Malley and Cian Moloney (free).

Kilmaley: Bryan O’Loughlin, Martin O’Connor, Colin McGuane, Eoin Enright, Aidan McGuane, Conor Cleary, Sean Kennedy, Brian Cahill, Michael O’Malley (0-3), Ken Kennedy, Eamon Bracken (0-4), Cian Moloney (0-5,4fs), Sean O’Loughlin (0-3), Daire Keane (0-3), Paraic McNamara (0-2).

Subs: Michael O’Neill (0-4) for K. Kennedy (20 mins), Conor Neylon for O’Connor H/T, John Clohessy for S. Kennedy (57 mins), Conor McMahon for Bracken (57 mins), Barry Lynch for Keane (60 mins).

Referee: Nathan Wall (Cork).

THE CLARE ECHO

SPORT 21

HAPPY FACES: The girls of Crusheen National School, who won the Cumann na mBunscol Div 3 Football Final against Clooney on a scoreline of 2-3 to 1-3 in Cusack Park at the weekend

COUNTY CHAMPIONS: On Tuesday night Crusheen’s U12s were crowned Division 3 Champions after overcoming Miltown Malbay in Carron on a scoreline of 6-5 to 0-5. Pictured left are joint captains Grace Gleeson and Caragh Loughrey collecting the trophy Photos by Julie TIllett

22 SPORT

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Three on the trot for Ennis RFC

RUGBY

Dungarvan 3 Ennis 12

ENNIS RFC have made it three wins on the trot after defeating Dungarvan in the Munster Junior Division 3 league.

In what can only be described as a dogfight of a game, scoring opportunities were at a premium and staunch defending in the first half by Ennis went a long way to deciding the outcome of this contest.

Four penalty kicks from four by experienced outhalf Bryanie Murphy ultimately sealed the win for Ennis.

In the first half, Ennis held Dungarven up twice after they crossed the line with their maul, however on both occasions the Waterford side were deemed to have failed to touch down with too many bodies in the way.

Dungarven’s scrum dominance gave them early possession however this faded after Ennis made a tactical change midway through the first half which took away much of their early attacking platform.

Much of the game was played through the forwards and three kickable penalties came Ennis’s way which were all slotted over by Murphy before half time leaving the scores at 9-0.

Ennis had a couple of line breaks in the second half and controlled the game in general play however the try line was never really threatened.

A number of Ennis players impressed including backrow Davy Flynn who tacked well throughout and loosehead prop Adam Ryan who covered a lot of ground.

l NEW KIT: The Ennis U13 team with their new jerseys sponsored by Stelfox

U13s beat Nenagh Nenagh Ormond 22 Ennis 36

Ennis: Adam Ryan, Rory Skeritt, Liam Ryan, Mike McMahon, Jason Considine; Enda Galvin, David Flynn, Stephen Ryan, Ronan O’Mahony, Bryanie Murphy, John Brophie, Ellie Mundo, Sean Hayes, Ger Lernihan, Dylan Tynan O’Mahony Subs: F Coffey, Niall O’Loughlin, Gavin McGonagle, Shane O’Grady, David Hartington

ATHLETICS

Ennis under 13s continued on their journey through development league rugby with a fine win away to Nenagh Ormond on Sunday.

Playing against the wind in the first half, in an otherwise perfect day for running rugby, Ennis put in an impressive display. It wasn’t long before full back Sam Scanlon took on the Nenagh defence with his elusive running style to touch down in the corner for the opening score.

Strong rucking from the Ennis forwards and good running from Frain, Kineen, and O’Donoghue helped out-half Cleary to win clean ball and launch a cross field kick to winger Meaney who caught and offloaded the ball for Scanlon to run in his second try near the post which Cleary converted.

Hard work by Ennis centres McAllister and McMahon(C) frustrated the Nenagh attack on several

occasions while fine play from the base of the scrum by Treacy, Casey and Haran kept Ennis on the front foot enabling space for winger Boyle to make a long run from outside his own 22 only to be caught just short of the try line.

Nenagh hit back soon after with an unconverted try shortly before half time leaving the half time score at 12-5 to Ennis.

Nenagh came out fighting at the start of the second half and quickly scored two more unanswered tries (not converted) before Haran pulled one back for the visitors.

Good inter play between forwards and backs saw Treacy, Coffey, and O’Connor break good ground allowing Butler, with blistering pace, to score twice in succession.

Shortly after, Moylan gathered an attempted clearance kick inside the Nenagh 22 to touch down

under the posts to score his first try for Ennis.

Just before the final whistle a tiring Ennis side conceded a converted try to Nenagh leaving the final score at 36-22. Ennis look forward to hosting Richmond/ Thomond in Lees Road next Sunday and hope to improve even further on todays performance.

Ennis: Johnathan O’Donoghue, Dylan Hayes, Darren Frain, Jack O’Connor, Sean Kineen; Nathan Casey, Shane Haran, Fionán Treacy, Fionn O’Donnell, Luca Cleary, Colm Meaney, Seán McAllister, Eoghan McMahon ( C ), Eoghan Boyle, Sam Scanlon Subs: Frank Coffey, Rian McMahon, Henry Kennedy, Aidan Keating, Calvin Butler, Cathal Ryan, Darragh Moylan, Ian Williams

NM league success North Munster U14 League Ennis 54-26 Shannon

Ennistymon athlete for Glasgow Darragh Miniter, CBS Ennistymon has been selected for Irish schools international multi-events competition, which will be held in the Emirates Stadium in Glasgow, after scoring over 3,000 points competing in five events in the national event; hurdles, shot putt, long jump, 200m sprint and 1,000m run. We wish Darragh, CBS Ennistymon and the Irish team all the best in the Irish singlet.

Ennis U14’s continued their resurgence in the North Munster league with a resounding win overShannon RFC at the Showgrounds last Sunday.

Played in ideal conditions, Ennis stamped their authority from the kickoff when, after great defensive line speed that pressurised a turnover within two minutes, sent Jack Scahill crashed through for the first of his six try haul on the day; three in each half.

The two other trys came from winger, Noah McConway who took a great attacking line out wide to sprint 50 metres for his first and when he came in to intercept for his second mid way through the second half the game was put to bed. Brendan Keane’s conversions were accurate save one out of the eight attempts.

Throughout the tie, Ennis were in control showing better attacking lines, mauling and rucking with their

backs sniffing out attacks quickly with excellent line speed. Shannon to their credit didn’t throw in the towel and were rewarded with trys mid way both halves and playing right to the end, scored two converted trys just before the final whistle.

Standout performances from Ennis came from James McGrath, Brian McNamara, Jack Lynch, Marcus Bravo and Evan Mexted while new comers Ben McNamara, Sean McDonagh and Robert Sheahan showed promise.

Ennis Panel: Ben McNamara, Matthew Griffin, James McGrath, Sean McDonagh, John Blake, Kevin Nunan, Jack Lynch, Brian McNamara, Marcus Bravo, Evan Mexted, Tiárnan Murphy, Jack Scahil, Conor Cleland, Noah McConway, Brendan Keane, Joshua Corey, Dáire Corey, Seamus Queally, Francis Fogerty, Darragh Hurley, Sean Hillary, Conán Brodie, John McAleer, William Mulcare, Alex Dilger, Cian O’Connell, Lorcán O’Loughlin, Robert Sheahan

COLUMNISTS 23

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Eoin Neylon

EDITOR’S OPINION

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Stuart Holly

Social media has become the new political arms race

F LINKS TO ENNIS: Muhammed Ali’s Great Grandfather was from The Turnpike

Muhammad Ali Plaza, anybody?

T

HE well-trodden old main road between Clarecastle and Newmarket on Fergus will effectively cease to exist for the next six months.

