The Clare Echo 07/08/25

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Aug 31, 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 2024

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Irish Open and Walker Cup for Clare?

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Saoirse Fallon, Ava Brohan and Aoibhín Fallon take a break from the activities at Gaelic Park, Ruan as Ruan GAA club held a fundraiser for their newly opened Astro turf facility Photo by Rachel Lyons Photography

CO CLARE is in line to be at the centre of the golfing universe next September with two major events potentially taking place in the county.

Lahinch Golf Club will become only the third Irish venue to host The Walker Cup in September 2026 and now Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland is emerging as a leading contender to host the 2026 Irish Open also taking place next September.

Officials on the European Tour and management from Trump Doonbeg are hopeful of sinking a putt in the coming weeks regarding an announcement of the West Clare course as the venue for the 2026 Amgen Irish Open.

Trump Doonbeg would become only the second Clare venue to host The Irish Open with Lahinch setting a wonderful example in 2019 in an event that also provided a memorable uplift for the local economy.

Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Dromoland Castle hosted the Women’s Irish Open in 2023 and 2024.

“Any event coming to West Clare is very welcome. As a local authority we will do anything we can do to facilitate a prime event coming to West Clare,” Doonbeg native Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) told The Clare Echo on the potential of The Irish Open returning to West Clare.

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John S. Kelly who spent thirty one years as principal of Scariff Community College welcomes GAA President Jarlath Burns to the home of Scariff GAA for the Scariff Harbour Festival Photo by Arthur Ellis

St Senan’s RFC round out 50 year celebrations

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HISTORIC fifty year celebrations for St Senan’s RFC concluded with the annual Jimmy Slattery Memorial Golf Classic.

On Friday, the annual St Senan’s RFC Jimmy Slattery Memorial Golf Classic took place at Shannon Golf Club.

This was the final celebration of a landmark year which has marked fifty seasons for the Shannon Town based rugby club. The golf classic is one of the major fundraisers for the club each year. Twenty three teams hit the fairways of Shannon Golf Club, the first batch teeing off at 09:00 and the last at 16:10 with fierce and friendly competition throughout.

Club officers have paid tribute to anchor sponsors, Crane Worldwide Logistics, the ten associate sponsors and tee box sponsors.

Five golf team prizes were up for grabs in addition to two Nearest to the Pin and two Longest Drive prizes.

Overall champions were Aidan Mannix, Denis McCarthy, Darragh Jones, and Sean Arthur. Second place were David Finnegan, Tom Clancy, Peter Tim Lynch, and Damien Griffin, while third place went to Ged McNamara, David

Barrett, Peter Synott, and Rory Scannell. The fourthplace team was made up of Daragh McCoy, Andrew Hogan, Gary Russell, and David Ryan, and rounding out the top five were Eric Quilligan, Michael Hickey, Fergal Kennedy, and Shane Quilligan.

Individual honours were also hotly contested. The Nearest to the Pin prizes went to Jason O’Donnell on the 4th hole and Darragh Jones on the 17th. The Longest Drive prizes were awarded to Martina Cunningham on the 9th hole and again to Jason O’Donnell on the 18th, a standout performance on the day.

This year also marked a historic milestone for the Classic, with the first ever all-women’s team participating in the Classic.

Celebrations continued into the evening with a raffle featuring four fantastic prizes. The main prize — a customised golf wedge — was sponsored by the talented Danny Brennan of DTBGolf.

Additional prizes were generously donated by Nenagh Golf Club, the ever-generous Bunratty Manor Hotel, and Paul O’Neill Golf.

Treasurer Caroline Feehily stated, “The Jimmy Slattery Memorial Golf Classic con-

tinues to be a cornerstone fundraiser for the club each year, and this year’s edition was made all the more meaningful by its role in closing out our 50th season. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, sponsored, and supported the event your backing ensures the continued success and growth of St. Senans RFC”.

She noted the participation of a first-ever women’s team in the classic as “a proud and progressive moment for the club and long may this trend continue”.

Aidan Mannix, Denis McCarthy and Darragh Jones of the winning team, missing from the photo is Seán Arthur Photo by Joe Buckley

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Clare on course for golfing bonanza with Trump Doonbeg leading contender to host Irish Open

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CO CLARE is on course to host The Irish Open for the second time in less than a decade with a deal close to getting over the line for Trump Doonbeg to be the official venue.

Officials on the European Tour and management at the five-star Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland are staying tight-lipped on the possibility of the Irish Open heading to West Clare next September.

Already Co Clare is teeing up for a spike in visitors with Lahinch Golf Club to host the fifty first Walker Cup on September 5th and 6th 2026. Lahinch hosting the biennial match will mark the third occasion that it has been played in Ireland with the famous links course following in the footsteps of Portmarnock (1991) and Royal County Down (2007).

Talks are understood to be ongoing regarding the Trump owned Doonbeg resort hosting the 2026 Amgen Irish Open with hopes high that a deal could be soon reached.

Thirty kilometres separate Lahinch Golf Club and Trump Doonbeg, the combined hosting of both events would serve as a major lift to tourism and hospitality in Co Clare.

Lahinch hosted The Irish Open in 2019 when Jon Rahm shot 62 to claim a two-point victory. Local hotelier Michael Vaughan previously estimated it was worth €10m to the local economy. The club last week saw one of its most beloved members, Jonathan Keane win the South of Ireland Amateur Championships on his home course.

This year’s venue, the K Club agreed in April 2022 a long-term deal with the European Tour to host The Irish Open in 2023, 2025 and 2027. This year’s Open takes place from September 3rd to 7th.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for The European Tour outlined that a venue for the 2026 Irish Open will be announced in the autumn but no date has been set for such an announcement. “We have not got a timeline set for this yet, we anticipate announcing 2026 schedule details at some point in the autumn”.

According to a spokesperson for the DP World Tour, “We are looking at a number of venues for the 2026 Amgen Irish Open and will make any announcement on that in due course”.

At Trump Doonbeg, plans are understood to be afoot to build new tees this winter to add yardage to its links.

A spokesperson for Trump

lIRISH OPEN: Trump Doonbeg Golf Hotel

Doonbeg told The Clare Echo, “We are not in a position to comment on it either way at this time” regarding the potential of it hosting next year’s Irish Open.

Locals in Doonbeg are not getting too excited until confirmation is issued, local shop owner and county councillor Rita McInerney (FF) said. “We often hear of things

Photo by: Arthur Ellis

proposed for Doonbeg which don’t come through so until something is confirmed people won’t react, we’re just waiting for an announcement”.

She told The Clare Echo, “Any event coming to West Clare is very welcome. As a local authority we will do anything we can do to facilitate a prime event coming to West Clare”.

Services and infrastructure will have to improve to cater for a European Tour event, she flagged.

“I do have concerns in relation to our infrastructure when it comes to things like the water and water supply, we’ve had a lot of outages over the last number of years and progress has been made on the Doonbeg and Cooraclare line but it does require serious investment.

We’ve had a lot of electricity and broadband outages, some of which are hard to control, when it goes down there should be a redundancy system to kick in if this was to be repeated. We will continue to fight for the road infrastructure on the N68, we need our infrastructure and utilities working together in West Clare if we are to facilitate a big event in West Clare”.

Hosting the Irish Open would be a timely lift, she acknowledged.

“It can have a huge knock-on effect and a benefit long-term. I welcome events of this scale coming to West Clare but we will have to work together to facilitate something and make sure all of the services are in place. We’re trying to look at different forms of accommodation in West Clare whether it be motorhomes park, hotels take a long time to come on stream but we need to facilitate people staying in West Clare for any big event”.

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If you’re planning to refresh your home this summer, Home Trends Furniture in Ennis is offering major savings with its Summer Sale now on at 29 Parnell Street (Eircode V95 ED79).

The family-owned local business has been serving customers across Clare and surrounding counties since 2013.

Known for combining quality, value, and personal service, Home Trends offers a wide range of furniture built to last, now available at up to 50% off during the seasonal sale.

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refreshed and is easily accessible from both front and rear entrances. A wide variety of styles are available, ensuring there’s something for every home and budget.

Supporting Irish Suppliers Home Trends places a strong emphasis on sourcing locally where possible, with much of their furniture coming from trusted Irish manufacturers. This focus not only ensures faster lead times and excellent craftsmanship, but also supports sustainable supply chains and local jobs.

“By choosing Home Trends, you’re not only improving the look and feel of your home you’re also supporting Irish manufacturing and helping to grow our local economy. It’s a smart investment for both your home and your community,” says Eileen Keaveney, co-owner of Home Trends.

A Trusted Local Business Now celebrating over a decade in business, Home Trends has earned a reputation for customer care and value. The

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“Customer recommendations are the cornerstone of our business. We truly value the trust our customers place in us, and seeing so many new customers come through referrals speaks volumes about the service we strive to provide,” says Finbar Keaveney, co-owner.

With excellent reviews on Google and Facebook, the team at Home Trends invites both new and returning customers to explore the summer sale while stock lasts.

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St Senan’s RFC round out 50 year celebrations

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HISTORIC fifty year celebrations for St Senan’s RFC concluded with the annual Jimmy Slattery Memorial Golf Classic.

On Friday, the annual St Senan’s RFC Jimmy Slattery Memorial Golf Classic took place at Shannon Golf Club.

This was the final celebration of a landmark year which has marked fifty seasons for the Shannon Town

Overall champions were Aidan Mannix, Denis McCarthy, Darragh Jones, and Sean Arthur. Second place were David Finnegan, Tom Clancy, Peter Tim Lynch, and Damien Griffin, while third place went to Ged McNamara, David Barrett, Peter Synott, and Rory Scannell.

The fourth-place team was made up of Daragh McCoy, Andrew Hogan, Gary Russell, and David Ryan, and rounding out the top five were Eric Quilligan, Michael

ing in the Classic.

Celebrations continued into the evening with a raffle featuring four fantastic prizes. The main prize — a customised golf wedge — was sponsored by the talented Danny Brennan of DTBGolf.

Additional prizes were generously donated by Nenagh Golf Club, the ever-generous Bunratty Manor Hotel, and Paul O’Neill Golf.

Treasurer Caroline Feehily stated, “The Jimmy Slattery Memorial Golf Classic con-

ST.SENAN’S: Aidan Mannix, Denis McCarthy and Darragh Jones of the winning team, missing from the photo is Seán Arthur

Photo by: Joe Buckley

based rugby club. The golf classic is one of the major fundraisers for the club each year. Twenty three teams hit the fairways of Shannon Golf Club, the first batch teeing off at 09:00 and the last at 16:10 with fierce and friendly competition throughout.

Club officers have paid tribute to anchor sponsors, Crane Worldwide Logistics, the ten associate sponsors and tee box sponsors.

Five golf team prizes were up for grabs in addition to two Nearest to the Pin and two Longest Drive prizes.

Hickey, Fergal Kennedy, and Shane Quilligan.

Individual honours were also hotly contested. The Nearest to the Pin prizes went to Jason O’Donnell on the 4th hole and Darragh Jones on the 17th. The Longest Drive prizes were awarded to Martina Cunningham on the 9th hole and again to Jason O’Donnell on the 18th, a standout performance on the day.

This year also marked a historic milestone for the Classic, with the first ever all-women’s team participat-

tinues to be a cornerstone fundraiser for the club each year, and this year’s edition was made all the more meaningful by its role in closing out our 50th season. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, sponsored, and supported the event your backing ensures the continued success and growth of St. Senans RFC”.

She noted the participation of a first-ever women’s team in the classic as “a proud and progressive moment for the club and long may this trend continue”.

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Hundreds attend protest in Killaloe over trial pedestrianisation of Old Bridge

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“LET US have a say in our town” read the sign from protest organiser Eddie O’Gorman as hundreds gathered in Killaloe on Friday evening to demonstrate their opposition to closure of the old bridge to traffic linking the East Clare town with Ballina.

An estimated crowd of 400 partook in Friday’s protest which saw attendees meet at Clarisford Park before marching in their numbers across the old bridge to the Ballina side before returning to Killaloe.

Organised by Eddie O’Gorman, the protest arose after he said the neighbouring local authorities in Clare and Tipperary ignored the wishes of local people when introducing a trial pedestrianisation. He is now seeking a plebiscite be organised to gauge the views of locals on whether the bridge should be closed to traffic.

Introduced last Monday (July 28th), the trial period

runs until Friday October 17th. The trial, provided for under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, aims

were first mooted in the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan.

Eddie O’Gorman and Richard Coonan at the protest

to pilot a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly route on the old town centre bridge between Killaloe and Ballina. Proposals

Following completion of the trial period, and having regard to the submissions made, consideration of national, regional and local

policy and an appraisal of all data gathered, it is anticipated that in October, both Tipperary County Council

Photo Michael Quigley

and Clare County Council will make a determination on the future arrangements and pedestrianisation of the old 18th Century

bridge.

More transparency and consultation is needed from the local authorities, Eddie said. He contested the 2024 local elections in the Newport electoral area representing Independent Ireland, he polled 594 votes and was eliminated on the third and final count.

He explained, “This protest is our way of saying once and for all, ‘lads listen to us. Talk to us, were not unreasonable - we’re nice people’. We have had unrestricted travel from Killaloe to Ballina for close on 400 years along that bridge and the previous bridge, and what’s being proposed is restricted travel. My problem is we’re not being asked if we want it or do not want it” .

According to O’Gorman, local public representatives who spoke up for those against the pedestrianisation of the bridge were ignored. He does not trust either Council that the trial is only temporary.

Matthew Moroney who contested both the Gen-

eral and Local Elections in Clare last year was among those in attendance along with Ballina based Cllr Phyll Bugler (FG) who has come under fire from colleagues in East Clare most notably Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) for her communication on the trial period.

Speaking following the protest, Eddie thanked the people of Killaloe and Ballina “for coming out this evening in your hundreds to share your concern over what is happening in the town, particularly the issue of the closing of the Bridge.

People from every walk of life came out to say ‘Let me have my say in my own town’. There is genuine concern but we will use this evening as evidence that the people of Killaloe/ Ballina want to have their say, and a plebiscite is the only way as far as I can see, I will be contacting the CEOs from both County Councils and demand that we be listened to”.

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Barefield bands together in grief & despair

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BAREFIELD has banded together in grief, despair and devastation with the funerals for Vanessa Whyte and her children James and Sara Rutledge attended by thousands.

From north and south, the people came to remember Vanessa, James and Sara and to sympathise with their heartbroken family. All three were buried together in Templemaley Cemetery.

Agricultural contractor Ian Rutledge, 43, who died on Monday, is understood to be the only suspect in the shooting of his family. Police in Northern Ireland have said a triple murder and attempted suicide was a line of inquiry.

Flying at half mast on Saturday morning outside the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield were the Irish, Clare and Doora/Barefield flags.

Despite a high amount of people in attendance on Saturday morning, a silence descended on Barefield, the ‘unspeakable tragedy’ resulting in the hundreds lining the streets whispering as they listened to the service from afar.

GAA clubs from across Clare, Galway and Fermanagh formed a guard of honour as three hearses carrying the coffins of Vanessa, James and Sara were brought into the church. It was the first time that three coffins were in the church at the one time.

Mourners were asked to wear bright colours and they duly did while the predominant colour was the maroon and white of St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield, a club with which the Whyte family are synonymous.

Vanessa’s late father Joe who died in 2016 was part of the first St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield panel to win the Clare senior hurling championship in 1954.

Those in attendance at the funeral included a representative for the Taoiseach Micheal Martin (FF) and GAA president Jarlath Burns.

Amazing Grace and Somewhere Over The Rainbow were among the music played during the service.

Vanessa’s sister Regina said they have been robbed of their loved ones. “Vanessa, James and Sara were taken from this world in a cruel and vicious manner – there are no words available to express how this has impacted our family and their friends”.

“We as a family have been robbed of both a relationship with our sister and a chance to see James and Sara grow up, and they have been robbed of the remainder of their lives. It has taken us eleven days to be in a position to have Vanessa, James and Sara back to Clare”.

She said James and Sara were the “focus of her world”. She recalled James’s love of the GAA, playing both hurling and football, and also cricket, adding he has been ac-

knowledged as the “kind, bright, determined teenager we as a family know so well. James’ smile was in-

ger to become a veterinary surgeon, a toy cat was brought to the altar to mark her love of animals.

Mammy”, “A Cork Granny”, and “A Wicklow Mother”.

“There were some with both dads

fectious, and his loyalty was strong,” she said.

Sara was remembered as having a deep love for animals, and aspiring to follow in her mother’s footsteps to become a vet, as well as loving sport. “She was an excellent hurler, a footballer and skilled at netball. She was a team player, a quiet leader, and like every sister, never let James away with anything,” she said.

Vanessa graduated as a Veterinary Surgeon from UCD in 2003.

She purchased a donkey with her communion money and upon moving to Northern Ireland began working with Lakelands in Derrygonnell and she soon progressed to work with the Department of Agriculture. A blue card and cattle tags were brought to the altar as symbols of Vannessa’s life, signifying her time devoted as a vet, hardworking, muddy boots, early mornings and dedication.

Her determination was recalled in how she travelled to Croke Park in 1997 without an All-Ireland final ticket but undeterred, eventually secured access to watch her beloved Clare win the Liam McCarthy Cup. She remained a staunch supporter of Clare GAA and was in Croke Park last July as Tony Kelly lifted the Liam MacCarthy as the county were crowned All-Ireland champions for the fifth time. She attended many games of both codes involving Clare all over the country and travelled to the Gaelic Grounds on occasion to watch the county senior footballers in Munster championship action.

Symbols brought forward to reflect the life of fourteen year old James included a hurley while his sense of fun at training often led to extra laps and push-ups but strengthened friendships. Sara was set to follow her mother and was ea-

Crusheen native, Bishop Ger Nash, Bishop of Ferns and a family friend, described heartbreak over the “tragic and unspeakable loss of three lives with so much to give to the world”.

Delivering the homily, he said every story and shared memory since their deaths “reminds us of the irreplaceable part they played in the lives of their families, their community, their schools, workplaces, teams and clubs”.

and mams mentioned, but there were many where a woman spoke from her own heart,” he said. “They don’t know you, nor you them, but they know your story, and if they hug their teenagers more tightly and call a ceasefire in the perpetual war about tidy rooms, then they have learned that life is precious, and we must be grateful for every day given to us and to those we love”.

