The Clare Echo 01/01/26

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Jan 31, 1, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 2024

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Jan 1 2026

Hundreds of future jobs under threat

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HUNDREDS of future jobs and rural tourism projects in Co Clare are in jeopardy due to an underfunded LEADER programme and proposed changes to the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2028 to 2034.

In a submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, made as part of Ireland’s preparations for negotiations on the next CAP, Clare TD Joe Cooney (FG) called for a ringfenced LEADER budget, sufficient funding to maintain the community-led model and the retention of local autonomy for groups to meet the needs of their areas.

Chief Executive of the Clare Local Development Company (CLDC),

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Doirin Graham has warned that all LEADER tourism funding in the county will cease in December 2025 and that no replacement scheme is in place. “Employment is definitely going to be affected. It is into places where there are no other opportunities for jobs”.

For the next three years, no small rural tourism project in Clare will be able to access public funding, LEADER funding or other grant streams.

She stated, “We have ten excellent, high-quality tourism projects that we could fund in the next year, but we will not be able to. Tourism is such an important part of the development of rural economies.

It reaches places that a lot of other developments do not”.

Full story: clareecho.ie

KICKS AND GIGGLES

 Clare footballers Alan Sweeney and Teresa Collins in action against each other during the second annual St Breckan’s / Burren Gaels St Stephen’s Day parish league Photo Burren Eye Photography

Ballyea broken-hearted with sudden death of TJ

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHOCK and sadness has descended over Ballyea, St Flannan’s College and the wider county with the sudden death of teenager TJ Chambers.

Sixteen year old TJ died in a single vehicle collision outside Crusheen on Saturday afternoon. He was the sole occupant of the tractor he was driving at the time of his death. An Garda Síochána are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the accident to come forward.

A promising hurler with not just as a very promisboth Ballyea and St ing hurler but he was Flannan’s College, also helpful, kind, TJ hails from a respectful and strong family genuine.

He well known was known in Ballyea, for his strong Tubber and work ethic neighbourespecially ing Galway. in his love of “We are all farming and heartbroken in the backs at the loss of on the hurling TJ Chambers TJ. At just 16, field. He will reTJ had already main a treasured made such a positeammate and tive impact on our club, friend and his absence

will be deeply felt throughout our club and community forever,” a spokesperson for Ballyea GAA Club stated.

Newly appointed principal of St Flannan’s, Donal Cahir said, “He was a lovely boy in everything he did, in his interactions with his own colleagues, teachers and everything he did, in sports and he always did it to the best of his ability, he would stop and have a chat with you, a lovely student, he will be very sadly missed in St Flannan’s College”.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

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Kia, Harvey and Christine Cullinan from Newmarket-on-Fergus in the Christmas spirit

Photo by Joe Buckley

Mountshannon, Scariff & Miltown Malbay projects to share €824k in funding

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THREE CLARE projects have been awarded a total of €824,480 to revitalise town and village centres by repurposing vacant or derelict buildings for community use.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary (FF) has confirmed that three projects in Clare have been approved for funding under the 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

More than 100 community projects are sharing a combined pot of funding to the tune of €26m.

Securing the biggest allocation in Clare is Mountshannon where €500,000 has been granted.

This will support the refurbishment and extension of a 1940s community hall into a modern, accessible theatre, arts venue and market space, including a new stage, dressing rooms and upgraded facilities.

Nearby Scariff has secured €274,480 to redevelop the prominent derelict building formerly used as the co-

op shop into a permanent, inclusive youth centre serving East Clare, providing creative, social and skills-based spaces for young people. It will become the permanent home of Fishbowl Youth.

In Miltown Malbay, €50,000 has been set aside to progress detailed design works to expand creative space in the town, including the reuse of the former Bank of Ireland building. This will expand the Design Bank Centre.

Administered through local authorities, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme supports projects that revitalise town and village centres, increase footfall and repurpose vacant or derelict buildings for community use. The local community groups will now progress the approved projects in partnership with Clare County Council.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), said the Mountshannon project will deliver a high-quality cultural and community venue in the heart of the village, the design funding for the Design Bank Centre in Miltown Malbay will

help a successful community enterprise take its next step, and the Scarriff youth centre will provide a permanent hub for Fishbowl Youth and young people in east Clare.

Minister Calleary said the scheme continues to have a hugely positive impact in Ireland’s rural towns and villages and that the investment will further strengthen this work, making towns and villages better places to live, work, raise a family and run a business.

The Design Bank Centre in Miltown Malbay

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

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‘Unimaginable loss’ in Ballyea with death of teenager TJ Chambers

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has said a witness crossed a line when allegedly threatening a solicitor in court.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Fiona Brennan told West Clare man, Thomas Darcy that she was referring the comments he made from the witness box to Ennis based solicitor, Daragh Hassett to An Garda Siochána.

Darcy said to the solicitor, “I know who you are and I know where you live”.

Mr Darcy denied in court that he had threatened Mr Hassett and told Judge Brennan that he got excited in the witness box. He said, “I can’t help it like”.

In response, Judge Brennan said, “Mr Darcy, there is a difference between getting excited and threatening a solicitor in court doing his job.

You have crossed a line sir. You have done that in court under oath and I will leave the matter with the local Gardaí”.

Mr Darcy was an eye wit-

ness in a case to an assault causing harm by neighbour, Michael Fear (55) of Ballard Rd, Miltown Malbay on Mr Darcy’s son, Darren Egan on May 17th 2024 at Ballard Rd, Miltown Malbay Mr Hassett was representing Mr Fear and was cross-examining Mr Darcy on his eye witness testimony when Mr Darcy told him “I know who you are and I know where you live”.

Mr Hassett put it to him that Mr Darcy’s response to a straightforward question “is to threaten me in court by saying ‘I know where you live’”.

Mr Darcy replied, “No”.

Asked by Mr Hassett why where he lives is relevant, Mr Darcy said, “I just know where you live like”.

Mr Hassett said, “You are threatening a court officer”.

In reply, Mr Darcy said, “No, no. I’m not, I’m not, I’m not. I used to have a job with the bins, that’s how I know where you live”.

Mr Hassett asked, “Why would you say that”.

Mr Darcy said, “I just said it yond possibility having seen like”. him in action that he would Mr Hassett commented, influence his son to put him up “Extraordinary”. to this”.

In his closing submission He said, “The best evidence in the case, Mr Hassett told in all cases is what you see Judge Brennan, “You saw Mr in court and you see how Mr Darcy in the witness Darcy, who claims box - I have not he witnessed seen anything the incident, like in albehaves most 30 w h e n years as people a sodon’t licitor agree repwith r e him sentwhen i n g y o u c l i peel ents away in this t h e c ou r tveneer house”. he turns M r on you, TJ Chambers Hassett can besaid, “I have come quite dealt with very nasty and is well difficult cases over capable of putting the years, as you have judge, his son up to this in order to but what Mr Darcy had to say get Mr Fear removed from the when put under pressure area”. crossed a line and it is not beIn delivering her judgement

in the case, Judge Brennan found Mr Fear guilty of the assault causing harm of Mr Egan but stated that “I am disregarding Mr Darcy’s evidence in its entirety for the purpose of his prosecution and I found his evidence unhelpful and I could not deal with his evidence with any degree of credence”.

Judge Brennan said, “I am leaving the allegations and references that were personal to Daragh Hassett to local authorities to deal with”.

Judge Brennan said that she found the evidence of Darren Egan concerning the assault to be credible and imposed a 120 hour community service order on Mr Fear for the assault.

In a statement today, the Law Society stated it did not wish to comment on any individual case where the matter has been referred to the Gardaí.

However, speaking generally, a spokeswoman said, “Solicitors play a vital role in the administration of justice

and should be able to perform their duties without fear or harm. Any threat to them is an attack on the legal rights of every person, and undermines the very foundation of our legal system and the rule of law”.

The spokeswoman added, “The Law Society stands firmly behind all solicitors who are subjected to threats and intimidation for simply doing their job. We will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the legal system. Those who engage in threatening or intimidatory behaviour towards legal professionals must be held to account for their actions”.

TJ will repose at St. John the Baptist Church in Ballyea this Thursday evening from 3pm with prayers at 6pm. His funeral mass takes place on Friday at 1pm followed by burial in Ballyea Church grounds.

A traffic system will be in operation for Thursday evening with mourners asked to enter via Darragh Cross and Tiermaclane Cross and exit via Newhall Cross.

Drumline residents lodge appeal over HVO generators

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

RESIDENTS of Drumline are clashing with Clare County Council and have taken their case to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Clare County Council at the end of October granted planning permission to Drumline FlexGen Limited for a new development in Drumline, Newmarket-on-Fergus adjacent to the existing 110kV ESB substation but this decision has been appealed to An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Drumline FlexGen Limited’s development includes the addition of twelve hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) generators, six self-bunded HVO tanks, six self-bunded AdBlu tanks, an ESB compound connected to the existing substation, a fuel loading bay, a new road entrance off the R458.

An Appropriate Assessment Screening Report has been prepared for the site while an industrial Emissions Directive (IED) licence is required for the development.

Permission was granted by the Council subject to eight conditions including the developer having to pay the Council a contribution of €18,958. All public service cables for the development including electrical and telecommunication cables are to be located underground throughout the site, all surface water generated within site boundaries is to be collected and disposed of to the surface water management system on site and not discharged to public sewer or onto public road or adjoining properties.

A finalised and updated

construction environmental management plan to be submitted and agreed in writing to the planning authority before the commencement of the development. The applicant is to enter into connection agreements with Uisce Éireann to provide for a service connection to the public water supply and adhere to the conditions of that agreement.

The construction hours are confined to between 07:00 to 19:00 from Monday to Friday and between 08:00 to 14:00 on Saturdays.

Local residents in Drumline are very unhappy with the decision by the Council. They are adamant the nearby Smithstown Industrial Estate, located 600m away is a more suitable location. They argue that the land for the development is zoned for agricultural use and are annoyed that the developer used The Irish Examiner as opposed to local newspapers to place their planning notice.

William Normoyle is the owner of the land which where the generators will be built. He has given his consent to Drumline FlexGen Limited for the renewable energy generation facility.

Prior to the County Council giving the green light, 29 objections were received. Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) was the only elected representative to make a submission, “I wish to formally object to this development in this area. The scale of this is totally inappropriate near a residential area. As far as I am aware this area is not zoned for this type of development,” he stated in his objection.

An appeal has been compiled by Kilfenora civil engi-

neer Michael Duffy on behalf of twenty seven residents in Drumline. This has been lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála. The national planning body are to make their decision on the appeal in the spring of 2026.

Among the local residents involved in the appeal are Marinella Rafferty who was a Fine Gael candidate in the Shannon electoral area for the 2009 local elections, Bob Enright who managed Newmarket-on-Fergus to win a first Clare SHC title in 31 years when they defeated Cratloe, former Clare camogie player Caitriona McMahon and National co-ordinator of the GAA Future Leaders Programme, Eoghan Hanley.

Their third-party appeal submitted by Duffy is thirty seven pages long and was filed at a cost of €220. They argue that the decision to locate the generators in Drumline and not the Industrial Estate is a financial one. “The appellants have accepted the significant development of the M18 motorway and the contiguous Industrial Zone.

They fundamentally believe that this industrial type development should be located on designated industrial zoned land as set out in the objectives of the CDP. In the alternative adjacent to any of dozens of electrical sub-stations associated with renewable energy throughout the county. This application is on unzoned agricultural land simply because it is significantly cheaper than a site across the motorway on zoned industrial land. That is not in accordance with plan-led development which is a principle function of

the CDP”.

Duffy also flagged that no minutes have been produced of a pre-planning meeting between the developer and the planning authority. They

cil senior planner, Anne Marie McCarthy, she stated, “Clare County Council respectfully requests that An Coimisiún Pleanála upholds the decision of the Planning Authority in

John Nally, Moira McMahon, Bob Enright, Kathleen McMahon, Ruth Enright, Ellen Curley, Mary Murphy and Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) Photo Joe Buckley

cite reports by The Irish Times and the BBC on the potential impacts of HVO. “It would appear that a plaque has descended on all renewable energy applications whereby for no good or stated reason that invariably seek a ten year permission for the sake of it. The default permission is a five year permission and there is absolutely no reason why this should be granted a ten year permission when no specific reasons were given for it or the PA did not assess that requirement in its decision to give reasons for it. The CEMP submitted declares the construction stage of this project to be nine months”.

In a letter to An Coimisiún Pleanála from November 21st signed by Clare County Coun-

this case”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, local resident John Nally said they were “very hopeful” their appeal would be successful.

“We have no problem with the generating plant, it is the location that we’re concerned about, this is a residential area that many people have moved to for the peace, quiet and tranquillity of the area, the last thing we need is heavy goods vehicles delivering right beside our homes bringing noise and pollution, there will be pollution because no generator is 100 percent clean.

Lots of people in the area are older, they have lung problems and we’re concerned that insufficient thought went into this and the correct location is the Industrial Estate

which is 600m directly across the road from the site. We’re very disappointed with Clare County Council because we feel as local constituents that it was a done deal before we knew about it, it is sad really that there was no consultation with the local area”.

John himself moved to Drumline forty years ago. He worked as an air traffic engineer looking after radar at Shanon Airport for thirty two years. “The substation was here when I first came here, we’ve no problem with that because energy is important to everyone. We’ve no problem with a generating station, it is the location, the fact that while they say it is clean, I know there are several instances where very knowledgeable people have questioned the whole validity of the HVO procedure, a lot of this is palm oil and coming from the Far East in Malaysia, Indonesia and China, there is no oversight in those countries or someone to say it is waste oil, a lot of whistle-blowers have come forward to say they are rebadging normal oil as waste oil to get the financial benefits, that is a bigger story and one which has been written about extensively”.

He added, “We had very little time, far more people would have come forward but when we found out about the initial planning application, we had four days, I myself was unable to lodge an appeal, I tried online but given my age I’m eighty, I wasn’t able but I think there would have been far more people engaged had general knowledge been out there on what was planned”.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

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Plans lodged for permanent ballroom to accommodate 320 guests at Trump Doonbeg

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

PLANS to construct a new permanent ballroom at the Trump owned resort in Doonbeg will have no impact on the tiny protected 2mm snail, the Vertigo Angustior.

That is according to recently lodged planning documents with Clare County Council for the resort’s planned ballroom that will have the capacity to accommodate 320 guests.

A report on the Vertigo Angustior - protected under the EU Habitats Directive - lodged with TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd’s application has concluded that the proposed works “will have no impact on Vertigo Angustior, and no mitigation or further action is required”.

Survey and fieldwork monitoring of the Vertigo Angustior took place in September in preparation for the planning application and a new report has found that the snail’s conservation status at Doonbeg remains unfavourable where it states that the Vertigo Angustior is in terminal decline there.

The report attributes the snail’s decline at the site to marine erosion and habitat succession.

On the plan to replace existing “outdated” temporary events structures, including a

marquee, with the new permanent ballroom, planning consultants, Cunnane Stratton Reynolds states that the need for the ballroom “is reinforced by the socio-economic role of Trump International Golf Links and Hotel within West Clare”.

The consultants state that the resort is a major employer and economic anchor, supporting year-round jobs, local supply chains and tourism expenditure within Doonbeg village and the wider region. The report states that “high-quality event facilities are a critical component of this role, supporting off-peak visitation, business tourism, weddings and conferences that extend the tourism season and diversify the resort’s offering beyond golf alone”.

The planning statement states that the Healy Partners Architects designed proposal “strengthens the resort’s hospitality infrastructure, enhances guest experience, and supports the continued viability of one of the region’s most important tourism assets”.

The planning statement further states that “the development supports the rural economy, enhances an established tourism asset of regional significance, improves recreational infrastructure in a

controlled and environmentally sensitive manner”.

The report states that the proposal “to demolish the existing marquee, Doughmore House and associated structures, and replace them with a purpose-built, architect-designed ballroom represents a natural and policy-consistent progression of the resort’s development”.

The 58-page planning report states that the proposal establishes “a coherent, high-quality and enduring addition to the resort’s hospitality offering”.

The consultants also state that the proposal “represents a high quality and environmentally sensitive upgrade to an established tourism destination”. The planning consultants state that “importantly, the proposed development does not represent an expansion of the resort into new or sensitive lands, nor the introduction of an unrelated use”.

It adds, “Instead, it constitutes a qualitative upgrade and rationalisation of existing event and hospitality infrastructure within the established resort footprint.

It responds to an identified operational need, improves safety, accessibility and environmental performance, and

Photo by Arthur Ellis

aligns with the Clare County Development Plan’s recognition of Trump Doonbeg as a location where carefully managed intensification of existing uses is appropriate in light of its strategic importance”.

The new building is to accommodate a main function room, reception and pre-function areas, bar and hospitality spaces, a bridal suite, guest toilets, and comprehensive back-of-house facilities.

