The Clare Echo 14/12/17

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Pope for Clare?

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14 Dec 2017

ELAINE TUBRIDY

T

news@clareecho.ie

l CHRISTMAS MARKETS: Pictured at The Local Enterprise Office Christmas Fest Christmas market, Una Lynch and Holly Lynch, Clarecastle

Photo by Arthur Ellis

HE campaign to get Pope Francis to visit Co Clare when he comes to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families in 2018 is gathering momentum.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Cathal Crowe has added his voice to the campaign started by East Clare tourism advocate Eoin O’Hagan.

At this week’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Crowe asked: “That Clare County Council liaise with Bishop Fintan Monahan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Shannon Airport management to formulate an appropriate invitational itinerary to Pope Francis to coincide with his expected visit to Ireland in 2018.”

Cllr Crowe told The Clare Echo that the council has already made a request to the World Meeting of Families that the Pope includes Clare on his itinerary.

Mr O’Hagan said he was delighted that Cllr Crowe has come on board and seconded the idea that Pope Francis could use

Shannon Airport to fly to Clare.

“It’s great to hear that Clare County Council through the auspices of Cathal Crowe now have said that maybe we should make it official. He has been invited so maybe with Clare County Council and the Fianna Fáil Cllr Cathal Crowe coming on board, his support may bring it on that bit extra,” Eoin said.

Earlier this year Bishop Monahan invited the Pope to visit Clare and presented him with a video edited

by Eoin.

SEE MORE PAGE 6 & 23

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Index SIGNPOST TROUBLE

5

POPE INVITATION

6

JOHN BURKE

10/11

THE SCENE

14/15

Inside The Clare Echo FEATURE: PAGE 12-13

Aoibhín gets behind Marty Clare Echo columnist Aoibhín Garrihy gives the inside scoop on Marty Morrissey’s chances for his upcoming display on RTE’s Dancing With The Stars

18

ART COMPETITION COMMUNITY

24/25

PROPERTY

30-31

MOTORING

32-36

GET IN TOUCH

NEWS: PAGE 4

A bizarre Clare burial

SPORT: PAGE 20-21

Clare Cup goes to Newmarket Photographer Martin Connolly was at the Clare Cup Final played at the weekend between Newmarket and County Champions Sixmilebridge where the Blues came out on top of a ding-dong battle played out in Clonlara

Elaine Tubridy reports on the discovery of a 2,000 year old body which was discovered in the Burren by a team of archaeologisits this year

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 LITTLE HELPERS: Sisters Lil (7), Annie (9) and Ella Fitzgibbon (11) from Kilnamona at Christmas Fest

51 families homed ELAINE TUBRIDY news@clareecho.ie

C

LARE County Council has given 51 families a fantastic Christmas gift as two new housing schemes will see these people in need spending the festive season in their new homes.

The schemes, at Lios Anama in Sixmilebridge and Aisling, off Shanaway Road in Ennis, comprise a mix of three and four-bedroom houses with families moving in over the coming week.

Families moving into the homes are drawn from Clare County Council’s housing list and some of the households are coming from homelessness or overcrowded accommodation.

Residents in each scheme will be-

come shareholding members of a local co-operative society and will be able to exercise a real say in the management of their community.

Clare County Council Director of Housing Liam Conneally said: “The completion of the two schemes will provide much needed family homes, giving parents and their children a secure and stable environment that will help them get on with their lives, their education and their futures.

“We continue to work hard to accommodate those on our housing list and look forward to further collaboration with CHI”.

Funding for both schemes is a result of collaborative support between Clare County Council, the Housing Finance Agency and the Department for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

The 10 steps of Christmas from the Citizens Information Centre in Ennis GUIDE TO SURVIVING CHRISTMAS IT’S that time of year again, when the evenings draw early, there’s frost in the air and glittery ads are on the telly. Yes, Christmas is coming…

If the thought of Christmas makes you shiver when you think of how much it’s going to cost, then take a breath and a moment to think.

It is easy to get caught up in the moment, which is why it’s so important that you take control of your finances when you can.

Remember, if you are the person who keeps track of the money in your household, you deserve a Christmas too – don’t turn it into a nightmare.

THE 10 STEPS OF CHRISTMAS 1. Make a list of what you need to buy for Christmas. Divide it into gifts, food, clothes and socialising. Use MABS Christmas planner to help which ca be downloaded from their website at www.mabs.ie.

2. Prioritise – if you had a limited amount of money, what could you cut from that list? Work your way through, numbering items in order of importance.

3. Try to estimate how much money you expect to spend on each of these items. What does it add up to?

4. Is it a very large figure? If the number makes your eyes bulge, look at each individual item again. How can you reduce the cost?

5. What does it add up to now? Is that a better figure?

6. Keep going with this until you get to a number you can live with – it is important to be honest with yourself.

7. This is the amount of money you have decided you NEED for Christmas.

8. If you have been able to put aside a few euros over the year to meet the cost of Christmas, well done. Will it be enough to cover the costs you planned for?

9. If you have not been able to put aside any money, or if what you have saved is not enough, then you have a choice; either you cut the amount you intend to spend again, until your savings can cover it, or you may decide to borrow.

10. Try not to build your plans on the basis of a bonus or overtime payment, or any other payment that you are not absolutely certain you will get – only count the money you can rely on getting.

SMART SHOPPING Try to get the best value you can when shopping for gifts – look for offers in the shops, three-for two deals and so on, but remember the value is only there if you actually need the three items. Stick to cash – you will spend less than using debit and credit cards.

Keep the receipts in case something needs to be exchanged. Work from a list to avoid unplanned, impulse shopping. Leave the children at home. Remember the shops only close for one or two days, so there is no need to stock up on food.

BORROWING If you really believe borrowing is your only option, then remember these points: Only borrow what you truly need and not one cent more. Try to make sure you can pay back this loan before the middle of next year, if at all possible, otherwise it makes it difficult for save for next Christmas.

Find out what the weekly or monthly repayments are going to be and see how this will affect your budget next year – can you afford that amount, and still pay your regular bills and expenses?

When looking for a loan, try to get the best value you can. Generally, loans available from a money lender will cost you much more than a loan from your Credit Union or bank.

Using a credit card is also a very expensive way of borrowing money.

Remember to read the terms and conditions of any credit application, make sure you understand what you are getting into.

Get advice before you sign.

Contact MABS before borrowing to see what options are available to you.

Before you borrow, look again at your list – is it worth it? Are you sure this is what you and your family need?

Further information on your consumer rights is available from the Citizens information Centres throughout the county who offer a free and confidential service to the public on a wide range of issues.

You can contact the Ennis Citizens information Centre, which is located in Bindon Lane at Bank Place Ennis, Tel 0761 075 260 or logon to www. citizensinformation.ie.

l DISCOVERY: Excavation works in Parknabinnia where the rare discovery was made during the summer Photo by Dr Ros Ó Maoldúin

Burren body in bizarre burial

Archaeologist says 2,200-year-old corpse suffered very violent death ELAINE TUBRIDY news@clareecho.ie

A

2,200 year old body found in the Burren suffered a violent end and was buried in a very unusual way, according to archaeologists.

Irish Fieldschool of Prehistoric Archaeology site director Dr Ros Ó Maoldúin said the body of a person in their 20s was found near Parknabinnia Tomb in Kilnaboy with stab wounds.

“It’s very rare to find burials from that period so we were very excited about that, but what’s perhaps even more interesting or strange is that we found stab marks on the ribs as well so the person had suffered some form of a

violent death,” Dr Ó Maoldúin said.

It’s impossible to tell if the person was murdered or if it was a human sacrifice, but there are some very strange circumstances surrounding the death.

The tomb the body was found near predates the body by about 2,000 years, plus the fact that most bodies were cremated rather than buried at this time.

“There’s something weird about this burial, something strange, something unique about it. But he did get a formal burial, so if he was murdered he wasn’t simply thrown in a ditch or disposed of,” Dr Ó Maoldúin added.

The skeleton was found during the summer by the NUIG field school and Dr Ó Maoldúin hopes to discover the gender of the body by sending it to specialists in Trinity College.

Marty ‘half cracked’ to enter RTE show GAA commentator and Clare legend Marty Morrissey will storm the stage in season two of Dancing with the Stars.

Marty cha-cha-cha’d onto the set of the Late Late Show on Friday night, confirming his participation along with Conor McGregor’s sister Erin and entrepreneur Norah Casey.

Speaking on the Late Late, Marty said that the show would take him out of his comfort zone, but he

was looking forward to the challenge.

“I think I am half cracked to be perfectly honest, but we’ll do it for the fun, we’ll do it for a bit of entertainment and it’s a challenge,” he added.

As a former contestant on Dancing with the Stars, Clare Echo columnist Aoibhin Garrihy said she was delighted to hear Marty will be stepping out for the Banner in the new series.

“Marty tested my frame

last year, before the grand final and ever since then I figured he would be the man to bring the glitter ball home,” she said.

Along with Erin McGregor and Norah Casey, Marty will be joined by Bernard O’Shea, Deirdre O’Kane, Maia Dunphy, Jake Carter, Anna Geary, Tomas O’Leary, Rob Heffernan and Aoife Walsh.

Marty will don the glitzy gear for the first show, Sunday, January 7 on RTE One.

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

NEWS 5

 The answer  is blowin’  S s A in the wind Ch a M m T S t I s i R Hr ON

ELAINE TUBRIDY

news@clareecho.ie

INDEPENDENT East Clare Councillor Michael Begley has called for a road sign for Sixmilebridge that is constantly pointing in the wrong direction to be replaced.

The sign was damaged after being struck by a vehicle (thankfully no-one was injured) and the sign has turned into a weather vane - changing direction every time there is a strong gust of wind.

Cllr Begley said the sign has become a problem

for visitors to the area, who could be sent in any direction depending on the weather.

He told The Clare Echo: “I have had a number of calls [on the issue}. It doesn’t matter to local people because they know where they are going and they know what’s where, but because it’s a regional road and because there’s a significant amount of non-local traffic on that road, a lot of people actually use it to go to

Shannon.”

Cllr Begley confirmed he has moved the sign back to the right position himself on several occasions, but is confident the council will replace the sign soon.

“And it’s also close to a touristy route going from O’Briensbridge in Killaloe and going towards Ennis.

“Visitors like to use side roads on occasion rather than using busy roads all the time, and for them that sign is confusing,” he added.

l SHOW ME THE WAY: The signpost was damaged after being struck by a truck

Students make most of Christmas at Kilmartin Educational Services CLARE students are making the most of their Christmas holidays by attending the ever popular Intensive Christmas Revision Courses at Kilmartin Educational Services, at Ennis and Limerick.

These courses are designed for Junior & Leaving Certificate students who want to maximize their grades. They are taught by experienced teachers, many of whom are State examiners. Class sizes are limited and many subjects are divided over two or three days so that all key topics can be covered.

According to College Principal Julie Kilmartin: “It is clear that young people today want to maximise their examination grades in the hope of securing third level education and this is especially the case for Leaving Certificate students. Aiming for maximum points in order to keep the door open to a variety of career options takes a lot of work on the part of any student!

“However, additional tuition over the holiday period can make a genuine difference to the final examination grade. Effective and

efficient revision by concentrating on the main examination topics within a subject can certainly enhance a student’s overall grade.”

These Intensive Revision Courses are priced competitively and are now better value with a limited offer of €200 off when students book five or more courses.

In addition to the Intensive Revision Courses over the holiday period, students who wish to avail of daytime supervised study will have the opportunity to avail of this facility from Thursday, December 28 2017 to Sunday, January 7, 2018. Supervised study at Kilmartin Educational Services provides students with the ideal environment for study. Rooms are bright, spacious and distraction free while attendance is monitored.

Due to a policy of limited enrolment on all courses immediate booking is advisable.

Parents or students wishing to find out more about Kilmartin Educational Services should contact Kilmartin Educational Services on 061-444989. Course timetables and course content may be viewed on www.kes.ie.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Potential Pope visit to Clare builds momentum ELAINE TUBRIDY

T

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

HE campaign to get Pope Francis to visit Co Clare when he comes to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families in 2018 is gathering momentum.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Cathal Crowe has added his voice to the campaign started by East Clare tourism advocate Eoin O’Hagan.

Cllr Crowe’s request reads: “That Clare County Council liaise with Bishop Fintan Monahan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Shannon Airport management to formulate an appropriate invitational itinerary to Pope Francis to coincide with his expected visit to Ireland in 2018.”

