The Clare Echo 02/04/26

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by John Sheridan

‘Old convent could be Clare’s own Ballymun’ Cllr slams plan to turn Ennistymon building into social housing

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN OLD convent in Ennistymon is at risk of becoming “another Ballymun” if the refurbished building becomes home to social housing tenants, the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District has warned.

Initially granted planning permission for use as a retirement village, the site of the Old Convent in Ennistymon according to county councillors is being eyed up as a development for social housing.

Senior officials in Clare County Council have said they “not yet” been approached by the developer of the apartments about its potential use for social or affordable housing.

Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) claimed, “I feel there is collaboration going on between the Department, housing bodies and Clare County Council to get this over the line”.

The Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD added, “We will end up with 31 apartments

ending up like an old Ballymun Estate, it is so isolated”.

Within Ennistymon, the Council’s reputation for housing developments has left a sore taste, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said.

He noted three specific sites were delivered by the Council in the last quarter of a century in the North Claere town, “some were award winning at the time and they can now generously be described as ghettos”.

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Holy Family Ennis Pupils Gerard O’Rourke, Daria Naimer, Patrick Kilker and Maheera Manun helping Cathaoirleach Paul Murphy launch the Easter Egg hunt Photo by Eamon Ward

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This week, a group of international tourism buyers from around the world have been experiencing first-hand the Irish tourism product ahead of attending Meitheal, Ireland’s most important tourism trade event, which takes place in the Gleneagle INEC Arena in Killarney. During their time in Clare, the group enjoyed a Burren Experience guided walking tour, learning about the unique story of the landscape, botany, fauna, geology, and farming of the area

Photo by Eamon Ward

Tragedy in Doonbeg as two anglers die after falling into the sea

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TWO ANGLERS died after falling into the sea in Doonbeg on Tuesday afternoon.

Both men who have been living in Limerick City for the past decade are understood to have been fishing off the rocks at the Blue Pool in Pulleen Bay outside Doonbeg before falling into the sea.

Sea conditions in West Clare were reported to be very rough on Tuesday afternoon.

Brothers, Tajuddin Safi (30s) and Salahuddin Safi (20s) originally from Afghanistan were part of a group of five from Limerick City who to West Clare on Tuesday as part of a fishing trip.

Residents of Limerick for the past decade, the Safi brothers also worked locally.

They were joined in Doonbeg by another brother and a cousin. They had regularly travelled to Clare to fish.

Sadly, they are not the first to lose their lives while cliff angling at the Blue Pool with tragedies and near-misses aplenty in the past. Locals very rarely fish at the site.

An Garda Síochána notified the Irish Coast Guard Marine Rescue Coordination Sub-centre (MRSC) in Valentia at 14:15 on Tuesday that two individuals had fell into the sea.

A search was initiated with the Coast Guard helicopter R115 from Shannon, Kilkee Coast Guard Unit, Doolin Coast Guard Unit and the Aran Island Lifeboat on scene.

At approximately 4pm, the Coast Guard helicopter R115 located two bodies within the search area identified by MRSC Valentia, after which Aran Island Lifeboat recovered them from the sea as part of the coordinated operation.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life off Doonbeg. The local community extends our heartfelt sympathies to the families, the members of the fishing party and all those affected by this devastating incident. This tragedy at the area known as the Blue Pool is a notoriously dangerous stretch of coast, and it is a stark reminder of the unpredictable and pow-

erful nature of the Atlantic Ocean.

She added, “I want to commend all of our emergency services, the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI, Gardaí, National Ambulance Service, Clare Fire and Rescue, and Civil Defence, who responded with such bravery and coordination in extremely challenging conditions”.

Doonbeg native Rita was keen to stress that fishing should be avoided at a location as dangerous as the Blue Pool. “While our coastline is one of immense natural beauty and a source of pride for our community, it also holds very real dangers. The ferocity of the Atlantic at locations such as this cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately this is not the first tragedy at this location and I would strongly urge people to avoid fishing or accessing this particular spot and to always heed safety advice when near the sea. At this difficult time, our thoughts remain with those grieving, and as a community we are very saddened by their loss”.

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Barefield fun run to fund work of Clare volunteers in Uganda

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

NEW QUAY’s John Conroy will lead ten volunteers to Uganda on a humanitarian mission this July.

Over the summer, the Clare crew will volunteer with Hospice Jinja which is a facility established to assist with palliative care, they will assist on educational training children with special needs and mainstream children in a primary school with an enrolment of 1200 children and also coach gaelic football at Nile Óg Cusack’s GAA club.

To assist with fundraising efforts, a 6km family fun run and walk takes place in Barefield. The run has been kindly sponsored by Frank and Siobhain Landy from Sweet n Green and it kicks off at 7.30pm on Friday April 3.

Since 2017, over sixty volunteers from Clare have raised in excess of €375,000 for charities in Uganda. All flights, daily expenses and living costs are paid for by the volunteers themselves with all donations going direct to those most in need of support and assistance.

This year the volunteers heading to Uganda alongside John are Maria O’Loughlin, Martina and Ailbhe McGann, Michelle McNamara, Teresa

Reynolds, Olive Robinson, Cora McNulty, Rachel Helebert and Michael O’Neill.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, John outlined that the fundraising target this year is €39,000 to construct ten teacher’s houses, toilet and wash facilities. Plans have been drawn up with construction of the building due to begin in the middle of April with completion earmarked for the middle of August. The building will be built on the grounds of Walukuba West Primary School in Jinja and is also home to Nile Og Cusack’s GAA Club.

Conroy explained, “Last year we fundraised the construction of a dormitory and toilets for 100 deaf children with the ten teachers house due to be constructed behind the dormitory. In nineteen countries across eastern and southern Africa teacher absenteeism range from fifteen to forty five percent. In Uganda, recent data reveal a staggering reality, while teachers may be on the payroll fifty two percent were not actually teaching in the classroom. Without teacher presence and engagement, learning will not improve for the nine out of ten children in sub-Saharan Africa who currently cannot read and

understand a simple text by age ten. Teachers in Uganda face many challenges, low wages, difficult working and living conditions and lack of professional respect, many teachers are forced to take on additional jobs to supplement their inadequate income, with many teachers unable to pay for transport to school. By constructing the teachers houses this will help the school in keeping the teachers within the school and improving the children’s education”.

He has urged the people of Clare to get show their support for the work in Uganda by getting involved in the Barefield run. He said Toonagh Craft Group and Circles of Stitches have been busy knitting clothing items for babies and young children that access the hospice service.

Students in seventh class of Walukuba West primary school received their final exams in early February with the school receiving the highest grades on record with the school headmaster noting the input of the Irish volunteers and donors in improving the facilities and standard for the students through sport and education.

Founded in July 2024, Nile Óg Cusacks GAA club began initially coaching thirty deaf

children but now has sessions three times per week amongst the school community of 1,200.

An Easter GAA camp takes place in Uganda next week.

In October 2024, the terms of gaelic football and hurling were launched at the Irish Embassy in Kampala as part of the Ugandan sign language

by Ambassador Kevin Colgan.

Nile Óg Cusacks had their first AGM and elected the club’s first officers in February 2025, the following July the club played their first official game against Simba Wolfhounds.

The club hosted a tournament last summer to celebrate the opening of the new dormitory.

Hospice Jinja provides a palliative care service to a

population base of five million in the Busoga province. The hospice is a free mobile palliative care service that travels to the homes of people administering treatment to the families and individuals in need. The team relieve their pains and symptoms and help them live their last days in peace, comfort and dignity. In 2025 1,579 patients received palliative and supportive care with 854 new patients enrolling Every day, during home visits across the Busoga Region the hospice encounters patients living with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses who have faced years of delayed

diagnosis, untreated pain and limited access to care. Poverty, lack of awareness, and weak referral systems often means that help arrives late or not at all. The Hospice delivers an integrated, community-based model that follows patients along the entire cancer pathway working around five interconnected areas, prevention, early detection, treatment support, palliative care and psychosocial and family support. The average cost per patient is €366 with costs covering palliative care, treatment support, psychosocial care, prevention and outreach.

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‘This will become another Ballymun’ - Cllrs say Old Convent at Ennistymon cannot become social housing flats

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNISTYMON could become home to “another Ballymun” if a block of apartments are made solely available for social housing, a county councillor has warned.

Located at the site of the Old Convent in Ennistymon what was initially intended to become a retirement village could now become 31 apartments for social housing according to elected representatives who hit out at previous decisions by the local authority for creating “ghettos” in the North Clare town.

Clare County Council in January granted permission to Alan Cummins Ltd to change the use of the development as a retirement village for use as residential. The application also sought to change the internal layout and minor elevational changes to the refurbished convent building as granted, and presently under construction, to provide thirteen apartments made up of 1 x 1 bedroom apartment, 10 x 2 bed apartments and 2 x 3 bed apartments. Planning had been secured for the retirement village in 2019.

Clarity was sought by Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) and Cllr Shane Talty (FF) from the Director of Housing on whether the Council intended to have the development “occupied entirely by social housing rental tenants”, if options existed for the public to purchase an apartment and how it was proposed “to manage daily maintenance, anti-social behaviour,

refuse, laundry needs of such an isolated development”.

Senior engineer in the Council’s housing section, Adrian Headd stated that the Council “have not received any application to date” for the development to be used for social housing. Within Ennistymon, Inagh and Lahinch, 135 people are qualified for social housing.

He advised, “Turnkey Acquisitions will continue to be an important part of social housing delivery, and particularly those developments which also address vacancy and dereliction within urban settings having regard for successful schemes delivered to date”.

Speaking at a meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Slattery referred to the granting of planning for a retirement village at the location six years ago to accommodate residents over fifty five, “everyone was pleased with that”. He added, “for some reason when the apartments were built the developer decided to change the planning application in 2025 for apartments for affordable and social.

The word has gone around that they will all be social houses, this area is not suitable, this isolated site is not suitable for social housing, if it will be all social housing it won’t work. It is in the wrong place”.

Landbanks on the Ennis Rd are “where houses were to be built for social housing. The developer is trying to offload for social housing,” Slattery added. He said the Council reply didn’t deny they would be

used for social housing. “I feel there is collaboration going on between the Department, housing bodies and Clare County Council to get this over the line,” he claimed. He added, “The people of Ennistymon don’t want social housing in that area. The elderly from Fanore wanted to move here and downsize, this is well on the tracks of becoming all social housing and I don’t want that to happen”.

Bringing the derelict Old Convent building “back into life” is to be welcomed, Cllr Talty observed. He said, “Everyone is aware that the developer undertaking the works, he has a very strong track record and a laudable track record of delivering turnkey developments and selling them on to housing bodies or to the County Council which becomes full stock social housing”.

Already the standing of the Council when it comes to housing in Ennistymon is at a low ebb, Cllr Talty remarked. “The reputation of Clare County Council when it has delivered housing developments in Ennistymon, they have delivered three specific sites in the last twenty five years, some were award winning at the time and they can now generously be described as ghettos.

We walked away from them without management, maintenance, refuse or laundry”.

Director of Services, Carmel Kirby told the meeting that the planning application is for residential, “It wouldn’t normally specify whether social or affordable but I imagine it is just for residential. There has been no

Photo by John Sheridan

application to Clare County Council to take it on as social or affordable housing”. The developer has made no approach to the Council “as of yet,” she confirmed.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Slattery predicted an approach will be made “very shortly”. He stated, “We will end up with 31 apartments ending up like an old Ballymun Estate, it is so isolated”. Slattery continued criticised the Council for the move to “pull the funds for people doing the supervision” in existing estates in Ennistymon, “two of them I’d declare as ghettos. Previous councillors have been blamed for allowing three halting sites to be built in Ennistymon, we will not be blamed for not doing anything about this”.

Sustainable communities depend on just having the wraparound services but capacity to manage,

remarked Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) who welcomed bringing derelict buildings back to use. “The holistic approach of wanting and needing housing in Clare, everything we talk about is having a good mix of housing, you want a mix of affordable, private and social housing. Our focus seems to be entirely on providing social housing. There is a need for housing activation team and working with members”.

Concerns from councillors will be relayed to the housing section, Kirby outlined. “Like any landlord there can be difficult tenants but the majority are very good,” she said while turning to face the media in attendance. “I think the work of our housing maintenance is generally good but there are difficult tenants to be managed”.

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Legacy of Clare hurling fanatic Pa Howard will live on

by Michael O’Connor news@clareecho.ie

A LINK to old Ireland may have been extinguished this week with the death of Pa Howard but his legacy will live on through his work, friends and collection of history.

Ninety-one year old Pa was laid to rest in his beloved Tubber on Tuesday, he died on Saturday at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) following a short illness.

Behind his unassuming nature was a man fiercely devoted to his land, his home parish of Tubber and his county.

From 1962 to 1988, ‘Pa’s field’ was the home of Tubber hurling before the club developed their facilities. Passing his home at night, the light on served as a sure sign he was reading up on hurling, a guest was present or he was saying a prayer.

With his native club, Pa served as club secretary for 15 years from 1960 to 1975, a selector for 10 years but prior to this played at all levels for Tubber over a 24year career stretching from 1949 to 1972. He also served as a selector with Clare squads at minor and U21.

Howard has helped to provide one of the most important Clare GAA documents published. ‘Over 50 years of Hurling, 1949-2001: Pa Howard’s Collection’ is a 564 page summary of names, dates, places and match results compiled by Pa, it lists names of 1,280 players in 1,040 games. Every player who donned a Clare jersey at any level for over 50 years is

l Pa Howard mentioned in this book.

Crusheen’s Pat O’Donnell sponsored the book which was spearheaded by Pa with the following committee members, Michael O’Grady (Tubber), Jimmy Corry (Sixmilebridge), Padraig Mac Mathúna (Cooraclare), Pat Danaher (Tulla), Leo Doyle (Bodyke) and Jimmy Smyth (Ruan).

Speaking this week, Leo admitted, “It was one of the honours of my life to help out in some way”.

He described Pa as “one of life’s saints”.

“Pa lived a simple wholesome life in which his faith was the

guide for how he approached all life matters. Farming and his love of Tubber and Clare were uppermost in his thoughts. Pa was indeed one of Clare’s greatest supporters and travelled everywhere to follow his county as do so many hoping for wins but most importantly that the teams perform well. He was renowned for his collection of programmes, papers and scrap books relating to Clare hurling. His famous collection was turned into a bible of record edited

by Jimmy Smyth”.

Clare senior hurling manager, Brian Lohan said of Pa’s passing, “We have lost a wonderful man”.

“He was a true Clare hurling supporter. I always felt a calm enthusiasm with the way he supported the team and each player individually, but also an absolute delight after some of the really good days. He could be seen anywhere in the country at any time who would always take the time to say well done”.