The road was once the main bloodline for many people in County Clare, and its passers-by, all of whom would have to have used the three-span Latoon Bridge which was designed in 1966. Of course things changed in 2007, when the M18 was opened (more about that later).

As a youngster, it was amongst my most-travelled roads. Every weekend my brother and I would hop into our mother’s hatchback Ford Fiesta and make the short and noisy journey, although it seemed longer then, from Ennis to Newmarket where my grandmother and many of our cousins lived. Some days we would stop short of Newmarket to use the leisure facilities (and the vending machine for a can of coke) at The Clare Inn as it was known then, which is just a stone’s throw from Latoon Bridge – the very structure which is about to put an end to vehicles using the road for the next half year.

One million euro is now being spent at Latoon Creek Bridge, as part of a Government allocation to Clare County Council. A weight restriction had recently been in force at the location due to ongoing concerns relating to its structure and the work is now due to begin on November 20. It is anticipated that works will take up to six months to complete, with a finish date of May 28 pencilled in.

Earlier this week an email arrived in my inbox, by way of CC, from a councillor suggesting that a high impact campaign be implemented by the Council to make the public aware of the development and this is only right considering that a considerable number of local people will be impacted by this. This includes people who have used the once bumper-

to-bumper road since the day the bridge was constructed 51 years ago and of course they are due the courtesy of full divulgence of information. Just because it’s not a ‘money-making’ project, the public should be remembered here.

The councillor also suggested that the business community in Clarecastle should be briefed on the development while some form of shuttle bus service could be provided for those in need of transport during the works.

On the other side of the coin, and just a few fields away but in what feels like a world far,far away, the development of the M18 has prompted the beginning of another project, but this time of the money-making variety.

After numerous halted applications for a motorway service, Supermac’s founder Pat McDonagh finally looks on the road to the development of a Barack Obama Plaza-style station just outside Ennis in the townland of Newmarket.

The Gort to Tuam motorway is open and with the Cork to Limerick Motorway finally receiving a green light for funding, Ennis is the perfect location for such a development on the Western Corridor, which will not only bring a 24-hour service station but also 100 jobs with it.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland met with landowners yesterday to discuss plans for the service station at the Inn At Dromoland and all going well, we will be cutting the ribbon on another big development in Clare within the next couple of years.

Naming of the service station in Moneygall after one of Ireland’s distant relatives in the form of the last US president was a masterstroke and a local figure-head could stand to gain great publicity by pushing for a similar proposal here. Muhammad Ali Plaza, anybody?

ROM about the time of the foundation of the state, technology in Ireland and its availability has seen an explosive advance. It’s hard then to think that areas of County Clare were not connected to the rural electrical scheme until as late as 1960.

That same year saw the formal establishment of Radio Telefís Éireann which then began regular TV broadcasting on December 31 1961. Fast forward to 1986 and Ireland would get its first mobile phone network with the foundation of Eircell as a subsidiary of Telecom Éireann.

Reflecting on this and comparing to modern Ireland, one might be forgiven for thinking that the Ireland at the time of the Rising and today could not only be 101 years apart such has been the advances we’ve seen. Politics have always tried to keep up to date with these technological leaps forward to try get their message out more than their opponents. Over the past few years, the advent of social media has seen another such “political arms race” develop as parties try to use the various platforms for canvassing the vote.

The most notable of these platforms has to be Facebook.

The global giant announced a further 800 jobs for Dublin this week and reports over two billion active monthly users.

It’s fair to say, the website has a great reach and is used widely by politicians, sports clubs, companies and community groups as an integral part of their communications strategy these days. Of the Clare TD’s, Timmy Dooley has the most ‘likes’ of all the facebook pages clocking up 6,882 at the time of writing. He’s followed by Pat Breen on 5,803, just ahead of his party colleague Joe Carey on 5,746. First time TD Michael Harty clocks in at 1,494.

They all regularly post photos and videos of the events they go to and contributions they make in the Dáil. All four are also quite interactive with those who post or comment on their page.

Twitter is the other major player in the social media game. Here Minister Pat Breen has the advantage with 5,381 followers, ahead of Joe Carey (4,438), Timmy Dooley (3,909) with Michael Harty (1,298) once more bringing up the rear. This is no doubt due to the fact that he’s only just in

TWEETER: Trump’s social media strategy was to cut through all the usual pillars of the political system the job compared to his seasoned constituency colleagues.

Again, they are all relatively active on this site. However, one tends to see a little more of each politician’s personality more on Twitter as they crack jokes, post pictures from sporting events they attend as well as the odd family snap.

By contract, the Facebook profiles seem to stick rigidly to business. Clare’s social media top dog remains Marty Morrissey, however, with over 72,000 followers on Twitter.

Aoibhín Garrihy leads in the Clare Echo standings with 9,640. We are still yet to see social media make an electoral impact here in Ireland though when compared to either the UK or US. In each of those countries, social media, especially Twitter, was measuredly influential in deciding the outcome of their recent elections.

In the UK, Labour tapped into a disaffected youth vote very well with its social media strategy. An Ipsos poll in the UK found that 71 per cent of Britons thought social media gave them a direct voice in political affairs and a third of young people admitted that social media would have a heavy hand in deciding their vote. That’s why the Tories spent £1.2 million for online adverts. However, paid for ads don’t cut the mustard as effectively as public sentiment as expressed in memes (pictures containing humorous text for sharing online). On that score Labour battered the Tories and at a fraction of the cost and public sentiment swung behind Corbyn’s party to produce a hung parliament no one predicted at the outset.

In the US, President Trump’s simplified message put out over social media hit a chord with a lot of middle America that felt left behind by an elite political system.

They’re not wrong in feeling cut off, as national US politics is very much a scene for the ultra-rich. They are the only ones that can afford the huge cost of running for the House,

Senate or the White House.

Trump’s social media strategy was to cut through all the usual pillars of the political system and address the voters directly, without the fact checking of media or usual rules of engagement. In doing so, his opponents for the Republican nomination then Hillary Clinton’s team did not know how to respond. The political social media game is a new one and the rules are only developing. That said, I can’t envisage a Trump type character rising to power here based on Twitter posts.

No, the Irish voter is still, at times, a parochial one. We like to meet and shake hands with the person looking for our trust with public office.

We want to stare them in the eye and see if they themselves truly believe the line they’re delivering. That level of trust cannot be ascertained by social media posts. Radio interviews are still the staple of mass media we trust as, in the least, the candidate is being put under pressure by an interviewer or the other candidates. We can hear how they react under pressure as opposed to the stage managed social media posts.

Aodh Quinlivan of the UCC Department of Government pointed out in his book “All politics is local: A guide to local elections in Ireland.”, if social media was the be all and end all of the future of political campaigning, we wouldn’t see lampposts adorned with smiling faces with “Vote 1” scrawled across them in the run up to polling day. The reason for this, as Quinlivan notes, is that they still work better than Facebook and Twitter combined.

The classic means of canvassing are still the most effective and the parties know it. Social media is merely a tool to begin a conversation in Irish politics. You end the conversation on the hustings. Don’t expect your doorbell to stop ringing during elections any time soon.

24 COMMUNITY

Community ENNIS VARIETY CHARITY CONCERT A Musical Night for Bumbleance and Diabetes Ireland will take place on Saturday 18th November at 8pm at Hotel Woodstock, Ennis.

Former Bunratty Castle Entertainers are joining forces for a variety charity concert in aid of the Clare branch of Diabetes Ireland and BUMBLEance at the Hotel Woodstock, Ennis on Saturday November 18.

Performers include: El Divas, Maretta O’Hehir, Quin n Tonic, Forever Young Singers, Scoil Rinnce Staic, Burren Trio, Emer O’ Flaherty, Sinead Toomey, Valerie Ryder-O’Hanlon, Andrea Sheahan, Edel Heaney. The concert will be produced and compered

by Noel Murphy, with piano accompaniment by Michael Hennessy.