Eoin O’Hagan said he was delighted that Cllr Crowe has come on board and seconded the idea that Pope Francis could use Shannon Airport to fly to Co Clare.

“It’s great to hear that Clare County Council through the auspices of

l

WHO’S IN THE HOUSE: How Pope Francis might look on a visit to Co Clare

Cathal Crowe now have said that maybe we should make it official.

He has been invited so maybe with Clare County Council and the Fianna Fáil Cllr Cathal Crowe coming on board, his support may bring it on that bit extra,” Eoin said.

As soon as Eoin heard that Pope Francis might be coming to Ireland, he posted a picture of Inis Cealtra to Facebook, inviting him to come to the Lough Derg island.

Bishop Monahan has invited the Pope to visit Co Clare and presented him with a video edited by Eoin.

Eoin has spoken to various Papal Nuncios about the potential visit and also sent 67 postcards written by students from Mountshannon.

“They’re not going to announce until March where the Pope is going to go but I would hope that in March that the Vatican will say we’re going to go and visit Inis Cealtra,” said Eoin, who is the proprietor of Derg Boat Trips. “That would be a form of transport that the Pope could use to get to Inis Cealtra,” Eoin added.

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8 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

l NETWORKING: Christmas Networking Event at the Woodstock Hotel Ennis; with special guest Aoibhín Garrihy is Sinead Dixon Slattery, Asst Business Advisor LEO Clare, Niamh Hogan, Web Clare, and Linda Earlie, LEO Clare Photo by Arthur Ellis

Patients rate Ennis hospital almost 90pc STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

THE results are in for Ireland’s first ever National Patient Experience Survey and the feedback provided by over 1,000 inpatients across the UL Hospitals Group has found that Ennis Hospital received an overall rating of 88 per cent.

UL Hospitals Group achieved an overall rating of 82 per cent, corresponding exactly to the national average, while University Hospital Limerick scored 79 per cent.

The NPE Survey asked every patient who had spent at least one night in an acute hospital during May 2017 for their feedback through 61 detailed questions. There was an overall response rate of 59 per cent at Ennis Hospital.

Responses to the questionnaire at Ennis Hospital included: Did you have confidence

in the hospital staff treating you? 85% always; 13% sometimes; 2% no.

Overall, did you feel you were treated with respect and dignity while you were in the hospital? 87% always; 11% sometimes; 2% no.

Were you given enough privacy when you were on the ward? Always 93%; sometimes 7%; No 0%.

In your opinion, how clean was the hospital room or ward that you were on? Very clean, 92%; fairly clean 8%; not very or not at all clean, 0%.

How clean were the toilets and bathrooms? Very clean 93%, fairly clean 6%, not very clean 1%.

Do you think hospital staff did everything they could to help control your pain? 65% definitely; 13% Yes to some extent, 2% no; 20% N/A. The results show oppor-

tunities for improvement in Ennis around communicating with patients and families; discharge planning; meals and more.

Shortcomings identified by patients are being addressed through quality improvement plans.

Patricia O’Gorman, Operational Director of Nursing, Ennis Hospital, said: “We strive for excellence for all our patients in Ennis and we are delighted with the acknowledgement within the patient feedback. Staff and patients play a critical role in developing a service that is patient-centred. This survey highlights that patient response and empowerment can become a key requirement to encourage more innovative practice that will underpin healthcare and improve our patients experience.”

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

NEWS 9

Clare man’s food appeal ELAINE TUBRIDY

T

Specialists in

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

HIS time of year can be very tough, but especially so for those who are homeless.

With this in mind, Quilty man Patrick Mungovan decided that something needed to be done.

Patrick was shopping in Limerick last Christmas when he came across a homeless man and decided to buy him some food. He has decided to take it one step further this year and has launched an appeal for food and supplies to give to the homeless.

“We were in Limerick last year and there was a homeless fella on the side of the street so we bought him food.

We bought him a bag of McDonald’s.

So I said this year we might as well put it up on Facebook and see if we can do more,” Patrick said.

Patrick is appealing for food as well as toiletries, pyjamas, dressing gowns, selection boxes, flat caps, tobacco and phone credit.

Patrick has received lots of sup-

port from his 18,000 Snapchat followers and 20,000 Instagram followers.

“We have probably over a hundred messages and there’s people starting to drop stuff off to the house now,” he said.

Patrick will travel to Ennis and Limerick on Saturday, December 23 to deliver his supplies to the homeless. If you would like to help, you can contact Patrick on Facebook.

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THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Award can

Clare Person of the Year John Burke using latest recognition to support young people course when I heard it. It’s an unbelievable honour and I’m just over the moon about it,” he said.

More importantly however, John said that the award will help Elevate’s profile to go from strength to strength.

Elevate is a not for profit organisation seeking to bring wellness programmes to young people in Co Clare.

“That’s the best part of the recognition, that it just gives another platform to promote Elevate and to make Elevate a bigger and better organisation to keep growing and support young people in the county,” John said.

Elevate has already achieved great success as it been rolled out to 70 per cent of secondary schools across Co Clare since September.

The charity is still in the development stage, but the first component focused on teaching mindfulness techniques to first year students.

John confirmed that Elevate has just landed an inspirational speaker, who will be available to visit all secondary schools in the county.

“The speaker is the calibre of one of the

ELAINE TUBRIDY

Y

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

l AWARD RECIPIENT: Clare Person of the Year John Burke

OU would want to have been living under a rock not to have heard of John Burke, especially with the year he has had.

Clare people will know him first as a Spanish Point hotelier with a reputation for hosting incredible wedding parties. He then came to public attention when he married his sweetheart, actress and Clare Echo contributor Aoibhín Garrihy in September last year.

But John has shot to fame in his own right this year by becoming the first Clare man to climb Mount Everest, raising funds and awareness for his charity Elevate.

John was deservedly granted the Clare Person of the Year Award by the Clare Association last week and confirmed he is thrilled with the nod.

“I’m delighted with it. There’s incredible excitement here at home, it’s an incredible honour for me. It was a big surprise of

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promote Elevate profile risk of doing too much.

“Anything we do now is probably going to mean more in a year or two so I think it’s important for Elevate to try to create awareness and to try to canvass and lobby our elected representatives and just try to keep supporting and delivering more I suppose for young people in the county,” he said.

Between managing the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point, running Hotel Doolin,

‘‘

‘‘

There’s incredible excitement here at home MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH: John on the summit this year

most sought after speakers in the country for corporate events so it’s going really, really well. There’s lots done but there’s a lot more to do.

“There’s a lot of work put into it but there’s a hell of a lot more to do. I suppose the more support and the more encouragement you get the more pressure is put on to deliver more and that’s certainly more what we hope to do,” John added.

Ennis

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John hopes that in time, Elevate can lobby the decision makers to bring about changes in policy for the good of young people’s mental health.

He wants the Government to invest in and develop more supports for young people, particularly in relation to counselling and mental health services.

“We’re at a crisis point in terms of young people and their mental health and there’s no

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climbing Mount Everest and getting Elevate up and running, it’s a wonder John Burke manages to sleep at all.

But he believes it’s all down to cutting back on time spent in front of the television or scrolling through social media and focusing on what needs to be done.

He also admits his social life took a major hit when he was preparing to climb Mount Everest, which is understandable.

“There is a lot going on at the minute but you know what, you can kind of find the time.

Like it’s amazing how much time you can waste in a day too,” John said.

Of course, John isn’t the first person in the family to earn the prestigious Clare Person of the Year Award.

Aoibhín’s grandfather Chris Droney is also a recipient of the accolade, following an extensive contribution to traditional Irish music.

Hailing from Bell Harbour in North Clare, Chris Droney has delighted crowds with his concertina for over eighty years.

“I’m really looking forward to having a chat with him about it. There was great excitement in the Garrihy household and in the Droney household with my wife and her mother and there was great excitement. I have big shoes to fill in terms of Chris Droney,” John said.

John is also conscious of those who received the award before him, particularly Caitriona Lucas who received it posthumously last year.

“When I think about what Caitriona Lucas did to help people and when I think about what the coast guard currently do and I think at this time of year what SVP do, what I did certainly wasn’t heroic in any way by comparison to what they did.

“But it did create energy and it’s now to try to deliver with Elevate, because there was certainly nothing heroic or there was certainly no public service in what I did in climbing Everest. But it’s to turn that around now and to try to make something good out of it.”

Better hearing, at much better prices Prior to entering the market, Blackberry Hearing’s market research validated that there was significant consumer dissatisfaction with pricing and after-care service. So, the focus for the company has been on providing quality, affordability, price transparency and simplicity but ultimately ensuring the customer gets the best possible solution for their individual needs.

To achieve this the company has instilled an ethos where no stone is left unturned to ensure total customer satisfaction. Employing only BSc qualified audiologists, a rarity in the business, ensures that the customer receives the best possible consultation and thereafter the best possible solution.

Price transparency has been a cornerstone of the Blackberry Hearing philosophy. Research again revealed that prices advertised in the industry were rarely available during or after the consultation.

To this end, Blackberry Hearing ensures that anyone attending one of their free hearing consultations is aware beforehand of the cost of hearing aids for them, should they want to proceed. This then is backed up by a 45-day cooling off period, where a customer has the assurance they can return the hearing aids for a full refund should they not be fully satisfied.

The ultimate measure of a company’s

success in providing customer care must come from the customers themselves.

Blackberry Hearing has expanded rapidly and now holds over 60 fortnightly clinics.

The feedback from both clinic partners and customers has been overwhelmingly positive. An example of comments from letters sent to the regional press includes “I can only say that the service was top class”.

“We did not necessarily set out to be disruptive” according to John “but our low pricing and strong customer care seems to have done just that. Being able to hear again is transformative to people with hearing loss. Research shows that people with hearing loss retreat from social interaction with family, friends, and colleagues with drastic results on their mental wellbeing.

Changing people’s lives for the better at an affordable price is a really good feeling.”

While 2016 has been the first full year of trading, Blackberry Hearing has expanded significantly to most of the country and hopes to bring its service to the far reaches of the country by 2017.

Meanwhile, you can book a FREE hearing consultation at a clinic near you or find out more by phoning Blackberry Hearing directly at 016978470.

12 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE CLARE THE NOTEBOOK

T

HE festive season is in full swing and it’s easy to get swept up in the madness of silly season. Check out this week’s Top Five for some great ways to share the true magic of Christmas this year.

It was a week of celebrations in the Burke/Garrihy household as a very proud wife got word of her husband’s prestigious Clare Person of the Year accolade - congrats John! We are all very much looking forward to our evening in Dublin next April.

I was delighted to hear Clare will be well represented once again on the shiny Danc-

lWELL DONE JOHN: Clare Person of the Year John Burke and (right) meeting the wonderful women at the Local Enterprise Office Networking Evening last week

ing with the Stars floor this January in the form of our very own Marty Morrissey.

Marty tested my frame last year, before the grand final and ever since then I figured he would be the man to bring the glitter ball home!! Looking forward to it all kicking off on RTÉ One January 7.

Break a leg Marty, we’re all behind you!

It was wonderful to meet so many women in business in Clare represented at the Local Enterprise Office Networking Evening last week and hear about the innovation and energy emerging in the county.

I came away feeling inspired and excited and reminded that any day you learn something new is a good day!

Speaking of new ventures,

last week I shared a little passion project of my own in the form of our new BEO Health and Wellness Designs.

Check out Covet in Clare for details!

Lastly I would like to wish all the team and the readers of The Clare Echo a very Happy and Healthy Christmas.

Top 5 Ways to Share the True Magic of Christmas SVP FOOD APPEAL

1

The idea is simple and will make a huge difference this Christmas to a family in your community. Log on to SVP.ie where you will find a non-perishable food shopping list. Buy what you can for a family in need this Christmas and drop to your local SVP regional office or drop off point.

2

CLARE 250 CANCER CENTRE

Spare a thought and burn a light for those who have died this Christmas by making a donation (minimum €5) to the 2018 Lourdes fund to receive one of 100 available candles. Contact 065 6841600 for details.

PATRICK MUNGOVAN’S HOMELESS APPEAL

3

Join Patrick in his plight to help the homeless in Ennis and Limerick on the 23rd Dec as he collects and donates all he can to those spending this Christmas on the street. Contact Patrick Mongovan on Facebook or Instagram for more details on how you can help.