Speaking in Scariff, GAA President Jarlath Burns said, “I heard

Bishop Nash stated, “The tragic events of last week, and the ripping away of three people from their family and friends leave us searching for answers and coming back again and again to the only answer that is completely true: ‘We don’t know’,” he said.

He noted messages of condolences for the mother and her children including from neighbours, but also many from those who simply described themselves as “A Waterford

about it very early on when the names hadn’t even been released, Bernie Fox from Ulster GAA contacted me, she is the safeguarding director and the GAA sent officers, Colin Regan and a few more people up to that community in Fermanagh to try and get them to understand and make sense of it, that is our trauma team and they spent a few days with them, there was just bewilderment and confusion in that area, those children have been so in-

volved in Maguiresbridge, Lisbellaw and in their school and community, they played hurling, camogie, gaelic football and cricket. Vanessa being such an effervescence presence in the community, she was safeguarding officer in that club but today we saw all of those clubs come together to give a beautiful send-off ”.

He continued, “There are many occasions that make you feel very proud to be a member of the GAA and today was one of those, seeing those communities come together to support the family. I thought the way the family spoke today, Ivor and Regina with such quite dignity but such determination and love, the way they spoke of the children, although you had three coffins in the chapel which is unprecedented, Regina brought them all to life for those of us that didn’t know them”.

“In the weeks to come when the crowds go, it will be very important for the GAA to be there to support the families, it will fall to the Clare community to do so because that family tragically doesn’t exist in Fermanagh anymore, the communities of Maguiresbridge and Lisbellaw have been left bereft because that family was such an important part of the community,” the President added.

Vanessa is survived by her mother Mary, siblings Geraldine, Regina, Anita, Ivor and Stephen along with her many friends and extended family.

If you have been affected by any of the contents in this article, please contact

Clare Suicide Bereavement Support https://claresuicidebereavementsupport.com/ 086 056 5373 / 087 369 8315. The Samaritans 24 hr free confidential listening service Phone 116 123. Clare Haven Domestic Abuse Servic on their 24hr Confidential Help Line +353 (0)65 6822435

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August in bloom brings colour to the garden and prepping for autumn begins AUGUST can be a busy month and can bring lots of colour to the garden.

There are some autumn flowering perennial now available i the garde centre. The perfect choice to help keep the garden looking it best.

Astrantia have a lovely flower looks delicate but is hardy and produces lots of blooms.

Delphinium are producing another lovely flush of growth and with the height can add a lovely structure to the beds and borders.

Dahlia is the gift that keeps giving once they recieve regular deadheading they will bloom well into autumn.

Coreopsis is a great bloomer with lots of flowers and comes in

lovely co-

lour giving late autumn

flowers.

Ground cover perennial like Geranium is great and comes in nice shades of blue and pink.

It also give great cover-

age of flowers.

Nepeta is a great perennial and has a a few types to choose from.

Whether it’s a low size plant or a tall variety it comes in both and looks similar to lavender but it is a show of purple colour once in bloom.

Echinacea commonly known as coneflowers come in a selection of colour and are a show stopper with the unusual way the flower tilts.

These are just some of the plants available but if you find that some of the perennials have finished flowering maybe consider adding some to continue the flowering into the Autumn season.

Vegetable are back we have cabbage, lettuce and mix lettuce. So if you have space in the

garden and are looking to help keep the ground clean pop into the shop and see what we have to offer.

If you are interested in adding some new bits to pots or planters we a have a lovely selection of bedding plant. Viola, pansy and dianthus are available now. Cyclamen is also now available with a lovely show of colour.

There are lots of offers in store at the moment from perennial herbs to roses and everything in between so don’t miss your chance to grab a bargain wilst stocks last.

Wishing you a lovely week and happy gardening.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 7, 2025

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Spend to date on unadopted Moher Strategy ‘leaves a lot

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DESPITE OVER €10M being spent on the Cliffs of Moher Strategy, elected members of Clare County Council will not get the opportunity to adopt it and instead it will come before councillors “for noting”.

Elected members of the Council were told in May by then Interim Chief Executive of, Carmel Kirby the strategy had to go before West Clare MD councillors “in the coming weeks” but this has yet to take place. Elected members of the Council did conduct a site-visit to the Cliffs of Moher in June.

Speaking to The Clare Echo this week, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) said, “The manner of spend to date on what has been confirmed in replies to notice of motions on a Draft Strategy not approved by elected representatives leaves a lot to be desired”. He also felt “issues of governance and relationship between the executive and elected representatives which I certainly hope and believe needs be fully addressed before this strategy progresses further”. He previously stated that €10m has been spent on the strategy.

Stressing that he fully supportive of a future plan and investment in the Cliffs of Moher, Cllr Garrihy said the first priority of the strategy must be the host community of North Clare. “To date the focus has been heavily dominated within the council owned Cliffs of Moher site with little investment to ensure the North Clare area impacts are positive at a level reflecting the impact and vital role of tourism in the host community”.

Flagging that the strategy never

came “elected members for approval,” Cllr Garrihy sought clarity on the status of the Cliffs of Moher 2040 Strategy when raising the matter at a meeting of the County Council.

Director of Economic Development with the County Council, Carmel Kirby detailed in May that the strategy “is at final draft stage, and it is acknowledged that the strategy is not approved. It should be noted that the Cliffs of Moher Strategy is not a statutory plan requiring adoption by the Council”.

She said it “remains the intention” of the Council to bring the reviewed strategy before the Council “for noting”.

She explained there were five pillars to the strategy but did not elaborate on them. “There was significant consultation during the process of drafting both the strategy document and the ElA. The overarching objectives of the strategy are sound and broadly agreed however in response to feedback following a workshop with the West Clare Municipal District councillors it was decided to undertake a review of the final draft of the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040”.

Surprise was voiced by Cllr Garrihy that councillors were not getting the chance to approve the adoption of the strategy. “My understanding is that the strategy itself would have to be adopted,” he admitted while welcoming confirmation that it had not been approved as of yet while stressing the need to support North Clare which is the host community of the Cliffs of Moher.

Confidence in the local authority has been dented in North Clare following a €8m deal to acquire two

separate pieces of land adjacent to the Cliffs of Moher, he flagged. “We can’t get money to progress twenty yards of a footpath in Doolin

you are working for when we see €8m has been spent”.

A warning was issued by the Lisdoonvarna man that he will not

because its impact is enormous.

The whole focus of the strategy to date has been on the inside of the Cliffs of Moher, I won’t accept or

Pictured at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), Cllr Shane Talty (FF), Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) and Cllr Joe K Clare County Council, Carmel Kirby and General Manager of the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Geraldine O’Rourke in the background

which are small things just outside the Cliffs of Moher, the smallest of things we look for we’re told we have no resources for and it’s very difficult to explain that to people

support any strategy which does not focus on areas surrounding the Cliffs. “This is one of the most important, strategies and decisions we will make in North Clare

support anything which doesn’t focus on the areas surrounding it, the people living nearby need to be respected with the infrastructure that they deserve”.

€691k spent by Council on consultants for Cliffs of Moher Strategy

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL has paid almost €700,000 to consultants in preparing its draft Cliffs of Moher 2040 strategy.

In response to a Freedom Of Information request, the Council has confirmed a spend of €691,001 over the last five years and a half years.

The bulk of the monies at €617,618 has been paid to Haley Sharpe Design Ltd and the firm received €473,318 in 2020 and 2021.

The draft strategy provides a blueprint for the development of visitor facilities at the Cliffs of Moher outlines the need for a com-

plete overhaul of the facilities.

The Cliffs of Moher is the most popular visitor attraction and last year 1.49m visited the attraction.

A spokesman for the Council said that visitor numbers in 2024 are on a par with 2024.

The draft strategy states that “over the past ten years, visitor numbers have far exceeded those which the site was originally designed to cater for. This has significant negative impacts on both the quality of the visitor experience and the special qualities and environment of the site”.

It adds that the restricted cliffedge paths “also create health and safety issues, resulting in erosion

of the cliff-edge itself as visitors go beyond the designated pathways”.

The draft strategy states that “the paths beyond the visitor experience are considered to be a major safety hazard due to their proximity to the unstable cliff-edge and unpredictable weather conditions”.

It states that “visitors rarely heed the warnings in situ and try to get as close to the edge as possible for photograph opportunities”.

It further states that “the design of the current visitor centre, retail and catering spaces does little to mitigate the impact of crowds and are under-scaled for the current needs and expectations of visitors at a world-class experience”.

A Council spokesman said that the Cliffs of Moher 2040 strategy is in draft format and is available for the public to view at www.cliffsofmoher.ie. He said, “There is no set date for adoption. The public and stakeholder consultation phases and the Strategic Environmental Assessment stages are complete”.

Asked does the Council believe that the consultant spend has provided value for money, a council spokesman said, “Clare County Council, supported by Fáilte Ireland, engaged consultants to prepare a strategy on its behalf.

He said, “The preparation of the strategic document was guided by

an expert steering committee. The public and stakeholder consultations informed the shaping of the draft strategy and aspects of the draft strategy are currently being implemented, including the implementation of a sustainable transport solution for the Cliffs of Moher and for north Clare, spreading tourism economic benefits across the county”.

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Cliffs of to be desired’ Expenditure to date on the strategy was flagged by Cllr Garrihy. “We’ve spent €10m on a strategy which is not adopt-

Killeen (FF) with Director of Economic Development for

Photo by Eamon Ward

ed, it was my understanding that a spend of that scale and investment would have required our input. We do need more engagement going forward with elected members involved”. North Clare is most dependent on the footfall from the country’s most visited outdoor attraction, “we don’t have a Beckman Coulter up there, we’re not on the economic corridor or on a motorway network with Limerick or Galway, tourism is much more profoundly to North Clare. I’ve supported the Shannon Heritage transfer and Ennis 2040 but we need to recognise the scale of importance of tourism to North Clare”.

Bringing the Cliffs of Moher Strategy to a conclusion is an “almost tortuously difficult process,” Cllr Shane Talty (FF) observed. “We’re splitting hairs to see we’ll bring it back for noting, I’m not interested in noting, I want a strategy that is in the benefit of the communities”. He highlighted reports were passed sanctioning thousands of euro approval for projects like twinning and the Spancil Hill Fair and such an approach should be followed for the strategy where the majority decides. “This is the most significant project in our Municipal District, if it can’t be stated that it has the full support of elected members from an Executive why allow that to be the case”.

Support for the vision set out in the strategy was supported by Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) who noted the economic benefit of

the Cliffs of Moher to the county, “a rising tide lifts all boats and the Cliffs is bringing 1.5 million visitors to the county”. He added, “the document will reflect our view for what we want to see in the Cliffs of Moher, we have to set ambitious targets, the tourism market is increasing and we have to compete with what is there, we have to be ambitious”.

There must be “openness and trust” between the Executive and councillors, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) stated. Clarity was also sought by Cllr Pat Burke (FG) on when the strategy would be put before councillors whether for approval or noting.

According to Cllr Michael Shannon (FF), “The 2040 strategy is going to be the lead way on national tourism, it has the potential to grow and grow, the challenge for us is to manage what we have and build on it”.

Implementation is the key aspect of any strategy, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) maintained, “It has to embrace much more of North Clare, this is where the future talking needs to be done”.

He added, “The Irish Open was a once off event and a significant amount of money was spent improving areas around Lahinch, the same in Newmarket-on-Fergus for the Women’s Irish Open”.

Addressing councillors, Kirby reminded them it was at draft strategy and intended to be brought before them “for information and noting. There has been extensive engagement with all councillors on the Cliffs of Moher Strategy, it won’t be finalised yet, it has to go before West Clare Municipal District councillors in the coming weeks”.

Importance of the Cliffs of Moher as a national asset was underlined by Kirby along with their efforts to increase the dwell time of visitors. “It will be brought before the Council but it won’t be finalised until everyone is on the same page, I don’t accept that a mistake has been made but I do accept we can do more to inform you all and that is something we need to look at”.

Director of Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty outlined that the strategy intends to “spread benefit across the county in terms of tourism and investment not just focused on North Clare”.

She said a briefing would be held on-site at the Cliffs.

Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) in response stated, “the briefing is very important, it is so important because it should be in the Chamber, it is of national importance and if it is taken to the Cliffs of Moher where we can’t log in online, taking this out of the Chamber where it is so important is not the appropriate way to go. If ye want to have a look at it, go there and come back here the following day”. McNulty said an online link would be provided but the visit was to focus on walking the site.

News

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Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Fr Harry reflects on legacy of ‘man of courage, vision who had time for everyone’ Bishop Willie

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BISHOP WILLIE Walsh’s loss has been deeply felt in Co Clare with his legacy living on as a man of the people and an extraordinary individual amongst other things.

In February, Bishop Emeritus of the Killaloe Diocese, Willie Walsh died suddenly but peacefully at his Ennis home.

Thousands of mourners paid their respects to the beloved 90 year old originally from Tipperary. He spent sixteen years as Bishop of Killaloe, retiring in August 2010.

His loss has been deeply felt by his wide circle of friends and family over the last six months.

Among those to greatly miss conversations and chats with Bishop Willie is Fr Harry Bohan. In 1994 for Willie’s ordination, Fr Bohan in a homily said of his friend, “he is a humble man, a man with a deep and profound compassion”. He added, “his leadership will be sustained by two great Christian qualities, kindness and compassion” and remarked, “he will teach by what he says”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo at his home in Shannon, Fr Harry pointed to the chair where Willie would sit, he was emotional and admitted feeling a sense of loneliness since his death. He said it was a privilege and honour to know and work with him. The great outpouring of love in tributes and huge crowds at his funeral was “testimony to the profound impact he had on people. What came across in all that was said and written was the heart-felt sense of loss that people felt. We knew that we have lost someone special”.

A seven-page tribute by Fr Harry to Bishop Willie has been published in The Furrow, a monthly journal founded in 1950 at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth by the late J. G. McGarry, a Professor in the college.

Describing Willie as “a rare man by any standard,” Fr Harry noted, “his loss has been deeply felt not only in our Diocese of Killaloe but by many in different parts of the country”.

He continued, “I would describe Willie above all as a man of the people and by that I mean all people, rich and poor, believers and non-believers alike. He was able to relate to everyone, no matter who they were or what their situation in life. That said, he had a special care for those

lTRIBUTE: Fr Harry Bohan with a copy of The Furrow where he penned a tribute to Bishop Willie Walsh

less fortunate or those going through particular problems or difficulties in their lives. He had the great gift of connecting with their reality and their situation, no matter what that reality was. He was a great listener and would spend hours listening to people who were troubled or pained by some situation”.

Regarding the legacy of Bishop Willie, Fr Harry said his first thoughts went to how he made people feel. “He was always present to you and when you were with him, and he never seemed to be in a hurry. He had good friends, many of them life-long friends, not only in the Killaloe Diocese but throughout the country”.

Duty of care was evident throughout Willie’s ministry.

“There is an old saying ‘you give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give’, Willie gave both.

His generosity with material things was well known. For a few years the lawn in front of his house was dotted with travellers caravans and the travelling community themselves were regular visitors to his house right up until his death. Not everyone in Ennis agreed with his approach and indeed he was sometimes criticised for his support of the travelling community.

“He did all that and more because he felt he had a genuine duty of care for the weak.

He believed that everyone should have the opportunity to blossom where they were in life. Looking back over the years, I can truthfully say that I rarely heard him identify

with negative chat about others. He simply believed that people have dignity and that everyone should be given a fair chance in life”.

Not alone did Willie “just talk about God, he lived God. In many ways he was extraordinary because of the depth of his humanity. There is something Christlike here, it was the depth of humanity and the compassion that people saw in him that drew people to him and for which he was loved so much”.

From his time working with Willie, Fr Harry considered him to be “a leader and a man of vision. I saw this particularly in his willingness to move forward in the work he initiated on pastoral planning. Willie gave renewal and reform priority in his ministry. He knew that the Church needed to change to meet the needs of the contemporary world”.

Such examples include calling an assembly of priests in January 2002 with the idea of creating a pastoral plan for the Diocese which marked the beginning of a new era where the need to move towards a new model was identified. Fr Harry credited Willie for showing vision during this time and for setting out “the kind of Church he wanted to be part of shaping in Killaloe”. He added, “He is rightly remembered for qualities such as kindness and compassion and as someone who treated everyone the same but he was also a man of courage”.

“Long before Pope Francis spoke of synodality,” it was implemented by Willie in

the Killaloe Diocese. “During his time as Bishop, Willie encouraged a culture of openness and freedom among the priests of the diocese. He was open to those who held different opinions or held contrary views”.

His time as Bishop “coincided with dramatic changes in the Irish economy and Irish society,” Fr Harry reflected.

During the Celtic Tiger, the need to discuss and debate the values which could restore balance in lives was needed which led to the creation of the CÉIFIN Conferences to ask searching questions about the society people wanted to live in.

Along with sharing a deep faith in God, both Bishop Willie and Fr Harry shared a strong passion for the game of hurling and how it underpins a sense of place and belonging. He coached hurling teams with St Flannan’s College and Clare. “In the outpouring of loss and memories, the testimonies of those he had taught in the classroom and mentored on the hurling field were particularly moving. Some described him as the greatest influence on their lives”.

“So much more could be said and no doubt will be said and written about Bishop Willie Walsh. Stories of his goodness, his kindness and compassion, his courage and his vision will continue to be told. He will be remembered with much love as a bishop who was of the people. Our remembering is done in a very heartfelt way and with much affection but perhaps the greatest tribute we can pay to Willie is to reflect on and try put into practice the values and the kind of Church for what he stood,” Fr Harry concluded.

Ennis man jailed for soliciting sex with toddler via Snapchat

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has jailed a 27 year old Ennis man for asking a mother on Snapchat could he have sex with her two year old daughter.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford imposed the 18 month prison term on father of three, Thomas Quinn of Watery Rd, Ennis and with a bail address in Co Cork for the offence committed on August 29th 2020.

Judge Comerford said that there was an intent to harm a child and the public understandably shows revulsion at this type of crime.

Judge Comerford said that there has been no admission by Mr Quinn to the offence of communicating with the woman online for the purpose of facilitating the sexual exploitation of her then two year old girl.

