The Clare Echo 01/05/25

Are you right there Michael?

Funding setback stalls West Clare Greenway

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WEST Clare’s Greenway has been stopped in its tracks with funding blocked for the section of Ennistymon to Moyasta until next year at the earliest.

Percy French’s tune ‘Are you right there Michael’ inspired by the West Clare Railway won’t be belted out anytime soon so far as the potential Greenway is concerned after it received a major setback this week. TII this week decided to reject a funding application from Clare County Coun-

cil covering two of the four sections of the route. With Ennistymon to Miltown Malbay and Miltown Malbay to Moyasta not included in this year’s funding round, it means the West Clare Railway Greenway process which commenced in 2017 is way off hitting full steam.

Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) said he has “grave concern” for the Greenway’s development following the funding setback.

l Kai O’Brien and Jake Myles are all smiles in Frank Healy Park for the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup semi-final between Tulla Utd and Bridge Utd

Photo by Joe Buckley

MUNSTER

v Kerry Green shoots at showgrounds

pages 28-31

NEWSDESK

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or

news@clareecho.ie

SALES

Email: denise@clareecho.ie

or kieran@clareecho.ie or ross@clareecho.ie

Unit 9, The Mall, Clare Road Business Centre, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

Crowe appointed Chair of Oireachtas committee on education & youth

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) has been appointed Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Youth.

Deputy Crowe received the call from Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) on Thursday afternoon to inform him of his appointment. The Meelick native served on the committee during his first-term in the Dáil.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Deputy Crowe said he would utilise his fourteen years experience as a primary school teacher at Parteen National School and his time as Assistant Principal for his new role.

He said, “I’m a graduate of Mary Immaculate College and the University of Limerick and I hope to be a strong voice for children in education and also for those who work in the sector, including principals, teachers, special needs assistants and secretaries.

“In recent years, the Government has put a major emphasis on inclusive education, specifically that children with additional needs can have those needs met in their local area, and ideally by their local school. Much work needs to be done in this area and hopefully our committee will examine how this area can be further enhanced over the next number of years.

“This committee also has the Youth dimension to it and at the beginning of this month I met with representatives of Clare Youth Service to talk about their hopes and aspirations for the Clare youth sector. Whilst my Chairing role will require impartiality, I hope to use the

Festival manager Carmen Cronin, Master Gardeners Jo Newton and Klaus Laitenberger and Healthy Clare Coordinator Sam McCarthy pictured at the Clare Garden Festival which took place at the Ennis Showgrounds last Sunday

Clare TD Cathal Crowe (FF)

Save Our Seat campaign wins out in Lahinch

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SAVE OUR seat campaign in Lahinch has prevailed with a licence granted to The Coffee Hatch to retain their outdoor picnic bench.

Clare County Council this week granted approval to The Coffee Hatch in Lahinch to have an outdoor seating area accommodating six people under Section 254 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.

This licence is valid from April 25th 2025 to April 27th 2026.

At the end of March, an objection was made to the County Council over the presence of the bench outside The Coffee Hatch. Licences for off-street furniture were previously granted by the Council to The Edge for four benches, three of these have been removed by the restaurant but one has since been utilised by The Coffee Hatch.

Following on from the complaint, a ground swell of local support emanated

for The Coffee Hatch with a petition signed by over 700 people to try save the seat in Lahinch.

Further support was garnered after the matter was highlighted first by The Clare Echo and was subsequently picked up on by other media outlets including Clare FM and The Independent.

Speaking to The Clare Echo on Wednesday, Carmel Connaire owner of The Coffee Hatch confirmed that the licence had been granted by the Council, she commended them for their “genuine understanding”.

“Most importantly we would like to thank our community. When initially faced with the objection to the picnic bench we were disappointed. Our regulars asked how they can help, is there a petition to be signed? That sparked the beginning of our Save Our Seat campaign. It has always been about our community here in Lahinch more than the business, they wanted to save their meeting

point. The response was incredible. The petition gained over 700 signatures in a weekend, with people making the trip down just to put their name to the cause. The reaction online was even greater and countless emails were sent to the council on our behalf from our extended community such as those who aren’t local but make Lahinch their home in the school breaks and summer,” she added.

Emphasising the importance of the bench, Carmel explained, “third spaces somewhere separate from work and home, is clear. People need to have somewhere they can go to meet others and share a genuine human experience. There are very few spaces to do that now, that allow people of all walks of life and strangers to mix and come together naturally, even if only for the duration of their coffee. The picnic bench has become a sort of centre point for the community, and for the individual

communities that exist within. We have surfers, workers, gym goers, golfers and passers-by joining together here and the love and laughter shared can be felt on approach. It is magical”. She felt their campaign underlined the importance of communal spaces in Lahinch. “We hope that this campaign has shone a light on the need for more communal seating areas here in Lahinch. The wall along the promenade only allows for side-by-side company and doesn’t encourage mixing, which is a real shame. Round picnic benches like ours bring people together, face to face. In a world where more of us are working from home alone, partaking in solo travelling or solo sports, we need this more than ever. These are the building blocks of a community. We are delighted to have secured our picnic bench and are really looking forward to the season ahead”.

Christine McInerney, Breege Vaughan and Carmel Connaire

Ennis teen pleads guilty to ‘extraordinarily damaging’ machete assault

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

AN ENNIS teenager pleaded guilty to two charges in connection with a broad daylight machete attack that left his victim ‘3mm from death’ in the town.

At Ennis Circuit Court on Tuesday Trevor Quinn (18) pleaded guilty to the assault causing harm of Shane Tuohy on Ennis’s Cornmarket Street at 3.30 pm on November 20th last. Mr Quinn of Hermitage, Ennis has also pleaded guilty to the possession of a knife at the same location on the same date.

Counsel for the State, Patrick Reynolds BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that the two guilty pleas were acceptable to the State on a full facts basis.

Counsel for Mr Quinn, Patrick Whyms BL (instructed by solicitor, Daragh Hassett) told Judge Francis Comerford that the pleas were early as the case is a new return to the Circuit Court.

Mr Whyms said that his client is anxious for an early sentencing date as Mr Quinn has been in custody on this case alone since the day of the assault.

in Limerick prison after a Dublin local authority objected to a bail address in Dublin.

After viewing photos of the machete injuries to Mr Tuohy’s neck and ear at a contested bail hearing at Ennis District Court last November, Judge Alec Gabbett said that Mr Tuohy was ‘3mm from death’.

Judge Gabbett said that Mr Tuohy’s artery was visible from the neck wound in the photos provided by Gardaí.

During the contested bail hearing, Judge Gabbett said that “the damage done is extraordinary”.

He said, “This young man’s ear was nearly sliced off. It is but for the grace of God that this man is alive”.

Mr Quinn who has no previous convictions was refused bail in the District Court but obtained consent to bail in the High Court on condition that he remain out of Co Clare.

However, Mr Quinn has remained

Looking at the photos, Judge Gabbett said, “Death was not far off. One more millimetre and that artery was severed and you would have a minute at best. That is what really concerns me”.

Judge Gabbett said that the photos of the alleged injuries suffered show that they “were made with an extremely sharp implement with almost surgical precision”.

Judge Gabbett on Tuesday fixed a sentencing date of May 13th and further remanded Mr Quinn in custody to that date.

Circled is Trevor Quinn

Summer surge for Shannon Airport with 53k passengers over May Bank Holiday

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON AIRPORT is to welcome over 53,000 passengers this May Bank Holiday.

Representing an 18 percent increase on figures for 2024, the rise in passengers marks a strong start to the summer season as thousands of holidaymakers get set to take advantage of the long weekend to jet off to destinations across Europe, the UK and U.S.

Passengers will travel to popular destinations including the new sunsoaked island of Madeira, much loved Lanzarote and cosmopolitan short hop cities such as Naples, Palma and Porto.

Niall Kearns, Airport Director at Shannon Airport said, “All the team are looking forward to making it easy for those travelling this week, and to ensuring that our passengers’ holidays start here at Shannon Airport. With easy access from our car parks, fast movement through security,

great duty-free shopping, our popular bar and restaurants as well as a very friendly welcome, customers can expect a

County Clare, Ireland’s first countywide certified sustainable tourism destination.

“It’s fantastic to see

hassle-free airport experience”.

This summer, Shannon Airport is operating 36 routes to eleven countries, with over 1.8 million seats available for passengers. Shannon also serves as the gateway for arriving tourists beginning their journey through Ireland in

another vibrant bank holiday period following such an exceptionally busy Easter. We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our customers for choosing to fly Shannon Airport,” Niall added.

Passengers are encouraged to pre-book their car parking online for

the busy May bank holiday, and summer travel, as soon as possible.

Cork Airport are forecasting 62,500 passengers this weekend which is a 20 percent increase on the same time for 2024. Additional summer services kicking off at Cork include Aer Lingus resuming its twice-weekly service to Dubrovnik; Ryanair’s return of its twice-weekly flights to Sardinia and the start of TUI’s new service to Corfu and Aer Lingus’ new Cork to Bordeaux route.

Meanwhile, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD (FF) will visit Cork Airport this Friday to launch the airport’s €200 Capital Development Plan. The new capital development plan, which charts the course for Cork Airport’s future growth and expansion, will be the most significant and largest investment by daa in the airport in over 20 years.

Lissycasey man (75) accused of trying to smuggle in woman (22) returned for trial

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A 75-year old Lissycasey man accused of providing a fraudulent French ID card to a 22-year old woman he met online in order to assist her to gain illegal entry into Ireland last year has been returned for trial.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett returned Roger Bishop of Little Thatch, Crown, Lissycasey, Co Clare for trial to the next sittings of Ennis Circuit Court in connection with two smuggling related offences connected to the alleged illegal entry of the woman, who was living in Turkey at the time, into the State in March 2024.

In court today, Garda Emmet Roche gave evidence of handing over the Book of Evidence to solicitor, Colum Doherty for the accused.

Judge Alec Gabbett told Mr Doherty with the Book of Evidence now served, Mr Bishop did not have the option of entering a signed plea of guilt in the district court.

Judge Gabbett said that Mr Bishop could enter a plea when arraigned before the circuit court.

Judge Gabbett told Mr Bishop that if an alibi formed any part of his defence that he had 14 days in which to do so.

Sgt Frank O’Grady told the court that the DPP consents to the return for trial to the next sittings of Ennis Circuit Court where more serious penalties apply after Judge Gráinne Malone declined district court jurisdiction last month after hearing an outline of the alleged facts in court from Det Garda Karen Barker from the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).

Declining jurisdiction last month, Judge Malone said, “I appreciate that it is somewhat marginal but in all of the circumstances particularly the age discrepancy between the two and the element of preparing a fraudulent ID card I am refusing jurisdiction”.

Giving an outline of the facts, Det Garda Barker stat-

ed that on March 1st 2024, it will be alleged that Mr Bishop travelled to Turkey where he met a female.

She said, “He purchased tickets and a French ID card and assisted her in travelling to Dublin airport where he presented his passport and the French ID card with her details on it and gained entry”.

Dt Garda Barker said, “It was subsequently found that the French ID card was false in the name of the female. She is 22”.

The nationality of the woman was not disclosed in court.

Asked by Judge Malone how did Mr Bishop come to meet the woman who is 53 years younger than him, Det Barker said, “They were in an online relationship”.

Asked by Judge Malone where is she now, Det Garda Barker said: “She subsequently claimed asylum. She attempted to leave the jurisdiction in May-June and Luxembourg returned her back to Dublin airport on the false French ID card she

had gained entry with previously”.

Asked by Judge Malone did Mr Bishop stand to make any financial gain, Det Barker said, “No judge - she was culpable. She wanted to come to Ireland and she got in a relationship. He basically thought he was in a relationship with her but when she arrived here, it didn’t go to plan”.

Det Garda Barker said that “it wouldn’t be one of the more serious cases we have dealt with”.

Det Garda Barker said that the DPP had directed that the case be dealt with in the district court. Judge Malone said that the DPP has the benefit of all of the papers in this case but said that she was refusing jurisdiction.

Mr Bishop - who turns 76 in May - is charged with possessing a fraudulent French ID card at T1 at Dublin airport on March 1st 2024 with the intention of assisting another person entry into the State in breach of Section 5 of the Immigration Act 2004 contrary to Section 8 of the

Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons Act) 2021.

Mr Bishop is also charged on March 1st 2024 at T1, Dublin airport with intentionally assisting the entry of another person into the State which was a breach of Section 5 of the Immigration Act contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act 2021.

Roger Bishop

Cut-backs introduced at Bunratty Castle & Folk

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CUTBACKS have been introduced in Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.

Clare County Council is introducing measures to scale back on spending at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.

Bunratty has yet to meet financial expectations since it came under the ownership of the local authority in May 2023.

Clare County Council’s annual financial statement for 2024 stated, “Out turn from our tourism sites has not been as favourable as that adopted in Budget 2025 or as forecast into 2025”. It continued, “While Clare tourism sites in the west of the county have performed broadly in line with expectations, the Shannon Heritage sites have not performed as expected, returning significant losses compared to that forecast. This result is the subject of an internal review to identify the background to this and to realign business plans and spending to return the sites to at least a balanced position”.

In an in-depth interview with The Clare Echo ahead of his December exit as Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling was questioned on his previous description of the Shannon Heritage sites transfer sites as “one of the biggest risks” in the Council’s 125 year plus history. He said, “The risk is paying off. Every risk has to be calculated, and not taken, carelessly, that acquisi-

tion and if I look across at my desk now, there’s a book at the back of it holding up everything, and you see the size of it, it’s about 1000 pages, that’s the due diligence, I’m leaving that to my successor to see what can be done. That was the scale of the due diligence we took out that took a year and a half. That derisked it because it did a full due diligence of what the risks were and how those risks could be mitigated. We’ve done that, we have a new system put in place, we are evolving towards a nuclear tourism company that’ll embrace all the tourism stuff that’s going on”.

Among the cutbacks introduced at Bunratty has been the removal of the jaunting cars and the ending of a contract with TikTok influencers Eoin Reardon and James O’Connor who between them have an online following in excess of three million.

Eoin confirmed that his agreement with Bunratty Castle & Folk Park has ended. “Myself and James were both contracted separately to give them demonstrations in the court yard at Bunratty, I was given traditional woodwork demonstrations and James was given traditional blacksmith demonstrations, although we were two separate contractors it only took a matter of time before the two of us started collaborating together, we had a lot of fun making little projects and videos together. The word all through last summer was that we would be back for summer 2025 and on that understanding we took on a big project

together in Christmas for the Castle, it was full on stressful but we were happy to do it in the knowledge that it would help us smoothly transition to the next year with Bunratty. It wasn’t in paper but we had a verbal arrangement with Bunratty that we would be starting our residency from Easter Sunday weekend every weekend through to August”.

He added, “Less than a week be-

fore we were due to return, we both got a phonecall saying due to some budgetary constraints they were no longer able to have myself and James working this year. Working in Bunratty was without doubt some of the most fun I’ve had on this content creation journey, I’m really glad to have taken the time to enjoy the journey while I was in it, I knew in the back of my head something

might happen and it might not happen again next year, I’m glad I did it, this short notice cancellation means myself and James’ plans for the summer have been completely thrown out the window, I’m sure we will find something but we had a great thing going and it seems a shame to give up on it”.

Cratloe set dancers raise funds for local causes

The Cratloe Set Dancing group recently held a presentation evening to donate money raised from their Christmas and Easter céilís. Two cheques were presented on the night—one to the Autism class at St. John’s National School, Cratloe, and the other to the Clare branch of Down Syndrome Ireland.

Principal of St. John’s School, Susan Frawley, received a cheque for €2,000 for the Autism class. She said “we are thrilled to receive such a donation as they can do so much for the children with it. we are very grateful to the set dancers for including the school in their fundraising.

Kieran Dooley, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Clare, also thanked the group. He explained that this funding will help fund vital services, such as Speech and Language Therapy and therapeutic swimming, making a meaningful difference in the lives of our members while also promoting awareness of Down Syndrome’.

lSET DANCING: Cratloe set-dancers presenting cheques to the austism class at St.John’s National school and the Clare Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland

lCUT-BACKS: Bunratty Castle and Folk-park

Setback for West Clare Greenway as Ennistymon to Moyasta section misses out on funding

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“GRAVE CONCERN” has been expressed by a Clare TD for the future of the West Clare Railway Greenway.

Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) has said a recent decision by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) not to approve a funding application from Clare County Council to advance a significant portion of the 100-kilometre greenway has raised fears locally that the scale and economic ambition of the project is being undermined.

A TII allocation of €850,000 has been provided for the progression of the Kilrush to Kilkee section of the Greenway in 2025, with an additional €500,000 approved for the Ennis to Ennistymon section.

However the section from Ennistymon to Miltown Malbay and onto Moyasta has not been successful in securing funding to bring it to the next stage of development.

TII have said they will “give consideration to funding the

progression of the Ennistymon to Miltown Malbay and Miltown Malbay to Moyasta Greenway sections in 2026 taking cognisance of the limited funding available to TII generally and the many competing demands for such funding”.

Deputy Cooney has said he would be requesting the Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien (ff), and Ministers of State Seán Canney (IND) and Jerry Buttimer (FG) to permit any underspend in other Greenway projects being developed by Clare County Council, and across the country, to be reallocated to ensure the momentum for the unfunded sections of this project can continue.

“I have grave concerns for the development of the Greenway project from Ennistymon to Miltown Malbay and Miltown Malbay to Moyasta North, which represent a vital component of the larger Greenway,” the Clare TD said. “Despite landowner consultation that has been ongoing since 2017, the completion of a public consulta-

tion on route options along with tourism and appraisal studies, and the appointment of key specialists, including a Land Valuer, Project Agronomist, Legal Advisors, Quantity Surveyors and Landscape Architects, the Ennistymon to Moyasta segment of the proposed greenway has been denied the necessary funding to proceed to the next stage of development”.

Deputy Cooney continued, “This is a project that would transform tourism in this county at a time when the sector is facing significant challenges. We have seen the economic value of the Westport and Waterford Greenways to their respective local communities and, therefore, it is vital that this project receives the necessary support from TII and the Department of Transport. I will be requesting the Department consider other avenues for funding the Ennistymon to Moyasta sections of the Greenway, including the potential reallocation of any underspend on other Greenway projects across the county and the

country”.

Former Senator, Roisin Garvey (GP) called on Clare’s Fianna Fáil TDs, Timmy Dooley (FF) and Cathal Crowe (FF) to deal with the matter and said the absence

Clare Railway cycling route kicked off with lots of funding in previous year to progress this project. I worked really hard on getting it this far. Over 400 jobs have been created thanks to Mayo and

A targeted opening date of 2025 has been set by officials driving the project for Clare County Council when the project was in its enfancy. Initial estimates placed the expected cost at €80m. The

of funding for the Ennistymon to Moyasta section “is not good enough”.

She stated, “Clare has two Fianna Fáil TDs and the Minister for Transport is Fianna Fáil. Myself and Eamon Ryan got the West

Waterford Greenways. Antisocial behaviour decreases, loneliness decreases, tourism and bed nights increase hugely. Our children deserve and need this. Our tourism needs this. Our older people need this. We will all benefit”.

85km route is split into four sections, Kilrush to Kilkee, Ennis to Ennistymon, Ennistymon to Miltown Malbay and Miltown Malbay to Moyasta.

€2.6m pricetag on Killaloe nursing home

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

A KILLALOE nursing home is on the market for €2.6m

The Lakes Nursing Home is one of four nursing homes in the Aperee Group which are to be sold by liquidator Gerard Murphy for €8m. The sale is part of an effort by the revenue commissioners to wind up the nursing home group.