4

LAHINCH CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM

Always a highlight, the Lahinch Christmas Day swim, in aid of the Cahercalla Hospice this year, is a wonderful example of community organisation and comradery. While the Baltic dip may only last a few moments, the sense of achievement lingers on alleviating some of the guilt of the inevitable food coma later on!!

ST STEPHEN’S DAY FUN WALK/RUN

5

Let’s face it, Christmas Day is for indulgence but why not ease your way back to reality with a fun St Stephen’s Day 5k?! Join the team at Hotel Doolin for a fun family walk/run all in aid of Clare based youth wellness charity Elevate. Dogs also welcome!

lCLARE’S OWN: Marty Morrissey will be taking part in this year’s Dancing With The Stars (photo courtesy of RTE) and (above) Aoibhín with Marty

COLUMNIST 13

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

COVET IN CLARE

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU Introducing the brand new BEO Self-Care Journal complete with wellness tips, quotes and mindful colouring providing the perfect companion to inspire a healthier, happier you! Available for pre order on www.beowellness.ie €24.

SHAKE YOUR POM POMS I’ll have one of each! Who doesn’t love a good beanie at this time of year and with detachable pompoms these beauties are perfect for this time of year. €50 available at County Boutique, Ennis.

PAMPERED POOCHES I couldn’t resist Caroline Donnelly’s recent addition to her festive collection...designed to have your four legged friends looking delightfully dapper (pic left) this Christmas! Available in red velvet too at Dunnes Stores, Ennis.

BLOWN AWAY I recently gave the new highly sought after Dyson Hairdryer a whirl and it’s worth the hype.

So light, quick and easy to use, the results were fab! The perfect gift for that special lady in your life.

Available at Flynn Electrical, Ennis.

COFFEE COMPANION I picked up this little copper reusable cup to assist my New Years resolution and my bid to become far more eco friendly.

Apart from looking great, it’s got triple insulation keeping your coffee hot for up to three hours.

Available at Meadows and Byrne, Bunratty €27.95.

HAPPENINGS

VLADIMIR’S VIENNESE CHRISTMAS Having just come back from a trip to Vienna where I witnessed the musical culture of the city, I can strongly advise an evening of classical delight to warm the cockles of your heart at this time of year (pictured above)! Catch it at glór, Saturday December 16, tickets €30 WINTER SOLSTICE WALK Join the Christmas festivities on the 12 O’Clock Hills for the annual darkness walk. Wear your Santa hat and qualify for an extra mince pie and mulled wine! Meet at Belvoir Trailhead for an 8pm sharp start. December 21.

SHARRON SHANNON AND MUNDY Sharon Shannon and her Band return to Ennis for a much anticipated concert.

Sharon will be joined by a very special guest on the night - Mundy; with whom Sharon collaborated with on the top hit ‘Galway Girl’. Friday December 29, see Treacy’s West County for tickets €25

14 OUT AND ABOUT

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

The Scene

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

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Garda youth award event

Teenagers honoured at ceremony

T

HE Clare Garda Divisional Awards can be hugely formative for the lives of recipients, Shannon Group Chairman Rose Hynes said at last weekend’s third annual event.

Speaking as six teenage individuals and two groups received their Shannon Airport sponsored awards in front of 300 guests Treacy’s West County Conference & Leisure Hotel in Ennis, the Shannon Group Chairman said that the awards had shed a light on the caring and civic nature of these young people.

“The award winners may not today realise it but awards like these differentiate them from other young people. But, down the line, when you apply for a job or for further education, an award like this could be the stand-out piece that makes a statement about this young person. It says that this

person goes the extra mile.

It says that this person is authentic, that he or she has leadership potential, character; that this person has taken on the biggest challenge possible and is self-motivated. Above all else, it says that this person is an achiever.”

She continued: “Too often in life - we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. The award winners tonight get this. We all need help sometimes, help with accepting and managing change in our lives. Things happen and we need a helping hand or just someone to care.

The contestants and award winners tonight have figured that out.”

The awards recognise outstanding young people for leadership in their community and for over-

coming challenges.

Guest speaker at the event, Spanish Point mountaineer John Burke said that the winners had given great example to others. “We all need wins in our lives, events or achievements that tell us we have an inner strength that can enable us go beyond where perhaps we might not have thought we can go. All of tonight’s winners have shown that.

You will not forget this night and whatever it is that you have achieved, it will stand the test of time.”

Said Chief Superintendent John Kerin: “We are three years now into these awards and this year we have been reminded of the outstanding caliber of young people there is in our county today. We congratulate all on their achievements and I have no doubt but this is not the last we have seen of all of you as community leaders.”

l PRIDE OF THE COUNTY: Chief Supt John Kerin and John Burke with Spanish Point SVP recipients Stephen Hanrahan, Megan Burke, Michael lillis, Laura Keane, Aine Keane, Ciara McNamara and Ronnette McNulty at Treacy’s West County last Friday Photo by Arthur Ellis

CLARE GARDA YOUTH AWARD WINNERS

Saoirse Lightbourne; Riverside, Inagh. In 2013, Saoirse along with a few friends saw a need in Ennistymon for an outlet for young people to contribute positively to their community, hence CYA, ‘Clare Youth Action’ was born.

Lilly Keane; Crowne, Lissycasey. Lilly held a fundraising event in order to raise money to buy a difribrilator for her parish. She grew her hair long and then cut it up short and donated it to the Rapunzil Foundation.

Joseph Miniter; Doonbeg Road, Kilrush. Joseph got involved with visiting the elderly while doing Gaisce and the Pope John Paul II Award, visiting them for two hours on Fridays during his half day from school.

Leah McInerney; Derrymore, Scarriff. Leah, who was diagnosed with very severe scoliosis at a young age, decided to raise awareness amongst her peers about the growing number of teenagers in Ireland presenting with scoliosis because of lack of screening at national school age. She set up an online support group for fellow teens suffering from scoliosis. Leah had a spinal infusion at the end of 2016 and is now much taller, not in as much pain or discomfort but continues to support others.

Jessie Harty; Co/Clare Youth Service, Rineanna View, Shannon. Jessie has been with Clare Youth Service since 2013. Jessie went on to become a leader in her local summer camp where she excelled and dedicated 2 summers to running the camps. Jessie continued in her leadership role during the school term in helping out local youth.

Aoife Duggan; Colaiste Muire, Ennis. Aoife is trainer of the Volleyball Centre of Excellence, a promoter of physical activity amongst young girls and reader at mass.

St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point. Last year, seven TY students established the school’s first branch of the Young Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Diarmuid King and Caoilfhionn O’Dea. Spanish Point, (St. Josephs). Diarmuid and Caoilfhionn created a phone app to make people aware of cyclists on the road.

l WELL DESERVED: Brid Browne, Lilly Keane, Harry and Pakie Keane Photo by Arthur Ellis

l ALL SMILES: Susanne, Saoirse and Ayisha Lightbourne Photo by Arthur Ellis

l DOUBLE DELIGHT: Tom Doherty, Doolin Coast Guard, Supt John Galvin, Chief Supt John Kerin, Rose Hynes, Shannon Group, Diarmuid King and Caoilfhinn O’Dea, Garda Enda Coughlan, Supt Brendan McDonagh and Garda Deirdre Scanlan

Photo by Arthur Ellis

OUT AND ABOUT 15

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

l SITTING PRETTY: Chief Supt John Kerin, Rose Hynes, Chairman Shannon Group and John Burke

Photo by Arthur Ellis

l PROUD MOMENT: Mayor of Clare Cllr Tom McNamara, John Burke, Anna Curtin, Aine Keane and Pat Keane Pic Arthur Ellis

l LOCAL HERO: Breda Keane, Laura Keane and Paddy Keane, Miltown

Photo by Arthur Ellis

l THRILLED: Supt John Galvin, Chief Supt John Kerin, Rose Hynes, Shannon Group, Leah McInerney, Tracy Doyle, John Burke and Supt Brendan McDonagh Photo by Arthur Ellis

l WEST AWAKE: Pictured are Joseph Miniter and Nikki O’Neill, Kilrush Photo by Arthur Ellis Untitled-17 1

12/11/2014 17:23

16 INTERACTIVE

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

A new era of

INTERACTION twitter.com/ ClareEcho

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instagram.com/ theclareecho

Facebook comment of the week

‘‘

‘It will truly be the Mecca of religious pilgrimages’ Conor Doyle in reaction to our story ‘Holy Island one step closer to becoming tourist mecca’

www.clareecho.ie

Tweet of the week DARINA SHERIDAN

@darina_sheridan Fantastic charity swim rise by students and staff from Scariff Community College @ ScariffCC @ClareCoCo @tydotie @LimClareETB @ClareEcho @clarechampion

THIS STORY REACHED 3,126 PEOPLE ON FACEBOOK

Future of East Clare Golf Club secured with €20m investment plan by East Clare Development Village EAST CLARE Development Village, the new management company behind East Clare Golf Club, has announced details of its ambitious €20 million redevelopment plan for the course and surrounding resort.

The redevelopment will take place over the next five years in four or more separate phases that will see an increase in the number of holiday homes adjacent to the golf course and the development of a new leisure centre that will comprise a swimming pool, gym and spa facilities. The plans also contain the construction of ten luxury private homes next to the golf course and the development

of apartments aimed at the active retired.

The plans were set out by East Clare Development Village at a meeting of the golf clubs members where the company received significant majority support from the members to take over the management of the golf course and facilities with immedi-

ate effect. The company – through sister companies - already manages holiday home accommodation in the area (including the adjacent East Clare Holiday Village) that attracts 15,000 visitors to the region each year, contributing significantly to the local economy.

Brian Martin, CEO

of East Clare Development Village said: “The unveiling of our plans reinforces our ambitions for growing golfing tourism in the region as well as offering our local golf members additional benefits that they wouldn’t have had previously.

“We believe the future for local commu-

nity golf is to enhance and vary the offering around the course for a family audience.

This will help position the course at the heart of family breaks and lifestyles, even if some family members don’t play golf. At East Clare Golf Course, we want to offer more in terms of leisure facilities, modern accommodation, excellent food and drink and all at good value”.

Martin added: “One of the biggest advantages for current and new members to the golf course will be the knock-on effect on fees. Increased revenue from the surrounding facilities will contribute toward golf course running costs and help reduce membership fees for golf

over the coming years and we will be making an announcement on our commitment to reducing fees in the coming weeks”.

East Clare Golf Course, was founded by the late Tom Murray, Michael Hogan, Michael Fahy, John Joyce and TJ McNamara and designed

by Dr. Arthur Spring, spans over 150 acres at Bodyke, Co Clare.

The course, first opened in 1997, is a par 71 course with over 6,500 yards of fairway. It is located just five minutes from Lough Derg and within a half hour from Limerick, Shannon and Ennis, making it ideal for golfers in the surrounding region.

On the ownership of the golf course,

Martin commented: “The ownership of the golf course up to this point has always been with the members. We recognised the importance of this membership involvement and have structured the new management company, East Clare Development Village Limited, so all members have the offer of shareholding to maintain the connection with the ownership. All members will be given one share in the company with an option to match the overall shareholding with the company directors.

We wholeheartedly believe this is the best way forward for the future of East Clare Golf Club and will preserve the sense of community ownership”.

Entertainment Outdoor Christmas market on way

T

HIS festive season, Treacy’s West County Hotel is offering a bumper ‘Best Ever’ Christmas schedule with lots of entertainment for all the

family.

This year sees the Inaugural Outdoor Christmas at Treacy’s which takes place on the weekend of Saturday, December 16 and Sunday, December 17.

The Christmas party nights are real standout this year and features Abbaesque and Fr Ted’s Comedy Christmas Cabaret, which has sold out two dates with an additional show on Thursday, December 14. Discounts are available for large groups of friends, sports groups or work colleagues.

A truly unique Princess Concert Ball on Saturday, December 16 will see some of the best loved princesses including Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White and Belle, perform a singalong of classic songs, which will be followed by a meet and greet and photo opportunity with the princesses.

Tickets are €10 with family tickets

l FESTIVE BONANZA: There will be more than 20 stalls at the Christmas Market

also available. Saturday, December 16 will also be the first of two outdoor markets days, where the hotel carpark will be transformed into a markets high street.

With over 20 Art and Craft Stalls, the markets will run from 12-6pm and offer an opportunity to get those last few presents and stocking filers.

The markets will continue from 12 to 6pm on Sunday, while there will also be lots of activities for all the family.

For the young and the young at heart, Sunday will have something for all the family in addition to day two of the Christmas markets.