Order was central to Pa’s routine. If there were games on in Cusack Park he would leave early in the morning, get Mass in either the Poor Clares or Friary.

He would then park his car in the same area, go for a pre-game meal at the Sherwood Inn and stroll across to the Park for the action. He loved more than anything the pilgrimage to Croke Park, none more than All Irelands with friends. He attended more than 60 All-Ireland finals.

As part of his collection, Pa had reports of every Clare senior hurling final from 1946 published in

The Clare Champion and other publications. From 1950 when a sport star of the week would be announced in the national papers, Pa cut out the announcement and pasted the report into his scrapbooks. All this material including programmes, magazines, cut outs from papers were lovingly catalogued for easy reference when a discussion was in play at one of the many gatherings.

Such gatherings saw various GAA personalities trek to Tubber to be hosted by Howard, some were planned with food and treats laid out, others were informal.

With chats around the fireplace, it was a homage to old Ireland.

The debates would be fulsome about the matters of the day regarding the GAA and specifically about hurling. Regular attendees through the years included Mac Mathúna, Doyle, Corry, O’Grady, Smyth, Danaher, Len Gaynor, Tony Meaney, Seamus O’Reilly, Noel O’Driscoll, Cyril Lyons. Seamus Durack, Owen O’Donnell, Pat O’Donnell, Tom McNamara, Joe McDonagh, Noel Morris, Brendan Hennessy, Justin McCarthy, Martin Hanrahan and more.

Tubber’s representation on Clare squads always made Pa very proud, particularly in the 1970s and 80s when the O’Connor brothers Michael, Enda and Pat were heavily involved, when Eamon Taaffe scored the winning goal in the 1995 All-Ireland final and when Patrick O’Connor lined out at wing back when Clare won the 2013 All-Ireland final.

There was a fondness for Pa

outside of Tubber, Patrick O’Connor noted. “Growing up in Tubber there is every chance you will become immersed in the hurling club and if you got it involved in the hurling club you were guaranteed to hear Pa Howard’s name being spoken about.

“As a youngster Pa was always spoked about in such glowing terms. His acts of kindness and love of Tubber ensuring you understand the esteem he was held in ever before I met him. As I got older and moved up the grades with Clare underage teams you began to understand the fondness people had for Pa wasn’t just within Tubber. Speaking to locals all around the country after games it never failed to amaze me when the connection was made and I was asked ‘Do you know Pa Howard’.

“Despite his incredible knowledge and the lofty status he was held in it always struck me about how respectful he was. He would never criticise and would always have a word of encouragement.

Never forceful but always genuine. One day in particular sticks out in recent years where we organised the Clare senior panel to call in to Pa at home when they were nearby. Undoubtedly, very proud he did have a few stern words for me that he wasn’t given the opportunity to put on his good jumper. We have lost a Clare hurling fanatic and an incredibly humble and genuine man but just like his legacy proceeded him when I was a young boy his legacy will live on strong,” O’Connor added.

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Master craftsman McKenna shaped success from Scariff workshop

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A MASTER craftsman, Seán McKenna’s death brought a sense of sadness to Scariff but also an appreciation in East Clare and beyond for a life well lived.

Born in Bodyke, Seán shaped generations of hurling careers with his gift as a hurley maker. Such was his reputation that hurlers travelled from all over Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway and further afield for a famed McKenna hurley.

He moved to Ballyminogue in Scariff after marrying his beloved Brid (nee Kirby), they went on to have three children, Mark, Siobhán and Claire.

Seán died on Saturday, March 14 and with it, East Clare lost one of its great sons.

In Scariff, he was known as a friend and neighbour but his reputation extended well beyond for his skills as a master craftsman for making exceptional hurleys. His appearance and the manner in which he was so welldressed was regularly commented on.

To highlight the esteem in which he was held, Seán is the only member of the Scariff GAA Hall of Fame to not have played or served as an officer with the club.

Hailing from a strong hurling family in Bodyke, Seán alongside his late brothers Pat, Eamon and Michael first won a Junior A hurling championship in 1961 and followed this up in the twilight of his career by winning a league and championship double with Bodyke in 1969. Those who lined out alongside him have described Seán as a very skilful hurler who was very effective at scoring points from his spot at wing forward.

Several Clare hurling stars that won All-Ireland titles in 1995 and 1997 made history while using McKenna hurleys. They included the half-back line of Liam Doyle, Seán Mc-

Mahon and Anthony Daly, midfielders Ollie Baker & Colin Lynch, and forward Barry Murphy were all avid users with corner back Frank Lohan also tending to use a McKenna.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Liam Doyle said of Seán, “I’d use one word to describe him and that is a pure legend. He was so easy going and you couldn’t meet a nicer fella”.

Though he moved to Scariff, Seán maintained his Bodyke roots, Liam recalled. “His brothers lived in the parish, when he got married he moved to Scariff and took more of an interest there when Mark was born and started hurling with Scariff. He was always curious of Bodyke results and of course won an intermediate double towards the end of his career.”

Two-time All-Ireland winner Liam recounted, “Since I first caught a hurley, a McKenna was the only hurley I used. He knew what I wanted and I’d be picky enough with my hurleys and the weight of them, he’d always have the weighing scales out for me and everything was bang on. I went to him to repair my hurleys too.

“Anytime you went to Seán, you knew you weren’t going to be there for five minutes, you had to allow for the guts of half an hour and it was all hurling talk”.

Attention to detail was evident in everything Seán did, Liam maintained. “Hurling was his main focus but he was mad about his garden too, he was meticulous when it came to the garden”.

Historic wins for Clare hurling in the 1990s were in a way shaped by McKenna. “He got great enjoyment out of the fact that his hurleys were used on the big days,” Bodyke native Liam added. In his home, Liam has his McKenna hurley from the 1995 All-Ireland engraved in a cabinet with another McKenna hurley in the house for the occasional puck.

l Seán McKenna

Photo by Ruth Griffin

Arguably one of the greatest stick men to come out of Scariff, Mark Rodgers started his career using McKenna hurleys. Mark told The Clare Echo, “All my hurlers from the age of four to 18 would have been made by Seán before he retired. Anyone that came across his hurleys has nothing but compliments to say about them, they were works of art. It is a very sad passing for his immediate family and the community, he will be dearly missed”.

With the way in which he carried out his work, Seán helped the hurler to form a bond with their hurley before they left the workshop, Mark observed. “It was how personal it was when you used to go to the workshop, he would make the hurley right in front of you, every hurley would be custom exactly to what you were looking for, the best of ash, the best of grain and he would almost talk

you through what you were looking at when he was making it. He was gifted, he was an amazing hurley maker”.

A spokesperson for Scariff GAA outlined, “Generations of Scariff teams were always looking for McKenna hurleys. There were often difficulties such as ‘no ash and no cash’ but Seán always came good with a supply of camáns and never put pressure on clubs for quick payment, if Scariff had a game, half a dozen hurleys were needed on the line and Seán would have them”.

“Down the years Sean was one of our best supporters in Scariff, not alone would he rarely miss a game but nearly always attended training as well.

“A few years ago Sean was honoured by Scariff GAA Club with induction into the club’s Hall of Fame. It was a well merited honour. He holds the distinction of being the only recipient of a Hall of Fame award who never hurled for Scariff or who never held office at committee level. He was held in such high esteem by the club for his extraordinary service as a supporter and hurley provider.

“Sean was one of the proudest people in Scariff on Sunday September 20, 2020 as he waited at the bottom of the hill in the town to welcome home the victorious intermediate champions who were managed by his son Mark. It was a special moment for Seán and the family,” the spokesperson added.

Seán will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Bríd (nee Kirby), son Mark, daughters Siobhan and Claire. Daughter in law Christina, sons in law Lee and Anthony. Adoring grandchildren Rory, Robyn, Ellie, Pippa, Ben, Lennon, Isobella, Donnacha and Ava. Sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and a wide circle of friends especially in the hurling community.

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West Clare musicians raise the banner in Sligo

Two members of Inis Cathaigh Comhaltas branch in Kilrush won Cups at Feis Sligeach 2026 which was held last weekend.

Mairtin Og O Maonaigh came first in under-10 Sean Nos singing and was awarded the Rose McMahon Memorial Cup.

Rachel O’Gorman came 1st in the under-12 Fiddle competition and was awarded the Phil McGannon Fiddle cup

McNamara calls for public transport to be free while conflict continues

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

IRELAND SOUTH MEP, Michael McNamara (IND) has said use of public transport should be made free while the conflict continues in the Middle East.

Scariff native McNamara has called on the Government to introduce free public transport across the country.

His comments come following a warning from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that “all roads lead to higher prices and slower growth worldwide” should the conflict in the Middle East continue to throttle the amount of oil, gas and fertiliser making its way out of the Gulf.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, McNamara outlined, “The Government’s call on households to cut fuel use is meaningless unless it concentrates on encouraging the public to use alternatives. Public transport needs to be made free for users for the next six months. This would cost up to €275 million, based on a 2023 report commissioned by the National Transport Authority (NTA) from Ernst and Young.

“It must be acknowledged that this is a significant sum of money but it is less than the amount the Government is expecting to spend on the upcoming six-month EU Presidency and is small compared to the billions of euro thrown around by the Government during the COVID era,” he added.

McNamara continued, “Making buses,

trams and trains free is a relatively easy measure for the Government to implement and one that will make a difference to ordinary people, as it will result in a new focus on public transport alternatives”.

Based in Washington, the IMF in a stark message warned that countries on all continents will be affected and a rise in energy and food costs would harm economic growth this year and could leave lasting scars on the global economy. The word of caution came hours after US President Donald Trump threatened to obliterate Iran’s energy infrastructure unless it agreed to a peace deal.

Chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas was among the main department heads to contribute to the IMF’s notice. The IMF said governments with high levels of borrowing will also have limited access to funds that could be used to cushion the worst effects of the crisis. “Although the war could shape the global economy in different ways, all roads lead to higher prices and slower growth”.

Forecasts for sharp rises in the cost of gas and electricity in Europe next winter are forcing governments to consider higher subsidies and welfare payments to the worst-affected households. “In Europe, the shock is reviving the spectre of the 2021–22 gas crisis, with countries such as Italy and the UK especially exposed by their reliance on gas‑fired power, while France and Spain are relatively protected by their greater nuclear and renewables capacity”.

Appeal following fatal collision in Newmarket-on-Fergus GARDAÍ have issued an appeal for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision which claimed the life of a Newmarket-on-Fergus woman, writes Páraic McMahon.

Geraldine Cullinan (nee Cusack), a devoted volunteer and much-adored member of the community in Newmarket-on-Fergus died in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) on Tuesday evening. She was involved in a single vehicle road traffic collision which occurred shortly before 22:50 on Friday night on the Ennis Rd in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Emergency services and Gardaí responded to the scene where Geraldine, in her 60s, was conveyed to UHL. Her older sister, Mary was also injured in the collision and sustained non-life threatening injuries.

A post mortem examination is to be arranged and the Coroner has been notified.

On Friday night, a technical examination of the scene was conducted by Investigators and the road reopened on Saturday morning.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may

have witnessed the collision. Road users with camera footage who were travelling on the R458, near Rathfoland, on Friday March 27 between 10:30-11pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí. Anyone with information can contact Shannon Garda Station on 061 365 900, Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A caring and warm figure, Geraldine was adored by her neighbours in Avondale. Her beloved husband Michael died in November 2021. She is survived by her children Siobhán and Chris. One of eight siblings, Geraldine is predeceased by her younger brother Paul.

The Cusack family have been tremendous volunteers across multiple organisations in the community. Her sister Mary, brothers Michael, PJ, Seamus, Cyril and Johnny are all spoken of highly within the locality.

As a mark of respect, bingo on Wednesday evening in Newmarket-on-Fergus was postponed.

11

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

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12

Thursday, Apr 2, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

‘Time to rediscover Ennis’ - call for free parking to boost footfall

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A PROMOTIONAL video for Ennis is to be released by Fáilte Ireland while the old Boys NS site may be reopened for parking in efforts to boost business in the town.

Ennis’ offering as a tourist town needs to be pushed in a stronger fashion, elected representatives for the county town have said.

Stressing the need to rediscover Ennis, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) has called for the development of a pilot initiative aimed at increasing footfall in Ennis and supporting local businesses.

This proposal is for the introduction of free parking in all Coun-

l Crowds in Ennis on St Patrick’s Day

Photo by John O’Neill

cil-owned car parks, including the Old Ennis National School site, on Saturdays from the May Bank Holiday weekend to the June Bank Holiday weekend inclusive, as a trial period.

She said greater public use of Ennis, support for local commerce and enhancing the overall

vibrancy needs to be strengthened following the completion of the public realm works. She said the Council can lead the way in creating “a festival-style atmosphere in the town on Saturdays by providing music through the town PA system (similar to the Christmas period)

and by inviting local musicians to perform at designated locations.

Engagement with businesses in the towns to push in-store promotions, events and “coordinated social media marketing to promote Ennis as a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, and socialising,” is needed, she said. “If successful, consideration should be given to extending the initiative throughout the summer months, particularly around planned events and festivals”.

Acting senior engineer, Paddy Tiernan welcomed the suggestions. He was slow to make parking available for free at weekends.

“Weekend usage patterns show that town

centre car parks are already well utilised, and current evidence does not indicate that parking charges are a barrier to weekend footfall”.

Alternative parking options could be made available, he said. “To support continued positive engagement with the town centre, we will examine the possibility of reopening the old Boys National School site and making additional Council owned car parks - such as at Áras Contae an Chláir and Drumbiggle - available during this period, should extra capacity be required.”

Theresa Hughes-Lannon, acting senior executive officer noted the addition of festivals and events to the remit of the

Council’s tourism directorate provides “additional opportunities to market, promote and showcase the county”.

Work is ongoing to progress a countywide strategic marketing plan, she confirmed. “There is a focus on Ennis following completion of the public realm works.

The team are working closely with colleagues in the Ennis Municipal District and across Directorates to establish two new Council run events to take place in 2026 in Ennis at Easter and Christmas”.

A new campaign video with Fáilte Ireland will be launched soon, Theresa advised. “We are working closely with Fáilte Ireland in creating a promotional mar-

keting video for Ennis with the central message ‘Welcome to Ennis - Fáilte go hInis we are open for business’ promoted through local and national media with Failte Ireland and Tourism Ireland”.

