The Clare Echo 02/10/25 by The Clare Echo

HIQA should ‘hang their head in shame’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DIVIDED views among political gures are emerging in Co Clare following HIQA’s review into urgent and emergency healthcare services in the MidWest.

HIQA’s 56 page report was published on Tuesday and presented three options to Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG). Option A is to expand capacity at University Hospital Limerick, Option B is to extend the UHL campus

and include a second site while Option C is to build another Model ree hospital with an emergency department in the Mid-West.

Scari native, Michael McNamara MEP (IND) stated, “A repeatedly delayed report now tells us it’s too late to build a new Model 3 hospital but doesn’t argue at all with the need for one. Everybody involved in this whitewash should hang their head in shame. It’s a disgrace. ey should apologise to our communities that are so un-

der-served for their lack of political courage”. Clare TDs are split on the recommendations. Joe Cooney TD (FG) admitted his preference was Option B while Cathal Crowe TD (FF) maintained building a new model three hospital “is clearly the best option” and Donna McGettigan TD (SF) stated, “It is my rm view that work on a Model ree hospital needs to begin now while capacity expansion at UHL proceeds”.

Clooney/Quin & Éire Óg battle for glory BRUSHING UP

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HISTORY BECKONS on Sunday with Clooney/Quin and Éire Óg looking to end long waits for success in the Clare senior hurling championship. Clooney/Quin captained by Jimmy Corry and managed by 2013 All-Ireland winner Fergal Lynch are contesting the senior ﬁnal for the ﬁrst time since 2017 and they last were crowned Clare SHC champions in 1942. Éire Óg remain on course for a historic senior championship double but this weekend their focus is solely on hurling. 2024 All-Ireland winner David Reidy

captains the Ennis side with former Clare joint manager Gerry O’Connor in charge of the Townies. It is their ﬁrst appearance in the showpiece event since 2022 and they last lifted the Canon Hamilton in 1990.

Whitegate’s John Bugler has been appointed as match referee for Sunday’s decider which throws in at 15:30 in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg.

Both sides are reported to have a clean bill of health with neutrals expecting a very close contest.

 Noah Walsh brush dancing at the Oíche Ghaelach event which took place in Clarecastle GAA club house last week

Photo by Joe Buckley

ENNIS RFC

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l Clare IFA Pre-Budget Lobbying 2026

Clancy

Visit Clare logo could feature on kit of Ennis RFC for debut AIL season

VISIT CLARE could be emblazoned on the kit of Ennis RFC as they take to the field in the Energia All-Ireland League for the first time.

Council’s outdoor staff begin ballot for industrial action

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Kilmihil’s Micaela Glynn will captain what is the county’s first team to line out in the AIL, they travel to Carlow this Saturday to face Tullow RFC.

ALL of Clare County Council’s outdoor sta that are members of the SIPTU trade union are being balloted for industrial action in a dispute over new vehicle usage and vehicle telematics policies.

Ahead of the historic outing, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) called on Clare County Council’s communications department to coordinate with the club PRO to promote the county’s involvement.

SIPTU has con rmed the ballot is taking place as part of a “major escalation in a dispute caused by management’s refusal to engage with the State’s own industrial dispute resolution system”.

With away games in Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Galway, Cllr Colleran Molloy appealed to the tourism section of the Council to have Visit Clare logo on the team’s kit and for banners “equivalent to those erected to support County Clare GAA teams be erected in Ennis, Kilrush and other key towns in the County”.

Acting senior executive officer in the corporate services section of the Council, John Corry said, “We remain committed to working with stakeholders to ensure this historic

Last month, transport workers in the Council began industrial action in the form of a work-to-rule. is escalation would involve their colleagues in other outdoor divisions engaging in supportive industrial action, which SIPTU said would result in signi cant disruption to the delivery of services.

According to SIPTU, the new transport measures

achievement is celebrated and supported appropriately and accordingly we can promote on social media. The Tourism Department will engage with the Club to explore the feasibility of featuring the ‘Visit Clare’ logo on the team’s kit”.

have been introduced without proper engagement and has accused the council of refusing to engage with the State’s own industrial dispute resolution system.

Corry acknowledged that the away games presented “a valuable opportunity to promote Clare as a tourism destination to a national audience. Clare County Council have historically only supported county teams in finals by erecting banners”.