A jury convicted Mr Quinn of the offence at a trial at Ennis Circuit Court in May and the case was adjourned for sentencing.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Comerford said that Mr Quinn’s crime was “a crime of intent”.

Judge Comerford said that Mr Quinn’s actions in the Snapchat exchange with the mother were “irrational and impulsive”.

He said, “The child was never going to be in danger because her mother was always going to protect her”.

Judge Comerford said that he was going to put the offence in the lower level of such offending for one to four years in prison where prison terms of up to 14 years can be imposed.

He said that there was “an absence of direct or indirect consequence for the victim”.

Judge Comerford said that the offence didn’t seem to be in any way calculated.

Investigating Garda in the case, Garda Nadine Keane said that the two year old girl’s mother came to Ennis Garda Station to make a complaint that Mr Quinn had communicated via Snapchat and asked her if he could have sex with her two year old daughter.

Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that in the Snapchat, Mr Quinn said that during the conversation he asked the woman if he could ‘feek’ her two year daughter.

Ms Comerford said that there is no dictionary definition for ‘feek but the woman understood that Mr Quinn wanted to have sex with her daughter.

Later in the exchange on his request, Mr Quinn asked ‘if you let me, I would…’ and persisted when asking ‘but would you let me?’

Garda Keane said that the mother had known Mr Quinn for a number of years and had been messaging him on and off for six months before August 29th 2020.

Garda Keane said that the woman kept screenshots of Mr Quinn’s request.

Judge Comerford said that Mr Quinn always denied making the comments and had argued that some third party had interposed themselves on his Snapchat.

However, Judge Comerford said that “those denials set at nought by really good police work”.

Judge Comerford set a headline sentence of 26 months and reduced it to 18 months.

Judge Comerford said that he could not suspend any part of that 18 months due to no admissions being made

by Mr Quinn so there can’t be any steps towards rehabilitation. Judge Comerford said that Mr Quinn is now on the Sex Offenders register as a result of the conviction and can be identified in the reporting of the case.

13

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News

Tony walks from Kildare to Clare for Palestine

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FORMER CLARE hurler Tony Griffin has undertaken a 200km walk from his home in Kildare to his native Ballyea as an act of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

Big endurance events are nothing new to Tony. In 2007, he cycled 7000 km across Canada and Ireland in memory of his father Jerome who died from cancer a year previous, thousands of cyclists got behind the event and raised over €1.1m for cancer care and research.

On Saturday, Tony set out a new challenge walking 200km from his home in Ballymore-Eustace, Co. Kildare to his native Ballyea. A writer and co-founder of the youth charity Soar, he is undertaking the journey to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to call for urgent action on the ongoing starvation, displacement, and occupation of the Palestinian people.

As of Tuesday morning, he has raised over €10,000.

He explained, “I have decided to walk in solidarity with

the people of Palestine from my current home in Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare to my native Ballyea, County Clare,” said Griffin.

“It’s a walk from one side of Ireland to the other in solidarity with their suffering. It is a 200km walk and I hope to complete it over four or five days, travelling through counties Kildare, Laois, Offaly, Limerick, Tipperary and into my native county Clare.

While this walk will test me, it’s nothing compared to the daily suffering, bombardment, and forced displacement endured by Palestinians.”

“Like many people, I watch the children and families being killed in Gaza and the West Bank and feel sadness and helplessness. I shake my head at how world leaders are letting this happen. I’m angry that innocent children are being targeted,” he said.

Watching the widespread coverage of the devastation in Gaza and the systematic targeting of Palestinian families, Tony felt compelled to respond with action, not just words. “The tipping point for me was watching a video

PALESTINE: Former Clare Hurler Tony Griffin

where a grandfather cried as he told of how all his grandchildren had been killed. The images of children, emaciated from starvation while stockpiles of food are withheld from them, made me think of how they could be my own children. How can we allow the Palestinian people to be forced from their homeland”.

Griffin acknowledges the enormity of the crisis yet be-

lieves every act of solidarity has meaning. “What difference will it make? I am not sure. I want the people of Palestine to know that we have not forgotten them.

Whilst this is a personal solidarity walk, I hope to raise some funds for organisations on the ground in Gaza and throughout Palestine. I want to call on Irish, European and world leaders to secure an immediate end to this bar-

baric and brutal oppression.

It is vital that we all realise we are not powerless and to use our voices for peace and freedom in Palestine”.

An All Star in 2006, Tony made his first appearance for the county’s senior hurlers coming on as a substitute in Ballyheighue when Clare defeated Kerry 2-20 1-5 in the 2000 Allianz National Hurling League. He lined out in the 2002 All-Ireland final

and National League finals in 2001 and 2005. He led Ballyea to contest their first Clare SHC final in 2003.

In 2022, Tony was part of the Kerry backroom team as the Jack O’Connor managed outfit ended an eight-year wait for All-Ireland success.

He had worked with O’Connor and the Kildare senior footballers in 2021. Griffin had previously been performance coach to the Dublin senior hurlers managed by his former teammate and manager, Anthony Daly when they ended a 72-year wait for Division 1 success in 2011 before securing an historic Leinster SHC crown two years later, their first in 52 years.

Griffin is sharing updates from the road via his Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn accounts inviting people across Ireland and beyond to walk with him in spirit, raise their voices, and, if able, to donate in support of humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

People wishing to donate can do so by scanning the QR code below.

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Regional News

North Clare

Four Ruan GAA stalwarts honoured with lifetime volunteer awards

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LIFETIME volunteer awards were presented to four stalwarts of Ruan GAA on Sunday.

As the club marked the start of a fundraising drive to raise €100,000 for their 3G 60x30 astro turf and wall ball facility, Ruan GAA also took time to honour the c ont r ibu tion of

l LIFETIME VOLUNTEER AWARDS: Christy O’Connor, John O’Sullivan, Michael O’Regan and Francie Lyons Photos by: Rachel Lyons

long-standing members, John O’Sullivan, Michael O’Regan, Francie Lyons and Christy O’Connor.

Christy O’Connor is Ruan’s longest serving officer. He is the current President of the club and has given a lifetime of service as groundsman, secretary, treasurer, County Board delegate, trustee, minor club chairman and a selector on teams from underage to adult. Over fifty years ago, he was responsible for bringing Brendan Shine and all the Showbands to the

Ruan Marquees during his time as treasurer.

A winner of a Clare SHC with Ruan in 1962, Frankie Lyons also won intermediate and junior honours with the club in a career which stretched over two decades. After playing, he became involved with teams as a mentor, kit man and repaired hurleys. He served as club chairman on three separate occasions and takes

and is presently County Board delegate. The O’Regan family donated the Margaret O’Regan Cup to Clare Camogie following her untimely passing.

Since moving to Ruan from Meelin in Cork in the mid 1970s with his wife Agnes, John O’Sullivan has immersed himself in the club. He lined out at intermediate and senior level for over a decade before moving into coaching for many un-

ents O’Sullivan who first pitched the idea of the Armagh man making a return visit before he was elected President of the GAA as he canvassed a Clare GAA County Board meeting seeking their support.

Officials in the club are hopeful the new facility will be opened by the end of August. Lighting connections have to be complete along with netting a n d

great pride in his role as groundsman at Páirc na nGael. His commitment extends to serving as a steward in Cusack Park throughout club and inter-county championship games.

One of Cusack Park’s most familiar voices is Michael O’Regan who is heard on the public address, such is his pride for Ruan that he famously said there was a substitution on the Ruan team when Robin Mounsey was entering the fray for Clare’s senior hurlers. Michael joined the club’s intermediate team when he moved to Ruan in the 1980s with his late wife Margaret.

After injury ended his playing days, he became a selector of club teams before moving into administration where he acted as Chairman, PRO

derage sides.

He has held the roles of secretary, PRO and County Board delegate. He was the maintenance man for Páirc na nGael and remains centrally involved in capital projects and on the Club Executive. He is an IT officer with Clare GAA and was part of Davy Fitzgerald’s backroom team when Clare won the All-Ireland SHC in 2013 and National League in 2016.

President of the GAA, Jarlath Burns was the guest of honour in Ruan and he presented the quartet with lifetime volunteer awards on behalf of the club. Burns was no stranger to Páirc na nGael in Ruan and was a visitor in 2010 where his club Silverbridge were hosted during the Féile na nGael.

Indeed it was one of the recipi-

some footpaths around the new astro turf.

For the €250,000 development, the club secured funding from the Sports Capital Grant and received a loan of €100,000 from Croke Park which they are now in the process of paying back.

To assist in their efforts, they are appealing to the local community to assist in a voluntary donation scheme which they said will result the creation of a multi-sports facility for the community to enjoy and offer year-round training for sports teams, community games and fitness classes, an aesthetic enhancement of the village and aiding the environment by cutting down on the need to travel long distances to access similar facilities.

Chairman of Ruan GAA, Ger Lyons explained, “a financial ask is not asked lightly of anyone but the success of this exciting new development depends on the raising of a significant portion of the funding through our community members and friends of the club who understand the importance of sport in the life of a community”. He is among the key officials i n

driving the latest project along with secretary Patricia O’Donnell and fellow club officers, Shane Ryan, Niall O’Connor, Vincent O’Halloran and Marie O’Connor.

Under Irish revenue rules, an approved sports body such as Ruan GAA can claim tax relief on donations greater than €250 made in relation to a project certified by the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media.

Their astro-turf project has been approved for this scheme and the club is deemed a tax-exempt sports body.

Garry Shannon to receive Ard-Ollamh award

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

GARRY Shannon is to receive a prestigious award for his contributions to traditional Irish music.

The Ard-Ollamh Award recognises exceptional contributions to traditional Irish music bestowed by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ). Gary Shannon will receive the 2025 Ard-Ollamh Award at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Wexford.

The award acknowledges a lifetime of dedication to the traditional arts. Past winners of the Ard Ollamh award include Martin Power

for his contributions to Irish traditional music, Fr Pat Ahern for his unique contribution to Irish culture, and Domhnall de Barra for his lifetime contribution to Comhaltas.

“It’s an endorsement of all I have been doing for the last 30 or 40 years and it’s a recognition of what has been happening in traditional music in Clare.”

In his professional life, he became the Assistant Principal at Ennis’ St Flannan’s College, teaching French and Irish, served on the Board of the National Concert Hall and the Board of Governors of the University of Gal-

lARD-OLLAMH AWARD: Garry Shannon

way, presented on RTÉ1 and TG4, and won the 1988 All-Ireland senior

flute title. He is particularly associated with the iconic Kilfenora Céilí

Band as their long-time show presenter. Shannon holds an MA in Irish Traditional Music Performance from UL and has shared his passion as a music teacher in classes all over North Cork, West Limerick, and Clare. He coached the Ennis Céilí Band to three consecutive All-Ireland titles 20012003 and is a coordinator of Burren Bands and groups at Corofin CCÉ.

Garry Shannon is from a musical family in Ruan, Co. Clare. “I started originally because I was brought to classes in Corofin”, explained Shannon. He said, “From there, then I went to secondary school and

I was part of the secondary school céilí band in St Flannan’s.” Shannon’s musical inspirations include Matt Mulloy, Brian Finnegan, Mike McGoldrick, Dónal Lunny, Michael Rooney, Kevin Crawford, and John Lynch.

During the award ceremony, there will be a sit-down meal, an acceptance speech from Shannon, and a 25-minute performance with “a mix of old and new” traditional tunes, including some from Kilfenora Céilí Band. He said, “I play along with people who have been part of my musical life over the last few decades… Then we’ll call it a night af-

ter that and have a few drinks and celebrate.”

Shannon shared his gratitude and said, “I feel that I should give it to all the other people who have done so much for music and I just feel very lucky that my name seems to have come out of the hat.”

“It might be my name on the trophy but really it’s confirmation of the excellent practice that has been carried out in Clare.”

This year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is held in Wexford town from August 3rd -10th.

Some other events on offer include concerts, competitions, and even more awards.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 7, 2025

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Regional News

15

Jarlath Burns launches Ruan fundraising drive RUAN GAA have launched a fundraiser drive to raise €100,000 to complete their latest development.

GAA President Jarlath Burns was in Ruan on Sunday morning as the club launched its campaign to generate €100,000 to cover the costs of its new astro turf and wall ball facility which it hopes to open later this month when lighting works are complete.

Full story on P14

(Photographs by Rachel Lyons Photography)

l GAA President Jarlath Burns cuts the ribbon on the new astro turf watched by Chairperson of Ruan Camogie Club, Ann Marie Jones, Ruan GAA Chairman Ger Lyons and Ruan GAA Secretary Patricia O’Donnell

l Michael Cahir, Tadhg Lyons and Luke Gleeson were among the excited spectators

l Mena Pilkington watches on

l Young Ruan hurlers, Harry Mullen, Jack Lyons, Tadhg McAllister and Ryan O’Connor await the arrivial of GAA President, Jarlath Burns

lJack Casey lines up his shot in the beat the goalie competition in Ruan

l Ruan GAA’s new lifetime members Michael O’Regan, Francie Lyons, John O’Sullivan and Christy O’Connor flanked by Ruan GAA Chairman Ger Lyons and GAA President, Jarlath Burns

l Kate Roughan and Róise Ni Catháin have a chat during the speeches

l GAA President Jarlath Burns with the O’Connor family, Niall, Gillian, Tomás, Ryan and Aoife

16

Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

East Clare

21st Scariff Harbour Festival a stirring success

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LARGE crowds flocked to East Clare for the twenty first Scariff Harbour Festival which proved to be a tremendous success over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA reflected on the value of building North-South relationships, the community spirit of the GAA and expressed his pleasure at coming to Scariff on Saturday when celebrating the Harbour Festival and major developments at Scariff GAA’s facilities.

He was especially moved, however, by a request from local boy and big GAA fan, Eliott Moloney to sign his leg cast and Clare jersey and who took a front row position in the audience.

Armagh native, Jarlath was welcomed to Scariff by co-founders of the Festival, Harry O’Meara and Mike Rodgers, by Chairperson of Scariff GAA Ger Rodgers and Club President, John S. Kelly, who played for Roscommon in the All-Ireland Senior Football Final against Kerry in 1962.

He was also joined on stage by Minister for State, Timmy Dooley TD (FF), Joe Cooney TD (FG) and

by Peter Harty, Inspector of Navigation with Waterways Ireland.

Special presentations were made by the President to local and na-

lSCARIFF HARBOU FESTIVAL: Clare and Scariff hurler Mark Rodgers receives a presentation from GAA President Jarlath Burns Photo by: Arthur Ellis

tionally recognised hurlers, Mark Rodgers, Patrick Crotty and Dr. Michelle McNamara. Both Mark

and Patrick were part of the Clare panel to win the All-Ireland SHC last year, Mark winning an All Star

Future of Limerick to Scariff Greenway left ‘in no man’s land’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FUTURE of the Limerick to Scariff Greenway is “in no man’s land”, frustrated elected representatives in East Clare have said.

Landowners who have held meetings with Waterways Ireland regarding the use of their land have not received an update in over a year and a half.

Four years on from the signing of the contracts in June 2021 to design the 43km greenway, little progress appears to be made on the ground in East Clare.

Waterways Ireland are the lead body behind the development of the Limerick to Scariff Greenway working in tandem with Limerick City and County Council along with Clare County Council.

They are joined by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) on a steering group for the project.

Details on a preferred route have yet to be finalised, the proposed greenway which has been identified as a signature project in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan and would provide a gateway to and from the heart of Limerick City to Lough Derg. It was also anticipated to offer

connections to villages such as Clonlara, O’Briensbridge, Killaloe, Ogonelloe and Tuamgraney. The contract for the design of the greenway was signed in June 2021.

In their latest project update, Waterways Ireland said they were in “the options selection phase” of the project and that route options had been developed following the completion of a feasibility report, and community feedback.

Raising the matter before a sitting of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) expressed disappointment that Waterways Ireland failed to attend their meeting. “We were told we had someone at this meeting from Waterways Ireland who apologised, we haven’t had a report from them in the last year”.

Expectation has been building within East Clare that the project would be further down the line. Cllr Hayes said he told officials from Waterways Ireland of his disappointment. “We’re left in no-man’s land on whether the greenway is proceeding, we’re hearing certain sections cannot be traversed, it leaves it wide open to the rumour machine”.

Frustration has been directed to Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) from landowners. “I’ve been contacted by landowners and people who were engaged with Waterwats Ireland and I haven’t heard anything for a year and a half, they were given maps to say this Greenway could go twenty metres within their front door in some cases”.

He added, “For an agency to treat the people of East Clare like this is at the very least unacceptable. There is an onus on them to come out and say what is going on and what is proposed”.

Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) reminded the meeting that at a TII briefing, “it was said to us that ESB were over between the O’Briensbridge and Limerick section saying no to the land going between their property”.

He continued, “It is not good enough that we haven’t heard, landowners got maps and believed they’d be putting up a case that they didn’t want the Greenway passing their door and they have heard nothing since. It is disappointing to hear from Waterways Ireland that they were unavailable to attend”.

for his performances while Tuamgraney’s Michelle has been the team’s doctor.

“The festival is delighted to share in the recognition of the work done

by Scariff GAA in bringing such a major project to fruition, said local phamacist, Harry O’Meara, which was carried out in collaboration with Derg Alliance and other bodies as part of Scariff Town Team initiative. The President was taken on a tour of the facility by Ger Rodgers and club officials including the state of the art gym and the studio of Scariff Bay Community Radio, headed up by Jim Collins who last week celebrated ten years in existence.

Not even the threat of Storm Floris stopped the enthusiastic crowd from taking to the specially erected dance floor on the Fair Green, when they stepped it out to the music of the Tulla Céili Band before Sin a Deir Sí brought this year’s festival to a close. The Furey’s had earlier brought busloads of followers from all over the country, while the Grogan Brothers marked their 50th Anniversary in traditional music.

The festival is likely to have topped the more than 20 festivals since the beginning, to the immense satisfaction of the organisers, sponsors and businesses.

Ronan Collins got the festival off to a popular start with a concert

in the Church of the Sacred Heart, while local historians Micheál Pearl and his brother Martin took people on a walk through the centuries and Jane Halloran-Ryan spoke of the Orphan Girls from Scariff who travelled on board the Thomas Arbutnoth Ship as part of an emigration scheme in 1849/50. Close to 200 people watched special screenings of Blue Road – The Edna O’Brien Story in both The Library and the GAA hall, as the festival’s tribute to mark the first anniversary of her death.