Momentum is needed “to help people rediscovered town businesses,” Hermitage woman Baker Bashua stressed. “The car parks are fully utilised at weekends and the parking charges may not be barrier but a pilot of free parking on Saturday was seen as promotional measure, it would act as signal that town is open and attract extra visitors”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) stated, “We all try to work together to boost and create a buzz

Dancing the night away in memory of Anne Maher AN ANNUAL FUNDRAISER dance in memory of Inch woman Anne Maher will be held this Easter Sunday.

A fine example of a true volunteer, Anne was a much loved figure within the parish of Kilmaley and further afield.

This Easter marks the eighteenth anniversary since her death. Wife of Michael and mother of Siobhan, Declan, Grainne, Rachel, Edel and Michelle, she was heavily involved in several local groups.

As the years have passed, the Maher family have honoured Anne’s

memory by holding annual fundraisers for cancers with organisations like Milford Hospice, Cahercalla Hospice, Galway Regional Hospital Cancer Centre, West Clare Cancer Centre and Sláinte an Chláir in Kilnamona all benefitting.

All funds raised this year will go

towards the West Clare Cancer Centre. The Kilmaley Inn is the venue for Sunday’s fundraiser.

Music is by Larry McEvoy with dancing from 9.15pm to 11.45pm.

There will be spot prizes on the night.

Last year, the Maher family raised

€4200 for Milford Hospice. Shy of two decades since Anne’s death, she is still fondly remembered by those that knew her, particularly her commitment to church and camogie.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

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Courage & legacy of Flagmount’s Annie O’Mara to be commemorated

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FLAGMOUNT’s Annie O’Mara will be commemorated this weekend by the East Clare Memorial Committee.

Company Captain of the Flagmount Cumann na mBan during the War of Independence, Annie’s life, courage and legacy will be commemorated this Easter Sunday together with her sister Bridie and brothers, Henry and Tommy.

Each year for over 100 years, the East Clare Memorial Committee has honoured individuals from the East Clare area who contributed to the struggle for Irish independence and in 2026 Annie will be the primary focus.

A wreath will be laid in honour of Annie and her siblings by a member of her family at the East Clare Memorial Park in Tuamgraney, a site that stands not only as a place of reflection, but as a testament to the intertwined efforts of the IRA and Cumann na mBan in securing independence in the 26 counties.

Annie’s inclusion in this ceremony represents a meaningful recognition of the indispensable, and often under-acknowledged, role

l East Clare Memorial Park in Tuamgraney

played by women during the revolutionary period.

Previously, the East Clare Memorial Committee have commemorated female figures including Cratloe’s Nan Hogan, Kathleen Foley (nee McCormack) of Clonlara and Annie Gleeson from Bodyke.

Rooted in Flagmount, Annie’s story is one of quiet authority and commitment.

“As Captain of the local Flagmount Company of the Cumann na mBan 6th Battalion, she stood at the heart of a vast support network that sustained the IRA in East Clare.

“From her family home, at once a shop, post office, intelligence centre, and safe house, she coordinated communi-

cations, gathered intelligence on Crown forces, transported dispatches across the countryside, and oversaw the storage and distribution of arms.

“Her sister Bride was also a member of Cumann na mBan, and her brothers Henry and Tommy, were significant figures in the local IRA,” recalled Tuamgraney historian Tomás Mac Conmara.

Her contribution extended far beyond support, Tomás explained. “She played a direct and decisive role in key operations, including the daring acquisition of rifles in Ballinasloe in 1919, and her home served as a refuge and operational base for IRA leaders such as Michael Brennan,

Tomo Tuohy, Pat Houlihan and many others.

“She fed and sheltered Volunteers, tended to the wounded, safeguarded funds for the republican cause, and acted as a scout during active operations.

“Her courage was perhaps most strikingly revealed in November 1920, when she confronted British forces who had taken the local curate Fr John Kennedy hostage, an intervention that is widely believed to have saved his life.

Tuamgraney’s setting recognises both the IRA and Cumann na mBan and is “even more poignant given that her brother, Tommy O’Mara, played a key role in developing the site as a Memorial park in the 1950s,” Cllr Pat Hayes stated.

The annual Easter ceremony will take place at Tuamgraney on Easter Sunday at 10am at the memorial park in Tuamgraney. A further ceremony will be held at the grave of the Scariff Martyrs, outside Sacred Heart Catholic church outside Scariff town, commencing at 11am. On Easter Saturday, a commemoration will be held for the Martyrs at 17:00 on Killaloe Bridge where they were killed by British forces.

Regional News

13

North Clare swims led

by Curtin & Earley THE Deep Blue Dip will take place on Easter Saturday to support conversations around mental health and raise funds for spunout.

A series of swims to raise money for youth mental health will take place along the Clare coastline this Saturday, April 4th. The Deep Blue Dip will kick off at Spanish Point at 9am.

The swim will be led

by Anna Earley from Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge along with fellow Clare woman, June Curtin, and her l June Curtin local Snámhaí Sásta sea swimming group.

The event will then continue across Clare’s beautiful coastline, with swims at White Strand at 10am, Lahinch at 11am and Clahane at 12pm.

Every day, spunout supports young people through their 24/7 anonymous text support service Text About It, education and employment guidance, and youth-centred wellbeing information.

In 2025 alone, spunout reached 3 million young people across social media, with over 900,000 using its website.

Its services supported 52,748 conversations through Text About It and over 38,000 sessions via Navigator, spunout’s mental health signposting tool.

The Deep Blue Dip helps fund these vital services while creating a shared moment of connection and mental health awareness. Anyone is welcome to join the swims taking part in Clare or to have their own dip in their local swimming spot or even just a cold shower.

14

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

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15

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

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Ennis

First Easter festival for Ennis

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

ENNIS will come alive with music, colour and family‑friendly fun on Saturday April 4,with the inaugural Easter Festival.

The Council is organising the event to draw visitors to the county town, support local businesses and showcase the upgraded public spaces delivered through the Ennis Public Realm scheme.

The Ennis Easter Festival will feature live music, street performances and children’s activities throughout the town centre on Saturday from 12 -6pm. Family entertainment will include face painting and egg decorating while roaming costumed characters will provide photo opportunities.

Traditional sessions, buskers and acoustic acts will perform across the day.

l Cathaoirleach, Cllr Paul Murphy and Gerard O’Rourke, Maheera Mamun, Patrick Kilker and Daria Naimov of CBS Ennis in O’Connell Square at the launch of the Ennis Easter Festival Photo by Eamon Ward

A town‑wide Easter Egg Hunt Trail will act as the central attraction, starting from 12.15pm and 2.30pm at the O’Connell Monument. Families will follow clues to landmarks around Ennis, collecting stamps before returning to a finish point where children will receive an egg.

Clare FM will broadcast its Big Weekend programme live from the

festival 2-5pm. A parade of uilleann pipers, led by Blackie O’Connell, will also take place as part of Piping Heaven / Piping Hell Tionól 2026, a three‑day piping celebration running in Ennis over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, from April 3-5.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy, said the festival would help drive footfall

and highlight the newly enhanced town centre, “The event has been designed to encourage activity and create a lively atmosphere throughout the day while showcasing the recently upgraded public spaces, a project that has greatly enhanced the appearance and vibrancy of the town centre. The public realm works have created new opportunities for the town to host family‑friendly events like this, and it promises to be a fun‑filled day for all.”

Director of Service for Tourism, Festivals, Libraries and Cultural Services with Clare County Council, Siobhán McNulty, said, “strate the potential for Ennis to host events and as a base to promote the town’s tourism offering.”

For more information visit: https://visitclare.ie/ Ennis26/

lColáiste Fhlannáin Naofa, Ennis, A and B team pupils, who took part with 24 other school teams contesting the final of an Irish-language annual national table quiz competition held in the F2 Centre, Rialto, Dublin last Thursday, 26 March; Pictured are Foirne A agus B Coláiste Fhlannáin Naofa, lena múinteoir Edel Ní MHacháin

Notes

1926 Census at last!

Clare Roots are welcoming people to attend their April lecture titled: The 1926 census at last!

What this means for genealogy in Ireland will be delivered by Claire Bradley in the Clare Education Centre, Government Buildings, Kilrush

Road, Ennis, V95 F782, on Thursday, April 30th 2026, at 7:30pm. Please note date of meeting.

Claire Bradley is a professional Irish genealogist working with both paper records and genetic genealogy. She holds a Certificate in Genealogy from University College Dublin and a Masters in History of the Family from the University of Limerick.

Her website is www.cbgenealogy.ie.

Clare Garden Festival inspiring people to ‘grow their own’ CLARE Garden Festival wants to inspire people to grow their own all year around.

The popular festival returns for a 12th year to Ennis Showgrounds on the last Sunday in April, April 26. The festival is back with an impressive line-up speaking on its main stage, supported by demonstrations all over the grounds. As usual there will be music, food and children’s entertainment and of course the festival’s popular Garden, Plant, Craft & Food Fair with over 75 stalls from all over Ireland.

Since 2013, the festival has attracted people from all over Ireland and is firmly established on the calendar of national festivals.

Noting the contribution of Irish Specialist Nurseries association, organiser Carmen Cronin notes, “Many of our dear regulars are from Clare but we are aware that gardeners also come from all over Ireland to join us. We are delighted to have everyone with us and we call on our regulars to this year invite their gardening friends from all over the country to join us!”

Cathaoirleach of Clare Paul Murphy said: “Having a nationally recognised event like Clare Garden Festival right on our doorstep here in Ennis, attracts visitors and we are delighted to this year support the national focus and strengthen the appeal for visitors.”

Clare Garden Festival provides

l At the Clare Garden Festival launch from back left Clare Echo editor Stuart Holly, Liz Condron of Quin Tidy towns, Carl Wright of Caher Bridge Garden, Siobhan Gallagher of Colourful Creations, Ian Hassett of Deerpark Timber, Bunratty Castle gardener Sinead Moloney, festival manager Carmen Cronin, Mayor of Ennis Cllr. Mary Howard and Veronica McGuire of Badger & Blackbird Forest school

one of the largest plant fairs in all of Ireland and it is recognized for its great horticultural content by BordBia. Clare Garden Festival is a treat for Gardeners with Expert talks, Workshops, Demos and Masterclasses as well as over 75 Garden, Food and Craft stalls and provides a wonderful day out for all the family with great entertainment and sumptuous food.

The Festival is proudly supported by Bord Bia, Caherhurley Nursery, Clare County Council, Clare Topsoil, Deerpark Timber, IOMST, Fruithill Farm, Gee-up Organic Soil Fertilizer & Ennis Tidy Towns.

For further details visit the festival website www.claregardenfestival.com and regular updates from Facebook and Instagram.

16

Thursday, Apr 2, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Shannon

132,000 Easter passengers to fly through Shannon Airport

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

MORE THAN 132,000 passengers are to fly through Shannon Airport over the Easter period.

Representing a seven percent increase on the holiday period in 2025, Shannon Airport’s passenger numbers jump from 123,000 to 132,000 for this Easter.

Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll, said the figures reflect the “consistent growth we’ve experienced since the beginning of the year.

This Easter’s projected uplift mirrors the strong performance we saw across the St. Patrick’s Day period. Demand remains solid, and we’re seeing people take full advantage of the school holidays and expanded choice across our network”.

This week, Shannon Airport launches its summer 2026 schedule which features 38 routes across 11 countries and includes an additional 200,000 seats which brings the total capacity to two million seats, an eleven percent increase from summer 2025.

New services for this summer include Rome, Warsaw, Poznan, and Madrid with Ryanair, and Frankfurt with Discover Airlines.

In addition, Ryanair has increased

l Adam Mulkerrin, Airport Operations and Rebecca Gubbins, Screening Supervisor with the Easter Bunny at Shannon Airport Photo by Arthur Ellis

frequencies on several established routes including Manchester, Alicante, Barcelona‑Reus, Lanzarote,

and Malta.

Shannon Airport’s transatlantic offering is also expanding this

summer. Enhanced frequency on the Aer Lingus Boston service brings the total transatlantic

School Bands Spectacular for airport

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

SHANNON Airport rang out with music last week as the much-loved School Bands Spectacular returned.

Over 200 talented primary school pupils from Clare and Limerick filled the terminal with song as they performed for delighted passengers, visitors and staff.

The airport’s Check In area transformed into a mini-concert arena filled with music, song and dance as students from Ennis N.S., St. Finnachta’s N.S., Sixmilebridge and Knockanean N.S. in Clare, together with pupils from Monaleen N.S. and Milford N.S. in Limerick, showcased a mix of lively traditional tunes and contemporary pieces.

The event lit up the airport for seven years before taking a break in 2020, and its return last year - followed by last Thursday’s powerful perfor-

l Niall Kearns, Shannon Airport Director; Charlie Daniels, Clara Reidy, Milford NS; Beibhinn Curran, Knockanean; James Fitzpatrick, St. Finnachtas NS, Sixmilebridge; Aoibhí McCarthy, Ennis NS; Angela Reidy, Milford NS

mance - shows how delighted students and audiences are to see it revived.

Passengers departing on early afternoon flights to New York, Boston and Krakow together with those landing

from Heathrow and Paris enjoyed the lively show as they passed through the terminal.

Welcoming the students, Airport Director of Shannon Airport, Niall Kearns, said: “The School Bands Spectacu-

lar is a highlight of the year for us. To have so many talented young musicians from across the region performing right here in the airport is a real treat - not just for passengers arriving and departing, but for our entire team. Shannon Airport thrives because of the incredible community around us, and events like this bring us all even closer together.

The children are fantastic, and I hope they enjoy playing here every bit as much as we enjoy hosting them.”

Event organiser Angela Reidy, teacher at Milford National School said: “There has been such excitement among the children as they rehearsed and practiced for today. Many have travelled through Shannon Airport with their families but getting to entertain passengers and staff here is a whole new adventure - and a wonderful opportunity that they’ll always remember.”

capacity to more than 350,000 seats, the airport’s highest level since 2018. Shannon’s US network covers five services, Boston and New York–JFK with Aer Lingus; Newark and Chicago with United Airlines, and New York–JFK with Delta Air Lines.

Aer Lingus has also added an extra weekly summer frequency on its Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) route, adding a further 9,200 seats.

Commenting on the broader programme, Mr. O’Driscoll said, “Our summer 2026 schedule is among the most dynamic we’ve offered in many years. The range of destinations, increased frequencies, and improved connectivity reflect the strength of our airline partnerships and the confidence carriers have in the region. Our team is ready to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for passengers travelling this Easter and throughout the summer, and we look forward to welcoming them all”.

Also this week marked the first departures of Shannon Airport’s new summer 2026 Ryanair routes.

Inaugural flights to Rome and Poznan operated on Tuesday, following the first Warsaw service on Monday.