Speaking at the September meeting of the Council, Cllr Colleran Molloy noted that fifty percent of the squad hailed from outside of Ennis in villages of Cross, Kilmihil, Kilrush, Inagh, Quin and Tulla.

Backing the proposal, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) commented, “there is an onus on us to support ladies sport to promote them the best we can, Shannon Airport have ‘Fly Shannon’ on the Munster shorts, here is a chance for us to promote Visit Clare on the bags which travel around the country for ladies sport”.

“ is ballot is the direct result of Clare County Council management consistently refusing to comply with the agreed procedures for resolving disputes, including attending the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC),” said SIPTU Organiser, Arek Muszynski. He added, “Such behaviour is unprecedented in the public sector and undermines the long-established dispute resolution system that all council employees rely upon”.

Cllr Joe Killeen (FF), himself a former rugby player in his youth. “It is fantastic to have a team at this level, they have great role models with our national team”. Financial support could also be provided by the Council, he suggested. “We need equal opportunity and positive discrimination for women in sport, we need to promote women in sport, they are fantastic role models”.

Having a women’s team in the AIL is “fantastic,” stated

In a statement to e Clare Echo, a spokesperson for the local authority said, “Clare County Council continues its call on SIPTU to return to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and refutes the assertion that is has failed to comply with agreed dispute resolution procedures following the implementation of vehicle usage policies last March”. An approach suggested by SIPTU was not responsible, the Council said. “ e essence of the dispute surrounds the policy which states that Clare County Council vehicles including HGV, road maintenance and articulated trucks, must be parked at council depots overnight and not (be) driven home unless there is a business need. SIPTU’s position is that it wants to pause the policy before returning to the WRC, but to do so having regard to known risks, is not considered a responsible approach by Clare County Council. e vehicle usage policies were implemented on March 31, 2025, following a process of engagement with sta and unions going back to April 2024 (11 months)”.

“I love the idea of Visit Clare on the kit,” Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) remarked. Responding to her colleagues, Cllr Colleran Molloy said their support was “heartening”. The Quin native outlined, “We need to keep working and ensure the ladies don’t drop their ball and stop playing sport”. She questioned who from the Council was going to engage with Ennis RFC to progress the motion or if the councillors were to make a combined donation through their General Municipal Allocation. Director of Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty stated that the Head of Tourism, Deirdre O’Shea would be corresponding with the club’s PRO and secretary “to start discussions”.

A ﬂexible hurley from Tubber’s Joe Clancy is unable to block the shot of Clarecastle forward

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

lTom Lane, National Rural Development Chair, Stephen Walsh, Clare IFA Co Chair, Francie Gorman, President IFA, Joe Cooney TD, Elaine Farrell, IFA Director of Governance and Oireachtas Engagement and Tom Costelloe, Clare IFA Farm Business Chair

P. 21-33

SOFA SALE

Murphy to leave role as Clare GAA Head of Operations

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DEIRDRE Murphy is to leave her role as Head of Operations with Clare GAA.

Appointed as Clare GAA’s first Head of Operations/Chief Operating Officer in September 2022, Murphy confirmed on Wednesday morning that was stepping down from the post after three years. She will take up a role in the private sector.

Clooney woman Deirdre will finish up following Clare GAA’s Convention in December.

Clare GAA have said they will now begin the recruitment process and intend to have a successful candidate in place for “early 2026”. Murphy was selected from a shortlist of sixteen candidates in a field which included a sitting County Board officer, former officials and club officers.

In a statement, Deirdre said, “I’ve had three wonderful years with Clare GAA and worked with fantastic colleagues, club and county volunteers, managers, backroom team members, players and supporters. Some of the experience’s will count as life highlights and I am extremely grateful to everyone that has given time, coaching, funds or supported Clare GAA in any way during this time.

“We have an amazing county and Clare GAA and our clubs will always be part of the fabric of life for

Clare people at home and abroad,” she stated. Deirdre confirmed she will continue to remain involved with the GAA as a volunteer with Clooney/Quin “as I progress my career in the private sector”. She added, “the job I leave behind is a fantastic opportunity and I have no doubt that the next man or woman up will continue to drive Clare GAA forward and enhance both their career and life experience in doing so”.

Achievements and work completed during her tenure include securing €3.2m to develop Caherlohan under the large scale sports infrastructure grant, the refurbishment of Clare GAA’s headquarters at Caherlohan, brokering a deal with Zimmer Biomet on the naming rights of Cusack Park and the addition of more paid staff to the books of GAA.