The Lakes Nursing Home is the most valuable facility up for grabs, priced at €2.6m, alongside nursing homes in Cork and Galway. The Killaloe facility is comprised of 52 bedrooms with 57 bed spaces and a capacity for 100 people. Agents Colohan Dowling have recently entered the saleagreed stage with five other Aperee nursing homes.

Mowlam Healthcare, one of the largest nursing

home operators in Ireland manage the Killaloe facility. Mowlam also operates St. Martha’s Nursing Home in Charleville, Co. Cork which is currently up for sale for over €1.25 million. The Blackbee group, which oversees the operations of the Aperee nursing homes, had been under pressure from HIQA to meet regulations at a number of its facilities. This led to some of the group’s homes either closing or being overtaken by the HSE in Callan, Co. Kilkenny, Belgooly in Cork and Ballygunner in Waterford.

A 2024 inspection of the Killaloe facility found that “staff were not always appropriately supervised”. The HIQA report also found “resident meeting records demonstrated that concerns were raised by a resident regarding call bell response times at night”.

Other discrepancies were also found in the Lakes Nursing Home. Staff were not always properly supervised, with HIQA noting that “adverse incidents were not responded to in an appropriate manner. For example, incident forms were not completed following unexplained injuries sustained by two residents”.

HIQA also found that residents in the facility were not properly safeguarded from potential abuse and controls in place to manage risks were not implement-

ed correctly.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Mowlam Healthcare said that they will “continue to operate Lakes Nursing Home as normal until such a time as the ownership changes”.

“When the ownership does change, Mowlam Healthcare may be requested to remain in place, but if not, we will facilitate a smooth handover to the new owners. This will ensure that there is continuity for residents and their families”, they concluded.

Medical centre plans for Ennistymon’s Grovemount House

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

GROVEMOUNT House in Ennistymon is to be transformed from a guest house to a Medical Centre.

The former B&B situated on the Lahinch Road has been granted planning permission for the change of use by Clare County Council.

In August 2024, Paul Conway Architects applied to the planning department for a “change of use of the existing guest and dwelling house to Medical Centre, with alterations to elevations requiring infilling of some external openings, and new fire escape with accessible entrance and extended carparking”.

‘MMD Atlantic Ltd’ will oversee the operations of the medical centre once it is built. This is an amalgamation of three local medical practices, two in Lahinch and one in Corofin, designed to serve as a medical hub for North Clare. The new development is designed to serve the community for up to 35 years or more.

Once completed, the medical centre will be staffed by four doctors, two nurses, a receptionist and three administrators. Up to ten patients will be treated at a time, with a fur-

ther ten in the building’s waiting room at any given time. One of the B&B’s existing bedrooms will be retained and used as a flat by a medical locum who does not live locally. The development received a number of endorsements from Clare’s politicians including West Clare MD councillors Shane Talty (FF) and Bill Slattery (FG). Election topper, junior minister Timmy Dooley TD (FF) also supported the development. 31 car parking spaces will be provided at the site as the centre has the potential to become a busy location, given the wide area it will serve. Ennistymon already has a HSE Medical Centre located on the Ennis Road. The new centre is expected to serve the wider North Clare area however and relieve pressure on medical services in the county. There are little changes expected to be made to the building’s structure other than the addition of an accessible entrance for wheelchair users and a new fire escape. The former six bedroom B&B had been listed for sale for over €1.2 million before being acquired by MMD Atlantic Ltd. Development can now begin after the planning department successfully granted permission.

Clare Wellness Clinic

I first heard about Reiki when I was studying kinesiology in Tipperary. I had done a number of modules and needed more points and another therapy in order to qualify. My tutor recommended I study Reiki. I was really ticking a box, but it turned into a passion. Reiki is just an amazing therapy that I use in the clinic every day. I use it in all treatments, whether a singular treatment or in combination with other therapies.

So, what is Reiki? Reiki originated in Japan in the early 20th century. It is based on the belief that there is a universal life force and that this energy flows through all living things. This energy can be harnessed and directed by a qualified Reiki Master to promote healing and balance in the body, mind and soul.

During a session, the practitioner lightly places their hands just above the clients body with the intention of guiding this energy to areas that may be out of balance. Using Reiki in the clinic

I find is most beneficial in bringing calm relaxation and excellent to bring about the release of negative emotion. It is extremely supportive to clients with:

Depression- Where a sense of lightness and release can be felt.

Anxiety- People with an anxiety also feel a sense of calm- ease.

Grief- Being able to go on and get through the day.

Loneliness- People feel that they are not on their own.

Pain relief- Some individuals find relief from chronic pain conditions as it helps to restore balance.

Stress- It’s known to bring deep relaxation- Bring the nervous system into balance.

Sleep issues- As Reiki helps with sleep and relaxation, it can contribute to better sleep qualityPeople often remark on a good night’s sleep after Reiki sessions.

Balance- reiki helps the restoration of balance in the physical body, emotionally, spiritually and mentally.

Peace- Oh, to be at peace!

While Reiki is a treatment that brings a great sense of peace. I have often said to clients that if I could bottle the feeling after treatment, it would be a number one seller!

We all like to be in harmony, and I believe that Reiki is a great tool to restore just that. While Reiki is not a substitute for medical treatment, it definitely serves as a complementary therapy that can balance overall health and vitality. Whether used to manage stress, support personal growth or aid in recovery from illness, Reiki at the clinic has my respect as a transformative practise in a world of Wellness.

Some comments after treatments:

“I could stay here all day”

“Thank you for that I feel amazing, I can’t describe how I feel. Wow!”

“I feel so much lighter in myself like a weight has lifted off me”

“I feel so calm and relaxed”

Reiki at

Lakes Nursing Home Killaloe

Melodys maintain strong family link with Newmarket-on-Fergus Show

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FAMILY links remain strong with the Newmarket-on-Fergus Agricultural Show which returns this Sunday.

This is typified with some of the present-day committee members, Jane O’Leary, Fiona Duggan, Sarah Lynch and Davy Gleeson carrying on the torch from their parents.

Another family to maintain involvement across generations has been the Melodys of Bunratty. Jimmy Melody was an integral member of the committee, he attended his final show weeks before his death in 2003 and a perpetual cup in his honour is presented each year to Charolais champion of the show.

Jimmy’s sons JJ and Dan are ever-present with their involvement and his grandson Joseph continues the tradition.

For JJ, earliest memories of the Show stretch back 50 years to rounding up cattle with Frank O’Brien and Hubbie McCabe plus loading cattle with John and Michael Melican. He recalled, “There was an in-between period where the Newmarket show was a horse show and the cattle faded out...but then they brought back the cattle again and my father was involved a bit in that and he loved the shows.

“I suppose it’s the people you meet at the shows that makes the show. It’s not for what you’re going to make out of the show, it’s for the involvement of the people, all the neighbours and everyone. There was a lot of funny days now in Newmarket because that time cattle weren’t trained the same way that they are now for shows”.

An involvement for Joseph began around 2010 when the show was held in the field of Joseph Hannon on the approach to Newmarket-on-Fergus from Shannon. “That would’ve intersected with my own interests in a showing career in cattle, we were doing a lot of showing with Shirley cattle, Limousines, and a few Herefords at the time. We competed a few times in Newmarket and we were lucky enough to have some success there and it was really the jumping off point for the year.

“It was just a great community day, some of the great people involved in it and strong characters like Jim O’Leary driving it forward”.

Even when bad weather cancelled some shows which never recovered, the Newmarket Show always bounced back, Joseph noted. “My grandfather would’ve been to the show a couple of weeks before he died, he was nearly 97 years of age and he had a lifelong involvement with showing and it would have been a great pride to him how well it was going, even in his final year and we’ve sponsored a cup there, the Jimmy Melody cup.

“The show is one of the last great institutions we have.”

Keeping the family link with the Jimmy Melody Cup has been something which would have pleased his father, JJ said. “Even up to the time when he was not well, he went to the show and that was very important to him.

“We [went to] nearly every show in Ireland.

“I remember getting up at four o’clock one morning and heading off to Ballinasloe and we didn’t come home till all hours of the night.”

Winning at the Newmar-

ket-on-Fergus Show “meant more”, JJ explained.

“That was the very same as the championship, you knew how good you were when you started and how the animals coped and how they were able to calm themselves.

“Some animals you just would lose, they’d get wild and all that and you’d say ‘I’m not going to bring that one no more’ so it was a breaking point that you knew.

“It’s like trying out young players on a team. If they worked out well the first day you went on from there. I know a few won in Newmarket and they went on and won All Irelands after and they were very successful cattle and maybe if that show wasn’t there, we might never have got to that stage.”

In terms of comparisons with other shows across the country, Joe outlined, “for a

relatively compact size local show, it packs a huge punch. There’s great exhibit of cattle there, you haven’t much empty space on the day, the horse side isn’t my side of it but they do have great horses and the jumping side of it. There’s a huge dog show in it. There isn’t much empty space in that field like if we had to look at expanding it which you wouldn’t be but it’s going quite well, there isn’t that much extra green space there for them and it’s a big field. The best way I could describe it from a cattle man’s point of view is you could win a first prize or champion in your particular breed at Newmarket and there’s nothing to say that that same animal wouldn’t be capable of winning it at the top show in the country in Tullamore. It could be a smaller class in Newmarket but the quali-

ty is so good that if you go into Tullamore in a class of 25 cattle you could still come out on top. You’ve that good a level in Newmarket, the quality has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and there’s exhibitors from all over the country coming to it”.

Shows have gone more professional now, JJ observed.

“People were catching cattle the week before and it was kind of a will you hold that will you be able. There was a lot of fun in it. Now it’s gone kind of professional really, they’re travelling long distances to shows. There’d be people there from a lot of counties coming to Newmarket when it’s on”.

Agricultural shows are of integral importance to rural communities, Joe explained.

“The Newmarket show is an institution and I think un-

fortunately like other areas that lost their shows, especially their cattle shows, they didn’t realise what they had until it was gone and it’s on Sunday evening when the show is all over that there’s a goodwill feeling in the community. That’s in short supply now rural communities are in danger of decline in a lot of the country and we’re very lucky to have a prosperous rural community around here and I think Newmarket show is playing no small part in it, the fact that it’s still going is a testament to a small core of people, strong people who came back and revived it and brought it to the level it’s at today. It’s a positive news story in rural Ireland where you often have a lot of doom and gloom. Its positive and its very necessary, with rural isolation people get a chance to meet people they mightn’t have met since the last show”. JJ added, “Even local people that wouldn’t be interested in shows, if you go when the show is over, all the gates that they put up for the cattle and all the pens they all have to be moved and you’ll see every one of them coming and giving a hand and loading them up on a tractor and trailer to go back the next day. It’s a great sign of the parish that everyone gets involved. That’s really what the show is all about like. Now you see an awful lot of youngsters coming to the show, which is good, its encouragement you’d see families from the parish going. They come from long distances to Newmarket show, every county”. Crowds will come in their numbers on Sunday and they’ll be sure to meet the Melody family in fine form once they arrive.

l FAMILY TIES: Joe Melody with his father JJ Melody at their family farm in Bunratty

Composting in your garden

COMPOSTING is an excellent way to reduce the amount of organic waste in your home, while also creating nutrient-rich soil for gardening.

It’s a simple process that anyone can do, and it’s especially popular in Ireland. The Irish government has set a goal of achieving a recycling rate of 65% by 2035, with organic waste composting playing an essential role in achieving this target. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple methods for composting in an Irish home, even if you have limited space.

CHOOSE YOUR METHOD OF COMPOSTING IN IRELAND

First, choose a compost bin that will suit your needs. There are various options available, from plastic to wooden bins that come in various sizes.

When composting in Ireland, a smaller bin is ideal if you have limited space, while a larger bin is perfect if you have a larger garden. It’s essential to choose a bin with a tight-fitting lid, as this will prevent your compost from attracting unwanted pests.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Next, it’s time to choose the right location for your compost bin. The ideal spot is in partial sun, as the heat will speed up the composting process.

Additionally, you should choose a dry spot that isn’t too damp. Make sure your compost bin has good drainage, as too much water can cause your compost to become anaerobic, resulting in unpleasant odors.

WHAT FOODS TO ADD WHEN COMPOSTING IN IRELAND

Now, let’s talk about what you can put in your compost bin. Composting in Ireland is all about recycling organic waste, such as kitchen scraps, garden waste, paper, and cardboard. However, there are some things you shouldn’t put in your compost bin,

such as meat, dairy, and oily foods.

These items can attract pests, and the grease can prevent the compost from breaking down properly.

To ensure a healthy and productive compost pile, it’s best to maintain a balance of brown and green materials.

Brown materials include dry leaves, straw, and shredded paper, and they provide carbon for your compost.

Green materials include grass clippings, fruit and vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds, and they provide nitrogen. You should aim for a ratio of about 3:1, with brown materials making up the majority of the compost pile.

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR COMPOST IN IRELAND

Finally, it’s time to maintain your compost bin. Regularly turning your compost will help speed up the process of breaking down the organic material. You should also keep your compost bin moist by watering it regularly. If you find that your compost becomes too wet, you can add more brown materials to help absorb the excess moisture.

Composting in an Irish home is an excellent way to reduce your waste and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening. With just a few simple steps, you can start composting in your home today.

Remember to choose the right bin, location, and materials, and maintain your compost pile regularly. With a little effort, you can contribute to Ireland's goal of achieving a recycling rate of 65% by 2035.

MAY has so much to offerthe garden is in full swing and gardens are blooming with such fantastic colour at the moment.

The vegetable garden is lush and green and all the vegetables are getting nice and strong.

We have lots of strawberries and tomatoes; for anyone with a small green house it is a brilliant way to start growing your own vegetables at home.

Hanging basket plants are coming in, with an array of colour to choose from so whether you like a petunia basket with the hot pink colours or purples, or it’s the trailing begonias that you love we have a lot to pick from.

Mix baskets are very popular and some lovely Bacopa, Bidens and Diascia can give you lots of colour for the summer.

Perennial range is growing each week and whether it’s a

shady area or an area that gets lots of sun we have a lovely selection to choose from.

When you have shady area, it can seem tricky to get plants to grow but we have some like the Hosta and Fern, Astilbe, Coleus and these are just a few to name.

For sunny areas the likes of dahlia, nepeta lilies, lupins are ideal and again these are just a few to name.

A few reminders for the next few weeks; keep on top of the weeds - they are growing well too at the moment and regular militance helps to keep it under control.

Feeding bedding plants encourages them to bloom and deadheading too so the more you mind the plant the more blooms you will have.

Watering is a tricky one to answer; this needs to be kept an eye on and early morning or

late evening are best so when its nice and warm they need regular care.

Keep an eye on the pest like green fly and treat Roses regularly to help keep them and black spot away too.

Most of all, in the month of May I enjoy the lovely scented lavender to the beautiful Lilac tree with the most gorgeous smells, and all the lovely flowers that come through my door.

I hope you get to embrace your fabulous creation weather it’s the garden or a patio enjoy the long evening and the colours in the garden.

l Weeding is very important this time of year; (inset top) trailing begonias and (bottom) lupins

l VOLUNTEER: Tidy Towns chairperson, Cllr Mary Howard

Regional News

Bealtaine Voices at Ennis Courthouse

CLARE Arts Office will again host Bealtaine Voices, a community choir event, on the steps of the Ennis Courthouse on Monday, May 5 at 3pm. Singer, musician, producer and proud Ennis man Mike Hanrahan of Stockton’s Wing will be hosting this free community event for all generations to join in and sing along.

The St. Michaels Villas Choir, Ennis Gospel Choir, Clarecastle Community Choir and the Forever Young Choir, will all join forces to perform songs and a singalong with Mike Hanrahan at the end of the concert.

Mike Hanrahan was the 2024 Bealtaine Festival Ambassador as well as being the Clare Age Friendly Ambassador working with Age Friendly Ireland in ensuring that Ireland is a place where people can be proud to age in.

Well-known as the Stockton’s Wing frontman, Ballymaloe-trained chef and songwriter, Mike Hanrahan has worked with a who’s who of the Irish music scene since the 1970s.

His memoir ‘Beautiful Affair: A Journey with Music, Food and Friendship’ was published in 2019 and was shortlisted for The An Post Irish Book Awards. In recent times he has been exploring links between creativity, music and dementia as part of his role as Senior Fellow at The Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College as well as presenting a music show on RTÉ.

Please note there is no booking, this is a walk-up event. No seating is provided but audience members are welcome to bring folding chairs, cushions, blankets etc to sit on and maybe an umbrella!

Arterial Drainage Acts, 1945 and 1995 (as amended)

(No. 3 of 1945 and No. 14 of 1995)

River Fergus Lower (Ennis) Certified Drainage Scheme

Notice is hereby given that the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation proposes to issue a Certificate pursuant to the provisions of Section 13 of the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, that the whole of the drainage works specified in the River Fergus Lower (Ennis) Certified Drainage Scheme have been completed in accordance with that scheme (with such additions, omissions, variations and deviations as have been found necessary during the course of the works).

Any person interested may, within two months after the date of publication of this Notice in Iris Oifigiúil, send to the Minister an objection to the issue of the said Certificate.

Submissions can be made by email to riverferguslowercds@per.gov.ie or by post to Andrew Gray, South Block, Government Buildings, Dublin 2, D02 R583.

Music foundation launched in honour of prodigy Sean Shannon

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

THE SEAN SHANNON music foundation is launching this June with concerts at the Royal Irish Academy of Music on the 20th and in glór on the 27th.

The concerts are the first in a series of events planned by the foundation, dedicated to the immensely talented Ennis pianist who tragically passed away in 2023, aged just eighteen.

The foundation is dedicated to breaking down financial barriers for talented young musicians by providing mentors, performance opportunities and a supportive community where young musicians are able to thrive.

Aoife O’Donovan is one of the organisation’s founders. She described Sean as “an absolute prodigy”. She said, “He was born into a family that didn’t have a lot of money and wasn’t able to afford lessons. He managed to kind of learn by ear on this tiny five key piano and was able to recount melodies from songs and games. When he was twelve he was able to access subsidised lessons by Music Generation. They provided him with a teacher and paid for a bit of the tuition. He really evolved from there, he was an absolute prodigy to be honest”.

Sean was able to avail of a baby grand piano in glór’s foyer where his talent was first recognised. The Ennis native appeared in a Nationwide special in 2021 where his talent was showcased and was subsequently made glór’s Young Associate Artist in 2022.

“He had always said he wanted to study in the Royal Irish Academy of Music which is Ireland’s oldest leading conservatoire. For his first year he was given a scholarship

and featured in the documentary ‘Face The Music’ which follows his whole first year”, Aoife told The Clare Echo.

The money raised from the upcoming summer concerts will go towards the Sean Shannon Bursary. Music Generation will then come up with a panel and nominate two young people to receive this bursary and have the opportunity to perform at their own concerts in February next year. Both concerts this June will feature performances by Principal Clarinet of the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, John Finnucane.

Tickets are available now from www. seanshannonfoundation.com for the concerts at the Royal Irish Academy of Music on June 20th and glór on June 27th.

Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon are proud to support Darkness into Light 2025

SHERRY FitzGerald McMahon is proud to support Darkness Into Light 2025, joining thousands across the country to raise vital funds for Pieta and support their life-saving mental health and suicide prevention services.

This year’s event will take place at 4:15 a.m. on Saturday, May 10th. Darkness Into Light is a powerful symbol of hope, bringing communities together in a shared commitment to help those impacted by suicide and self-harm.