Fencing works underway for dog park in Shannon

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

WORK IS underway on the arrival of Clare’s first dog park which is to be situated in Shannon.

South Clare representatives, Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF) and Cllr James Ryan (SF) have in the past year tabled motions seeking the development of a dog park in the Shannon Municipal District and Shannon Town respectively.

Officials within Clare County Council have been working for over five months to identify a location for a dog park. It followed elected members in the Shannon MD agreeing to fund a pilot programme for 2026.

Senior executive officer in the Shannon MD, Suzie Clifford confirmed, “a suitable site for the dog park has been found”.

Fencing works are underway for the dog park with the SEO outlining at the March meeting of the Shannon MD that the site location will be advertised “in the coming weeks” to allow for public consultation.

Local authority staff have said the Shannon dog park pilot will determine if further locations are trialled across the county.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

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Gort & South Galway

17

Sporting feats honoured at mayoral reception

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

SPECTACULAR sporting achievements of John Shortt, Fiona Murtagh, Castlegar Athletics, and Galway District League were honoured at a mayoral reception on Friday.

Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Mike Cubbard (IND) hosted the mayoral reception which took place in the Clayton Hotel. It acknowledged their feats as sports people but also as ambassadors for the county.

Speaking about swimmer John Shortt, Mayor Cubbard said, “In 2025, on top of the challenges of the Leaving Cert, John Shortt took on the World Aquatics Junior Championships in Romania and returned home as a triple medallist and double world champion.

“John added to the medal pile at the European Aquatics Championships in Poland at the end of 2025, where he was crowned European 200m Backstroke Champion his first senior international medal”.

Shortt began swimming with Bluefin Swimming Club in Kilcornan, Clarinbridge, before joining the National Centre Limerick Fiona Murtagh was unable to attend the recep-

l Luca Aschieri’s single fire stoneware with experimental ash glaze

Kinvara art exhibition opens Easter weekend

l Swimmer John Shortt receiving a commemorative scroll from Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard at a Mayoral Reception

tion but was represented by her family. “Having taken up rowing in 2009 after being introduced to the sport by her brother Alan, Fiona Murtagh made history when she brought home Irish Rowing’s first women’s Olympic medal - winning a Bronze Medal in the Women’s Four at the 2020 Tokyo Oympics. Indeed, Fiona is a double Olympian, having also represented Ireland in the 2024 Paris Olympics, with a number of European and World medals achieved to

date,” the Mayor stated.

Castlegar Athletics were celebrated for their milestone of 50 years as a community in sport. Castlegar AC was founded in October 1975, inspired by a parish sports day on Sunday 8 June of that year, organised by the Castlegar GAA ladies committee. “For five decades, volunteers have come together to train athletes, to transport them to competitions, to raise money, to host events, and to create a vital and supportive community for their ath-

Photo by Murtography

letes”.

The final group recognised at the event was Galway District League.

In February 2026, Galway District League delivered a 5-0 win over Limerick District League in Eamon Deacy Park – to take home the FAI Oscar Traynor Trophy, sealing their second triumph in the competition – with the last win in 1971. “The win marks the impact of decades of training, dedication, volunteerism, and skills development in Galway District League”.

‘NATURA’ - an exhibition of new work by three artists opens in KInvara courthouse over Easter weekend.

Emily Mcculla is an artist originating from Louisiana, who has called Ireland home since 2013, after partaking in a study abroad program at the Burren College of Art. The Burren remains a constant source of inspiration to her work, whether it be the stark contrast between the limestone hills and rolling green fields, the ever-changing light cast by the Atlantic elements, or the rich wildlife that is encountered on a daily basis. Her painting has sought to have conversation with these things, and to reflect the beauty, drama and texture of day- to-day life in West Clare.

Luca Aschieri is from Milan and moved to Ballyvaughan with his family last year. His early work focused on abstract shapes and musical sculptures, winning an award for his stoneware whistles. After a long hiatus ,he rediscovered his passion for ceramics in 2019.In Italy, he taught pottery classes and exhibited at Paratissima 2024.He primarily works with wood ash glazed stoneware, single-fired in gas kiln at 1250 degrees Celcius .His preferred techniques are slab building and pinching ball. He also enjoys designing his own decorative stamps.

Lidia de Lange, originally from South-Africa, works from her studio near Loughrea. She uses images of plants and people-portrayed on canvas, paper and photographs printed on fabric to convey a sensitivity to beauty, stillness and connection. Her plant studies reveal a deep love and appreciation of creation. She invites viewers to reflect on how the changing rhythms of nature and the brevity of life mirror each other and how transient the natural world and life itself is.

The exhibition will run from April 3rd to April 12th at the KAVA courthouse in Kinvara (H91K5T9) with an opening reception on Friday 3rd April from 6;30 -8;30 pm when acclaimed songwriter and author David Donohue will launch the show.

Dolan urges local groups to apply for €25m commuity fund Galway East TD Albert Dolan has called on community groups across Galway East to apply for funding under the newly announced €25 million Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) 2026 – Refurbishment.

The fund was announced by Dara Calleary and will support the upgrade and enhancement of existing community centres nationwide, with grants ranging from €10,000 to €100,000 available.

Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Dolan said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for community groups right across Galway East to secure vital funding to improve and mod-

ernise their local community centres. These centres are the backbone of our towns and village, they are places where people come together, where events are held, and where community life thrives.”

The scheme will provide: Category 1: €10,000 – €25,000 (up to 95% funding) for smaller-scale improvements Category 2: €25,001 – €100,000 (up to 90% funding) for larger projects Funding can be used for a wide range of works including roof repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, accessibility improvements, kitchen upgrades, stage and lighting installations, and essential structural repairs.

Deputy Dolan is encouraging groups to begin preparations immediately: “I strongly encourage all eligible groups in Galway East to start preparing their applications now. That means gathering quotes, ensuring documentation is in order, and engaging with the information sessions that will be provided. Early preparation will be key to submitting a strong application.”

Online applications for the fund will open on 29th May 2026, with a closing date of 13th July 2026.

Deputy Dolan added: “We have seen the transformative impact of previous rounds of this fund, with community cen-

tres across the country upgraded to a high standard. I want to ensure that Galway East secures its fair share of this investment.

If your local centre needs improvements, now is the time to act.”

The Department will host a series of information sessions in advance of the application deadline to support groups through the process.

Deputy Dolan concluded: “This funding is about strengthening communities and improving quality of life. I would urge every eligible group in Galway East to seize this opportunity and invest in the future of their community.”

18

Thursday, Apr 2, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists

The miracle of forgiveness: love from the Cross in Holy Week Spreading the word of positivity: Thought for the week

At that moment, his younger brother began walking across it, tears in his eyes, arms open wide. “You are quite a man,” he said softly.

“After everything… you still built a bridge.” The two brothers met in the middle and embraced.

When they turned to thank the carpenter, he was already leaving.

“I would stay,” he said gently, “but I have many more bridges to build.”

RONAN SCULLY

T

HERE are moments in every human life when the heart becomes heavy. Sometimes it is the quiet ache of something we have said or done, choices we would undo if only we could turn back time.

At other times, it is the deep pain of being hurt by someone we trusted. A betrayal. A harsh word. A broken promise. A silence that slowly grows into distance. These wounds do not disappear. They linger. They return in quiet moments, late at night, in the spaces where our hearts are most vulnerable. And so, we carry them.

And during this sacred season of Holy Week, as we walk with Jesus toward Calvary, we begin to realise something personal, we do not carry these wounds alone.

WALKING THE ROAD OF LOVE Holy Week invites us

into the most profound story ever told, a journey through love, suffering, forgiveness, and new life. We walk with Jesus through betrayal and abandonment. We stand at the foot of the Cross in silence and sorrow. We witness a love poured out completely. This is not a distant story. It is our story. Because somewhere along the way, each of us knows what it is to feel wounded and each of us knows what

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR DEVELOPERS AND BUILDING CONTRACTORS FOR THE PROVISION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN COUNTY CLARE – EXTENSION OF DEADLINE Clare County Council is extending the deadline for expressions of interest for the provision of turnkey housing developments by Housing Developers and Building Contractors for delivery of affordable housing across County Clare.

Further details of this scheme and a guide to making a submission are available on the Clare County Council’s website under www.clarecoco.ie or by emailing affordablehousing@clarecoco.ie The latest date and time for receipt of submissions is 4.00pm on Tuesday 30th June 2026.

Please note that Clare County Council is not obliged to enter into any agreement with a developer as part of this process.

Dated 02nd April 2026.

Signed: Adrian Headd, A/Senior Engineer, Housing Department.

it is to wound. And yet, in the midst of all of this, the Cross stands, not as a symbol of defeat, but as the greatest sign of love, forgiveness and mercy the world has ever known.

THE MIRACLE OF FORGIVENESS Forgiveness is one of the greatest miracles of the human soul. It is not weakness. It is not denial. It is not forgetting. Forgiveness is love choosing to rise again.

Forgiveness does not say the wound did not matter. It says the wound will not define me. It is the moment we choose freedom over bitterness, light over darkness, love over pain.

LOVE OF THE CROSS And here, in Holy Week, we come face to face with the Cross.

It is here that love is stretched to its limit and goes beyond. In unimaginable suffering, Jesus speaks words that have the power to transform every human heart: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). Even in pain, He forgives.

Even in rejection, He loves. Even in death, He gives life. The Cross reveals the deepest truth of our faith, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son… not to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” (John 3:16–17). This is not just a message. It is an invitation. An invitation to live differently.

An invitation to love differently. An invitation

to forgive, even when it hurts.

THE PRISON OF UNFORGIVENESS And yet, we know how hard this is.

Because when we are hurt, something inside us closes. We replay the moment. We build walls to protect ourselves. But over time, those walls become a prison. Because bitterness does not heal, it binds. Forgiveness, however, unlocks something deep within us. It is like opening a prison door and discovering that we are finally free.

STORY OF A BRIDGE There is a story told of two brothers who had farmed side by side for many years. They shared everything, machinery, labour, laughter, and life itself. But one day, after a misunderstanding, harsh words were spoken.

The relationship broke.

Silence took its place.

Soon after, one of the brothers saw that a small creek had been dug between their lands, a visible divide matching the invisible one in their hearts. One morning, a carpenter arrived looking for work. The older brother said, “See that farm over there? That’s my brother’s. I don’t want to see him again. Build me a fence, high and strong.” The carpenter nodded and began his work. But when the farmer returned that evening, he was stunned. There was no fence. Instead, stretching across the divide, stood a beautiful bridge.

WORLD THAT NEEDS BRIDGE-BUILDERS Our world is filled with fences. Fences of anger. Fences of pride. Fences built from wounds never healed.

But Holy Week reminds us, we are called to build bridges. Jesus shows us how from the Cross. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36).

Every act of forgiveness becomes a bridge. A bridge between hearts.

STANDING AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS This Holy Week, we are invited to stand at the foot of the Cross. To look at Jesus. To see His wounds. To hear

His words of forgiveness. And to realise that this love is for us. For our mistakes. For our brokenness. For our pain.

And if we stay there long enough, something begins to change within us. The hardness softens. The tears come.

The heart opens. And slowly, gently, we begin to understand that if we have been forgiven so much… How can we not forgive? We are a World in need of mercy.

Look around. There are people everywhere carrying heavy crosses.

The lonely. The forgotten. The abandoned.

The homeless. The addicted. The poor. The broken-hearted. Each one longing, not just for help, but for compassion.

Forgiveness is not only something we receive. It is something we become. A way of living. A way of loving. A way of bringing light into darkness. The Invitation of the Cross is not only something we look at, it is something we are invited to live. To forgive when it is hard. To love when it costs us. To

choose mercy again and again. Because the Cross always leads to resurrection.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for this Holy week, take time, real quiet time to reflect. Is there someone I need to forgive?

Is there someone from whom I need to ask forgiveness?

Do not rush. Bring that person to the foot of the Cross. Place the hurt into the hands of Jesus. And then take one small step. A prayer. A message. A letting go. Choose to build a bridge. Because forgiveness may not change the past, but it can transform the future. And it may just set your own heart free.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

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GREEN CLARE

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Ennis school children break the cycle

by Amy Copley news@clareecho.ie

A GROUP of Ennis children are breaking the cycle of school traffic congestion, swapping the car run for their bicycles each morning.

Pupils from Gaelscoil Mhichíl Cíosóg in Ennis, aged as young as six, are helping to save the planet, decongest roads and stay active by cycling to school every day. Brian Nevin is the parent spearheading Peloton na Páistí, a cycling bus that departs from Supervalu, Roslevan for the morning 2km excursion.

Brian was inspired by other cycling busses that had been established in other schools around the county and the walking busses that also help children get to school safely each day.

As a passionate long-time cyclist, Nevin had always instilled a love of cycling into his son, Hugo, “I’ve had him on a bike since he was two”.

Brian saw the longing his son had to cycle to school - and knew if his son had a desire to cycle to school, other children must feel the same.

Brian tells The Clare Echo, “I

l Brian Nevin (fourth from left) alongside parents and students partaking in the Peloton na Páistí

spoke to a couple of parents that I know are Gaelscoil parents. I said to them, look, we are keen on cycling to school, and they said so are we, and I said ok, well, let’s see if we can get something established here.”

Nevin also speaks passionately about the environmental benefits of Peloton na Páistí. Brian records the data of the carbon saved by just himself and Hugo each morning by using Strava, an app for recording

Photo by Chris Copley

movement.

“Strava gives you an option to turn these rides into a commute and from that then you will get the carbon saved data.

“For 200 trips is 244kg of carbon salve, total co2 saved that equates to 1,600km of car travel that has been avoided. That is equivalent to two short return flights that haven’t been taken and polluting the atmosphere and that does the work

of 11 mature trees. It also equates to about 30,00 phone charges. That’s just two people doing 200 trips”.

The cycle is two kilometres and it takes about seven minutes to complete, which is the same amount of time as driving with no traffic.

“We probably pass 100 cars in traffic sitting there, just not moving, and if you count every car that is school bound, it’s probably more than half, if not three quarters” Peloton na Paisti puts safety as its number one priority and emphasizes the vitality for parent contribution, “it’s entirely dependent on parents to help us out with this.

We don’t invite kids to come along without parents”.

“Safety is paramount here. It’s absolutely critical that kids follow the rules of the road. No racing, no speeding, you know that we all do it at a safe pace and be mindful of the rules of the road and be mindful of traffic. All the kids would have lights on their bikes. We all wear hi viz and helmets as well. I actually got some lights through Roisin Garvey [MEP]”.

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The Gaelscoil parent reminisces on his childhood, and how cycling to school was a fundamental part of his daily life.