“It was reasonably easy because of great support from the positivity of the performers. Most of the performers are professional and are giving their services free and all proceeds will be divided equally between the two charities,” said organiser Aidan White.

This event is organised by Aidan White, who lives in Shannon and has been a member of the Clare Diabetes Support group since he was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. He worked for 42 years in the hotel and catering business in many different hotels, including 17 years in Bunratty and Knappogue Castles.

BUMBLEance is a children’s ambulance service that delivers sick children between home and the national treatment centres, hospice and respite centres nationwide. Tickets available from: - ​Aidan White 086 319 7235.

TOASTMASTERS PUB QUIZ Grove Restaurant in Roslevan Shopping Centre Friday, 17th November from 9pm. €5 per person or €20 for a table of 4 or fewer. Details from 087 2556816.

Everyone warmly invited by

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

Ennis Toastmasters: just come along.

CHRISTMAS DONATIONS Make some room for Christmas and help those in need. St. Vincent de Paul is looking for good quality clothing donations for our shop on Parnell Street in Ennis.

THE HOLY WELLS OF CLARE ‘The Holy Wells of Clare’ – a talk by Michael Houlihan. This talk gives a brief history of sacred springs, an overview of Clare well types, a discussion on the protocol and customs at wells and a review of holy wells in the Ennis area.

Lecture takes place on Tuesday 14th November in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, at 8pm. Lectures are free to members, €5 for non-members. New members are always welcome.

Hope you can join us.

Enquiries to fogorman51@ gmail.com Tel 087 2262259 NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE SERVICES Services to remember all Clare fallen in major wars takes place at two events this coming November.

On Saturday 11th November at 11am a service of remembrance and wreath laying will be held at the Clare County WW1 Memorial which is adjacent to Glor, at Friars Walk Ennis.

On Tuesday 14th November at 8pm in the Cathedral, Ennis, an ecumenical church service of remembrance will take place. It is one of the few ecumenical services held in the county and well worth attending Peace Park Committee IRISH LANGUAGE Ennis Irish language group Caint agus Comhrá which facilitates informal conversation in the language can now be found at three cafes in the town every weekend. On Fridays they meet in Peckish, Saturdays in Bia agus Caife, and on Mondays in Zest, all at 11AM. These meet-ups provide a great opportunity for people to get together and practice their Irish in a relaxed and social atmosphere, to meet other Irish speakers, and strike up new friendships. Speakers

l ORGANISER: Aidan White has organised a charity event taking place at Hotel Woodstock on November 18

at all levels of knowledge of the language regardless of age, nationality etc. will find a welcome. Information from: caintaguscomhra@eircom.net INIS ARTISTS Inis Artists present new collection at Clare Museum The 15 members of the Clare-based arts group, Inis Artists will present a new collection of work at Clare Museum during November.

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

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

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

COPD AWARENESS DAY COPD Awareness Day on Thursday November 18 To coincide with World COPD Day, Clare COPD Support Group will be hosting an Awareness Day on Thursday November 16th in Cois na hAbhna, Gort Rd, Ennis from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This is a great opportunity for members of the public to avail of: FREE SPIROMETRY TESTING SMOKING CESSATION ADVICE HEALTH AND NUTRITION ADVICE There will be lots of stands and information on the day. Raffle on the day for numerous spot prizes. Carmel Mcinerney, Respiratory Nurse, will be in attendance as will other health professionals.

Clare COPD Support Group members will be in attendance to provide information and assistance

WEST/NORTH CLARE HORTICULTURE PROJECT The lovely people of the Loop Head peninsula have come together to create a horticulture project, designed to bring people closer this winter.

Loophead Peninsula Horticulture and Gardening Project hope to purchase a geodesic dome (polytunnel) to enable horticultural and gardening activities to take place in the West Clare community.

They also hope to run gardening and horticulture classes, operating as an inter-community project for the benefit of the whole peninsula.

Mary Fennell said that the group operates on an entirely voluntary basis and works in collaboration with communities across Loophead Peninsula.

“This is an exciting project that is intended to benefit other voluntary groups such as the Tidy Towns and local development groups,” she

added.

The group are hosting a table quiz on Friday, November 10 in Foley’s Bar, Cross at 9pm, as well as a car boot sale and raffle on Sunday, November 12 in St. Mary’s Hall, Carrigaholt in order to raise funds.

The car boot sale/craft and bake sale runs from 11am to 4pm and costs €10 per table.

Contact Marcella on 0861951863 or 065-9058901 to book a slot.

“We are looking forward to what is sure to be a busy weekend” Mary said.

SHOEBOX APPEAL The Christmas Shoebox Appeal: Download a leaflet at www.teamhope.ie. Leave your filled shoebox at the Olde Creamery Cooraclare Rd.—final date is Nov 10.

Tel; Deirdre 087 9011683 OLDER PEOPLE PROJECT West Clare FRC Older People Project have organised a day trip to Tralee for Friday 24th November. Cost is €20 per person. For more info call West Clare Family Resource Centre, Kilrush 065 9052173

COMMUNITY 25

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Community

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l MEMORIAL: Members of the Peace Park Committee at the new Clare County WW1 Memorial which is adjacent to glór, where on Saturday November 11

at 11am a service of remembrance and wreath laying will be held

POKER CLASSIC Poker Classic in aid of Doonbeg St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Tubridy’s Bar Doonbeg, Friday November 10 at 9.30pm. Prize money €1,500 Pro Rata. Tickets €30.

DONAL LUNNY AND MICK HANLEY It was inevitable that two stalwarts of the Irish music scene, whose careers have intertwined many times over the last 45 years would sooner or later emerge in the guise of a musical duo.

The combination of songwriter Mick Hanly and multi-instrumentalist and composer Donal Lunny is a marriage made in musical heaven.

Both have honed their musical skills to perfection and play with a freshness and enthusiasm that belies their years on the road.

In the 70’s Lunny produced Hanly’s two folk albums, the much loved Kiss In The Morning Early and As I Went Over Blackwater for Mulligan Records. After his departure from the ground breaking Planxty, he went on to found and fronting the hugely influential Bothy Band. After some years on the Continent with Andy Irvine, Hanly decided to go it alone and explore a more contemporary song writing style. However, their paths crossed again when Hanly took over from Christy Moore as vocalist in Moving Hearts. After 14 months with the band he quit to concentrate on song writing. Hanly clocked a huge success in the US with ‘Past The Point Of Rescue’. Recorded by Hal Ketchum….. it picked up a 3rd BMI award in 2002 for 2 Million plays on American radio. His songs were also recorded by the likes of Dolores Keane, Mary Black, Ronnie Drew, Delbert McClinton, Donal Lunny and Mick Hanly will perform on Sunday 12th November in Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee.

Concert starts at 8pm, tickets €20.

Bookings O65 9060769 or online at www.culturlannsweeney.ie.

Pictured is the Ennis COPD Support Group ahead of COPD Awareness Day on Thursday November 18

EAST/SOUTHEAST CLARE SCARIFF HISTORICAL LECTURE Dr. David Fleming of the University of Limerick’s, History Department will give a talk on Sexuality in Eighteenth Century Ireland entitled ‘Matchmaking, abductions, patterns, wake games and Merriman: A

Hidden Ireland Revealed’ on Monday 13th November at 7.30pm. This is a free event, all welcome.

TULLA CAMOGIE AGM Tulla camogie club will hold its AGM this Saturday, November 11th at 6.30 pm in Cnoc na Gaoithe. All

members and parents welcome.