The report states that the design “is contemporary yet sympathetic to the architectural character of the existing

LEADER tourism funding in Clare to run-out at end of December HUNDREDS of future jobs and rural tourism projects in Co Clare are in jeopardy due to an underfunded LEADER pro‑ gramme and proposed changes to the next Common Agricultur‑ al Policy (CAP) for 2028 to 2034,

LEADER to the development of sustainable rural areas and to building rural resilience is sig‑ nificant. Its impact on sustaining the rural economy and protect‑ ing the environment cannot be underestimated. While existing funding streams remain severely limited, there is the added con‑ cern that reforms to the CAP,

a Clare TD has warned.

In a submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agri‑ culture, made as part of Ireland’s preparations for negotiations on the next CAP, Joe Cooney TD (FG) called for a ringfenced LEADER budget, sufficient funding to maintain the commu‑ nity‑led model and the retention of local autonomy for groups to meet the needs of their areas.

He said, “The contribution of

including a change to the fund‑ ing model, for the LEADER Programme will further reduce resources available to Local De‑ velopment Companies across Ireland”.

Deputy Cooney said the ongo‑ ing funding crisis for small rural tourism projects underlines the importance of securing a strong‑ er framework for LEADER in the next CAP. His submission followed a sit‑

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ting of the committee at which the chief executive of Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) warned that all LEADER tour‑ ism funding in the county will cease in December and that no replacement scheme is in place.

Doirín Graham who appeared alongside other LEADER repre‑ sentatives stated, “For the next three years, there is no small rural tourism project in the county that will be able to ac‑ cess public funding, LEADER funding or any other funding.

There is nothing to replace that. That would be similar in many parts of the country”.

She stressed that tourism is vital to Clare and to many LEADER areas, yet the cur‑ rent programme is under‑ funded. “We have ten excel‑ lent, high‑quality tourism projects that we could fund in the next year, but we will not be able to. Tourism is such an important part of the devel‑ opment of rural economies. It reaches places that a lot of other developments do not”.

In response to Deputy Coon‑ ey’s question about the threat to tourism employment posed by a reduction in available funding, Ms. Graham said, “Employment is definitely going to be affected.

It is into places where there are no other opportunities for jobs”.

hotel campus”.

The report also states that by upgrading essential resort infrastructure and improving the quality, safety and integration of the hotel facilities, “the development reinforces the role of this internationally recognised resort as a key economic driver for Doonbeg and West Clare”.

The report states that the design by Healy Partners Architects “has been carefully considered to ensure that the new building integrates seamlessly with the existing hotel campus and its coastal resort

setting, while reinforcing the legibility and cohesiveness of the resort core”.

The lodging of the plans with the Council coincides with controversy continuing over President Donald Trump’s plans for a new ballroom for the White House.

The new plans also come ahead of Trump Doonbeg hosting the Amgen Irish Open in September of next year.

Closing date for submissions to the Council on the planned Trump Doonbeg ballroom is February 3rd.

Extensive Garda file to be prepared on Palestinian activists

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

AN EXTENSIVE Garda file is to be prepared concerning three 23year old pro-Palestinian activists charged with the criminal damage of a US military plane at Shannon Airport in November.

Det Sgt Kevin O’Hagan made his comment when asking Judge Alec Gabbett to give “as long as possible” an adjournment in the case to allow Gardaí prepare a file.

In the case, the three are facing charges from an incident at the airport on Saturday, November 22nd where members of the Defence Forces tasked to protect a US military aircraft at Shannon Airport drew their weapons briefly in response to an alleged airport incursion by the three.

In the case, Kaspar Aiden Cantwell Strattra (23) of Manorlands Crescent, Trim, Co Meath, social science student, Emily Cathcart (23) North View, Knocknagin Rd, Balbriggan, Co Dublin and Conan Kavanagh (23) of New Cabra Rd, Dublin 7 and St Joseph’s Drive, Montenotte, Cork are charged with the criminal damage of the main body of a Boeing

737-700 belonging to the US Navy Reserve at Shannon Airport on November 22nd.

The three are also charged with the criminal damage of a Shannon Airport airside vehicle barrier and with trespass at the main apron and taxi-way 11 at Shannon airport on the same date.

Sgt Frank O’Grady told the court today that DPP directions are still outstanding.

At a special late night sitting of Ennis District Court on November 23rd, Det Garda Colm Moriarty told the court that a US military aircraft parked overnight allegedly sustained criminal damage when spray painted with green paint from a modified fire extinguisher on top of a modified van in a taxi area on the airfield on the Saturday morning.

Det Garda Moriarty said that the Defence Forces personnel near the US navy aircraft “had their weapons drawn briefly until the situation was under control”.

He said that Shannon Airport had to be shut down for 30 minutes and one incoming aircraft was placed in a holding pattern before the airport could re-open.

The three secured bail

after their parents posted independent sureties to the court and Judge Gabbett commented “nobody wants to lose their money in this”.

At the December 18th court sitting, the three accused appeared in court with a number of supporters. The court was told that Mr Kavanagh is currently living in a squat in Dublin.

Judge Gabbett relaxed the signing on conditions for Kaspar Aiden Cantwell Strattra from five times per week to three times per week.

Judge Gabbett also relaxed signing on conditions for Ms Cathcart from three times per week to twice per week.

Judge Gabbett said, “I hope this is not a case where there will be an application to water down bail terms every time we come to court”.

Judge Gabbett also relaxed a bail condition for Mr Kavanagh to allow him to go to Dublin Airport for travel or work purposes as he does seasonal work there as a tour escort picking up people from the airport.

Judge Gabbett remanded all three on continuing bail to March 25th for DPP directions.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

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Record revenues of €14m at Armada Hotel for 2024

The Armada Hotel and inset John Burke

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THE SPANISH POINT hotel business operated by Mount Everest conqueror John Burke reached new heights last year when it enjoyed record revenues of €14.19m.

Mr Burke operates the Armada Hotel that overlooks Spanish Point beach in West Clare. New accounts for Armada Hotel Holdings Ltd show that pre-tax profits increased by 24 percent to €2.16m.

This followed revenues rising by 7 percent from €13.23m to €14.19m last year.

The hotel is one of the West of Ireland’s most popular hotel venues for weddings and Mr Burke said, “I am delighted to say 2024 has been our strongest year to date.”

Mr Burke climbed to the top of Mount Everest in 2017 and is part of a business double act where his wife and former Fair City actor, Aoibhin Garrihy operates the expanding Beo wellness brand with business partner, Sharon Connellan.

The two extended their Beo wellness brand last year with the opening of a new cafe outlet in Ennis, The Well with the cafe recently scooping two Clare Business Excellence awards including Best New Business for 2025.

On the 2025 performance for the Armada Hotel, Mr Burke said, “2025 has been a good year for us as revenues

continued to rise. However, I should caution that it also proved to be a very challenging year overall.

Margins on food and beverage sales are squeezed; payroll costs are outpacing sales and price rises”.

He said, “Consumers are paying enough already, so margins are coming under real pressure, and the food and beverage part of the business is seeing the most impact. Turnover remains strong, but business now is about managing all costs that can be controlled and focussing on running an efficient business so we can improve and develop our product and service standards”.

On the main challenges facing the business, Mr Burke said, “Rising costs in food and beverage is the biggest challenge. And while I believe we need to ensure our pay levels rise, there is a pressure point now with auto enrolment, sick pay, minimum wage, and it is the labour intense food and beverage side of the business that is seeing incredibly tight margins and overall cost pressures”.

Clare County Council has issued businesses with an 8 percent rates increase for 2026 and Mr Burke said: “Just two years ago we incurred a 300 percent rate increase during a revaluation across the region so to see another increase coming next year is very unfortunate timing coming as it will on the back of

all other rising costs”.

Last year the firm’s rates bill more than doubled from rising from €54,150 to €131,644.

A breakdown of revenues show that the hotel’s largest revenue generator in 2024 was food at €5.5m, followed by accommodation at €4.7m and bar sales increasing to €3.2m. The profit for last year takes account of non-cash depreciation costs of €1m.

The business recorded an operating profit of €2.37m and net interest payments of €211,173 reduced profits to a pre-tax profit of €2.16m. The business enjoyed a post-tax profit of €1.89m after incurring a corporation tax charge of €269,942.

The expanded hotel enterprise is one of the largest employers in West Clare and numbers employed last year increased from 215 to 225 as wages costs increased from €4.94m to €5.4m.

Mr Burke said that numbers during the summer rise to over 250.

A detailed breakdown of the hotel’s costs show that the amount paid out to ‘bands artists’ totalled €114,473 while subscriptions to IMRO/SKY almost tripled to €39,882. Accumulated profits at the end of December last totalled €6.74m. The further capital investment in the business resulted in the book value of tangible assets increasing from €12.34m to 12.86m.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

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Fundraiser launched for Killaloe’s Aoife following Vietnam fall

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FUNDS are being raised to try bring a Killaloe woman home from Vietnam after she sustained a serious accident while travelling.

Twenty nine year old Aoife Cahill sustained serious injuries from a fall while rock climbing in Vietnam on Friday. She has undergone brain surgery and remains in an induced coma.

Across Tuesday and Wednesday, medics will attempt to get Aoife breathing on her own.

As she is receiving treatment, Aoife is on her own with none of her loved ones by her side, she was due to meet friends in Thailand and they have since attempted to secure Visas to gain access to Vietnam. This is among the reasons why a GoFundMe page has been set up, to try raise funds to get Aoife’s father Martin to Vietnam to be by his daughter’s side.

The funds raised will also go towards Aoife’s emergency and ongoing medical care in Vietnam, hospital and specialist treatment costs, med-

ical transportation and repatriation to bring her home, associated travel and logistical expenses.

Aoife has been living in Australia for the past three

years, her trip to Vietnam was during her Christmas holidays.

Living in Clonfadda in Killaloe, the Cahills have endured a tough year. Aoife’s mother Janette died exactly a year to the day before her fall, following a short illness.

Her father Martin and brother Ruairí both lined out for Smith O’Briens while her sister Gráinne is a nurse at University Hospital Limer-

ick. The regard for the Cahill family has been evident with just over €28,000 raised within a day of the fundraiser going live.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Aoife’s friend Ciara Collins outlined, “she went over to Vietnam for her Christmas break and was going onto Thailand to meet her friends for Christmas.

She is well known in Killaloe for being a bubbly, kind hearted girl”. She attended Convent Primary School and St Anne’s Community College, both in Killaloe.

Having previously worked in hospitality in 101 O’Connell Street and Smyth’s Icon in Limerick, Aoife then worked as a secretary for a medical consultant at UHL before relocating to Australia. “She went to Austalia to travel, she is adventurous and loves to be outdoors. It was a freak accident which happened to her and our main goal is to try get her well and get her back home.

Financially this can help take the burden off the family and let them focus on Aoife’s care, that is our main goal,”

tell really at this stage”.

Having her nearest and dearest by her side would help with initial recovery, Ciara maintained. “If she had her Dad to hold her hand beside her it would make a difference. We’re all behind her and with her but it is heart-breaking to have her so far away, if it was only an hour or two of a flight then we’d be right there but it is the other side of the world so it is heart-breaking to not be there with her”.

Scan for GoFundMe page

Ciara explained.

Medics are happy with how the surgery went and will attempt to reduce her sedation over the coming days, Ciara confirmed. She noted that it is difficult to maintain communication as they are

relying solely on the hospital for updates as opposed to linking in with family or friends. “They are saying it is a long road ahead, they are positive they can get her awake, but they know it is a long journey, it is too hard to

‘It was creatine after all’ - Garda test found white substance to be cocaine proven false

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A 30-year old Kilrush man spent five weeks on remand in prison due to an incorrect initial Garda test which wrongly determined that the white substance found at his home was cocaine.

In the case before Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett commented “it was creatine after all” before directing Robbie Walsh’s release from Lim-

erick prison.

This followed Sgt Frank O’Grady confirming to the court that the State was withdrawing the two drugs charges against Mr Walsh after further analysis undertaken on the white powder substance by Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) in Dublin found “it is not cocaine”.

Mr Walsh turned thirty at Limerick prison last weekend and in the case, Mr Walsh was charged

with the possession with intent for sale or supply of cocaine with an estimated street value of €22,232 at his home at Island View, Kilrush on November 9th last.

At a contested bail hearing on November 12th last when Mr Walsh was remanded in custody to Limerick prison after Garda objections to bail, Mr Walsh told the court that the white powder substance was the muscle building supplement, creatine and not co-

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caine.

At the bail hearing, Garda Shane Geary said that a large quantity of white powder was found at three locations at Mr Walsh’s Kilrush home during a Garda search on November 9th last.

Garda Geary said that 319 grams of the white substance was recovered and said that the €22,332 e s t i mate was based on a street value of €70 per gram for cocaine.

A 500g creatine container today sells for €40 online indicating that 319g of creatine would be valued at €25.50.

Garda Geary said that Mr Walsh admitted that the white substance was his but denied that it was cocaine.

Garda Geary told the court that Gardaí carried out a Presumptive Drug Test (PDT) on the white substance which deter-

mined that it was cocaine.

Opposing bail for Mr Walsh, Garda Geary said that Mr Walsh was caught “red handed” as €22,232 worth of cocaine was found in his home.

Garda Geary said that Mr Walsh has a number of previous convictions including a seven year prison term f o r manslaughter in 2019 at the Central Criminal Court.

In that case, Mr Walsh was convicted of the manslaughter of Karl Haugh in Kilkee in August 2017.

In court, Mr Walsh’s solicitor, Monica Roche raised concerns over the accuracy of PDT tests for drugs.

Ms Roche told Judge Gabbett that PDT tests “can be inaccurate sometimes”.

In response, Garda

Geary acknowledged to Ms Roche that PDT tests “are not fool proof and have been known to be inaccurate from time to time”.

Ms Roche told the court that Mr Walsh was so confident that the white substance was creatine that he presented himself at Kilrush Garda Station.

Mr Roche said that Mr Walsh was trying his best to turn his life around and his partner is expecting a baby in February.

Judge Gabbett said that Mr Walsh’s previous convictions are extremely serious stating that he is a convicted violent man.

Judge Gabbett said that the biggest hurdle was the number of convictions Mr Walsh has while on bail.

Judge Gabbett said that he was refusing bail and after Judge Gabbett gave his ruling, Mr Walsh hugged his mother and sister in court before being led away by prison officers.

Before exiting the court, Mr Walsh asked Judge Gabbett to do his best to speed up the examination of the white substance by the FSI.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

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News

St Flannan’s College appoint Cahir as new principal

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ST FLANNAN’S COLLEGE have confirmed the appointment of Donal Cahir as the new principal of the Ennis secondary school.

Kilnamona native Donal has served as acting principal since August following the retirement of Fr Ignatius McCormack. He makes the step up from deputy principal, a role he has held since 2017.

Cahir joined the staff of St Flannan’s College in 1999 teaching construction studies and technical graphics.

He is married to Jean McCabe, the owner of Willow boutique in Ennis and the CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland, they have two children.

On his appointment as principal, Donal said, “It is a great privilege and honour to lead a school that has been such a central part of my life for the past 27 years. Having served as Deputy Principal for the past eight years, I have greatly valued working as part of the senior management team and look forward to building on that experience in this role”.

He added, “St. Flannan’s

College has a proud history dating back to the mid-19th century, with a rich heritage and a strong Catholic ethos that underpins everything we do,” added Mr. Cahir. “As Principal, I am committed to honouring and safeguarding that tradition, while also guiding the school’s continued development as a modern, forward-looking centre of learning for the future”.

Bishop of Killaloe and Patron of St. Flannan’s College, Fintan Monahan said he was “absolutely delighted” with the appointment. “His long association with the school has given him a deep knowledge of its traditions, ethos and values, and he has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the interests of the school community. Donal’s dedication to students and staff alike, together with his experience and understanding of St. Flannan’s College, will stand him in excellent stead as he takes on this important role”.

Leonard Cleary, Chairperson of the St. Flannan’s College Board of Management, offered his congratulations.

“This is a particularly exciting time for the school, with a range of important devel-

opments underway, and it is also a significant period for education nationally.”

Cleary also paid tribute to the outgoing and retiring Principal Fr. Ignatius McCormack. “Having given many years of dedicated service to St. Flannan’s College as both a teacher and Principal, I want to thank Fr. Ignatius sincerely for his outstanding leadership over the past eight years and for his deep commitment to the school community.”

St. Flannan’s College, which takes its name from the 7th-century patron saint of the Dál gCais, can trace its origins back to Springfield House in 1846, before it relocated to the current school 30 years later. The school underwent a significant expansion during the 1960s and again in 2003, with the development of a new wing featuring extensive new facilities. Co-educational classes were introduced in 2002.