“I’m originally from Corrovorin, and that’s how I went to school. I cycled to school with 20 or 30 other kids and plenty of kids coming in from Roslevan and back then there was 20 or 30 of us all cycling to school, it’s just refreshing to see kids really enjoying their cycle to school”.

Road works are taking place on the Tulla Road to implement the Active Travel Scheme, which will widen the footpaths and include an elevated cycle lane that is segregated from the busy traffic from the road, to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Brian notes, “the game changer for us will be on that infrastructure, when that’s completed. I think it will encourage more kids to come along, get their bikes out and come and join us.”

The cyclists meet at SuperValu, Roslevan every morning at 8:15 am and depart at 8:20 am.

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Thursday, Apr 2, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

€20m Banner Plaza set for official opening

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

A NEW €20 million motorway service station at Junction 12 on the M18 near Ennis will be officially opened today by Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Energy and Minister for Transport. bringing services to what had been a 100 kilometre stretch of motorway without access to a service station between Limerick and Galway.

The Banner Plaza development has created 120 jobs and brings motorway services to a 100km stretch of road between Limerick and Galway which previously had no immediate access to a service station.

According to a statement from Supermacs, for many years this section of motorway was widely regarded as one of the longest stretches of EU motorway without

a service station, “making the new facility an important improvement for motorists, commuters and tourism traffic travelling the route”.

The modern facility includes a large food court featuring Supermac’s, Papa John’s and Mac’s Place Deli, alongside a convenience retail offering, fuel forecourt and extensive parking facilities designed to serve cars, buses and HGVs. The development also includes eight super-fast EV charging points, reflecting the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure along Ireland’s national road network.

A significant number of local contractors, suppliers and professional services — including conveyancing and construction firms — were involved in delivering the project, ensuring the economic benefits of the development were felt across the wider Clare region.

Speaking ahead of the official opening, Plaza Group owner Pat

McDonagh said the development represents a major investment in infrastructure and regional connectivity.

“The Banner Plaza represents a major investment along the Atlan-

tic Corridor. For many years motorists travelling between Limerick and Galway had limited opportunities to safely stop, rest and refuel.

“This development finally brings services to what was effectively a

100 kilometre stretch of motorway without a proper service facility.

“We are also very proud that this project has created 120 jobs and involved many local contractors and professional firms in Clare and the wider region.”

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD, said the development represents an important addition to the national road network.

“The opening of Banner Plaza at Junction 12 on the M18 is a very significant milestone for the Atlantic Corridor and for road users travelling between Limerick and Galway.

The Banner Plaza has already become a popular stopping point for motorists since opening to the public, serving both local communities and the large volume of traffic using the M18 corridor each day.

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McCabes Pharmacy helps you beat cost-of-living crunch with cuts to everyday essentials

l Bunratty Castle Hotel’s reopening is a boost to the area

Historic Bunratty Castle Hotel to reopen after extensive renovations AFTER AN extensive refurbishment and months of anticipation, the newly restored Bunratty Castle Hotel is proud to announce it will reopen on May 8, 2026, welcoming guests back to experience a refreshed blend of comfort, style, and local hospitality.

Located in the heart of Bunratty, the hotel has undergone a comprehensive renovation designed to preserve its historic charm while introducing modern amenities and enhanced guest experiences.

The updated property now features newly redesigned guest rooms and suites, upgraded dining facilities, and modern communal spaces created to reflect the character and culture of Bunratty.

“We are delighted to reopen our doors and welcome both returning guests and new visitors,” said Freda Hayes, CEO of Bunratty Castle Hotel.

“Our goal is to honour the building’s heritage while creating a contemporary space where guests can relax, connect, and enjoy everything the hotel has to offer.”

The reopening, which is scheduled for May, marks an exciting new chapter for the hotel, which has long been a familiar landmark in the commu-

nity. Improvements include: Fully renovated guest rooms and suitesa and a refreshed lobby and reception area.

Onsite, Fibber’s Steakhouse is the main bar and dining venue in the hotel, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy premium steaks, classic dishes and a carefully selected drinks menu in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.

Fibber’s is well suited for evening drinks and special occasions from casual celebrations to small gatherings providing a sociable and attractive setting for both hotel residents and local guests.

There is also a newly updated meeting and event spaces for weddings, conferences, and community gatherings With its renewed design and commitment to exceptional service, the hotel aims to continue serving as a welcoming hub for travellers and locals alike.

For reservations or more information contact us on: info@bunrattycastlehotel.com OR call +353 061 478 700

McCabes Pharmacy has announced price cuts on 200 essential health and wellbeing products, alongside promotions on more than 1,000 additional items, across its 110 pharmacies nationwide and online.

The reductions cover a wide range of everyday essentials including vitamins, skincare, dental care, baby products, feminine hygiene and first aid, helping Irish families manage rising household costs without compromising on their health and wellbeing.

This initiative forms part of McCabes Pharmacy’s ongoing commitment to “Better Health for Every Body,” ensuring customers have access to trusted healthcare products at better value and helping to support local communities during the ongoing costof-living crisis.

The new value offering is designed to make everyday essentials more accessible, helping customers get more of what they rely on without stretching their budgets.

Whether you’re a new parent stocking up on trusted baby care, keeping your family safe with essential first aid products, or supporting your health with affordable vitamins, these price cuts are made

with you in mind.

Brian O’Keeffe, Managing Director of McCabes Pharmacy, said: “At McCabes Pharmacy, we know that households across Ireland are feeling the pressure of rising costs, and everyday health products should never feel out of reach.

By cutting prices across 200 essential items and offering promotions on over 1,000 products, we want to make it easier for people to look after themselves and their families without stretching their budgets.”

The price cuts span the categories customers rely on most, helping customers continue to prioritise their everyday health and wellness routines.

Alongside competitive pricing, McCabes Pharmacy continues to support

customers with convenient services designed to make healthcare easier and more manageable, especially in challenging times.

Through DigiScript, patients can order prescriptions online or via the McCabes Pharmacy app, while the Free Text Service keeps them informed when repeat prescriptions or refills are ready. Reminders for GP renewals, along with notifications about available vaccines and health checks, help patients stay organised, in control of their health, and confident that essential care is always within reach.

For more information visit www.mccabespharmacy.com or your local McCabes Pharmacy.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

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Business & Recruitment

21

Cottage at Trump Doonbeg sells for €895k as members pay €25k to join

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

ONE cottage at the US President, Donald Trump-owned Trump Ireland, Doonbeg resort in west Clare has sold for €895,000 against the background of record numbers signing up to join the luxury resort.

New figures from the Residential Property Price Register show that the four bedroomed "luxury coastal living" 174 Links Cottage at the Trump Ireland, Doonbeg resort sold for €895,000 on March 11th - which is almost double the price achieved for the same property five years ago.

In August 2021, the same property sold for €530,000 with the €895,000 price representing an increase of 69pc over the past five years.

The €895,000 sale is also almost three times the €300,000 price achieved for the same property in August 2017.

President Trump was sworn in as President in January 2025 and his first year as President coincided with record numbers of new members joining the golf club last year and an upsurge in property sales at Trump Ireland, Doonbeg.

According to figures on the Residential Property Price Register, six properties at Trump Ireland, Doonbeg sold for a cumulative €3.48m in 2025 with the most expensive at Links Cottage 163 selling for €900,000 last October.

The six sales for 2025 compare to just two Trump Ireland, Doonbeg sales for 2024 totalling €1.42m.

General Manager at Trump Ireland, Doonbeg, Joe Russell said today: “Property sales at Trump Ireland, Doonbeg have remained strong, with continued year-on-year growth, reflecting both broader market conditions and the unique positioning of the resort.

Top Honours for B. Molloy Master Butchers

He said: “At a macro level, demand continues to be driven by constrained supply and a clear shift towards turnkey, lifestyle-led ownership. At a more local level, the strength of our product, underpinned by our people, alongside consistent revenue performance, and global recognition—such as being named among the Top 5 Resorts in Europe by Condé Nast Traveler—are driving demand specifically for Trump Ireland.

He said: “Another key differentiator is our links golf offering. We are the only links course in Ireland with a fivestar hotel, which creates a truly unique proposition and is a significant driver of demand for both domestic and international buyers.

He said: “We are seeing strong interest from both Irish and U.S. buyers, who are increasingly seeking high-quality properties that offer a fully serviced, hassle-free experience. At Trump Ireland, this means everything is taken care of, from maintenance to housekeeping, concierge, spa, dining, and world-class golf,

which continues to resonate strongly with this segment.”

Last year, Trump Ireland, Doonbeg enjoyed record numbers joining at a cost of €25,000 to join and that is to increase to €30,000 this April - and annual dues depend on 'National' or 'International' status.

Those looking to purchase property at Trump Ireland Doonbeg must first become members of the resort.

Mr Russell said: “Membership performed exceptionally well last year, with 2025 representing our strongest year on record in terms of new member acquisitions."

He said: “We are very encouraged to see that 2026 is already trending ahead of that performance, which speaks to the continued strength of the club and the experience we are offering.

We are welcoming a balanced mix of Irish and international members, which is important in maintaining the character and vibrancy of the membership.”

He said that “A key factor in this momentum is the

level of investment currently taking place across the resort.

With close to €7 million being invested in the golf course and wider facilities, alongside our preparations for the Amgen Irish Open, there is a real sense of progress and forward movement at Trump Ireland which is resonating strongly with both our existing members and those choosing to join us.”

THE Irish Butchers’ Guild 2026 Easter Lamb Display Challenge, celebrating excellence in butchery presentation, creativity, and in-store display across its network of independent butchers.

Local butchers B. Molloy Master Butchers, with stores in Abbey Street and Roslevan, Ennis, has been awarded a prestigious 5-Star Award for their outstanding Easter lamb display.

Commenting on the Irish Butchers’ Guild 2026 Easter Lamb Display Challenge award, Derek Molloy said, “We’re delighted to receive this recognition - it’s a great reflection of the hard work of our team and our commitment to showcasing the very best of Irish lamb with quality, care, and creativity.” Derek personally sources his lamb from trusted local farmers, ensuring exceptional quality and flavour, with each cut reflecting the rich pastures of Clare.

This annual competition recognises Guild members who go above and beyond in showcasing the very best of Irish lamb during the Easter season.

With lamb holding a special place in Irish food traditions at Easter, the competition highlights the vital role local butchers play in presenting high-quality, locally sourced produce in an inspiring and engaging way for customers.

Judging was based on three key areas, overall display, visual appeal and aesthetics, creativity & innovation, rewarding butchers who brought originality and fresh ideas to their displays.

22

Thursday, Apr 2, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Cumann na mBunscol An Chláir Indoor Hurling and Camogie competitions THERE was a real buzz around this year’s Cumann na mBunscol An Chláir Indoor Hurling and Camogie competitions, which got up and running in early February. A big change this year— and a very welcome one—was splitting the competitions into two sections: schools with over 100 pupils and those with under 100. It was a great idea from the previous executive in Ballyea N.S., and it gave more schools a real chance to compete and enjoy the games.

Both the camogie and hurling competitions started off with group stages, where teams battled it out for a place in the semi-final groups. The focus was on wristwork, footwork and ground hurling throughout, and it was brilliant to see the level of skill on show in venues all across the county over the past few weeks.

All roads then led to finals day on March 26th in Sportlann Mhichíl Uí Mhurchú in Cratloe, where there was a fantastic crowd in to soak up the action.

The day got off to a flyer with a cracking over 100 pupil schools Camogie final. Newmarket-on-Fergus just about got the better of Scoil Inse Chrónáin from Crusheen on a 5-3 scoreline, but it could have gone either way. It was a brilliant, hard-fought game and set the tone for the rest of the day.

Kilnamona N.S. were next into the spotlight in the girls’ competition, and they really powered through in the second half to overcome a battling and valiant Connolly N.S. side. A powerful second half from the Kilnamona

girls , notched their third title, and one they’ll be very proud of.

In the under 100 boys’ final, Stonehall and Kilmaley served up another brilliant contest. It was hard fought and swung eitherway all the way through, but Stonehall just edged it in the end on a 5-3 scoreline to take the honours.

The final game of the day saw Ballyea N.S. and Clonmoney N.S. go head-to-head in the over 100 boys’ final. Neither side are strangers to the business end of the indoor championships and the contest didn’t disappoint.

Clonmoney flew out of the blocks and led 3-0 at half-time. Ballyea came back with real fight in the second half and twice closed the gap to just a goal, but every time they did, Clonmoney had an answer. They showed great composure and finished strong to win 5-3 and claim the school’s third county indoor boys title.

A huge amount of work went on behind the scenes to make the day such a success. Big thanks are due to the Cumann na mBunscol executive in St. Mochulla’s N.S., Tulla. Special mention to Seán O’Neill of Connolly N.S. who kept everything running smoothly on the day, along with the help of Aaron Carroll from Cratloe N.S. Most importantly, it was fantastic and heartening to see over 45 schools taking part across each of the boys and girls competitions. Days like this are what it’s all about—loads of skill, great sportsmanship, and plenty of hurling and camogie memories all round.

23

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

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Sport

Clare minors have clean bill of health for championship trip to Tipp

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S minor hurlers have a clean bill of health as they make their championship bow this Easter weekend.

While getting to the latter stages of the Munster and All-Ireland minor hurling championships is the aim of Clare minor hurling manager Ger O’Connell and his backroom team, their full focus at this time is on this Friday evening’s opening game in the campaign.

FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles is the venue for their meeting with Tipperary where the throw in is set for 7p.m, and the Clare manager believes that his charges are facing a serious challenge.

“They were narrowly beaten in a number of their group games last year and failed to get out of the group having entered that campaign as defending All-Ireland champions. They will want to bounce back from that.

Tipperary schools have been prominent in the provincial colleges hurling competitions in the past couple of seasons so they would seem to have a strong panel from which to select”,

Joint captain of the Clare minor hurlers, Colm Daly

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Ger told The Clare Echo this week.

Preparations for this campaign

started at the end of last year and in the region of eighty five players were

Clare U20s looking to ‘drive to higher standard’ after getting out of jail in first round

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S U20 hurlers were ‘relieved and flattered to get out of jail’ by starting their Munster championship with a victory.

In what was Clare’s first home win in the competition since May 2024 and the first at O’Garney Park in Sixmilebridge since April 2024, a late Fred Hegarty goal and point from Ronan Kilroy saw them eek out a 1-10 0-12 victory at Waterford’s expense.

Manager Terence Fahy was well aware that Clare were lucky to emerge with their first two points of the campaign. “We were charmed to get a result at the death but we will take it, Waterford looked like they nudged forward at the end and they had a few chances, they missed them and that left us hanging.