OGONNELLOE TABLE QUIZ Table Quiz in aid of Hall Renovation: will be held in Ogonnelloe Parish hall on Sunday, November 12th at 2.30pm. Cost will be €10 per person. Your support for this worthy cause would be greatly appreciated.

26 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

BUSINESS CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE CAPTION: This is a caption.

l

TEA-RRIFIC: Pictured at the Clare Local Enterprise Office IBYE Bootcamp at The Templegate Hotel Ennis on Saturday morning were L-R Sarah Traynor, Bells

Clare LEO bootcamp and All, Timmy Crowe, Gofyt.ie, Trish Lenihan, Duck Cake and Lime and Laura Jane Alice, Breakthrough Dance Company. Pic Arthur Ellis

WORKING TOGETHER: L-R Rowan Stainsby, Shipshape Properties Killaloe, Margaret O’Connor and Linda Earlie, Senior Enterprise Development Officer Clare Local Enterprise Office Pic Arthur Ellis

ON THE SAME PAGE: L-R Oonagh Minogue,Classes4kids.ie, Louise Egan, iSpy Clothing and Linda Earlie, Clare Local Enterprise Office Pic Arthur Ellis

BUSINESS 27

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Clare milliner shines bright at Jakarta Fashion week STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

AWARD-WINNING Clare milliner Margaret O’Connor has just returned from Jakarta Fashion week where she teamed up with international artists.

The Boston, Tubber native has recently established a shop on Summerhill in Ennis having spent a number of years working with high-profile designers and clients in London.

Her creations have attracted the attention and been worn by a broad range of celebrities, ranging from Lady Gaga to Finbar Furey.

Margaret’s collection range from the eclectic haute couture to commercial pieces through to event/occasion wear. Speaking about her recent trip, which was funded by the British Fashion Council, Margaret told The Clare Echo“We traveled 7,506 miles to be apart of the Id Arts Festival and Jakarta Fashion Week.

“The British council gave us the opportunity to work with some talented and local creatives and actresses andmodels from Jakarta.

“On the first day we arrived, we teamed up with the creative company called Visionare. We collaborated with them to make a fashion film and we are very excited to see the final result.”

While her work is filled with the landscape of her hometown of Boston, Tubber in North Clare, O’Connor interprets Irish tradition and historicism through her

FASHION WEEK: North Clare milliner Margaret O’Connor travelled to Jakarta for the festival own personal awakening.

Margaret is also the recent Winner of the Global Original Design Fashion Award at Guangzhou International

Fashion Week 2017 and has been nominated for Image Magazine Ireland Awards’ Irish Milliner of the Year twice. Margaret was trained by some

of the leading lights of the millinery industry such as Philip Tracey, Noel Stewart, Yvette Jelfs, Kristen Scott and Sarah Cant.

Conway to host dine in the dark night STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

TDs and Senators will enjoy dinner blindfolded this evening to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with sight loss.

Dine in the Dark is an initiative which has been promoted by the National Council for the Blind in Ireland (NCBI) and the Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) to increase awareness of the challenges faced on a daily basis by people who are blind and visually impaired.

This evening’s dinner is being hosted

by Clare’s Senator Martin Conway, who is himself visually impaired.

The fully booked meal included Ministers, TDs and Senators from across all political parties and was the first time in the history of the Houses of the Oireachtas that such an event is held.

Senator Conway said: “The NCBI’s Dine in the Dark event is a fantastic initiative that challenges people to go outside their comfort zone and gives them an insight into what life is like with vision impairment.

“Last year the event was a great success for the NCBI and this year I wanted to bring it to Leinster House and challenge

my colleagues in the Dáil and Seanad Éireann to this immersive experience.

“Dine in Dark forces people to challenge their thinking around sight loss and those affected by it.

“As somebody who has vision impairment myself, this event highlights the issue with key people who are involved in policy and decision making and ensures that they have a better understanding about the everyday challenges that people affected by sight loss experience.

“Currently five people in Ireland go blind every week, four of which are preventable with early intervention which is why awareness, through initiatives like Dine in the Dark, is vitally important.”

VISUALLY IMPAIRED: Senator Conway

Have an empty seat that you need to fill?

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

Caroline Bourke MAKE-UP AND STYLE

28 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

INSIDER FASHION TIPS I SWEAR BY CLUTCH BAG

A BRIGHT coloured bag can really lift an all black outfit. There are loads of brilliant clutch bags, from plain black in luxury fabrics like satin and snakeskin-effect. Clutch bags look great with jeans, dresses, skirts etc.

What I like about clutch bags is they add glamour to an outfit more so wearing a handbag with your outfit. They are also a timeless piece that will never date, every girl should have a clutch in there wardrobe. Parfois, Penneys, River Island or Zara is one of my favourite places to pick up clutch bags.

OVERSIZED BAG

I think a giant bag can either look fantastic or a real show, depending how you wear it. If you are small framed, be careful that your bag doesn’t look as though it’s carrying you.

A big bag can look really fashiony when you use it as the only accessory to dress up a plain outfit.

River Island and Karen Millen do really nice ones.

A giant handbag does not suit every one, it depends if they like to keep with the fashion trends.

This bag will also look great for work.

HEELS

Black, beige and grey shoes go with any colour.

You can never go wrong with head to toe monochrome. To help you further how to wear colour shoes here is a simple guideline to have some fun with colour this winter. To start with gold shoes go best with black, red, emerald, blue, yellow and burgundy.

Green shoes go best with blue, neutrals, yellow, brown and black. Blue shoes go best with yellow, neutrals, brown, white and green.

Orange shoes go best with blue, white, earth tones, red and yellow. Purple shoes go best with neutrals, navy, pink and green. Red shoes go best with pink, orange, black, white, neutrals and navy blue. Silver shoes go best with white, red, purple, neutrals, indigo and black.

Yellow shoes go best with shades of blue, black, white and green.

FLATS

The great thing about flats is they’re comfortable.

The key I have discovered is pairing them with the right pieces.

Flat shoes can make you look shorter; it’s helpful to pair them with pieces that elongate your legs.

They can be worn with skinny jeans, slim trousers, straight crop jeans and a-line dresses and those that fall above the knee.

PUMPS

These slip on flats never date and they are great for pottering around in the day. Ballet flats look great with skinny jeans and three-quarter length trousers, white plain pumps and black ones go with most things.

Brighter colours or different finishes, like patent, metallic or fake snakeskin, can lift your outfit. Watch out when wearing skirts and dresses, though: Ballet flats with these can make everyone but the very long-legged look a little dumpy.

BOLD NECKLACES

Bold, natural-looking necklaces made of coloured stones and wood can look great with a plain dress like this one in the picture.

They can be a real statement.

I would advise if you are wearing bold necklaces, go for smaller earrings. Sticking to one shade of metal- either silver or gold- looks slicker than wearing a mix of two. Flat chests are a wonderful board on which to rest a huge show-stopping piece.

PEARLS

Pearls will never date and always add glamour to a simple outfit.

It’s jewellery that looks like it’s been passed down from generations.

It’s important you keep your watch delicate if you are wearing pearls.

Big boobs will suit the pearls, as it’s a delicate piece.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Blush Pearl Earrings from Parfois, Petite Ville Shopper, also from Parfois, Beige Snake Print Tassel Chain Tote from River Island, Grey Floral Embroidered Stitch Chain River Island tote bag, Zara Collar-style Necklace, Gold Tone Chunky Snake Chain Choker and the Parfois Donna Florencia Tote.

l POP OF COLOUR: A bright coloured shoe can make an outfit

COLUMNISTS 29

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Jess & Ciara

l ACHIEVEABLE: Create goals that you can achieve and reward yourself when you do

FIT TIPS

W

small. Create goals that you can achieve and reward yourself when you do. Talk to a Personal Trainer or a fitness instructor at your local gym on how best to get your exercise routine out of the woods and back onto the track.