Mr. Cahir’s appointment comes at a significant moment in the ongoing development of the school. The first phase of a significant expansion of the historic campus was opened in September. Once fully complet-

Donal Cahir, newly appointed Principal of St. Flannan’s College pictured with Bishop of Killaloe and Patron of St. Flannan’s College, Fintan Monahan and Chair of the Board of St. Flannan’s College, Leonard Cleary Photo by Eamon Ward

ed, the 2,500 sq m development will comprise special educational needs (SEN) facilities and general educational spaces, including classrooms, science rooms, and a construction studies room. The expansion is supported by the Department of Education and is regarded as a prototype rapid build

project, which could be replicated elsewhere throughout Ireland.

Away from the classroom, Donal was heavily involved with hurling teams for St Flannan’s College at all levels.

He lined out with Kilnamona prior to their amalgamation with neighbouring Inagh and was midfield on their

team which won the Senior B title in 2001, captained by two-time All-Ireland winner Fergal Hegarty. Donal was manager of the first Inagh/Kilnamona team to win the U21A championship in 2007.

10

Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Ennis

Traff ic lights for traff ic black spot?

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

REPORTS of incidents and near misses have been common place for decades at Finnangh Junction linking Ennis to the Quin Rd but an increase in vehicular traffic has also been reported since the opening of the nearby Banner Plaza.

Known locally as Frank Lynch’s Cross and Plunkett’s Road, there has been “a long history of accidents” along the route used by many motorists as a rat run.

Traffic lights have been cited as a more cost effective solution to widening the road by senior engineers in Clare County Council.

In a proposal before the Ennis Muncipal District, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) called on the local authority to “endeavour to improve safety” at the junction. He stated, “There have been increased reports of ‘near misses’ at this junction in recent months and I believe that provision of rumble strips, additional advance VMS signage and improved chevron signage can help in making this junction safer for all road users”.

Acting senior engineer in the Ennis MD, Paddy Tiernan confirmed they had “received reports of incidents and near misses at this junc-

tion. We suspect there also has been an increase in vehicular traffic in the area due to the recent opening of the Banner Plaza at Junction 12 on the M18. As a result of increased reports of incidents and near misses Ennis MD have already taken action.

An assessment of the existing junction has been carried out and there has been numerous visits by engineering staff to the junction in both daytime and night-time conditions”.

Tiernan advised, “There are two main issues with the junction, poor alignment and lack of awareness due to darkness/poor reflectivity with motorists not realising they have to stop especially when approaching the cross from the Doora direction. To resolve the junction alignment issue is a significant challenge and would involve the purchase of lands. A project of this nature would prove very costly and we suspect a more economically viable long-term solution would be to install traffic lights at this junction”.

Council staff have already increased signage at the junction with reflective bollards installed, Tiernan confirmed.

Illuminated road studs have also been installed along with refreshed line marking. “We have also ordered replace-

Girl (13) appears in court over alleged thefts from Ennis stores

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

ment signage as the reflectivity of existing signage is poor. We have also organised for the existing broken down driver feedback sign to be repaired,” he added.

Motorists traversing Finnagh Junction can head to Ennis, Doora or East Clare, Cllr Murphy noted. “It has a long history of accidents, there was a fatality between ten to twenty years ago,” he recalled. “Coming onto Quin Rd from the Doora side, people aren’t aware that they need to stop and heed a junction, there have been a lot of near-misses and collisions.

In recent weeks one of the detectives in town his wife was in a serious accident, he was in touch with me. I welcome Paddy’s response, there is plenty going on there in

Munster rugby stars deliver festive joy

 Gloriame Mbongo Essomdo from Ennis was delighted to meet her Munster rugby heroes when the team visited the Children’s Ark at UHL this week

terms of improving the visibility of the cross, putting down stud markings on the road, repairing VMS signage, it is all to be welcomed,” the Mayor of Clare outlined.

Cllr Murphy queried if the provision of traffic lights would come from the Council’s budget or from national funding. “Either or,” replied the engineer. “I suspect it will be cheaper than realigning the junction with private lands etc, our first port of call is through our normal funders”.

Pursuing traffic lights “would be the real solution,” Cllr Murphy maintained.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) commented, “the area is impacted by the Plaza which has created more activity”.

Cllr Pat Daly (FF) noted, “it is a very busy four-cross road junction, do whatever it takes to make it safer”.

A 13-YEAR old Ennis girl has appeared at the Children’s Court concerning a spate of alleged thefts from retail outlets in Ennis.

At the Children’s Court in Ennis, the young teenager, accompanied by her parents, appeared in court concerning alleged thefts at Aldi on Ennis’ Francis Street on September 13th last and two thefts at Dunnes Stores in Ennis on September 6th and 7th.

Sgt John Burke told the court that “there is capacity for a large number of other charges that are working their way through the youth diversion programme at the moment”.

Asked by Judge Fiona Brennan does he anticipate more charges, Sgt Burke said, “Yes - I believe that there will be”.

Sgt Burke said that the charges currently before the court concern “a spate of offending that has occurred in the last number of months”.

In the case, the teenager is charged with the theft of groceries worth €13.85 from Aldi on September 13th, €85 of baby clothing from Dunnes Stores on September 6th and €38.52 worth of groceries from Dunnes Stores on September 7th.

Solicitor for the teenager, Tara Godfrey told the court that it is not the accused’s mother and father who were the neg-

ative influence concerning the alleged thefts but others.

The teenager is now on bail on condition that she obeys a nightly curfew and signs at Ennis Garda Station on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Ms Godfrey applied for a relaxation of the bail conditions so that the child could travel with her family abroad for Christmas and would involve her missing one week of school.

In response to the application to relax the bail condition that the girl attend school every day, Judge Fiona Brennan said, “The court is not relaxing that bail condition because there is a legal obligation on the parents for their child to attend school every day”.

Judge Brennan did relax three other bail conditions from a date range this month to January 5th when the family is expected to return to Ireland.

Judge Brennan said that if the teenager wants to put her best foot forward she should provide a letter from her school for the next court date showing the girl’s attendance at school.

Sgt Burke stated that he “would not be comfortable with any bail conditions that sees her missing school”.

Judge Brennan remanded the teenager on continuing bail to appear at the Children’s Court on February 11th.

11

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

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East Clare

Seat facing the road ‘the latest PR disaster’ in Killaloe

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PR DISASTERS have been far too common in Killaloe in 2025, the latest seeing the installation of a seat facing the road as opposed to the shores of Lough Derg at Ballycuggeran.

Describing the matter as “laughable,” Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) said it defied logic to install a seat facing away from the scenic Lough Derg and instead have it looking to the roadside.

In a proposal before the Killaloe Municipal District, he asked “that the seat recently installed at the amenity park in Ballycuggeran be turned around to face the lake. People using the seat presently have to face the road or car parking when using the seat”.

Murach Shannon, senior executive technician with Clare County Council explained that “following a consultation process at the request of Failte Ireland, involving Clare Local Sports Partnership and the hoist facility users last March, Clare County Council agreed to provide a seat adjoining the accessible hoist at Ballycuggaraun”.

He said the seat is facing away from the water for the “safety of users”. Shannon outlined, “The seat referred to has been provided for the convenience of the facility users of the hoist, to get ready before or after

lPR: Ballycuggera lake

the use of the hoist. The reason it is facing away from the water is for the safety of users. There are three other new seats nearby that are for amenity use and are facing the water”.

Speaking at the last Killaloe MD meeting of 2025, Cllr O’Brien commented, “the seat is put in facing the road, it is laughable, the most beautiful in Lough Derg is the water and the seat is facing the road. People have been trying to figure out why, I rang the office to see could we turn it around and I was told it wasn’t to do with the Municipal District and it was to do with the technical office. We now realise it was done in consultation with a couple of bodies, Failte Ireland and Clare Sports Partnership, it was to facilitate people who wanted to change but it took

until this morning to figure it out”.

Cllr O’Brien continued, “we already had one major PR disaster with the Minister opening the Killaloe Bridge and the public not being invited and here we have another one. Why didn’t someone say it was done in consultation with a group of people who wanted to use it as a facility as distinct from a viewing area, there’s eight other benches down there. I’m not the worst fella in the world to talk to, I’m grumpy enough at times but someone could have had a conversation with me”.

He said he supported any measure to facilitate “a group of people that I have great concern for”.

“Maybe you are getting grumpy,” commented Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) when supporting the proposal.

Regional News

CCTV survey to launch about flooding at Kilkishen’s The Forge

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CCTV INVESTIGATIONS will be carried out in Kilkishen to determine issues with the storm water network.

An assessment of the gullies along the street in Kilkishen and the cleaning of same has been requested by Cllr Conor Ryan (FG). “In particular the gully at the forge which is prone to flooding. Can appropriate measures be taken to ensure that this drain does not flood in the future,” he asked.

Acting senior executive engineer in the Killaloe MD, Mike O’Grady outlined, “The existing surface water line at the Forge in Kilkishen was recently jetted and the gullies cleaned. The Killaloe Municipal District monitor gullies during recent heavy rain fall and no flooding occurred”.

lCCTV: The Forge, Kilkishen

These gullies were cleaned for a second time prior to Christmas with remaining gullies in the village included in the winter maintenance plan.

O’Grady added, “It appears that water is slow to drain from this area due to the shallow fall in the existing open drain on private property. The Killaloe Municipal District will commit to carrying out a CCTV survey of the existing storm water network at this location and any defects identified will be repaired. We will commit to carrying out repairs on the existing storm water network, funding will be allocated through the Drainage Works Grant in our 2026 Schedule of Municipal District works”.

Water ponding at the forge has been “a serious issue,” Cllr Ryan commented. “It is a regional road with a high volume of traffic, it is a thing that residents have raised as a serious issue”.

He felt there was “slow draining” and welcomed the move to carry out the CCTV survey to ascertain the issue.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) stated, “It has appeared on a few occasions before, it is a pinch point, it slows down cars coming into the village but not the way we want. It was always slow to drain away”.

Speaking at the Killaloe MD meeting, O’Grady explained, “It is very flat, it drains down into the lake, it is at the back of private property, we don’t have the gift to go in and do it but we are monitoring it during heavy rain”.

12

Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

North Clare

Plans to tackle Blake’s Corner traff ic finally turn a corner

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ATTEMPTS to solve traffic congestion at Blake’s Corner have finally turned a corner with judicial review proceedings on the proposed scheme for the Ennistymon inner relief road concluding in the High Court.

Mutual agreement has been agreed with all parties involved in the case which now allows the inner relief road, a project which has been in the offing since 2017 to move forward. The parties that reached the agreement were Clare County Council and a business man in the Ennistymon locality.

Blake’s Corner has long developed a reputation as one of the most notorious traffic blackspots in the Mid-West region with locals in Ennistymon and Lahinch along with visitors to North Clare annoyed by the pinch point for generations.

At the end of October, the High Court dismissed an application to bring a judicial review challenge against the proposed compulsory purchase order (CPO) for the Ennistymon inner relief road.

Clare County Council at the time announced the project would progress to the next stage but as reported by The Clare Echo at the time, this did not everything would be plain sailing for the inner relief road.

However all respective parties involved reached a mutual agreement

BLACKSPOT: Traffic congestion at Blake’s Corner, Ennistymon

on Friday at The High Court which now allows the project to move forward.

When the scheme was first announced, the estimated costs were €6m, however the delays encountered have now pushed this figure for the inner relief road to the re-

gion of €15m.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) commented, “This now ensures, that the next phase of the scheme development can commence immediately in 2026”. He thanked all involved “in bringing this stage to a conclusion”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) stated, “We’re delighted the news has come through today, especially before Christmas.

Hopefully TII and Clare County Council now go to the next stage of tender for the design as soon as possible. We’re on this since 2017

and it has taken until 2025 to move it on, the judicial review has really slowed up the whole process, I’m glad it has been sorted out with the third party.

“It is the best Christmas present for the area if TII and Council go ahead straight away and don’t linger with any doubts on money and start the project very urgently,” he added.

As part of the scheme, a new bridge will be constructed approximately 80m upstream of the existing Michael Conway Bridge. The existing bridge, a protected 7-arch masonry bridge, will be pedestrianised and a plaza will be constructed at the western end. The scheme will include other enhancements to the area, including footpath improvements and enhanced crossing arrangements, landscaping, lighting and services enhancements, and other ancillary elements.

A review of previous studies of the junction at Blake’s Corner, a traffic modelling assessment of the improvement options and a design of an improvement scheme have all been carried out to find the most appropriate solution to deal with the longstanding traffic problems in Ennistymon.

In June 2020, Clare County Council published the Blake’s Corner CPO, the associated oral hearing for this was held in June 2021 with An Bord Pleanála granting the CPO approval in September 2022.

West Clare

Quick wins need to be delivered to maintain momentum for ten-year Kilrush plan

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

QUICK wins must be “copper fastened” for Kilrush’s town centre first plan, a document which has been labelled “a once in a generation opportunity” for the West Clare town.

Public consultation has been ongoing since

November 26th 2025 and runs until January 15th 2026 for the draft Kilrush town centre first plan. Vacancy and the need to enhance the vitality of the town centre have cropped up as recurring themes in the preparation of the plan.

Town regeneration officer with Clare County Council, Joan Tarmey has been among the

PLANNING: Artist’s impression of improvements at the key urban node at the Toler street junction with Frances Street

key officials in the local authority working alongside Kilrush Town Team, elected members of the West Clare Municipal District and Council staff over the past year to re-establish a new Town Team in Kilrush to advance the town centre first plan.

She outlined, “A design team has undertaken extensive research including a draft Socio-Economic Baseline Report, a draft Urban Appraisal, and a Public Consultation Report”.

The plan spans a ten-year period.

Hilary Gleeson as Chairperson of the Kilrush Town Team “has played a vital role in shaping the draft plan and engaging the community. The plan will outline the team’s vision and objectives under themes such as Inclusion, Climate & Biodiversity, Vibrancy, Heritage, Culture, and Wellbeing”.

Stakeholders are currently agreeing on an action plan. “Among the projects included in the draft plan is the Mars Cinema site, alongside several other initiatives. Significant preparatory work has already been completed for this project, including a feasibility study and a review is underway to determine the most suitable use for the facility. A number of potential uses are being scoped out but the overall Town Centre First Plan is key to the future development of the facility and will assist in its future direction,” Joan advised.

Once the plan is finalised, efforts will turn to delivering and implementing the identified projects. “These will compete for funding from various sources, including the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, Active Travel, and private philanthropy. The Kilrush Town

Team remains highly engaged and will be central to the successful delivery of the plan,” Tarmey added.

A progress report on the plan and particularly the Mars Cinema feasibility study was sought by Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) at the last West Clare MD sitting of 2025. “The commitments shown locally is exceptional, the group is made up of volunteers who want to see Kilrush thrive, they deserve real recognition and support, the town team sees a once in a generation opportunity for Kilrush which needs this initiative to be successful, significant work has been invested to bring it to this stage,” she said.

“If momentum stalls it will be difficult,” Cllr McInerney flagged. “There’s major projects proposed like the Mars cinema which could have a transformative impact on the town, they require local authority leadership, technical support and partnership to move them to delivery”. She added, “given what is at stake for Kilrush, they need to implement what is proposed”. Kilrush receives “a lot of goodwill particularly from the diaspora,” Rita noted.

Kilrush representative, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) commented, “We need to know what Kilrush needs not what it wants to really thrive”. The ideas need to be planned and developed with the Mars Cinema offering “huge potential”. He said, “the quick wins are the ones we need to copper fasten, if we fail on this one then we will lose the momentum. We are still asking people to invest in the town”.

13

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

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Regional News

Shannon

Pamela swaps Shannon for Weston to become Chief Operating Officer

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS native Pamela Brooks has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer of Weston Airport.

Pamela’s promotion sees her call time on a thirty five year career at Shannon Airport where she has held numerous roles, most recently as Head of Operations. In 2024, she was among 74 staff members at the Shannon Airport Group honoured for their combined 2,200 loyal years of service.

Her working career began in Shannon Airport when she took on a job in the restaurant during the summer of 1990 and within five years she was appointed the first female airport police officer at Shannon Airport. She hails from Steele’s Terrace in Ennis.

Other positions held by Pamela during her three plus decades at Shannon Airport include project manager, duty manager, procurement manager and business systems support.

Her responsibilities included overseeing operational systems, project planning, procurement, and project management. She also played a key role in the separation project for Shannon Airport from the daa and worked with the daa on an airport operations management system project implementation.

She completed a BA in Management Practice at the University of Limerick in 2022.

A year previous, she obtained a Diploma in Management from UL. Her educational background also includes a range of training courses in project management, first-line management, and airport operations from various institutions such as the Irish Management Institute and National College of Ireland. In 2020, she completed a QQI Level 6 Train the Trainer course at DCM Learning.

Additionally, Pamela obtained the Professional Scrum Master™ I (PSM I) certification from Scrum.org in 2021.

Making the decision to leave Shannon Airport was “the hardest part”, Pamela told The

Laura Lynn charity concert to return

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PLANS have already been made for the return of the Shannon concert in aid of Laura Lynn for the winter of 2026.

In October, a charity concert at Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel raised €3,420 for the Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice.

Concert producer, Aidan White has confirmed to The Clare Echo that he has already decided to run an event next October.