There will be activities including Santa Land, magic show, balloon modelling, disco, funfair carousel.

Later on Sunday evening, come to see the 2016 Country Music Entertainer of the Year Mike Denver play his Christmas Hooley.

Tickets available on the door. This is sure to be a date not to be missed so be sure to get down to our Christmas Markets.

CHRISTMAS 2017 Festive Entertainment

Saturday 2nd - Strictly Come Dancing Saturday 3rd Gerry Guthrie – Country Dancing €15.00 Saturday 9th ABBA – esque Party Night from 7pm followed by DJ til late €39.00 Sunday 10th Mick Flavin – Country Dancing €15.00 Friday 15th & Saturday 16th Sold Out Fr. Ted Cabaret Christmas Special from 7pm.

Dec 14th now added €39.00 Saturday 16th The Princess Concert from 3.30pm €10.00 Saturday & Sunday 16th & 17th Treacys West County Outdoor Christmas Markets

incl Kids shows, Magician, Facepainting, Market Stalls & much more,

Sunday 17th Mike Denver Christmas Hooley – Country Dancing €15.00 Mon 18th – Fri 22nd Christmas Lunches €19.95 per person & ‘Work do’ Parties in Boru’s Bar 2&3, 9&10th, 16&17th 20-23rd 12-6pm Santa Land 2017 Book online/Facebook from €12 per child (incl visit to santa & Present)

Friday 29th Sharon Shannon & Mundy ‘To the Fleadh & Back’ €25.00

Christmas Vouchers Available Events Subject to change See website for details

Jan 3rd Brendan Grace Master of Comedy €32.00 Ticket prices includes booking fee

Limerick Road, Ennis, Co Clare Tel 065 68 69600 www.treacyswestcounty.com

18 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

From Botswana back to the Banner County Internationally renowned local artist has solution to Christmas gift conundrum

L

l TALENTED: Harry Guinane

OOKING for the perfect Christmas gift for a loved one?

Internationally renowned artist Harry Guinane has the perfect solution.

Harry can create masterpieces in a flash, with a general turnaround time of four to five days, depending on the request. A native of Ennis, Harry worked in Botswana for 14 years before returning to his beloved Co Clare.

He has been commissioned to create all kinds of artwork, including portraits, caricatures and logo design.

He created wonderful murals for Cahercalla Community Nursing Home and Hospice in Ennis. Contact Harry on 087-9101646 or by email at harryguinane@gmail.com.

l MASTERPIECES: One of Harry’s beautiful portrait pictures (top) and (below) two of his stunning prints

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Art Competition Xmas giveaway

Enter for chance to win amazing prizes

l AMAZING: Some of the top prizes up for grabs courtesy of our partners. Pictured above is a boy’s bicyle courtesy of Western Garages and (right) is a huge lego set, also courtesy of Western Garages

THE Clare Echo is delighted to announce our massive prize giveaway courtesy of our partners at Toymaster Ennis, Western Garages Volkswagen Garage Ennis, and Tierney’s Cycles.

The Clare Echo art competition is open to all children aged up to 15, with prizes for the best painting in four age categories; u6, u9, u12 and u15.

To be in with a chance of winning an amazing prize, post or drop your painting

into The Clare Echo offices along with your name, date of birth and a parent or guardian’s name and phone number attached. All schools are welcome to enter.

TOP PRIZES INCLUDE: l A boy’s bicycle courtesy of Western Garages l Huge lego set courtesy of Western Garages l €50 vouchers for Toymaster l A selection of toys from Tierney’s

A small selection of some of our amazing entries on display in our office

NEWS 19

Sport

Plain sailing for Killaloe members

O

UTSTANDING sailing talent was recognized at the Lakeside Hotel last Friday evening, 8th December when Killaloe Sailing Club held their Annual Laying Up Supper, during which prizes were awarded to the clubs top sailors.

In a truly sparkling night the achievements were a true reflection of the clubs family friendly style with awards for all age groups within the Membership.

Kiki Ryan, 10yrs, of Newport, Co. Tipperary was awarded ‘Most improved younger Junior sailor’ Seamus Walsh of Castletroy was awarded ‘Most improved Senior sailor’ Alex Voye, also of Castletroy, sailing a Laser 1 was awarded 3 trophies after winning The Warmer, The June and The September series of races.

Tadhg O’Mara, 15yrs and Thomas Drayton, 16yrs both from Ogonnelloe received the Away Events Trophy recognising their performance in the RS 200

National Championships, which saw them representing the club in Crosshaven, Dun Loaghaire, Blessington and Greystones.

Thomas was also winner of the club’s Autumn Cooler Series and Most improved Junior awards.

Shirley O’Neill of Clonlara was honoured as Club Person of the Year and the Mullally Family of Ogonnelloe were recognised as Best Performing Family with Andrew and Leon regularly competing as Sailors whilst their father Dave became a member of the Safety Team after completing his National Powerboat certificate.

The KSC sailing season starts in April and runs through to the end of October.

KSC are always open for membership applications, and enquiries can be addressed to; join@killaloesailingclub.com For further information please contact Keith Drayton (PRO) on 0870 66 66 68 or theboilerman1@eircom.net

Pictures from the weekend

l KNOT BAD: (From top) Sue Concannon, Commodore with Thomas Drayton and Tadhg O’Mara; Sue Concannon, Commodore with Alex Voye; and (right) Amber Meskell - Junior Captain with Kiki Ryan

SPORT 21

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Clare Cup Final Newmarket 2-09 Sixmilebridge 0-13

l CHAMPIONS: The Clare Cup Final played in Clonlara between Newmarket and neighbours Sixmilebridge. Newmarket eventually came out on top after a ding dong battle with a 2-09 to 0-13 victory. The game was the last of all club County games in 2017; (above) Sitting in The Cup. Baby Jackson O’Hanlon, his Parents Martin and Natilie, with Newmarket’s No.2 Eoin O’Brien; (below) Joe Cooney (Co. Board Chairman) presenting The Clare Cup to Colin Ryan after his Newmarket team defeated Sixmilebridge: (bottom right) Siobhán Conway and Sinéad Keogn in happy mood after the final whistle; (opposite page) Clare Cup champions Newmarket on Fergus

Credit: Martin Connolly

22 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

T

HE LIGHTING of candles at Christmas is one of the most beautiful of all Irish traditions and if anyone knows me well enough, will know I adore lighting candles for people who ask me to light one for them and I love to do it all year around but love it even more at Christmas time when I light my Christmas candle for everyone to see. The candle lighting in the window at Christmas time is not just an emblem of welcome but is also a light of hope.

When religion was suppressed throughout Ireland during the English persecution, the people had no churches to go too. Priests hid in forests and caves and secretly visited the farms and homes to say Mass there during the night. Every Irish family longed for at least one chance during their lifetime to be visited by a priest at Christmas to celebrate the Divine sacrifice during Holy Night.

Many hoped and prayed for this all through the year. When Christmas came, they left their doors unlocked and placed burning candles in the windows so that any priest who happened to be in the vicinity would know they were welcome and were guided to their home through the dark night. Silently he entered through the unlatched door and was received by the faithful who were grateful that their home was used to worship the birth of Christ Jesus. To justify this practice in the eyes of the English soldiers, the Irish people used to explain: “We burn the candles and keep the doors unlocked, that Mary and Joseph, looking for a place to stay, will find their way to our home and be welcomed with open doors and open hearts.” The English authorities, finding this Irish “superstition” harmless, did not bother to suppress it. Candles or not, the choice is ours.

THE CANDLE IN THE WINDOW

“Gusting winds blew the falling snow into little eddies and drifts, but otherwise the streets were quiet, for everyone was at home, preparing for Christmas Eve. Well, not everyone. On a cobbled street there lived a tailor named Leo who was hard at work, sewing and trimming and hemming. Leo liked to stay busy, for when he stopped working, he thought of his beloved wife, Sonia, who had died a few months earlier. He could not imagine a celebration without his Sonia.

So he decided to ignore all holidays, even Christmas. Suddenly Leo heard a knock, but before he could answer, an elegantly dressed lady swept into his shop. “I need this dress fixed for tonight, no later than sunset,” she said, thrusting a bundle at him. Leo peered at her. “Impossible,” he began to say, but she cried, “Fail me, and everyone shall know that Leo the tailor is no longer good at his work. I’ll see that you are ruined.” Then she was gone.

Leo stared at the badly torn dress, impossible to repair. “I’m ruined,” he groaned, and in despair he lay down on his rickety cot and pulled the blanket over his head. Soon he was asleep and dreaming, and a beautiful girl with golden curls appeared to him. “You must celebrate, Papa Leo,” she said cheerily. Leo looked into her face, and he saw

Keep the Christmas candle lit all through the year  BEACON OF HOPE: Lit candle

his beloved wife. “Sonia?” he whispered.

Sonia was the only person who had ever called him Papa Leo, and this was exactly as she had looked when they first met.

“Is that you?” “Yes,” she said, “and look at this mess!” She began to tidy up around the room, and then disappeared into the kitchen, reappearing first with an exquisite gingerbread house, decorated with candy canes and covered in icing, then with the creche Leo had hidden in the back of his shed. “You’ve forgotten this,” she said, placing the creche upon the floor. “And our holly wreath,” she added as she hung this upon the door. Leo watched, amazed.

In his dream, Sonia was just as she’d been in life, joyful and lively. He listened to her sing his favorite carols, the music he’d refused to listen to all season long. Now his heart was bursting with pleasure. “One more thing,” Sonia said, and she carried a candle to the window. When she lighted it, the room seemed to glow. As the light flickered over his face, Leo sat up and rubbed his eyes. “Sonia!” he cried, but now there was no one in sight. And yet the gingerbread house stood upon the table, the creche upon the floor, the holly wreath hung on the door, the candle glowed in the window. Leo smelled bread and cookies baking and soup boiling. “Sonia?” he called again, but there was silence.

Dazed, he heard a knock. When he opened the door he saw a woman with a baby cradled in her arms. “I’m sorry to bother you, but we were drawn to the candlelight in the window as we were walking home,” she said. “Come in,” Leo said, and he watched the woman’s eyes light up at the sight of the creche. “How beautiful,” she said. “I once lived beside a church where there was a creche exactly like this one. May I touch it?” Leo nodded, and as she touched the figures in the manger, she wept with happiness. “Please,” Leo said, “take it. For you and your baby.” The

woman’s tired face seem to light up. “You are too kind. This would make our Christmas perfect.” “It is yours,” Leo said. “Merry Christmas.” The woman gathered up the figurines and left with a parting smile. But soon another knock came, and when Leo opened the door he saw a man in tattered clothing, his face dirty from dust. “Excuse me,” he said, “but I am a road sweeper. With this snow, I have no way to make any money for a Christmas meal. When I saw your candlelight in the window, I felt you might welcome a poor man.” “Come in,” Leo said, and the man followed the scents toward the kitchen, where he discovered freshly baked bread and a pot of soup. “Eat, eat,” Leo said, and the man sat and ate heartily, seeming to grow healthy before Leo’s very eyes. “How can I thank you?” the man asked Leo. Leo leaned close and said earnestly, “I believe the Christ child plans to visit me tonight, so I need nothing. Do you think I’m mad?”

Before the man could answer, another knock came, and now the imperious lady stood before him, demanding her mended dress. Leo handled her the bundle, but he said nothing. “You’ve done no work at all!” she cried, furiously. Leo only smiled. “You shall have to dance in another dress, my lady. Merry Christmas to you,” and with that he led her outside and closed the door.

The street sweeper stared at Leo. “Aren’t you afraid of such rich people?” he asked. “You shouldn’t waste your time on poor men like me. You should have mended her dress.”

“Nonsense,” Leo said. “I have done what is right.” The poor man peered up at Leo. “All I have to thank you with are these small boots I found when I was sweeping,” he said, handing them to Leo. “Perhaps these will fit the Christ child?” he asked. “Do you think he will truly come?” “I’ve a feeling all will be well,” Leo said, and he took the boots and reached into his closet. He pulled out a long woolen coat. “And you shall take this coat for warmth. I have two and need

but one.” “But sir ...” the beggar began to protest.” Merry Christmas,” Leo said as he walked the man to the door. There he stood, looking at the fresh coat of snow, and then he looked up at the bright moon.

Then Leo heard a whisper at his feet and looked down to see a little boy dressed in rags. “Sir, I saw your candle lighting in the window and I wondered if you might have some food for a poor child.” “Come in,” Leo said, and then he realized the gingerbread house was for this boy, and the boots, of course, the boots from the street sweeper. They fit the poor boy perfectly.