Many too saw Old Photos East Clare, a looped presentation of local places and people going back to the 1800s. The Family Funday saw its biggest numbers yet, the inaugural Barry Nash U17 Memorial tournament got underway, boat tours from the harbour delighted many, as did the 8km walking tour of the countryside with Marie McMahon of Shamrock Walking Tours. Excited children ran freely in the Fair Green, while teenagers enjoyed the riverside & harbour watersports activities.

Mike Rodgers, Chair of the Scariff Harbour Festival acknowledged sponsors Waterways Ireland, EKO Integrated Services and all who supported the festival in any way and most importantly the hardworking committee who never fail to deliver every year.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 7, 2025

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Regional News

17

Shannon

Ennis brothers petrol bomb home with 22 month old niece inside over engagement ring row

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

TWO Ennis brothers carried out a firebomb attack on a home where their 22 month old niece was present at the time arising from a family row sparked by an engagement ring, a court has heard.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford has jailed Peter Molloy (23) and Martin Molloy (25) for

20 months for the “completely outrageous” petrol bomb attack on the home of the Quinn family on Ennis’ Watery Rd in November 2023.

The court heard that the Quinn and Molloy families at the time were in dispute over an engagement ring.

On the events of November 2023, Judge Comerford said that this was “a planned petrol bomb attack on a house”.

He said, “It is a deeply,

deeply serious crime”.

No one was injured in the petrol bomb attack which took place at 8.30pm on the night where the fire was quickly put out and the damage caused totalled €3,000.

Both Peter Molloy and Martin Molloy of Ballaghboy halting site pleaded guilty to the criminal damage of windows and the front door belonging to Margaret Quinn at Ennis’s Watery

AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT AN GALLÁN NUA, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 3 bedroom homes at An Gallán Nua, Ennis are being made available for sale by Clare County Council under affordable dwelling purchase arrangements. This will be carried out under the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and associated Regulations. These will generally be available only for first-time buyers who do not own a home (although a small number of exceptions apply).

Property Type

Typical Gross Household Upper Income Limit* (€)

Minimum Sale Price (€)

Approximate % Reduction from Market Value

Maximum Sale Price (€)

3 Bedroom homes

€77,698

€313,500 **

15%

€345,325

*

Income to be assessed by the Council

**

Potential for up to an additional €30,000 support via Revenue Help to Buy Scheme for eligible clients: http://www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx

The purchasers will enter an affordable dwelling purchase arrangement with Clare County Council. Under this arrangement the Council will take a percentage equity share in the dwelling equal to the difference between the market value of the dwelling and the price paid by the purchaser, expressed as a percentage of the market value of the dwelling. The Council may not seek realization of its affordable dwelling equity for a 40-year period (other than for breach of the agreement). However, the purchaser may choose to redeem or buy out the affordable dwelling equity at any time by means of one or a series of payments to the Council. Eligible applicants will be prioritised based on Clare County Councils Scheme of Priority.

Further information on this scheme, including the Scheme of Priority and how to make an application, are available from https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/housing/ affordable-housing/.

Applications may be made through a link provided on the webpage above between 12:00 noon on Friday 8th August 2025 and 12:00 noon on Friday 22nd August 2025.

In relation to 70% of the dwellings, as per Clare County Council’s scheme of priority, date and time of application will be one of the criteria on which eligible applications will be prioritised under the Council’s Scheme of Priority. This means that eligible applications received first will be given priority.

For any other queries, reach out to affordablehousing@clarecoco.ie or phone 065-6846377.

Your journey to affordable homeownership begins here!

Rd on November 18th 2023.

Judge Comerford imposed a 45 month prison sentence on both and suspended the final 25 months in each case.

Judge Comerford said that it was impossible not to impose an immediate custodial sentence to make sure that “blatant attacks of this nature involving petrol bombing of occupied residential homes don’t occur”.

Counsel for Martin Molloy, Aaron Desmond BL (instructed

by Shiofra Hassett) said that a brother of the two Molloys, Jim died and had been in a relationship with a member of the Quinn family.

He said, “There was an argument about an engagement ring between the two families and the engagement ring had significant sentimental value for both families”.

He said, “This unfortunate and tragic circumstance was the root of the animosity between the two families”.

lPETROL BOMB: Ennis brohers Martin and Peter Molloy at Ennis District Court

Mr Desmond said that his client has never served a custodial sentence before.

Counsel for Peter Molloy, Pat Whyms BL (instructed by Daragh Hassett) said that families have resolved their difficulties and “and there are members from both families seated together in the back of the courtroom”.

Mr Whyms said that his client had engaged in a “ludicrous escapade” on November 18th 2023.

He said that “the families were fighting over an engagement ring” and what occurred on the night “was totally out of proportion”.

Mr Whyms said that Peter Molloy was “in a heightened state on

the night and what happened was not preplanned. They had talked themselves up into a state”.

He said the Molloys have three children and are expecting another baby next month. Mr Whyms said that his client is very remorseful for his actions and has engaged well with the Probation Service.

Ennis based FASD Ireland to hold first international awareness day

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN ENNIS based social enterprise will host its first international awareness day next month.

FASD Ireland is highlighting urgent need for greater awareness of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) as it leads an awareness campaign for International FASD Awareness Day on 9th September.

FASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) by either parent. Despite HSE estimates that up to 7.4% of the Irish population may live with the condition, FASD remains one of the most misunderstood and underdiagnosed conditions in Ireland.

Director of Operations at FASD Ireland, Scott Casson-Ren-

nie said, “FASD is a brain-based disability, not a behavioural issue. The lack of awareness means that many individuals especially adults are living without a diagnosis, without support, and are often misunderstood by the very agencies meant to help them”.

On September 9th, FASD Ireland will be holding a free open public event themed Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Adulthood bringing together Employers, HR representatives, third level educators interested in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Neurodiversity. Those attending will learn more about FASD and how some simple accommodations can be made to support people who live with FASD. September 9th is the chosen date to symbolise the nine months of pregnancy. Leinster

lFASD: first International awrenss day for FASD next month

House will be lit red for the second year running on the date.

Persons interested in attending can register on FASD Ireland’s website: www.fasdireland. ie/training. The event takes place from 10am until 1pm at the Buttermarket in Ennis.

18

Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Kilimhil communiyt celebrates at Festival of Fun lPhotos by: Gerard O’Neill

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 7, 2025

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West Clare

External appearance of The Waterfront to be improved as CPO process continues

19

Cree massgoers compared to pilgrims in Lough Derg walking on stone due to dangerous conditions

by Páraic McMahon the local roads SGSS

by Páraic McMahon

paraic@clareecho.ie

paraic@clareecho.ie

KILKEE’s Waterfront building remains the subject of a compulsory purchase order (CPO) by Clare County Council, the acquisition is ongoing with works planned for this summer to improve the external appearance of the property.

In October 2023, Clare County Council announced plans to commence the CPO process for the Waterfront building in the hesrt of Kilkee.

Approval for the CPO was lodged an An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bord Pleanála) in November of that year but was withdrawn in January 2024 before a new application was submitted later that month.

A two storey commercial premises, the Waterfront was a bar

Regional News

MASSGOERS IN CREE have been compared to pilgrims walking to Lough Derg barefoot on stone due to the road conditions outside St Mary’s Church.

At a recent meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr

and we can replace any cracked footpath bays and lifting kerbs”.

According to Cllr Gould, risks of some of the congregation falling and breaking bones is very high.

“The kerbs have come away from the concrete coming in, the gap is nearly two inches and it is extremely dangerous. There are over 100

mented, “it reminds me of the pilgrims going to Lough Derg who had to walk on stone”.

Views expressed

by Cllr Gould were backed up Cllr Ian Lynch who noted, “the road has sunk” to which senior executive officer John O’Malley responded “that is the other side”.

A patcher to repair part of the roads was

l CPO PROCESS: The Waterfront Kilkee

and nightclub for over twenty years and has

been closed since 2010.

Its prominent posi-

Journey through History at

Scattery Island Myths and Legends Centuries of History Biodiversity and Wildlife heritageireland.ie

Scattery Island Imagery Credit: Fáilte Ireland

To plan your trip to Scattery Island visit heritageireland.ie or scan the QR code

tion in the town lends itself to numerous commercial opportunities.

An update on the status of the building was sought by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) at a sitting of the West Clare Municipal District.

He asked, “Can something be done in the short term to deal with the outside view of the premises”.

Senior executive officer in the property management unit of Clare County Council, Carmel Greene outlined, “Clare County Council has commenced the process to compulsorily acquire this property in accordance with the provisions of the Derelict Sites Act 1990. The Vesting process is underway and will take some time to be completed”.

She confirmed, “Arrangements are being made to improve the external appearance of the property and will be completed this summer”.

Cllr Keating said he was “satisfied” with the detail provided by Ms Greene while Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) was wary about the matter being discussed in the public domain and suggested taking the matter “offline if there’s acquisitions with commercial interests”.

lMAASGOERS: St. Mary’s Church Cree

Dinny Gould (IND) highlighted, “the footpath and kerbing outside Cree Church needs urgent attention, the footpath is cracked and kerbing is lifting and is a hazard to the many massgoers”.

Senior executive engineer with the West Clare MD, Alan Kennelly in response stated, “I didn’t notice anything awry with the footpaths in the vicinity of the when I was last in Cree. I will raise the matter with the area engineer and

mass goers in Cooraclare, it is only waiting to happen that some old woman will go in and break her hip”.

He said there is “a lip” between the footpaths and the road.

Cllr Gould admitted, “I nearly fell over myself the other evening, it has to be looked at straight away or it will have to be cordoned off for Saturday night when people are going to mass”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) com-

organised by engineer John Lynch, Cllr Gould acknowledged, “it is extremely dangerous at the other side”.

He estimated that the work would take a couple a couple of hours and O’Malley confirmed they would add it to the programme of works.

“There must have been cars parked across the road when Alan Kennelly went to mass in Cree,” quipped Cllr Shane Talty (FF).

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Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Shannon

Recognition sought for Shannon native elected Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon

by Páraic McMahon

by Lisa Mullaly

paraic@clareecho.ie

A SHANNON woman who is the youngest ever Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon is in line to be honoured in her native town.

In May, Dani Hunter was elected Mayor of St r at ford - up on - Avon Town Council becoming the first Irish person and youngest person to hold the chain of office.

A member of the Liberal Democrats for the past eight years, she was elected to the Town Council in May 2023 and became Deputy Mayor a year later.

Elected representatives for her native town are anxious that she be recognised for her achievement.

Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) in a proposal before the Shannon Municipal District called on Clare County Council to “formally honour” the newly elected Mayor of Stratford-upon-Avon with a civic reception hosted by the local authority.

Senior executive officer in the Shannon MD, Suzie Clifford explained, “in compliance with Clare County Council’s standing orders, this notice of motion will be forwarded to the Corporate Policy Group for consideration”.

Expressing thanks for the reply, Cllr Mulcahy was confident the CPG would look kindly on the request. “I know her father quite well, she went to school and university here before she went to the United Kingdom and got married”. He added that she’s representing a population of over 30,000 and requested the local authority “write to her good self ” to congratulate Dani on the achievement.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) stated, “I don’t know

International Aerospace Coatings to expand with second widebody hangar lisa@clareecho.ie

MAYOR: Cllr. Dani Hunter

the girl, she went to the Comp in Shannon and I went to the Comp around the same time but I didn’t know. It would be a great thing”.

Cllr James Ryan (SF) correctly observed that Dani is representing the area that playwright and poet William Shakespeare hails from.

Dani attended both St Tola’s NS and St Patrick’s Comprehensive, she was inspired by Ms Fitzsimons in primary school to be-

come a school teacher and during her time in the Comp Ms Shannon was her inspiration to become a chemistry teacher.

After completing her four-year chemistry degree at the University of Limerick, Dani went to Bristol to complete her teaching training and secured her first job in Salsbury where she met her future husband. They moved to Stratford eleven years ago.

Former St Tola’s NS

principal Joe Walsh who taught Dani in sixth class is remembered as one of her influences for entering politics. “He told us the first thing we do on our eighteenth birthday is register to vote and on my eighteenth birthday the first thing I did after having some cake was register to vote, that was the first bit of politics and inspiration in politics,” she said.

Brexit was the moment to spark her activism.

She said it “got the juic-

es flowing in terms of my interest. There is no way I can sit back and say nothing and just be a keyboard warrior, I need to do something and the very small step of registering with the Liberal Democrats over here who I aligned with most at the time and still do”.

She has not returned to her native Shannon “for a couple of years” but is hopeful of paying a visit while she is the holder of the mayoral chains.

INTERNATIONAL Aerospace Coatings (IAC) has announced plans to expand its presence at Teruel Airport in Spain with the construction of an additional wide-body hangar. The new facility will be located adjacent to IAC’s existing wide-body hangar at the strategically positioned airport.

This development follows IAC’s earlier announcement of a new widebody aircraft painting facility at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport in Amarillo, Texas.

The Teruel expansion aims to meet growing demand for IAC’s aircraft painting services. The new hangar will feature state-of-the-art equipment, including extraction pumps and a hightech air-recirculation system. It is scheduled to become operational in the third quarter of 2026 and is expected to create approximately 60 new full-time jobs, increasing IAC’s workforce in Teruel to over 130 employees.

IAC opened its current hangar in Teruel in 2023, following the company’s acquisition in late 2022 by Tiger Infrastructure Partners, a middle market infrastructure investment firm.

Martin O’Connell, CEO of IAC, stated: “Teruel is a strategic hub of the aerospace industry, and this next-generation hangar, the 21st in our global network, will enable us to elevate the scale and quality of our already bestin-class service to our prominent OEM and airline customers, whose material growth in their fleets is driving rising demand for our essential service. This second widebody hangar will create new jobs and drive sustainable growth for the local community. IAC would like to acknowledge the continued support of Government of Aragon, Teruel Airport Authority and Teruel City Council.”

21

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 7, 2025

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Regional News

Gort & South Galway

New bat roost opened at Coole Park to protect Lesser Horseshoe Bat

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN OLD apple store has been renovated at Coole Park to protect the Lesser Horseshoe Bat while a limited edition book signed by WB Yeats will be retained as part of a collection on-site.

On Friday, a special heritage event at Coole Park Nature Reserve saw Minister of State with Responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney TD (IND) open a new, purpose built bat roost.

During the event, Cicely Muldoon, former Superintendent at Yosemite National Park gifted a rare signed book by W.B Yeats “Autobiographies: Reveries Over Childhood and Youth and The Trembling of the Veil”, originally published in 1927. The book is a family heirloom and originally belonged to her great grandfather who emigrated to the USA from Limerick.

Junior Minister Canney on behalf of the State accepted this rare signed limited edition book which will be retained as part of a collection at Coole Park.

Since 1987, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has managed Coole Park Nature Reserve for nature and as a public amenity. Coole Park is a former residence of the Gregory Family and Lady Augusta Gregory.

Speaking on Friday, Junior Minister Canney outlined, “Coole Park is a world-class site for visitors, cultural heritage and nature conservation. It is a stronghold for the

l LESSER HORSESHOW BAT: Minister of State with Responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney TD (IND) with NPWS members at Coole Park

Lesser Horseshoe Bat, a very rare species which will now have shelter within this beautiful building that bears record of the cultural significance of Coole Park, and its artistic heritage.

“I’m also delighted to celebrate our strong connections to our diaspora in California, which has resulted in this wonderful signed book by WB Yeats being gifted to the State today. I would like to pay tribute to the NPWS, community groups, local authorities and every-

one who is working to secure the legacy of Lady Gregory and WB Yeats here at Coole and in the wider area,” he added.

Original features of the house have been retained, he explained.

“The new bat roost involved the renovation of an old apple store on the grounds of Coole Park, and was purpose built to protect the Lesser Horseshoe Bat, a species unique to Ireland’s western seaboard. The renovation allowed for original features of the house to be retained,

including its unique stonework and its beautiful limestone slab floor”.

Commenting about the project Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan (FF) said, “The woodlands of Coole Park and its surroundings provide perfect feeding and hunting grounds for the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. This conservation project undertaken by the NPWS was a unique opportunity to use traditional methods to restore one of the historic structures at Coole,

while creating a safe and secure roosting site for this rare and protected species. Projects like this really show how we can protect the future of our most vulnerable species as well as our most valuable cultural landmarks”.

Referencing the presentation of the limited edition book, Cicely said, “National Parks in Ireland and the USA have a shared vision to protect our natural heritage. This is reflected through activities such as twinning arrangements which bring staff in National Parks together to learn and share knowledge.

This book symbolises our deep, historical ties and has been part of my family for many generations. I’m delighted that it will return here to be in this wonderful setting within the magic of Coole Park which has inspired so many visitors, artists and writers”.

Divisional manager with NPWS, William Cormacan stated, “Coole Park is one of those sites that can be truly celebrated internationally.

Today is a day that both our natural and cultural heritage comes together, re-enforcing the importance of Coole as both a site for nature conservation and one at the heart of the Irish Literary Revival. The NPWS, who are the custodians of Coole are committed in working with our partners and the local community, to secure and enhance this wonderful site for future generations, and to develop it as a world class site for nature conservation and culture”.

Galway climate inspirations festival returns

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ARTS and climate action dominate the line-up for the Galway Climate Inspirations Festival.

Returning for the second year, the festival takes place from September 10th to 14th and aims to transform Galway City into a hob of ideas, action and artistry.

Attendees from all walks of life are invited to explore bold solutions and inspiring climate action stories. There

will be a blend of music, talks, storytelling, play and sustainability during the festival.

Panel discussions will hear from local and national leaders on topics such as: Irelands Response to extreme weather events, AI and Climate Action, Galway Renewable City, District Heating systems, Sustainable Festivals, the Hares Corner, Brink! Belfast, and Creative Ireland Climate Projects.

Chefs Enda McEvoy and Richard Kitt will guide the

activities for Féasta as foodies gather at St. Nicholas’s Church to taste the local cuisine. Food is sourced from the community gardens in Galway City.

Fr Burke Park will host a climate carnival with Galway Volunteer Centre-talks, music, food, games and entertainment for all the family.