Once again funds raised will go towards The Laura Lynn Children’s Hospice. The venue has been confirmed as Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel for Saturday October 17th 2026.

People wishing to order tickets already can do so by contacting Aidan on 0863197235 or pick them up on the night.

lCAREER: Ennis’ Pamela Brooks appointed Chief Operating Officer of Weston Airport

Clare Echo. “Leaving Shannon was a huge wrench but I’ve moved into a really exciting opportunity, coming into it at the early stages and trying to bring it to the next level. It is the opportunity and potential which I see

here and that is why I moved. The hardest thing is leaving the people not the job, it is amazing when you move on, you just get on with it and things evolve, change is good as they say”.

Located between Lucan in Co Dublin and Leixlip in Co Kildare, Weston Airport is situated in the capital. Its traffic is primarily private and commercial flight training plus business and executive travel. It is the only general aviation airport in the greater Dublin region, and is home to one of Ireland’s two approved training organisations for ab-initio professional pilot training.

Weston Airport was established in 1931 by Darby Kennedy, a founding father of aviation in Ireland. It incorporates 9,000m² of operations buildings, an air traffic control tower, three large aircraft hangars and has over 20 based aircraft. Weston also provides aeroplane storage, refuelling and aviation safety training.

Potential exists for further development, Pamela maintained. “I see great potential in developing the airport into Dublin’s executive jet airport. There is an opportunity to grow the business and develop the infrastructure”.

On the adjustment so far, she stated, “I’ve really enjoyed it, I thought it would be harder to be honest but once you decide you start looking forward. I stay up here during the week. It is a smaller scale team compared with Shannon but I’m involved in all aspects of managing the airport. I’ve things to learn because there’s new aspects here, we’ve our own directly employed air traffic control team, it is a whole new area for me to learn the understanding required”.

A spokesperson for The Shannon Airport Group said, “Having worked in Shannon for the past 35 years across a wide variety of roles, most recently as Head of Operations, Pamela Brooks was a highly regarded, and very experienced member of the team who will be missed by all her colleagues in The Shannon Airport Group.

We wish her every success in her new role as Chief Operating Officer at Weston Airport and look forward to welcoming her back through Shannon Airport whenever she travels”.

John Crane Ireland donates equipment to Shannon JOHN Crane Ireland has donated two laptops and associated equipment to the Board of Shannon Community Partnership, supporting the organisation’s work to strengthen community connection and local initiatives across Shannon.

The donation was presented today at John Crane’s Shannon facility to Siobhán Boyd (Chair, Shannon Community Partnership) and Denise O’Brien (PRO, Shannon Community Partnership) by members of the John Crane Ireland team including Brian Butler Engineering, Noel Hastings (Production Supervisor) and Declan McInerney (Financial Controller).

Speaking at the presentation, Siobhán Boyd, Chair of Shannon Community Partnership, said, “This generous donation will make a real difference to our Board and our ability to support community activity locally. We’re

very grateful to John Crane Ireland for backing practical, onthe-ground community work in Shannon.”

Denise O’Brien, PRO of Shannon Community Partnership, added, “It’s a brilliant example of local business supporting local community. These laptops and equipment will help us work more effectively, communicate better, and keep momentum behind the projects and partnerships that matter to Shannon.”

John Crane Ireland recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating 50 years at its Shannon manufacturing facility. Established in 1974, the Shannon site has become a crucial part of John Crane’s global operations, producing high-quality edge-welded metal bellow seals for a range of industries. The facility also provides vessel seal repair services for pharmaceutical companies in Ireland and

lDONATION: Denise O’Brien (PRO) and Siobhán Boyd (Chair) pictured with the donated laptops at John Crane Ireland, Shannon supports global servicing for metal bellows seals.

John Crane is a global leader in mission-critical technologies for the energy and process in-

dustries and an innovator in rotating equipment solutions. With an extensive global presence, John Crane operates over 200 service centres in 50 countries.

14

Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Gort & South Galway

Date set for National Famine Commemoration at Irish Workhouse Centre

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FOR THE first time, Co Galway this year will host the National Famine Commemoration when it takes place at the Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna on Saturday, May 16th.

Military honours and a wreath-laying will form part of the State ceremony which will be broadcast live on national television.

Newly elected Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly (IND) is expected to deliver the keynote address from the site of the former Portumna Workhouse.

Alongside the formal commemoration, Portumna will host a conference on the Irish Famine, bringing together leading scholars and researchers. A bilingual workbook for children is also being developed to support schools, offering accessible material on the Famine and the workhouse system.

The Portumna Workhouse, opened in 1852 and regarded as one of the most complete surviving complexes of its kind, has become a hub for lectures, exhibitions and cultural events. This will be the first time the National Famine Commemoration has been held in County Galway since the annual initiative was established in 2008.

Councillor David Collins (FG), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said the National Famine Commemoration would be a national moment of reflection and a chance to highlight Galway’s famine story. “Hosting the Commemoration in Portumna is a deeply significant moment for Galway.

The Irish Workhouse Centre, the only dedicated workhouse

lHISTORY: Portumna workhouse

museum in the country, stands as a powerful reminder of the hardship endured by our ancestors. The Commemoration will honour the victims of the Famine while also helping to raise the Centre’s profile as both a visitor attraction and a place of reflection and remembrance”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the local authority will work closely with the National Famine Commemoration Committee, Elected Members, the Irish Workhouse Centre, and key local stakeholders to produce a commemoration programme that appropriately

€500k upgrade of Bridewell as Galway towns receive €1.67m

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MORE than €1.67 million has been awarded to seven towns and villages across County Galway that are working to strengthen local amenities, protect heritage and address vacancy.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary (FF) has confirmed that all seven applications submitted by Galway County Council under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2025 have been approved for funding.

The single largest allocation, €500,000, has been granted for the upgrade of the historic Bridewell behind Portumna Courthouse along with planned improvements to Portumna Town Hall.

Killimor has been awarded €214,550 and Ahascragh €250,000 to support continuing efforts to tackle vacancy and dereliction.

Both communities in East Galway are already part of the council’s first Compulsory Purchase Order Activation Programme for vacant properties.

Comhairle Ceantar na nOileán in Leitir Móir will receive €300,000 to enhance Páirc Pobal and develop a new playground. A further €300,000 has been approved for improvements

to the Ionad Pobail facility in Clonbur to meet growing demand for local meeting space.

In Corofin, €45,572 has been allocated for a community feasibility study aimed at identifying new village-centre amenities. Athenry will receive €42,750 to advance proposals for additional community meeting space identified through the town team process.

Councillor David Collins (FG), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said the funding will support a range of projects that strengthen local facilities, protect heritage and tackle vacancy. “The progress we are seeing across the county comes from strong collaboration between community groups and Galway County Council as we work to bring new life into our towns and villages. Schemes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme make this rejuvenation possible. While match funding is required in all cases, I have no doubt that the seven towns and villages involved will make significant progress over the coming months”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the Town and Village Renewal Scheme has been delivering lasting improvements to rural communities across County Gal-

lUPGRADE: Portumna Town Hall and the Bridewell way since it was launched in 2016. “Working with the council and other key stakeholders, local groups have used the funding to improve public spaces, refurbish community buildings, bring vacant properties back into use and create thriving communities”.

Mr Conneally highlighted that the funding for two landmark heritage buildings in Portumna comes at a particularly timely moment, following the announcement that the town will host the 2026 National Famine Commemoration. “The projects for Portumna Town Hall and the Bridewell jail build on the regeneration of Portumna Courthouse earlier this year, along with ongoing work at Portumna Castle, the harbour, and local forest trails.

Together, these initiatives are bringing new life to the town while preserving and

promoting the area’s heritage for future generations, as will be showcased when the Irish Workhouse Centre takes centre stage during next year’s commemoration”.

Michael Owens, Director of Services with responsibility for Corporate Services and Rural, Community and Tourism Development, said, “The funded projects align closely with the Town and Village Renewal Scheme’s core objective of supporting small towns and villages facing population decline, vacant properties and limited community facilities. This funding helps strengthen local services, improve public spaces, and create attractive, sustainable places.

We look forward to working with local groups to advance these vital investments in the future of their communities”.

marks the historic occasion. “With its facilities, capacity, and strong local connections, the Centre is an ideal venue to host a respectful and meaningful national event. The regeneration of Portumna Courthouse earlier this year, along with ongoing work at Portumna Castle, the harbour, and forest trails, creates a real opportunity for the whole town to be involved in a way that complements the solemn and reflective nature of the Commemoration”.

Michael Owens, Director of Services for Galway County Council, noted that Galway County Council’s bid to host the National Famine Commemoration in Portumna reflects the deep impact the Great Famine had on the county, where thousands suffered, died or were forced to leave. “With its original buildings, extensive grounds and experience hosting large gatherings, the Centre is an ideal setting to remember those affected by the famine. The Council, Centre and local community, including schools, volunteers and cultural groups, are committed to working with the National Famine Commemoration Committee to deliver a programme that is respectful and engaging”.

County Galway’s bid to host the event was supported by a range of local organisations and individuals including Portumna Tidy Towns, South East Galway Integrated Rural Development CLG, Portumna Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, the County Archivist and the City and County Librarian.

Galway County Council says further details of the 2026 National Famine Commemoration programme will be announced this month. Information on the national initiative is available at irishfamine.ie, with details on the Irish Workhouse Centre at irishworkhousecentre.ie.

St Colman’s Camogie Club launches Operation Transformation Programme

ST COLMAN’S Camogie Club is thrilled to announce the launch of its third South Galway Operation Transformation Programme, promising an even bigger and better community fitness initiative for 2026.

Building on the incredible success of last two years, when over 400 participants joined the sixweek programme, the 2026 edition is set to offer even more variety and

excitement.

This year, South Galway OT is thrilled to have 16 dedicated leaders guiding participants through a wide range of activities including walks, runs, half marathon training, Couch 2 5K run groups, and kids’ fitness sessions.

Participants will have the opportunity to try a huge range of bonus activities, from yoga to MMA, aqua aerobics to gym introductions,

lCAMOGIE: (L-R) Teresa McDermott, Mairead Nolan, Fiona Fordham, Stacey Lynskey, Maureen Hardiman, Marie Rohan, Joan McAllen and Cilla Fahey

activator pole walking to pickleball — and everything in between!

“We are delighted to bring such a diverse, supportive, and fun programme to South Galway again this year,” said Paula Gallagher, PRO for St Colmans Camogie Club.

The programme kicks off on Saturday, January 3rd, with a whole community walk along the beautiful Gort River Walk, inviting everyone to take their first steps towards a healthy, active year.

Activities will continue for six weeks, providing something for everyone in the community to get active, stay healthy, and connect with others.

Registration is now open through St Colmans Camogie Club, giving everyone a chance to kickstart 2026 with a healthy, active, and social programme.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2025

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Year In Review 2025

15

2025 YEAR IN REVIEW

Most read online

It’s been a good year for...

People Power

1 Lahinch property sells for €1m

(page clicks: 249,377) IN A year when the housing market has become more strained and affordable housing is non-existant, it’s also clear that there is a lot of money out there. A four-bedroom bungalow in Lahinch went on the market this year for €650,000 and in June sold for €1,005,000.00.

2 No restraining order against primary principal

(page clicks: 150,430) In September, a judge rejected an application by a school parent for a civil restraining order against a primary school principal concerning the man’s son after the principal allegedly “didn’t treat [the] child appropriately during a medical episode and moved him inappropriately when they shouldn’t have”.

3 Five members of Clare hurling panel let go

(page clicks: 89,594 ) A testiment to The Clare Echo’s sporting coverage, our third most read story was news of updates to the Clare hurling squad in October ahead of the 2026 season.

Plans to introduce a one-way traffic system to the Mill Road and to alter the Gort Rd roundabout by Ennis Hospital, McDonald’s and Lynch’s Centra were scrapped in November.

Over 2,200 submissions were made by the public to the contentious draft of the Ennis local transport plan which had proposed introducing a oneway traffic system on the Mill Rd, the Old Mill Rd, Cornmarket Street and Considine’s

Terrace and altering the Gort Rd roundabout to remove the lane by which motorists could access and exit the adjacent shopping centre which is home to Lynch’s Centra, McDonald’s, Lana, Paddy Power Bookmakers, Elm Café and other enterprises.

Both of these proposals were removed from the Ennis local transport plan following strong backlash from the public and businesses in the locality. Elected representatives, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF),

Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF), Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) and Cllr Pat Daly (FF) had been particularly vocal to object to the proposals.

But it’s been not so good for...

WEST Clare’s Greenway has gone off track with little momentum exerted to power the project forward.

Several bumps have been encountered along the track for the West Clare Greenway which officials within Clare

The day the county stood still: schools in Clare close after bomb hoax SCHOOLS across Clare closed on Tuesday, February 11 after an apparent bomb threat was made.

Schools received correspondence that “one of the most prolific attacks in Irish history” would be carried out.

Once An Garda Siochána became aware of the matter, they advised all schools in Shannon and Sixmilebridge to close to allow them investigate the matter.

Schools in Ennis and Newmarket-on-Fergus also closed with their correspondence to parents and guardians stating they have closed “because of circumstances outside our control”.

A heavy Garda presence was mounted in parts of the county in close proximity to both first-level and second-level schools.

One senior Garda confirmed to The Clare Echo an investigation was underway. “It’s an ongoing situation, contact has been made with the schools”.

“Gardaí are currently assessing the contents and credibility of that communication.

Gardaí are engaging with the affected educational establishment with regard to this ongoing incident. Any senior management of these establishments with concerns are advised to make contact with Ennis Garda station. No further information is available

Biggest business story of 2025

In February, Sheamie Garrihy’s showbiz career received another boost, having recently appeared in an extended version of a half time ad during the Super Bowl this week. A number of Clare locations were used in the Squarespace advert whichalso starred Barry Keoghan, including the Cliffs of Moher, Kilmurry Ibrickane, Doolin, Carron and Miltown Malbay.

COUNTY Clare boasts some of the country’s favourite hotels and it showed in their end of year accounts.

Just last month, The Clare Echo reported that the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point enjoyed record revenues of €14.9m, leading to pre-tax profits of €2.16m.

Meanwhile in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Dromoland Castle Resort enjoyed operating profits of €2.42m, in what its General Manager referred to as “another record breaking year” for the popular five star hotel, with revenues reaching a whopping €33.43m.

Is it any surprise...

EMERGENCY services in the Midwest continue to be a top news item year after year, after year. This year was no different but finally there appears to signs that there is a commitment to bring a new A&E to the region.

Ennis 2040

Shareridge workers filling holes in town has been a familiar site for shoppers for what seems like an eternity. They have finally laid the last brick and the Ennis streetscape is looking magnificent. With that comes a fresh optimism that our County Town is ready to kick on and realise its potential.

Ennis 2040 has slowly been making progress and 2026 could be a year of progress if businesses, Ennis 2040 DAC, councillors and the people of County Clare all start to row in the same direction.

at this time,” the spokesperson added.

It soon emerged that the security threat was “not credible”.

Schools were later that day given the green-light to reopen after investigations into the threat which claimed that “items” were placed around a number of schools in the county and that the person behind the correspondence would be “armed with multiple firearms”.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) referred to the “shocking threat” and praised the response of Gardaí. “This was a very scary incident for parents, students, school staff and the general public and I have full

n Feelgood story of 2025

Clare hotels enjoy bumper revenues

The stories we’ll follow in 2026

County Council had initially targeted an opening of 2025 for.

However the project which was first announced in 2019 has recorded little progress.

When local authority officials spoke of their aspiration of a 2025 opening five years ago, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) queried if it was not more accurate to say that the project completion was at least a decade away.

Estimates initially indicated that the project would surpass €80m in costs.

Farewell Bishop Willie WILLIE WALSH, the former Bishop of the Killaloe Diocese died unexpectedly in February. He died at home in Ennis, a month after celebrating his ninetieth birthday. A native of Roscrea in Tipperary, he was the youngest of six children, Willie spent his entire priesthood ministering in Ennis, Co Clare, in St Flannan’s College, in the Cathedral Parish, as Bishop of the Diocese of Killaloe from 1994 to 2010 and in retirement in recent years.

He had a long association with St Flannan’s College, where he attended as a boarder in the 1950s. He was appointed to the staff in 1963 and taught Maths, Science, Physics and Religion for 25 years until his appointment as curate at the Cathedral in Ennis in 1988. In 1990, he was appointed as Administrator of the Cathedral and held that position until he was appointed as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese on June 21, 1994.

Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan said, “There is profound sadness in the diocese of Killaloe with the news of the death of Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh”. He added, “He was dearly loved by the many whose lives he touched in his extraordinary pastoral ministry.”