Leo’s spirits danced with the light flickering from the candle. “Why are you so happy?” the little boy asked as he devoured the cookies and drank some soup. Leo smiled.

“Listen to this,” he said, and he reached for his Bible. “Come, ye blessed, inherit the kingdom prepared for you. For I was hungry and ye fed me; I was thirsty and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger and ye took me in. Naked, and ye clothed me ...” “Have you done all this for the Christ child?” the boy asked. His eyes were as big as saucers.

“I have,” Leo said, “for the Book of Matthew tells us: ‘As ye have done it to one of the least of my brethren, so ye have done it unto me.’” “What does that mean?” the little boy asked. “It means, child, that my beloved Sonia is an angel, and that we who give are blessed.” And Leo looked into the candle’s dancing light and understood he had always been surrounded by love.”

In a world where on some days it seems like there is nothing but hate and destruction the story of the candle lighting in the window and always been surrounded by love will hopefully provide some inspiration that faith, hope, love and peace will win out in the end. A world without Faith, Hope, Mercy and Love is truly a world that I don’t think many people would want to live in although at times we may feel that is exactly where we are living in. If you are going through dark days then I can only wish and sincerely pray and light my daily candle for you that you find the Faith, Hope, Mercy and Love required to provide the light you need to get through those dark days.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, remember the lighting of a Christmas candle is still as wonderful as ever, still as evocative as the first Christmas night, when shepherds came and angels sang in the sky overhead.

Happy Christmas to each and everyone of you and may God grant you the light in Christmas which is faith, the warmth of Christmas, which is love and the all of Christmas, which is Christ.

COLUMNISTS 23

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Eoin Neylon

EDITOR’S OPINION Stuart Holly

He’ll be back, by Pope-ular demand

‘‘

Enda Kenny - the man who said there is a ‘dysfunction, disconnection, elitism and narcassism that dominate the culture of the Vatican to this day’ - issued a formal invitation in November 2016.

‘‘

T

HE Argentinian with the direct line to the Messiah (Christ, not Messi) is planning a trip to Ireland - and as he does so the congregation is busy preparing.

Pope Francis is a confirmed tourist to these shores next August, the first such trip since 1979 when he was greeted by a Miltown Malbay man in then president Patrick Hillery, and 2.5 millions people of faith turned up at various locations on our isle to hear the words of the Polish Pope, John Paul II. “Young people of Ireland, I love you!”

As an aside, and a quirky Clare link to that visit - the caravan which was used as his makeshift vestry at Limerick Racecourse, where he gave Mass to 400,000 people, ended up being a holiday home for a family from Ballyea in Whitestand, Miltown Malbay. The caravan’s roof was eventually blown off in a West Clare storm in the early naughties.

Today, pockets of personages are currently conjuring up conclusions on how to best persuade the Pope to fit their part of the country into his Pontifical plans and Clare should be well up the list.

Here’s a meandering timeline of events leading up to today: Enda Kenny - the man who said there is a “dysfunction, disconnection, elitism and narcissism that dominate the culture of the Vatican to this day” - issues a formal invitation in November 2016. He stated later that day, “Pope Francis has been an important voice for the young, the poor and disadvantaged - glad he will visit Ireland in 2018”.

In February 2017, following a campaign by disciple of East Clare Eoin O’Hagan to bring the Pontiff to Holy Island (which included 67 postcard invites from pupils in Mountshannon N.S), Bishop Fintan Monahan invites Pope Francis to visit his diocese during a trip to the Vatican.

March 30, 2017; Ireland visit is confirmed by the Vatican. Archbishop says the visit may be “shorter than people expect”.

On October 12, it’s confirmed the 2018 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final will take place on Sunday, September 2, not on August 26 as planned, due to Pope Francis attending the 2018 World Meeting of Families’ Mass which is being held in Dublin. If ever there was proof that a Pope held sway in Ireland, there it is.

On October 25, not to be outdone, the Rebels row in. A request is made at Cork County Council for Pope Francis to come to Cork, with the racecourse in Mallow touted as a possible destination.

November 15; Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin says the Pope will definitely visit one of Ireland’s prisons and a disadvantaged area.

East Clare is neither disadvantaged or a prison. But if there’s a lesson to learn from that, it’s by noticing that Archbishop Martin is drip-feeding information on the Pope’s itinerary so it appears he could be the man

to lobby.

Which brings us to Monday, when at council HQ, Cllr Crowe’s motion reads: “That Clare County Council liaise with Bishop Fintan Monahan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Shannon Airport management to formulate an appropriate invitational itinerary to Pope Francis to coincide with his expected visit to Ireland in 2018.”

The Pope, who let’s not forget is the Bishop of Kilfenora, usually decides on his schedule six months in advance so the clock is very much against a Clare visit.

But let’s say it does happen. I have great time for big thinkers like Eoin O’Hagan. Henry Healy made it happen with Obama in Moneygall and that ‘YES WE CAN’ attitude can go a long way, as unpractical as it may seem. I can just see it now, the Pope descending the steps of his jet on the Shannon Airport runway as a harpist, singer and violinist dressed in red greet him alongside local dignitaries.

It could happen. And aside from how meaningful the visit would be to many of the 100,000 Catholics in Clare, it would be priceless in terms of promoting the county.

This needs Cllr Crowe’s motion to be taken seriously, and to be followed up with a substantial proposal to be personally handed to the Archbishop and sent to the Vatican to have any chance of becoming a reality. And for the non-believers; now that the Fleadh is gone, the county could do with the excitement.

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Council ‘reforms’ were short-sighted

W

ITH news that Fine Gael and the Independent Alliance have agreed to change the local electoral areas (LEA’s) for 2019, it looks like Clare is set to once again go under the electoral knife. Given the upcoming change, this means the boundaries for election to the local authority has been dramatically changed in Clare for each of the last 3 elections now.

Currently, we have four LEA’s; Ennis, Kilrush, Shannon and West Clare. Back in 2004 however, we had six such areas. Where we as a county fall foul of the new rules is that all electoral areas are, after the re-draw, only to have between five and seven councillors each. At present, Ennis and West Clare each have eight. This could mean that we see Ennis split in two once more with Ennis East and Ennis West making a come back having previously only ever existed for the 2009 poll.

In order to achieve this outcome, both the new Ennis East and West would have to take in areas from other LEA’s to make them into 5 seaters each. The annexation of the remainder of the parish of Ballyea into one of the Ennis constituencies from West Clare is an obvious place to start. Another possible transfer would be the parish of Crusheen from the Killaloe LEA into the grasp of the county town also. These transfers make sense in that the people form these areas are very much linked with the town of Ennis. In the case of Ballyea, people living only 3 miles from the county capital have been, until now, voting in the Kilrush, then West Clare LEA despite being 22 miles from the west Clare town that serves as the seat of that LEA’s “Municipal District”. The Municipal District being the idea in the previous local government reforms that replaced town councils and amalgamated the role of the old town councils in the county council. The “Hogan Reform”, named after the Fine Gael Minister responsible at the time, Phil Hogan, has widely been deemed a disaster

by Councillors of all colours

across the county.

The abolition of town councils was hailed at the time as a money saver with all their services being subsumed into county councils. The number of elected councillors in the country also dramatically dropped. At €6,000 per annum per town councillor, the saving amounted to as estimated €4 million plus expenses. Not a figure to be scoffed at. However, the reduction from 1,627 local authority members (town and county councillors combined) to the 949 county and city councillors we have today means we now have 1 local politician for every 5037 people in Ireland.

This is the highest ratio in Europe meaning Ireland has the worst local representation of all our closest neighbours. In my travels around the country to local councillors during last year’s Seanad election, the ubiquitous complaint I heard was that the 2014 local electoral reforms had made it next near impossible for the role to remain part time, especially in rural areas. In Clare alone, the same Councillor is supposed to represent the people of Clonlara, on the outskirts of Limerick city, as well as those in New Quay, all the way up

by Galway Bay. In all, an 85km journey that would take an hour and a quarter at best to drive. It’s clear that the 2014 “reforms” were short sighted and have not been to the benefit of the people or access to local services and elected representative.

Fianna Fáil, through Shane Cassells, TD for Meath West, have introduced a Bill to bring back the Town Councils, albeit in a much different version than before. Labour supports this move as announced by their leader Brendan Howlin at their last party conference.

If passed, Ennis and Shannon Town Councils are sure to return and possibly Kilrush too.

However, Kilkee town council is likely not to make a re-appearance. It’s also envisaged that Town Councillors would be even more of a part time voluntary role than previously.

Expenses and a small stipend for time lost is all the outline of the Bill entails at present.

If passed, LEA’s will be free to take on a more natural size and distribution rather than

trying to tie rural areas to population centres they might not necessarily have anything to do with in order to simply make the numbers fit the seats. It would also allow for the division of Ennis once more.

At the end of the day, a lot remains to be seen as to what terms of reference that boundary commission will be given before they go carving up the county once more to suit the new rules. These terms of reference are at the whim of the Minister of the day, is this case, Eoghan Murphy. They won’t want to enforce massive scale changes, however, in order to lessen the electoral impact on many of their own Councillors. If the changes in Clare were to follow on as outlined above, it would be good news for Fine Gael in Ennis who narrowly lost out on the last seat last time out.

Careful candidate selection should give them one more between the possible county capital LEA’s.

In Killaloe, the loss of a seat would heap a lot of pressure on Fianna Fáil to retain their three seats in what is now a six seat LEA. Most interesting though would be the potential seven seat West Clare LEA. The combined Kilrush and Ennistymon LEA’s in 2004 returned nine seats. West Clare as it stands now has eight.

The removal of the Ballyea area, along with possible other districts close to Ennis, would then bring it to a seven-seater. This area voted strongest for Fine Gael is recent times.

As such this would appear to damage the Government party’s hopes of adding to its current two seats in the West. However, it is strongly rumoured that Fianna Fáil are in desperate need to identify at least two new candidates in the area as two of their sitting Councillors look set to retire at the next election. This would completely open up the constituency and make it all the play for. As the old saying goes, the devil will be in the details. We’ll have to wait and see what the commission recommends.

24 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS DOORA N.S UPCYCLE PUPILS from 3rd and 5th class in Doora N.S. participated in the Upcycling project with Miss Geraldine Greene who teaches in the school. We wanted to be creative and do something different and challenging for our young ages. We created our own sports and team-building equipment using timber panels from an old fence.

We are proud to have upcycled something old or unused which now has a new use. We will have great fun using them and we will all know our left and right feet while improving our team-work and other skills.

Following evaluation of 140 entries from all over Ireland, Doora School’s entry was awarded a framed ‘Honourable Mention Certificate’ for Southern Waste Region category at the Prize-Giving Awards Ceremony in Athlone on Friday afternoon 24th November in the 2017 Upcycle Challenge. There were 3 national prizes and three runner-ups awards in each of the three regions with additional awards for Mens’ Sheds. While schools and youths groups were encouraged to enter, there was no specific category for them (children and youth were competing in the same categories as adults). The mayors of Athlone and the Westmeath County Council presented the awards. The two men also availed of the sunny day and nearby grassy areas to try out the equipment much to the amusement of all. Speakers included organisers of Free Trade Ireland and of the EPA. We have 3 Green flags in our school for Waste Management, Energy and Water Conservation. We have learned a lot about recycling and now we are learning about upcycling. We are becoming more aware of how we can play our part, be good citizens and show good example to others at school and home.

The names of those who attended the awards ceremony are: Geraldine Greene, teacher and co-ordinator and two pupils Lianda McGuire and Leon Guerin, representatives of the classes. (Lianda McGuire, a parent accompanied us).

CAHERCALLA COMMUNITY SHOP CLOSING Volunteers at the Cahercalla Community Nursing Home and Hospice Shop have expressed their disappointment that the charity shop is closing.

All of the volunteers have been working in the shop since it opened three years ago and they all have connections to the Cahercalla facility.

Volunteer Maria said the shop is more than just a source of income for the charity and acts as a comfort for people.

“I feel like it’s going to be a major loss to the town because people don’t just come in here to buy stuff, they come in here for a chat. It’s kind of somewhere for people to go as well on a rainy day,” she added.

In a statement received by The Clare Echo, management at the Cahercalla Community Nursing Home and Hospice cited increasing costs as the reason for closing the shop.

The statement reads: “Cahercalla Community Hospital & Hospice has recently announced that the Cahercalla Hospice Charity Shop will not re-open in the New Year.