Across Ireland, over 80 Sherry FitzGerald offices have signed up to participate, including our team at Sherry FitzGerald McMahon. In the two weeks leading up to the event, all par-

ticipating branches will act as official t-shirt collection points. Registered participants can visit our Sherry FitzGerald McMahon office to collect their event t-shirts. A full list of participating locations will be available on the Darkness Into Light website www.darknessintolight.ie.

Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry FitzGerald McMahon said: “We are honoured to support such a meaningful event. Darkness Into Light brings people together in hope and compassion, and we’re proud to be part of it.” You can show your support by donating to our national fundraising page here: https:// www.darknessintolight.ie/fundraisers/sherryfitzgerald

lDARKNESS INTO LIGHT: Pictured are the Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon team from left Roisin Lennon, Christina Madden, Diarmuid McMahon, Jason Pyne, Connie Cabey and Ann Daly.

Photo by Eamon Ward

lMUSIC FOUNDATION: Sean Shannon

Corofin springs into life with Festival of Finn

THE Festival of FinnNorth Clare’s premiere festival with four days of activities for children, families and adults alike – will once again take place in the beautiful village of Corofin this May Bank Holiday weekend. And this year’s festival promises to be particularly memorable.

All of the favourite events will be back, including the World Stone Throwing Championships, the fancy dress parade and the family-inspired Lark at the Lake. And this year there’s so much more, like award-winning drama, a Bealtaine story time, a walk through local history and a special presentation by a world-renowned photographer.

It all begins on Thursday, May 1 and continues until the evening of Monday, May 5.

A highlight this year, the Corofin Dramatic Society will be stopping in its hometown on the way to the All-Ireland Open Finals to perform its award-winning drama The Weir.

One of only nine productions from Ireland to make it to the open finals, The Weir is not to be missed. It will be performed at The Corofin

Community Hall on Sunday, May 4 at 8 p.m. FMI and to purchase tickets: https://corofindrama.com/ As always, children and families are at the heart of the Festival of Finn, and this year is no exception.

Bernardo the Magician will keep the children entertained with a fun performance of magic and comedy when he comes to The Corofin Community Hall on Saturday, May 3, at 11 a.m. €5 per child and parents free.

As the festival takes place during Bealtaine, what better time for children to learn about this ancient Irish celebration in a fun way? Storyteller Ruth Marshall will share tales of Bealtaine with her young audience, and lead them in a craft activity. This event on May 4 at 2:30 p.m. at Corofin Community Hall is free but numbers are limited. To reserve a spot, visit www.eventbrite.com and search bealtaine-storytelling or look for the link on our Facebook page, Visit Corofin and the Festival of Finn.

Families and children of all ages will want to set aside the afternoon of Monday, May 5, for the Festival of Finn parade, followed by the Lark at the Lake.

The theme of the parade this year is ‘Planet Corofin,’ so let loose your cosmic or environmental imagination and join in the fun!

The parade starts at the Hall at 12:30 p.m. At 2 p.m.,

head to Lake Inchiquin for an afternoon of entertainment. Come and enjoy balloon modeling with Tony Baloney, horseshoe throwing, open-air music, a bar-bque and other refreshments, face painting and games galore.

And don’t forget to bring your pooch for the dog show!

Another unmissable event will take place on the evening of May 1, when Corofin native and multi-award winning international photographer Kenneth O’Halloran will talk about his craft and his travels.

O’Halloran’s work has appeared in such publications as the New York Times, Time Magazine, Le Monde magazine and Paris Match. His talk begins at 8:30 p.m. at the Corofin Community Hall, following a wine and cheese reception at 7:45 p.m. Presented by Cumann Staire is

Duchais Chora Finne.

Of course, the signature event is the World Stone-Throwing Championship, held this year at Fair Lane. Get your throwing arm ready, ladies and gents, and step up to the line to see if you, too, can hit the bottle. Things get underway at 4 pm Sunday, May 4. Last year’s champions will no doubt be on hand to defend their titles.

But there’s so much more to suit everyone’s fancy over the course of the weekend, including walks, music, a community market and a trivia night, a film documentary and a book reading For complete up to date information, see the Facebook page -- Visit Corofin and Festival of Finn; or on Instagram, festivaloffinn. Brochures with a full schedule of events are available in most outlets in Corofin. Pick up one today.

l PROUD COMMUNITY: Last year’s Festival of Finn parade; (right) International photographer and Corofin native Kenneth O’Halloran will talk about his craft on Thursday, May 1, at 8:30 p.m. at the Corofin Community Hall.

Burren two-day symposium to chart restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral

by Páraic McMahon

IRELAND’s built heritage will be the focus of an upcoming two-day symposium in The Burren.

Though Ireland may not have a restoration project quite as large or as globally symbolic as Notre-Dame Cathedral, but the level and types of skills required to undertake this mammoth task is just one of topics that will be discussed at the INStone symposium.

Irish Natural Stone (INStone) will host the two-day event which will see conservation and heritage experts from academia, government, local authorities, the private sector, and the public gather in Boston, Tubber on May 14th and 15th to discuss topics as diverse as the cultural significance of Irish high crosses, preserving our vernacular heritage, the archaeology of the Burren’s dry stone walls and building capacity in traditional skills.

This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Shelley McNamara, internationally renowned architect and co-founder of Grafton Architects. A Pritzker Prize laureate, the Lisdoonvarna native brings a profound perspective on the relation-

ship between architecture, materiality, and place.

Attendees will also be treated to an in-depth review of stone restoration within the Notre-Dame Cathedral Restoration, by a member of the Compagnon du Devoir. This presentation, which will be delivered in French with an English translation, will be of particular interest to an Irish audience, given that St. Mel’s Cathedral in Longford also required such restoration. This project was undertaken by INStone, who were also responsible for delivering key elements of the Irish Hunger Memorial in New York City, St. John’s Cathedral in Limerick, the O’Connell Monument in Ennis, the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation in Phoenix (USA), Hope House in Bath (UK) and the Four Courts in Dublin, currently underway.

Explaining the rationale for hosting a symposium of this nature, Frank McCormack, founder and director of Irish Natural Stone, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and an active promoter of cultural heritage preservation, said, “The feedback from our inaugural symposium, held in September

2023, was very positive and pointed to the need to keep the focus on conservation at all levels.

“The purpose of this follow-up symposium is to continue the vital conversation on Ireland’s built heritage. As the challenges facing our historic structures grow – from climate pressures to the erosion of traditional skills – it is more important than ever to bring together experts, practitioners, and policymakers. This symposium offers a crucial platform to share knowledge, promote best practice, showcase innovation in conservation techniques, and foster the next generation of skilled craftspeople. It will also reinforce the urgent need to protect, restore, and celebrate the stonework that defines Ireland’s cultural landscape. This year, each day will comprise six separate talks and presentations, given by heritage experts from Ireland, the UK and France, all with varied backgrounds. They will showcase and give live demonstrations of best-practice conservation methods and traditional techniques,” he said.

The symposium will also include an exclusive exhibition entitled ‘Art in Stone’, an evening of explora-

tion of the beauty of natural stone art and sculpture. This exhibition, which commences at 7pm on Wednesday, 14th May, takes place at INStone’s exhibition gallery in Boston.

For further information on the National INStone Symposium on Wednesday and Thursday, 14th and 15th May 2025, visit www.irishnaturalstone.com

Commemorative match to mark 140 years of hurling in Tubber

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A COMMEMORATIVE hurling match takes place in Tubber this May Bank Holiday weekend to mark 140 years since the North Clare club was registered.

It is 140 year since Tubber GAA registered as a club with Clare GAA and to mark the occasion a free family-fun event takes place this Sunday.

In November 1885, Tubber partook in a tournament hosted by Adrahan and attended by thousands.

Hurling experienced a sharp decline with emigration and evictions rampant at the time so many clubs disbanded. As hurling faded, football went from strength to strength even in traditional hurling areas. The Clare Journal at the time reported a football match in May 1887, played under Gaelic rules at Tubber between Kilkeedy and Beagh.

This weekend commemorates a hurling match that took place between Tubber and Gort, both teams will line up against each other in several matches this Sunday (May 4th).

An U11 hurling game between the clubs takes place at 2pm with Tubber’s U8 camogie team facing St Coleman’s (Gort Camogie) at

the same time. Then at 3pm, the main event sees Tubber’s intermediate hurlers face Gort’s senior hurlers, the respective first team of each club. At half time, the U9 boys and U8 girls will be in action.

Rory O’Connor who is a committee member with Tubber GAA explained, “We are celebrating having first registered as a club 140 years ago with Clare GAA. As there is reference to a match between ourselves and Gort in 1885, we have invited them out to play us in a few games. We neighbour Michael Cusack’s original club in Carron and we have players from Carron, New Quay, Ballvaughan and Fanore who play their hurling with us at all levels currently”.

Cups will be presented to the winning team of the 3pm game where past members of Tubber and Gort will be honoured. “This will be The Leo O’ Donoghue & Paddy Fahy Perpetual trophy. Leo being a former member of Tubber GAA & Camogie club who has passed away recently and Paddy Fahy being a former member and president of Gort GAA who also passed away in the last year,” Rory outlined.

He added, “This all stemmed from a club development plan a few years ago. We were looking at the club, the history of it, the whole lot. We are referenced in a lot of places, there

is reference to this match that we are replaying, a match between ourselves and Gort, referenced by Michael Cusack in his newspaper column, and Paul Rouse, then referenced it in his book The Hurlers recently. There was

also talk of other historic games in the parish, we as a club decided it would be great to commemorate that, not so much the match, but the club being around and first registered 140 years ago”.

North Clare

lSYMPOSIUM: Attentive spectators at the 2023 symposium.

Photo by: Eamon Ward

Clare kayakers conquer world’s longest non-stop canoe race Bealtaine Garden Festival brings summer spirit to East Clare

by Lisa Mullaly

THIS MAY, East Clare will celebrate the spirit of summer with the inroduction of a new Bealtaine festival.

Rooted in the traditions of Raheen Wood Community National School, the new Bealtaine Garden Festival is blossoming into a joyful, nature-filled event for all ages.

Raheen Wood CNS has long observed the turning points of the year with seasonal festivals that mark time’s passage in connection with nature. “In general the school has always celebrated the turnings of the year,” says Nora O’Sheill, secretary of the festival committee. “It’s great for the children to get involved and it’s lovely for the children to see the passing of time throughout the year.”

The school celebrates Halloween, advent and st.brigids day marking the significant events in Irish heritage and the natural calendar. The Bealtaine festival which is usually a private celebration within the school for the students has this year been expanded to include the wider East Clare Community.

“We decided to make the Bealtaine Festival a bigger event this year and open it up to the public and get people more involved with the summer celebration,” she

says. The result is a two-day festival, running May 10–11, spanning East Clare with a programme full of talks, crafts, markets, storytelling, music, and nature-based fun.

The aim of the Bealtaine Festival is to celebrate nature in full bloom by teaching attendees how they can redevelop their connection with the natural world. With flower crowns, maypoll dancing, music and informative talks Nora explained that she hopes the event will help people learn more about the traditional Bealtaine festival and inspire them to take some of these practices and use them in their own lives.

“Our Bealtaine Festival will be a community setting with lots of beautiful things happening and it’s a celebration of beauty, captivity, and harmony with nature. Everything that’s happening, at its core, is aiming to develop a deeper connection with nature.”

The Bealtaine celebration also connects to Ireland’s mythological roots. “Bealtaine is kind of the parallel to Halloween, to Samhain,” O’Sheill explains. “It’s another thinning of the veil in the Irish heritage. It was the day when the veil was thinnest between the fairy folk and the other world. It’s a day of dressing up, celebrating and dancing.”

Whether you’re an experienced gardener, an environmental enthu-

siast, or simply curious to experience the joy of the start of summer, the Bealtaine Garden Festival offers something for everyone. Wristbands cost €10 for adults and €5 for children, providing access to all events throughout both days of the festival and making for an accessible and welcoming experience for all ages.

TWO EAST CLARE paddlers have achieved an extraordinary feat on the international stage.

Paul Austin, O’Briensbridge, and Barry Walsh, Killaloe, representing Shannon Paddlers Kayaking Club, successfully completed the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race over the Easter weekend — a 125-mile endurance race widely regarded as the toughest non-stop kayak/canoe event in the world.

Starting in Devizes, Wiltshire, and finishing in the heart of London at Westminster Bridge, the race challenges competitors to navigate not only distance but also 77 portages (where boats must be carried around locks and obstacles).

This year, of the 75 teams that started the race, only 37 reached the finish line. Paul and Barry were the only Irish team to do so.

The pair crossed the finish line after an incredible 27 hours and 39 minutes, demonstrating phenomenal endurance and

mental resilience. It was the culmination of months of intense training in O’ Briensbridge, where the club has its base, balancing their paddling schedule with work and family commitments. Their success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of their families and partners, Catriona and Emily, whose encouragement, patience, and belief played a vital role in getting them across the finish line. Their support team kept the club members informed of every part of the race, making everyone feel they were there, and giving the lads all the support they needed, particularly as they paddled through the

Cooraclare man declared hostile witness after refusal to give evidence in drink driving case

by Gordon Deegan

A GARDA inspector declared a Cooraclare man a hostile witness in a case where his ‘over the drink-driving limit’ neighbour wrote off his car in a late night road traffic accident.

At Kilrush District Court, Eugene Woods from the witness box told Judge Alec Gabbett that he didn’t want to give evidence against John McGrath (47) in the drink driving prosecution.

The two men are rural neighbours with both having an address from the townland of Gower in Cooraclare in West Clare and Mr Woods was to be the main State witness in the case against Mr McGrath.

From the witness box, Mr Woods told the court, “I don’t want to give evidence. I know this man. I was friends with this man”.

He said, “It happened. I would prefer not to be here. I don’t want to be here”.

Judge Gabbett said, “I am gathering by this man’s demeanour that he is a hostile witness”.

Insp Brian O’Connor said, “Mr Woods doesn’t want to give evidence on what occurred on the night. He is being deliberately obstructive and I am applying to treat him as a hostile witness”.

Judge Gabbett granted the application which allowed Insp O’Connor to cross examine Mr Woods on the original statement he gave to Gardaí in March 2024.

However, Judge Gabbett dismissed the drink driving prosecution against Mr McGrath following an application from solicitor for Mr McGrath, Daragh Hassett.

In the case, Mr McGrath was facing a charge of driving a car on March 18th 2024 on the R483 at Cooraclare in West Clare having within three hours of driving, the concentration of alcohol in his breath of 22 mg of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, where he showed alcohol

level of 77 mg per 100 millilitres of breath.

Mr Hassett said that Mr Woods under cross examination from Insp O’Connor said that the accident was around 3am and Mr McGrath wasn’t tested for alcohol until 6.10am at Kilrush Garda Station.

Mr Hassett said, “That is outside the three hours allowed. The clock never stops”.

Mr Hassett said that there was no evidence of a timeline from the State.

Judge Gabbett agreed and dismissed the case against Mr McGrath as he was tested for alcohol at the station more than three hours after the road traffic accident.

Judge Gabbett said, “As much as being a hostile witness, Mr Woods didn’t want to help the State at all but has probably helped Mr McGrath”.

Gardaí were not contacted until 4am by Mr Woods informing them of the road traffic accident and Judge Gabbett said that a truck to take away the damaged car from the scene was delayed which further de-

layed Mr McGrath being brought to the Garda station.

After being recalled to the witness box and under cross examination from Insp O’Connor, Mr Woods said “I was crashed into” and asked by whom, Mr Woods replied “by John McGrath”.

Mr Woods was in the car with his son and asked about the damage sustained by his car in the accident, he said: “It was a write off.”

He said that Mr McGrath apologised at the scene.

Garda John Cahill said that Mr McGrath failed a roadside test and was arrested at 4.40am at the scene on suspicion of drink driving.

At the station, the test for alcohol in Mr McGrath showed 77mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. Garda Cahill said that Mr McGrath was “extremely upset”.

NOTES

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is reaching out to the community in the Ennis area to attend the upcoming Clinic:

Kilrush Community School

Tuesday 6th May 5.00pm – 8.20pm

Donors can make a significant impact, as 65% of all blood collected helps support Irish cancer patients, with an additional 5% used for childbirth-related needs.

IBTS is particularly seeking new donors, younger donors, and those from diverse backgrounds, including individuals of African heritage. Whether you’re a first-time donor or it’s been a while since you last donated, your contribution is invaluable.

Please phone 1800 222 111 for appointment.

This year, IBTS facing challenges due to severe weather events and heightened respiratory illnesses within communities. These factors have heavily impacted blood collections across Ireland.

lisa@clareecho.ie

lBEALTAINE: Jennifer Lienhard a guest speaker at the upcoming festival

lKAYAKERS: Barry Walsh and Paul Austin

Craggaunowen under siege this Bank Holiday weekend

Craggaunowen will echo to the sound of clashing steel this May Bank Holiday Weekend (Saturday, 3 May, and Sunday, 4 May) as fearsome Norse warriors take over the historic County Clare site, transforming it into a bustling Viking village.

The centrepiece of the ‘Viking Invasion of Craggaunowen’ will be thrilling battle reenactments on the Castle Green, taking place twice daily at midday and 4.00 p.m. when warriors clash in fierce combat displays that bring the drama of the Viking Age to life.

After each battle, young visitors can join shield drills in which they will learn the tactics behind the legendary Viking Shield Wall and train like warriors of old.

Beyond the battlefield, visitors will be able to discover what life was like in the Viking Village by stepping back in time to explore the daily lives of the pagan warriors. The Village features historically accurate tents, each transformed into a bustling workshop where crafters demonstrate a wide range of traditional skills, including pottery, leatherworking, armoury, trading, hunting, fishing, and fibre crafts.

Live demonstrations of meals being cooked over open flames, just as they were over a thousand years ago, will fill the Craggaunowen air with rich aromas and the sound of crackling firewood. The Viking cooks will be using only authentic ingredients available during the Viking Age.

A Moneyer, essential to Viking communities, will demonstrate how coins were made and how the Vikings introduced them to

Ireland. Children will each receive a complimentary replica coin as a memento.

There will also be fun with Viking-themed games, from Knubb, the log-throwing challenge, to Hnefatafl, the Viking strategy game often called the ancestor of chess. Stephen Hanley, General Manager of Clare Tourism East, commented, “This twoday event offers a unique, immersive learning experience where visitors of all ages can not only witness the excitement of Viking battles but also explore the rich history of Viking life. From ancient combat tactics

Brace yourselves...

The Vikings are back!

3rd & 4th May | 10am -5pm!

THE VIKINGS ARE BACK TO INVADE CRAGGAUNOWEN ON SATURDAY MAY 3RD AND SUNDAY MAY 4TH.

JOIN US FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE!

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF BATTLE ON THE CASTLE GREEN, DISCOVER TRADITIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING TECHNIQUES, MEET THE VIKINGS, AND GET HANDS-ON WITH REAL MEDIEVAL WEAPONS.

book now: www.craggaunowen.ie

and crafts to the cooking methods and currency used by the Norsemen, it’s an educational adventure that brings history to life in a way that’s both fun and unforgettable.”

The Clare Collection visitor attraction at Craggaunowen, managed by Clare County Council, last year celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding by John Hunt of The Hunt Collection. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, recreating the lives of Ireland's Bronze Age inhabitants.

Tickets for the ‘Viking Invasion of Craggaunowen’ are available online at www. craggaunowen.ie.

Woman denies careless driving causing death

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

AN EAST Clare woman has pleaded not guilty to the careless driving causing the death of William Hickey at Mountshannon in November 2022.

At Ennis Circuit Court today, Libby Gunning (45) of Ogonnelloe, Scarriff pleaded not guilty to driving a 06-registered vehicle on November 5th 2022 at the R352 road at Mountshannon, Scariff without due care and attention thereby causing the death of William Hickey who was aged in his 80s.