Middle Street will be the scene for a second-hand market while MC Shani will lead the Giob Geab Quick fire community story telling night.

Other events planned include Youth Lates, Repair Café, the Westend Street Party with Belfasts Bang Bike DJ’s, Corks Boola Boom brass and percussion techno big band, Wild Geeze and local DJ’s, A Cycle Picnic with Bang Bike DJ’s and The Sounds of Climate Change which is a deep sonic dive into the sounds of climate change.

Speaking about the festival, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Leonard Cleary noted, “Renowned

for its rich cultural landscape and progressive spirit, Galway is uniquely placed to spark inclusive climate conversations and inspire grassroots change. This builds on last year’s festival and the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and artistic expression”.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard (IND) stated, “Last year’s festival harnessed the city’s rich cultural tapestry encompassing theatre, music, art, sport, Gaeilge, and food

and reframed climate action as a positive and inclusive endeavour. This year’s festival promises to be even more exciting and I am looking forward to attending many of the events”.

Many of the events are free and registration is available at www.GalwayClimateFestival.ie. Email Climate@GalwayCity.ie for further details.

The festival is kindly supported by Claddagh Credit Union, LCDC and Community Foundation Ireland.

22

Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Green Clare

Legal challenge against Ennis data centre heads to high court in october

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

A GROUP comprising three individuals and two environmental organisations is mounting a legal challenge against the planned Ennis Data Centre development, citing serious environmental concerns. The High Court hearing is set for October.

The applicants, Dr Colin Doyle, Dr Martin Knox, and Christina Sharpe, along with Friends of the Irish Environment and Futureproof Clare, are seeking to overturn the planning approval granted to Art Data Centres Limited. They say the proposed facility poses an unacceptable threat to the climate, local water resources, and the region’s energy infrastructure.

To support their case, the group is fundraising €8,000 to pay for independent technical expertise ahead of the hearing. They have launched a GoFundMe campaign and have already raised nearly €3,500 in just 14 days since beginning the effort.

The data centre, located adjacent to the Tulla Road near junction 13 on the M18, would comprise 145 acres of land containing 6 two-storey buildings. It will include electrical and mechanical plant rooms, loading bays, maintenance and storage spaces, office administration areas, pump rooms, water storage tanks, and backup generators. Planning permission was granted to Art Data Centres Limited for the 200-megawatt data centre by the Clare County Council in 2022

by An Bord Pleanála last year.

In October, the group will argue the significance of the centre’s environmental impact.

“I’m objecting on the grounds of climate only”, said Colin Doyle, a retired environmental scientist based in Ennis. The proposed data centre would emit 700,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases annually, as much carbon as over 50,000 people.

The carbon electricity budget for 2030 is 3 million tonnes, and this data centre would fill 21 per cent of this budget. “They’re using

l ENVIORNMENTAL CONCERNS: Artsists rendering of the proposed data centre

21 per cent of our electricity as we speak…

That’s huge.” According to those opposing the development the overall emissions are “not considered to be significant by the County Council or by An Bord Pleanála.”

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) aims to attenuate the amount of gas emitted. According to the centre’s EIA report, they will supply a vertical garden, on-site solar panels, and district heating. Doyle told the Clare Echo that they would only attenuate 10 per cent of its environmental impact. He said, “The big beef we have is that it has a huge environmental impact, which is not attenuated in any reasonable way.”

“I’m not against data centres per se. I’m against data centres which are powered by fossil fuels.”

The group’s objections were rejected in March of this year regarding an error over a bat roost containing a single Leisler’s Bat re-

siding in a barn shed.

“Our society will not collapse if we build fewer data centres, but it will collapse if we don’t stop emitting carbon.”

To help the group of objectors raise funds for technical experts, you can donate by scanning the QR code:

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 7, 2025

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Green Clare

23

Shannon sticks with national trend recording warmer than average July

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A WARMER than average July was recorded nationwide which included Co Clare having its hottest day of the year.

As previously reported by The Clare Echo, Met Éireann’s weather station at Shannon Airport on Saturday July 12th recorded temperatures of 30.2°C which has been the warmest day of the year in the county so far, surpassing the 25°C from the end of April.

It was one of only three weather stations across the country to surpass 30°C alongside Mount Dillon, Co Roscommon and Oak Park, Co Carlow. Shannon had 155 daily sunshine hours during the month.

Nationally July 2025 was the ninth warmest July and twelfth

warmest of any month in 126 years of records, Met Éireann detailed in their climate statement for July issued on Tuesday. It was the hottest July since 2021.

Average temperatures were 16.59 °C, which is 1.74 °C above the 19611990 long-term average (LTA) for July and 1.21 °C above the more recent 1991-2020 LTA. A build-up of the Azores High over Ireland resulted in plenty of sunshine and a hot spell from Thursday July 10th to Sunday 13th, in which temperatures surpassed 27 °C on each day.

Rainfall was unevenly distributed across the country during the month, with levels well above average in parts of the East and West, and well below average in parts of the South and north Midlands.

Continuing the recent warm-

er-than-normal monthly trend, this is the fifth consecutive month with temperatures in the respective top nine averages on record in 126 years of records.

Of the top ten warmest July’s, five have occurred since 2001, they were in 2013, 2006, 2021, 2025 and 2018, listed in order of highest temperatures.

July 2025 observed an average of 96.0 mm rainfall, which is slightly above average at 103% of the 19912020 LTA, the wettest July since 2023 and 33rd wettest overall since 1941.

lHOT WEATHER: Shannon Sunshine

24

Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Arts & Culture

Clare artists and arts organisations awarded €187,265 in arts council funding

by LISA MULLALY lisa@clareecho.ie

THREE Clare-based arts organisations will receive a total of €187,265 through the Arts Council’s 2026 Arts Grant Funding scheme, supporting a wide range of artistic work and community-focused projects across the county.

The Clare recipients are Courthouse Studios and Gallery, Cracking Light Productions and Salmon Poetry.

Cracking Light Productions, a creative partnership between Maeve Stone and Alex Gill, were awarded €38,265. The duo is known for work that responds to climate challenges in inclusive and imaginative ways.

The funding will support the production of a sequel to The Time Machine, an immersive exhibition that transforms the Old Bank in Miltown Malbay into a portal, transporting viewers through time. The original

instalment debuted in August 2024.

Speaking to The Clare Echo about the grant, Maeve Stone said, “We are thrilled to have received Arts Grant Funding for the second year as it enables us to work with brilliant people, on interesting projects and to be ambitious in our approach.”

She also noted the difficult context in which artists across Ireland are currently working: “The arts ecosystem is tough, and getting tougher. The Basic Income for the Arts pilot programme has provided clear data that shows the rate of deprivation across the creative community is 47%. For many artists, the cost of living and housing crisis are forcing a choice to leave the profession or Ireland in order to continue working. We support the National Campaign for the Arts calling on Minister O’Donovan to retain, extend and expand basic income for the arts to protect our cultural foundations and make sure companies like ours have the ability to continue making

FUNDING: Maeve Stone and Alex Gill of Cracking Light Productions

work for communities and audiences.”

Salmon Poetry, now based in Clare, was originally set up as a workshop broadsheet in Galway in 1981. The company was later formalised as a poetry publisher and moved to County Clare in 1995.

They have since grown and now have the Salmon Bookshop and Literary Centre in Ennistymon. With the aim of enriching Irish literary

publishing Salmon Poetry specialises in the promotion of new poets, particularly women poets. The publishers received €115,000 from the Arts Council’s 2026 Arts Grant Funding scheme.

Speaking about the impact of the recently announced funding Jessie Lendennie, managing director of Salmon Poetry said: “We’re delighted with our Arts Council funding. It goes toward

our overall publishing costs.

We are publishing 15 poetry collections this year.”

Salmon Poetry has been publishing poetry for 44 years, and we have had Arts Council support for most of that time The Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon has been awarded €34,000 from the grant fund. The arts hub set in a renovated Georgian house features artist studios, galleries, and a workshop space.

The space offers exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events year-round.

The funding is part of a national Arts Council investment of €17.1 million, supporting 218 artists and organisations across Ireland which is up from 194 last year. Arts Grant Funding is one of the Arts Council’s key schemes aimed at supporting individual artists and organisations to deliver multiple, high-quality arts activities over a set timeframe.

This funding round supports work taking place in 2026 and comes amid growing demand: last year, the

Arts Council received 7,568 eligible applications across all of its funding schemes.

Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council, said: “Arts Grant Funding is a vital strand of our broader investment in the national arts infrastructure. It enables ambitious, sustained artistic work that connects communities across Ireland. As demand continues to grow, we’re proud to support this year’s recipients—but we also know many strong applications could not be funded.

We will continue to advocate for the increased resources our vibrant sector urgently needs.”

The success of Clare-based organisations in this highly competitive funding round highlights the strength and diversity of the arts in the region. As part of ongoing coverage, I will be speaking with each of the recipients to share more about the work this funding will support and the impact it will have on their communities.

Two Ennis performers make Dublin stage debut with National Symphony Orchestra in ‘Sweeney Todd in Concert’

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

TWO ENNIS performers made their Dublin stage debut last week as part of the ensemble in Sweeney Todd in Concert with the National Symphony Orchestra.

Aoife O’Gorman and Lily Christopher, both from Ennis, have been involved in stage school productions from a young age and have continued to pursue their passion through performances with community groups such as the Ennis Musical Society.

Lily initially got involved in theatre as a way of making friends and finding an extracurricular activity outside of school after moving to Ireland from South Africa as a child.

For Aoife, the love of theatre runs in the family. After growing up watching her family play in the band with the Ennis Musical Society, Aoife got involved at the age of twelve during the Society’s production of Annie. Since then, she has made an effort to perform as much as possible.

Aoife first became aware of the Dublin production through an Instagram post advertising an open call for performers aged 16 to 25 to audition for Sweeney Todd in Concert. She shared it with

But I just said we’d give it a shot. We thought we might as well try it now.

I don’t know if we’ll get another chance.”

The cast began rehearsals in April with a full day of music work under the guidance of Broadway veteran Sarah Travis, who served as the production’s music supervisor. Travis is best known for her Tony Award and Drama Desk Award-winning orchestrations for the 2005 Broadway revival of Sweeney Todd.

“She was just inSWEENEY TODD: Aoife Christopher and Aoife credible,” said Aoife.

O’Gorman at Sweeney Todd in the National Concert “She really knew what Hall Dublin she was doing. It was just cool to see someLily, and the pair decided to audition. Both were ultimately selected one who really knew the material.”

In the two weeks leading up to as members of the chorus.

Reflecting on the opportunity, the show, rehearsals intensified.

Aoife told The Clare Echo; “I love “The first week was just basically the show and I love Sondheim learning the music. And then the shows. I think it just sounded so second week the orchestra came in cool that you could perform with and we had these leads coming in the National Symphony Orchestra from the West End. And we could as well. It was a professional pro- put it all together with them,” Lily duction and I didn’t know if we’d explained.

The show took place in the Naget in or what the story would be.

tional Concert Hall on Friday, July 25.

As part of the chorus, Aoife and Lily were positioned among the audience, a directorial choice that helped create a haunting and immersive experience.

“Our part in it was that we were in the chorus,” Lily said. “And essentially what our director wanted was for us to be able to scare the audience amongst us. So we were actually sat in the balcony behind the stage.”

Working under director Séimí Campbell gave the cast a new perspective on the show’s themes. Aoife said Campbell pushed the performers to think deeply about the contemporary relevance of Sweeney Todd.

“He was really trying to think about the context that we’re doing it in modern day and how it could impact the audience in today’s world. He was kind of looking at gender and how women get treated by men.”

Lily added that a symbolic new element was included in this production: “We actually had a little boy singing The Ballad of Sweeney Todd at the start of the show. He was meant to kind of represent how Sweeney’s actions can be so influential to somebody so young.”

The cast featured around 70 performers, including 50 chorus members and 20 lead and ensemble singers. Leading the cast were acclaimed West End stars: Rob Houchen as Sweeney Todd and Anna-Jane Casey as Mrs Lovett.

For Lily and Aoife, working alongside professionals was a surreal and inspiring experience.

“It kind of didn’t really feel real.

Just being able to watch them. Even just in rehearsals, how kind of normal they seemed. And then during the show, how they just were able to just burst into character,” said Lily.

One of the most memorable parts of the process for both girls was working with conductor Anthony Gabriele, who led the National Symphony Orchestra through Sondheim’s intricate score.

His enthusiasm and mentorship left a lasting impact.

“He was just so passionate. He loved the music and loved teaching... He was so invested in us being young people who were doing this because we love it,” said Aoife.

Reflecting on the overall experience, Lily concluded; “It was amazing to be surrounded by these people every day and just being able to sing this amazing score... it was such a blessing.”

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 7, 2025

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Contributors

Hot stone reflexologywith Clare Wellness Clinic LOOK what is new to Clare Wellness Clinic this month.

I am absolutely delighted and excited to bring this beautiful additional therapy to the clinic.

In addition to oncology, maternity, post-natal, palliative care, and fertility reflexology the wonderful hot stone reflexology has now been added.

It is true to say that we do not have the knowledge of something until we experience it. This is truly the case, I have to admit, that I had never had hot stone reflexology until I studied it at Green Tara College. When I was studying this modality I asked the tutor, what the difference is between normal and hot stone reflexology and she replied “it brings an element of luxury, it’s like an

upgrade”.

Handpicked hot stones are used to enhance relaxation and healing. The stones I use in the clinic have been handpicked by myself from our local beaches along the west coast of Ireland.

Benefits include: lRelaxation at all levels physically, mentally and physically lEncourages balance, harmony and homeostasis lHeat warms the body thus brings nurturing lHeated stones help break down lactic acid lIncreases lymphatic drainage lReleases toxins lClears energy blocks lExtremely grounding While studying this new therapy I was surprised at how truly relaxing receiving

this treatment could be.

The use of heat and a stone being both smooth and warm combined brought an element of luxury to the experience.

Giving the hot stone reflexology is a joy for me at the clinic. It can also be used in combination with other wonderful treatments at the clinic.

So with that in mind, I am offering an introductory offer of €35 for the first 5 people who book a hot stone reflexology treatment. If you are looking to treat someone or for a special occasion, then a voucher for Clare Wellness Clinic will bring calm, relaxation, luxury and peace.

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it”

na gCeist ar son na Palaistíne in Thought for the Week - Tráth Inis san oíche Dé Luain/ Table Quiz for Who Are We Becoming? Palastine in Ennis monday evening RONAN SCULLY We live in a world groaning under the weight of grief and teetering on the edge.

The noise is relentless. Everything clamours for attention, the trivial and the tragic collapse into the same scrolling feed. Scroll through any newsfeed, and you’ll see it: war, hunger, displacement, injustice, all collapsing into the same screen alongside celebrity gossip, flash sales, and cat videos. It’s disorienting. Dehumanising. And it’s easy to become numb. Easy to shrug and move on. But every now and then, a story breaks through, not because it is louder, but because it speaks to something deeper. Because it demands more than pity. It demands soul-searching. It asks us, quietly but fiercely; Who are we becoming?

This week, I write with a heart both broken and burning, broken by the immense suffering being inflicted in our world, and burning with a defiant hope that perhaps, still, we can choose compassion over complicity.

In Gaza, the suffering is beyond words. Over 60,000 peo-

ple have been killed since October, including nearly 18,000 children.

One in three hasn’t eaten in days. Children are dying, not because food doesn’t exist, but because it is deliberately denied.

Aid trucks are blocked. Families are forced into overcrowded, militarised zones with barely any access to food, water, or medicine and then bombed.

Civilians are shot while queuing for bread. Drones hover.

Snipers wait. And the world looks on. This is not just war.

This is an atrocity. It is calculated cruelty. It is evil made normal. And we must name it as such. And the breadlines become death sentences. This is not collateral damage. This is calculated cruelty. It is the systematic dehumanisation of an entire people, not a tragic side effect, but a deliberate policy.

And we must say it clearly: this is evil.

And it is not happening in secret. It is being live-streamed, analysed, documented. And yet the world’s most powerful nations such as the UK, the US, the EU, continue to fund and arm it. While families in Gaza bury their children with their bare hands, Western governments sign contracts and shake hands. The silence is not just complicity, it is betrayal.

Also there are still hostages that also need to be released and bodies murdered in October so atrociously that still need to be mourned.

Thought for the Week As your thought for the week, let us recover our ability to hear again the cry of the poor, the cry of the hungry, the refugee, the homeless, the abused, the Earth itself.

Let us not wait for others to act. Let us love, not just in thought, but with our hands, our words, our hope, our courage, our faith.

Let us become the answer to someone else’s prayer. Let me leave you with a heartfelt prayer from my Nana Scully’s prayer book called, “A Prayer for the Broken and the Brave” and it goes as follows - “Lord of mercy, Open our ears to the cries rising from Gaza, from Sudan, from Ethiopia and Ukraine, from Haiti and Congo, and from our own doorsteps. Let us not grow numb. Let us not look away.

Be the ones who do not look away. The ones who listen. The ones who remember. The ones who say: Not again. Not in our name. Not on our watch.

For where there is life, there is hope. And hope begins not in the halls of power but in hearts willing to love without limits.

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA Tráth na gCeist ar son na Palaistíne!

Bígí linn le haghaidh oíche spraíúil le ceisteanna, duaiseanna agus deochanna.

Eagraithe ag An Clár as Gaeilge le tacaíocht ó Ghlór na nGael.

Tuilleadh eolais ó: www.anclarasgaeilge.net lDáta: Dé Luain, 11/08/25 lAm: 8:00in lSuíomh: Tí Chiaráin, V95 V96W lTáille: €40 an bhord (bord de cheathrar) lCuspóir: Ar son na Palaistíne Imeachtaí/Events:

lTráth na gCeist ar son mhuintir na Palaistíne idTí Chiaráin san oíche Dé Luain

lSIONNA – Gaeilge le Chéile, Ionad Siopadóireacht Skycourt, 11am, chuile Dé Domhnaigh lCILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar lSIONNA – Siúlóid Dúlra/Nature Walk, Dé Domhnaigh, 11am, Community Room (Gaeilge le Chéile ar Facebook) lLUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach lCLARE FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM

l CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm l INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Máirt ag Zest 11am, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), Dé hAoine The Market Bar 11am, agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. lLUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh. lAN SCAIRBH – Lón i nGaeilge, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé An Gáirdín

26

Business

Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Ennis Chamber open Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025 for entries THE CLARE Business Excellence Awards 2025, hosted by Ennis Chamber with Clare County Council as the main sponsor and The Clare Echo as media partner, are officially underway.