“The decision, which is regrettable, is due to the increasing costs associated with running the shop.

“We would like to sincerely thank all our patrons and volunteers who have supported the Charity Shop and look forward to working with you on future fundraising activities”.

The volunteers wanted to highlight what they referred to as a lack of support from management at the Cahercalla Community Nursing Home and Hospice.

“They’re not considering the manager and the volunteers as well and the work that goes into it,” Pat added.

The volunteers wished to thank the part time shop manager for her dedication to the charity shop.

lAWARD: Pupils from 3rd and 5th class in Doora National School were awarded an Honourable Mention Certificate from Southern Regional Waste at a ceremony in Athlone

“Her tireless devotion to the shop has ensured its continued success, but in reality it was impossible for her to sustain this work load as it was having a severe impact on her health,” they said.

CLARE HAVEN Clare Haven Services Insights Programme - A free and confidential weekly programme for women who are or have been in an abusive domestic relationship. For further information please contact Clare Haven Services on 065 6842646.

IRISH LANGUAGE Looking to practice your cúpla focal? Ciorcal Cainte (Conversation circle) Dé Máirt 12 Nollaig ag 11 am The Food EMporium, Francis Street, Inis (across from Clare FM). Bígí Linn!

Tuilleadh eolais ó: anclarasgaeilge@gmail. com. Má tá treoir uait ar an lá glaoigh ar 0876390496/087-2117395.

If you need directions on the day ring 0876390496/087-2117395.

SUPPORT GROUP FOR SEXUAL ABUSE A new support group for sufferers of sexual trauma

and childhood sexual abuse is now open in Ennis.

Founded by Kilnamona woman, Oonagh O’Keeffe, (S.T.O.P.) which means Sexual.Trauma. Overcoming. Powerlessness.It is a confidential facilitated support group service for people.It is based in Ennis Co.Clare the idea behind it is to reach out to people who are dealing with any sexual trauma within their past lifes or may be still having to experience a sexual ordeal everday.

This service includes a intimate group meeting aprox.up to 10 people

l CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: At the Christmas Fest in Ennis Market are Padraic McElwee (LEO Clare), Tom McNamara (Mayor of Clare), Ann Norton (Deputy Mayor of Ennis) and her daughter Nicole, and Paul Murphy (Mayor of Ennis) with his sons Johnny and Cathal Photo by Arthur Ellis

where each Tuesday from 6:30pm to 7:30pm we will meet in the Orchard Wellness Centre, which is opposite the Ennis Community College.(the tech) The service also includes a phone number (085 1404005) where people can leave a message from Monday to Friday, with their call being returned the same day.

For the moment the service is ran single handly by Oonagh Okeeffe herself,but with the veiw of getting others on board to help her.

If you are 18years plus male/female and have had to experience such circumstances or are still in an abusive sexual relationship. I hope people will say S.T.O.P . and phone us or other organisations such as the Samaratians, Clare Haven,Rape Crisis ect..and be able to take that first step. I have been through the system myself, and believe that if we can come out and address this, then we can change society for the better.

For more information go to the facebook.com /S.T.O.P.Ireland page.

Freephone number for the S.T.O.P support group is 1800 911 677

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Community

COMMUNITY 25 CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l DASHING THROUGH THE STORE: At the Lidl Christmas Trolley Dash for Barretstown in Shannon are winner Eileen Freeman, Kilmurry who managed to grab €271 of goodies dashing around the store in just 2 minutes. She is pictured with her Husband James, Manager Mariusz Janiszewski and Okgchukwu Utuke, Lidl Shannon Photo by Eamon Ward

EAST CLARE CHRISTMAS IN SCARIFF PUBLIC LIBRARY Join artist Nathalie El Baba to produce homemade Christmas gifts and decorations in two workshops for adults taking place in the library. On Friday 15th December at 11am she will make Christmas jewellery and decorations using polymer clay and on Wednesday 20th December at 11am she will prepare Christmas table centrepieces.

Rebecca Hussey aims to help participants (over 18’s) in her ‘Heartfulness Meditation’ session to find balance and de-stress for the Christmas season on Tuesday 19th December at 6.30pm. All events are free of charge. For more information contact Scariff Public Library on 061 922893.’

WEST/NORTH CLARE A WARM WISH FROM ENNISTYMON A FUEL drive for the elderly of Ennistymon is being organised by Ennistymon Vocational School for a third year, with locals being urged to give a little warmth this Christmas - by donating turf, coal, timber, briquettes, kindle or firelighters.

Organiser Gabrielle O’Brien, who said she would love to see the idea spreading throughout the county and nationwide, said the group will be delivering to up to 50 homes on December 14. Pay for fuel and they’ll deliver.

People can buy fuel in Fitzpatrick’s Supevalu, Cullinan’s Hardware & Kerry Co Op and the team will collect the fuel and deliver to the elderly in the Ennistymon area.

For those interested in helping out, contact Ennistymon Vocational School at 065 7071375 or email ennistymonfueldrive@gmail.com.

A great initiative indeed!

FISHING FUNDING Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has been informed that two Clare fishing groups have been awarded almost €9,000 in funding as part of the national strategy for angling development operated by Inland Fisheries Ireland. €6,875 was allocated to the Lisdoonvarna/Fanore Sea Angling Club for angling equipment for juvenile training and a coaching programme. Founded in 1960, it is among the oldest sea angling clubs and first registered with the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers (I.F.S.A.) in 1966. €2,000 was awarded to Ducey’s Personal Development Academy for angling equipment to develop youth angling. A lakeside tourism initiative operated by Pádraig and Anne Giblin of Aughrim, Scariff, it caters for a variety of sporting and corporate groups and clients of all ages and ability.

KILKEE EXHIBITION Cultúrlann Sweeney in Kilkee will host an exhibition entitled ‘The Edge of

l FIRED UP: At The LEO Christmas Fest Christmas market is Santa Claus arriving by Fire Engine and greeted by Ann Norton and 1 year old Ben Norton Photo by Arthur Ellis

Things’ by Limerick artist Nuala O’Sullivan from tomorrow (Wednesday, 13 December 2017) until 12 January 2018.

Nuala O’Sullivan is a graduate of Limerick School of Art and Design and holds a Fine Art Painting MA Degree. The artist says her work “uses both photography and painting to explore how concealed repression can seep through from the past.”

O’Sullivan has exhibited extensively

throughout Ireland in both solo and group exhibitions. She has also show work in France and at the New York Foundation for the Arts, as part of the idir group.

Selected work was included in the RHA Annual Exhibition, Eigse, Carlow, and the Royal Ulster Academy Show, Belfast.

Collections include Northern Trust, UL, Limerick County Council, Laois County Council, LIT, and private collections.For more visit www.nualaosullivan.com.

26 COLUMNIST

CHRISTMAS IDEAS FROM ROCHFORD PHARMACY

Caroline Bourke MAKE-UP AND STYLE

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

l COLOUR COMBINATIONS: There are simple ways to make your natural eye colour really dazzle

1

PRIMED TO PERFECTION

2 3 4

1. Clarins Mens Skincare Gifts: With a wide range of Clarins Mens Skincare products to choose from why not treat your loved one to some skincare goodies this Christmas.

2. Tis the season for nourished skin!

Check out these Christmas crackers from La Roche-Posay - perfect for any stocking filler!

3. Lancome's Beauty Box: Yours when you spend €50 on any Lancome Products for €70. Perfect gift for that Lancome Lover in your life.

4. The Clinique Fresh Pressed system harnesses the full power of Vitamin C to brighten, even and retexturize skin.

Instantly refine, awaken and purify with the Powder Cleanser—just add water. Mix the Daily Booster with the Clinique Smart™ SPF 15 Custom-Repair Moisturizer to instantly brighten from the first application. All in a giftready bag.

Caroline is here to share eye make-up colour that suits your eyes and neutral eye primers

T

O START with I would like to share with all my readers that I use Mac Paint Pots as a base. This is the first product we apply to the eyelids.

I use Mac Paint Pots on a daily basis. It’s like magic especially if you have oily lids.

There are several different colours so you can find the one that suits you by calling into Mac Store in Brown Thomas. The shades I love are Painterly, Soft Ochre and Groundwork.

These colours are neutral and can be used on their own without any eye shadow as they have a slight tint of colour in them. Please apply with a brush and do not use your fingers. When calling into the store my advice would be to go in without eye make-up on, only mascara.

The girls in store will sit you down and apply a colour to suit your eyes. It’s a very simple look and is great for everyday.

A lot of us have early starts in the morning and instead of putting foundation on eyelids this is what you can apply.

MAC Pro Pots €21.50 are available in satin, cream, frost, and pearl formulas.

These pro pots suit everyone and for the mature ladies the answer is yes, you can wear these paint pots too. I am 45 myself and love these paint pots and wear them on their own with brown mascara or black mascara and I never apply eye shadow palette until the weekend. Don’t worry these paint pots will not crease and they stay on all day long. They are fantastic and I wanted to share this week with you all and if you read below I have a guideline to what colour eye shadow

change colour, you should avoid green eye shadow and liner. Avoid blues that are too strong because they overwhelm your eye colour.

BROWN EYES

l VERSATILE: MAC primers can be used with any brand of eyeshadows

and liners suit your eyes.

There are simple ways to make your natural eye colour really dazzle. Certain colours complement and enhance other colours. The same theory works with eye make-up and your iris - the coloured part of your eye. I have found that the following basic colour combinations work the best.

BLUE EYES

Try: Use eye shadow in browney pink, beige pink, peachy pink, mauve, grey, light dusty blues, turquoise, black or all browns. Use eyeliner in grey, black brown, navy blue, bronze gold or dark purple.

Avoid: If you have pink toned skin, stay away from shadows that are pure pink. If you have pure blue eyes that tend not to

Try: Use eye-shadow or liner in grey, black, navy blue, neutral chocolate brown, or chocolate brown with a hint of red, pink brown, grey brown, burgundy, or purple. You can also use paler or medium versions of these shades as eye shadow, as well as mauve, light pink and peach. You can use gold shadow if your skin tone is not sallow or yellow.

Avoid: If you have brown eyes and olive skin, skip neutral browns like khakis, taupes and yellow browns. They won't make your eyes look alive.

GREEN OR HAZEL EYES

Try: Shadows in peach, light pinks, muted pink, mauve, green, bronze green, khaki, caramel, gold, any green mixed with gold, and all browns and greys. If your complexion is olive and you have dark circles, stick to cool colours like navy blues, slate greys, mauve greys, bright mauves, pinks, black or purple, black, grey, gold or brown.

Avoid: Ensure you always use a green that’s subtle. You don’t want to wear bright, vivid greens because they will overwhelm your eye colour. If you want to try a bright colour such as turquoise, make sure to apply as a subtle wash so it brightens the eye area without overwhelming your eye colour.

COLUMNISTS 27

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Jess & Ciara

FIT TIPS

TIME FOR A CHANGE The fact of the matter is that every day is a new chance to start over

S

O ANOTHER year has flown past and we are currently listening to the barrage of "New Year...

New You!" messages from all sides.

The pressure we put on ourselves this time each year is immense.

Must start the New Year right!

Must lose weight, get fit, eat right, get rich, get that promotion, take over the world...etc!

In reality we know these resolutions mostly don't last past January 6 because we tend to try to eat the whole elephant!

Let’s be kind to ourselves this year, and do this fresh start in a healthy way so that we have a real chance at success!

What if instead of a hundred huge life changing resolutions, you simply made one simple promise to yourself? Something small but instrumental that would make a real difference.

Maybe the "elephant" is a stone or two you really want to lose. One simple promise to move everyday can kick-start that!

Or maybe you eat way too much sugar.

Taking a spoon out of each tea or coffee daily could make all the difference.

And what if instead of trying to take over the whole world you just decided to take control of you? To look after how you feel, get proper rest and be as good to

yourself are you are your best friend.

The fact of the matter is that every day is a new chance to start over! It doesn’t have to be a Monday or a new month or even a new year. You decide when and how and why to change! And instead of trying to tackle the whole list at once, set smaller goals. Actually succeeding will make it so much easier to continue!

For me I have a few promises (not resolutions!) made for the year ahead. Some of them are long term, slow burn type projects which I have to be patient and measured about...hence my first promise is to be patient with myself!

I also need to sleep more, and I want to start leering Swedish. I know that I won't have all these things sorted tomorrow, or maybe even done by this time next year but if I can take a bite or two out of the "elephant" than it will have been a successful year!