Every day, people come up with excuses as to why they won’t exercise, but one of the most common is that many people are intimidated or afraid of going to the gym. If this is you, you’re not alone! Everybody has been in the same position.

Regular gym goers had to start somewhere too, just like you.

Walking into a gym for the first time can often be a nerve wrecking experience.

You might be self-conscious that you're too out of shape while everyone else seems fit, or that you're wearing the wrong clothes, or you might simply feel out of place. But it's important to remember why you are there and the positive effect it will have on your health, your confidence, your mental health and of course, your appearance.

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

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

l

Chose a gym that is right for you – shop around and see what fits best. Personal Trainer?

Fitness Classes? Personalised Programme?

Ask for help – even the guys standing in the corner flexing their muscles in their tank tops had to be shown how to do exercises in the beginning. Your safety is vital when exercising and doing weights, so instructors are more than happy to assist.

Avoid going to gym during peak hours – instead of avoiding it completely, take your time and get comfortable in your surroundings when it’s nice and quiet.

Don’t compare yourself to others – everyone else in there is there for a reason, just like you.

Bring your own music – gym music isn’t to everyone’s taste. If your own music relaxes you then plug in and off you go.

Dress comfortably – despite what people think, it’s not a fashion parade.

Buddy up – try starting off with a friend.

Remember, starting is the hardest part and once you have started – you’re already winning.

l

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BALANCE

ORKING full time and studying part time can seem like a lot to get through in a week. Add in teaching Fitness Classes and maintaining my own personal fitness regime, it seems like a lot, doesn’t it?

Thankfully, making time for exercise and fitness creates a healthy and manageable balance each week. So whether you work days, nights, split shifts or part time - your mind is focused on tasks and responsibilities that more often than not have been mapped out for you.

Making the decision to take the time to look after yourself and your health is your responsibility, and something you need to work on for yourself. As Jess mentioned last week, we are coming into the season of work parties, festive events and social gatherings. It comes around so fast each year and each year it brings the formidable panic about “what to wear”. Don’t lie…..we all have that moment! Be competitive and be one step ahead of yourself this year.

Nobody is asking you to stand next to Usain Bolt or get in the ring with Katie Taylor – start

Top tips

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

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

Send them into fitness@clareecho.ie

l l

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

A delightful drive ROAD TEST: NISSAN QASHQAI 1.2 PETROL 2WD SVE

A

NYONE who came of age in the 1990s will remember the t-shirt. White writing on a dirty green background, and worn by someone who had clearly been hitting the pies at little too firmly, it bore the legend ‘I’m No.1 So Why Try Harder?’.

Millions, billions perhaps, will have seen it adorning the cover of Fatboy Slim’s Right Here, Right Now CD, and in the accompanying music video (remember those?).

Why try harder when you’re already No.1? Well, simply put because others will always try and catch up. So it is for the Nissan Qashqai, which has been one of the best-selling cars across Europe and the rest of the world ever since it was launched in 2007. The second-gen model, released in 2014, upped the ante in terms of styling and sophistication, but with an ever-increasing number of hugely talented rivals (Seat Ateca, VW T-Roc, Toyota C-HR amongst many others), and with the Hyundai Tucson ahead of the Qashqai (and everyone else) at the top of the Irish sales charts, it was time for this No.1 to, well, you know...

So, Nissan has given the Qashqai a thor-

Qashqai is No.1 for a reason ough go-over, but you may find it slightly hard to tell, from some angles. The nose is obviously different — the 2014-model’s inset grille and simple lights replaced by something a little more complex, with metallic-look fangs that are an obvious lift from the new Micra. Does it still look good?

Yes, I think so, but equally it does look a little less cleanly handsome than the previous version.

Inside, the visual changes are barely-there. There have been some small tweaks to the lay-out of the sat-nav and touchscreen, and there’s a new flat-bottom, D-shaped steering wheel (also pinched, successfully too, from the Micra). There’s something else though, and it’s not obvious at first, but it’s definitely there. A sense of higher quality. Nissan has gone through the cabin and, while not changing much visually, has definitely bumped up the fit, finish, and feel of the Qashqai’s interior. Plastics feel less plastic-y, leather looks more lustrous, and the whole thing seems better bolted together. It’s a very pleasant interior.

Made more pleasant still by those seats.

When this generation of Qashqai was originally launched, Nissan made much fuss about it having consulted with NASA on the design of the sears, and darned

comfy they were too. Well, on our top-spec SVE test car, Nissan has obviously been consulting with Rolex too, as the quilted leather chairs have been styled to look like expensive watch straps. Once again they are exceptionally comfortable, and supportive.

In fact, I think you’d really have to trade up to Lexus or Mercedes to do much better in terms of seat comfort.

There is a slight lack of space in the back, though. It’s long been a Qashqai issue, but while the rear seats are fine for kids, for adults and taller teenagers, there will be a dearth of leg-room, and the boot, at 430-litres, is also a little on the small side compared to what’s on offer in the likes of the Seat Ateca and the new Skoda Karoq.

Still, the Qashqai is very, very good to drive. Our test car was using the 1.2-litre TCe turbo petrol engine, which develops 115hp and 190Nm of torque. Those are reasonably healthy figures, but you will notice that there isn’t the meaty mid-range shove that you get in the 1.5 dCi diesel.

The upside is an engine that is much, much more refined than the diesel, and which you can drive around town without a guilty conscience over those nasty diesel exhaust emissions. It returned decent economy too, usually hovering at around the 40-45mpg

lSHARP: Nissan has taken what’s basically a practical, workaday family car and given it chassis re-sponses far sharper than it has any right to, and for that it is to be applauded.

FACTS & FIGURES: Nissan Qashqai 1.2 SVE 2WD Pricing: as tested €34,320; Qashqai range starts at €26,070 Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive Body style: Crossover CO2 emissions: 129g/km (Band B1, €270 per annum) Combined economy: 48.7mpg (5.8 litres/100km) Top speed: 185km/h 0-100km/h: 10.6 seconds Power: 115hp at 4,500rpm Torque: 190Nm at 2,000rpm Boot space: 430-litres (seats up), 860-litres (seats folded) Euro NCAP rating: five-star; 88% adult, 83% child, 69% pedestrian, 79% safety assist mark in our hands, and while we’d expect better from the diesel, we wouldn’t expect that much better.

While the steering is a bit too light at times (and lighter than it would be with the heavier diesel engine slung out over the front wheels) the Qashqai really is quite delightful to drive. Nissan has taken what’s basically a practical, workaday family car and given it chassis responses far sharper than it has any right to, and for that it is to be applauded.

It’s a little pricey, at the €34,320 asked for our SVE, but might just be worth it for those wonderful seats. As for trying harder to be No.1? Well, Nissan has certainly put in the effort. The final number will be down to next year’s sales…

ADVERTISEMENT 31

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

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32 MOTORING

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Motoring News

Mazda launches 181 offers 0 per cent APR on offer on new Mazdas for January

F

OLLOWING a positive year of sales and the launch of two new models, all-new Mazda CX-5 and all-new Mazda MX-5 RF, Mazda Ireland will officially launch its 181 retail campaign during their Drive Together sales event from November 2 to 12.

In advance of 181, Mazda have announced a range of flexible offers all designed with the customer in mind. Customers can avail of either low rate finance from zero per cent APR, upgrades up to the value of €2000 or three years free servicing on any new 181 Mazda ordered before the end of January 2018.

Zero per cent APR is available on Mazda2 (SE and Executive) and Mazda CX-3 petrol models with the option of spec upgrades up to €750 on all specs. Mazda3 and Mazda6 models have upgrades up to €2000 or an APR of 3.9 per cent while the Mazda MX-5 has an upgrade option worth €750 or 5.9 per cent APR. Each of these offers also comes with the option of three years free servicing.