Bishop Walsh was one of the founder members of the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council, (later ACCORD) in the Diocese of Killaloe. His time as Bishop encountered challenges and he previously spoke of the difficulties he faced over the involvement of several Catholic Church priests in child sexual abuse. He undertook a walk across all parishes of the diocese at the turn of the millennium seeking forgiveness for the actions of the church in relation to child sexual abuse.

n Curry chips

Thomas O’Dea (L) and Lewis O’Dwyer with NBA legend Steph Curry, who enjoyed a round of golf at the Old Course in Lahinch in June.

16

Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Year in Review 2025

Moments of the Year 2025 Photo by James Downes

Another tetchy moment for our man Paudie...

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

n What’s your definition of a woman, Mrs President?

IN AN unexpected turn of events and certainly a sign of the times we live in, the new president of Ireland was asked about her definition of a woman while on the campaign trail in Clare in the lead up to the presidential election.

While in Spanish Point, Catherine Connolly was approached by Clare Echo Head of News & Sport and asked why she wouldn’t speak to the media in Clare. After agreeing to take a question on the way to her car (pictured inset), Connolly said “ah” and did not provide an answer when asked what her definition of a woman is.

There was plenty of backlash in the comments sections across social media that this question was put forward. Also in Spanish Point, an organising member of Connolly’s campaign team in Clare threatened this writer “I will ruin you” if details were published about the Presidential hopeful snubbing the media were published in advance of polling day.

LAST year in this segment, we looked back on a heated exchange where former Sinn Féin politician Violet-Ann Wynne told our reporter, ‘You can f**k right off ’.

When he isn’t getting under the skin of local politicians in his search for the truth, Head of News & Sport at The Clare Echo often turns his attention to sidelines.

Pursuit of the truth is not an easy job but somebody has got to do it.

In this county, the main sheriff of truth-seeking is none other than Páraic McMahon.

The Newmarket-on-Fergus man was taken by surprise in May of this year during a post-match interview with the Clare Senior football manager, Peter Keane. This time, however, it was not the ‘F’ word that was directed at our man, rather something a bit more offensive coming from the Kerryman, a county known for its wordsmiths.

Keane took umbrage to a question about whether Clare had gone backwards during his reign as manager, and ended the interview abruptly. It followed Sunday’s 17 point league loss to Down in Cusack Park, their first defeat at home during his tenure.

l COMMENT: Peter Keane wasn’t happy with the suggestion that Clare’s footballers had gone backwards under his watch after a 17-point defeat to Down Photo by Gerard O’Neill

He later returned to use expletives when engaging with The Clare

Echo reporter, saying, “do you know what, you’re nothing but a c***”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2025

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Year In Review 2025

17

We know what you’ve been looking for...

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

I

T’S THAT time of year again, where The Clare Echo reveals the list of search terms that brings readers to our website.

The Clare Echo is our county’s most read newspaper – but we also attract a whopping 12 million user interactions on www.clareecho.ie every year.

So what are you – our readers – typing into Google that directs you to our website?

Online analytics tell us a lot and can provide valuable insight on what really interests our readers. We can tell which specific search terms on Google brought readers to our website – something that is referred to as a ‘query’.

AND THE TOP QUERIES ARE …

The query which brought most readers to www.clareecho.ie in 2025 was ‘Clare Echo’ (unsurprisingly) with almost 80,000 searches, followed by terms such as ‘Clare news’, ‘Clare Echo sport’ and so on.

The Clare Echo’s reputation as a source of sports news was evident in 2025.

Search terms which drove a huge amount of web traffic to The Clare Echo included ‘Clare hurling players

l Search terms that brought readers to our website in 2025 included ‘Banner Plaza’, and (insets) ‘Cliffs of Moher pronounciation’, ‘Violet-Anne Wynne, and Niall Gilligan dropped’ and ‘Clare hurling panel changes’, along with ‘Clare LGFA abrupt board meeting’.

Other sporting terms which brought users to The Clare Echo included ‘Ben Lyne’, referring to the young Ennis native making waves at Manchester United, ‘Aidan McCarthy Clare’, and Ennis athletics starlet ‘Alex O’Neill’. ‘Éire Óg Ennis’ was

the most queried GAA club that brought users here.

‘Tony Kelly’ also appears in the Top 100 most queried terms.

On a news front, the search terms that drove most users to our website was ‘Bomb threat Clare’, referring to the hoax bomb threat in February which led to the closure of multiple schools across the county.

Other search terms such as ‘Niall Gilligan’, ‘Clare farmer’s restraining order’, ‘courtcases in Ennis this week’ and ‘drug’ all brought thousands of users to our website, displaying the high level of reliable court reports which are found on www. clareecho.ie every week.

‘Trudy Leydon’ and ‘Violet-Anne Wynne’ were the two most Googled politi-

cians, followed by Roisin Garvey and Donna McGettigan, reflecting that female politicians are maybe more relevant than their male counterparts.

Speaking of politicians, Celia Larkin, the ex-partner of Bertie, also appeared on the list thanks to putting her €1.2m home in Killaloe on the market back in May. Other properties which turned up included ‘Thalassa Lahinch house sale auction’, referring to the €1m price the 1970s bungalow sold for in Lahinch.

The top business item that brought users to our website was ‘Madden Furniture closing Ennis’, with users eager to learn more about the historic family business which sold to McDermotts Furniture earlier this year.

‘Ennis Plaza’, ‘Banner Plaza’, ‘Niall Gilligan profits farming’, ‘Raw Killaloe Café Pizzeria closure’, ‘Louis Fitzgerald net worth’, ‘Planet Ennis redevelopment investment’ and ‘Domhnal Slattery net worth’ followed closely behind. Amazingly, Ennis businessman Domhnal Slattery continues to be of interest to the public year after year on this list.

Other terms which people were typing on their keyboards that led them to www.clareecho.ie included

‘Shannon Airport’, ‘Clare Senior Hurling Championship’, ‘Ruan church’, ‘school meal’, and ‘storm bram’, The Clare placenames that top the list for 2026 are in order as follows: Ennis, Miltown Malbay, Ennistymon, Lahinch, and Lissycasey.

Amazingly, ‘Cliffs of Moher pronounciation’, ‘Lahinch or Lehinch’, ‘Limerick news’, ‘Clare Exho’, and ‘dodgy boxes’ were other top terms that brought users to our site. The most Googled journalist that brought users to our website was Gordon Deegan, our court reporter, followed by our Head of News & Sport Páraic McMahon.

Further down the list, other search queries to bring readers to our site included ‘Gordon Daly’ with 130 website visits, referring to the new Clare County Council CEO. Bruce Springsteen continues to appear on our list every year thanks to a 2020 April Fool’s article on our site which claimed that the Boss got stuck in Feakle during Covid-19 lockdown measures. ‘Davy Fitzgerald’ dropped way out of the Top 100 search terms, with only 92 clicks coming to www.clareecho.ie from his name – a record low in recent years.

18

Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Green Clare

Disruption over Tulla Rd Active Travel Scheme has left locals ‘unhappy’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DISRUPTION caused by the Active Travel scheme on the Tulla Rd in Ennis has left local residents and businesses “very unhappy” according to elected representatives.

Works commenced at the end of October on the Active Travel scheme with construction expected to continue for eighteen months. The start date was 32 months after funding had been secured for the project which is likely to cost in the region of €5m.

The scheme will provide a continuous 2.2km primary cycle route and enhanced walking and wheeling facilities, incorporating new and upgraded bus stops to improve connectivity between St Senan’s Road and Hillcrest Junction. Neville Civil Works have secured the contract for the scheme.

Christmas holidays have paused the scheme from December 20th to January 4th. The focus for January will be working on kerbing footpaths and services from Mill Bank to Gort na mBláth In a proposal before the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) sought contact details “for public inquiries or complaints regarding construction works within our Municipal District” and asked that they be shared on social media.

He stated, “I have received several inquiries and complaints concerning the Tulla Road project. Providing the contact information for the individual or department responsible for addressing concerns would facilitate smoother project operations. For instance, I have received several inquiries and complaints concerning the Tulla Road project”.

Administrative officer with the Ennis MD, Niamh O’Connor advised that all customer complaints should be routed through Clare County Council Customer Services. The contact details and procedure on how to log a

TRAVEL: Artist’s impression of the Tulla Rd Active Travel Scheme

complaint are available on the Council’s website. “Ennis Municipal District will liaise with the Communications Office to post a message advising the public of this procedure”.

Senior executive engineer, Anne O’Sullivan outlined that the scheme “has been managed by the Active Travel Unit in Clare County Council”.

Speaking at the Ennis MD’s last sitting of 2025, Cllr Guilfoyle said posting the information on social media would allow for “celebrating the works we are doing”. He stated, “for any project you’re doing in life communication is key. People would appreciate if it was put out on social media. These people have homes and this is a big project which is disrupting their lives”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) commented, “the Tulla Rd is there for the long-haul with all the construction works and people are very unhappy about it. Ennis has been so busy with all the building over the last few years and people are facing this again with another busy situation”.

Maxol and O’Keeffe’s Spar “are down busi-

Funding set aside to guarantee Active Travel staff

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FUNDING to provide Active Travel staff in Clare to the end of 2030 has been approved by the Department of Transport.

An announcement of guaranteed funding for Active Travel staff in local authorities across Ireland for a further five years was made by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien (FF) and Minister of State Seán Canney (IND).

No exact breakdown on the allocations per local authority has been provided by the Department. In Clare, the Tulla Rd Active Travel scheme commenced at the end of October and is expected to last 18 months. The inability to secure Active Travel funding for projects in rural Clare since 2023 has caused frustration among elected members of the Council.

In 2020 the Department of Transport significantly increased funding for walking and cycling infrastructure projects. The Department advised

local authorities, through the City and County Management Association, that funding would be allocated to establish dedicated teams of active travel staff. This funding was guaranteed until 2026, to increase the capacity of local authorities to deliver active travel projects around the country.

Since then, over €1 billion has been invested in active travel projects and approximately 240 staff have been recruited across all 31 local authorities. This has assisted with the delivery of over 1,000km of walking and cycling infrastructure in the past five years.

The National Development Plan Transport Sectoral Plan, published in November 2025, has continued the commitment of €360 million per annum for Active Travel and Greenways until 2030.

Dedicated Active Travel staff in local authorities will support delivery walking and cycling infrastructure to the end of the decade.

Minister O’Brien stated, “These teams have become a critical part of the delivery of walking and cycling infrastructure projects across the country, including Safe Routes to School projects.

It is important that local authorities have the assurance of continued funding over the next five years.”

“Safe and high-quality active travel infrastructure encourages healthy, active commutes to work, school and daily errands, and protects vulnerable road users as they walk, cycle or scoot.

The local authority active travel teams, overseen by the NTA, have delivered over 1,000km of walking and cycling infrastructure over the past five years. Following this announcement of continued funding today, these teams can now focus on establishing a network of walking and cycling infrastructure that can be used for transport or recreation without having to rely on a car,” commented Junior Minister Canney.

ness, people won’t turn off for it,” Cllr Daly flagged. Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) was hopeful any complaints would be dealt with swiftly.

Contractors have been endeavouring to improve the situation, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) acknowledged. “I know people living in Hillcrest are having problems turning out of the estate and coming towards town, the big bollards are causing problems”.

Long-term the Tulla Rd scheme will leave people satisfied, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) stated. “We’ve all been contacted by people

living in the area, long-term it will be a project that people will be happy with”. He added, “it is crucial that we have that link-up with people, we did this for the public realm works for all the businesses at one stage and we improved the communication”.

Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann has confirmed that residents “can submit a housing development connection application form to be connected to the network”.

This follows a proposal from Cllr Daly appealing for sewerage connection to be arranged from the public sewer at the rear of Ross Leamháin estate in Roslevan to Aughvaddy Bridge. He said the reply from Uisce Éireann was “very positive”.

He felt it would make sense to do the connection works in tandem with the construction of the Active Travel scheme. “They are digging up the road and I hope Irish Water can take advantage rather than coming along to a lovely road for cyclists and digging it up again, we need to contact them on this”.

Raising the matter in November, Cllr Daly flagged that it was for a section in Roslevan from Jimmy McNamara’s house to Aughvaddy Bridge by the bypass. “They haven’t sewerage whereas most of the houses by them do have sewerage, we need to give them the opportunity to connect, it is going on twenty to thirty years”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

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Green Clare

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€200k upgrade completed at Lees Rd

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A €200,000 UPGRADE in facilities has been completed at John O’Sullivan Park at Lees Rd in Ennis.

Newly expanded and renovated toilets opened to the public on Monday (December 22nd). Works costing €120,000 included fully renovated accessible toilets with baby changing areas, increased cubicle spaces for all users, new sanitary ware, flooring, windows, doors and additional lighting.

An €80,000 investment has recently been completed in the LED retrofit of flood lighting on the track and astroturf at Lees Rd. Lees Rd welcomes more than 650,000 visitors annually to the Ennis according to Clare County Council.

Further plans are afoot for 2026. Extensive upgrades to the track and athletics facilities have already gone to tender. The works will include applying a PU Rekortan coating with an EPDM granule sandwich system, which offers a 15-year lifespan and meets IAAF certification standards.

Additional improvements will involve line marking, installation of surface water and inner rail drainage systems, and infield drainage for the grass area. The development will

also feature a second track-based ‘D’ area on the west side, along with enhanced facilities for long jump, pole vault, high jump, and a hammer cage.

Also planned for delivery in 2026 is a Community Recognition Funded storage facility to allow clubs to store kit and equipment on site, with additional enhancements in the planning stages.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) said, “Investing in recreational facilities is vital for promoting health, wellbeing, and community engagement. Clare County Council is committed to ensuring that Lees Road continues to serve as a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of our community to engage in sport and recreational activity”.

Clare County Council Senior Executive Officer Sport & Recreation Eoin Troy, said, “These improvements at John O Sullivan Park, Lees Road will ensure that

INVESTMENT: Floodlighting and toilets improved at Lees Rd, Ennis

in excess of 650,000 annual visitors have access to modern, high-quality amenities. The upgraded lighting and new facilities enhance safety, ac-

cessibility, and comfort, making the park an even more attractive destination for sports and leisure activities”.

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20

Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Contributors

Thought for the week - “Be a beginning in a broken world” Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY “2024 SURE was full of scary things…” That was how we opened the year of 2025 not long ago.

Simple words. Honest words.

Words weighted with truth because the year was full of scary things. It is sobering and more than a little unsettling that we could write those very same words again as we now step into the New Year of 2026. For many of the same reasons. And if we are honest, perhaps even more.

The world feels darker now. More fragile.

More divided.

The headlines never seem to rest: War, displacement, violence, hatred, racism, misogyny, loneliness, homelessness. Fear seeps into our conversations, our homes, even our prayers. Carrying so much sorrow, uncertainty, and heartbreak can be exhausting. And yet, here we are.

At the beginning of a new year.

Still standing. Still breathing. Still capable of love. That alone is grace.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19).

A new year does not arrive with answers or solutions. It comes quietly, like dawn after a long night, carrying only a tender invitation, to begin again.

When the world feels frightening, and it does, we are often tempted to shut down. To turn away. To

harden our hearts in self-protection. But fear has never healed the world. Love has.

I am reminded of Fred Rogers, whose words have steadied hearts for generations: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

And of Donna Ashworth’s gentle truth: “When the world seems bad, remember, most people are good.”

Those words matter now more than ever. Because even today, especially today, the helpers are still here. They are feeding the hungry. Sheltering the homeless.

Holding the hands of the dying. Teaching children in broken classrooms. Praying quietly and lighting candles when no one is watching.

Showing up when it would be easier to stay away.

Perhaps the most important truth of all is this: You are, or can be, one of those helpers. The work you do. The values you stand for. The kindness you choose. The courage you summon on the hard days. All of it brings light into a world that often feels dark and dangerous. Seeing the resilience, compassion, and quiet determination of helpers, of people like you, is what gives me hope as we enter this new year. Because remember this, I really genuinely feel that there are more of us who are trying to help, trying to love, and

“When the world seems bad, remember, most people are good.”

lWISE WORDS: Television personality Fred Rogers

trying to do good.

We do not step into this new year unmarked.

We carry grief that never made the headlines. We carry names written deep into our hearts. We carry regret, disappointment, and exhaustion. We carry the ache of unanswered prayers. We cannot undo what has been. But we can allow it to be redeemed. We cannot control what lies ahead. But we can choose how we will meet it. So we live in the only place we truly can — now.

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

(Matthew 6:34).

Perhaps 2026 does not ask us for grand resolutions or heroic promises. Perhaps it asks something far quieter and far braver! To keep loving. To keep praying and lighting candles. To keep helping. To keep caring. To keep showing up. To keep doing good.

Think of them. Maria, sitting on a park bench after losing everything in a fire, until a stranger places a blanket around her shoulders and reminds her she is not invisible. Jamie, hardened by years of pain, sharing his last meal with a stranger and discovering, to his own surprise, that love still lives inside him. A nurse kneeling beside children injured by war, whispering lullabies while bombs fall.

A teacher staying late in a flooded school, drying books and saying softly, “Your future still matters.”