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 SUCCESS: Let’s be kind to ourselves this year, and do this fresh start in a healthy way so that we have a real chance at success

28 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

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

l JUMP FOR JOY: Christmas Networking Event at the Woodstock Hotel Ennis, with special guest Aoibhín Garrihy. Actress, presenter and entrepreneur in her own right. Aoibhín shared her experience and tips of using Digital Marketing to build her personal brand and business interests. Pictured L-R Catherine O’Brien, Ennis, Aoibhin Garrihy, Guest Speaker Louise Lynch, Lynch HR Miltown Malbay and Geraldine Reddan, Miltown Malbay .

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Clare secures funding to create employment

C

LARE has secured funding through the Enterprise Ireland Regional Enterprise Development Fund, which will further support job creation in the region.

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys today (Monday) announced the results of the first round of the new €60m competitive Regional Enterprise Development Fund.

In counties Clare and Limerick, the Emerald Aero Cluster Group has been approved for funding. The initiative aims to develop Ireland and the Mid West region as a hub for global aerospace manufacturing excellence resulting in the

creation of an additional €20m worth of additional export revenues over the next three years. This increase in revenue will result in the creation of 200 new direct jobs.

Welcoming the investment Minister Breen said, “I’m delighted that Clare has secured funding through the Enterprise Ireland Regional Enterprise Development Fund, which will further support job creation in the mis west region. The Emerald Aerocluster group is an important development for Ireland’s growing aerospace industry, providing an opportunity for smaller aerospace companies to collaborate, win larger contracts and increase jobs for the sector.”

The Emerald Aero Cluster Group is a cluster of 14 indigenous manufacturing companies, brought together with the specific purpose of increasing Aerospace manufacturing export revenues for members and aerospace business for the Republic of Ireland. Member companies include; Dolmen DPF Eng Ltd, Paradigm Plastics Ltd T/A Future Plastics, Key Plastics LTD, Lenane Precision Limited, Panalok, Shannon Precision Engineering Ltd, Takumi Precision Engineering Ltd, Thormac, Total Precision Ltd., Croom Precision Medical, Mann Precision Eng, Dawnlough Limited, T&T Precision Ltd, Eirecomposites Teo. “The aircraft manufactur-

ing industry is gravitating towards tiered manufacture and larger entities are capturing market share. The best way for Ireland Inc. to win business is to pool resources and create an entity that will enable members to bid for contracts that are not possible on an individual basis. This is what Emerald Aero Cluster is doing,” added Minister Breen.

Of the 21 projects across all regions, 11 projects in the Southern Regio, which includes Clare, have been approved for funding of €14.2 million.

The fund, which is an open national competitive call to support regional projects, is provided by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, through Enter-

prise Ireland and is a key action to support the Regional Action Plan for Jobs and the Action Plan for Rural Development.

Announcing the successful applicants of the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, Minister Humphreys said, “In this year’s Action Plan for Jobs, we made the decision to place a specific focus on strengthening the rural and regional economy. To stimulate regional growth as we move towards 2020, we announced a €60 million competitive Regional Enterprise Development Fund over two calls.

“Our aim was to provide financial support for organisations set up specifically to bring together stakeholders on projects that will bene-

fit the local community, the region or nationally. The successful applicants include an exciting range of projects which will develop strong entrepreneurial or innovation ecosystems, encourage clusters of similar businesses, or develop specific sectors where there is the potential for competitive advantage.”

Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland added, “We look forward to supporting more regionally-based projects as they support business growth through this exciting, regionally-focused initiative.”

Details of the Regional Enterprise Development Fund are available on Enterprise Ireland’s website enterprise-ireland.com/REDF.

BUSINESS 29

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

l SUPER DAY: Saoirse, staff member at the customer evening

Photo by Julie Tillett

l ON THE LOOKOUT FOR A DEAL: Emily Whelan, Amy Lillis and Ali Whelan were Photo by Julie Tillett among those at the customer evening in Cornucopia last Friday

l ALL SMILES: Orla & Eimear Griffin from Ballinacally

l GIRLS HIT THE SHOPS: Sinead and Rachel Sheehan from Ballyea in Cornucopia

l HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Cornucopia owner Sinead Pyne at the customer evening which was a 28th year celebration Photo by Julie Tillett

Photo by Julie Tillett

Photo by Julie Tillett

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Beautiful bungalow

1 CAPPA LAWN, NEWPARK, ENNIS, CLARE V95PH3E

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OCATED just 500 meters from the Roslevan village centre, 800 meters from the M18 motorway and within walking distance of Ennis town centre, this bright, spacious and well proportioned 4 bedroomed detached bungalow with an adjoining garage is set on a private and tree lined 0.61 acre site. It is a rarity to have such a substantial property within such close proximity to all amenities.

Positioned on the Knockanean road, the gated entrance gives way to a tarmac drive that extends to the garage and the front which also has a large selection of shrubbery and lawned area and mature trees extending around the property. The vast entrance hall, gives way to the

€249,950 main reception, formal dining and kitchen/breakfast with separate access to the garage and open arch to the main hallway.

The main hallway is accessed to the four double bedrooms all of which feature built in wardrobes and main bathroom. This is an immaculate kept family home and viewing is highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents. PSL No. 002295

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

ELEVATED SITE CLIFDEN, COROFIN, CLARE V95FW21 3-BEDROOM bungalow situated on a 0.5 acre elevated site in a scenic location with a backdrop to Clifden Hill. The property is within 1 mile of the village of Corofin, 8 miles from Ennis Town Centre.

Outside - Cut stone piers, spacious driveway entering site, post and rail fencing to front, side and rear, large gravelled driveway with ample space for a number of vehicles, wrap around driveway to rear,

Spacious family home LISCORMACK, KILDYSART, CLARE V95H7R7 SPACIOUS family home located on a 0.7 acre elevated landscaped site finished to turn key condition within 1 mile of Kildysart village and its amenities and 20 minutes’ drive to Ennis Town Centre.

Tarmacadam drive that wraps around house, post and rail fencing to three sides, stone faced wall with entrance gates to front, manicured lawns, detached wooden garage, space for wheelie bins, mature trees surround the site for

€252,500

privacy. Detached Garage Stone built garage, 2 window to front, door to side and roller shutter door to rear, could easily be converted for extra living space. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents.

PSL No. 002295 Douglas Hurley MIPAV B.A & Ins. Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

€169,000

decorative lawned area to the front, mature trees surrounding the site, decorative patio area to the rear and side, small raised bed area to rear, own water supply. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with Sole Selling Agents. PSL No. 002295 Douglas Hurley MIPAV B.A & Ins. Tel: 065 - 6840200 Partner Director

PROPERTY 31

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

COMPETITION TIME!!!

WIN A 2 NIGHT STAY

WHERE IS THE VAN?

Like and share our Facebook page to win a 2 night stay at Kenmare Lodge and Leisure Hotel.

Tell us what building is in the background of the DNG O’Sullivan Hurley van.

Winner announced 5th January 2018. GOOD LUCK!

WISHING ALL OUR CUSTOMERS AND FRIENDS A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

IT’S A GREAT TIME TO SELL! IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SELLING YOUR HOME IN 2018, CALL THE AWARD WINNING TEAM AT DNG O’SULLIVAN HURLEY AT

065-6840200

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

Perfect Prius

FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: Toyota Prius Plugin Hybrid Luxury Pricing: as tested €40,390; Prius Plugin range starts at €37,125 Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol +53kW electric motor Transmission: CVT automatic, front-wheel drive Body style: Five-door fastback CO2 emissions: 22g/km (Band A1, €170 per annum) Combined economy: 282mpg (1.0 litres/100km) Top speed: 163km/h 0-100km/h: 11.1 seconds Power: 122hp at 4,500rpm Torque: 142Nm at 3,600rpm + 163Nm electric motor Boot space: 360-litres (seats up), 1,204-litres (seats folded) Euro NCAP rating: five-star; 92% adult, 82% child, 77% pedestrian, 85% safety assist EuroNCAP rating: five-star; 97 per cent adult; 87 per cent child; 72 per cent pedestrian; 100 per cent safety assist

Plugin version of the Prius shoots for the fuel economy moon ROAD TEST: TOYOTA PRIUS PLUGIN

T

HE THING is, Toyota has been telling us for some time now not to plug in. In advertising and marketing, the Japanese giant has been espousing the benefits of its hybrid models, and the fact that they can trundle around town, spending a great deal of time running on their batteries without ever needing (or indeed being capable of) plugging in.

Except now, there’s this. The Prius Plugin. Which, er, plugs in. You can see how this might be awkward. Still, it would be a bit much to accuse Toyota of hypocrisy — after all, both plugin and non-plugin hybrids have their benefits, and marketing and advertising aren’t delivered under oath.

So, what is a Prius Plugin? Well, the standard current Prius is already an impressive car in and of itself, and almost without question the best and most effective hybrid which you can buy. It’s built on the same TNGA (Toyota New Generation Architecture) chassis as the popular C-HR crossover, and while it’s hardly the last word in driving entertainment, it’s a smooth, soothing, and hugely economical car to drive.

The Plugin version takes all of that, and adds some interesting twists to the recipe.

First off, what you’ll notice is a distinct improvement in the styling. I know the way a car looks is a deeply subjective subject, but the regular Prius does look a bit… well, a touch… kind of… it looks like a catfish, OK? It’s not pretty. The Plugin version is, to these eyes, a much better looking car,

lNEW HYBRID: There has been a distinct improvement in the styling. There’s an exterior electrical connector so that you can, indeed, plug it in

with a frowning face made up of projector headlamps that are much easier on the eye than the standard model’s lights.

Underneath, the changes are a little more technical. The standard Prius’ nickel-cadmium battery pack is gone, replaced by a more modern lithium-ion setup (which robs a little from the boot space, it’s worth noting). There’s an exterior electrical connector so that you can, indeed, plug it in, and the electronics have been recalibrated to account for the battery’s extra capacity.

A standard Prius will run on pure electric power for, at most, 2km before it summons up help from the 1.8-litre petrol engine.

Fully charge the Plugin’s battery from the mains (it takes in and around four-hours to do so, depending on how you’re charging it) and you can run for a claimed 50km on just the battery, a figure that seems to be surprisingly realistic for everyday use.

That means that, for most of us, we could take care of our daily commute, our school

runs, our shopping expeditions, without ever burning so much as a litre of petrol.

The good news is that, when you do need to gee that petrol engine into life, you won’t need to mortgage an arm and leg to pay for the fuel that it does use. More than once, we’ve found that plugin hybrids promise staggering levels of economy, but can’t get next or near them when you’re actually driving them in real conditions (cough Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV cough). The Prius Plugin is, technically, in that group because there’s no way that it will ever get close to its claimed 282mpg (!) figure in real life.

But it remains impressive, because even on a long motorway journey, which is usually when plugin hybrids really fall down, the Prius manages to return entirely healthy circa-60mpg economy.

On top of which, it’s just such a pleasant car to drive. Aside from a slight touch of excessive wind noise at a motorway cruise, it’s very refined. The 1.8-litre petrol engine,

thanks to the CVT automatic transmission, does do that traditional hybrid moan when you ask for full acceleration, but at all other times it’s very quiet, and the comfortable ride quality makes the Prius Plugin very relaxing to drive. It’s no hot hatch, so don’t expect rewarding cornering on the twisty bits, but actually the steering is surprisingly good, with pleasant weighting and swift responses.

Added to all of which are exceptionally comfortable front seats, a roomy and spacious cabin (albeit the boot is shallow and small), and the usual exceptional Toyota build quality. It is a touch expensive, though, which perhaps limits its appeal over and above the already-excellent standard Prius, but hey — electric motoring is unquestionably the future, and the Prius Plugin is ideal for those who want to take the plunge, but aren’t quite ready to entirely give up petrol power.