Noticeably debate and questioning by club delegates of the County Board decreased during her term. Her regime has at times been criticised particularly with the process for appointing Peter Keane as senior football manager along with the manner in which long-serving volunteers exited their roles over the last three years including former PRO Anne Hayes.

Chairman of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating expressed his “heartfelt gratitude” to Deirdre for her three year tenure. “She brought a wealth of experience, an abundance of enthusiasm and a willingness to work

with everyone for the betterment of Clare GAA. Her influence on the structures and governance of the organisation will I have no doubt endure for many years to come and we are thankful that her next career move keeps her local to Clare, as her proximity will help to ensure she will not be fully lost to the association”.

A former secondary school teacher, Deirdre was a founding

member of the Women’s Gaelic Players Association in 2015. She remained part of the WGPA board until 2019.

From 2007 to 2013, she worked as a Munster Camogie Development co-ordinator with The Camogie Association. Before becoming Head of Operations, she has been an active member of Club Clare.

During Deirdre’s four year tenure as Gaelic Games Development

Officer at the University of Limerick, the college won two Fitzgibbon Cup titles, three Ashbourne Cup titles and three O’Connor Cup titles. She moved on from the role in May 2017 to become the First Year support co-ordinator at UL. While working in the college, she also obtained a Masters Degree in Work and Organisational Behaviour.

Calls for change in Clare GAA which resulted in the development of the five year Saffron and Blue strategic plan led to the creation of the Head of Operations Post.

Murphy’s duties include the management and supervision of full and part-time personnel, ensuring all approved policy matters are applied, allowing Clare GAA to meet the highest standards of transparency, integrity and accountability.

On the field of play, she is regarded as one of Clare’s greatest camogie players. She represented her county at adult level for close to two decades, making her debut in 1997 and retiring following Clare’s All-Ireland quarter-final defeat in 2014.

She was captain of the side that claimed the All-Ireland junior title in 2008 and claimed a Munster senior championship in 2012 managed by John Carmody.

In 2014, she was named as Clare’s camogie player of the decade in a concept to mark the 110th anniversary of the Camogie Association. She was nominated for an All Star award on seven occasions.

Clare Collection tourism losses hit

€1m for first six months of 2025

by Páraic McMahon

paraic@clareecho.ie

LOSSES are mounting for tourism sites in Clare under the ownership of the local authority while the County Council is owed €41m.

As per Clare County Council’s interim ﬁnancial report as far as June 30th of 2025, a combined loss of €1m has been recorded for the Clare Collection which is a portfolio of visitor attractions in the county. The Clare Collection is owned and operated by Clare County Council’s subsidiary companies, it was launched in February of this year.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, The Cliffs of Moher Experience, Craggaunowen Castle & Crannóg, Inis Cealtra, Knappogue Castle & Gardens, Loop Head Lighthouse and Vandeleur Walled Gardens and Visitor Experience all form part of the Clare Collection. Rising losses and a growing number of personnel leaving the tourism section of the local authority were referenced at the September sitting of Clare County Council.

The Clare Echo has

previously reported that a series of cutbacks have been introduced on tourism sites operated by the Council and on the exits of Stephen Hanley (General Manager Clare Tourism East) and Eoin Flanagan (Group Head of HR at Clare Tourism).

Welcoming an increase in revenue on commercial rates from 50 percent in 2024 to 63 percent in 2025, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) also raised concerns on the management of tourism within the Council.

He stated, “there is a loss of €1m to date on the Clare Collection and we are seeing a change in personnel in the last two weeks, the General Manager and the Group Head of HR have left. With tourism in a loss for the ﬁrst six months, what is the projected loss for the end of the year”.

Director of Finance and Support Services with Clare County Council, Noeleen Fitzgerald stated that the local authority has seen “very positive results in 2023 from the takeover of the Shannon Heritage sites. We did have losses at the sites in 2024 and they (losses) are still there in 2025. We have put initiatives

in place to look at everything done in all of our tourism sites to look at delivery, numbers may be up but it can come to the detriment of signiﬁcant increased costs versus signiﬁcant increased income”.

Councillors should not be surprised, she said, “it is not something new to members, it was reported at our AFS meeting”.