The charge is contrary to section 52(1) and 52(2)(a) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961.

Ms Gunning pleaded not guilty before a jury panel and in court today, Judge Francis Comerford impaneled a jury of 12 and evidence is due to commence in the case on Wednesday morning.

Judge Comerford said that the trial will continue for the rest of this week. Ms Gunning is legally represented in the case by barrister, Patrick Whyms BL and solicitor, Daragh Hassett.

Counsel for the State, Patrick Reynolds BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that a number of witnesses will be called in the case and he listed the witnesses that includes civilian witnesses, witnesses from the emergency services and Garda witnesses.

Judge Comerford formally put the jury in charge of the case before advising them to return to court on Wednesday morning for the start of the trial.

On Wednesday morning, the State will first give an outline of the case against Ms Gunning with the first witnesses to be then called on behalf of the State.

Shannon

Dúchas na Sionna formally lodge plans for Hastings Farmhouse redevelopment

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

A PLANNING application has been lodged with Clare County Council to transform Hastings Farmhouse in Shannon into a centre for community education.

The Clare Echo previously reported in December that Dúchas na Sionna were hoping to open Hastings Farmhouse as a cultural centre of excellence and heritage site in Shannon by the end of 2025. Now they have officially lodged plans with the County Council.

Hastings Farmhouse has not been used as a dwelling since the 1970s. Dúchas Na Sionna CLG have proposed to adapt the structure so that it can be used as a community facility for visitors, training in heritage and meetings. The building is to be renovated in the style the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum in Co. Down and nearby Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

The historic building in Tullyvarraga remained in the classic style of a thatched roof and whitewashed walls until the last residents vacated in the 1970s. The building was previously used as a safehouse by the IRA during the War of Independence from 1919 to 1921 where

British Brigadier General Lucas was imprisoned before later being released by the volunteers.

After the original residents left, the building fell into disrepair and was vandalised several times with only the house’s walls remaining at the site today.

Dúchas na Sionna states that “Inviting greater numbers of people to the site necessitates the introduction of toilet accommodation, kitchenette and office. These will be accommodated in a new small-scale building in the north-west corner”.

As part of the proposed transformation, Dúchas na Sionna aims to retain as much of the old structure as possible. “The objective is to embody the ma terial characteristics that made the building special. These are buildability, local materials, and the marks of

the craft hands of amateur builders”.

Some modern adjustments will

have to be made at the site however. It is proposed that the house be heated by an air to water heat

system, rather than the traditional open fire that previously heated the home. This will require the removal of the remains of the thin concrete floor and a 450mm excavation to install the heating system and insulation. Any artefacts found during this stage of construction will be handed over to the on-site architect.

Dúchas na Sionna believes that the renovation is vital to ensuring the building’s survival. According to a planning report submitted to Clare County Council, “the remains have been provided with temporary protection but this in turn cannot last”. A number of other additions will have to be made to the protected structure in order to make it suitable for modern use as a visitor/training centre. IT and technology services are envisaged at the site along with a new kitchen and toilet facilities. These are designed to have as little visual impact as possible on the protected structure.

Clare County Council have until the June 11th to decide on the application. Submissions and objections can be made up until May 21st.

Amount of companies in Shannon ‘a consequence of Brendan O’Regan

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

BRENDAN O’REGAN’s legacy continues to inspire young people in Clare with the conclusion of a second annual primary school quiz in his name.

Schools from across Munster took part in the contest that saw St. Conaire’s of Shannon and St. John’s Kenmare tied as first place winners.

The winning teams from both schools received special medals bearing the Sixmilebridge Historical Society logo, who run in the quiz in honour of O’Regan.

150 students participated the quiz which was hosted in the hall of St. Finnacta’s National School in Sixmilebridge.

Both teams also received a bronze bust of O’Regan to be shared and were treated

to a tour of Ei Electronics in Shannon.

Vincent Delaney of the Sixmilebridge Historical Society says it’s important to keep the memory of O’Regan alive.

“It’s amazing the number of people that don’t know about him. He was a great innovator, visionary, there aren’t that many around that would be akin to him,” he said.

O’Regan was a huge figure in the history of Clare in the 20th century, credited with the invention of the duty-free shop at Shannon Airport. He developed the Shannon Free Zone which dramatically boosted the area’s economy.

He also founded Co-Operation Ireland in 1979 to bridge divides and foster collaboration between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. A life-size bronze statue of the man was un-

veiled in his native Sixmilebridge in July 2023.

“What we’re keen to do is raise awareness about O’Regan in the schools. We were keen to create awareness among the younger children about O’Regan’s vision and even to inspire them in years to come to explore the idea of entrepreneurship or social entrepreneurship”, Vincent explained. “He wasn’t someone who made a massive amount of money so he was driven by a very decent set of values. When you think of all the companies we have in Shannon, all these companies are really a consequence of Brendan O’Regan”.

lHASTINGS HOUSE: Pictured in Moycullen at a joint meeting of the ICAN project community participants, left to right, Eric Shaw, Clarecastle Community Development Group; Congella McGuire, Heritage Officer, Clare County Council; John O’Brien, Shannon Historical Society; Olive Carey, Dúchas na Sionna

[Inset image: voluteers at a mud matters workshop ay Hastings House]

lSCHOOL QUIZ: Students from St Conaire’s NS in Shannon who finished joint first

Tradition and culture at Newmarket-onFergus Agri Show

On Sunday, May 4, 2025, the heart of County Clare will beat with rural pride as Newmarket-on-Fergus hosts its much-anticipated Agricultural Show. This annual event is more than a showcase of livestock and produce; it’s a vibrant celebration of community, heritage, and the enduring spirit of Irish agriculture.

For generations, the show has brought together farmers, families, and visitors from across Clare and beyond. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the best in local farming—from prize-winning cattle and sheep; to horse showing and horse jumping; to the dog show and of course, home-baked goods. The event also features traditional crafts, equestrian competitions, and displays of vintage and modern machinery, reflecting both the roots and the future of rural life.

Show chairman, John McInerney, said ‘we’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone to this year’s Newmarket-on-Fergus Agricultural Show on May 4th. There’s been a huge amount of work put in by the committee and volunteers, and preparations are well under way. With a wide range of attractions for all ages, from livestock, equestrian and pet displays to vintage

show, trade stands, the dog show, face-painting and much more family fun, it promises to be a fantastic day out for all participants and visitors.’

In an era where rural communities face increasing challenges—from climate change to economic pressures—events like the Newmarket-on-Fergus Agricultural Show are vital. They not only celebrate the achievements of our farmers and equestrian but also foster a sense of unity and resilience. For young people, it’s an inspiring glimpse into the possibilities of agricultural and equestrian life; for seasoned farmers, it’s a chance to share present knowledge and past memories.

As we look forward to this year’s show, let us recognize the dedication of the organizers, volunteers, and participants who make it possible. Their efforts ensure that the rich tapestry of rural Ireland continues to thrive. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, the Newmarket-on-Fergus Agricultural Show promises a day of learning, laughter, and great memories.

‘Naive’ Cork teen tried to board US bound flight at Shannon Airport with friend’s passport

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A ‘NAIVE’ Cork teenager tried to get through US Customs & Border controls at Shannon Airport to board a US-bound flight with a friend’s passport who “he looked a bit like”, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett imposed 80 hours community service in lieu of four months in prison on Aaron O’Brien (19) of Innishannon Road, Fair Hill, Cork.

This was after Mr O’Brien pleaded guilty to having in his possession an Irish passport in the name of Jordan White which he knew to be a false instrument on November 5th at Shannon Airport with the intention to inducing another person to believe that it was genuine contrary to the Section 29 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Judge Gabbett commented, “Mr O’Brien is not a candidate for custody notwithstanding the seriousness of the offence”.

Solicitor for Mr O’Brien, John Casey told the court “this is not the Hutches or the Kinahans going in and out of Iraq and Iran”.

Mr Casey said that Mr O’Brien “did not have a hope in hell” in getting past US border controls at

Shannon with his friend’s passport.

Judge Gabbett said that Mr O’Brien was fortunate that there is a US border control at Shannon Airport and was not allowed to get on the departing flight as he could have faced a few nights in custody at JFK or Logan Airport if the US border controls were based on the other side.

Mr Casey explained that Mr O’Brien’s wife was on holidays with her family in the US and was pregnant and fell sick.

Mr Casey said that Mr O’Brien got a short-term visa to go to America and he went to Dublin airport and when he got there for whatever reason, as he has no previous convictions, he was told that he was not travelling.

Mr Casey said that Mr O’Brien went back down to Cork and got his friend’s passport and went to Shannon Airport and he was stopped there and Gardaí got involved when Mr O’Brien tried to get through US border controls.

On his friend’s passport, Mr Casey said that Mr O’Brien “looked a bit like him alright”.

Mr Casey said that Mr O’Brien never thought it out and he just wanted to be with his wife and she is heavily pregnant now and did get back home.

Mr Casey said that it was Mr

O’Brien’s first trip to the US.

Judge Gabbett said Mr O’Brien was obviously naive in trying this “as anyone who has been through US immigration knows that your face is scanned, your hand is scanned and fingerprints are taken”.

Judge Gabbett said, “I get why he did it because of his wife falling ill and his own passport not going to work”.

Judge Gabbett said that he had to convict Mr O’Brien of the offence as the Irish passport is sacrosanct and allows travel to 120 countries without a visa.

lPASSPORT: U.S. Preclearance Shannon airport

Gort

Future fire service innovations to be explored at two-day conference

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SALTHILL Hotel will host the Irish Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) annual Conference and Fire Technology Exhibition at the Salthill Hotel on May 7 and 8. Fire Officers, industry experts, and government and local government officials from Ireland and overseas will gather for the annual showcase event for Ireland’s fire and emergency services sector.

Hosted by Galway Fire and Rescue Service, the theme of the 2025 conference is ‘Delivering a Modern Fire Service – the Future is Here and Now’. The lineup features an expert witness from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, the Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, and a prominent industry leader in emergency communications.

400 delegates and 150 exhibitors will attend the two-

day event, which features a trade exhibition taking place in parallel to the conference programme, showcasing fire service fleet and equipment from all the main suppliers to the Irish Fire Services.

Gerry O’Malley, Conference Secretary and Chief Fire Officer for Galway Fire and Rescue Service, said the 2025 conference will address key challenges confronting the Fire Services while highlighting the latest advancements in fire service operations and prevention technologies.

He explained, “The CFOA represents the leadership and senior management of all Irish fire services, with a mission to enhance safety and protect lives and property across the country,” he stated. “The conference and exhibition aim to provide a platform for those in the fire and rescue sector to discuss pressing issues, explore cutting-edge fire service equipment and appliances, and

discover the latest technologies in fire operations and prevention”.

O’Malley added, “The event will showcase expert speakers from Ireland and abroad in the emergency services and fire industry, sharing their expertise and insights to offer innovative solutions for adapting the Fire and Rescue Service to current challenges”.

The conference will be opened by Dennis Keely, CFOA Chairperson and Chief Fire Officer for Dublin Fire Brigade, with a video address to delegates provided by James Browne TD (FF), Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Mark Hardingham, former Chair of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), will speak about the Final Report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, following the death of 72 people in the worst UK residential fire since World War II. Meanwhile, the in-

44 affordable homes to be delivered in Athenry

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PLANS to deliver 44 new affordable homes in Athenry have been announced by Galway County Council.

On Monday, the local authority signed contracts with Studio PKA (Paul Keogh Architects) for the design of the two housing schemes. The affordable units are proposed under the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ programme and include 28 homes at Raheen and 16 at Páirc na hAbhainn.

Cllr Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, stated, “The announcement of these schemes is fantastic news for County Galway and will complement the ongoing delivery of the 61-unit Garraí Na Gaoithe housing development in Baile Chláir (Clare-

galway). The proposed homes will help meet the increased demand for affordable housing being experienced in the county in recent years”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, commented, “With the support of Elected Members, we are delighted to take this significant step towards delivering these affordable housing schemes, with 44 homes planned for Páirc na hAbhainn and Raheen. By partnering with Studio PKA, we are committed to creating high-quality, accessible housing for our community, with planning set to advance this autumn and tenders for construction to be advertised in late 2025”.

Michael Owens, Director of Housing, said the anticipated future increase in demand for affordable housing in Galway has led

to increased engagement between local authorities, developers, planners and other key stakeholders.

“In conjunction with colleagues in Galway City Council, we are engaging with key stakeholders to explore new opportunities for increasing Galway’s stock of affordable housing,” he added. “Developments such as those in Athenry and Baile Chláir will assist in addressing the housing shortage and will also breathe new life into local communities”.

The appointment of Studio PKA to design the Athenry schemes follows a competitive process to secure architect-led integrated design services for the provision of social and affordable residential developments and public realm schemes for projects greater than €3 million for the period 2024 to 2028.

quiry learnings and fire safety changes will be the subject of a talk by ARUP fire safety specialist and expert witness for the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, Dr Barbara Lane.

The risks and challenges associated with Lithium-Ion batteries, used primarily in electronic devices, electric vehicles and small appliances, will be studied by Conor Leonard, Head of Batteries and Projects, WEEE Ireland. Phil Garrigan, Chair of the UK National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC), will share UK perspectives, while Peter Lonergan from the European Emergency Number Association will explore how improved communications can enhance emergency response.

Additional speakers include Ray Goggins, Author, Keynote Speaker, and Director at Core Skill Training, discussing effectiveness; Liam Carroll, SEO Climate Change and former Acting Chief Fire Officer at Carlow

Fire and Rescue Service, addressing the Irish Fire Service’s role in climate change resilience; Keith Leonard, Director of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management, present-

ing a national perspective on fire services; and Ritika Wadhwa, Founder and CEO of Prabhaav Global, exploring cultural intelligence as a key skill for managing rapid change.

lFIRE SERVICE: Dennis Keely

Wear Blue for Holly Blue

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

Gort TD’s, business owners and community members gathered in Hollyblue House on Monday to support the launch of Gort Support Cancer Services new week long fundraising event “Wear Blue for Hollyblue.” Gort Cancer Support Services is asking people to spon-

sor the volunteers and staff who will be dressing in blue all week in an effort to raise funds for vital supports for those living with a cancer diagnosis.

“Last year, we supported 160 individuals, and this year we've already welcomed over 30 new clients. We have organized 70 drives to oncology appointments so far this year.

Inspired by the Holly Blue

butterfly, Hollyblue House embodies renewal and resilience. Join us to uplift and support those affected by cancer,” explained a spokesperson from Gort Cancer Support Services. The week long fundraiser will conclude with an Open House Coffee Morning at Hollyblue House on Friday May 2 from 10:30am - 12:30pm

Thought for the week - Champion of our poor Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

“Let the Church always be a place of MERCY and HOPE, where everyone is welcome, LOVED and FORGIVEN.” ~

Pope Francis. Pope Francis, one of the most compassionate and humble leaders in recent history, passed away on April 21st—Easter Monday— at the age of 88.

From the beginning of his papacy, he envisioned a “poor church for poor people,” advocating for the poorest of the poor and calling for urgent action on climate change, emphasizing the importance of caring for “our common home.” His approach redefined the Church’s stance on social issues, promoting a vision of the Church as a “field hospital” focused on healing rather than judgment. His famous declaration, “Who

am I to judge?” marked a significant shift towards inclusivity and understanding. Throughout his papacy, he tirelessly pursued justice and mercy, reminding us that true greatness is found in active, prayerful service. As we mourn the loss of our Holy Father, Pope Francis, we are reminded of his teachings on hospitality, compassion, mercy and the importance of evangelizing with joy and hope, lessons that we should all strive to incorporate into our own lives.

I grieve not merely for the loss of a Pope, but for a man who redefined kindness and exemplified humility as strength. He spoke of love as a fundamental duty rather than a mere doctrine, embodying a universal spirituality that transcended religious boundaries. His unwavering belief in God was matched by his faith in humanity, seeing dignity in every individual

rather than divisions. With a gentle yet powerful voice, he conveyed truths that often challenged the status quo, reminding us of the goodness that still exists amidst a world filled with noise, hate, conflict, likes, greed, and cynicism.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week and as we reflect on the life of Pope Francis, let us express our gratitude for his unwavering dedication to the marginalized, displaced, and dispossessed. His voice, a beacon of hope for humanity, resonated with calls for peace during his final days. May his legacy of empathy, courage, and kindness inspire us to strive for a more compassionate world. In honoring his memory, let us commit ourselves to continue his vital work with renewed passion, guided by his example of selfless service and deep compassion.

Siúlóidí

trí ghaeilge i dtuaisceart an chláir/ Walks in Irish in North Clare

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Bainigí sás as aimsir bhreá an tsamhradh le siúlóidí trí Ghaeilge i dtuaisceart an chondae.

Imeachtaí/Events:

lSIONNA – Gaeilge le Chéile, Ionad Siopadóireacht Skycourt, 11am, chuile Dé Domhnaigh lCILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar lLUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach lClare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM lCILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm lINIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Máirt ag Zest 11am, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), Dé hAoine The Market Bar 11am, agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

lLUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389.

lAN SCAIRBH – ‘Lón i nGaeilge’, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé ‘An Gáirdín’, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?! Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com

Africa hungers and thirsts as much-needed funds are cut

by Ronan Scully

Self Help Africa

AS SOMEONE who has dedicated most of my adult life to the overseas aid sector, I have witnessed more heartbreak and suffering than I can count.

From the urban slums of India early in my career to the recent crises in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi and parts of Eastern and Southern Africa, I have seen lives upended by circumstances far beyond the control of those affected. Families are forced to live in tents and camps, often in unfamiliar countries, struggling to survive.

For the past 15 years, my work with the Irish NGO Self Help Africa has focused on the crises affecting people across the African continent. A recurring theme in these crises is the inability of families to put food on the table from one day to the next.

While I have been fortunate enough never to experience true hunger or thirst, I have spoken with many who have. They know all too well the pain of an empty stomach and the desperation of parched lips. Despite Africa’s vast potential— its untapped lands capable of producing crops—nearly 300 million people on the continent currently experience hunger and thirst. These

are individuals whose children suffer from malnutrition, surviving on the most basic diets, sometimes eating only a few times a week. It is a stark reality in a world overflowing with abundance.

The challenges have only intensified in recent years due to global warming and climate change, making it increasingly difficult to produce enough food and secure a steady supply of clean drinking water. The uphill battle faced by these communities seems steeper than ever, with the problems becoming more complex and intractable.

Unfortunately, global media attention often overlooks the multitude of micro-crises affecting Africa. In recent years, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impacts of drought, conflict, and climate change in countries like Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Kenya. Millions are in desperate need, and as I write this, some of the worst humanitarian crises in a century are unfolding in the poorest regions of the world. Climate change, conflict, and economic instability have left 61 million people in desperate need of food, with over 21 million children acutely malnourished in Eastern and Southern Africa alone right now.

Regrettably, many of these crises never make headlines. A recent in-

ternational report revealed that of the 5.6 million online articles published on humanitarian crises in 2024, nearly half—2.7 million—focused on the tragic events in Gaza. While the situation in the Middle East is undeniably tragic, Africa often suffers from being out of sight and, consequently, out of mind.

When we think of overseas aid, we often envision emergency food relief, healthcare services, and clean water projects. However, much of this vital work relies on funding. For Self Help Africa, the recent cuts to aid budgets have had a direct and immediate impact. Projects in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and Nigeria have been halted, resulting in job losses and the cessation of initiatives that supported job creation, market access for women and rural youth, healthcare access, and improvements in water and sanitation services.