These are not grand gestures that make the news. They are quiet mir-

acles. “Let your light shine before others.” (Matthew 5:16) To love deeply is not sentimental.

It is demanding. It costs us something. It asks us to forgive when the apology never comes. To remain tender when bitterness feels safer.

To choose mercy over being right.

“Above all, love one another deeply.” (1 Peter 4:8).

In a world addicted to outrage, love is resistance. In a culture of indifference, compassion is revolutionary. In times like these, hope is not naïve, it is courageous.

When times are tough, and they are, we return to what sustains us.

Prayer. Adoration. Scripture. The quiet grace of daily Mass. The stillness where God reminds us, “You are not alone.” These are not escapes from the world’s pain. They are wells from which we draw the strength to face it. It is there, kneeling, waiting, listening, that we remember who we are, and whose we are.

Perhaps the holiest prayer we can whisper as 2026 begins is this: “Help me to be a beginning.” A beginning of hope for someone drowning in despair. A beginning of peace in a home filled with tension. A beginning of welcome for the lonely, homeless and forgotten.

A beginning of light where fear has taken root.

We may not change the whole world, but together we can move it. Because there are more helpers than we think. Because when we come together to help, quietly, faithfully, prayerfully, lovingly then love multiplies. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40) Life is fragile. Life is fleeting. And still, life is a gift. To choose joy in the midst of sorrow is an act of

faith. To celebrate goodness in a broken world is an act of defiance.

So let us step into 2026 not just older, but kinder. Not just surviving, but serving. Not hardened, but open. There is no greater thing we can do in this life than to love someone, care for someone, or simply be there. Be that someone.

Thought for the Week As your thought for the week, ask yourself, Who needs my kindness today? Where can I help, quietly and without recognition? What small act of love can I offer that might ripple further than I will ever know?

Remember, there are lots of us out there. And together, we can do an awful lot of helping and an awful lot of good.

Let me leave you with one of my Prayers for the New Year 2026 - “Loving God, As we stand at the doorway of a new year, our hearts are full of hope and hurt, gratitude and grief. The world feels frightening at times. So remind us to look for the helpers and to be among them. Give us courage to love deeply. Strength to forgive generously.

Grace to serve faithfully. Root us in prayer. Sustain us through the Eucharist. Draw us close in moments of fear. Make us a beginning, Of hope where there is despair, Of light where there is darkness, Of love where the world feels broken.

And when we grow tired, remind us, We are not alone. There are more of us. And together, with Your help, we can move the world to do good. Amen.” Le cúnamh Dé.

With God’s help, may 2026 find us loving, helping, praying, doing good and believing again and again.

21

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

Business

All Star accreditation secured by Pat Keogh Chauffeur Services

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ALL-STAR accreditation has been achieved by one of the region’s leading chauffeur companies.

Pat Keogh Chauffeur Services has been accredited by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF) as a Business All-Star All-Ireland Champion for 2026. The recognition honours the company’s sustained performance in executive ground transportation and reflects the AIBF’s benchmark standards of performance, trust and customer centricity.

In existence for over thirty years, the business has stretched across three generations of the Keogh family. Following in the footsteps of his father, Pat began in the 1980s growing from a one man one car operation to one of the largest chauffeur operations in the country.

Donagh, Pat’s son took on the role of Director of Operations with the company in 2018. The company’s offices had been in Newmarket-on-Fergus but are now based out of Shannon Airport, they specialise in luxury airport transfers, corporate travel and chauffeur driven tours all over Ireland.

“We are honoured to receive this accreditation from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. Our service has always been built on reliability and the small details that make clients feel looked after. Whether it’s an executive transfer, a corporate itinerary or a tour of Ireland, we aim to deliver a calm, seamless experience every time. Thank you to our clients for their continued trust and to the AIBF for recognising the work that goes into maintaining standards over three decades,” Donagh stated.

Securing champion accreditation from AIBF reinforces its standing as a trusted Irish operator in premium transport and is an ode to its consistency over three decades.

This accolade is not the first time the Keoghs have received national plaudits. Pat received praise from across the country in April 2020 when he voluntarily drove the late Vicky Phelan to hospital appointments to St Vincent’s Hospital when she was undergoing cancer treatment.

Kieran Ring, Deputy Chair of the AIBF Adjudication Board, said, “The business has demonstrated sustained excellence over more than 30 years, combining professionalism, discretion and customer-focused delivery at the highest level. This accreditation reflects a service that consistently meets the standards of trust and performance that define the Business All-Star programme”.

Kapil Khanna, Co-CEO of the All-Ireland Business Foundation, said, “Pat Keogh Chauffeur Service represents the professionalism, trust and customer centricity that the Business All-Star programme is designed to honour.”

During Donald Trump’s last official visit to Ireland as US President in 2019, the company was responsible for transporting the staff and delegation attached to Trump and then Vice President Mike Pence from Shannon Airport to Doonbeg.

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

Currently, there are over 750 companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in AIBF programmes.

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Cllrs seek more time to sort Kilrush Amenity Trust

by Páraic McMahon

paraic@clareecho.ie

IT has taken Clare’s councillors seven months to reach agreement over proposed appointments to the Clare Tourism Development DAC while further time has been sought to finalise who sits on the Kilrush Amenity Trust.

In May, elected members of the Council received an update on the status of member representation for boards associated with the local authority.

Shareholdings of the Council for the companies range from 22 to 100 percent.

This update followed Cllr Shane Talty (FF) raising the matter at the April Council sitting.

“A maximum of two elected members requires recommendation and the agreement of the full Council. Since it has been incorporated, we’ve never been invited to nominate an elected member which is concerning.

Who are the Directors of the DAC,” he questioned.

Upon receiving the report in May, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said it “highlights gaps in the system across a number of boards” and he welcomed the progress in “appointing members to fill those gaps”.

Absence of a councillor on the Kilrush Maritime DAC was flagged by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) who stressed, “it is important that a DAC becomes more than a title”.

When December

came around, de- seeking nomina- Fine Gael grouping spite having seven tions, “it was high- were nominating Cllr months to review lighted that it was Conor Ryan (FG). the matter, no con- limited to two, it Having a third sensus could be should proceed to- member would give reached by council- day”. the councillors a lors. After a struggle Despite agreeing further voice on the two appointments with Cllr Talty that Tourism DAC, Cllr were eventually the matter had gone Joe Killeen (FF) acmade to the Clare on for too long, Cllr knowledged.

Tourism Develop- Hayes repeated his Cllr Lynch said ment DAC. call to defer the ap- he would like to reCllr Pat Hayes pointment for the Kil- main on the Kilrush (FF) proposed the rush Amenity Trust Amenity Trust and filling of the vacan- but felt the Tourism proposed the apcies be pushed back DAC appointment pointment of Cllr Gato January. could proceed. “We briel Keating (FG).

First to take issue have a nominee for Cllr Dinny Gould with the request for our party which is then proposed Lynch a deferral was Cllr Cllr Talty, maybe the be returned to the Begley. “There’s two Chief Executive will Kilrush Amenity nominees to Kilrush review in January Trust with Cllr Clare Amenity Trust which but we have a nom- Colleran Molloy (FF) is a single unit area inee”. nominating Cllr Rita and the rest of the Cllr Crowe said the McInerney (FF). county are only allowed two members to the Clare Tourism DAC. It doesn’t give an opportunity to three groups in the Clare County Council is currently inviting applications Chamber to be from suitably qualified persons for the below represented competitions. Clare County Council will, following the on the DAC.” interview process, form panels for the areas set out B e g l e y below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled asked when subject to sanction approval from the Department of the CEO could Housing, Local Government & Heritage. propose an amendment.

• Permanent Lifeguard Cathaoirleach of Clare Coun(Ennis Leisure Complex) ty Council, Cllr Closing Date: 12 Noon Friday 30th January 2025 Paul Murphy (FG) attempt• Heavy Vehicle Mechanic ing to appease all sides sugClosing date: 12 Noon Friday 30th January 2025 gested, “With your agree• Sports Facilities Assistant ment, if I say Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 23rd January 2025 we will bring it back to the Please complete online application form available on Corporate Polwww.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. icy Group and Only applications completed online will be accepted. defer to the moment”.

Clare County Council is an equal opportunities This promptemployer and welcomes applications from all ed Cllr Talty sectors of the Community. to interject: “I Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge don’t agree más fearr leat. with it being deferred”. He said he had previously tabled a motion

22

Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Clare's young guns eager to make mark in 2026

by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

IT MAY only be January but Mark Rodgers says the start of the Munster Senior Hurling League is a chance to set standards for the entire year.

Clare’s flagship hurlers will undoubtedly be glad to see the back of a disappointing 2025. However, while the prospect of trying to rally the troops for a major backlash for next year’s championship in Division 1B of the National Hurling League doesn’t initially seem ideal, getting the opportunity to blood some of the rich underage conveyer belt of talent will be the clear priority.

After all, along with the historic Munster and All-Ireland Minor triumphs of 2023, having contested three of the last four provincial Minor Finals and two of the last three All-Ireland deciders in addition to Munster Under 20 Final appearances in 2023 and ’25, there is no shortage of big game experience that Brian Lohan and his management team will be keen to utilise over the coming months.

Who better to assess the transition from underage to senior than Mark Rodgers who has been in the limelight since bursting onto the inter-county scene at minor level in 2018 with two goals inside ten minutes against Cork in Páirc Ui Chaoimh.

PATIENT Despite his meteoric rising star and back-to-back Fitzgibbon Cup medals with UL in 2022 and ‘23, the Scariff native still had to be patient at senior level as it was only in his third year on Lohan’s flagship panel that he finally made his first Munster Senior Championship start against Tipperary in Cusack Park in

the opening round.

The rest is history as twelve months later, Rodgers soared to not only a first All-Ireland Senior success but a breakthrough All-Star and National Young Hurler of the Year award to boot so while his noted modesty wouldn’t allow it, he could almost teach the class on senior squad assimilation if required. “I am very conscious of young lads coming in now in a position that I would have been in a few years ago. It’s not that it’s very difficult or anything but it’s certainly a very different lifestyle when you get to senior level.

“You’re training a lot more and while our development squads and in particular our minors and Under 20’s have been prepped really well for this, there are a lot of physical demands. You have to be on top of your nutrition and your sleep and your recovery and things like this or else it’s very hard to even compete in training let alone matches. You need a lot of luck of course as well because unfortunately injuries happen and a lot of newer players on the panel get injured because of the increased demands of training and the gym and the overall demands of playing at the highest level.

“The Munster Hurling League has always stood to me because games at this time of the year give you a huge opportunity to build a fitness level and build confidence in yourself as well before the National League. And then of course once the league kicks off, the championship is only around the corner so I feel that the Munster League is pivotal in a lot of ways as even though it’s in January, it can set the standards for the

l Mark Rodgersin Championship action last season

Photo by Ruth Griffin

entire year”.

Belying his mere 24 years, Rodgers is much more mature and aware of the effort that goes in behind the scenes in order to have Clare’s recent classes of minors and Under 20’s readymade for life in the senior grade. “Clare have been consistently at the business end of the minor and Under 20 championships for the past few years and the likes of Club Clare, the supporters club, has no small part to play in that. As players, we’re well aware of the tireless work they do behind the scenes to keep Clare competitive at all these grades and ensure that the county are in the best position possible to

remain at the business end at senior, Under 20 and minor.

“Those players are now starting to consistently filter through to our panel and it’s easy to see the quality of S&C work that has gone in, the quality of coaching and training and the huge benefits of the psychology work which puts them in a fabulous position to take that next step.

BEDDING IN "Obviously there will be a bedding in period for some of them and a lot of improvements to be made in certain departments but there’s no doubt that they’re in a great position to make that jump”.

With news that Club Clare’s membership for 2026 is now

open to supporters, Rodgers again reiterates the importance of that direct financial backing to all levels. “We’re very aware of the support and the great goodwill from the stands. To be honest, there are very few sessions go by without mention of our supporters and the work of the likes of Club Clare. We know just how lucky and how privileged we are to be in this position because we come from a great county with people that are passionate and will go that extra mile to see us do better. So that’s not taken for granted by us and we fully realise how lucky we are to be out on the pitch representing Clare”.

It’s also a privilege to watch Rodgers and Co. in action, they’re back to the field on January 3rd when neighbours Limerick arrive in East Clare for the start of the Munster Hurling League. However, having been ravaged by injuries last season, is there an extra determination to redress the balance in 2026?

“The danger of looking too far ahead and looking to the end of the league and the start of a new championship is that you don’t maximise what’s happening now. We’ve starting a new training block and we’re eager to build on that and make the most of every session because that would give us the maximum rewards. The ultimate aim is that when championship rolls around that we have as many lads fit and available as possible and having all that work done that we’ll be in a great position by that stage. For the moment though, we’re just taking it step by step and building blocks and working on as much as we can work on and being very much in control of what we’re doing”.

With John Kiely’s side coming to Dr. Daly Park in Tulla on the first Saturday in January, Rodgers is also eager to provide some new year advice for supporters. “I’m personally really looking forward to playing in Tulla. I’ve played there on many occasions over the past few years for Scariff so I know exactly the quality of field and facility that it is and the guys over there are brilliant. From Tulla’s point of view though, they’ll be asking for patrons for come a bit earlier or else as I know too well from experience that they’ll have a bit of a walk on their hands”.

Management turn down Aidan's approach to rejoin Clare panel

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s All-Ireland winning freetaker Aidan McCarthy will not be part of the county panel for this coming year.

Top scorer for Clare in the epic 2024 All-Ireland final win with 1-7 to his name, Aidan was dropped from the county squad in the middle of the Munster championship.

The Clare Echo has learned that Aidan made an approach to Clare senior hurling manager Brian Lohan in advance of collective training resuming in the middle of November.

Lohan is understood to have taken a full week to consider the matter after receiving

a phone call from McCarthy. After engaging with his management on the offer, the fourtime All Star contacted Aidan to thank him for his offer but that they were planning without him for 2026. A return in the future has not been ruled out.

As the second youngest starting member of the Clare attack in the 2024 All-Ireland final, the decision not to bring McCarthy back to the fold comes as a surprise.

Wounds between the Inagh/Kilnamona attacker and the Clare senior hurling management have not healed in the seven months since his exit from the squad.

“I did not walk off the Clare senior hurling panel. I was willing, ready and able to line out

for my county against Tipperary on Saturday evening if selected,” he confirmed in a statement in May regarding his departure from the panel.

McCarthy released the statement after eyebrows were raised when he was omitted from the matchday 26 for Clare’s third outing in the Munster SHC versus Tipperary, a game they ended up losing which ended their All-Ireland defence. His exit came during a run where Clare were greatly hindered by injuries.

Prior to this, he had been substituted in Clare’s first two championship outings of 2025. He was taken off with sixty minutes played in the first round draw with Cork and with forty seven minutes on the clock in

the second round loss to Waterford. He was Clare’s top scorer in the Cork draw, hitting 1-7, six of which came from frees. He failed to score in the Waterford game and had four wides.

Newly appointed Clare senior football manager, Paul Madden met with McCarthy to discuss joining the football set-up but this will not transpire, The Clare Echo understands.

His only appearance of the 2025 Clare SFC was his introduction as a substitute with sixty minutes played as Kilmurry Ibrickane lost to St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield in the quarter-finals. He only linked up with the Bricks after the championship commenced but is believed to be involved from an earlier stage for 2026.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

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Sport

23

20 new additions to football panel as Madden prepares to select squad

by Páraic McMahon

Making the bounce back to the senior squad after a one year hiatus is Thomas Kelly. The Shannon Gaels man was part of the panel during Mark Fitzgerald’s 2024 campaign but was not involved last year under Peter Keane.

The twenty three year old was joint captain of the Cill Cuil Gaels amalgamation alongside Emmet McMahon when they defeated Éire Óg 1-10 0-8 in December 2021.

news@clareecho.ie

CLARE senior football manager, Paul Madden has drafted the largest ever panel with over 50 footballers vying to keep their place on the county squad.

Collective training resumed for inter-county teams in the middle of November with players carrying out their own block of S&C work since October.

Appointed manager on a three year term in August, Madden had his management team in place within a month. Alongside selectors Ger Quinlan and Shane Daniels, they studied the club championship at senior, intermediate and junior level before putting together their provisional training panel.

Over 50 footballers are part of the panel at present.

McGrath Cup fixtures against Waterford (January 2 at 7pm) in Fraher Field and versus Kerry (January 6 at 7pm) in Clarecastle will serve as the last big auditions before the panel is cut between January 10 and 12.

Of those recruited to the provisional panel, 18 have not played senior football for Clare. A wide net was cast by management which included looking at Clare natives lining out in club championships in different counties.

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s run to a first Clare SFC final for the first time since 2012 has resulted in their contingent growing.

Injuries derailed Tom Curran’s involvement in the Clare SFC as he was forced to miss the entire group stages. His first start of the campaign came in the semi-finals when he kicked 1-5 as Donagh Vaughan’s side overcame Cratloe.