She revealed that Clare County Council is owed €41m which reﬂected the amount of Government initiatives delivered by the local authority. “It means we have spent €41m of Government initiatives and we are awaiting it to be refunded to us”.

Cllr Hayes remarked, “€41m seems an incredible amount of money to be owed, how long has that been owed”.

Fitzgerald replied, “it is a rolling ﬁgure, until you receive a speciﬁc gate in the development, it is continuously rolling, one that there is a lot of resources in relation to managing and making sure claims are gone in on time. We’re not overly concerned, there a small element we’re concerned with but it is less than €1m of the

lBunratty Castle

€41m, it is cashﬂow of Council being used”. Within the ﬁrst six months of the year, €40m was spent

from the Council’s capital account which included the completion of the Killaloe Bridge. She cautioned, “we’re seeing a signiﬁcant reduction in income” while noting the Government waiver scheme brought in €6bn.

Deirdre Murphy

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Small school, big battle: Furglan NS to prepare appeal to Dept. of Education stay open

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FURGLAN NS’ “tremendous effort” to enrol four extra pupils has fallen short but the North Clare school will be making an appeal to the Department of Education to keep its doors open.

A save our school campaign by Furglan NS captivated the attention of the nation but their efforts over the past week to get four more students on their books by the September 30th deadline did not become a reality.

Principal, Patricia Vaughan confirmed to The Clare Echo, “Unfortunately, despite a tremendous effort over the past week, we have been unable to secure the additional four students by the Department of Education’s September 30th deadline”.

All hope is not lost however for the future of Furglan NS. Ms Vaughan confirmed that the school has been advised by the Department’s primary allocations unit to submit a ‘small school appeal’ to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board in order to retain their school status and current staffing levels. This route is only available to schools that have two, three or four teachers.

She stated, “We will be submitting this appeal in

February/March 2026, once the Department has issued the updated national guidelines on the staffing schedule for primary education in Ireland”.

The Clare Echo understands that the Department received an influx of correspondence from the public in support of Furglan NS’ bid to keep its doors open.

Efforts to add to the current total of seven students in Furglan NS will continue, she said. “Our efforts to boost enrolment numbers continue, and we greatly appreciate everyone’s support and assistance in helping us work towards this goal.

“We appeal to the wider North Clare community for its continued assistance help in spreading our message among friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours. Your backing could make a real difference in reaching families who may not yet be aware of our situation, while also ensuring that the voices of rural schools are heard at a national level,” Patricia told The Clare Echo. This appeal mechanism means the school will not have to consult with its patron, Bishop Michal Duignan to discuss future plans despite not reaching the threshold of eleven pupils.

Clare TD says relocating Ukrainian students could be the key to saving Furglan NS

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENROLLING UKRAINIAN students will be explored as a mechanism to save Furglan NS, a Clare TD has said.

Furglan NS are to submit a small school appeal to the Primary Staffing Appeals Board early next year after it fell short in its quest to enrol four additional pupils by Tuesday (September 30).

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) praised the efforts of principal Patricia Vaughan and all involved in the save our school campaign for Furglan NS. He stated, “Throughout the past week I’ve been in over and back communication with Patricia Vaughan, the principal of Furglan NS, my heart goes out to Patricia and the pupils, it is so evident that they have a great grá for the school and they are extremely concerned that if they haven’t the required enrolment numbers

that it could put the future of their school in jeopardy”.

To boost the number of students in Furglan NS, Deputy Crowe said Ukrainian students could be relocated.

“I have contacted the school but more over I have been in contact with the Department of Justice as they have responsibility for accommodating Ukrainian war refugees, whilst Ukrainian war refugees have now been domiciled across Co Clare for three years, there are often scenarios which necessitate their movement from one accommodation hub to another, this also happens on an inter-county basis. I am trying to see if there are families elsewhere in the country that will be moving to Clare and if so I think such families should be accommodated in the North Clare area in relative proximity to Furglan NS,” he confirmed.

While Furglan NS’ last-

lUKRANIAN STUDENTS: Cathal Crowe

ditch campaign to save the school did not materialise by the September 30th deadline, there is still optimism in North Clare that the primar school will be open in twelve months. “I still have hope that were additional pupils to be secured for the roll book

in the next week or two that we could successfully argue the point by way of appeal to the Department of Education”.