Fortunately, the Irish government through Irish Aid has maintained its commitment to supporting the development needs of the most vulnerable populations.

The latest reports from the United Nations identify 16 hunger hotspots where acute food insecurity is expected to worsen well into 2025. To prevent malnutrition and starvation, assistance is crucial. However, alongside the need for

short-term aid, long-term development assistance—like that provided by Self Help Africa—is essential for enabling communities to secure food, access clean water, adapt to climate change, and create stable environments for future generations.

During a recent trip to Kenya with friends and supporters of Self Help Africa, I witnessed the positive impact of our efforts to build resilience and economic capacity.

Families are now able to send their children to school, and farms are producing a wider variety of food, leading to improved diets and reduced malnutrition levels. Small farming households are laying the groundwork for better lives, investing in healthier livestock, new crops, and more effective farming methods. As a result, many households are accumulating savings and investing in their futures.

Your support allows Self Help Africa to continue its vital work in agriculture, health, education, and water and sanitation.

In Baringo County alone, over 68,000 people have benefited from similar projects. Agriculture has the potential to end hunger in Africa if properly invested in, contributing up to 42% of GDP in sub-Saharan Africa and proving to be 2.5 times more effective at reducing poverty

than other sectors. Self Help Africa collaborates with farmers to improve yields, access markets, and build resilience. However, recent funding cuts threaten to undo years of progress.

If you can spare any amount, no matter how small, or if you can organize a fundraiser to support Self Help Africa’s work in 14 countries across Africa, it all adds up to make a significant difference in the lives of many families. You can learn more about our work or make a donation by visiting www.selfhelpafrica.org or by sending your contribution to Self Help Africa, Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Road, Westside, Galway.

lSELF-HELP AFRICA: Ronan Scully with villagers in Baringo Coounty

Limerick playwright brings acclaimed drama ‘The Loved Ones’ to Ennis

by LISA MULLALY lisa@clareecho.ie

THE HEARTFELT and humorous play The Loved Ones, written by County Limerick native Erica Murray, is coming to glór in Ennis on Wednesday, May 7, as part of a national tour. Set in a remote farmhouse in West Clare, The Loved Ones tells the story of four women; Nell, Orla, Cheryl-Ann, and Gabby, who come together over a single weekend marked by grief, unexpected visitors, and powerful emotional reckonings.

The play is the work of Erica Murray, a rising star in Irish theatre. Originally from County Limerick, Murray holds a BA in Drama and Theatre Studies from Trinity College Dublin and an MFA in Playwriting from The Lir Academy. She has participated in several prestigious writing programs, including the Irish Theatre Institute’s

Six in the Attic scheme, the Soho Theatre New Writers course in London, and the Lyric Theatre’s New Playwrights Programme in Belfast.

Directed by Ronan Phelan, The Loved Ones was produced by Rough Magic and the Gate Theatre and has been praised for its rich storytelling and blend of emotional depth with comedic moments. The cast includes well-known Irish actors: Jane Brennan as Nell, Margaret McAuliffe as Orla, Helen Norton as Cheryl-Ann, and Fanta Barrie as Gabby. The Clare Echo spoke with playwright Erica Murray ahead of the performance in glór to hear about her inspiration behind the story and its characters.

What inspired you to write “The Loved Ones”?

I don’t really know. I always start with the characters when I’m writing. I am originally from Limerick and I would visit Clare a lot during covid and the lockdowns.

While I was there I came up with these characters and I just started writing in their voices just to see what would come from it. Why did you choose to set the play in West Clare?

It’s a place that tourists gravitate towards, it’s very picturesque and scenic. The landscape in Liscannor is amazing, the way the light changes so suddenly and dramatically and the weather as well. It can be raining on one side of the house and sunny on the other. I just thought it was a good place for these characters to be stuck together in this story.

Can you share more about the process of creating characters?

I don’t have a strict process of how I do things. Really how I do it is I just try to get to the end of the play. I just keep writing freely and try to find that arc and the storyline. Then it is down to redrafting and seeing what feels right for those characters.

In this case I think the

characters really came to me fully formed and then I just had to write the dialogue around them.

How do you balance complex emotions with humour?

That is something that either comes naturally or it doesn’t. I don’t try to undercut it at all. It’s also something that is inherent in Irish culture. That idea of dealing with heavy emotions with humour. There is an element of light and dark all the time, like that very Irish phrase; “you are laughing one minute and crying the next.”

It’s a very Irish thing to use dark humour when talking about emotions and sensitive topics. I don’t try to push boundaries with it.

Has “The Loved Ones?” evolved since its premiere in 2023?

The script is exactly the same, it’s the same text. We do have one new actor Maragret McCauliffe has joined the cast.

The play feels more confident. The first time round you never know how au-

diences are going to react. But when you have a play that has been done before it feels a bit more secure.

How have you evolved as a writer since starting out in your career?

I have learned to trust my gut and my instinct more. Through experience you learn that everyone has an opinion and you learn to take their note but not their solution. Someone may question certain elements of the play and they will always offer a solution but that may not necessarily be right for your play.

At the end of the day you have to be happy with what you have created.

What would you like audiences to take away from the play?

Someone said to me recently that they thought the play was very uplifting and they felt very hopeful after it. So I suppose if people could get anything from it I would hope it would be that.

‘A look back on a life very well lived’

AT 90 years of age, Killaloe native Pat McNamara never expected to become an author. “In my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d write a book,” he told the Clare Echo’s Lisa Mullaly over a cup of tea in the kitchne of his family home in Killaloe.

Pat’s new book, “Where Life Began - Childhood Memories”, is a personal account of growing up in rural Clare, filled with vivid recollections of farm life, turf-cutting, haymaking, and hurling. While the book touches on his later involvement with school boards, the Boy Scouts, and the GAA, its heart lies in stories of his everyday life.

“I had a habit of keeping records,” he says, recalling old jotters and copybooks where he’d record meetings or events.

“I’d write something down then throw them down

and never looked at them again. They accumulated over time.” Those quiet archives, along with Pat’s razor-sharp memory, would become the foundation of a memoir decades in the making.

The push to bring his memories together came from his daughter Mary. “She said to me one time, I’ll type them for you. And you’ll have them in order,” Pat says.

The book is rich with local colour and vivid detail all taken from Pat’s memories alone.

“All these stories, they are all from memory.” Despite claiming his memory “isn’t good enough,” his recollections are sharp and full of texture.

One standout is Pat’s first county final in 1947. Pat recalls a neighbour of his pulled up in front of his house with three men already in the back of his

car. The neighbour said to Pat ‘ come on and we will squeeze you in’.

Later, at Cusack Park, Pat remembers coming face to face with a renowned senior player. :

“Just in front of us, a big man got out of a car and who was it? Pappy Callaghan, the Bodyke fullback. Big man, six foot. Black topcoat on him, a hurl in his hand and the pair of boots tied on to it and I’d say he had the socks and shorts in his pocket.’

The book will be officially launched on Wednesday, May 7 at the Killaloe Library, with Michael Talty of the library service officiating, alongside Father Grace and Pat himself. The event is expected to draw neighbours, friends, and fellow East Clare locals, many of whom will no doubt find pieces of their own past in

Pat’s recollections.

“Where Life Began - Childhood Memories” will be available to purchase at the official launch on May 7 and in local shops following the official launch in Killal oe Library. The book will cost €10. All proceeds from its sale will go to two local care services: Clarecare Killaloe and Raheen Com munity Daycare Centre, plac es Pat attends weekly and speaks of with deep apprecia tion.

“They’re a huge resource to the locality,” says his younger daughter Sinead. “Not just Killaloe, but the whole area.” Pat agrees. “I’m safe and I’m being cared for,” he says. “We

Immersive Irish Harp experience ‘Ceol Ársa Cláirsí’ coming to glór

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

A CELEBRATION of traditional Irish Harp music with a modern twist is coming to glór on May 2.

Five celebrated Irish musicians have come together to create an immersive experience entitled Ceol Ársa Cláirsí which draws its musical content from the works of Turlough Ca- rolan, Thomas Connellan, and Ruairí Dall Ó Catháin, drawn from Irish and Scottish sources.

Dr. Eamon Sweeney, one of the creators of the showcase spoke about to the Clare echo about the inspiration to create this auditory and visual experience and showcase the sometimes forgotten era of Irish music.

Eamon is a specialist in early plucked-string instruments. Starting out as a rock guitarist Eamon soon became interested in classical and traditional styles of music, studying classical guitar at TU Dublin and early music in Barcelona.

Through his studies Eamon developed a particular interest in 17th century Irish music. He found that there were very few sources of this influential era of Irish music and was inspired to create a showcase which would highlight the beauty and importance of these works Eamon teamed up with Malachy Robinson, the principal double bass with the Irish Chamber Orchestra to create a concept which would not only showcase these traditional tunes to the public but immerse audiences completely to help foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the tunes.

Ceol Ársa Cláirsí will combine visual imagery with 17th century Irish melodies. Eamon and Malachy have worked closely with Visual artist Hellen Barry as well as acclaimed sound and video designer Cormac O’Connor to create imagery which depict the musicians’ reactions to the tunes they are playing.

“To create the electronic projections we’ve had artists create, visuals and images that go with the music and will deepen the immersive experience.

play cards, we play bingo and we chat about marriages and about farming and about hurling and

It’s us responding to the music and to the tunes and the feelings we get from it. None of the images are visually descriptive. It’s not a photo of the music or anything like that, it’s the feeling of longing for a feeling of nature” explained Eamon.

With Cormac Breatnach playing the Susato Whistles, Steve Cooney on guitars, Aisling Ennis on the Irish Harp, Malachy Robinson on the Viola da Gamba and Eamon Sweeney playing Early Guitars, Lute and Bandora Ceol Ársa Cláirsí promises to be 75 minutes of the rich sounds of gut-and wire-strung instruments of the period blended seamlessly with traditional instruments and, of course, the Irish harp.

“This traditional Irish music has been passed down orally and those traditional tunes may have changed or mutated or may have different accents on them so the conversation between myself and my colleague Malachy, as early musicians with the traditional legends that are Cormac Breatnach and Steve Cooney and then of course since it’s harp music, we have the amazing harper Aisling Ennis giving the flavour of the Irish harp, was to explore all of the different strands of Irish music from that period that has been handed down to us.

There was a sense of owning that conversation letting people hear the different sounds that people would have heard hundreds of years ago but also how they have survived through the centuries and how they are still a living part of our culture and our tradition today.”

Having the craic in Kilfenora

by

KILFENORA lived up to its tag as ‘the city of the crosses and the home of céilí music’ April’s last weekend always brings the best of music to Kilfenora and the 2025 festival didn’t disappoint.

Máirtín O’Connor and his band were the main concert act on Saturday in the Community Hall.

The accordionist was joined by Cathal Hayden on fiddle and banjo, the songs and accompaniment of multi-instrumentalist Seamie O’Dowd, and the percussion of Jim Higgins.

2024 Meitheal Summer School prize-winner Aoife Ní Chonghaile, who is also U18 Fleadh winner 2024 on the harp served as the support act.

There was also the launch of ‘The Sounds of Kilfenora’ on Friday. This project will celebrate the vibrant musical heritage of Kilfenora and the surrounding area, bringing its rich history of traditional music to life, featuring the music, stories, and vibrant spirit that have defined this hugely important music village for generations.

The outcome of the project will include an online archive of music, photographs, and oral histories.

An open-air céilí on Sunday afternoon featured the iconic Kilfenora Céilí Band preceded by groups of young Clare musicians.

CD launches this year featured the renowned Clare fiddler Tara Breen and Tipperary’s Ailbie Grace and Liam Flanagan while there was plenty of music, dancing and craic at Vaughan’s Pub throughout the weekend.

l ON A HIGH: Visitors (above) set dance in Kilfenora last weekend and (right) the session continued at Vaughans Pub & Restaurant Photos by John Sheridan

l SWING YOUR PARTNER

ROUND & ROUND: The open-air ceili always draws big crowds to Kilfenora Photos by John Sheridan

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Lisdoonvarna students make young environmentalists awards final

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A TEAM of seven students from Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna will be competing in the finals of the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA).

On Thursday next (May 8th), the finals will be held in the Convention Centre in Dublin. The project from the Lisdoonvarna students is highlighting the problem of plastic in our oceans and what people can do to reduce the problem.

There are a number of strands to the project, firstly they have developed a program for fifth and sixth class students in primary schools.

They have also adapted this program to be used in junior classes in secondary schools.

They have also created a permanent display which will be erected in the town park. This display consists of metal fish filled with plastic that was collected on shores in North Clare. There will also an information panel which has three sections. The first section will have information about the problem of plastic in the oceans. The second section will contain photos of plastic on the shore and of microplastics that was found in mussels. The third section will be what people need to do to help reduce plastic going into the seas. They are also

planning to do a beach cleanup before the end of term.

One of the awards at the finals of the Young Environmentalists Awards is the People’s Choice Award. The People’s Choice Award gives the public a chance to vote for their favourite project from this year’s finalists. The link to the website to cast your vote is: https:// ecounesco.ie/poll/young-environmentalist-awards-peoples-choice-awards-2025/?preview=true.

Members of the Clare public can vote for Lisdoonvarna’s students in the People’s Choice Award. The number of the Lisdoonvarna project is 20250139.

West Coast Surf Club and Banner Gleo host coastal clean-up and engagement event in Lahinch

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

50kg of litter was collected from Lahinch beach on suday April 27 as part of a ‘Clean Coast Road Show’ event.

West Coast Surf Club and Banner Gleo came together to host a ‘Community Clean-up’ event which aimed to highlight to imprtant role the sea and coastal enviornments play in our dialy life.

The event kicked off with over 90 children split into three groups, each enjoying an hour-long surf session. This was then followed by a beach clean-up and a “Tale of Two Pages” beach art activity, supported by Banner Gleo.

This event’s engaging blend of surfing and environmental action served as a powerful reminder of the joy the ocean brings and the importance of giving back by helping to protect it.

In total, 50 participants collected approximately 50kg of litter during the clean-up effort.

Reflecting on the event, Ollie O’Flaherty said. “The event was a huge success. It

was fantastic to see all the students enjoying the cleanup, surfing, and beach art. Surfing and protecting the coastline goes hand in hand, and the West Coast Surf Club has coastal protection at the heart of everything they do.”

West Coast Surf Club and Banner Gleo have been nominated for Clean Coasts Awards in recognition of their dedication to protecting Ireland’s coastline and their outstanding work as Clean Coasts community groups.

The West Coast Surf Club’s mission is to make surfing accessible to everyone in a safe and fun environment while promoting the protection of the west coast’s beaches and natural beauty.

The Clean Coasts Roadshow is a series of informative talks and workshops tailored for coastal communities across Ireland, taking place between January and May each year. This initiative brings together individuals interested in protecting their local beaches, seas, and marine environments.

lECO-UNESCO: Mary Immcualte Secondary School students

lCLEAN-UP: Volunteers taking part in Lahinch beach clean-up

Ireland at risk of failing to capitalise on potential as renewable energy superpower warns Kelleher

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN IRELAND SOUTH MEP has said the country is at risk of failing to capitalise on its potential as a possible renewable energy superpower because of a lack of grid capacity and interconnectors to mainland Europe.

Billy Kelleher MEP (FF) was commenting after an internal government analysis, gave Ireland a ten percent chance of meeting its Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) targets by 2030. Experts are now predicting that just 1.4 GW of ORE will be installed by 2030.

“A failure to hit our targets will result in Ireland facing massive fines from the European Commission. Progress has been made in recent years. For example, one third of all electricity produced in the Republic last year came from onshore wind farms, and we have finally

agreed to build an LNG facility,” he warned.

MEP Kelleher added, “Ultimately, however, we are still highly dependent on imported fossil fuels, mainly gas, to power our economy. To make matters worse, we are highly dependent on one gas line from Scotland to provide us with a significant proportion of our gas needs. Furthermore, when we finally electrify our transport networks and roll out heat pumps in our homes, the demand for electricity will go through the roof.

“If Ireland actually achieved all of its renewable targets, we would end up dumping a lot of the electricity due to a lack of storage and a lack of interconnectors to mainland Europe where it could be sold. Ireland must therefore invest in battery storage and in green hydrogen production to enable us to store or transport our excess energy. To do

otherwise would be a major error. We need an urgent plan to increase our base load generation capacity as well as a commitment to build new interconnectors to mainland Europe and Great Britain.

“While the Celtic Interconnector is soon to become operational, it holds nowhere near enough capacity to meet our future needs. For too long, there was an attempt among certain decision makers in Ireland to force us to choose between economic growth and energy consumption. We can and must do both, and fully realise our renewable energy potential,” concluded Kelleher.

lRISK OF FAILING: MEP Billy Kelleher (FF)

Ex Dromoland MD Mark Nolan appointed President of Shannon Chamber

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FORMER MANAGING Director of Dromoland Castle Hotel, Mark Nolan has been appointed as the new President of Shannon Chamber.

Nolan succeeds Managing Director of Eoin Gavin Transport, Eoin Gavin in the role.

From 1996 until February of this year, Mark served as Managing Director of Dromoland Castle. In 2009, he added the post of Managing Director of The Dromoland Collection to this role, he undertook a fouryear management contract with Castlemartyr Hotel & Resort in Co Cork.

He worked closely with the six-member Board to maintain Dromoland Castle’s sterling reputation as one of Europe’s finest resorts and, in 2012 welcomed the Clare Inn Hotel now rebranded ‘The Inn at Dromoland’ to The Dromoland Collection.

In addition, he founded Hallmark Management Ltd which undertakes small design and fit-out projects at other five-star hotels. Mark sits on the boards of IBEC, the Atlantic Connectivity Alliance, and the school advisory board of Atlantic Technological University. He also sat on the Board of Directors of

Ennis Chamber Golf Classic launch

the Shannon Airport Authority in 2010/2011.

While he stepped down as Managing Director and General Manager of Dromoland Castle in February, he remains involved as a board member, investor/shareholder and consultant. He became General Manager at the five-star Newmarket-on-Fergus resort at the age of twenty nine in 1989.

Last May, Mark received the Lifetime Achievement Award by the world’s largest independent hotel brand, Preferred Hotels & Resorts. He is married to Maria and they have four children, Jessica, Andrea, Gillian and Marcus.

CEO of Shannon Chamber, Helen Downes said Mark’s appointment as President “is a natural progression in his tenure as a board member. His guidance and contribution as a director since 2009 have been invaluable and he has a vastly experienced track record at leadership level. This expansive and cumulative wealth of experience will enable him to steer the board as we work to deliver on a very wide range of programmes to benefit our 330 member companies and the region as a whole”.

lSHANNON CHAMBER: Mark Nolan

Diarmuid McMahon, President Ennis Chamber and Michael Hency General Manager, Campion Insurance Ennis (formerly MunsterGroup) tee up for Ennis Chamber annual Golf Classic which will take place this year at Woodstock Golf and Country Club Ennis on Friday May 23rd.

Photo

Clare's third attempt to take down Kerry mirrors 1917 breakthrough

CLARE take on Kerry in Fitzgerald Stadium this Sunday in the sides' third Munster senior football final meeting in three years.

The Banner will hope to cause an upset against having lost the previous two provincial deciders to the same opposition in the Gaelic Grounds and Cusack Park.

Clare’s long trophy famine in hurling coincided with a whipping boy period in football for much of the 20th century. In 1917, Clare defeated Cork by a margin of 5-4 to 0-1 to claim their first provincial championship, their sole honour for 75 years.

That year saw the footballers reach the All-Ireland decider against Wexford, who beat Clare 0-9 to 0-5 on their way to a four in-a-row won between 1914-18. Clare’s 1917 Munster win was special as, like now, it was their third final attempt in a row.