Despite starting in two of the four championship ties for the Clare U20s in 2024 and featuring in all games, he only started in Clare’s final U20 championship outing this season lining out at corner forward kicking a point before his substitution on 50 minutes. Tom has struggled with injury since his addition to the senior squad.

BROTHER

Tom’s older brother James has been brought back to the senior squad. James was drafted in with the Colm Collins’ training panel for his final season in 2023 when the U20 campaign concluded. He remained part of the squad in 2024 under Mark Fitzgerald but was let go by Peter Keane.

Late getting a call-up to the squad was Michael Nash of St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield but he has grabbed the opportunity thus far. While he had been on the radar of the new county management, Nash was initially only drafted in to boost numbers for an

CAPTAIN

l Morgan Garry is among the new additions to the training squad internal game but impressed so much that he has been retained on the squad for the last month.

Joint captain of the Clare U20s in 2024, Josh Moloney has made the step-up to the senior squad for the first time. The Kilmurry Ibrickane defender has represented his county at minor and U20 level.

Former Galway Utd midfielder Caoilfhionn O’Dea is among the new additions to the senior squad. The Mullagh man who is an important figure for Kilmurry Ibrickane (25) scored Clare’s only goal in their one point loss to Galway at the beginning of December.

Fresh from captaining Ennistymon’s U21 footballers to win the championship for the fourth time, Joshua Vaughan has been added to the senior squad. A talented fielder, Vaughan is effective at both midfield and the half-forward line. He started at midfield for all of Clare’s U20 Munster championship outings in 2024.

Sporting Ennistymon’s loss has been Clare’s gain

with Ciaran McMahon pausing his soccer commitments while he focuses on trying to maintain his spot on the Clare panel. The Ennistymon defender was previously part of the senior squad but was let go during Mark Fitzgerald’s season in charge.

FIRST TIME

Also vying to be retained in defence is Ennistymon’s Liam Cotter. The wing back has previously lined out at minor and U20 level for the county but is part of the senior set-up for the first time.

His goal in the 2024 Clare SFC quarter-final helped Ennistymon defeat rivals St Breckan’s. Also part of the Ennistymon hurling side, Liam has acquitted himself well in challenge matches so far for the Clare seniors.

Returning to the county senior squad after six years is Seán Rouine, in the intervening time his first-cousins Cillian and Brendy have become staples of the panel.

The 26 year old from Lahinch is comfortable in defence and attack but has been utilised as a forward at club level since 2022.

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

An ability to kick two pointers underlined Mikie Tubridy’s value to his native Doonbeg in the 2025 club campaign and his performances didn’t go unnoticed by the newly appointed county management. Tubridy who is fluid at playing in any middle third position joins the senior squad for the first time.

Prior to getting the recognition of an inter-county call up, full-back James Killeen and his family took the top prize for milking hygiene and facilities at the 2025 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. Alongside his parents Andrew and Bernadette, James mils 110 cows and supply Kerry Dairy Ireland, the family farm has spanned five generations. On the field, James has been made the full-back spot his own for Doonbeg and has been the first choice at number three in recent challenge matches for the county seniors so it comes as no surprise that former Magpies and Clare full-back Conor Whelan is his most admired past player.

He played rugby up until the U16 grade.

Captain of the victorious Corofin intermediate footballers, Gearoid Cahill has rejoined the Clare senior football panel. He was previously part of the county setup during Colm Collins’ time but received no game-time.

A former dual player with Clare at minor and U20 level, Gearoid has been a driving force for his club which included them operating as a senior dual-club for one season.

Lissycasey are viewed as one of the real up and coming senior sides in the county and there is an element of surprise that they only have one new addition at present to the Clare squad. Darren Keane has been drafted in to the provisional panel. He scored a goal from midfield during their 2-17 0-14 win over St Breckan’s in the Clare SFC quarter-finals while he had a strong showing in their dramatic draw with Ennistymon, a display that is likely to have earned him the callup. Keane has been part of the county U20 squad for the past two seasons and is the son of referee Pat who was also involved with the club’s Junior A side.

Only two members of the provisional panel are also involved with Dermot Coughlan’s Clare U20 squad. Evan Cahill has retained his place on the squad with goalkeeper Eoin Byrne added to the senior panel. His addition means St Breckan’s have two goalkeepers on the senior squad as he joins clubmate Tristan O’Callaghan.

Byrne’s predecessor as Clare U20 netminder, Cian Corry is also drafted into the senior squad. He finished with two clean sheets and conceded seven goals in Clare’s 2024 Munster U20 campaign in their five games where he was firstchoice goalkeeper for each outing. Corry was between the posts for Killimer as they were crowned Junior A football champions to seal their return back to the Clare IFC at the first time of asking, they defeated Lissycasey’s second string 0-17 1-13 in the final.

Leading performer in Michael Cusacks’ Junior A success of 2024 was Seán McNamara and he carried that form through to 2025 as the Carron club consolidated

their status in the second tier.

He captained the North Clare club to glory for their Junior success and has remained one of their most prolific scorers. Seán was corner forward for the Clare U20s in 2022, scoring 1-3 across two games as they reached the Munster semi-final. His addition to the panel marks a rare occurrence when Michael Cusacks have representation on a county senior squad.

His teammate Domhnall McMahon was previously part of the Clare senior hurling squad. His younger brother Oisin is currently part of the U20 football side.

Inter-county experience from a different country can be called upon for Morgan Garry. The Clondegad footballer spent two seasons involved with the New York senior footballers before returning home, including lining out in the Connacht SFC and the Tailteann Cup. He made an immediate impact with Clondegad and was one of their standout players as they reached the semi-finals of the Clare IFC, losing out to eventual winners Corofin.

DEPARTING

Kildysart’s contingent on the squad has remained at the same figure of four with Rory McMahon departing and Luke McGrath joining the squad. The forward won an U21B title with his club when they defeated Wolfe Tones in the 2019 decider.

McGrath played a decisive role for his club to overcome Kilmihil in the Clare SFC relegation play-off at the end of August, they fell three points down on 59minutes but he stepped up with three points including a two pointer and a free while Diarmuid O’Donnell also chipped in with a point to help the Estuary side secure their status. McGrath has been among the more frequent scorers for Kildysart to keep them as a senior force following their intermediate success of 2022.

Miltown Malbay native Colin Hehir who has been plying his trade with Raheny in Dublin for more than three years is among the new recruits. He was among the goal-scorers for Raheny when they defeated Pobal Parnell in July to secure promotion to Division 1 of the Dublin League. Most comfortable at wing back, his club teammates include Brian Fenton and Rob Hennelly. He was wing-back on the St Joseph’s Miltown side crowned Clare SFC winners in 2018.

It will be a defining three weeks ahead for the new recruits to determine which of them will hold their spot on the county panel.

24

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

Sports Year in Review

Sports Year in Review 2025 Compiled by Páraic McMahon AS the 2025 sporting seasons draws to a close, the keenly contested and eagerly awaited Clare Echo sporting awards return.

In truth, it was a year more of lows than highs on the sporting front across Co Clare but once again sport demonstrated its ability to showcase the best of the county as a unifying force on the good and the bad days.

Sporting greats both young and old departed this life in 2025 and we begin by taking a moment to remember them all for their contributions on and off the field across generations. Their loss is keenly felt among their families, clubs and communities.

This is the sixth year of The Clare Echo sporting awards, our novel way at chronicling the sporting year that was. It wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of players, mentors, coaches, referees, officials, administrators and supporters, all of whom make the moments all the more memorable.

You’ve been waiting all year so here we go, the winners of The Clare Echo sporting awards are…

Trail blazers of the year Ennis RFC

Ennis RFC made their debut in the Women’s All-Ireland League in September in a historic moment for rugby in the county. In April, they sealed their AIL status when overcoming Enniskillen 24-13 in a dramatic play-off win.

Gareth O’Hanlon’s side embarked on a maiden campaign in an exciting new chapter for the sport. It doesn’t come as a surprise as women’s rugby has

been on the rise in recent years with the likes of Edel McMahon, Siobhán McCarthy, Eimear Considine, Aoife Corey, Alanna McInerney, Clodagh O’Halloran and Chisom Ugwueru all setting the way. Women’s rugby is on the rise and this crop of players are owed a huge debt of thanks for that.

Can’t See Can’t Be Award

Aisling Reidy & Siofra Ní Chonaill head Down Under

Club of the year Éire Óg

Historic, unbelievable and unforgettable. Anyone involved with Éire Óg would dispute opening comments that it hasn’t been a year full of highs as they have enjoyed the most glorious year that was. Securing a historic senior championship double has them the toast of the town and the county, they followed this up by winning the U21B football title following extra time and came narrowly close to success in the U21A hurling final, losing by the smallest of margins to Inagh/Kilnamona. Thirty five years of hurt ended for Éire Óg’s hurlers when David Reidy lifted the Canon Hamilton beating Clooney/Quin 0-17 0-12 and they backed it up with a strong finish kicking 1-8 without reply to overcome St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 1-16 2-6 and ensure one of their dual stars Aaron Fitzgerald would lift the Jack Daly. The

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield and Clare’s ladies football cause took a major dent as Aisling Reidy and Siofra Ní Chonaill embarked on a new sporting dream in May. They swapped Gurteen for IKON Park as the newest members of the AFLW side Carlton. Prior to this, they had been standout players at club and county, they were leading figures for Clare in reaching the 2023 All-Ireland intermediate final and winning the 2024 National League title. At club level,

hurlers managed by Gerry O’Connor had been knocking in the door, a puck of the ball kept them from winning the 2022 title, their consistency is evident in the fact that they had qualified for ten successive quarter-finals. Shane Daniels had the tough task of succeeding three-time Clare SFC winning manager Paul Madden but he helped the Townies stay at the summit, they only lost two competitive matches all season to underline just how dominant they have been. A rising tide lifts all boats as they say, GAA success is fantastic for the town of Ennis, in an economic sense when the county town is going well so is the remainder of Co Clare so if the same applies in a GAA lens the Éire Óg year of all years is only positive for the Banner County.

the pair were also to the fore for St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield as they reached a first-ever senior championship final in 2024 and tasted league success earlier in 2025.

Aisling made her Carlton debut in September, her fielding and tenacity in the tackle have shone through in her initial appearances for the Blues. Siofra made her debut in Brisband a month earlier, her strength and speed also caught the eye of Carlton supporters.

While they are of course immense

losses to club and county, they are setting a trail and acting as such a positive example for young sportswomen.

25

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

Sports Year in Review

Support journalism in Clare by subscribing to www.clareecho.ie/subscribe

Mic drop moment of the year Aidan McCarthy lifts the lid on Clare exit “I was willing, ready and able to line out” came the bombshell from Clare hurler Aidan McCarthy in May. Speaking out is rarely easy and takes bravery, McCarthy did just that when rubbishing the rhetoric from certain inaccurate Clare GAA quarters that he walked out of the Clare hurling panel in the middle of the Munster championship and instead revealed he was dropped from the squad by management.

“Just to clarify and confirm.

I did not walk off the Clare Senior Hurling panel. I was willing, ready and able to line out for my county against Tipperary on Saturday evening if selected,” he stated in a now infamous tweet. It was front page news for The Clare Echo but ignored by other media outlets in the county for

some reason, granted it wasn’t a Saipan moment but it unfortunately was the biggest Clare hurling story of 2025 in a campaign when they were relegated from Division 1A of the Allianz National Hurling League and didn’t get out of Munster. Instead of lining out against Tipp, he featured in the Clare Cup for Inagh/Kilnamon a scoring 0-9 as they defeated St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield. As reported in The Clare Echo, an approach by McCarthy this winter to rejoin the panel was rejected.

Making a splash award Leana Liddane

Leana completed her own two in a row when she was named female sports person of the year by Water Safety Ireland for the second year running. Hailing from Cross and Kilbaha, Leana is a past pupil of Ennis NS and is one of the country’s top lifesaving athletes, excelling nationally and internationally. At the European Championships, she achieved thirteen top-ten finishes, earning one team gold, two individual silvers, and one team silver, while breaking Irish records. Domestically, she won multiple golds in events like the 200m Obstacle Swim and 100m Rescue Medley. Her dedication, record-breaking performances, and consistent excellence make her a standout performer.

Sports moment of the year

Edel McMahon captains Ireland in World Cup / Áine Donegan secures Tour card Sharing the sports moment of the year are Edel McMahon and Áine Donegan for separate sporting endeavours.

Kilm- ihil’s Edel had the distinction of captaining her country in the Rugby World Cup, an achievement that is the stuff of dreams. There was further visions in December when Áine Donegan who only turned professional in October secured

Ah don’t go your great craic award Peter Keane

Ranking among the biggest blunders of Deirdre Murphy’s three year tenure as Clare GAA Head of Operations was the appointment of Peter Keane as Clare senior football manager. The treatment of honest Clare football men like Michael Neylon, Declan Downes and Declan O’Keeffe regardless of choosing the wrong man for the job was part of the error and serves as a lesson on how not to treat people. Poor treatment was par for the course for the Keane stint in Clare whether it was his inability to strengthen the belief of his panel, leaving talented footballers like Colm Walsh O’Loghlen, Brendy Rouine, Diarmuid O’Donnell and Jamie Stack deprived of game time or how he give the County Board the run around both at the beginning and end of his tenure. Eoin B re n n a n writing in The Clare Champion detailed how the former Kerry manager played an “of-

ten bizarre hide and seek duel” with the local media during his Banner tenure. Clare’s footballers have yet to win in the new round-robin series of the All-Ireland SFC, this year was their greatest chance of ending that run paired against Down, Monaghan and Louth, instead football apologists in Clare celebrated moral victories while businessman Keane showed his inability to answer hard questions when he eventually finished his game of hide and seek.

All in Clare football may not share The Clare Echo’s desire for better standards in Clare football but those involved with Paul Madden’s set-up are already experiencing a better offering. Dear reader, in case you haven’t copped it, the title for this award is of a sarcastic tone and one which might prompt a Cahirsiveen man to react with some more unsavoury language towards this writer.

For more analysis on this, check out From Hype to Hindsight: The Peter Keane Experiment in Clare on clareecho.ie.

her European Tour card for 2026. Wins over Japan (42-14) and Spain (43-27) meant a whitewash (0-40) defeat didn’t stop Ireland from securing second spot in Pool C. Ireland exited the quarter-finals losing 18-13 to France. Her World Cup was cut short with injury in the New Zealand loss, at the end of October she underwent her second knee surgery since the tournament. Ennis’ Áine is one of twenty golfers to earn their full LET cards for the 2026 season.

Unsung hero of the year Paudie Hayes

Beautiful weather conditions added to the atmosphere in Roslevan in May when Avenue Utd overcame Bridge Utd 2-0 in the title-decider to retain the CDSL Premier Division and end David Russell’s tenure on a winning note.

There was drama before a ball was kicked over the proposed referee appointment.

Bridge Utd objected to Shane Hayes’ taking charge of the game due to his involvement with Avenue Utd’s academy.

FAI officials instructed the CDSL to change the referee which resulted in the appointment of Paudie Hayes as match official with sideline officials Trevor White and Barry McCarry. On the day of the match, Shane arrived expecting to take charge of the

game but he was advised by CDSL officials that his namesake was taking charge. Both sideline officials departed in solidarity leaving Paudie without match officials for the biggest league game of the season. The Newmarket-on-Fergus man was left flying solo with no linesmen in a game with so much at stake, there were clashes and big hits including a concussion but Paudie gave one of the performances of the year in a very pressurised situation, one in which the stress was greater due to the departing officials. Not alone did he get all the big calls right on the day but Paudie showed cahonas and earned the respect of everyone in attendance at a packed venue for flying solo.

Sports Person of the Year Jonathan Keane

In July, Jonathan Keane became the first local winner of the South of Ireland Golf Championship since JD Smyth rolling in a five-footer for a closing birdie to beat former former champion, Caolan Rafferty of Dundalk. The famed championship was always the competition that Kilfenora’s Jonathan wanted to win and doing so was a moment of magi c, it brought a sense of relief and joy to

North Clare following months of tragedy, when we sport can lift an area just look at what Jonathan did.

From the age of eleven, he wanted to compete in the South and ironically JD was one of his first coaches in the sport.

Winning the South was the highpoint of his career but it has led to an Irish international call-up. In the wake of his big victory, he was able to credit those who helped along the way such as Ennistymon’s Paddy Skerritt who provided him with

his first set of golf clubs. Modest in victory and defeat, Jonathan’s humble nature ensured there was so many supporters thrilled to see him succeed in the competition that had

so much personal significance.

The manner in how he overcame from a crippling back injury demonstrated his resilience. The South is the current highpoint but the sky is the limit for Keane.