We got a goal to take it at the death so we’re delighted to get a win, we were here last year twice and didn’t get a win so we didn’t underestimate Waterford far from it, they are coming up out of their cycle and we’re very proud of the boys to dig out a win on a night that we didn’t play well”.

Standards will have to be upped by Clare, he acknowledged. “We’re relieved and we’re flattered because we got out of jail, we got a win. We’re in a better position than we were last year when we came here twice and didn’t get a win, we’ll take it with both hands and we’ll be delighted to take it, we’re hoping to drive to a higher standard now”.

A return of four points in the entire opening half stood out as one of the big areas for improvement for Clare. “Some of our challenge matches were high scoring but we had one against Galway which was low scoring from both sides, our defence was good tonight and we didn’t concede a lot. To score 0-4 in the first half was very disappointing, we had ten chances and only scored four of them. We weren’t creating enough and we certainly weren’t sufficient enough with our chances, we got two from play and two from frees which left Waterford controlling the game in the second quarter, they should have been further ahead, there was only one score in it at half time and that flattered us severely”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Fahy felt

Ronan Kilroy congratulates Michael Power after winning a free Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Clare’s ball retention and decision making led to Waterford dominating possession in the opening half, particularly centre back Joe McDonnell. “We didn’t retain ball in our forward line in the first half, we retained it a little bit better in the second half but in the first half we really struggled to retain ball and we had a poor return on our own puckout which gave them a platform particularly in the second quarter. There was a bit of nerves, a few lads uncharacteristically so struggled on the ball and with the ball, they will be disappointed but they will reboot and go at it again, they will have a higher standard as we go deeper into the competition”.

Giving Clare the lead for only the second time in the game was their third quarter where they outscored Waterford 0-4 0-0 with Ryan Hayes, Daniel Costello, Hegarty and Jack Mescall on target. “We got more shots off, we got par with them and then we got a point ahead of them, they came back again but the third quarter was important because we needed to give a response to the second quarter”.

Clare have a bye in round two and will be back in championship action on Wednesday April 8th when they return to Sixmilebridge, this time with Limerick as their opponents.

led to trials before the squad was cut to just over thirty.

Since the start of this season preparations have been taking place and included were challenge games against Limerick, Laois, Offaly, Dublin, Kilkenny and Galway. All of the thirty four strong squad have been given an opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the starting fifteen.

“We made progress through these games and the lads have worked hard. For the past month the focus has been on this Saturday’s opening game in the campaign”, O’Connell outlined.

The joint captains are Ian O’Brien from Cratloe and Colm Daly from St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield.

Conor Keogh (Sxmilebridge\) and Patrick Murphy (Tulla) are competing for the goalkeeper’s position.

In line for positions in defence are Colm Daly, Fionn Plunkett (Clarecastle) and Cian Maxted (Clooney/Quin).

Isaac Hassett, also from Clooney/ Quin and another survivor from last year is set to play at midfield while up front James O’Donnell (Broadford), Ben Talty (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield) and Cratloe’s Ian O’Brien are

expected to be in the starting line up.

“We have a clean bill of health, thankfully for what we expect will be a big challenge. As I said, Tipperary will be keen to bounce back from last year. They contested the final of the under 16 competition against Tipperary and they have a strong panel”, Clare’s All-Ireland winning minor goalkeeper in 1997 added.

The Clonlara clubman is joined in the backroom team by coaches, Barry Corbett, Kevin McNamara, Ryan Morris, Ronan McMahon. Kevin Sammon and Paul Mannion are selectors and Killian Nugent is the goalkeeping coach and also the kit manager. Others involved are Barry O’Connell and Kieran Jones on analysis, Ryan Power and Maeve McInerney (physios) and Derek Morris (S&C).

Round 2 is set for Saturday week at Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chíosóg when neighbours Limerick will provide the opposition and those games will be followed by a home game in Sixmilebridge against Waterford on April 24 before travelling to Pairc Uí Rinn to face Cork on May 1. The Munster final is scheduled for May 15.

O’Neill named at midfield on rising stars team of the year CLOONEY/QUIN’s Jack O’Neill has been named on the 2026 Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education rising stars hurling team of the year writes Páraic McMahon.

O’Neill is one of seven members of the victorious University of Limerick Fitzgibbon Cup side named on the team of the year.

He is included at midfield alongside his UL teammate Adam English.

Croke Park hosted the Fitzgibbon Cup final for the first time in forty years when UL overcame Mary Immaculate College 4-31 3-21, winning their tenth title and fourth in five seasons.

Jack got their first goal in the final and was one of six Clare hurlers forming part of the panel alongside Clonlara’s Diarmuid Stritch with Seán Rynne (Inagh/ Kilnamona), Keith Smyth (Killanena), John Conneally (Clooney/ Quin) and Patrick Crotty (Scariff) missing out through injury.

Quin man O’Neill is the sixth Clare hurler in five seasons selected on the team of the year. He follows in the footsteps of Crotty (2025), Feakle’s Adam Hogan Jack O’Neill

(2024), Diarmuid Ryan of Cratloe (2024), Banner’s Shane Meehan (2024) and Mark Rodgers of Scariff (2024 & 2022).

UL dominate the selection with seven hurlers followed by four for Mary I with two each from semi-finalists University of Galway and Dublin City University Dóchas Éireann.

Each recipient of a Rising Star Team of the Year award will be presented with a unique award made from renewable Beechwood. The Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup Player of the Year will be revealed during the awards event on Monday 30th of March.

2026 Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Hurling Team of the Year: 1: Liam Hoare, University of Galway and Carrig & Riverstown, Offaly 2: Cian Scully, Mary Immaculate College Limerick and Dromin Athlacca, Limerick 3: Mark Fitzgerald, University of Limerick and Passage, Waterford 4: Daniel O’Meara, Dublin City University Dóchas Éireann and Maynooth, Kildare

5: Killian Doyle, University of Limerick and Emeralds, Kilkenny 6: Colin Coughlan, University of Limerick and Ballybrown, Limerick 7: Jimmy Quilty, Mary Immaculate College Limerick and Blackrock, Limerick 8: Adam English, University of Limerick and Doon, Limerick 9: Jack O’Neill, University of Limerick and Clooney Quin, Clare 10: Sam O’Farrell, University of Galway and Nenagh Éire Óg, Tipperary 11: Aidan O’Connor, University of Limerick and Ballybrown, Limerick 12: Denis Walsh, Dublin City University Dóchas Éireann and Dunnamaggin, Kilkenny 13: Adam Screeney, University of Limerick and Kilcormac Killoughey, Offaly 14: Shane O’Brien, Mary Immaculate College Limerick and Kilmallock, Limerick 15: Oisín O’Farrell, Mary Immaculate College Limerick and Askeaton/Ballysteen/Kilcornan, Limerick

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

Sport

Clare look to capture first silverware of 2026 Successive Clare CLARE’S hurlers will look to capture their first piece of silverware this weekend when taking on Dublin in the Allianz National Hurling League Division 1B final.

TUS Gaelic Grounds is the setting on Sunday at 13:45 for what will be the second meeting of the counties so far in 2026. Two points separated the sides in the first round of the league when Clare emerged as victors in Cusack Park, Brian Lohan’s charges have forged an unbeaten run in the second tier to secure their return to Division 1A at the first attempt.

Reports suggest two-time All-Ireland winner David McInerney is an injury doubt for Sunday’s curtain-raiser to the meeting of Cork versus Limerick. The Tulla defender has struggled

to enjoy an injury-free run of form this season.

Following the conclusion of their group games, Clare’s panel headed off to Portugal for a training camp but were met by poor weather conditions.

It is expected that Clare will field a strong side in what will be their last outing before championship.

Shane O’Donnell is anticipated to play a part this weekend as Lohan and his management zone in on preparations for Waterford in the first round of the Mun-

ster SHC. Meanwhile, All-Ireland semi-finalists last season, Dublin have brought experienced names back to their squad with the returns of Liam Rushe and Cian Boland.

Thirty five year old Rushe last played for the Dubs in the 2022 Leinster SHC but returned to inter-county training last month, having previously turned down requests from manager Niall Ó Ceallacháin and his predecessor Micheál Donoghue.

Limerick City and County Council have confirmed that very significant road closures will operate this Sunday for the NHL double-header. Patrons have been advised to be parked at least one hour before the game and to use city centre off street car parks and free on street facilities. A capacity crowd of 44,000 is expected.

Rodgers revelling in ‘uncomfortably healthy’ competition for places in Clare attack

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

COMPETITION for places in the Clare team has created an uncomfortable but healthy environment, according to one of the side’s leading marksmen.

Increased responsibility has been placed on the shoulders of Mark Rodgers this season but he’s more than strong enough to carry the load as he has demonstrated since making his inter-county senior debut in 2021.

Higher standards have been set by Clare this year, the Scariff attacker admitted. “The standards we’ve held ourselves to in training and games has been really good, that is one of the biggest things. An awful lot of the young lads have brought a huge freshness to the panel, they have been really good, a lot of them are pushing for places which is great, it makes it uncomfortable and that is very healthy”.

Sitting down with The Clare Echo, Mark outlined, “it’s been so far so good in 2026 but that is all it is, so far. We have another big test, we’ve been good in the league to date in terms of results, we’ve built decent momentum and we’ll be trying to hold onto to that”.

Clare make the short trip to TUS Gaelic Grounds this Sunday to face Dublin in the Allianz National Hurling League Division 1B decider. The game starts at 13:45 and is the curtain raiser to the meeting of Limerick and Cork in the Division 1A final at 16:00. “It is brilliant, we couldn’t ask for better preparation that way.”

Mark said of getting to line out in an expected sell-out.

Across their six league outings so far, he has rotated between the full-forward and half-forward lines.

There are more hurlers vying for jerseys as a result of the game time afforded to so many players in Clare’s league

run who duly grabbed the opportunity afforded to them by management.

“I think any year we have been winning the competition for places has been strong, it is good to see strength back, that is a positive sign, it remains to be seen whether it will lead to wins, the competition is good”.

Winning was not so common for Clare’s hurlers last season in a campaign where they were relegated from the league and relinquished their crown as All-Ireland champions by failing to get out of Munster. Clare

are looking forward, not in the rear view mirror, Rodgers stressed.

“Since we got back together before the turn of the year (we parked 2025), we’ve been training really well and we’ve been doing pretty well in our games so then you always have a good point to reflect to, you’re building blocks and you keep trying to stack days together and we’ve been doing that to date”.

Dublin have been Clare’s toughest opponents so far this year with only two points separating them in the league opener and they clash

again this weekend.

“They are a top side, they were in an All-Ireland semi-final last year, they knocked out Limerick, they are really good in possession, they have some brilliant athletes and are very physical, those are all qualities of top sides.”

A two-time Fitzgibbon Cup winner with the University of Limerick, Mark left his imprint in UL where he graduated with a Masters in Business Analytics. He is now working as a pricing analyst with aircraft leasing company, Stratos in Shannon.

Approaching the eve of championship is always an enjoyable time of year, the former Young Hurler of the Year noted.

“There is an excitement, an anxiousness, all those feelings and emotions are around the place at the moment, everyone is making the final push to be the best version that they can be for championship and the best team we can be”.

Division 1B has been difficult - Duggan

by Gearóid Howley news@clareecho.ie

PETER Duggan and the Clare hurlers are eager to carry the momentum from an unbeaten league campaign straight into the championship, which begins a fortnight from Sunday’s league final.

Clare head into Sunday’s Division 1B decider against Dublin unbeaten, with Duggan starting four games in their successful push for an immediate return to the top tier. By this stage last year, he had featured just once due to an ankle injury.

“It was a very difficult scenario being in 1B. We knew last year’s league wasn’t really great and it kind of reflected when we moved into the

championship, so we set a target of performing well and having a good attitude coming into all of our league games this year. I think we set a good tempo and performed at a decent level”.

Thirty-six of Brian Lohan’s panel have seen minutes in this year’s campaign, including eight players making their competitive debut in the league.

Duggan said that was one of the main positives of their stint in the second tier.

“It probably is a benefit of being in 1B that you can rotate your squad more, there’s still other teams in 1A that are still blooding lads. Every day you go out it doesn’t really matter what fifteen are on the field you want to

have twenty-five, twenty-six players that can come on at any stage in any game and that’s what we kind of did in the division this year”.

Duggan told The Clare Echo, “We’ve got a final now and then we’re building for the championship so every day that we go out once we’re getting a good attitude and a good performance that’s all we can really ask for.”

The Banner came out two-point winners in their opening round clash against Dublin, in what was their toughest test of the season so far. The Clooney-Quin clubman is braced for another stern challenge from last year’s All-Ireland semi-finalists in the Gaelic Grounds this

Peter Duggan brushes past John Bellew Photo by Gerard O’Neill

weekend. “We’d like to keep the momentum going. Every game that you go out and play you’ll always give it your all to

win and that’s the same attitude we’ll be going for against Dublin, who have already given us a good test”.

Cup wins for several clubs

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Broadford’s Michael Vaughan and Matthew Corbett of Clooney/ Quin get to know each other Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Brian McNamara named Sigerson Cup footballer of the year Brian McNamara Photo by Sportsfile

by Páraic McMahon BRIAN MCNAMARA has been selected as the Sigerson Cup footballer of the year.

Cree’s Brian who captained UL to win a first-ever Sigerson Cup has been honoured for his displays by being named as the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Rising Stars Player of the Year.

UL’s Aidan O’Connor a member of the Limerick senior hurling team has received the hurling equivalent.

Brian was midfield on the UL side and was also named on the Rising Stars team of the year with Tristan O’Callaghan of St Breckans chosen as the goalkeeper.

McNamara became the third Clare footballer to captain a college to Sigerson Cup success following in the footsteps of Seamus Gardiner with UCD (1924) and Eamonn O’Doherty with UCD (1927 & 1929). Earlier in the season, the midfielder also led UL to win the Division 1 league in November.

From the Cooraclare club, Brian had a powerful campaign with UL, kicking a point in their 0-17 1-11 final win over UCC. In the semi-final, he once again had an influential role for David Power’s side, dominating as their main target from kickouts and also chipping in with a point.

Speaking in Croke Park on Monday, Brian said of UL’s success, “It was very special, at the start of the year we set out to win the Sigerson and then we got news halfway through the year that the final would be on in Croke Park and that was an added bonus when we actually made the final but to get the opportunity to go up the steps of the Hogan Stand and win it there was extra special”.