The Kingdom have grown accustomed to winning the Munster championship, winning the cup on 85 occasions, with Clare often on the receiving end, losing seven finals to them in 1919, 1924, '25, '27, '29, '36 and '41. Kerry seemed to take great pleasure in hammering Clare, giving the Banner such a hiding in the 1953 Munster semi-final in Ennis that Clare were kicked out of the 1954 Munster Championship. Few at the time thought

a 6-10 to 0-2 beating would be topped in their lifetime but the worst was yet to come for the long-suffering football supporters.

The infamous Miltown Massacre took place at a sun-splashed Henessy Memorial Park on the first of July 1979. The mere mention of that date continues to cause those in West Clare distress as Kerry ran out 9-21 to 1-9 winners, the highest score ever recorded in the Munster Championship. The sides were level after ten minutes at 0-2 each.

The '90s are seen as a golden era for Gaelic Games in Clare and it was the footballers who first brought glory in 1992. After beating Tipp 2-11 to 2-7, Clare braced for their first provincial final since 1941. They would again face Kerry in the Gaelic Grounds Limerick.

Vicious training sessions led by Mayo native John Maughan steeled a Clare team brimming with talent in the form of stars like Seamus Clancy, Martin Daly, Tom Morrissey, Noel Roche and Joe Joe Rouine.

“There won’t be a cow milked in Clare for at least a week,” said proud Quilty man Marty Morrissey in his infamous commentary from the 2-10 to 0-12 triumph which earned the county its first provincial silverware in either code since 1917. A controversial semi-final loss to Dublin followed and Clare were beaten twice more by Kerry in the Munster Finals of 1997 and 2000.

Ikem winning injury battle

IKEM UGWUERU is expected to return to the Clare senior football side for Sunday’s Munster final showdown with Kerry .

Injury ruled the three-time Clare SFC winner out of the 2-18 1-15 semi-final win over Tipperary in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg.

Had Ugwueru been needed on that occasion, he would have been sprung from the bench with management making the precautionary call to avoid doing further damage by using him.

Such an approach appears to have worked with Ikem in line to return to the Clare starting 15 as they face Kerry in a Munster final in their own back yard.

Ahead of the final, Clare trained in Fitzgerald Stadium on Saturday, for many of the panel it was their first time in the Killarney venue with the majority of ties between the sides at underage level taking place in Austin Stack Park, Tralee.

Peter Keane is not expected to ring many changes to the starting team apart from the addition of Ugwueru. Those at risk of losing out with his return are wing forward Ciaran Downes and wing back Fionn Kelleher.

Doonbeg’s Eamon Tubridy although he went off injured in the semi-final will retain his spot between the posts with the fullback line of captain Cillian Brennan at three flanked by Manus Doherty and Ronan Lanigan.

Cillian Rouine mans centre back where fellow North Clare man Alan Sweeney will join him in the half-back line.

Brian McNamara and Emmet McMahon are understood to the midfield pairing with the attack set to be comprised of Eoin Cleary, Dermot Coughlan, Aaron Griffin, Mark McInerney and Keelan Sexton.

Having recovered from a string of injuries, the cause to include Brendy Rouine of Ennistymon in the matchday panel merits review. Brendy’s ability to play in midfield or the forward offers multiple options from one player alone off the bench.

Meanwhile, Kerry are without Paudie Clif-

ford for the final with manager Jack O’Connor hinting at further changes to their team. Clifford was unsuccessful in his bid to have his red card received in their semi-final win over Cork overturned at a Central Hearings Committee (CHC) meeting.

Three-time All Star Paudie was sent off for a high tackle on Matty Taylor in their semi-final clash which was decided following extra time.

Two points separated Kerry from Cork in the semi-final, they are attempting to win a fifth Munster title in a row and their 12th in the last 13 seasons.

Speaking on Radio Kerry, O’Connor said further changes to their team are likely. “We’ve a few fellas with injuries, Shane O’Connor with a substantial gash on his knee after a clash with Brian Hurley, Paul Murphy went off with a calf strain and Graham O’Sullivan has been nursing a groin problem for a couple of weeks, he may miss the game too. We’re down a few bodies and Paudie is suspended, we could have anything from four to five changes to the team from the Cork game”.

LAST 10 CHAMPIONSHIP MEETINGS

2024: Kerry 0-23 Clare 1-13 (Munster Final)

2023: Kerry 5-14 Clare 0-15 (Munster Final)

2021: Kerry 3-22 Clare 1-11 (Munster Quarter-Final)

2019: Kerry 1-15 Clare 0-12 (Munster Semi-Final)

2018: Kerry 0-32 Clare 0-10 (Munster Semi-Final)

2017: Kerry 1-18 Clare 1-12 (Munster Semi-Final)

2016: Kerry 2-16 Clare 0-11 (All-Ireland Quarter-Final)

2016: Kerry 2-23 Clare 0-17 (Munster Semi-Final)

2015: Kerry 2-23 Clare 0-17 (Munster Semi-Final)

2014: Kerry 1-17 Clare 1-13 (Munster Semi-Final)

l Clare’s last championship win over Kerry was in the 1992 Munster final. Prior to that, they hadn’t beaten the Kingdom since 1949.

l Clare and Kerry have met 14 times in Munster Finals, with Kerry winning 13 to Clare’s one. Clare’s sole success was in 1992.

l Kerry haven’t lost a Munster Final since being beaten by Cork in 2008.

l Jack O’Connor leads Kerry into the Munster final for the 11th time. Of the previous ten, Kerry won six (2004-20052010-2011-2022-2023-2024), drew two (2004-2006) and lost one (2006).

He also led Kildare into the 2021 Leinster Final where they lost to Dublin.

l Clare manager, Peter Keane managed Kerry in 2019-2021, winning Munster titles in 2019 and 2021.

Compiled by Paraic McMahon

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

Coughlans remain at the

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S football cause has been well served by the Coughlan family who will once more play a central role for Sunday’s Munster senior football final.

Dermot Coughlan will line out at wing forward as they carry the underdogs tag against a Kerry side looking to win their 86th title. His father Dermot will be among the vocal Banner supporters in Fitzgerald Stadium.

Taking pride of the place in the family sitting room in Ballymackea, Mullagh is a picture of the victorious 1992 Munster senior football panel of which Dermot was a vital cog. The chance for his son to replicate what was achieved by John Maughan’s side is the aim this weekend.

Neither Dermot is titled senior or junior. If there is a shout at home for Dermot, it’ll depend on the task or tone to determine who answers the call. For this article the Snr and Jnr is merely inserted for ease of reading.

Reaching a third Munster final on the bounce is testament to the work ongoing at underage in the county ac-

cording to Senior, who would know better than most having spent six years as Clare minor football manager, a term which concluded last year and included reaching the 2020 Munster final. “It’s the combination of both a good quality of player coming through and the draw being kind to you. Three Munster finals in a row is a fair achievement for any team,” he tells The Clare Echo

His son is amongst the most talented forwards to have come through the county ranks in recent years. Lessons from their final losses to Kerry in 2023 and 2024 have to be applied this weekend, young Dermot maintains.

“We were watching back a few of the clips from the Munster final last year, getting the small things right and taking our chances, there was a few times we went through and we tried to play that extra pass or the pass too many. Peter (Keane) has been all positive this week, he is telling us to be brave but to take the right decision and keep tipping over the points, the chances will come and as long as you take the right decision you will be in the mix come the

final 15 or 20 minutes”.

Meath upsetting the odds to defeat Dublin in Sunday’s Leinster semi-final has provided inspiration for Clare, he said. “You can only look on and admire them and see what you can take from the game and try implement on Sunday. Meath had no fear, they were brave, they

ran at Dublin every chance they got. It is important in Killarney that we treat it as any other game, it is a third Munster final but as Peter said to us during the week ‘nobody remembers getting to a Munster final if you don’t win them’”.

On top of their learnings from the seven point provincial final loss to Kerry, the wing forward is keen for Clare to give a better account of themselves in the All-Ireland series when attention turns to that next week.

“We were exposed to a high calibre of player with Tyrone and Donegal, that is the level we strive to get to.

"At the time it wasn’t great but we’re all the wiser from the experience of it. We’ve introduced nine new lads to the panel this year, the lads that experienced it last year will take our learnings from it”.

Worth "about three to four points" in last year’s final he calculated was the strength of the Clare support among the crowd of 12,059. “If we could get as many Clare supporters down there as possible it would really drive us on and hopefully reflect it on the scoreboard”.

Among Dermot Snr’s first jobs after stepping down as minor manager was to get involved in the selection committee which recommended the appointment of Peter Keane as Clare manager. Reflecting on what impressed him about the Kerry native, one of nine interviewees, he recalled, “What swung it was he had been there at the highest level, he had been there on the biggest day, an All-Ireland final twice, he had three Munster championships won, he won three All-Irelands with Kerry...

men doing battle.

“For me as a player and now as a mentor or manager, those 15 minutes after a game are what it’s all about, you can’t replace that, you’re in the stand when the final whistle blows after a good victory and I saw it during the league, you’re trying to get down steps or jumping barriers to get in and meet the lads because you’re on that high yourself. It must be very special for players now because the level the game is gone to and the effort they are putting in.

the respect would be there straight away and that was the turning point”.

So far, he has been pleased with the amount of players used by Keane in competitive games. “He wasn’t afraid to take a chance on the six or seven players he introduced this year and you’d be hoping that will pay off coming into the qualifiers because I felt with all the injuries last year after the Munster final it was like going into the Ulster championship, we just didn’t have the back-up and the results proved it”.

While he has been on Clare panels which reached All-Ireland quarter-finals and narrowly missed out on promotion to the top tier of the Allianz National Football League, Dermot Jnr pointed out that the strength of this year’s squad is visible.

“We play training games and it is impossible to tell who will be in the next day, there is such a high standard. This year there was five or six new lads brought onto the panel and they’ve nearly made an impact straight away getting onto the matchday 26 which is very unusual, normally you have a two or three-year period to try break in”.

When Clare overcame Limerick in 2012 to qualify for a first Munster final in 12 years, Dermot Snr was among the first people on the field in the Gaelic Grounds congratulating players. It was the same in Ennis two years ago and two weeks ago following victories over Cork and Tipperary but it is also the case for league games, home or away. He’s part of the genuine Clare football supporting cohort always keen to pay homage to the

"I see it with the two Clearys (Eoin and Conor) and Enda (Coughlan) before Dermot, what they are putting into the game compared to our time, they are dedicating their lives to it...you’re trying to get out on the field to meet these lads to get the message across that you’re proud of what they are doing”.

Navigating past stewards can itself be as tough as some championship encounters.

“Sometimes I think it would be easier to get into Fort Knocks than to get into Cusack Park. There is always some fella with a bib trying to stop you, you just put your head down and take your chances,” he explained.

Part of the victorious 1992 panel, mention of the famous 2-10 to 0-12 victory in the Gaelic Grounds brings a smile to Dermot’s face.

Describing John Maughan as a motivator who "did everything, he recounts, “I’ll never forget coming back into Ennis that night. They were lining both sides of the road, there was queues coming up along. We travelled by car that time.

"Coming back to my own club was special. Aiden Moloney was involved, a clubmate of mine who I played senior football for nearly 20 years, Michael Rowan was with us too, there was a lorry a couple of nights after in Quilty, they are memories to stay with me for a long time”. Their training under Maughan would also inspire Clare’s hurlers to go on to win two All-Irelands in 1995 and 1997. “We were on the hill in Shannon a lot of nights, you’d rather be somewhere else and there’d be a lot more hills you’d pick. Ger Loughnane was there and he was taking notes on the amount of runs. We knew Ger Loughnane that time but it was pre-1995 so we were more concentrating on getting our breath back as quick as we could,” Dermot recalled.

With the hurlers reaching the summit, it has inspired

l Dermot Coughlan, who played in the 1992 Munster Championship winning Clare side, pictured with son Dermot, who lines out against Kerry this weekend Photo by Gerard O'Neill

core of Clare football

the footballers and for Dermot Jnr to see his first cousin Conor Cleary achieve on the biggest stage was extra special. “It was a monumental occasion for them to win the Liam MacCarthy last year, they are an inspiration too because it’s tough after suffering so many setbacks. They were getting to Munster finals but were just coming out on the wrong side but they kept plugging away, it is something you really have to look up to and admire."

When it comes to resilience, 25-year old Dermot’s ability to bounce back from two anterior cruciate ligament injuries, a broken ankle and a fractured foot and lead the line at inter-county level even draws rare praise from his father. “I wouldn’t be a great man to dish out the praise to him but he has come back from the face of adversity, three of his injuries were career-finishing injuries. "He had two fractures of his feet outside of them injuries, to come back to that level, you might be able to come back at club level but to come back at inter-county

the highest level is fair credit.

"It is only right to mention the people that did get him back, Johnny McKenna the surgeon, Ray Moran, Michelle Downes the physio in Doonaha, they were all serious injuries”.

Advice is always forthcoming from his father if needed, Dermot Jnr noted but he admitted he’s happy to avoid him if things don’t go well on the pitch. “If you know yourself you didn’t play well you’d leave the phone down for a few days or tip away for a spin. He coached me all the way up along, we’ve gone our different paths since but I can always look forward to getting that bit of advice, he is always there”. He hasn’t viewed old footage of his father in action to revert back with his own pieces of feedback, “I haven’t seen much of it but I’d say it was rough and tumble, it was a different kind of game”.

This year, Dermot Snr is in charge of Kilrush Shamrocks, a side he previously coached to Clare IFC success along with completing the same feat for Clondegad and Kilmihil. When asked

if he would ever be tempted to manage a senior club to face up against his own son, he admitted that he's rejected plenty of offers, “I could never do it. I coached a lot of that Kilmurry team since they were five years of age, Dermot, Daniel Walsh, David Sexton, Diarmuid King, Caoilfhinn O’Dea, no matter who they are playing I’d want Kilmurry Ibrickane to win."

Such a stance pleases Kilmurry Ibrickane’s current captain who laughes at the hypothetical scenario of getting to knock a team managed by his father out of the Clare SFC. “We’ll stay separate that way, it is suiting at the moment with him at intermediate and me at senior, there’ll be no fall-out in the family”.

Within the club, one of his good friends Andrew Shannon has emigrated in recent weeks. The sacrifice involved in playing at inter-county and even club level is often credited with keeping lads at home. “Emmet (McMahon) mentioned a few weeks back that there is great pride in playing for Clare. I’d never say never, you never know

what the future holds, you can’t begrudge fellas going away. Andrew Shannon has been a great servant to us the last few years, there’s been multiple lads like that, for club players the amount of effort they put in and don’t get the recognition. Andrew is a great example because he’d be there every night at the field training for the whole year.

"With Clare you bask on the big days, it is something you can’t fault lads if they

want to explore the world”.

Sunday is one of those big days for Clare football. “We’ve been lucky the last few years to get to Munster finals and to experience the big days, they don’t last forever, time flies and in a few years time you won’t be able to play in these games and you’ll be watching on because time waits for no man, it is important to take them in as they come along and make the most of them”.

Matching the Kerry spine

is key for Clare to have a positive outcome on Sunday, according to Dermot Snr. “I look at Clare teams of the past and I look at this team, I don’t think I’ve seen a better spread of scoring forwards.

"Clare have firepower that is good as any team. The spine of Kerry is going to be strong, if we can hold that spine with David Clifford inside, Paudie Clifford is gone so Seanie O’Shea will go to 11, if we can close out our danger men then I would back Brian Mc(Namara) and Emmet against Barry Dan and Joe O’Connor, if we can control those key areas get a grip there then that is the right time to have a go”.

Anticipation is building in West Clare with the Munster final featuring in the majority of conversations. “You can feel the buzz lifting already here in West Clare,,” Dermot said.

Build-up for big games must be embraced, the secondary school teacher at St Caimin’s Community School in Shannon commented, “If you don’t look forward to these games you shouldn’t be playing.”

l Dermot in league action against Offaly Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Munster winning captain McInerney wants some company in Clare's history books

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FRANCIS McInerney is the only living Clare man to captain his county to Munster Senior Football Championship glory - a title he'd only love to be taken away from him this weekend.

On Clare football’s greatest day in 1992, Doonbeg native Francis was centre forward and captain as they defeated Kerry to win the Munster title. Back in 1917, corner back Jim Foran from Kilkee had the distinction of captaining the county to Munster glory.

Cillian Brennan of Clondegad leads Clare into battle for Sunday’s Munster final versus Kerry in Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney.

To have some form of company in the history books would be most welcome, McInerney admitted. “You’d be hoping it would happen soon enough," he told The Clare Echo "I was lucky enough to be asked to hold the cup because we had plenty of leaders on the team, Noel Roche was an outstanding player for Clare and Ireland, he was a great example to all of us and a lot of the older players were a great example and they drove it into us that it was important to put our best foot forward and not to give up, keep fighting for the Clare jersey”.

Francis acknowledged the task is made more difficult when you have to go to the lions den. “Last year when it was in Cusack Park it had a big buzz... but going to Killarney or any pitch in Kerry is a big ask, it is a day to dig in and give it your all.

"It was a great performance last year in front of a big crowd in Ennis, maybe it hasn’t the same buzz as last year but it is a Munster final, you create your own motivation”.

Back in 1992, the motivation was seizing the opportunity, not just the prospect for glory but maximising the chance created by Miltown Malbay’s Noel Walsh in having an open draw. “Noel Walsh had campaigned for the

open draw as a proud Clare man, all of a sudden Clare were in a Munster final.

"Maybe Kerry weren’t at their highest level but we had confidence we were going to do well, if you don’t believe in yourself it definitely won’t happen,” McInerney says.

This year’s crop which includes his son Mark at corner forward have reached three Munster finals in a row, a feat the team of the 1990s were not able to achieve. “We competed well for a few years in the 1990s with Cork. We got to the final in 1997, we possibly could have beaten Kerry on another day but they went on to win the All-Ireland, there was no back door at the time, we competed well under John O’Keeffe in the 1990s.”

He continued, “It was a great day over in Cusack Park when Martin Daly got a last-minute winner, great scenes before that Munster final with Kerry who had a lot of stalwarts like Maurice Fitzgerald and Seamus Moynihan, they were great days looking back”.

Thirty-three years on, the honour of getting to captain Clare to Munster success is savoured by Francis. “Lifting the cup on behalf of the county and the club was a great honour, the whole year the camaraderie we had and we even have that now, we have a bond still to this day.”

Two of his teammates on that famous day, Dermot Coughlan and Brendan ‘Beano’ Rouine also have sons on the 2025 panel with Dermot Coughlan, Cillian Rouine and Brendy Rouine lining out alongside Mark. “They are great lads, it would be nice if the three lads could do something together, if not this year over the coming years”.

His own inter-county career lasted from 1986 to 1998, the call-up came following a senior club campaign with Doonbeg where they reached the semi-finals losing out to Éire Óg on a score of 2-6 0-11. “I went all the way until 1998 when we got beaten by Tipperary

in the championship. We started out in Division 3 (South) which was Division 4 really, we went through the Divisions in the 1990s and up to Division 1 for one or two years.

"A lot of the lads I played with like Aiden Moloney, Gerry Killeen, Pat Blake, Martin Flynn, Noel Roche, Noel Normoyle who kept the squad together, I was delighted to be part of the 1992 set-up and that they got reward for their years, I won’t say there was no glory in playing football for Clare but it was a lonely road, it was nice to get something out of it”.

There’s plenty character within the 2025 team, he noted. “They have great resilience, great pride in playing for the jersey.