26

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

Sports Year in Review

Special distinction award

Sporting role model award

Frankie Coote

John Conroy

Frankie Coote blew the final whistle on his career as a soccer referee in February. It brought the curtain down on a thirty four year stint as the man in the middle but also marked the end of an era, simply because the Ennis man provided an amount of colour while officiating games. In his everyday life as Clare’s county dog warden, that wit and animation is still evident for all those who interact with him. Taking charge of games without linesman and in a pre-VAR area, it was Frankie and no one else responsible for the big calls in teak tough games involving great Newmarket Celtic, Avenue Utd, Newtown and St Pat’s sides of the past. His involvement with Hermitage FC as a mentor also included the memorable instance where the club were fined when one of their games were called off due to an unplayable pitch, the damage which was caused by none other than an elephant which was part of a touring circus in Ennis. Stay tuned to The Clare Echo for an interview with Frankie reflecting on a memorable career.

Trend Setter of the year Vintage Joe Garry

In sport and in life, there is an emphasis placed on leaving a legacy. New Quay native John Conroy is doing just that in his ever-positive and effusive manner. In July 2024, he founded Nile Óg Cusacks, a GAA club in Uganda, three hours south of the capital city, Kampala and the sixth GAA club in the country. It became Africa’s newest GAA club and John has placed inclusivity at its heart. It has brought gaelic football and Irish dancing to Walukubu West Primary School in Jinja near the source of the Nile in the east of Uganda. In its first year, Nile Óg Cusacks focused on coaching a classroom of 28 deaf children in the school.

John has done charitable work in Uganda since 2009 has led volunteer trips to Jinga for six week stints in the summer for the past three years leading to the creation and growth of Nile Óg Cusacks.

Its members wear familiar jerseys, including former sets belonging to Wolfe

Rising star of the year Ben Lyne

One of the Clare’s more colourful characters hailing from Cooraclare is Joe Garry. When Clare’s senior footballers lined out in the Munster SFC final for the third year in a row, the first time they did so since 1916, Garry came armed in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney with a vintage Clare jersey going back to the Martin Donnelly sponsored days. Things were bad on the day with Clare slumping to a 4-20 0-21 hammering, Garry had a numbered 21 jersey on him but thankfully wasn’t called into action. The Clare FM analyst further strengthened his style credentials when sporting a peak flat cap when attending the U21A football final between Ennistymon and Clondegad. His technical skills were not on par with the fashion as it took him three attempts to manage to record an interview with victorious Ennistymon boss Brendan ‘Beano’ Rouine.

Dreams aplenty were achieved for Ennis teenager Ben Lyne who signed for Manchester Utd from Wolves in August. Several Premier League clubs were eyeing up the promising attacker. A son of Seán and Maeve, Ben joined Wolves from the Cayman Islands football academy, Total Soccer Cayman, where he caught the attention of Wolves scouts in an English youth tournament. Before heading to Manchester, Ben played a central role for Éire Óg’s U15 footballers, scoring a hat-trick as they defeated Kildysart/Coolmeen 7-11 1-9 to win the county championship. In May, he scored both goals for St Flannan’s College to help them win the FAI Schools First Year Boys National Cup 2-1 against Scoil Dara, Kilcock on a scoreline of 2-1.

He was named as a Community Games All Star for U12 soccer in October 2022. He is a former player with Ennis Town FC. He has since been called up to train with the English U15 squad.

Need for speed award

Manager of the year

Alex O’Neill

Enda Byrt

One of the great pioneering coaches of Irish basketball, Enda Bryt is a giant in the sport. In May, he was inducted into the Basketball Ireland Hall of Fame.

The Ennistymon man is regarded as one of the key administrative figures in popularising the sport in this country. He was part of a vibrant, young new national executive elected in 1979-80 that revolutionised the sport over the ensuing decade. As head of games development he helped establish the first extensive roll out of coaching and table official courses, including at his beloved national residential camp in Dungarvan. He also founded and acted as editor of the Basketball Ireland magazine which hugely promoted and documented the sport’s growth during that period. As chairperson of international affairs he helped set up the first junior (U19) men’s programme, and served as an assistant to Danny Fulton when Ireland recorded its first ever win in Europe in the grade, beating Denmark in Finland in 1984. In 1988 then, after also being Fulton’s assistant for four years with the senior programme, he was elevated to head coach of the senior men’s team, a position which he would occupy for most of the following decade. In that time he transformed and professionalised how Irish teams prepared and successfully recruited Irish-American players, most notably Pat Burke. During his tenure Ireland won the 1994 Promotions Cup in the National Basketball Arena while he also led Ireland to three appearances in the world university games, including in 1995 in Tokyo when an Ireland team featur-

Tones and St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield and they’ve even put together videos saying ‘Come on The Parish’ in advance of the Clare SFC final this year. Since 2017 over 50 volunteers from Clare including John have raised in excess of €275,000 for charities based in Uganda.

John was part of the Clare senior football backroom team under Colm Collins and Mark Fitzgerald, he is now involved with Joe Hayes’ minor team, working on statistics and analysis, his calm and open manner makes him a fine addition to any set-up. He has won championships with Michael Cusacks and Tubber, he has been Chairperson of Clare GAA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee since its inception three years ago. He is the founder of Fitness4Fun. As underlined by his lifetime of work, John is one of the good guys, representing the best of what is involved in Clare sport.

ing Burke, Adrian Fulton and Karl Donnelly finished eighth out of the 17 countries, and famously rattled a Team USA featuring Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson and Ray Allen. Coaching continued to be a passion for him; in the mid-noughties he took a sabbatical to serve as an NCAA assistant coach to his great friend Pete Strickland in Coastal Carolina. He has also been a brilliant champion for basketball in his native county.

In 1983-84 Claremont Admirals, based in his hometown of Ennistymon, entered Division Two of the national league with Enda as their player-coach. Their four-year participation in the league is to this day still fondly remembered in the mid-west and beyond, not least for their recruitment of the hugely-popular Ed Randolph. A man of many interests and talents, just last year the retired school teacher had a book published on music and ceilí bands in North Clare, he continues to contribute to the game, acting as a mentor to coaches in the local club Clare Cascaders and also head coaching Western Seahawks who have been one of the stronger teams on the women’s national masters scene in recent years.

A first national senior title was won by Quin’s Alex O’Neill in August when she took first place in a thrilling Women’s 800m final in the National Athletics Championship. Representing Limerick Track, Alex won gold ahead of Sarah Healy (UCD) in a nail-biting 800m final where sixteen seconds separated the top three.

Healy tried to find the gap on the last lap but O’Neill held her form brilliantly to edge it on the line.

Her first place finish was in a time of 2:04.53 followed by Healy in 2:04.57 and Doheny AC’s Maeve O’Neill in 2.04.69 at Morton Stadium, Santry. Alex recorded her season best at the same venue last month with a time of 2:01.70 for the Morton Games. In August 2019, Alex moved to the United States of America on a scholarship to Providence College.

The twenty four year old has already won over 30 All-Ireland medals in her athletics career.

She has represented her country on numerous occasions. She

started her juvenile atheltics career with St Cronan’s Athletic Club where her father Conor was among her coaches. She transferred to Ennis Track in 2018. Alex has credited the Community Games and Tommy Loughnane

for sparking her interest in athletics. A past pupil of Rice College, Alex is an older sister of Clare senior hurler Jack who was part of the extended panel to win the All-Ireland SHC last year.

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Thursday, Jan 1, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

double marks European Tour for Donegan Murray latest success for Clare

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ Áine Donegan has secured her European Tour card for 2026 following a joint fifth place finish in the Lalla Aicha Q-School in Morocco. Áine is one of twenty golfers to earn their full LET cards for the 2026 season.

She shot a bogey-free, three under 70 at Al Maaden Golf Marrakech on Saturay to tie for fifth on 13 under with Scotland’s Hannah Darling, Nigeria’s Georgia Oboh and France’s Emma Grechi.

Leading qualifier status was gained by Áine earlier this month which meant a top ten finish in Morocco would secure her card. The twenty three year old had won her pre-qualifier by eight strokes on 13=under.

She was 26-under for seven rounds, carding rounds of 70, 66, 67 in pre-qualifying, followed by rounds of 72, 67, 68 and 70 at the Final Stage.

Claiming the tour card has Donegan in high spirits. “I’m over the moon and looking forward to next year, it is nice to have a more clear pic-

ture of what next year looks like,” she said.

A Curtis Cup last September, she admitted there has been a burden to try match the feats of her teammates from the Great Britain & Ireland outfit who defeated the United States of America for the first time since 2016. “I think there’s kind of an added pressure as well to being on that team because everyone has done so well. They’ve all done really well and you’ve learned from them. I have to give a big shout out to Anna Foster, I know she wasn’t on that Curtis Cup team but she gave me so much advice coming to Morocco, even where to stay and what to eat.

I couldn’t have done it without a lot of people who have helped me preparing for this event.

A member of Lahinch Golf Club and Woodstock Golf Club, Áine turned professional in October and last July signed a partnership deal with Ei Electronics.

Over 40s allowed to regrade

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

GAA CLUBS in Clare will be able to regrade more players next year but only if they are aged over forty.

A slight change to the regarding system has been approved in Clare.

It follows the unanimous acceptable of a proposal from Cooraclare to this week’s County Convention.

Clubs are currently able to regrade five players per adult team but this number will now increase with terms applied in that the addi tional players must be aged over forty.

Cooraclare Chairman, David O’Brien put forward the proposal. It was seconded by O’Callaghans Mills Chairman, Robbie Madden.

Their addition to the bye law states that “a maximum of two players shall be regraded from one grade of competition to another in any one year outside of the number of five (current number allowed is five) where the player is 40 years of age or over on January 1”.

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

Round 5 in the Ozone Health & Fitness Winter league resulted in victory for Tony Neville and Liam O'Connor with 59 points and they were two ahead of second placed Colin Higgins and Pat O'Brien.

Round 6 in the league will take place on this Saturday and Sunday when the format will be two to score on the first nine holes with one to score over the final six holes.

The weekend club singles was won by Tony Coote (13) with 36 points one more than Mike Kelly (14) with Gerry Kelly (7) a point further back in third place with 34 points.

Winners in the 2’s competition were Tony Coote (4th, 6th, 7th, 14th holes), Denis Ryan (7th, 14th holes), Paul Sherlock (11th), Mike Liddy (4th) and John Baker (7th).

ENNIS GOLF CLUB:

Barry Larkin (9) and Mark O'Brien (15) with 42 points.

They were two better than John McInerney (23) and Leo Herbert (13) with third place filled by PJ Garry (23) and Michael Cummins (17) with 39 points.

The men’s turkey singles was won by Ger Donohue (16) with 40 points followed

by Conor Gleeson (10) with 37 with third place filled by Leo Herbert (14) with 36 points. The gross was won

by Ronan Herbert (0) with 32 points.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

Week 3 in the 9 hole wine competition at Dromoland was won by Philip Alldritt with 20 points. He won on a countback from Noel O’Connor with Fergal Kennedy in third place with 19 points.

John Hayes won the gross with 18 points while the category for handicappers of 20 and over was won by Ger Ryan with 18 points.

The turkey fourball competition at Ennis before Christmas was won by

Keane launches Munster PRO bid

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

FORMER CLARE GAA Treasurer, Bernard Keane has launched a bid to become PRO of Munster GAA. Keane’s five year term as a Munster Council delegate concluded last week and now the St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield clubman is hopeful of securing a role with the provincial body.

A native of Kilmihil, Bernard served for twelve years as Clare GAA Treasurer, prior to this he was Assistant Treasurer for four years and Bord na nÓg Peil treasurer for nine years. He stepped down as Treasurer in 2018.

He served as team liaison officer for the Clare senior footballers during Colm Collins’ eleven year tenure and for Mark Fitzgerald’s season in charge in 2024.

Speaking at County Convention, Bernard told delegates, “My five year term on Munster Council has been completed, the first thing I’m saying is where did the five years go but they are gone, it has been an honour and privilege to serve Clare GAA. "I know most players consider it a great honour to put on the Clare jersey, I considered it to be a great honour to represent Clare in Munster, I sincerely thank clubs of Clare for putting their faith in me”.

Keane continued, “the first few years were a small bit scattered because of COVID but we got an awful lot done”. He said, “A lot of people say it is handy gig but I want to remind Joe (Garry) it is far from a handy gig. To represent your county is the greatest honour any man can have”. He thanked John Fawl and John Callinan

for their help and support while serving alongside him as the Clare delegates to Munster Council.

“Where would the parishes be without the GAA, it is the focal point of every parish in the county and indeed the country, without the volunteerism we won’t have the GAA,” Bernard added.

Chairman of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating expressed his support for Keane’s bid to become Munster GAA PRO. “Bernard is seeking election in the upcoming Munster GAA Convention in January, to the position of Munster PRO, and we need to seek support for Bernard in that contest from other counties that we may have influence in”.

l Bernard Keane Photo by Gerard O'Neill

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PLANNING CLARE CO. COUNCIL CAHER, CO. CLARE Permission for the construction of 1.An extension to existing dwelling house 2.Elevation alterations to existing dwelling house 3.Demolition of existing sheds 4.Installation of a new wastewater treatment system and all associated site works is being sought by Orla Broderick. 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 Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare 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 of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

I Chris Moylan intend to apply for Planning permission for first floor extension to side of existing house over existing with hip roof to match existing all with associated ancillary works at 13 Gort Na Greine, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, V95YEY7 This planning application will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during office hours at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and 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 application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, BALLYCOTTEEN NORTH, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE Take notice that D. Logue intends to apply

to the Planning Authority for Retention Permission for the extensions and alterations made to the existing dwelling house, the front boundary wall, site entrance walls, and internal site works. Permission is sought to complete the dwelling and a new proprietary wastewater system to replace the existing system on site 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 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.

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Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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1/3/23, 11:01 AM

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Daily Quick Crossword: 3 January 2023 ,1/3/2023 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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DOWN 1 Fracture (5) 2 Flesh without fat (4) 3 Whole (6) 4 Put together (8) 5 Of greatest size (7) 6 Robin (9) 9 Rued (9) 12 Helped (8) 14 Mollify (7) 16 Obstacle (6) 19 Sorrowful poem (5) 20 Throw carelessly (4)

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ACROSS 1 Credible (10) 7 Chic (7) 8 Arrange in order (4) 10 Cook in an oven (4) 11 First showing of a film (8) 13 Uncover (6) 15 Northern Ireland (6) 17 Roomy (8) 18 Warmth (4) 21 Orient (4) 22 Bishop’s district (7) 23 Unnecessarily (10)

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Solution

Daily Quick Crossword: 3 January 2023 ,1/3/2023 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

1

4

The Clare Echo Crossword

6

Reveal

3

Save

3

Check

8

Clear about:blank

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00:14

Software © 2017 crossword-compiler.com

4

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P A E M F Y V M S P L

Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.

2

E P L A M O U T O S L O Y U O

ANSWERS

HOW TO PLAY

Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.

4

T E R E N N D V E W C

How to play

8

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Leave Vamoose Quit Vanish Decamp Withdraw Depart Retire Disappear Retreat Exit Flee Run Fly Scram Hit The Skedaddle Road Lam Out Split Leave Vamoose Quit Vanish Retire Retreat Withdraw

9

4

Split

7

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Check Out

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D D G N Y Y

Run

Hit ItThe Road Scram Beat Begone Lam Out Skedaddle

4

A N H F G M A L Y V L W R A V

Fly

Abscond

How to play

T A E B E G O N E S R M E

Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.

I

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1/1

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SUDOKU

1/3/23, 11:00 AM

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WORD SEARCH

Let's Go!

31

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 1, 2026

Support journalism in Clare by subscribing to www.clareecho.ie/subscribe

Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz In what year was Shane O’Donnell born?

1994 1995 1997

2.

In what competition did O’Donnell make his senior debut in 2013?

All Ireland Championship Allianz National League Waterford Crystal Cup

3.

4.

7.

In what year did O’Donnell receive a concussion that ruled him out of the championship?

2018 2021 2019

8.

O’Donnell plays for which club?

The Banner Éire Óg Clarecastle

O’Donnell attended which prestigious university in America in 2019?

Yale Harvard Princeton

9.

How many minutes did it take O’Donnell to score his hat trick in the 2013 All-Ireland replay?

20 15 19

How many All Stars has O’Donnell won?

3 4 2

10. What Irish university did O’Donnell attend?

UL UCC NUIG

5.

In what year did Shane win Hurler of the Year?

2022 2023 2024

6.

Who makes Shane O’Donnell’s hurleys?

Torpey Duggan His father

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Scan here to see what’s on

ANSWERS His father 2021 Éire Óg 19 UCC

Spot the Difference

Movies to see this week

1994 Waterford Crystal Cup Harvard 3 2024

1.

36 Parnell St Ennis, Co. Clare ennis.arccinema.ie

Last weeks Answers . I missing on sign . North face logo missing on jacket . Full stop missing on sign . Part of Rudolphs cheek missing on top

. Hair band different colour . Design on pink jumper missing . Part of design on top missing (second from left)

Leah Minogue of Tuamgraney was awarded Handballer of the year 2025 in Killarney at the Munster GAA Awards night.

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