“My highlight in UL was definitely winning the Sigerson but the bond you make with the lads on the team in a very short season which is only a couple of weeks you can go from barely knowing a fella to them being one of your best mates so the amount of lads you get to meet and know is another highlight,” he added.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

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U20 footballers ‘wanted to win it for Jack’

CLARE’S U20 footballers qualified for the second phase of the provincial championship with a game to spare and they honoured their late coach Jack Boddy in tremendous fashion.

So much has changed concerning the Clare U20 football set-up between round one and two with the passing of strength and conditioning coach Jack Boddy having a big affect on the panel of players who had built up such a close relationship with him.

On Saturday, they returned to championship fare overcoming Waterford 1-12 0-6 to seal their place in phase two ahead of their third game versus Limerick.

Understandably it has been a difficult period for all involved with the U20s, manager Dermot Coughlan has always been proud of the squad but admitted the resolve they’ve

shown over the past fortnight has been exemplary. “Considering the impact of last two weeks, to come down here and put on a performance like that in the second half, I just can’t speak highly enough of these lads.

They were absolutely incredible.

“I mean Jack [Boddy] was our S&C Coach and the lads were obviously very close to him, he worked with them up to four times a week so of course it did affect the group. So to come here and produce a statement win like that, just hats off to them, they’re tremendous guys”.

Coughlan told The Clare Echo, “To Maurice, Sarah and Tadgh, my heart goes out to them for what they’ve gone through and while today was only a football game, we wanted to win it for Jack”.

For the second game running,

Clare dominated their opponent’s kickouts. Coughlan felt their midfield duo of Evan Cahill and Seán Fennell helped provide a key platform.

“Evan [Cahill] was exceptional, Colm [Breen] the same, they caught some fine ball at vital times. Our middle third today was probably where the launchpad was.”

He continued, “I thought we gave a defensive masterclass all the way through but midfield were exceptional too and we got a platform there.”

At half time, Clare led 0-7 0-4 but limited hosts Waterford to just two points in the entire second half. “Having to play against the conditions in the second half, we said to them at half-time, we just needed to get our hands on the ball and use our support play and coming off the shoulder. And we’re good at that because that’s the

football we play. We’re comfortable in the running game and in reality we cold have played like that all day. The trick was that we man-marked their two main threats Joe Brennan and [Paddy] McCarthy and I thought their markers Diarmuid Boyle and Aaron Killeen did an exceptional job as they got over 90% of their scores against Limerick.”

Three more championship games are guaranteed for Clare’s U20s. “You want to keep up our momentum now.

Look, we’ve still a lot to work on we know that and every game is valuable for these players development so we look forward to the Limerick game and thankfully we’ve three more matches to come in Phase 2 so we’re delighted to keep going as long as we can”.

Spanish Point have set a standard Hayes & Clare minors have by reaching All-Ireland decider

by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

REACHING a first All-Ireland PPS A final in twenty nine years has set a standard that St Joseph’s Spanish Point are eager to live up to.

On Thursday, Spanish Point fell short at the final hurdle losing to the physically imposing and dominant Our Lady and St. Patrick’s College, Knock.

Four goals in twenty minutes saw the Ulster champions exert their dominance on proceedings.

Principal of St Joseph’s Spanish Point and manager of the ladies football side, Paul Reidy pointed to the difference in physicality as a big factor in the outcome. “We’re very disappointed but we can’t have any complaints really as they were much more physically stronger than us. Knock are an outstanding team and their superior physicality had a huge bearing on the result as we had to work ten times harder to get a score than they did and our younger players found it harder going today than they might have done all year”.

He told The Clare Echo, “We’d only three Leaving Certs starting and another came on as a sub so this is a very young side that have come a long way. So we’re just exceptionally proud of the girls and no-one can take away the achievement of getting here. They’ve won a three-in-a-row of coun-

ty and Munster senior titles so this has been an incredible few years for the school”.

Goals from Isa McCarron and player of the game Evie McHugh just before half time were costly, Reidy acknowledged. “The two goals we conceded just before half-time were hammerblows. They came from two kick-outs that went wrong and we were all out of position. We had been doing fine up to that as that early Ellie Hanrahan goal helped us settle into the game but once they [Our Lady and St, Patrick’s College] got going, we found it physically hard to stop them powering through us and I thought their midfielders especially were very dominant”.

Youth had been a strength for Spanish Point until it wasn’t when the greater physicality of their All-Ireland final opponents on Thursday.

“We just didn’t have the answers to their physicality really, they were able to blow us off the ball but we have an exceptionally young side and that can be forgotten at times.

While we had been saying all year it was some achievement because of them being so young, it did probably hurt a bit today to have five girls at only 14 or 15 years of age in an Under 20 final. And they were brilliant today, some of them were our best players but just in terms of physicality, every breaking ball or 50/50

ball, they were just able to get in and wheel us out of the way.

“We just came up against a better team and we just have to take that on the chin. We’re exceptionally proud of each and every one of our players and we hope to bounce back again next year.

We’ve set a standard now that we’ve to try and live up to again next year,” the Kilmihil native added.

Catherine McGourty, manager of the victorious Our Lady and St. Patrick’s College side said, “This is a dream come true for our school. I’m so proud of these girls, they’re such a special group of 22 girls who have worked so hard the whole year.

They throw their all into every game and training so to become the best school in Ireland is just unbelievable.

“I’m a past pupil of the school and I always said to my teachers when I was there that I wanted to win an All-Ireland with the school. At the time, there was only netball there so to come back as a teacher and be involved with such a special group like this is amazing. To be the best team in Ireland and probably today control a lot of the game is beyond our wildest dreams really.

We did have a slow start but once Isa [McCarron] and the middle third started to press their kick-out, the goals quickly came and from there we’re so hard to beat”.

She admitted, “We didn’t know too much

‘sorting to do’ for must-win tie

by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s minor footballers are in must-win territory despite having only played one game.

A three point loss to Waterford on Monday has Clare on the brink of failKayla Darcy and Micaela Sexton in action for St Joseph’s Spanish ing to progress beyond Point Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile phase one of the Munster championship. They travel to Mountcollins this MonALL-IRELAND SENIOR A POST-PRIMARY to face a Limerick side SCHOOLS LADIES FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP day who overcame Tipperary Our Lady and St. Patrick’s College, Knock 4-11 1-9 1-4 in their opening St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point 2-07 outing.

Speaking to The Clare Venue: Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow Echo following their deCompiled by Eoin Brennan feat to Waterford, Clare OUR LADY AND ST. PATRICK’S COLLEGE manager Joe Hayes didn’t Frees For: 12 (6/6) hide his frustration. “I’m Wides: 7 (4/3) not going to sugarcoat it Scores from Play: 4-10 really, I’m hugely disapSpread of Scorers: 6 pointed but at the same Top Scorer: Grace Guest (2-3) time I’ve no complaints Yellow Cards: None as we were beaten by the Own Kick-Outs won: 4 from 10 (40%) better team on the night.

We might have showed patches of being better ST. JOSEPH’S SPANISH POINT but it was only in patches.

Frees For: 10 (2/8) We didn’t show what we’re Wides: 2 (1/1) capable of and it’s just so Scores from Play: 2-05 disappointing. We were Spread of Scorers: 6 outfought, destroyed on Top Scorer: Ellis Hanrahan (1-3 2f) breaks in the first half and Yellow Cards: None I’m not sure of the stats in Own Kick-Outs won: 13 from 22 (59%) the second half but overall I’m just gutted”.

SCAN HERE FOR Hayes continued, “EvMATCH REPORT about Spanish Point but ery time we came back we had a lot of faith in ourat them, Waterford just selves and we knew that pushed on again. Does if we came out here in the that come down to lapsfinal and performed that es in concentration on our it would take a really, realpart or was it Waterford ly strong team to beat us”. upping it even more? I’m not sure. Now I don’t want

to be throwing anything at players because the majority are 16 years of age and this is all a learning process but Waterford are the same age and they are after a five hour drive and they still showed that championship desire and hunger”.

Aggression was lacking from Clare in the breakdown, the former county goalkeeper felt. “I thought when we ran at them in the first half, things opened up but ultimately we got little return score wise from those breaks. Getting breaks from kick-outs, a lot of that is luck and it’s about where you position yourself but the rest of it is desire and hunger. Bar Rian Cotter at number 10 who is probably the smallest man on the field, we didn’t show that aggression at the breakdown”.

He added, “Look we’ve seven days to turn things around against Limerick down in Mountcollins.

Limerick were very good in a poor pitch against Tipperary on Sunday. They were very organised and we knew that they would be as they have the calibre of Garrett [Noonan], Muiris [Gavin] and Billy Lee over them. Listen we just need to sort our own ship now this week first before we even think about Limerick. And we’ve a good bit of sorting to do”.

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Thursday, Mar 26, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Newmarket & Bridge on course for two big battles

Newmarket Celtic to make defensive reshuffle for Munster semi-final with Aisling Annacotty

by Páraic McMahon NEWMARKET CELTIC are aiming to qualify for a first Munster Junior Cup final in four seasons when they meet an Aisling Annacotty side sprinkled with Clare connections.

Jackman Park is the venue this Saturday at 19:00 when Celtic and Aisling meet in the last four of the McCarthy Insurance Munster Junior Cup. Centre-half Tadhg Noonan is

suspended for the game with right-back Éanna Crimmins expected to partner Harvey Cullinan in the heart of the Newmarket defence.

This shuffle of the backline is likely to pave the way for either Cian McDonough or Ian Collins to enter the starting eleven at rightfull for the Clare Cup champions.

Aisling Annacotty defeated Bridge Utd 3-2 after extra time in the Munster Junior Cup quarter-finals. The side are managed

by Clarecastle’s Declan Farmer who had helped the club make major strides during his first season in charge.

Ex Tulla Utd duo Arron Curtis and Isaac O’Sullivan are starting members of their team in goals and midfield respectively. Shannon’s Jamie Halpin is pushing for game-time with the side. Conor Coughlan is the main injury doubt for Annacotty.

For Newmarket Celtic, it will be a fourth provincial semi-final since 2018. Managed by Liam Murphy, Celtic fell short at the penultimate stage against Janesboro in 2018 and against Pike Rovers in 2019 with Ennis duo Steven McGann and Paddy O’Malley lining out for the Limerick side.

Surviving members of the Celtic squad from both outings include Eoin Hayes, Shane Cusack, David McCarthy, Ian Collins, Cathal Hayes and Kieran Mahony (2019).

More recently in April 2023, Gearoid O’Brien’s strike on seventy seven minutes saw Newmarket dethrone Fairview Rangers as Munster Junior Cup champions.

From the 2023 starting side, Cusack, McCarthy, Hayes Harvey Cullinan, Conor McDaid, Jack Kelly, Dean Hegarty and Darragh Leahy all remain.

Newmarket Celtic’s Kieran Mahony is one of eleven squad members with Munster Junior Cup semi-final experience Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Washed-away pitch markings at Riverside Park leads to postponement of Hibs vs Bridge Riverside Park

Newmarket Celtic striker Darragh Leahy competes with Bridge Utd net minder John Mulready

Photo by Joe Buckley

by Páraic McMahon NEWMARKET CELTIC and Bridge Utd are on course to clash in two season defining outings over the coming weeks.

A top of the table tie awaits between Newmarket and Bridge in the Maloney Hardware Premier Division but both neighbouring clubs are likely to face off in the third round of the FAI Junior Cup. Bridge Utd will be raging hot favourites to account for Shannon Hibs on Sunday in their refixed FAI second round tie and the reward for the winners is to face the only Clare club to have won the competition with Newmarket Celtic securing home advantage for the game.

Avenue Utd will also have home comforts and have avoided a difficult draw when they face off with the winners of Creeves Celtic and Dromore Utd.

Should Tulla Utd do the business against St Ita’s AFC on Saturday evening, their reward will be a home game against Clare opponents with Fern Celtic waiting in the wings.

Six Clare clubs remain in the competition heading into this weekend, that figure will be reduced by at least one come Sunday evening.

FAI Junior Cup Round 3 (Clare District Soccer League, Kerry District League & Limerick Desmond): Ballingarry AFC vs Broadford Utd Breska Rovers vs Rathkeale AFC Newmarket Celtic FC vs Shannon Hibs / Bridge Utd St Brendan’s Park vs Killarney Celtic FC Avenue Utd vs Creeves Celtic / Dromore Utd St Ita’s AFC / Tulla Utd vs Fern Celtic

Avenue & Newmarket head forward in FAI Junior Cup

Photo by Joe Buckley

by Páraic McMahon WASHED-AWAY pitch markings led to the decision to postpone the FAI Junior Cup tie between Shannon Hibs and Bridge Utd. Three of the scheduled FAI Junior Cup second round games involving Clare clubs did not proceed on Sunday morning.

There was a last-minute cancellation for the meeting of Shannon Hibs and Bridge Utd at Riverside. The visiting Sixmilebridge side were togged and ready to go when referee Brian Punch announced that the game would be taking place.

“Pitch markings were washed away overnight” according to officers with Shannon Hibs with Punch deciding that

the absence of any lines or markings on the field was a sufficient reason to call off the game.

Bridge Utd have now been awarded home advantage for the fixture which is scheduled to take place in Sixmilebridge on Sunday at 14:00.

A longer journey was made by Tulla Utd to discover their second round game in the national competition would not go ahead. Mike Moloney’s men headed to West Limerick to face St Ita’s AFC with the venue deemed unplayable after they arrived.

FAI officials have refixed this game for The Cragg in Tulla with the East Clare side hosting St Ita’s at 18:30 on Saturday.

Bridge Celtic gave a walkover to Kerry outfit St Brendan’s Park giving them a direct route to the third round.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Nnabuike Nneji gets his head to an Avenue Utd corner Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

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Father & son win Woodstock spring league

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

THE final round in the Ozone Health and Fitness Spring league at Woodstock took place last week when the winners were Oisin (14) and Cathal Kelly (14) with 58 points.

They won by two from Declan (11) and Brendan Farrelly (12) with third place filled by Mike Kelly (11) and Jack Duffy (13) also with 56 points. In fourth spot with 54 points were Colin Higgins (10) and Pat O’Brien (10) followed by John Baker (12) and Aaron Lavery (14) with 54, Frank Tone (6) and Eoin Collins (10) with 51, Chris McGrath (8) and Ciaran Coote (10) with 51, Aidan (6) and Noel Mulcahy (9) with 51, Paddy Meehan (8) and Dickie Pyne (12) with 51 with tenth place filled by Kevin Toner (10) and Matt O’Brien (10), also with 51.

Pat and Joe Barry have emerged as the overall winners of the league sponsored by Kenneth O’Malley and Mike Hogan at Ozone Health & Fitness.

Second place was filed

by Mike Kelly and Jack

Duffy with Colin Higgins and Pat O’Brien in third spot.