The competition has grown increasingly competitive in recent years, and while it’s still early in the process, organisers note that standards remain impressively high this year.

Submissions are divided into two distinct intakes, beginning with categories that require in-person ‘mystery’ adjudication. Businesses operating in the hospitality sector such as cafés, restaurants, retail outlets, or tourism experiences or those that pride themselves on customer service, are encouraged to submit their entries as soon as possible.

In-person adjudication is outsourced to leading professional organisation SpotCheck NI, which carries out detailed assessments.

Due to the logistical planning required for these visits, an earlier deadline of August 11 has been set for six specific categories.

Participation in the Clare Business Excellence Awards is free, and each entrant receives individual feedback in the form of a benchmark report prepared by SpotCheck NI making the awards particularly beneficial to all who take part. Businesses may enter up to three categories free of charge.

The six categories with the August 11 submission deadline are: lBest Tourism Experience – Sponsored by TUS lBest Hospitality in Clare – Sponsored by Shannon Group lBest Place to Eat(with two sub-categories): -Best Restaurant -Best Café/Bistro – Sponsored

by AIB lClare Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Clean Ireland Recycling lCustomer Service Excellence – Sponsored by Xeinadin Organisers wish the best of luck to all participants.

Businesses interested in entering any of the above categories can submit their applications via the Ennis Chamber website:

lCLARE BUISNESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS: President of Ennis Chambe Diarmuid Mcmahon, VP of Essilor Siobhan Bermingham and Alan O’Callaghan at the launch of Clare Buisness Excellence Awards 2025 in Hotel Woodstock

lBeckman Coulter winners of Clare Buisness Excellence Awards 2024

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 7, 2025

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27

Helen Downes elected to Canada Ireland Foundation Board of Directors

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CEO of Shannon Chamber, Helen Downes has been elected to the Board of Directors of the Canada Ireland Foundation (CIF).

Helen’s appointment was announced on Monday and is effective immediately. She had been a member of CIF’s fundraising committee.

Other board members include T. Daniel Burns, Diana Conconi, Alan Duffy, Mark Duffy, Kevin Flynn, Claire Lehan, Constance O’Brien, Cheryl Shindruk, Mike Williams and Joshua Dyer.

They are joined by Chairperson Mark Purdy, founder Robert G. Kearns, Vice Chair Eileen Costelloe and Executive Director William B. Peat.

During her time as Shannon Chamber CEO, Helen has launched a series of strategic initiatives that foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, both nationally and internationally, significantly expanding its membership and influence.

Welcoming her appointment, Mark Purdy, Chairman of the Board of Directors said: “Helen’s vast strategic business experience and relationship building successes in Ireland will bring a welcome international perspective to the Canada Ireland Foundation. As we prepare to open The Corleck, the vibrant new venue for arts, cultural and heritage programming for the

Irish-Canadian community, her talents and support will be invaluable in many areas, most especially in stakeholder engagement and HR”.

Ambassador of Ireland to Canada, John Concannon expressed his congratulations. “Helen will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the Board. I wish to express my gratitude to the existing Board for giving so generously of their time and playing such an important part in supporting Ireland in Canada.

I wish Helen and the Board the very best during their terms. The Canada Ireland Foundation plays a significant role in deepening Ireland-Canada relations particularly in the arts and cultural space, I look forward to seeing their work continue to strengthen this relationship in the years ahead”.

Shannon Chamber represents over 330 companies spanning a wide range of industries, collectively employing approximately 20,000 people in Shannon and the wider region in which it operates.

Before joining Shannon Chamber, the Hospital, Co. Limerick native served as HR Business Partner at Thomson Financial (Ireland) Ltd, where she managed core HR functions and compliance with Health & Safety regulations across multiple sites.

Canada Ireland Foundation is dedicated to celebrating the story of the Irish in Canada. The Foundation has built and maintains public spac-

es for the community to gather and learn about our collective history.

The

Foundation also presents a broad range of contemporary arts, cul-

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competitions. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form panels for the areas set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• Executive Engineer Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 12th September 2025.

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.

• Temporary Assistant Engineer Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 12th September 2025.

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.

• Technician Grade 1 Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 12th September 2025.

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.

• Permanent Canteen attendants (Full Time & Part Time) Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 12th September 2025.

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.

Only applications completed online will be accepted.

Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

lBOARD OF DIRECTORS: CEO of Shannon Chamber, Helen Downes

tural and heritage programming throughout the year.

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Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Shannon to Madeira - more

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

WHEN planning a summer holiday for a young family, it can be difficult to strike the right balance.

Many opt for the convenience of a Center Parks or Eurocamps. My two children are aged four and seven and I’ve failed to truly enjoy a family holiday in recent years - falling into that trap of seven days of non-stop poolside vigilance (if you know, you know). I was sceptical that this year would be any different - I was gladly mistaken.

A visit to arguably the most picturesque seaside destination on our doorstep – often referred to as the Hawaii of Europe – Madeira offered the perfect balance of family fun, culture, relaxation and jaw-dropping scenery.

The island famous for Christiano Ronaldo is now a year-round fixture from Shannon Airport (twice weekly), so the opportunity to be in a subtropical paradise off the coast of Africa in little more than three hours is worth considering.

Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is smaller in area than County Louth. However, its highest peak stands at over 6,000ft – that’s almost twice the height of Carrauntoohil. The volcanic island is packed with lush forest and mountains which means there are stunning hikes aplenty if you happen to be holidaying without any children.

Such is the scale of the mountains, a unique road network has been constructed to navigate this and there are more than 150 tunnels that cut the mountains of Madeira Island to help shorten travel times. To see the island in all its glory, car rental is vital.

The Sunday flight from Shannon Airport arrives at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport at around midnight so we landed in Madeira under a blanket of darkness. What greeted us when we opened our curtains the next morning was a seemingly never-ending, panoramic Atlantic view. Here is a blow-by-blow account of our top tips and favourite moments from a week in Madeira.

CAR RENTAL As I mentioned, car rental is vital.

AB4Rent is not located in the airport which sounds like hassle but is the complete opposite. Upon arrival, we were collected by Henrique who drove us to AB4Rent (https://www. ab4rent.com/) just a few minutes up the road and away from the airport, where we were handed the keys to our Opel Mokka and booster seats were fitted with minimum fuss.

HOTEL For many families, a week in a fivestar hotel isn’t in the budget however there’s great value to be found at the Pestana Carlton in Madeira (https:// www.pestana.com/en/hotel/pestana-carlton-madeira). If your budget can stretch to a seaside view, it’s an unforgettable bonus to wake up

to expansive views every morning overlooking the Bay of Funchal.

This large hotel (set over 17 floors) has a good all-you-can-eat buffet breakfast with fresh pastries and omelettes made to order – try avoid peak times as it does get busy. There are four restaurants and two bars on site. We didn’t dine in any night as there are so many options in Funchal but when you have a four-year old in tow, it’s comforting to know that the option exists if the little ones get tired after a long day. Our favourite features of the hotel were the two huge, outdoor saltwater pools (with a well-shaded kids pool), a heated indoor pool and the direct access to the Atlantic for the sea swimmers amongst us.

There was live music at night in the adjoining bar and for daytime entertainment other than the pool, there’s also mini-golf which is fine to kill an hour with the little ones.

It’s worth noting that there’s no kids club so those of us who want to completely free yourself of parenting responsibilities, it may not be the best option.

We were there during the Madeira Atlantic Festival in June, a “vibrant celebration of the island’s culture” which culminated in an enormous fireworks display on the ocean which was visible from the hotel’s outdoor bar.

WHAT WE DID – FAMILY As I mentioned earlier, Madeira is a small island so everything is easily accessible as part of a day trip.

Here are a couple of day excursions we took. After our excursions we generally had time to spend an hour or two at the hotel pools so it was a good mix of action and relaxation.

Day 1 Bird Island (https://www.ilha-

dasaves.com/) & Madeira Banana Museum (https://bam-centrodabananadamadeira.pt/ en/) Bird Island is a unique park and mini zoo that is set in a charming green garden. I’m not typically a zoo person but this was a relaxing way to ease into the holiday.

The sanctuary is in a very quiet corner of the island and the kids will be entertained.

Later that afternoon we were given a guided tour of the Madeira Banana Museum, which ends in an interactive audio-visual film about the importance of the banana industry to Madeira. There’s a guest appearance from CR7’s mother Maria Dolores who proudly states that bananas are Madeira’s second greatest export. There is a shop on site with banana-based treats and drinks available.

Day 2 Cable Car to Monte (https:// madeiracablecar.com/en/) & Visit to Monte Palace Tropical Garden (https://montepalacemadeira.com/) This is a must-do when visiting Madeira. The cable car from Funchal Port is €20 per adult and children under 6 go free. Each cable car can bring 6-8 people at a time and they are suspended about 200 feet in the air as they slowly transport you up to the Palace Gardens which are about 1,800 feet above sea level. It’s a nice way to travel but might be slightly uncomfortable for those afraid of heights.

The Monte Palace Tropical Garden is like being transported to a tropical paradise. Stretching to an area of 70,000 m2, the UNESCO world heritage site contains one of the largest collections of cycads of African and Japanese origin, while there are permanent exhibitions in the palace museum. A word of warning, there is a cart selling pineapple juice and pina coladas on site: prices are not displayed but it is pretty extortionate.

Day 3 Madeira Theme Park (https:// www.parquetematicodamadeira.pt/) & Porto Moniz natural pools A road trip that cuts through the centre of the island and brings you north is probably the most memorable day on our trip, purely for the views alone. You’ll have a stiff neck from looking up at the mountains every time you emerge from a tunnel. The coastal views on the north of the island are like a mix between the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry.

l The views of the Atlantic Ocean from our 17th floor balcony at the his favourite fruit at the banana museum

The Madeira Theme Park, our first stop, is Madeira’s answer to Bunratty Folk Park. It’s a curious mixture of children’s activities and history. Some features include rowing boats, a farm park, gardens, a huge playground, a kids fun train, and a miniature village featuring typical Santana houses (from that region).

Tickets are very affordable and it’s a worthwhile pitstop on a road trip along the north of the island.

After a picnic at the theme park we headed west and stopped at Restaurante São Cristóvão which is arguably the best viewpoint in the island. If you’re with a designated driver, a poncho – a local rum-based orange drink – is a nice companion when enjoying this incredible view.

We continued west along the north coast to Porto Moniz natural pools. There are no sandy beaches in Madeira and these natural pools are a wonderful alternative with diving boards, lifeguards and deep seasalt pools carved into the ocean’s edge.

A nominal entry fee is well worth

it as the facilities on site are excellent. Make sure to pack hats and plenty of suncream as there is not much protection from the shade here.

Day 4 Day out in Funchal – farmer’s market & 3D Fun Art Museum Funchal itself is a very walkable city centre, with a few centre points such as a seafront, a park in the centre and a picturesque pedestrian street filled with bakeries, cafes and restaurants. The city is bustling but doesn’t move at a fast pace and feels very safe for young children.

The Farmer’s Market is akin to the Milk Market in Limerick where vendors will eagerly share samples of exotic fruits.

It’s an atmospheric spot surrounded by cafes and shops – there’s a lovely little café called Uaucacau with impeccably finished chocolates that’s well worth a visit. Word of warn-

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 7, 2025

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29

than just a family holiday

l The stunning Monte Palace Tropical gardens sit 1,800ft above sea level; (below left) the views from Restaurante São Cristóvão are incredibe but Aoibh was more interested in opening her chocolate ice-cream; (below right) a delicious seafood dish from Casal da Penha and (bottom right) the city centre of Funchal decorated by street art

five-star Pestana Carlton Hotel in Madeira and (far left) Dylan enjoying

ing, make sure to ask about the price of every piece of fruit you intend to purchase, they can be very expensive. We were sold a locally grown fruit called monstera, and unfortunately it wasn’t fully ripe which causes a stinging sensation in the mouth.

We followed this up with a visit to the 3D Fun Art Museum (https://3dfunartfunchal. com/), which is withing walking distance of the market. It’s an immersive experience where you take photographs alongside 3D art displays to create a ‘live’ action photograph. If you visited Madeira on a particularly rainy week, this would be a fine way to kill a couple of hours.

EATING Overall, you can’t go too far wrong with food in Madeira.

Prices are generally a bit cheaper than the Algarve in my experience and there’s a very wide

variety of cuisine to suit all tastes.

For an authentic local eating experience, Casal da Penha offers a variety of meat and fish dishes.

It was our favourite restaurant and we would have visited again but it was unfortunately booked out so booking ahead is advisable.

If you want a family friendly restaurant near the hotel, Stella D’oro is primarily a pizza and pasta restaurant but there’s a huge menu beyond this. It’s friendly, very accessible and offers great variety for the kids.

I have nothing but positive things to say about Madeira as a summer destination for families. We all know how easy flying from Shannon is.

As I mentioned earlier, there are no shortage of reminders in Madeira that it’s the homeland of Cristiano Ronaldo. But from now on, the thought will barely cross my mind - on the list of highlights, it’s well doen the list. When someone asks me about the island of Madeira, all I will think is, ‘you have to visit’.

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Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

JUBILATION, EPIDURALS & The story of how Kilfenora’s Jonathan Keane became

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

KILFENORA’S Jonathan Keane had his finest sporting hour when winning a title that meant so much to him.

Late last month, becoming the first Clare winner of the South of Ireland in over half a century, was followed by wild celebrations and his feat earned him an international call-up which will see him claim his first Irish cap.

In between the celebrations and preparations for the Home Internationals at Woodhall Spa, Jonathan spoke to The Clare Echo.

He became the first local since JD Smyth in 1968 to win the famed championship at Lahinch Golf Club, rolling in a five-footer for a closing birdie to beat former champion, Caolan Rafferty of Dundalk.

JD was one of Jonathan’s first coaches and often brought him to the course after school when he went to Kilfenora NS and Ennistymon CBS. “It is great Lahinch has two South of Ireland winners but they are both Kilfenora people, it is just amazing,” he reflected.

Jonathan (25) has been golfing since the age of 11.

“To win any of the competitions is unbelievable but the South being on in Lahinch, being a Lahinch member all my life and only a Lahinch member, it is the one you always wanted to win, I’ve been watching it since I was 11 or 12”.

Such success has already been a source of inspiration among some of his golfing crew. “It was great for the golf club and hopefully it will inspire a younger generation.

A few lads that are older than me that I golf with, they’d be in their early thirties and late twenties, they text me and were like ‘I’m going to take golf a bit more serious and try improve’ because when we play every weekend there isn’t much between us, we’re all pretty similar and it’s great they can see that and there’s no reason why they can’t win one of those competitions so hopefully in the next few years you’ll see the Lahinch name out there a bit more”.

There has always been a distinct appeal about competing in the South for Jonathan. “When I got to 15, 16 I started improving. I started competing at boys level competitions, I was getting up the top of leaderboards and I was thinking I can win this someday, I knew I had the game and the golf when I was competing with the top

people I knew I could win.

Then I had a bad enough injury in 2021 which set me back, I thought at the time I would be back in six to eight weeks, I didn’t know it would take over three years for me to come back nearly, during that time you’re thinking will I even golf again, it is just amazing to finally actually win it, unbelievable”.

Fellow Irish golfer Rory McIlroy sparked Jonathan’s initial interest in golf. “I didn’t know what a golf club was till I was 11, I got fascinated with it then with the 2011 Masters when McIlroy was leading and unfortunately he didn’t win, that was the first competition I watched on TV and I was amazed by it, the amount of hype around this young guy from Ireland”.

Ennistymon’s Paddy Skerritt was responsible for giving Jonathan his first set of clubs, he was also one of the first signatures to help him become a member of Lahinch Golf Club, “One of my classmates Declan Brennan, he said it to me ‘we will go over and join the golf club’, I was like ‘yeah shur I have a few golf clubs at home, why not I’ll go over and give it a try’ so I went over with him and I remember we played our first ever round of golf together, both of us we played on the Castle Course, when I was 11, that is what got me into it”.

Jonathan was the first in his family to show an interest in golf, he explains, “I remember my father’s good friend Murt McMahon from Kilfenora always used to go over golfing every weekend and my father would be making fun of him with his white shoes and his white pants saying, ‘you look ridiculous’, I’m the one wearing them now and I don’t think he’s saying that anymore. He he’d be very old style and traditional, him seeing white shoes and white pants he’s a farmer so anything I’d land home with the white shoes on he’d be giving out saying put on a pair of wellingtons instead”.

As his teenage years passed his love of golf intensified and it became his main hobby as he stopped playing football and music, two pastimes Kilfenora is more famous for. “I used to go over after primary school in the evenings and after secondary school my mother would drop me over or my coach John Smyth, he lives in Kilfenora so I used to go over with him and he’d bring me back home again, I really appreciate the help I

got when I was younger.”

For those wondering and to assist in a potential pub quiz question, the musical instrument Jonathan played was the accordion for three to four years, he was also a set dancer for six years, “when I got to 11 all of that went out the window”.

As his status began to rise, he caddied for local member Thomas Neenan during the 2015 South of Ireland which he admits was a greatly learning experience. With golf becoming the main focus in Jonathan’s life, his ability was beginning to show for all in Lahinch to see. He won an U18 Boys Munster Order of Merit, made the Irish Boys panel at the age of 17 and played for his country in a friendly match, won boys competition at club level.

Serving as a major disruption to his progress was a serious back injury where he had herniated discs that left him out of action for over two and a half years. During lockdown, he built a home gym and admits, “I wasn’t doing proper stretching, I was taking it for granted at a young age that your body is fine. I was golfing the first day the golf courses opened up in 2021. I went playing with Patrick, a local member and on one of the holes, I hit a shot, and I just felt a little twinge in my back but I thought nothing of it. I went home, put the feet up, and woke up the next morning and I couldn’t move.”

As he entered his final year of college at the University of Limerick, he admitted that rehabilitation was not top on his list of priorities but as he reached his final semester the recovery received renewed concentration.