ADVERTISEMENT 33

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

MIDWINTER PRE-OWNED LOW COST CAR SALE 2013 Toyota Yaris, 1.0 Petrol, 62,500km Road Tax: €200 €9,950 With €1,000 deposit Over 5 years €43weekly

2012 Toyota Auris, 1.33 Petrol, 115,000 mls Road Tax: €280 €9,950 With €1,000 deposit Over 5 years €43weekly

2011 Mazda 3 Saloon, 1.6 Diesel, 99800km Road Tax: €200 €9,950 With €1,000 deposit Over 5 years €43weekly

2011 Toyota Corolla, 1.4 Diesel, 132,000km Road Tax: €270 €9,950 With €1,000 deposit Over 5 Years €43weekly

2011 Toyota Corolla, 1.4 Diesel, 174,500km Road Tax: €270 €9,450 With €950 deposit Over 5 Years €41weekly

2011 Toyota Auris, 1.4 Diesel, 124,000km Road Tax: €200 €9,450 With €950 Deposit Over 5 Years €41weekly

2010 Toyota Avensis 2.0 Diesel, 131,500 miles Road Tax: €280 €8,950 With €900 deposit Over 4 Years €46weekly

2009 Toyota Auris, 1.4 Diesel, 139,500km Road Tax: €270 €7,950 With €800 deposit Over 4 Years €41weekly

2008 Audi A4 2.0 Diesel 164,000 miles Road Tax: €280 €6950 With €700 deposit Over 3 Years €45 weekly

2008 Toyota Corolla 1.4 Petrol, 113,000 miles Road Tax: €385 €6,950 With €700 deposit Over 3 Years €45weekly

2008 Citroen Picasso 1.6 Diesel, 120,500 miles Road Tax: €280 €5,950 With €600 deposit Over 3 Years €39weekly

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34 MOTORING

T

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Motoring News

Heavily revised Ford EcoSport arrives in Ireland in January

HE new Ford EcoSport compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) will deliver enhanced versatility and capability, more refined styling and sophisticated technologies for customers in Europe.

The new EcoSport will arrive in Ireland in late January 2018.

The new Ford EcoSport for the first time offers Ford Intelligent All Wheel Drive technology for improved traction on- and off-road, combined with an advanced new 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel engine, delivering up to 125hp and Co2 emissions of 119g/km.

Also available for the first time as a sporty, Ford Performance-inspired EcoSport ST‑Line model, the new Ford EcoSport delivers driver assistance technologies including SYNC 3 connectivity,

Cruise Control with Adjustable Speed Limiter and Rear View Camera.

Featuring enhanced dynamic, rugged and refined exterior

styling, the new model is offered in 12 bold colours and offers even more personalisation options – including contrasting painted roof colour options that extend

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

to the window pillars, upper door frames, rear roof spoiler and door mirrors. A user-centric, upscale new interior offers a superior occupant experience with floating central eight-inch touchscreen, heated steering wheel and smart stowage solutions including an adjustable boot floor.

“Similar to markets across Europe, in Ireland, we have seen the relentless rise of the SUV over the last number of years and the compact SUV like our new stylish EcoSport is proving just as popular with buyers as the larger models,” said Ciarán McMahon, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford Ireland. “We are sure that new EcoSport will appeal to a wide range of Irish customers who like the commanding driving position of an SUV but who also want a stylish vehicle that

delivers value for money motoring. And when you consider, the high level of technology and luxury that is available on EcoSport as standard, the car should be on the ‘must see’ list of any prospective new SUV customer in Ireland.”

The new Ford EcoSport for Europe is built at Ford’s manufacturing facility in Craiova, Romania, following a €200 million investment, and joins the Ford Edge and Kuga SUV models on sale in Europe.

The SUV segment is the fastest growing in Europe. Registrations of SUV models grew by more than 21 per cent year-on-year to account for more than one quarter of all new passenger car registrations in 2016. Last year, Ford’s SUV sales in Europe grew by more than 30 per cent.

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

ADVERTISEMENT 35

36 ADVERTISEMENT

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

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

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

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

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

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

Tel: 065 682 2400 • www.alhayesskoda.ie

skoda.ie

* Typical Example: KAROQ 1.0TSI 115hp Ambition OTRP €28,315. Deposit €8,423. 36 monthly payments of €319 including service plan of €12.99 per month. Optional final Payment €10,532. APR 3.9%. Total cost of credit €1,806. Minimum deposit is 10%. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance is a trading style of VW Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Prices and offer valid until December 31st 2017. Model shown is the KAROQ style 1.0TSI 115hp. Price excludes delivery and related charges. CO2 from 114-138g/km. Combined fuel consumption from 4.3-5.5 l/100km

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Classifieds HOT JOB: BEAUTY INDUSTRY

CLASSIFIEDS 37 CONTACT SALES

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

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EXPERIENCED CHILDMINDER WANTED Ennis area, staring January 2018. 6am & 7am starts with afternoon finishes – Week 1/3days; Week2/4 days.

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COUNSELLING SERVICES Inisfree Psychotherapy, Ennis Counselling services available in Ennis from a professional accredited psychotherapist. Completely discreet. Help is here for those suffering with stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, trauma and more.

Fee €40-60.

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

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

Your Horoscopes December 14 Aries

Taurus

Gemini

THERE’S no use getting your dander up when you’re not really sure what this new person’s intentions really are. Don’t try to interpret their words yet, either. You just can’t know their true meaning for now, and the trick to getting through this is to not take anything personally. Believe it or not, they might not even have been attacking you. Let it slide off your back and get on with your life.

THE great man said that all the world’s a stage, and right now, you’ve got the lead! Whether you want a drama, an action-adventure or a light romantic comedy is entirely up to you. Since you’re the star, writer, director, producer, and understudy of this play, you’ve got final say over the outcome. All the most important critics should give you two thumbs up!

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

IF YOU’RE dreaming about taking a risk but feel frozen by fear, now is the time to address your feelings before they keep you from fulfilling a long-held ambition. Life is far too short to spend any more time on dithering. Isn’t it worth taking a risk to do something that you really care about? Trust yourself and your instincts and get a move on.

THIS opportunity hasn’t just landed in your lap -- it practically leaped up of its own volition! You might be feeling a touch nervous about how to deal with it, as it’s like riding your bike for the first time and then suddenly being asked to jump the Grand Canyon.

Don’t fret -- you’re more than up to handling this challenge. You wouldn’t have been given this chance otherwise.

PAINTERS know that it’s all about perspective, and at least for now, that’s what matters in your life, too.

If you or someone close is getting too riled up about what is basically trivial, take a moment to step back and check things out. Assume a different position and then take a look at this so-called ‘dilemma’ again.

Suddenly all those big concerns look kind of silly!

Libra

Scorpio

Capricorn

Aquarius

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS

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DOWN 2 Dashing in great confusion (7) 3 Scoff when leader is knocked out in preliminary round (3) 4 Bunny talk? (6) 5 Mad artist turns playwright (9) 6 Check car heading for Tottenham (5) 7 Another word for doctor found in some dictionaries (5) 8 Browbeat Trojan hero (6) 12 Working with gear

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ond thoughts after contagious disease (5) 20 Teacher with north-eastern poet (5) 23 Be successful for first half of season (3)

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in top form (9) 16 Pair involved in most woe (7) 17 Quit and write one’s name again? (6) 18 Royal pop star (6) 19 Mother has sec-

25

2

French resort (7) 23 New gown about right? No, it’s not right (5) 24 Observe the bishop’s territory (3) 25 Drink that’s bad for teenager?

(5,3)

E

1

ACROSS 1 Unready king making girl embarrassed (8) 6 Article I’m to make objective (3) 9 Precise former spouse has to do something (5) 10 Directors and editor got on (7) 11 Oil change after journey in African port (7) 13 “Room at the Top” in Greek (5) 14 Teased for being badly dressed (6) 15 Beer? Bert is ordered to swallow it (6) 19 Aimed to reform press, TV, etc.

(5) 21 Allowances made for disturbance on stair?

(7) 22 Just say I may be found in a

IT’S easy (and tempting) to just vent today, but that doesn’t bring you the understanding or the peace you really need. It’s important to acknowledge those feelings, but not necessarily to act on them right now.

Trying to drown them out or get rid of them doesn’t work in the long run, either. Remember that like everything else in life, they are sure to pass along, so hold on to your equanimity.

E

The Clare Echo Crossword

Pisces

S

SOME people say that they’re one thing and then demonstrate the opposite. You might be disappointed in them, but cut them a little slack today, especially if it’s the first time. They’re only human, after all! If it’s the fourth or fifth time it’s happened, you need to be on your guard. They may be only human -- but they may be the kind of human you need to avoid!

YOU’RE generally honest, straightforward and avoid hidden motives -- but you think everyone around you is exactly the same way! Where would the fun in life be if everyone were exactly the same? Someone close definitely has an ulterior motive -- and a pretty romantic one at that. If they awaken something flirtatious and delightful in you, enjoy the surprise.

24

YOU keep trying to swim upstream, but you could end up using all your energy just to stay still -- or, worse, to slow your pace as you’re dragged backwards. Try moving with the flow of events that are currently all around you instead. As you turn your efforts toward working with the energies around you, rather than trying to push them away, a whole new vista of opportunity opens up.

WHY can’t life be less complicated? The answer is ironically simple -- if you were just handed things all the time, you’d never learn to appreciate them.

Remember that as you deal with a complex situation that crops up later today. It’s a good idea to keep your normally colorful self a little more black-andwhite at work to find an answer to this puzzle. Discretion is definitely the better part of valor!

) 12 Working with gear in top form d (9) 16 Pair involved in most woe (7) 17 Quit and write one's name again? (6) c.

18 Royal pop star (6) 19 Mother has second thoughts after contagious disease (5) 20 Teacher with north-eastern poet (5) 23 Be successful for first half of season (3)

YOU’VE had quite a long journey to get here, so give yourself some much-needed downtime and just enjoy the view. Don’t forget to acknowledge all you’ve managed to accomplish and the obstacles you’ve overcome along the way. You have plenty more to do, of course, but you need to gather your strength before tackling the next leg of your journey. Rest in the moment and just be thankful.

Sagittarius

s

FLYING high doesn’t even begin to describe what you’re experiencing (and enjoying) right now. You’ve got the world on a string, and that string is conveniently wrapped around your finger. Some ancient obstacle has recently been removed, and it’s given you a whole new approach to life. Enjoy all the energy you have at your disposal, and remember that life is especially sweet when you remember to share your joy.

1/1

t - just deal

38 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

The Clare Echo Quiz WHO SAID THAT?

you may soon have “I’m not giving away any secrets 1die“Gentlemen, the alternative to live as slaves or 6 like that to Tipp. If I had my way, as free men” I wouldn’t even tell them the time of

alive and well. And that person’s name is Liam McCarthy”

Anthony Daly, Davy Fitzgerald, Ger Loughnane

“He hits it, he hits it, it’s over 7 the bar. Oh holy Moses, what a match, I have never experienced anything like it”

Marty Morrissey, Syl O’Connor, Niall Gilligan

“I was praying that it would drop “And some time make the time to 3 short and I saw Geordan catching 8 drive out west Into County Clare, it under the post and a few of the along the Flaggy Shore In Septemlads got pretty excited” Grand Slam – courtesy of Munster Rugby Marcus Horan, Keith Woods, Eimear Considine

ber or October, when the wind. And the light are working off each other”

Seamus Heaney, WB Yeats, Patrick Kavanagh

“There isn’t a tree to hang a man, “It’s a long, long way, it grows 4 water to drown a man nor soil to 9 further by the day bury a man” – Who said this about It’s a long way from Clare to here” the Burren?

Oliver Cromwell, Edmund Ludlow, Elizabeth Bourchier

5

“Oasis or Blur?” – Father Ted

Father Damien Lennon, Father Fintan Stack, Father Joe Briefly

l SONGS ABOUT CLARE: We all know Christy Moore has written songs about Clare but did he write the lyrics: “It’s a long, long way, it grows further by the day. It’s a long way from Clare to here”?

Ralph McTell, Davey Arthur, Christy Moore

war comes upon us, it will 10“Ifcome as a thief in the night.”

Eamon De Valera, Daniel O’Connell, James Patrick Mahon

6. Ger Loughnane 7. Marty Morrissey 8. Seamus Heaney 9. Ralph McTell 10. Eamon De Valera

“There’s been a missing person in 2 Clare for eighty-one long years.

Today, that person has been found

the throw-in.”

Ger Loughnane, Anthony Daly, Davy Fitzgerald

HOLY MOLY

l MAGNIFICENT: The beautiful Island of Inis Cealtra captured beautifully here. The island is also known as Holy Island. Photo by Eoin O’Hagan

ANSWERS

1. Daniel O’Connell 2. Anthony Daly 3. Marcus Horan 4. Edmund Ludlow 5. Father Damien Lennon

Daniel O’Connell, Eamon De Valera, James Patrick Mahon

40 ADVERTISEMENT

THURSDAY, DEC 14 2017

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