"The team itself are young, they have a good bond, they are very talented footballers, lots of them have played Sigerson and are used to playing at a high level, like all Clare teams in the past they have pride in the jersey, they will put up a good fight on Sunday”.

For Sunday, he is hopeful they receive a strong Clare support in Killarney. “To have a vocal support is very important, to know win, lose or draw you will have a core group of supporters going to support ye, any of the lads that put on the Clare jersey they have months given to training, you’d be hoping it would go well for them."

In the role of supportive parent, Francis is kept busy, not just with the Clare footballers but also on the rugby front where his daughter Alanna lines out with UL Bohs, Munster and the Irish sevens side. “It is great to be involved in sport, there’s good opportunities for girls as well, it is a nice contrast to see the different approaches from the parent in rugby to the parent in the GAA, they have different traditions. You don’t say too much on the rugby pitch, you keep your opinions to yourself and try be positive in everything, with the GAA you let your emotions out a bit more”. Still when it comes to GAA, he’s not one for

l Francis McInerney

telling Mark how to play the game. “I’ve had my day and Mark can make his own decisions but it is hard sometimes to stay quiet, the lads will make their own mistakes, we’re there to support them, I like to go to the games and to be in the terrace so I can move away if I don’t like what is being said, you’d hope they go out and do their best, they have trained hard, they are following the regime and what is required, you’d be proud anytime your children put on the Clare jersey”.

Leading up to matches, he tends to say little by way of advice, “You stay quiet, they are well able to make their own decisions, I have my own opinions about this and that, it is trying to encourage them, I have my ideas and he has his, it is more to be there, tell them to do their best and we’ll be there to help along”.

Kitman Jim typifying Clare's motto in his own unique way

FIRST into the dressing room and last out of it, in his own way long-serving Clare football kit man Jim Marrinan is putting a unique spin on the county’s crest, writes Paraic McMahon.

‘Na céada sa g-cath; na deigheanaca as’ reads the motto underneath the Clare crest which translates as ‘the first into battle, the last out of it’, it is an old Dal gCáis war cry.

Miltown Malbay native Marrinan won’t be issuing any war cries himself in advance of Sunday’s Munster final but he’s certainly living up to the first into battle and last out tag. He started as Clare’s kit man in 2007 ahead of Frank Doherty’s two-year stint as manager and he’s been there for the reigns of Micheál McDermott, Mick O’Dwyer, Colm Collins, Mark Fitzgerald and now Peter Keane.

Former Clare GAA Chairman and fellow Miltown man, Michael ‘Malty’ McDonagh is to credit with getting Jim on board as kitman.

“The great Malty, ‘you’ll do it’, there was no such thing as a will you or won’t you. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done”.

Leaving was something he gave serious consideration to following Mark Fitzgerald’s exit in September, as the workload increases with the years. “Peter was a little bit stuck I thought with the changeover, there was nobody really left so I said I’d give him a hand”.

Key to him returning each year has been how highly he regards the players. “The lads are brilliant, if I’m ever stuck they’ll look out for me, they’ll pick up their cones or help carry something in from the van, it makes an awful difference. They are a very honest group of lads”.

Clare contesting a third Munster final in a row shows the strides the county is making, Marrinan maintained. "Wouldn’t it be brilliant to cause an upset”, he remarked. “If you’re not there you can’t win it, that is why the Tipperary game was so important, it was such a pressure game...now they are guaranteed

four top games”.

Weeks of games are less frantic for Jim "because everything is nearly done at that stage" he maintains, however training weeks require a lot more travelling with trips to Kilrush Laundry where there’s plenty of football chat with Niomh Madigan. “You’re getting gear ready for them, making sure the water is filled - in Caherlohan we’ve to bring our own water because you can’t drink it there - bring food for some other thing. A training session in the winter, I might leave at 5pm and get home around 11pm, I’d be first in last out”. Jim admits he’s kept on his toes by the more forgetful squad members. “The biggest thing is trying to find out who leaves stuff after them. I’ve a lot of candidates for that, Manus Doherty and Danny Walsh would be two...there’s a few of them but we’re lucky that all their stuff is labelled, otherwise we’d be in big trouble”.

Almost 18 years on from becoming kit man, what would Jim say to Malty McDonagh as way of thanks for landing him with an almost permanent voluntary post, “It’s not repeatable,” he said with a grinning smirk.

KELLY LOSS 'A SETBACK' BUT NOT AN EXCUSE FOR CLARE - LOHAN

MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP RD2

WATERFORD 2-23 CLARE 0-21

Venue: Walsh Park, Waterford

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

by Seamus Hayes

TONY Kelly’s loss through illness was a massive blow to Clare’s senior hurlers but it wasn’t an excuse for their eight point loss, manager Brian Lohan said.

Speaking in the aftermath of Clare’s second round defeat to Waterford, Lohan said they “wouldn’t be using that (Kelly’s absence) as an excuse. Waterford played well and it was a good performance from them”.

He explained, “we were aware all week of Tony’s situation but we were hopeful

that he might be ready to play but it didn’t happen”.

Clare were without four starters from last year’s All-Ireland winning side with Kelly, Conor Cleary, Diarmuid Ryan and Hurler of the Year Shane O’Donnell absent. “That’s what you have to deal with. I wouldn’t be making any excuses because of that. We have to hold our hands up and take our beating and move on”.

On the potential of having any or all of the quartet available for their crunch clash with Tipperary in a

Minors lower Limerick

MUNSTER MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP RD4

CLARE 2-20 CORK 0-18

Venue: TUS Gaelic Grounds,Limerick Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees For: 14 (8/6)

Wides: 10 (5/5)

Scores from Play: 2-11

Spread of Scorers: 5

Top Scorer: Paul Rodgers (1-10 9f)

Yellow Cards: Graham Ball (5), Ian O’Brien (20), Paul Rodgers (64)

Own Puck-Outs won: 16 from 24 (67%)

LIMERICK

Frees For: 14 (5/9) Wides: 6 (5/1)

Scores from Play: 0-7

Spread of Scorers: 6

Top Scorer: Paul Murphy (0-6 6f)

Yellow Cards: Sean Óg Cahill Hayes (15), Eoin Hennessy (35), Evan Ryan (56), Danny Sheehan (64) Own puck-outs:14/32 (44%)

REFEREE: Seoghan Walsh (Waterford)

fortnight’s time, he said, “we don’t know”. While the two-time All-Ireland winning full-

back was pleased with the performance of his full-back line, he felt the decision to award Waterford a penalty

STORY OF THE GAME

WATERFORD Frees for: 9 (5/4)

Wides: 8 (4/4)

Spread of scorers: 9

Scores from play: 1-19

Top scorer: Stephen Bennett (2-8 4f 1’Pen)

Own puckouts won: 23 from 33 (69%)

CLARE Frees for: 12 (6/6)

Wides: 12 (5/7)

Spread of scorers: 5

Scores from play: 0-16

Top scorer: David Reidy (0-6 2f)

Own puckouts won: 22 from 33 (66%)

REFEREE: Chris Mooney (Dublin)

early in the second half had to be analsyed. He said he had “a big question mark about the referee’s interpretation for the penalty and I have just spoken to Adam (Hogan). Look sometimes those decisions go for you and sometimes they don’t”. Lohan added, “that penalty decision was a key turning

point, it was massive”. He noted, “Waterford were definitely clinical and their supporters were delighted and fair play to them”. Focus now switches to Tipperary who make the journey to Cusack Park on May 10th. “There is big pressure for every game, it’s such a competitive championship”.

'We are still in this championship'

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s full back-line felt the pressure “but responded well” in Walsh Park according to number three Darragh Lohan who believed Waterford for full credit for their eight point win.

For only the third time in his career, Lohan started at fullback in the senior championship for Clare. It was a busy station with Waterford keeping him, Conor Leen and Adam Hogan on their toes but the trio fared well over the course of 70+ minutes.

Darragh said, “We were under a bit of pressure in the first 15 minutes but I thought we responded well. They probably got the rub of the green a little bit more than we did but they are full credit for their victory today”.

For Tony Kelly to join the list of missing personnel for Clare was a massive blow, the Shannon man said. “We were already down Diarmuid Ryan, Conor Cleary and Shane O’Donnell. Any day you lose any player is tough but losing four players of that calibre is particularly tough”.

Chris Mooney’s decision to pull Adam Hogan for a foul on Stephen Bennett was “a harsh penalty,” he maintained. “I wasn’t in the best position to see it but look, we are not going to look for excuses, they were probably better than us today”.

Tipperary is the next task for Lohan and Clare. “We are facing a huge game against Tipperary," he said, “our concentration was always going to be on Tipperary from 4pm today. We are still in this championship, everyone knows how competitive

PLAYER WATCH: Shane Meehan (corner forward)

Minutes played: All

Possessions: 9 (6/3)

Passes: 1 (1/0)

Short Pass: 1 (1/0)

Long Pass: 0

Hurley Pass: 1 (1/0)

Hand Pass: 0

Shots: 5

Scores: 0-4

Wides: 1 (1/0)

Dropped Short: 0

Tackles: 2 (2/0)

Turnovers for: 0

Turnovers against: 3 (2/1)

Frees for: 0

Frees against: 1 (1/0)

the Munster championship is. There is no more than a puck of a ball between any of the five teams any year. There is going to more drama next week and when we play in two weeks' time as well”.

He continued, “We will lick out wounds and get back into training. We will have two good weeks of training now and really look forward to Tipperary”.

“Home games are massive, it’s the same for us. When we are playing in Ennis we feel we have the edge there and I’m sure Waterford are the same. It’s a really tough place to come to and you saw that today, the Waterford fans were really fired up. Every game you play is tough, you’re doing everything you can for the week to get your mind right and your body right for another tough battle, that is exactly what we had and it’s the same for two weeks,” he concluded

l Clare captain Graham Ball Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Brian Lohan exchanges pleasantries with Peter Queally

l Darragh Lohan comes out of defence in possession

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

CLARE V LIMERICK U20 MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIP

SCAN FOR REPORT

CRUSHEEN, CLONLARA & KILMALEY ON TOP

SCAN FOR

Minors: we only have ourselves to blame

MUNSTER MINOR FOOTBALL CHAMP' PHASE 1 RD3

TIPPERARY 1-14 CLARE 1-12

Venue: Templetuohy

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY

OF THE GAME

TIPPERARY

Frees For: 20 (9/11)

Wides: 6 (2/4)

Scores from play: 0-10

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Ned O’Meara (0-7 1TP)

Own kickouts won: 13 out of 20 (65%)

Bookings: Daniel Charles black card (28)

CLARE

Frees For: 14 (8/6)

Wides: 7 (5/2)

Scores from play: 1-10

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Conor Burke (1-8 1TP)

Own kickouts won: 9 out of 19 (47%)

Bookings: Cathal McNamara (28)

REFEREE: Jack Bray (Waterford)

CLARE minor football manager Joe Hayes was, clearly, disappointed with his side’s loss to Tipperary at Templetuohy on Monday, writes Seamus Hayes

Speaking shortly after the final whistle he said, “I’m disappointed in the manner in which we lost but that’s life and we probably have only ourselves to blame, we were comfortable. Tipp are a very good side and they got a couple of runs on us”.

A big talking point was the decision of referee Jack Bray to give Tipperary a penalty in the

seventh minute of added time on an evening when the signal was for four minutes.

“I can’t comment on the penalty, I didn’t see it and I haven’t had a chance to view the video yet”, the Clare boss said.

Asked about the additional time allowed by the match official, Hayes said, “we had the ball in the 5th or 6th minute on the far side. It’s at the referee’s discretion when it goes to injury time. I am not going to be looking for excuses”.

Should Clare have been fur-

ther ahead at half time? “With the wind we kicked a few wides. We defended quite well, in fairness to the boys, a good few blocks and turnovers in the first half, maybe we should have been another three or four points up at the break. Look, we had a nine-point lead and to be honest we tuffed it away”.

The sides will meet again next Monday in the Daryl Darcy cup final. “It’s the same as last year. We just have to prepare now and get the bodies right for the rest of the week, bodies will be

sore, Tipp finished much stronger than us. We looked very leggy for the last few minutes, particularly some of our main lads. We have to look at that. Overall they are in good shape”. Continuing, he said “Tipp will, of course, be boosted by that result, why wouldn’t they, it’s a great win for them.

“We just have to respond. This week we will just be preparing for the Daryl Darcy final, there is a lot at stake, there is a cup and then there are different tiers”.

Clare Cup final a 'real landmark' of Tulla Utd while Newmarket have no room for slip-ups

by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

THERE’s no room for slip-ups in Clare junior soccer whether it is the beginning of the season

or the crunch time of the year according to Newmarket Celtic manager, Eoin O’Brien.

O’Brien watched his Celtic charges qualify for the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup final with a comfortable 3-0 victory over First Division side Fair Green Celtic on Friday evening, winger Dean Hegarty delivering a man of the match display with two goals.

They’re 90 minutes away from claiming the Cup title while Newmarket are still in the shake-up for Premier Division honours alongside Avenue Utd, Bridge Utd and Tulla Utd who they will face in the Clare Cup final on May 24th.

Each game is of huge importance regardless of the time of year, O’Brien told The Clare Echo. “You can never afford a slip-up, in September and October you can’t afford a slip, that is the really interesting thing about the soccer, the three points we picked up the very first night against the Bridge in September is worth the same as the three points on offer against Inch on Tuesday, the game against Connolly in the first round of the Cup in the storm that was called off and refixed is equally as important as the Cup semi-final because if you lose then you are knocked out and nobody is talking about the Cup final”.

A holder of nine Clare Cup

medals, Eoin was pleased with their showing in Friday’s semi-final win. “It was one of our better performances of the season, it was a tight game for half an hour, thirty five minutes but that bit of quality (made the difference). We were very pleased to go in 1-0 at half time, we came out, started quite well, we could have scored but once we got the second we looked comfortable and defended really well, I’m really pleased with the clean sheet”.

Meanwhile, Tulla Utd have qualified for a first-ever Clare Cup final with manager Mike Moloney describing the feat as "a real landmark" in their progression.

A 4-3 win on Saturday saw the East Clare side overcome Bridge Utd to book their spot in the decider against Newmarket on May 24 in Frank Healy Park. Creating history was on the mind of the Tulla troops in advance of the semi-final, manager Mike Moloney admitted. “It’s brilliant to get over the line. It’s the first time in the 55 year history of the club to qualify for a Clare Cup Final and we had been

focusing on that leading up to the game that this is a chance for the lads to make history and there wouldn’t be another team that were going to get there first if we could do it.

“Another thing that we put to the lads was that there’s really strong talent coming behind them and there’s no reason to believe that this group would get this opportunity again. We’d love to think that we would and we feel that the club will be there again but this was their unique chance so we needed to grab it and therefore we’re delighted that they did do that,” he said. For more soccer coverage, visit www.clareecho.ie.

CDSL ROUND-UP AVENUE BEAT TULLA TO STAY TOP BRIDGE BACK TO WINNING WAYS

NEWMARKET PUT 9 PAST INCH

l Clare's James Hegarty Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Kilmaley’s Colm Killeen Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Clare's Conor Burke in action

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Dean Hegarty celebrates scoring for Newmarket Celtic Photo by Joe Buckley

CASCADERS CLAIM NORTH MUNSTER TITLE

CLARE CASCADERS capped off a memorable campaign by claiming a first-ever Division One title in the North Munster league, following on from their Clare County League success.

The Ennistymon club booked their place in the Munster final with a dramatic semi-final win over Clare rivals, Shannon Jets on Saturday. They had a strong local support as they ran out 65-55 winners at Ennistymon Community School. A week previously, they were victorious when the sides met in the county final.

Munster glory came their way on Sunday when they triumphed over Limerick Celts at St Munchin’s College. Limerick Celtics have proven to be fierce opposition, recently being crowned Division One National League Champions and attaining Super League status.

Facing strong opposition, the Cascaders edged ahead by the slimmest of margins at halftime, leading 30-29. Cascaders guards Ciaran Harrington and Graham Sheehy were on top of their game, scoring regularly on both sides of the three point arc. The intensity didn’t let up in the third quarter, where they continued to build on their lead. The rebounding power under the boards of Mattie Kinch and Mikie Rouine gave Cascaders the upper hand, extending En-

l-r): Stephen Leigh (Coach), Beau Crosse, Breandan Barrett-Monaghan, Graham

nistymon's lead to 53-35.

But it was in the final quarter that the Ennistymon boys truly rose to the occasion. With Cillian Devitt and Roma Byrne's fast break play they scored freely, pulling away to secure a comfortable 64-46 victory.

Head Coach Stephen Leigh praised his side’s relentless work ethic and commitment, “The lads were beaten in the final last year

and they have worked incredibly hard to pick themselves up and come back again. This win is a reflection of their dedication over several seasons”.

Leigh also highlighted the club’s ambition moving forward, noting that the focus now turns to progression into the BIDL Division Two League, as the club aims to continue its rise through the ranks at a national level.

CLARE BADGERS SEALS IRISH LEAGUE 2 TITLE

The Clare Badgers completed a thrilling Irish League 2 championship victory, overcoming a five-point deficit in the final two games and delivering clutch performances when it mattered most.

The road to victory was anything but straightforward. The Cork Wolfpack and Armagh Stars, sitting third and fourth in the league standings, were fighting for playoff spots, ensuring the Badgers had no easy path to glory. Against Cork Wolfpack at half-time, the Badgers held a narrow 2-1 lead, with the Wolfpack keeping them under constant pressure. However, the Badgers stepped up in the second half, finding their rhythm and unleashing a dominant performance to secure a 5-1 victory.

The final hurdle came against Armagh Stars, the only team the Badgers hadn't beaten all season. The Stars matched them blow for blow, leading to a nail-biting 2-2 deadlock at halftime, with the championship hanging in the balance. The second half demanded everything the Badgers had, and they answered the call, powering through to a 5-2 triumph.

Thiabut Jungo, awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP), capped off his remarkable season with 32 goals, leading the charge offensively. But just as crucial to the final victory was the defensive wall built by Uvis Strazdins, whose second-half shutout against Armagh Stars ensured that the Badgers closed the season with style, securing the title under immense pressure.

The St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games competitions for boys and girls U13 and U16 handball were held in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

RESULTS

U13 Girls

1st Aoife Kennedy –Newmarket-on-Fergus 2nd Ella Kirby – Newmarket-on-Fergus 3rd Ava Considine –Clarecastle/Ballyea 4th Evanne Canny –Quin/Clooney

U16 Girls

1st Anna Brooks –Quin/Clooney 2nd Kayleigh Loughnane - Quin/Clooney

Boys U13

1st Eliah Kenny – Newmarket-on-Fergus 2nd Jack Kirby – Newmarket-on-Fergus U16

St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games

1st Owen Griffiths – Quin/Clooney 2nd John Burke – Newmarket-on-Fergus 3rd Conor Mc Dermott – Whotegate/Mountshannon

MUNSTER INDOOR GAMES

Meanwhile, the St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games were very well represented in the Munster Indoor events which were held in U.L., Galvone and Rathkeale. Clare came first in five events and second in six. The winners will now go forward to represent Clare and Munster in the National finals later in the summer.

PICTURED: Gold medalists, Futsal girls u13 – Ennis St John’s – Alex Flynn, Sophie Lyne, Alannah Mc Cullough, Cara Mc Cullough, Willow O’Grady, Carrie O’Keeffe, Katie Jane Purcell, Ellie Ryan

Double gold for Ennis Track

IT WAS a weekend to remember for Ennis Track Club as they secured major honours at the 123.ie National Road Relays, hosted by Raheny Shamrock AC last Sunday.