Deputy Crowe added, “The Programme for Government commits to a reduction in the pupil to student ratio and

I hope we will see some positive steps in this regard in the upcoming Budget but there needs to be special consideration given to Furglan NS, this school has a very rich history that the community is proud of and if the doors were to close I fear they would close forever. I am not fully pessimistic about the future of the school, I hope the efforts Patricia, the local community and I are making will still reap some dividend and hopefully in the weeks ahead we can persuade the Department of Education that the current enrolment numbers are sufficient to keep current staffing levels and to keep the school open”.

Cllr Shane Talty (FF) told The Clare Echo he was “very concerned and frustrated that the future of Furglan NS should hang in the balance like this. It reflects the very real challenges facing rural Ireland”.

He felt a better approach from the Government on emergency accommodation could have aided small schools like Furglan NS. “A more focused state policy over the last number of years, when locating international families in emergency accommodation could have positively supported the likes of Furglan”. Despite the passing of the deadline, Cllr Talty remained hopeful for Furglan NS’ future. “Even at this late stage, I hope a number of additional students can be found and the school continue. Even if the deadline has passed, I’m sure there would be an appeals mechanism if a couple of students could be found. I know that Furglan has produced brilliant students through the years and the many parental and past students’ testimonies in recent days reflects its great heritage. Hopefully there

l SMALL SCHOOL: Five of the seven students enrolled in Furglan NS with SNA Karen Irwin, principal Patricia Vaughan and deputy principal Monica Dilleen

Photograph by: John Sheridan

What do you need to put on your gardening to do list this October?

OCTOBER is here and we have got the crispy mornings starting keeping the air lovely and fresh.

This month can be a month to get working ona garden checklist. Here are a few suggestions of jobs you can do in the garden this month to help you figuire out what you need to put on your to do list;

l How are your beds looking?

l Do you need to treat evergreen shrubs?

l Do you need to cut away any dead wood weed around the base of plants?

l Do you need to mulch the area or weed an area?

l Do you want to collect seed from perennial and cut back or leave them as food for birds?

l Should you start collecting fallen leaves and compost if possible?

l Should you lift tender build like Dahlia and store them for the winter?

l You can divide overcrowded perennials like Hosta, Daylilies and Asters.

l As the temperature drops it’s time to bring in tender plant like the

geranium or coleus.

So that can keep you busy outside on the crispy day.

The lovely thing about October is the colours to freshen up the pots with and weathers its heathers or cyclamen are what you like it gives a new fresh look to the place.

One of my favourites is to add new Spring bulbs in pocket around beds and borders weather it to increase the daffodils mix or add some lovely Tulips to the garden, and at the moment any pot I am filling I add the dwarf daffodil

to them I think it will be a lovely addition to pots in spring.

If you are not a fan of the flowers this time of year some leaf colour can be just as nice.

I have been doing a lovely mix of grass carex ever gold and a Heuchera purple and trailing lysimachia and the result is lovely.

There are lots of combinations to enjoy with colour primrose or heathers.

We have some lovely hand made autumnal Wreath to add a splash of colour to your door

this October, as well as some readymade autumnal pots for the front door.

Time to start feeding the birds too and take out the feeders and clean before you feed them. It’s lovely to see what type of birds visit us each year and I love to watch them.

So, there is lots to keep us busy this month and as always, we continue to fill pots this month to your requirements and offer advice.

Happy Gardening

New hospital in Mid-West or expanding & extending UHL the options tabled in HIQA review

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THREE options to improve emergency healthcare in the MidWest have been presented to the Minister for Health by HIQA including the construction of a new model-three hospital in the region.

On Tuesday, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) published its long-awaited report which it was tasked with completing by previous Minister, Stephen Donnelly (FF) in May 2024.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carrol MacNeill (FG) will now be tasked with deciding what to do based on the information put forward in the review.

Construction of a new hospital in the MidWest with a second emergency department has been the targeted outcome of health advocacy groups in Co Clare. This is listed as Option C by HIQA, the other options include expanding capacity at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) which is Option A or extending the UHL campus with a new sec-

ond site in close proximity under a shared governance and resourcing model (Option B).