In addition to the 181 offers, Mazda are also giving one year’s free road tax to anyone who

orders at the Mazda Drive Together event from November 2nd to 12th. This will be taking place at all official Mazda retailers and will be further supported by participating retailers.

Drive Together is the current Mazda marketing campaign which derives from Jinbai Ittai; a Japanese phrase that translates to Horse and Rider as one. This is one philosophy that Mazda abide by when designing and constructing their vehicles.

The connection between car and driver (or horse and rider) is something that is often overlooked as an essential characteristic to create enjoyment while driving.

Mazda recognises a car as more than just a mode of transport, but as an extension of the human body and mind.

With revolutionary SkyActiv technologies, Mazda customers have experienced outstanding fuel consumption, low CO2 emissions and most importantly the joy of Jinba Ittai driving.

To encourange more people to experience SkyActiv technology, Mazda have also introduced an ECO Upgrade offer for drivers with high C02 emitting cars.

POSITIVE YEAR OF SALES: Mazda Ireland will officially launch its 181 retail campaign during their Drive Together sales event from November 2nd to 12th

Should you own a car that is more than 130g/km of CO2 emissions, Mazda will contribute up to €3500 towards a new Mazda with less than 130g/km CO2 emissions as part of the exclusive Mazda Eco-Upgrade offer (available on Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda6).

Managing Director John Perry commented:

“Our 181 offers are tailored with the customer in mind offering our strongest campaign to date.

Just as there is a Mazda model to suit everyone there is now an offer to suit everyone depending on what is important to them.

“With many offers available to new car buyers this time of

year we are glad to be able to offer such a variety. Low finance rates, upgrades, servicing and eco upgrades will be offered until the end of January but we will also cover road tax for anyone who orders during the Drive To-gether event which commences on November 2.”

SEAT GEARS UP FOR ARONA ARRIVAL THE all-new Seat Arona is the brand’s third new model release in 2017, after the upgraded Leon and the all-new Ibiza. This is yet another addition to the Seat range in its biggest product offensive ever, which also includes the Ateca SUV and the upcoming large 7 seater size SUV that will be released in late 2018.

The all-new Seat Arona sits neatly within the SUV range as the younger brother to the Ateca in the Seat family yet has all of the driving assistance and infotainment systems you would expect, such as Front Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Hold control, Fatigue Detection, Rain and Headlight Sensors and Multi-Collision Brake.

Keyless Entry and Start System, precise and high-quality rear camera, premium 8” black panel touchscreen, wireless charger with GSM signal amplifier are also available as part of Seat’s commitment to delivering the very best technology.

Rear Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection and Park Assistance System, which works for both parallel and angle parking, are all

included in the impressive offering. In terms of connectivity, Arona features Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Mirror Link. In the sound department, the all-new Seat Arona features optional BeatsAudio with six premium speakers, a 300W 8-channel amplifier and a subwoofer in the boot.

Like the Leon, Ateca and Ibiza, the all-new Seat Arona offers S, SE, FR & XCELLENCE trims. The dual-coloured (red and white) ambient indoor LED light and dual-zone climate control with an aircare filter are also available on the all-new Arona, while at the front of the car, the triangular headlights with its attractive colour and excellent luminance make the Arona instantly recognisable.

The FR trim includes optional dual-mode suspension, and the Seat Drive Profile with four modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and Individual. To simplify the process of outfitting the new Seat Arona, the optional equipment is grouped into packages.

Strength nowadays lies in efficiency and reliability. All of the engines available in

the all-new Seat Arona range have direct injection, a Turbocharger, and feature an automatic stop & start system. There are three different petrol engines to choose from, all with an aluminium block. The first is the 3-cylinder, 95hp 1.0 TSI, which is linked to a five-speed manual gear-box.

Also available is this same engine but in a 115hp version, which comes with a sixspeed manual gearbox or the dual-clutch seven-speed DSG transmission. The third is the new four-cylinder, 150hp TSI with active cylinder disconnection technology, which is exclusive to the FR trim and is connected to a six-speed manual gearbox. As for diesel options, the efficient and reliable 1.6 TDI will be available with 95 and 115hp. The 95hp version can be paired with a five-speed manual transmission or the seven-speed DSG, and the 115hp with a six-speed gearbox.

As it enters the fastest growing segment in Ireland, prices for the entry level S model of the Arona crossover range start at just €17,995.

SUV RANGE: Seat Arona The international launch of the Seat Arona comes shortly after Seat Ireland revealed details of its phenomenal 181 offers which will be available across its 23-strong dealer network until November 20th.

To celebrate the launch of the all-new Arona, during Seat’s 181 campaign, PCP finance is available at only 2.9 per cent.

This attractive incentive also included a scrappage offer of €1,000 while a threeyear service plan is available for just €199.

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

ADVERTISEMENT 33

If you are reading this so are 35,000 other people Get your message out there with The Clare Echo To advertise with us contact sales@clareecho.ie or 065 671 9021

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

EXCLUSIVE WEST END LOCATION

6 KILKEE HOLIDAY HOMES, WEST END, KILKEE, CO CLARE, V15 PK37 €350,000

K

ILKEE Holiday Homes development enjoys one of the most exclusive West End location overlooking the beach and tennis courts and is within close proximity to the Pollock Holes & diving boards.

This deceivingly spacious property is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout.

Internally, accommodation is laid out over 3 floors and comprises a living room, kitchen and dining area, bathroom, shower room

l EXCEPTIONAL LOCATION: West End in Kilkee is beautiful

HAVEN OF TRANQUILITY 60 WOODHAVEN, KILRUSH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 YPF5 60 WOODHAVEN is a superb 4 bedroomed detached home situated in a quiet cul-de-sac development just off the Kilrush Road.

It is situated to the rear of the Woodhaven development and is within easy walking distance of Ennis Town Centre. There is quick access

Contact Danielle Kavanagh, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon.

065 686 7866

ATTRACTIVE AND SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME

€245,000

€275,000

BREAFFA WEST, LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO CLARE, V95 D7N3

onto the town’s western bypass from the Kilrush road interchange. This property would make a fine home or investment property.

Viewing is highly recommended.

Contact Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon.

065 686 7866

and 4 bedrooms (one of which is ensuite).

No expense was spared in the finish of this delightful home.

Externally there are two low maintenance, patio areas to the front and back of the property and dedicated, private parking to the rear of the property.

Each of the residents have use of the private tennis court and green areas to the front of the development. Due to the size and location of this property it would make an ideal family holiday home. GFCH. Total Area 135 sq.m. (1,452 sq.ft.). BER C3. BER Number 109286989. BER Code 210.33Kwh/m2/yr.

SET ON an attractive site this fine, spacious family home is situated 1km approx. from the village of Lissycasey.

Downstairs accommodation comprises an entrance hall, large living room with windows to the front and back, kitchen/ dining area, WC and a large

OPEN VIEWING: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH: 11.00AM TO 11.30AM

double bedroom. Upstairs accommodation comprises four large double bedrooms, a bathroom and a showerroom.

Contact Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon.

065 686 7866

Waterside living 32 WATERSIDE CAPPAHARD, ENNIS, CLARE V95 V6E4 €139,950

P

OSITIONED in an extended corner site, no. 32 Waterside would make an ideal family, 1st time buyer or investment property conveniently located in Cappahard, 1km from Ennis Town Centre and just 700m to Roslevan Shopping Centre

IDEALLY LOCATED

L

OCATED 1km from the village of Kildysart on the main Ennis Road situated on a 0.5 acre site, this 4 bedroom home has been recently upgraded with insulation.

Close to all local amenities and excellent Estuary views and Ennis only a 20

minute drive, Limerick 45 minutes’ drive and Galway 1 hour.