The club’s Women’s Over-50 team proved that class is permanent, successfully defending their national title. The trio of Anne-Marie Connellan, Aisling Power and Geraldine Vahey clocked a winning time of 24:12, finishing ahead of strong challenges from local favourites Raheny Shamrock AC (24:39) and Drogheda & District AC (24:59).

The men weren’t to be outdone either, with the Senior Men’s team going one better than last year’s silver medal performance by claiming gold in a thrilling contest. Cian O’Boyle, Barry Conway, Niall Murphy and Mark Hanrahan combined to deliver a winning time of 37:11, narrowly edging out

Craughwell AC, who finished in 37:15, with Clonliffe Harriers — last year’s champions — taking third in 37:32.

To cap off a tremendous day, Ennis Track were awarded the trophy for Best Overall Club, a well-earned recognition of the strength and depth across all of the club’s teams.

Meanwhile, there was further reason to celebrate as young athlete Sophie Maher impressed at the West Suffolk Steeplechase, Walks and Endurance Festival in Bury St. Edmunds, UK, on Saturday. Competing in her first 2000m steeplechase, Sophie ran a composed race to set a new Irish national U17 record, finishing in a time of 6:52.73.

PICTURED: Members of Ennis Track AC who struck gold at the 2025 National Road Relays in Raheny, with both the Senior Men and Over-50 Women’s teams topping the podium

l CHAMPS: (back l-r) Danial Wynne, Roma Byrne, Pavlo Chabaniuk, Cillian Devitt, Mattie Kinch, Mikie Rouine; (front

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

I HAD the top of my left ear removed a few years ago that turned out to be cancerous from years of golfing in the sun with a baseball cap that didn't cover my ears.

The tops of our ears are prone to sun exposure, especially for those of us with shorter hair it's an area that can easily be forgotten about.

I personally am not a huge fan of most suncreams as they are mixed with petroleum. A chemical left behind in petrol tanks that is put into our skin products including suncreams and lip balms just doesn't make much sense to put on the biggest organ of our body.

A quote I heard a few years ago made a lot of sense; "if

you can't eat it then it should not go on to your skin".

So outside of finding suncreams with no chemicals, I have turned to a sun bucket hat that not only protects your face but also covers the ears which I feel is an option that is best suited for most of us golfers playing for up to five hours out under direct sunlight.

These bucket caps have become a huge industry over the past decade with them coming in all shapes and sizes, some are even wide enough to keep most of your body covered from the direct sunlight.

A few years ago, while in Dubai I went to follow Padraig Harrington as he was in contention to win.

The midday sun was reaching up to 40° so I decided to buy a bucket cap for the first time. To my surprise

I was able to stay out in the heat for a lot longer due to the shade the bucket cap was giving me because it had quite a large rim around the sides.

It was a bit like I was stood under the shade of a tree and there was a nice breeze that day so it was a lot more

pleasant because of the bucket cap.

These caps come with both rigid or softer rims that can be ironed should the softer caps get creased which is often the case when they get balled up in the pocket of the golf bag.

The advantage to the rigid

69 teams at Clare football golf classic

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

CLARE FOOTBALL

GOLF CLASSIC:

Sixty nine teams supported the Art Data Centres (Tom McNamara) sponsored Clare football golf classic at Woodstock on Thursday and Friday.

Heavy rain made conditions difficult but some very impressive scores were recorded.

The Wild Irish seaweed team of Evan and Ger Talty, Pat Lorrigan and Aidan Sexton captured the honours with 117 points, two more than Tim Crowe, Tony Considine, Andrew Fahey and Bill Hanley. Third place was filled by the Brogan’s Restaurant team of Martin White, Frank McEnery, Mike Gardiner and Joe Prinzi with 112 points and they were followed by the Martin Donnelly team of Declan and Donagh Fawl, Damian Sexton and Dermot O’Brien with 111 points. Oisin Vaughan from Ennistymon GAA won the long drive while Darren Donoghue from team Timmy Dooley TD won the nearest the pin prize, both sponsored by Cullinan and Sons Ennistymon.

EAST CLARE:

Last week’s ladies 18 hole stroke competition was won by Deirdre O'Neill (36) with a nett 68.

The category winners were Marie Donnellan (20) with 74, Connie McKenna (33) with 72 and Breda Reid (43) with 81.

Last Wednesday’s ladies competition was won by Brid Hayes, Mary Donoghue and Mary Hogan

from Mary Jo Minogue, Mary Bugler and Evelyn Skehan with third filled by Mary Collins, Mary Farrell, and Mary Stritch.

The men’s April medal competition was won by Neil Harrington (10.8) with 67 points and he had a point to spare over Brian Stritch (12.6) with Paul Madden (16.6) also with 68 points in third spot. Tony Cleary won the gross with 71.

Last Thursday’s men’s open singles was won by Kieran Larkin (22) with 4 points from Tony Nelson (11.9|) with 40 points with the gross won by Eoin Magill (1,8) with 68. In the senior men’s competition last week the winners were Pat Duggan, Jim Bradley and Terry Coughlan from Batt Skehan, Jim Willis and Denis Corcoran with third filled by Jerry O'Brien, Kieran McNamara & Martin Quinn Friday’s mixed scramble winners were Pat Duggan, Michael Heffernan and Helen Downey from Brian Muldoon, Mary Collins, and Breda O'Loghlin.

DROMOLAND: The weekend’s club foursomes competition at Dromoland Castle golf club was won by Sean Gallagher and Jake Higgins with 48 points and they were six ahead of James Purcell and Barry Walshe with Cyril O’Neill and Robert Bailey a point further back on 41 in third.

The mid-week 9 hole competition was won by James Purcell with 22 points from Neil Slattery with 20 points and Patrick McCoy with 20 points.

In the ladies 18 hole stableford competition the winner was Mairead Bergin with 38 points from Julie Fitzgerald with 37, Dorothy Brennan with 36 and Michelle McCarthy with 35. Mairead Toomey won the gross.

The 9 hole competition was won by Martina McInerney with 20 points from Teresa Reddan with 18 and Niamh McDermott with 17 points.

WOODSTOCK:

Kenneth O’Malley (16) won the Hotel Woodstock April medal with 68 with the gross won by Sean Crowe (3) with 72.

Category 1 was won by Cathal O’Sullivan (10) with 60 from Morgan Lahiffe (7) with 72.

Categry 2 was won by Paddy Meehan (12) with 69 from Paul Coote (15) also with 69 while category 3 was won by Sean J. Walsh (19) with 70.

In the singles stableford competition for those over 19 handicap the winner was Tom Dormer (21) with

38 points from Frankie Slattery (20) with 37.

The open singles continues this Wednesday and Thursday while the competition at the weekend will be the captain’s (Gerry O’Malley) fourball.

On Bank holiday Monday there will be an open singles competition.

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB:

The social mixed competition resumes on Friday week, May 9 and will continue on Fridays. The format will be 14 holes mixed foursomes and booking opens Tuesday each week.

GORT GOLF CLUB:

Last week’s ladies 18 hole singles stableford competition, sponsored by the Lady Gregory hotel, was won by Aileen Walsh (42) with 44 points from Anne Marie Cradock (37) with 39 points.

In third place with 37 points was Angela Fahey (39) followed by Sinead Collins (21) with 36 points.

In a similar competition on Friday the winner was Patsy Lyons (42) with 32.

bucket caps is they hold their shape but they can't be folded into the pocket of your golf bag.

I have also noticed though even if you wear a bucket cap on a warm breezy day, those who are prone to getting burned can still suffer sunburn from the breeze so it is still advisable to wear some suncream, preferably without petroleum as I would argue long-term use of petroleum products can't be good for our skin either.

I have researched zinc oxide, it is very effective and a much healthier option for protecting our skin from getting damaged.

Zinc oxide sits on top of your skin rather than being absorbed. It acts like a shield, reflecting and scattering both UVA and UVB rays (the parts of sunlight that cause sunburn, aging, and

skin cancer).

Unlike some chemical sunscreens that block only part of the UV spectrum, zinc oxide blocks a wide range of harmful rays.

This week is promised to be in the mid-twenties so it's important to be ready if you are hitting the fairways.

Another alternative tip is to setup your umbrella in the umbrella holder on your trolley to help to protect you from getting too much direct sunlight.

It is important to the human body to get direct sunlight but after 15-20 minutes our skin can begin to burn from the lack of exposure in Ireland so make sure to protect yourself and don't forget to protect your ears also so you don't face the same issues I had a number of years ago.

Spancilhill Express takes prize in Galway

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

SPANCILHILL express tracked home at Galway greyhound stadium with success for Joseph Ward.

The two graded contests of the night at Galway Greyhound Stadium on Saturday’s card were a pair of A3 graded affairs.

In the fifth event as the traps rose the Joseph Ward of Spancilhill owned Eastern Express was away like the wind from his trap three berth and showing tremendous early pace the son of Ballymac Bolger & Jet Stream Lady led from Ballyea Buck and Springwell Eddy rounding the opening bend.

Turning down the back Eastern Express was really living up to host name as he powered clear of Ballyea Buck.

Tracking well between the final two bends he was home and hosed off the final bend as he scored by eight lengths at the line in a slick 28.76.

The third contest was an S0 graded 350 yard affair in which Princess Roisin and Davris Deb were both away well with Blaze Bay also showing pace to track the pair into the opening bend.

Rounding the bend Davris Deb went a length clear but she was immediately tracked through by the rail hugging Balze Bay.

Off the home bend the Tony Brigdale of Ennis owned Blaze

Bay (Slippery Robert & Sports Olivia) went on and quickly asserting races to a three-length success in 19.74.

Having been collared close home last time out the Martin Williams of Quin owned Knockanoura Kate made no mistake on this occassion as the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained daughter of Burgess Bucks & Crokers Wish made all to defeat Rylane Master by three & a half lengths in 29.29. Trapping well from her one berth the winner led by over a length approaching the opening bend as Rylane Master and A Sweet Damsel gave chase. Racing along the back straight Knockanoura Kate kept the tempo high as Rylane Master continued to be her closest pursuer but the winner was always in control as she raced clear up the straight.

As the traps rose for the S6 graded sprint contest Fast Fit Fergie was away smartly and racing towards the opening bend the John Quinn of Gort owned runner led Astro Neil and Crinkhill Denis by two lengths. Racing towards the crown of the home bend Crinkhill Denis came through to lead along the rails but on straightening for home Fast Fit Fergie(Malachi-Fast Fit Maeve) rallied again and swept to the front to score by three parts of a length at the line in 19.74.

l An Adidas bucket hat available from P&M Golf Superstore in Ennis

l BIG SCORE: The winning Wild Irish Seaweed team

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

CASTLECRINE, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO

CLARE V95 AX92

Take notice that Anne & Mark O’Donovan intend to apply for Planning Permission to a) construct 2 No. extensions to the existing dwelling house and b) increase the width of the entrance gate and walls including all ancillary services and works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority, in writing, on payment of a fee of €20.00 within five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Planning Application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Further information/ Revised Plans, Planning Ref: 24/423; Permission to build a house, garage, install a wastewater treatment system & all other site & ancillary works at Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, Co Clare Take notice that Siobhain Mahon has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P24/423. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Chontae and Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Further information/ Revised Plans, Planning Ref: 24/396; Permission to build a house, garage, install a wastewater treatment system & all other site & ancillary works at

Luogh North, Doolin, Co Clare

Take notice that JohnJo Whelan has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P24/396. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Chontae and Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TEERGONEAN, DOOLIN, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Sinead O Donovan and Eoin McGrath intend to apply for planning permission to construct a new dwelling, install a waste water treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NO. 7 DUN BHREANDAN, ST. BRENDAN’S ROAD, LISDOONVARNA, CO CLARE. V95EE36. Take notice that Regina Coughlan intends to apply for planning permission to CHANGE OF USE OF THE DWELLING AT 7 DUN BHREANDAN FROM HOLIDAY HOME TO PERMANENT RESIDENTIAL USE & ALL OTHER ASSOCIATED SITE & ANCILLARY WORKS. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the

reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL OLD CREDIT UNION BUILDING, QUILTY VILLAGE, CO CLARE. V95 HN30

Take notice that Jeff Brennan intends to apply for planning permission to alter the and extend the existing building, granted permission for change of use under reference P23/319, by creating a first floor area with a dormer roof, changing the ground floor internal layout and fenestration & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DOONMORE, DOONBEG, CO.

CLARE

Planning permission is being sought by Siobhan & Diarmuid Haugh for a change of design of a new single storey extension to the rear of the existing dwelling from that permitted under planning ref 22/661. Permission is also sought to change the design of the first floor window treatment by replacing the previously approved dormers with rooflights. Works include modifications to the existing dwelling which include the removal of an existing rear extension, increasing the existing ridge height previously permitted under planning ref 22/661. Works will also involve the removal of the disused and incomplete outbuildings on the site and construction of

two replacement sheds on the site, alterations to the existing entrance wall and gate, a new wastewater treatment system and percolation area and associated site works already approved under planning ref 22/661 at Doonmore, Doonbeg, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL.

Planning Permission is being sought by Quilligan Scally Architects on behalf of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, Station Road, Ennis, Co. Clare V95 D32F for Development at Sroohill, Ennistymon, Co. Clare.

Development will consist of:

1. Construction of a new 2-storey school building (1863.6 m2) incorporating 8 classrooms, general purpose room, library, offices, resource and learning rooms and associated ancillary accommodation; and a single classroom Special Education Needs Unit with associated facilities.

2. New site structures and features including retaining walls, cycle area, bin store, mechanical plant compound, hard play court, play areas, sensory garden, tiered seating areas, site furniture and child play installations.

3. New internal site pedestrian and vehicular transport layout including internal roads and turning areas, pedestrian paths, parking for 19 cars, bus and car drop off areas and right of way access points to neighbouring properties.

4. Realignment and widening of the existing north-western entrance to the site on the L1050 Ballinagaddy Road including demolition of existing boundary walls, hedgerows and gate and construction of a new set back vehicular entrance to the east of the existing entrance; with new boundary wall/fence,

gates, landscaping and signage.

5. Alterations to the existing north-eastern pedestrian entrance to the site on the L1050 Ballinagaddy Road including repair/re-rendering of block walls to existing set back entrance (including shared boundary wall with Andersons Cottage, a Protected Structure) and replacement of gates.

6. Upgrading, repair and replacement of existing boundaries throughout including boundaries with neighbouring properties with rendered block walls, natural stone walls and metal fencing.

7. Site soft landscaping works throughout including demolition and removal of existing hedgerows, raising and lowering of ground, site soft landscaping including hedges, shrubbery and trees.

8. And all associated site works including site services, site lighting, subsurface attenuation tank and site hard landscaping. The total site area is 3.41 Acres. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be submitted to the local authority with the Planning Application. The planning application (and Natura Impact Statement) may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council 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 APPLICANT: MICHAEL LONG CONSTRUCTION LTD ADDRESS: DERG GARDENS, SCARIFF, CO CLARE

Take notice that Michael Long Construction Ltd is applying to Clare County Council for retention permission to retain new rear site boundary location granted under Planning Permission P19/415 and P24/60195 at existing site located at Derg Gardens, Scariff, Co Clare. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices

of Clare County Council 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

Further information/ Revised Plans, Planning Ref: 25/2; Permission to renovate the existing derelict dwelling on site, demolishing and reconstructing the section to the right gable, creating a first floor area over the main footprint, installing a wastewater treatment system & all associated site & ancillary works at Ballybroughan, Killaloe, Co Clare

Take notice that Gillian Gibson has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P25/2. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Chontae and Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS

Planning Ref: P24/60423

Location: Wuthering Heights, Kilmore, Co. Clare Development Description: The development will consist of change of use from existing derelict public house for use as a dwelling house. Permission is also being sought for the following to facilitate the change to a dwelling house.

1) Renovation of an existing building to include elevational changes.

2) Demolition of an existing single story extension to the rear.

3) Construction of a 2

storey extension to the rear.

4) Construction of a two storey extension to both sides.

5) Provision of 3 number rooflights to the rear of existing roof slope and 6) All associated site development works. Take notice that Gordon Daly has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P24/60423. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, à ras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

I, James Collery, am applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Errina, Clonlara, Co Clare V94 677F: Retention Permission for revised site boundary as outlined which deviates from that previously granted permission (Planning Ref 15/195) to rear of property together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works. 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 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.

Plannings Continued on Page 38

Galvin (née Quilligan), Moira Clonlara

Kelly (née Hanley), Bríd Ennis

O’FLAHERTY, Daragh Kilrush

O’FLAHERTY, Daragh Kilmihil

Hurst, Paddy Kilkee

Landy, Paul, M. A. Ennis

McInerney, Michael New Quay

Roberts, Gerry Ennis

Roberts, Maldwyn (Mal) Shannon

Stillwagon (née McNamara), Mary Cree

Carroll (née Keane), Claire Ennis

Recent Deaths

Garrihy, Brendan Ennistymon

McMahon, John (Johnnie) Coolmeen

Conroy(née Kirwan), Geraldine

Newmarket-on-Fergus

Hayes, James Ennis

Mahony, Martin Carrigaholt

Mahony, Martin Cross

O’DRISCOLL, Tommy Killimer

AGUILA, Pedro Shannon

McCaul (née Murray), Mairead Ennis

O’ Connell, Sr Mary Kilkee

RUSH (née Fennell), Margaret

Kilrush

Ryan, Mattie Tulla

Shanahan (née Barry), Joy Lahinch

Plannings Continued from Page 35

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Notice of Further Information/Revised Plans

Name of Applicant: Aidan McKeogh

Site Location: Knockadereen, Bridgetown, Killaloe, Co Clare

Reference Number of the application: 24/60484

The development applied for consisted of ; Permission for the construction of a detached 2 storey dwelling, new entrance, bored well, onsite wastewater treatment system, connection to necessary services and all associated ancillary and site works.

Significant Further Information / Revised Plans have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and are available for inspection or purchase at the offices of the authority for a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks

after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SITES 9, 14 AND 15 LEAGARD SOUTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take Notice that Spanish Point Homes Ltd intends to apply to the Planning Authority for full Planning Permission to construct 3 no. detached houses with shared sewage treatment system, garages, open space and associated site works and services at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISMORRIS,

LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Donal Chambers and Claire O’Brien intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, wastewater treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis 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 planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, LEHAKNOCK, KILMALEY, CO.

CLARE,

Take notice that T. & C. Brien intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the rear building and ex-

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

ternal canopy areas along with ancillary 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, LEAGARD SOUTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that St. Joseph’s GAA Club Miltown Malbay intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the changes made to building and toilet block granted under P94/318 and for permission to install new windows and doors and alter the internal layouts to the same building along with ancillary 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.

Chevaliers Gearóid Williams (Kilrush), David Williams (Ennis), Brian Mc Carthy (Cork), Peter Moylan (Ennis), Donnacha Fahy (Burren) and Dame Maureen Jones (Newmarket on Fergus)

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES May 1st

Aardvark

Anteater

Babirusa

Bontebok

Bushbaby

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.

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1. Darling(10)

7. Conflagration(7)

8. Substantial(5)

10. Dog noise(4)

11. Catastrophe(8)

13. Servile follower(6)

15. Noon(6)

17. Opposite(8)

18. Winged insect(4)

21. Slack(5)

22. Large crustacean(7)

23. Branch of mathematics(10)

1. More secure(5)

2. Merit(4)

3. Cancer or Capricorn(6)

4. Rapturous(8)

5. Akin(7)

6. Fiendish(10)

9. English county(10)

12. Worshipful(8)

14. Frankness(7)

16. Refuge(6)

19. Relating to sight(5)

20. Assist in a crime(4)