Extending capacity at UHL or adding a new second site on the campus “will likely yield the required inpatient bed capacity in the MidWest within a shorter timeframe, to address the immediate risk to patient safety,” the review outlined. The UHL based options “may be more appropriate nearterm” decisions that building a new hospital. No consideration was given by HIQA on the county to build the new hospital. HIQA did warn, “there would be a long lead time to develop a Model 3 hospital in terms of planning, designing, building and commissioning. The associated costs would also be very significant, as evidenced by recent experiences in building the National Children’s Hospital and projected costs for the new National Maternity Hospital”. The report did acknowledge how Clare County Council informed the report it would support efforts to

provide a new hospital or expand services into Co Clare.

A Model 3 hospital provides acute and emergency surgery and medicine, and critical care 24/7. It has an onsite emergency department and high-dependency unit, and strong links with the local Model 4 (tertiary referral) hospital to enable the transfer of patients requiring critical care.

Within Option C, HIQA does not believe that there would be justification for a second Model 4 hospital in the Mid West. Based on the projected bed numbers, the likely demand for many services would still not be sufficient to justify two tertiary services (Model 4 hospitals) in the Mid West. “Furthermore, the development of a new Model 4 hospital may have an adverse impact on service sustainability from a staffing and skill mix perspective in both the pre-existing Model 4 and the new hospital”.

Of the three options on the table, HIQA cautioned that building a new hospital “is likely

the most expensive of the options” and “would require substantial investment to ensure the infrastructure, operational structures and processes are in place to support the delivery of a range of medical specialties and the efficient and effective function-

ing of a Model 3 hospital. The feasibility of this option needs to be carefully considered by the Minister for Health, with particular focus on key determining factors which will impact the viability of this option, including the significant capital cost, time to deliver and workforce considerations associated with it”.

Titled, ‘Advice to the Minister for Health to inform decision-making around the design and delivery of urgent and emergency healthcare services in the HSE Mid West region of Ireland’, the 56 page report was published on Tuesday morning. Regional projections from the ESRI were used by HIQA to inform its advice on potential options for the necessary expansion of urgent and emergency healthcare services and inpatient capacity in the Mid-West.

A significant inpatient bed capacity deficit has been flagged as the core issue “impacting urgent and emergency healthcare delivery” in the Mid-West.

Current ongoing investment at UHL is due to provide an additional 128 inpatient beds by the end of 2025, with a further 96 beds in planning. Immediate delivery of all 224 of these beds would be expected to bring

UHL up to parity with current bed numbers in other Model 4 hospitals, relative to demand. However, the timeline for 96 of these beds is now estimated to be 2029, by which time demand for acute capacity will have increased further in line with demographic change. Recent investments, further developments to grow capacity at UHL “are welcome and should be expedited where possible. These interventions however will not fully address current deficits in inpatient beds and further action is now required to provide additional inpatient bed capacity in the Mid West. Given this, the decisions arising from this review should aim to deliver the necessary inpatient bed capacity within the shortest possible timeframe to mitigate potential patient safety risks arising from the demand-capacity mismatch,” HIQA’s review stated.

Members of the public who participated in public onsultation perceived the current issues at UHL as an urgent and emergency care problem. In contrast, staffing groups and other interested parties predominantly cited overall inpatient bed capacity issues in the MidWest as the key cause of

overcrowding and the need for this issue to be addressed in the first instance.

Data analysis showed as a “key finding” that “the number of inpatient beds at UHL remains significantly lower than other Model 4 hospitals nationally when compared to the number of ED presentations. While there has been investment in bed capacity at UHL in recent years, demand for healthcare services in the region has also grown in line with demographic changes. HIQA’s data analysis indicates that the total volume of emergency care presentations in the Mid West is similar to that in other regions on a per head of population basis.

“However, the single ED configuration for the region is different. It is noted that the pattern of urgent and emergency care service usage in HSE Mid West differs from other health regions with a higher proportion of this care provided by local injury units. The overall acuity of patients who attend the ED at UHL was found to be higher than for other EDs around the country, likely due to these service usage differences,” the report added.

lEXPANDING: Extending UHL option A

‘Everyone involved in HIQA review should hang their head in shame’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A CLARE MEP has said everyone involved in HIQA’s review looking at the future options for emergency care in the Mid-West “should hang their head in shame”.