Viewing is highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents.

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

and boasting easy access to the M18 motorway linking Ennis, Shannon, Limerick and Galway. The property features bright and spacious accommodation with entrance hall, main reception, kitchen/dining, utility and WC at ground floor level and 4 bedrooms (1-en-suite) and main bathroom to the first floor. Viewing is by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents.

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

PROPERTY 35

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

ENNIS

60 WOODHAVEN, KILRUSH ROAD

ENNIS

€245,000 €XXXXXX

11 FOREST GLEN, TULLA ROAD

€XXXXXX €159,000

ENNIS

BALLYMAQUIGGAN, LARCHILL

€455,000 €XXXXXX

ENNIS

3 CLOUGHLEIGH ROAD

€XXXXXX €99,000

OPEN VIEWING: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH: 11.00AM TO 11.30AM A superb 4 bedroomed detached home situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in the Woodhaven development just off the Kilrush Road. 110 sqm/1,184 sqft No. 110291986

A bright and spacious 3 bedroom semi-detached home located in this popular cul de sac development within walking distance of Ennis Town Centre. 92sqm/990 sqft No. 105844088

A unique opportunity to purchase a new build own access contemporary turn key home in an excellent residential location on a 0.36 ha (0.89 acre) site.

279 sq m/3,000 sqft No. 109853390

A well-proportioned 3 bedroom mid-terraced town house situated just 2 minutes walk to Ennis town centre, ideal for either a first-time buyer or as an investment. 59.8 sqm/644 sqft No. 100794775

CALL: TIERNAN O’MALLEY 065 6867866

CALL: TIERNAN O’MALLEY 065 6867866

CALL: DIARMUID MCMAHON 065 6867866

CALL: TIERNAN O’MALLEY 065 6867866

WE’RE YOUR LOCALS IN CLARE SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON

O’CONNELL SQUARE HOUSE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

T: 065 686 7866

LAHINCH

“TUROE”, LISCANNOR ROAD

€950,000 €XXXXXX

MILTOWN MALBAY ENNIS ROAD

€XXXXXX €119,000

ENNIS

DRUMCLIFFE

€295,000 €XXXXXX

COROFIN

CAHERBULANE

€239,000 €XXXXXX

Magnificent 5 bed, prominently positioned residence comes to the market in immaculate condition.

Breath-taking and unobstructed views of golf courses.

330 sqm/3,552 sqft No. 103241626

Finished to a very high standard throughout, this deceivingly spacious 4 bed residence is ideally situated within walking distance of the town and all amenities.

121 sqm/1,302 sqft No. 108357336

Spacious, detached, dormer bungalow with a detached ‘granny flat’ and substantial workshop/store, obvious commercial potential. 180 sqm/1,938 sqft No. 109792796

Well proportioned 4 bed detached home, on 0.75 acre site approx., situated approximately 20 minutes from Ennis in a peaceful and tranquil setting.

197 sqm/2,120 sqft No. 109123760

CALL: DANIELLE KAVANAGH 065 6867866

CALL: DANIELLE KAVANAGH 065 6867866

CALL: TIERNAN O’MALLEY 065 6867866

CALL: TIERNAN O’MALLEY 065 6867866

KILKEE

KILKEE

DOONBEG

CRATLOE

€350,000 €XXXXXX

6 KILKEE HOLIDAY HOMES, WEST END

QUERRIN

€300,000 €XXXXXX

CAHERFEENICK

€260,000 €XXXXXX

“PEMBERLEY”, BALLYMORRIS

€470,000 €XXXXXX

Kilkee Holiday Home development enjoys one of the most exclusive West End locations overlooking the beach and tennis courts. 135 sqm/1,453 sqft No. 109286989

Fabulous 5 bed detached residence, situated on a one of a kind site, with magnificent, uninterrupted sea views, located approximately 2 miles from Querrin village.

283 sqm/3,046 sqft BER C2 No. 110227048

Beautifully presented 4 bed detached house located within 150 metres of the beach and with fabulous views over Doonbeg Links Golf Course.

260 sqm/2,799 sqft No. 106931645

A most impressive 4 bed detached family home, architecturally designed, situated in a small private enclave of gated family homes.

355 sqm/3,821 sq ft. No. 110019015

CALL: DANIELLE KAVANAGH 065 6867866

CALL: DANIELLE KAVANAGH 065 6867866

CALL: DANIELLE KAVANAGH 065 6867866

CALL: BRENDA MULCAHY 061 418000

SHERRYFITZ.IE

/SHERRYFITZGERALDGROUP @SHERRY_FITZ

Email: ennis@sherryfitzmcmahon.ie

PSRA No. 0O1212

36 PROPERTY

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

DNG O’Sullivan Hurley 74 O Connell Street, Ennis, Co Clare 065 684 0200 info@dngosullivanhurley.com Tonlegee Lissycasey Co. Clare V95 V9YK PRICE: €249,000 PSL No. 002295 BER No. 102571882 B2

6 Ard Aoibhinn Limerick Road Ennis Co. Clare V95 W2Y7 PRICE: €339,000 PSL No. 002295 BER No. 110337045 C1

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

Not often does a home come to the market in this exclusive town centre development of stunning detached homes, presented for sale in impeccable condition throughout.

From entering the stone arched entrance, each home in Ard Aoibhinn fronts onto the vast landscaped green with number 6 being one of the best placed homes within the development. On approaching the property, the brick front boundary wall and brick paved drive set the standards for what is featured throughout this home.

To the rear, which can be accessed by the gated side entrance.

15 Fioruisce Gort Road Ennis, Co. Clare V95 XPX3 PRICE: €154,950 PSL No. 002295 BER C2

59 Brookville Ennis, Co. Clare V95 YFD8 PRICE: €219,000 PSL No. 002295 BER No. 110305885 BER C2

Located just off the Gort Road, 300m from the Ennis Business Park and just 900m to Ennis Town, no. 15 Fiorusice is an immaculate 3-bedroom terraced home (with rear access) in the much sought after and ideally situated Fioruisce cul de sac development.

Inside, the property features an extended porch hallway, spacious reception, open plan kitchen/dining, all very tastefully finished with quality fitted kitchen, tiling, timber flooring and wood surround feature fireplace. Upstairs, 3 double bedrooms (master en-suite) and main bathroom complete the living accommodation. Outside, to the front is ample tarmacadam drive and to the rear is patio and lawned area. Viewing is highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents.

59 Brookville is a home that must be viewed to truly appreciate the outstanding finishes, living accommodation and extended family room, not to mention the private landscaped gardens with raised decking, water features, patios and much more. The current owners deserve full credit for the tasteful and neutral décor that features. The natural stone flooring and fireplace, open plan kitchen/dining which features ivory style units and integrated appliances, 4 double bedrooms and the amazing family room to the rear are all worth mentioning. Other features include raised beds, garden and deck integrated lighting, fully walled site, the list goes on. Viewing is a must and strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents.

Bealnalicka Ruan, Co. Clare V95E6C7 PRICE: €249,000 PSL No. 002295 BER No. 107440737 C2

3 Knocknamana Heights Clarecastle Co. Clare V95 EHP8 PRICE: €279,000 PSL No. 002295 BER No. 110016318 D2

This stunning farm house is set on a 1.7 acre site and has been totally extended, renovated and modernized throughout. The property has its own well with new pump, new bio-cyle treatment plant (sewage system), built 2009.

Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents.

Positioned on a wonderful circa 0.8 acre site in an exclusive and known to few cul de sac, Knocknamana Heights. Just six outstanding private residences enjoy this cul de sac, each boasting mature tree-lined sites and all have extended and refurbished over the years, no. 3 is on par with the rest, with current owners tastefully modernizing the house, extending to the rear with a south facing conservatory. All accommodation is at ground floor level which boasts 2 receptions, kitchen/dining, 4 double bedrooms, bathroom, utility and conservatory. This hidden gem is a must view and is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents.