Helping along the way were connections from Lahinch Golf Club, if ever the saying of ‘it takes a village’ are applicable as Dr Conor O’Brien, a former Irish Olympic doctor, helped to get him an appointment in Galway Clinic where it emerged “a few nerves were wrong” and an epidural injection in his back to block nerve pain followed. Gerry O’Sullivan, another member of Lahinch GC is Head of Radiology at Galway Clinic and helped to organise the appointment for this injection.

He then worked for five months with strength and conditioning coach, Robbie Cannon who is coach to Shane Lowry and himself won the South of Ireland in 2009. “I got back playing in June 2023 and thank God I’ve had no problems with my

back since. I’ve played eight rounds of golf in the last five days with no pain whatsoever, sticking to the gym work keeping the body nice and strong, the diet, the routine, the recovery sessions, just keeping it all going”.

Returning to caddying was also central to his recovery, Jonathan felt. “I think a lot of sitting down in college studying kind of was it wasn’t great for me either. When I got up and I started caddying in Lahinch after college as well and walking around, I think it was the best thing

that ever happened to me.”

Unable to caddy while he was injured, Jonathan started working at the Golf Club.

“Everyone was wishing me the best look at the golf club, the amount of people that were coming up to me at the time saying we need to get you back and they were trying to do everything for me.

“It’s just great to see that when I was in the time of need that they all that they came together and they wanted to help me out”.

Confidence was high heading into this year’s South of

Ireland given the form he has shown so far this year, winning the club championship in Lahinch and coming third in the Munster-Mid which is an over 25 competition. “I’ve been playing decent all year with a few other top 20 and 15 finishes”.

Before he teed off in the South, his main target was to reach the top 64 which he duly did. “I played very bad the first day, I shot 75 and was well outside the cut, I was two outside it, I was tied 90th...As Noel said to me, my caddy and Lahinch member

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 7, 2025

UNWAVERING SUPPORT... first local winner of The South of Ireland since 1968

Thomas Neenan, ‘if there was ever one golf course that you need to shoot a good round on, it’s this golf course’ and I didn’t feel one bit nervous at all.

“I finished 200 for the round and got through in something like 47th”.

Coming up against fellow Lahinch member Stephen Loftus on Friday was a difficult experience. “I had a tough opposition match on the Friday evening against Stephen Loftus, a fellow Lahinch member, it was awful to face him and go up against someone you know so well and play golf with nearly every second week, we had a great game, he is a top lad.

“That was probably the one game that you don’t want to play is against a Lahinch member. I played great again Saturday, absolutely unbelievable and again Sunday I played great too. I was two down after five holes on Sunday morning, I was two under par after five holes which is a great start, I got over the line on the 17th and then got in straight away, got away from the crowd and to go out in the evening and win was amazing”.

Facing former South winner Caolan Rafferty in the final didn’t faze him, “I knew I had a good record, I was playing good and I like matchplay, it suits my game.

“I knew he wouldn’t make mistakes because he is a top class golfer, it showed as well with the start he got off to that he had two birdies on the first four holes, a top class golfer but it didn’t faze me because I knew my game was there”.

Two up after the 12th hole, the lead was wiped when they were level heading into the 17th. “I was level with two holes to go and knowing my caddy, fair play to him, he could see that I was a tiny bit annoyed on the green picking up the ball, not really annoyed but a bit agitated. I was out of my normal routine, and he stopped me when I was walking to the green and said ‘if I told you in the morning you’d be playing in the final against Caolan Rafferty and you’d be level with two holes to go, would you have taken it?’, I said yeah and he said exactly. That was it, he handed me the driver I walked up to the tee. Caolan hit it down the middle of the fairway, I stood up then, I hit it a bit left, he had an okay first putt and he was in for a par so I knew the eight or nine foot I had was crucial.

“I had to hole it because if you were going down to the last one which is a par five it’s not great so I holed that and the roar that was let out by the crowd was absolutely amazing. I was very proud of how I handled myself on the seventeenth hole, with the Liscannor Rd down along the left and all the cars passing by and all the heavy rough on the right it would be very easy to hit the ball into the rough. Under the circumstances the two shots I hit into the last hole are in the top five shots that I’ve hit in my life”.

On arguably the biggest sporting occasion of his career, Jonathan came up trumps. “[The 18th] is a par five and it is a tough hole to reach in two, he came up just short to the green in two, and I hit a five iron into the green.

“I hit the shot, it was in the air and there was silence, everybody was watching the ball, when the ball landed on the green the amount of people behind me that started roaring and the people above on the green starting roaring ‘come on Johnny’, it was just amazing”.

As he made the final putt, he dropped his club and put his hands over his head where his parents Mary and John were among the first to grab him and hug in an emotional embrace. Not long after,

Lahinch duo Oisin Vaughan and Aaron McNulty had him lifted shoulder high. “When I was over the putt I said ‘just hole this will you’, when I holed in and saw the ball go in I didn’t know what to do. I dropped the club out of my hand, put my hands up to my eyes, then my father came over and swarmed me, my uncle and my mother were over, it was just a blur, so many people coming up shaking my hand, then Oisin and Aaron put me up on my shoulders, it was unbelievable, it hit me then, I was in shock and no words were coming but when they put me up I could see everyone around, roaring and shouting, I got a bit wild then”.

When he found the words, ‘Up Kilfenora’ is what came out. “I saw ... about, I’d say 15 people from Kilfenora that were over there and, like, some of them non golfers and I could hear them roaring and shouting, they stood out to me of all the people, I had to acknowledge that, it was great. I know how much sport is to the people of Kilfenora and to have this trophy back”.

This level of backing has continued across the week with a special celebration held in Kilfenora. “It’s been mad, we had a night out in Kilfenora last night, so it was great. We had a bonfire and the amount of people that turned out, it was absolutely amazing. I say, nearly all of Kilfenora that was there, I know we’re a small parish but I’d say nearly everyone was there and it was great.

Even all my buddies from the Golf Club that aren’t from Kilfenora travelled there”.

Celebrations were curtailed somewhat with Jonathan’s selection on the Irish team for the Home Internationals. “We’ve a nine-man team so it will be my first time ever getting capped for Ireland, that’s next on the agenda and then the week after I’ve the Irish Close up in Westport, the week after that myself and the girlfriend are going away to Coldplay so it is about time she got a weekend away with me”.

Had he not received the Irish call-up, he would certainly have milked the celebrations a bit more. “I was going to have a few pints but when he rang me and told me, he said ‘you might ease off on the celebrations’ and I said ‘Damon don’t worry

it’s going to be Rock Shandies tonight’. I’d be very strict about drinking, the only time I drank this year was when I went on holidays to

teacher, he has been teaching in Limerick City and Kilmihil for the past two years but has yet to secure a post for September. His feat on the golf course may spark the attention of local principals looking to employ a model teacher.

His own school days saw him attend Kilfenora NS and Ennistymon CBS where sport was always positively promoted. He described Ennistymon CBS as “a great sporting school”.

“Myself and Aidan McCarthy used to cause a bit of trouble together in school, we all know what he has gone on to achieve in hurling. Darragh MIniter a great athletics man from Kilrush,

When I holed in and saw the ball go in, I didn’t know what to do

“

Madeira with my girlfriend, I did enough of drinking there for the week, I always like to give it one hundred percent because when you’re young you need to give it everything while you can, there’s plenty of time for drinking when I’m older at 40 and 50 spoofing away”.

A qualified Maths and PE

his mother used to work in the school so he came to Ennistymon. It was great to be in school with them, having two or three other lads in your class who were so driven about sport”.

North Clare has been an area hit by tragedy in recent months but the sporting exploits of Jonathan Keane in winning the South of Ireland Golf Championships has provided a ray of light and lifted the spirits of the entire area. “The tragedy has been awful in North Clare, it’s been shocking but this is something great for Lahinch and the whole area to up the spirits a bit, it is absolutely great, hopefully the spirits will be lifted”.

For the extended version of this interview, visit www. clareecho.ie.

MUNSTER RUGBY OPEN TRAINING DAY @ENNIS RFC DRUMBIGGLE RD

TUE 12 TH AUGUST @12.00PM

FREE ADMISSION

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Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Éire Óg goalfest seals derby win

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 1 ROUND 2

ÉIRE ÓG 4-12 ST JOSEPH’S DOORA-BAREFIELD 0-14 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Pairc Cíosóg, Ennis Compiled by Páraic McMahon

“

ÉIRE ÓG: Frees for: 8 (5/3) Wides: 6 (3/3) Spread of scorers: 8 Scores from play: 4-8 Top scorer: Colm Walsh O’Loghlen (2-2) Bookings: Gavin Murray (52) Own kickouts won: 11 from 17 (65%)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Shane Daniels, Éire Óg:

“When you’re a dual club it is very important to qualify for your quarter-finals as quickly as you can, those lads have to tune in every week between hurling and football which is tough so the fact we’ve qualified with a game to goal helps”.

KILMIHIL 0-16 ENNISTYMON 0-13 Venue: Shanahan McNamara Memorial Park, Doonbeg Compiled by Seamus Hayes

A fortuitous win you could say, you couldn’t see us winning by four points with five minutes to go, Kildysart deserve a lot of credit for this game, I thought they played a lot of great football, they put us to the pin of our collar on numerous occasions.

Maurice Walsh, Kildysart: l Colm Walsh O’Loghlen goals past Tom O’Brien

Donagh Vaughan, Doora-Barefield:

“We’re very disappointed, I thought we played well in some patches of the game but ultimately goals win games and we conceded four today, the goal in the first half, Manus’ goal was a super goal but I think the other three we will be looking back on the video and saying how did we concede them.”

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

STORY OF THE GAME KILMIHIL Frees For: 17 (7/10) Wides: 8 (6/2) Scores from play: 0-7 Spread of scorers: 4 Top scorer: Ciaran Downes (0-12 1f 4TPf) Bookings: Ciaran Downes (51); Shane Downes (58) Own kickouts won: 18 out of 21 (86%)

ENNISTYMON Frees For: 13 (6/7) Wides: 11 (4/7) Scores from play: 0-5 Spread of scorers: 6 Top scorer: Cillian Rouine (0-4 2TP) Bookings: Sean Driscoll (60) Own kickouts won: 6 out of 20 (30%)

REFEREE: John O’Connell

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Colm Collins, Cratloe:

Kilmihil cause championship shock

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 2 ROUND 2:

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 1 ROUND 2:

CRATLOE 1-13 KILDYSART 0-12 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Pairc Cíosóg, Ennis Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME DOORA/BAREFIELD: Frees for: 11 (4/7) Wides: 3 (2/1) Spread of scorers: 5 Scores from play: 0-6 Top scorer: Paddy Bugler (0-8 4TPF) Bookings: Eoin Troy (mentor) (25), Michael Nash (52) Own kickouts won: 16 from 22 (72%) REFEREE: Fergal O’Brien (Broadford)

Cratloe strike late

MANAGER COMMENT

Michael Doran, Kilmihil:

“We felt we could give this a good rattle. The middle third was going to be key. We watched the Doonbeg v Ennistymon game and I felt Doonbeeg gave themselves a platform in the second half by winning the breaking ball around the middle. We knew the formula to get at them was primary possession and when you have forwards like Ciaran (Downes), Marty (O’Leary) and Cathal Murray, you are always going to get scores on the board if we have primary possession”.

Declan Downes, Ennistymon:

“It was nothing I didn’t expect from Kilmihil. I know the club inside out, know the character of the players and people involved. In the new game, primary possession in the middle of the field gives you a massive platform to go and play. That’s where Kilmihil really came to the fore.

They dominated on the ground and in the air and that Kilmihil midfielder Dan Keating catches the ball above gave them a great platform to win the game, deservingly”. l Ennistymon captain Eoin Rouine Photo by Gerard O’Neill

“We just came out the wrong l Cratloe’s Rian Considine chases Keith O’Connor Photo by Gerard O’Neill side of it, I reckoned whoever was going to get a goal was going had one and took it, that was to win the game, we had four or the difference between the teams. five chances of goals between the first and second half, Cratloe

STORY OF THE GAME CRATLOE Frees for: 12 (5/7) Wides: 6 (4/2) Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 1-6 Top scorer: Seán Collins (0-7 7f) Bookings: Diarmuid Ryan (42), Own kickouts won: 11 from 17 (65%)

SCAN HERE FOR

MATCH REPORT KILDYSART Frees for: 12 (3/9) Wides: 5 (1/4) Spread of scorers: 8 Scores from play: 0-9 Top scorer: Luke McGrath (0-3 2f) & Diarmuid O’Donnell (0-3 1f) Bookings: Jamie Evans (24), Conor Moloney (47), K O’Brien (53).

Own kickouts: 17/20 (85%)

REFEREE: Niall Malone (Éire Óg)

PLAYER PLAYER OFOF WEEK THETHE WEEK

Dan Keating - Kilmihil LORDING matters in the middle of the field, Dan Keating played a central role in Kilmihil’s shock win over Ennistymon and his reward is to be named Martin Daly Autos/The Clare Echo player of the week.

Keating excelled in producing arguably his greatest ever display for Kilmihil, winning the aerial battle to serve as a platform which Michael Doran’s men had targeted before a ball was kicked in the second round.

He was ably assisted by Seán Crowley hoovering up on breaks and Ciaran Downes kicking a very impressive tally of 0-12 but the midfielder was the man responsible for securing primary possession which made it all happen for Kilmihil. Dan also managed to kick two points to assist Kilmihil on their way to winning 0-16 0-13 and blowing Group 2 wide open. .

Diarmuid will be presented with a €50 voucher courtesy of Martin Daly Autos, sponsor of our senior club football championship coverage.

Warning If you do not meet the rep :

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 7, 2025

Support sports journalism in Clare by subscribing to www.clareecho.ie/subscribe SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Sport

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Diarmuid King powers past Padraig O’Dwyer

l Seán Neylon is tackled by Wolfe Tones’ Darragh Leahy

Photo by James Downes

Miltown sink Tones TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 3 ROUND 2:

ST JOSEPH’S MILTOWN 2-19 WOLFE TONES 2-12 Venue: Clarecastle Compiled by Adam Moloney

STORY OF THE GAME ST. JOSEPH’S MILTOWN MALBAY Frees For: 12 (8/4) Wides: 7 (5/2) Scores from Play: 2-16 Spread of Scorers: 8 Top Scorer: Eoin Cleary (0-8, ‘TP(f), 2f’s) Bookings: Enda O’Gorman (60) Own Kickouts Won: 11 out of 16 (69%)

WOLFE TONES Frees For: 18 (4/14) Wides: 6 (2/4) Scores from Play: 2-7 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: Colin Riordan (0-7, ‘TP, 3f’s) Bookings: Daithí Lohan (53) Own Kickouts Won: 11 out of 24 (46%)

REFEREE: Jim Hickey (Cratloe)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Martin Guerin, Miltown:

Kieran Ryan, Wolfe Tones:

“We started very slowly, and gave them a three-point lead, but after that we took over for about 15 minutes, and some of our interplay was very good and we got some very good scores.”

“After two weeks ago, my initial thoughts are that we put in a performance, that’s what we looked for from the boys, effort, putting pride back in the jersey, and in themselves, that wasn’t a fair reflection on the work they have done two weeks ago.”

CLONDEGAD, COROFIN & KILRUSH SEAL QUARTER-FINALS

INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

Seamus Boland of Naomh Eoin loses his footing as Liscannor’s Robert Lucas gives chase Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Burren Eye Photography

‘Bricks prevail

l Tadhg Lillis gets away from Matt Shea

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 3 ROUND 2:

KILMURRY IBRICKANE 0-18 ST BRECKANS 0-15 Venue: Hennessy Memorial Park, Miltown Malbay Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

Photo by James Downes

Draw in West Clare TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 2 ROUND 2:

KILMURRY IBRICKANE Frees for: 10 (3/7) Wides: 8 (3/5) Spread of scorers: 8 Scores from play: 0-15 Top scorer: Dermot Coughlan (0-6 2TP 1TPf) Bookings: None.

Own kickouts won: 17 from 25 (68%)

ST BRECKANS Frees for: 15 (8/7) Wides: 7 (4/3) Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 0-8 Top scorer: Padraig Kelly (0-5 1TPf 1f 1’45) Bookings: Padraig O’Dwyer (36), Black Card: Jamie Stack (38), Own kickouts: 21/26 (81%) REFEREE: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

David Egan, Kilmurry Ibrickane

Patrick O’Neill, St Breckans

“We were relatively happy we had a job to do and we did it, we were a little bit inconsistent with our performance, we had highs and lots of lows but fair play to St Breckans, they are a very good outfit, they are very pacy and they cut us open a few times.

“We’ve loads to work on but we’ve our two points on the board which is great and we kicked 0-18 which is great kicking.”

“We’re obviously disappointed. We can take a lot from today, we were dead and buried three times in the 60 minutes and we clawed our way back, we brought it back to a point and Kilmurry Ibrickane did what Kilmurry Ibrickane are good at, they know how to see out a game and put you to the sword...I’m very proud of the lads, they never gave up once, I can’t but be happy for the performance they put in”.

DOONBEG 1-12 LISSYCASEY 0-15 Venue: Hennessy Memorial Park, Miltown Malbay Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME LISSYCASEY DOONBEG Frees For: 10 (5/5) Frees For: 15 (5/10) Wides: 4 (0/4) Wides: 6(2/4) Scores from play: 0-14 Scores from play: 1-8 Spread of scorers: 7 Spread of scorers: 7 Top scorer: Diarmuid Top scorer: David Tubridy McMahon (0-4) (0-4, 3f, 1’45); Bookings: Ryan Griffin Bookings: Shane (51) Darren Keane (54) Bermingham (14) Own kickouts won: 10 out Own kickouts won; 13 out of 19 of 18 REFEREE: Niall Quinn (St Joseph’s Miltown)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Brian Shanahan, Doonbeg:

Aiden Moloney, Lissycasey:

“We had three goal chances in the game, two clear cut ones at the beginning. I suppose we scored the hardest one at the end to get a draw. It was a great fight back in the second half, the lads never gave up, they were patient on the ball”

“We didn’t kill off the game. We panicked a little bit, we didn’t calm the game when we had possession. We were going for the jugular.