After sixteen months, HIQA on Tuesday published its review of urgent and emergency healthcare services in the region. It presented three options to Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG). Option A is to expand capacity at University Hospital Limerick, Option B is to extend the UHL campus and include a second site while Option C is to build another Model Three hospital with an emergency department in the MidWest.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Ireland South MEP, Michael McNamara (IND) commented, “A repeatedly delayed report now tells us it’s too late to build a new Model 3 hospital but doesn’t argue at all with the need for one. Everybody

involved in this whitewash should hang their head in shame. It’s a disgrace. They should apologise to our communities that are so under-served for their lack of political courage.

“It seems we’ve reached a stage of accepting that our state is unable to build a new hospital but accepting that it’s needed, at a time of unprecedented tax revenues. This is simply a failure of government, which is about utilising available resources to meet the needs of our people”.

Deputy Joe Cooney (FG) said he is in favour of extending the UHL campus to include a second site. “The proposal to build a new Model 3, Option C, would really worry me. The time frame for the delivery of it would be extremely signiﬁcant, if achievable at all. It will not alleviate the bed capacity issue at the core of the ED problems in the short term, therefore unable to provide the necessary services to man-

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 Wednesday 31st December 2025. Please note that Clare County Council is not obliged to enter into any agreement with a developer as part of this process.

Dated 02nd October 2025.

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

age the current demand and as they are capped at a capacity of 200 beds is unlikely to ensure adequate levels of service into the future,” he admitted.

He said, “I believe Option B, the development of a new campus is what we should be pursuing. It will see increased bed capacity and acute services being provided in the near term on a staged basis, alleviating pressure on the existing hospital while potentially leading to a new ED ‘front door’ in the future”. Cooney added, “The closure of the A&E in Ennis was undoubtedly the wrong decision, it has had a generational impact. We have to make sure the correct decision is made this time to ensure that impact does not continue to negatively affect future generations.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said a new build Model 3 hospital is clearly the best option for patient healthcare in the Mid-West.

“In my opinion, what’s needed is a brandnew hospital in the region and that this should be in Clare. This has been my position since I was elected as a TD for Clare. It was abundantly clear from HIQA’s brieﬁng for TDs and Senators in the region that there is a short-term problem at UHL, largely centred on a shortage of in-patient beds, along with a long-term problem relating to overall access to acute hospital care.

The Minister for Health and the HSE will certainly have to accelerate the provision of new beds in Limerick, Ennis and Nenagh but in my opinion the longterm problem can only really be resolved with the development of a brand-new hospital”.

Meelick native Crowe said the HIQA report “cannot be considered in isolation”. He stated, “I think it is time for the Government to take a big and bold decision to correct the inadequacies in the Mid-West region”.

Closing A&Es in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s in 2009 was “catastrophic for the people of the MidWest,” Donna McGettigan TD (SF) stated. “It is my ﬁrm view that work on a Model Three hospital needs to begin now while capacity expansion at UHL proceeds,” she said.

Deputy McGettigan added, “The capacity challenges at UHL are a risk to patient safety. We have seen too often how delays in treatment, at UHL, have led to the tragic and untimely death of patients. The staff do their best under warzone like conditions, but overcrowding is leading to less than desirable outcomes for patients, including my late husband”.

Friends of Ennis Hospital in a statement to The Clare Echo said their campaign team has “been vindicated” with HIQA admitting that there are not enough inpatient beds

in the Midwest Region and patient safety is compromised. “We know that there will be those who will immediately jump on the possibility of a Model 3 hospital in the region, however in our view a Model 3 hospital would be too little too late for the Midwest as a 200-250 bed hospital will not eliminate today’s trolleys never mind the anticipated increase in demand over the next ten to ﬁfteen years. As everyone should be aware expansion at Dooradoyle is a non runner as capacity on the current site does not exist there are already issues with parking and with the anticipated and committed move of maternity services from the Ennis Road to Dooradoyle there simply will not be space for the beds required to operate safely without further overcrowding”.

Cllr Pat Daly (FF) told The Clare Echo that the Minister for Health needs to “do the right thing” and correct the serious errors made regarding health provision in the region. He stated, “In the early 2000’s University Hospital Limerick was seen as the new ‘Centre of Excellence’, there was four A&Es in the Mid-West region, three were taken away and now there is one, history will tell us it hasn’t

worked out. HIQA got a job to do, and they are suggesting to take the easy option, extend the Regional Hospital, possibly put another A&E somewhere in the city, and all will work out. That is not the case, the medical experts will tell you that you can’t put a new hospital. in Clare, there’s a huge shortage of consultants, yet consultants are passing Ennis in their droves travelling from hospitals in Galway and Limerick and back on a daily basis. There should be no problem with consul-

tants servicing a new Model 3 or 4 hospital in our county, potentially on the motorway outside Ennis which is very central to all parts of the county”. A meeting between all Oireachtas members in the Mid-West is being organised by Deputy Cooney and is scheduled to take place on October 13th, The Clare Echo has learned. The meeting will be attended by Dr Terry Hennessy, the HSE’s Regional Clinical Lead for Strategy and Development of Health services in the region.