39 Cahercalla Heights Ennis, Co. Clare V95 P8PK PRICE: €159,950 PSL No. 002295 BER No. 110303856 E1

Presented for sale in excellent condition and located in the much sought after and mature Cahercalla Heights development, No. 39 is an exceptionally bright and spacious 3 bedroom one with adjoining garage just a short stroll to Ennis Town Centre.

Inside, the ground floor is laid out with entrance hall, main reception with double door to formal dining, kitchen, utility and access to garage. To the first floor are 3 bedrooms and main bathroom. To the outside, the property features off-street parking, front and rear lands (not overlooked to the rear), rear access, adjoining garage, block built shed to rear.

Thinking of selling in 2018?

Call DNG O’Sullivan Hurley on 065-6840200 for a FREE valuation

CLASSIFIEDS 37

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Classifieds

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

YOGA

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38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

Your Horoscopes November 9 Aries

Taurus

Cancer

Leo

YOU need to stick to the schedule for now, rather than turning your life upside-down on a whim. Today’s energy favors routine, regularity and consistency above all else. Even if you find yourself wistfully glancing at travel brochures, remember that virtue really is its own reward. You’ve got plenty of time for thrills -- on your terms, that is -- once you make sure to take care of everything on your to-do list.

Gemini CAREER issues might be moving too slowly for you right now. Your mental energy is trying to tell you that there’s some heavy emotional mud to slog through relating to work and success. Now is certainly the time to address those old feelings before making any sudden moves. When you do make your move, you want to follow it through all the way to the end, so don’t put any pressure on yourself.

YOU’RE feeling inspired and ready to change your life -- and maybe the rest of the world, while you’re at it! Rather than worrying about bring it all together right away, make sure you take some time to mull it over. Let your mind roam free and explore all the possibilities, rather than trying to set boundaries and solidify plans right now. Try to write it all down as soon as possible!

Virgo

IF YOU can just tap into your incredible energy right now, you can move mountains (if that’s what you really want, anyway -- moving your desk may be more practical). Direct your focus and willpower toward a project you’ve been dying to initiate, or maybe some other area of your life you’ve been wanting to change.

Anything can happen when you’ve got that special spark, you’re lighting up the room right now.

SOMEONE new looks just right, says all the right things, and sparks something that feels like a real connection -- but you need to look before you leap, especially if you want to dive into some deep emotional waters. If you’re not careful, you could seriously hurt yourself, especially if this person turns out to be a bit shallower than you had thought. Reserve judgment and action until you know them better.

ARE you feeling a little disconnected or maybe even somewhat distant from loved ones?

If you want to remedy that, take some time dedicated to social business so you can call those friends and family members who you’ve been promising to get to eventually. If you follow through with your all that, your social life should receive just the shot in the arm that it needs.

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

1/1

E F

R

14

A A

N

15

C

S

M

N

E

R 9

T

E

E

O 7

D

O

C

C

S

E

2

S O

L

3

E

P

13

R A

G

17

E

R E

T

H

L 4

H

A

G 8

A D

R

A

L

E N

A

W

T O

T

D W E

B

I S

N

A

E

16

10

F

H

S

E

M

T 18

11

C

O W N 1

I T

I

T

M

E 12

ult - just n ideal

A

I

5

N

F

W R

E A

L O 6

D

B

N

21

20

20

O

19

S

18

17

L

16

A

15

19

14

N

13

D

12

E

11

t - just deal

T

10

N

9

CROSSWORD ANSWERS A

8

U

7

N

6

1 Small bird has to dash (5) 2 Worry about sailors recruiting in times past (7) 3 Cattle without water (4) 4 Hospital permitted to be consecrated (8) 5 Beastly noise made by broken hinge (5) 6 A hat for the cricketer (6) 11 Set a time apart for judge (8) 12 Just me to depend on? (6) 13 What you must be if you

R

5

E

4

(5) 17 Fine - a thousand pounds (5) 18 Crazy about shock (4)

T

3

DOWN

want to see a busy doctor (7) 15 The name of a woman I complain about

B

2

1 Used on watch?

(6,4) 7 Rain in ruin? (8) 8 Press for a golf club (4) 9 In Crete emeralds abound (4) 10 Emphatically less than 0.5?

(3,4) 12 Collier’s broom found in warship? (11) 14 French currency is for animalloving saint (7) 16 A speculator, by the way, gets silver (4) 19 One orchestra, too (4) 20 Where lawyers drink? (2,3,3) 21 Formed bed in earth and

wintered there?

(10)

I

1

ACROSS

M

The Clare Echo Crossword

YOU need to seriously pay attention to yourself. In fact, if necessary, you should turn off all communication devices and let your loved ones know that this day is all about solitude. That may just mean watching three of your favorite comedies in a row or spending the day with a good book in a coffee shop.

You may even feel the need to get on a roller coaster and howl during the big drops.

H

TYING up loose ends comes naturally to you, especially when it comes to financial and personal matters. Right now, you might have important issues popping up in both areas that need to be addressed.

Is there a debt hanging over your head? If you can’t pay it off right away, now is the time to figure out how to deal with it. If a relationship needs some attention, too, you’ve got the mojo for that.

21

YOUR creative energy is all fired up and ready to go -- so make something awesome happen!

It’s time to bust out your artistic toolkit -- whatever it is that lets you noodle around and explore all kinds of ideas. You’re sure to feel inspired -- in fact, you may have so much fun playing around that you look for ways to incorporate play into your regular, everyday life.

LISTEN to someone close as they ruminate on their personal life -- it’s shockingly far from boring!

Furthermore, it can give you a lot of unexpected (but welcome) insight into your own life. You may also get motivated to make some changes for the better.

Before you figure out how to put these new ideas into action, make sure you really heard and absorbed the wisdom at the heart of the lesson.

Y

IF YOU want to achieve it, first you have to dream it. Let your imagination have free rein for the time being before you really get to work. Keep a dream journal, see an unusual art exhibit or take a long walk somewhere you’ve never been before. In essence, you need to try things that are beyond your usual scope of experience so you can stimulate your creativity.

A BLOSSOMING of goodwill may be (temporarily) turning everything in sight rainbow-colored, so be wary of making any important long-term decisions that could seriously impact your future. If someone is pressing you, just tell them that you need to wait until you’re ready and that it might be a while. Wait until this influence passes, and then you should be able to view it all with a more detached perspective.

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, NOV 9 2017

The Clare Echo Quiz

1Where in Clare?

4 Where in Clare?

7 Where in Clare?

9 Where in Clare?

2 Where in Clare?

5 Where in Clare?

8 Where in Clare?

10 Where in Clare?

Loop Head, Black Head, Hag’s Head

Carrigaholt, Clahane, Ballyvaughan

Kilkee Cliffs, Loop Head, Cliffs of Moher

Doonbeg Pier, Cappa, Kilbaha

Carrigaholt, Killaloe, Liscannor

Cappa, Querrin, Lahinch

Connolly, Knock, Ballynacally

Killaloe, Garranroe, Mountshannon

ANSWERS 6 Where in Clare?

Killimer, Whitegate, Mountshannon

GREASE IS THE WORD

lROCKIN’: Seamount College TY Musical Grease. Photo by Andrew Downes

6. Whitegate 7. Liscannor 8. Querrin 9. Ballynacally 10. Killaloe

Kilfenora, Kilkishen, Kilmihil

1. Loop Head 2. Clahane 3. Kilfenora 4. Kilkee Cliffs 5. Cappa

3 Where in Clare?

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