They got a bit of luck, went for a two pointer, hit the post and it came down and they got a goal from it, with the last play of the game.”

Fallout continues from Munster seeding decision

FALLOUT continues following the move to seed Cork and Kerry in the Munster SFC with former Clare manager Colm Collins describing it as “a cynical move”, writes Páraic McMahon.

On Thursday last, Munster Council delegates voted in favour of re-introducing a format which seeded teams based on National Football League rankings rather than what has existed for the last eleven years where the finalists of the previous season are kept on opposite sides of the draw.

It is noteworthy that officials in Cork and Kerry did not attempt to bring back this system during 2018 to 2022 when Clare finished higher than Cork in the Allianz National Football League and the move comes at a time when Cork are in Division 2 and Clare in Division 3.

Limerick’s delegates decision to go on a solo run and defy the wishes of its senior footballers and management served as the casting vote with Munster GAA officials voting en bloc with Cork and Kerry to bring back the old system which comes into effect for next year’s championship.

Since 2015, finalists from the previous year have been seeded in opposite sides of the draw. Prior to this, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford threatened to pull out of the championship if the preferential seeding of the big two continued. They refused to play in that year’s McGrath Cup leaving Cork and Kerry to compete in the pre-season competition against UCC, UL, Cork IT, IT Tralee and LIT. Speaking to The Clare Echo, former Clare manager Colm Collins said he was “disappointed” by the decision.

He acknowledged, “I can understand the logic in a way that they are unhappy with the way the Munster finals have gone for the last three years I can understand that but I think there is a lot of things they could have done. For example, Kerry giving home advantage to any of the other counties they played in the final, that would have been a positive move”.

Jimmy Lee, Limerick’s manager said county board officials ‘knifed players in the back’ with the way they voted while Collins was equally baffled by their approach. “It’s absolutely mind-blowing that the Limerick County Board voted against the wishes of their players and management, you’d have to be asking yourself what happened there, that just sucks.

If Limerick voted as they should have voted then it wouldn’t have come in”.

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Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Champions Feakle braced for crunch game

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

COUNTY CHAMPIONS Feakle are braced for “a crunch game” with Newmarket-on-Fergus in the second round of the TUS Clare SHC. An opening round draw with Wolfe Tones has the East Clare side in need of a victory to get their campaign up

and running while the first round results mean Newmarket-on-Fergus must win to stay in the championship.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Feakle manager, Ger Conway stated, “We have to get ready now for Newmarket in two weeks time and see who we can get off the treatment table and back on the field. New-

market will be hurting after their first round loss. It will be a crunch game”.

Injuries kept both Steven Conway and Eoin Tuohy out of the starting team for Feakle’s 0-19 1-16 draw but they were both introduced in the closing stages. They are both expected to line out this Friday evening in Zimmer

Biomet Páirc Cíosóg while there are serious doubts on the availability of Eibhear Quilligan, Conn Smyth and Martin Daly.

“It was up and down and we are lucky to come out with a draw, we had a couple of chances so had Shannon. It’s the first round of the championship and it’s hard to know

what to expect. We had a few injuries going into the game and we have a few more now.

Eibhear (Quilligan) looks to be in a bit of trouble and Martin Daly had to leave the action.. that’s what panels are for I suppose and we have to try and deal with it,” Conway said.

Leading marksman Shane

McGrath once again set the tempo for Feakle and finished with a personal haul of 0-12.

“Shane is just Shane, everyone knows what Shane is capable of. He has a brillint attitude, he is a brilliant striker of the ball. He gets the majority of our scores every day,” the Feakle manager reflected.

Over 400 play captain’s prize in Lahinch Golf Club

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WOODSTOCK were crowned Munster champions while 421 players took part in the captain’s prize at Lahinch Golf Club.

WOODSTOCK GC: Woodstock are celebrating Munster success after they were crowned provincial J B Carr champions.

Leading 3/2 after the first leg, they completed their task this Tuesday when defeating Ballyneety.

They are now through to the All-Ireland final in Woodenbridge in September.

The team is managed by Frank McEnery with Martin Whyte as assistant manager. Team members include Joe Greene, Ollie McNamara, Paul Coote, Frank McEnery, Declan Coote, Brendan Keogh, Paddy Meehan, Tony Coote, John O’Connor and Michael O’Brien, they played as five pairings.

Captain Gerry O’Malley’s prize was played for at Woodstock at he weekend and his popularity was evident from the big entry for the competition.

Adrian Kearney (13) emerged as the overall winner with 100, four ahead of Ronan O’Looney (8). In third place was Joe Davis (13) with 105 followed by Gerry Kellly (10) also with 105.

Sean Crowe (2) won the gross with 75 while the category winners were Harry McEnery (10) with 106 and Paddy Meehan (12) with 107.

Category 3 was won by Ronan Doyle (23) with 75 (no category 3 competitor qualified for the play-off on Sunday evening).

The ladies prize was won

by Hannah O’Brien (25) with 72 nett, three ahead of Mary Morgan (30) with Chaye Kelly (8) in third place with 76 nett.

The ladies open day, sponsored by Al Hayes Motors attracted a big entry. The modified team of 3 competition was won by Ruth Nihill, Eilis Neville and Siobhan Costelloe (Dromoland) with 89 points.

In the men’s section the winners were John M O’Connor, Mike Kelly and Jack Duffy with 101 points.

The Holly’s Haven pharmacy mixed scramble at Woodstock on Thursday was won by Michael Canty, Shaunagh Kilker, Jarlath Fahy and Siobhan McNulty from Vinny McInerney, Kathleen McEnery, Mary McNamara and Tony Neville.

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB: A total of 421 players took part in Lahinch club captain Martin O’Sullivan’s prize at the weekend. Dermot Morris emerged as the overall winner with 63 points, 42 in the qualifying round followed by 21 in the play

off. He won from Ronan Mulvihill who had a similar score (43 and 20). Brendan O’Doherty was third, a point back on 62 (42 and 20).

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Captain John Coleman’s prize concluded last week with overall honours going to Ollie Kenneally who shot a 6 under par round and Bridget Hoey who returned a nett score of 73.

There was an entry of 217 for the event which concluded with a 9 hole play-off on Sunday.

Ollie Kenneally won from Padraic McNicholas with third place filled by David Considine.

Alan Butler won the gross from Alf Jones while the leading qualifier was Fergus O’Brien.

The captain’s shield was played for on Saturday when the winner was Flan Downes (11) with 40 points, one more than David McNicholas (20).

The gross was won by Martin Moran with 32 points while the category winners were Michael Byrt (11) with 39 points, Raymond Pow-

er (17) with 38 points, Tim Scanlon (19) with 36 points and James P. Horgan (22) with 38 points.

Ruairí Meehan (34) won the captain’s prize to the juniors with 46 points from Cormac Mann (35) with 41 points with third spot filled

by Bill Egan (14) with 38.

Bridget Hoey (23) won the ladies stroke play competition with 73 nett from Jean Molony (30) with 74 nett with Patrice Ryan (37) in third place, also with 74.

Mary Lenihan (15) won the gross with 89 while the category winners were Ann O’Loughlin (18) with 75 nett, Maureen Lynch (39) also with 75 and Sinéad O’Sulliva.

The Eleanor Tivy Cup qualifiers to represent Ennis on September 10 at Beaufort golf club are Elaine Whelan, Kathleen Pyne and Helen Harnett with Della Burns as reserve.

The Munster Cup qualifiers to represent the club on August 21 at Fermoy are Elaine Kelly, Bridie Hanrahan and Patricia Moroney with Peg Hanrahan as reserve.

On Thursday last sixty eight members played in the club’s senior men’s team of four competition. The winners with 76 points were Pat Murphy, Michael Cummins, Matt Flynn and Gerry Kelly.

They had two to spare over Tony Lawler, Michael Kerin, Michael Ball and Tim Kelly who were followed by John McEntee, Kevin Murray, Terry Hughes and Pat Garry also with 74 points.

In fourth spot, a point further back were Liam Barry, Frank Coffey, Bill O’Sullivan and PJ Hehir followed on 72 points by Noel Connellan, Ronnie Guinnane, Damon Murphy and Pat Rutherford.

Sixth position was filled

by Noel Pilkington, Fintan McEvoy, Padraic Larkin and Frank Cullinan with 71 points, one more than John McNamara, Gerry Scanlan, Michael Cusack and Jim Hennessey with Martin Coffey, John Staunton, Neil Cremin, and Jimmy Kearns also on 69 points.

EAST CLARE: The ladies 18 hole open week singles at East Clare was won by Geraldine O’Reilly (34) with 37 points, two more than Nuala Corry (24) with Brid Gurnett (38) a point further back on 34.

The ladies scotch foursomes was won by Connie McKenna and Mary Hogan with 44 points. In second place with 38 points were Mary Fitzgerald and Mary Dinan with third spot filled

by Margaret Egan and Bridget Minogue with 35 points.

Winners of the full scramble were Brid Hayes, Martina O’ Reilly and Carmel McMahon from Anne Dunne, Mary McNamara and Elaine Ruane with third place filled by Eileen Donnellan, Catherine Murphy and Ann Harte.

The team of three champagne scramble was won

by Eileen Donnellan, Ann Harte and Noreen Doyle with 68 points. In second place with 66 points were Maureen Lynch, Sinead O’Sullivan and Trish O’ Reilly and they were followed by Breeda O’ Loghlin, Eileen Donnellan and Terry Mulvihill with 65 points.

Winners of the fourball betterball competition were Imelda O’ Hanlon and Anne McEvoy from Peg and Bridie Hanrahan with third place filled by Catherine Minogue and Noreen Skehan.

The men’s 18 hole blue tee challenge was won by

Jack Whelan (2) with 37 points, one more than Paul Madden (17) while the gross was won by Ross Kenny (-2) with 35 points.

The men’s singles competition off the white tees was won by Kevin Scully (14) with 40 points followed

by Cathal Rochford (10) with 39 points and Ray Hogan (22) also with 39 points.

The gross was won by James McNamara (+1).

John Fielding (24) with 42 points won the men’s singles off the yellow tees from Tom Dormer (20) with 37 points with third spot filled

by Eamonn Fennessy (17), also with 37 points.

Kevin Wallis (10) won the gross.

The senior men’s team of three competition was won

by Nick Ryan, Ger Teefy and Ger Hoey with 64 points and they won on a countback from Jack Brennan, Vivian Cahalane and John McNamara. In third place with 61 points were Michael Hayes, Brian Torpey and Stefan Hahne.

The men’s team of two Ryder cup style competition was won by Ger Lenihan and Michael McMahon with 56 points from Teddy O’ Hanlon and John Duffy with 53 points.

DROMOLAND: The weekend competition was in aid of Cahercalla Community hospital and the winners of the fourball competition were Seamus Cusack and John O’Shaughnessy with 47 points from Niall Geraghty and Niall Cannon who had a similar score.

Third spot was filled by Brian Hassett and Aidan Fogarty (Tipperary)with 46 points.

The 9 hole competition winner was Ben Cusack fol-

lowed by Conor McInerney with Sean Hayes in third position and all three returned 19 points.

In last Thursday’s seniors outing the group winner was Shay O’Callaghan followed

by Willie Fitzgerald with Con Ryan in third place. The group B winner was Don Barrett folllowed by George O’Carroll with Pat Bergin in third spot.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: The overall winner in the Super Valu ladies 18 hole stableford comp last week was Helen Hurst (49) with 37 points. The category winners were Mary Bolton (18) with 34 points, Mary Nolan (19) with 35 points and Mary Downes (31) with 34.

The SuperValu mens open singles at the weekend was won by Patrick O’ Dea (21) with 41 points.

He had three to spare over Michael Moloney (19) with third spot filled by Seamus O’Doherty (18) with 37 points. The gross was won

by Jim Young Jnr with 31 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB: The Western Postform open 18 hole singles at Gort at the weekend was won by Michael Corless (15) with 45 points.

The category winners were Alan Minogue (8) with 40 points, Derek Kinsella (15) with 40 points and Alan Fogarty (18), also with 40 points.

The gross was won

by Joe Moran (1) with 35 points.

Friday’s open 18 hole single was won by John O’Connor (26) with 38 point while the gross was won

by Joe Moran (1) with 31 points.

35

Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

To place a notice email kieran@clareecho.ie

Planning

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LOUGHRASK, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO CLARE. Take notice that Mary and Brendan Linnane intend to apply for permission to retain the extension to the dwelling house and all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL: I Aidan Kelly Agricultural

EASY TO USE SERVICE

Design & Planning Services (ADPS, 085 7466211, www.adps.ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of my client Eugene Conlon . Permission to construct cubicles shed with slatted tank and all associated site works at Gorteenaneelig, Tulla , Co Clare.The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission

subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKPHUTTEEN, LABASHEEDA, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Jack O’Shea is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a storage shed/ private garage with a solid fuel storage area along with all associated works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the ap-

plication.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LOUGHVELLA TLD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that the Estate of Mary Corey is to apply to Clare County Council for retention permission for development that includes a) rear house extension b) minor change to front façade to that granted to planning ref.

102/143, c) Sheds containing a boiler room and 2No. storage rooms along with a water tank, d) a garage, along with all ancillary site works at Loughvella Tld., Ennis, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare Co. Council, Áras Contae and Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission of observation in relation

to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, KILLERNAN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that A. Clancy intends to apply to the Planning Authority for retention permission for the extensions and alterations to the existing dwelling house and for permission for a new proprietary wastewater system along with associated site works at the above address.

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation

PLACE YOUR PLANNING NOTICES WITH THE CLARE ECHO CALL 065 671 9021 EMAIL KIERAN@CLAREECHO.IE

36

Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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37

Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Obituaries

Support journalism in Clare by subscribing to www.clareecho.ie/subscribe

Recent Deaths

ANNOUNCEMENT

Pastor Racheal Chukwuemeka Psalms 116:15 NIV Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.

FLOWERS

With heartfelt submission to the will of God, we announce the passing into eternal glory of our beloved mother, sister, shepherd, and servant of the Most High, Pastor Racheal Chukwuemeka, who answered the Lord’s call to rest on the 16th of July 2025.

Daughter of Mr. Joshua and Mrs Alice Afolabi. Beloved wife of Rev. Victor Chukwuemeka, Mother of Chidinma, Joseph, Blessing and Emmanuel. Sister to Samson, Benjamin, Funmilayo and Phillip. She will be greatly missed by her loving husband, children, family/extended family, the entire congregation of Foundation Ministries Worldwide, Comrades in the International Ministers Fellowship and close friends.

DONNELLAN, JAMES (Jimmy) Whitegate

O’ Neill (née Grace), Brigid Kilkee

O’NEILL (née Price), Mary Shannon

Cronin, Felim Ennis

Taylor, Pat Cratloe

Clare Kearney, Terence Corofin

Lynch, Joshua Alexander Clarecastle McMahon, Gerry Killimer

Bradley (née Fay), Rita Christina Scariff

HANNON, Patrick Clonlara

Considine, Mattie Cree

Ryan, Ned Ennis

Torpey, Sean Barefield

MCVEIGH (née GRIFFIN), MAUREEN Ennis

Walsh (née Wilson), Alannah Ennis Connellan, Keith Connolly

Bourke, John Clare

MCVEIGH (née GRIFFIN), MAUREEN Kilrush

Queally, John Kilfenora

BROWNE (née Doyle), MAVIS

Whyte Rutledge, Vanessa, James and Sara Barefield

PRINTING

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS Service of Songs: Date: Saturday, 9th August 2025.

Time: 4pm

Having a Festival or Event this Summer?

Funeral Service & Interment: Date: Friday, 15th August 2025.

Various Signage / Printing options available

Venue: Foundation Ministries Church Auditorium.

Unit 5, Elevation, Business Park, Clonroad, Ennis, Co. Clare V95 YNW0

GIVE US A CALL:

Venue: St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Uzoagba, Ikeduru, Imo State, Nigeria.

065 684 45 45

Time: 10am Interment to follow at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church Cemetery, Uzoagba, Ikeduru, Imo State, Nigeria.

PAINTING

We find comfort in the blessed assurance that she fought the good fight, finished her race, and kept the faith.

May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace and rise in glory. Amen.

LANDSCAPING

­

Rev. Victor Chukwuemeka on behalf of the Chukwuemeka family.

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38

Thursday, Aug 7, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz 1.

Which Communist revolutionary visited Kilkee in 1962?

Mao Ze Tong Che Guevara Jospeh Stalin

6.

Which ship sank off the coast of Kilrush in 1836?

Intrinsic Intrepid Edmund Fitzgerald

2.

A statue of which Irish actor stands in Kilkee?

Richard Harris Cillian Murphy Brendan Gleeson

7.

How many holes are on Kilkee golf course?

9 18 21

3.

What is the population of Kilkee as per 2022?

2500 1945 1214

8.

In what year was the first church built in Kilrush?

1831 1834 1835

4.

How far is Kilkee from Kilrush?

15km 11km 20km

9.

Kilkee was awarded what colour flag for its beaches?

Blue Red Black

5.

Percy French wrote what satirical song about the West Clare Railway in 1896?

Spancil Hill Are ye right there Michael The Rising of the Moon

10. What is the Eircode for Kilkee?

V95 V15 V23

Movies to see this week

Scan here to see what’s on

ANSWERS Intrinsic 18 1831 Blue V15 Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Che Guevara Richard Harris 1214 11km Are ye right there Michael

Spot the Difference

36 Parnell St Ennis, Co. Clare ennis.arccinema.ie

Last weeks Answers . logo on white sign top left . Yellow line on jersey sleeve last player on left side back line (no.10) . Car on sign logo

. no.24 on jersey last player on right back line . Yellow logo on blue jersey fourth player from left . LGFA logo o no.19 jersey . ‘0’ on no.20 jersey

Crowds flock to enjoy the parade at this years Festival of Fun in Kilmihil

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

39

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 7, 2025

PUZZLEPAGE

THIS THISWEEKS WEEKSPUZZLES PUZZLESAug JAN7th 13th

SUDOKU

1/11/22, 10:18 AM

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WORD SEARCH

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30

Support journalism in Clare by subscribing to www.clareecho.ie/subscribe Puzzle THURSDAY, JAN 13 2022

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The Clare Echo Crossword Daily Quick Crossword: 11 January 2022 ,1/11/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

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