Meanwhile last week’s 15 hole club singles was won by John Dreelan (8) with 34 points while the gross was won by Rob Cantwell (5) with 29 points.

Category 1 (+ to 8) was won by Pat Keane (8) with 32 points, category 2 (9 to 15) by Joseph Burke (12) with 32 points and category 3 (16 +) by Sean Herbert (16) with 33 points.

This week’s club singes winner was Oisin Kelly (15) with 42 points while Sean Myatt (2) won the gross with 38 points.

Category 1 was won by John Dreelan (8) with 38 points, category 2 by Vincent McInerney (13) with 39 points and category 3

by Sean Herbert (16) with 31 points.

Winners in the 2’s competition were John Clune, Paul Coote and Barry McNamara at the 4th hole, Sean Herbert 6th hole and Dickie Pyne 14th Hole.

There will be a club singles competition this weekend.

Woodstock host Ennis in the Costelloe Cup on April 12. This is a foursomes competition (stableford) open to all eligible male players.

The ladies 18 hole stableford competition was won by Siobhan Maher (26) with 33 points.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB The Winter league concluded at Dromoland last week with overall victory going to Niall Geraghty , Ronan O’Sullivan, Ruairi Price and Sean G McMahon. They won from Brian Aherne, Cathal Kilmartin, Ben Rittweger and Christy Farrell with third spot filled by Darragh McCoy, Fergal Croke, Fergus Cooney and Jimmy Neville.

In fourth place were Gavin O’Reilly, John O’Dwyer, Declan Cusack and Fintan Lahiffe and they were followed by Ryan Enright, Sean Conway, Patrick Vaughan and Shane Mowat.

The ladies 18 hole Easter eggs competition was won by Julie Fitzgerald with 37 points, one more than Mary Arthur with

Crusheen’s Xabi included in Irish U18 squad for Easter tournament

by Páraic McMahon CRUSHEEN’s Xabi Scanlan has been included in the Irish U18 schools rugby squad for the Easter tournament in France.

Ireland face England on Friday (April 3rd), Spain on Tuesday (April 7th) and France on Saturday April 11th as part of the Easter tournament. The games are to take place in Stade Louis Darragon, Vichy, France.

Included in the Irish squad is Xabi Scanlan from Crusheen, a student at Castletroy College.

As part of their preparations, they played against Wales in an uncapped fixture in Clontarf.

He is one of seven Munster players included alongside Harry Heagney, Tom Murray, Rian Macfarlane O’Shea, Ryan McCormack, Alex Moloney and Daniel Murphy.

Positioned at number eight, Xabi also represented Munster for the U18 schools side which concluded their inter-provincial campaign in September.

The Ireland U-18 Schools squad’s campaigns have been extended in recent seasons to include the U-18 Six Nations

Festival – a crucial development platform providing invaluable experience in a high-performance environment – and more opportunities against elite opposition in the form of August’s U-18 International Series in South Africa.

Xabi Scanlan

Dorothy Brennan a point further back in third place.

The ladies 9 hole Easter eggs competition was won by Joan Dunne with 19 points from Mairéad Toomey who also had 19 points with Ann Nix in third spot with 18 points.

The weekend men’s 9 hole competition was won by Michael Browne with 21 points from Cillian O’Connor with 19, with third place filled by David O’Brien, also with 19.

Ronan O’Sullivan won the category for handicappers of 20 and over with 17 points. Fergus Cooney won the gross with 18 points.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB Last week’s men’s modified fourball stableford competition at Ennis was won by Rory Flynn (12) and John McInerney (2) with 46 points, one more than Pat McInerney (14) and Jim Casey (15). In third place with 43 points were Alfred Jones (6) and Fergal Croke (12) and they were followed by Tom (18) and Kieran Fox (2) who also had 43 points.

The Lions scramble last week was a great suc-

cess.

The charity chosen this year by the Lady Captain, Mary T. McMahon is ‘Special Olympics Golf at Ennis Golf Club’ who will participate at the Ireland Games which will be held at Westmanstown Golf club, Dublin from June 18 to June 20. Anyone who would like to donate to this fundraiser can contact Ennis Golf Club.

The overall, winners were Deborah Glynn, Audrey McEnery and Mary McGrath-Fahy with 38 nett.

Last Saturday’s scramble was won by Maureen Lynch, Tommy Heath and Joe O’Brien with 66 points and they had two to spare over Patricia O’Reilly, John Kearse and Enda Burns.

In third place with 62 points were Helen Harnett, Tony McInerney, Christy Fitzgerald and Tom Gallery followed on 60 points by Flor Coffey, Pat Murphy and Ronnie Guinnane with fifth spot filed by Clare Pyne, Paul Mockler and Gerry O’Brien with 59 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

The Johnson’s Bar Spring series qualifier continued at Kilrush at the weekend when the winner was Noel Thornton (12) with 28 points and he had one to spare over Eoin Fitzgerald (8).

East Clare Golf Club: The men’s v par competition at East Clare last weekend was won by Brian Stritch (11) with + 4 and he won on a countback from Ray K. McInerney (12). Colm Kelly (14) was third with +3.

Winners of the mixed scramble on Friday were Terry Coughlan, Steve Lynch, Mary Hogan and Margaret MacNamara and they won from John Nihill, Carmel Dillon, Tadhg Murphy and Vivian Cahalane with third place filled by Pat McNamara, Margaret. Lynch and Kieran McNamara The competition for Easter (April 2-April 6) is an open team of 3 champagne scramble which is for ladies, men’s and mixed teams.

SHANNON GOLF CLUB Last week’s men’s singles stableford competition at Shannon was won

by Keith Buckley (2 ) with 39 points and he won by one from David Grimes (14). In third place with 37 points was Terry O’Neill (10). Dara Casey (+2) won the gross with 33 points.

Martina Cunningham (33) won this week’s ladies 18 hole stableford competition with 41 points. She was three ahead of Susie Meehan (22) with third place filled

by Joan Hoctor (21) who had 36 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB The category 1 winner in the weekend’s 18 hole singles stableford competition at Gort was Colman Cooney (8) with 38 points. Category 2 was won by Declan O’Halloran (13) with 32 points, category 3 by David Mulligan (17) with 36 points and category 4

by Owen Huban (39) with 36 points. The gross was won by Mark Deegan (3) with 28 points.

Con & Annie Kirby memorial kicks off

by Michael Maher

LARGE attendances have been in Limerick as the race to win the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial kicked off in earnest.

The prestigious Con and Annie Kirby Memorial at Limerick Greyhound Stadium is well underway where large attendance have witnessed the cream of the crop battle it out for the showpiece final on April 18th.

Recent Clare winners at the Track were, Aqua Camillia for Tulla’s Michael McNamara in 30.01, a daughter of Dromana Bucko and Rockalong Aqua this was her second career success. Jacop Star recorded his ninth career success for Myles Cummins from Newmarket-on-Fergus with a 29.22 victory he is a son of Jacob Tashadelek and Miles Girl.

It was Thursday and Friday night action last week at Galway Greyhound Stadium with the A1 graded sixth contest being the feature event on Thursday nights card which also featured two mini stake finals in the A4 and A7 Grades.

In the final of the A4 graded Mini Stake the striped jacketed Ballyea Warrior looked to increase his wins to run record to five from six and the son of Ballymac Kingdom and Wilfofwallstreet delivered in style as he powered to a seven length success over Hollywell Flint in 28.76. The Noel Gavin of Ballyea owned runner was away very

smartly as Hollywell Flint showed pace along the inner also on the run towards the opening bend. As the bend loomed though Ballyea Warrior really powered into the corner and cutting to the rails entering the back straight he was his rivals well and truly cooked racing down the back. Striding further clear with every stride the Declan McDonagh of Liscannor trained runner was full value for his winning margin as he sauntered up the straight all alone.

The opening contest of the night was an A4 graded affair and from traps the blue jacketed Claudegreengrass was away well and showing his customary early dash the Larry Keleghan owned son of Magical Bale and Notimetotalk led by two lengths from Burkos Breeze and Hollywell Raptor on the run towards the opening bend, Tracking well around the opening two bends Claudegreengrass extended his advantage to almost four lengths passing halfway as Blakemount Solo and Portumna Syd took up the chase but out front the Albert Mullins of Gort trained Claudegreengrass was home and hosed scoring by two and a half lengths from Blakemount Solo in 29.46.

Friday night’s Galway card was dominated by stakes action with the opening round heats of both the Paul McKenna Memorial A5 525 and also the opening round of the Galway Unraced N2 350 yards stake. In Heat 3 of the Paul McKenna Memorial A5 Stake, young Kilrush trainer Colm Fitzgerald

is developing a fair strike rate with his kennel runners and he struck in this heat with the Flyers Racing Syndicate owned Flyers Penney who routed her rivals by upwards of twelve and a half lengths in a time of 29.21. Very smartly away from her trap one berth the daughter of Signet Ace and Pennylane Sheba really motored to the opening bend rounding which she led Ballygibbon Fury and Highview Exotic by over four lengths and with bunching behind she found herself all alone in front passing halfway. Tracking well out of the back straight Flyers Penny powered clear right to the line as Highview Exotic got the better of Ballygibbon Fury for the second spot.

In the second heat of the Galway Novice N2 Sprint Stake Island Millie was best away on the wide outside but on settling down it was the blue jacketed Cascade Thor who showed the best early toe to lead from Island Millie and Lissatouk Robbie on the run towards the opening bend. Rounding the bend the leader tracked well as Lissatouk Robbie lost ground by running wide and swinging for home the Jack Browne of Ballyea owned Cascade Thor (Dromana Bucko-Cascade Phantom) looked set to score readily. On the run home though Lissatouk Robbie was back on an even keel but the John Browne of Ballyea trained Cascade Thor held the challenge at bay by a length and a half in 19.42 to complete an open in double for his litter.

28

Thursday, Apr 2, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Thursday, Apr 2, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Plannings

Prayer 3 Day Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Never Known to Fail) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother.

Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity (make request).

There are none that can withstand your power.

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (Say 3 times).

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (Say 3 times) Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.

P.H

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS Planning Ref: P2560576 Development Description: Planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, private garage, site entrance, on-site wastewater treatment system and all associated site works and services Location: Greygrove, Kilmihil, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Michelle McMahon & Denjoe O’Callaghan have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P2560576. 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, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, En-

nis, 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, CORRACLOON MORE, CAHER, CO. CLARE I, Annick Counihan, intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for development which will consist of a new entrance, a driveway, a waste water treatment system and percolation area together with associated site works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceed-

ing the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

NEWSPAPER PLANNING NOTICE CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYMAQUIGGAN, ENNIS, CO CLARE V95 AE40 Take notice that Elaine &

Pat Whelan intend to apply for Retention Permission to retain the; a) window style/ treatment details as constructed b) position of the existing dwelling house on site c) site boundaries/reduced site area as constructed 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.

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CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLOONLAHEEN MIDDLE, MULLAGH, CO CLARE. Take notice that the Josephine & John Talty intend to apply for planning permission to demolish & rebuild the hayshed & permission to retain the machinery shed and all 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 COOLE LODGE, FRANCIS STREET, ENNIS, CO CLARE, V95 DY65 Take notice that Brendan and Dermot McGrath intend to apply for planning permission to retain the shed and site layout and all 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.

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30

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

News PUZZLE

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES APR 2nd THIS WEEKS PUZZLES NOV 24th

SUDOKU

10/8/2020

Almanac

3

1

Commander

9

8

Commandos Demands

2

Dismantle

9

Egomaniac

4 5

Humanly

5

7

1

3

3

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1/1

Germanium

8

8

9

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Kilimanjaro

1/1

How to play

B 5A 6 * B 5 A =1 B 6A )

ANSWERS

HOW TO PLAY

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

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1 4 8 6 3 5 7 2 9

B7 B 5A B 5A =68 3 9

B 8A - 7

B5 B 6A

10/8/2020

The Clare Echo Crossword

CROSSWORD ANSWERS D

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Help support us by subscribing Visit clareecho.ie/subscribe to find out more

1 Memento (8) 1 Pottery oven (4) 2 North African country (5) 3 Endearing (8) 4 Soak (6) 9 Hug (7) 5 Cook in an oven (5) 10 Assisted (5) 6 Nomadic Arab (7) 11 Employees (5) 12 Material for violin strings (6) 7 Terminates (4) 8 Perplex (6) 14 Young cat (6) 13 Magnificent (8) 16 Root vegetable (6) 15 Prickly plant (7) 19 Silly laugh (6) 17 Northern Ireland (6) 21 Push roughly (5) 18 Tyrant (6) 24 Go in (5) 20 Eat gluttonously (5) 25 Feign (7) 22 Last Greek letter (5) 26 Cooked egg dish (8) 23 Nought (4) 27 Difficult (4)

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Salamanders

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THURSDAY, NOV 24 2022

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31

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Apr 2, 2026

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Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz When was Poulnabrone Dolmen built?

Around 400 AD Around 3800–3200 BC Around 4800–4600 BC

7.

2.

Who built Bunratty Castle?

The McNamara family The O’Brien family The de Clare family

8.

3.

Which famous High King was born in Clare?

Brian Ború Donnchad Don Domnall ua Néill

When was Éamon de Valera elected as TD for East Clare?

1917 1919 1921

9.

4.

How many husbands did Biddy Early have?

Three Four None

Which historical kingdom is Clare associated with?

Thomond Desmond Ormond

5.

Where was Edna O’Brien born?

Tuamgraney Killaloe Bodyke

6.

What was the former name of O’Connell Street in Ennis?

Jail Street Prison Street De Valera Street

10. When was Clare formally established as a county?

1438 1565 1602

Scan here to see what’s on

Quiz by Isabella Baxter

When was the Battle of Dysart O’Dea? 1247 1318 1653

ANSWERS Vikings July Washer Woman’s Bridge Ballina 1,700

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Movies to see this week

Brian Boru St Lua 18th of May 1984 57

1.

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

Last weeks Answers . The word shop missing in background . Bird missing in sky . Girls pants in crowd different color (right) . Yellow circle missing on ground

. Orange reflector on trailer different colour . N missing on sign . L missing on the Loop Head logo

Newmarket-on-Fergus’ senior hurlers fielded a Powerful full-forward line on Saturday in the Clare Cup when the Power brothers from Latoon lined out side by side for the first time with James ‘Jellies’, Peter ‘Pick n Mix’ and Michael ‘Bon Bon’ all in from the start. Michael scored five goals, Peter was blocked down six times and James was kept busy issuing instructions to teammate Eoin Guilfoyle

Spring & Easter Breaks at Gleneagle Killarney

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