CAR LOANS IN LOTS

Ireland South MEP, Michael McNamara (IND)

Ex-teacher and drink driver jailed after leaving scene of crash by foot as woman (23) lay injured

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A DRINK driver has been jailed for 16 months after crashing his car into a car being driven by a young North Clare woman and then leaving the scene of the late night crash on foot has been jailed for 16 months.

At Ennis Circuit Court on Wednesday, Judge Francis Comerford sentenced former secondary school teacher, Tony Greene (35) of Loughville, Lahinch Rd, Ennis to 30 months in prison suspending the final 14 months on an endangerment charge arising from the road crash on the Liscannor Rd at Lahinch at around 3.45am on October 25th 2021.

Mr Greene pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct where he was driving at speed with no lights on his vehicle on the incorrect side of road which created a substantial risk of serious harm or death to another.

Judge Comerford said that after consuming a large amount of alcohol, Mr Greene got into his white Mercedes with three passengers after attending the Claremont nightclub in Lahinch.

Judge Comerford said that Mr Greene was driving his Mercedes while impaired by the consumption of alcohol on the wrong side of the road towards Liscannor out of Lahinch when

he drove into Ms Aisling Rouine’s Kia Ceed car.

Ms Rouine was aged 23 at the time of the crash.

Judge Comerford said that after colliding into the front and right hand side of Ms Rouine’s car, Mr Greene’s 11 registered Mercedes came to a stop 130 feet away when it crashed into a wall. Mr Greene and his passengers then left the scene of the crash.

Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (Instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that the following morning Mr Greene reported his car stolen to Gardai from the previous night in a further attempt to evade justice and made a full statement to Gardai on October 31 on his stolen car.

Judge Comerford described Mr Greene’s false report as “a complete lie” and imposed a concurrent 14 month prison sentence for the offence of making the false statement to Gardai.

Ms Rouine was not drinking alcohol on the night and was driving back from Liscannor after dropping friends home when the crash occurred.

In her victim impact statement read out by Gardai Michael Haugh, Ms Rouine said that a few things still bother her in relation to what occurred.

She said: “I struggle to call this a road traffic accident - why did

Tony Greene decide to turn off his head lights as he drove recklessly down the road that night turning his white Mercedes into a weapon on the roadway?”

She said: “When I lay trapped and injured in my car and his car continued and crashed into a wall further down the road, Mr Greene and his passengers did not come back near my car to check if I was alive or dead or to consider calling an ambulance.”

She said: “Instead, they only thought selfishly of themselves and took to the fields running from the carnage they had just caused.”

“I could have been dead in the car for all of Mr Greene and his friends knew or cared. These actions on the night along with total lack of acceptance or even a simple ‘sorry’ at any time leave me with little sympathy towards Mr Greene.”

Ms Rouine - now aged 27 and living in Australia - said that she knows that in the main her physical injuries will heal over time.

She said: “Psychologically, I will never forget the terror I felt as I can still see the Mercedes swerving side to side on the roadway, crossing over to my side of the road, speeding towards me and then for some reason to turn off the headlights fully.

“As I jammed on my brakes

fully bringing my car to a stop, I honestly thought that I was going to die. As I braced for collision, this Mercedes drove straight into me, hitting the front part of my car.

55,000 pages of phone records

in €1m burglary spree case

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THERE ARE 55,000 pages of telephone records as part of the evidence against two Limerick men facing charges for their roles in an alleged €1m burglary spree in the MidWest, a court has heard.

At Ennis Circuit Court on Monday, Patrick Whyms BL said that the volume of evidence in the case “is enormous”.

Defence counsel, Mr Whyms is representing Owen Casey (28) of Salvia Court, Keyes Park, Southill, Limerick who is facing 59 charges.

Mr Casey’s co-accused, Eddie Carey (31) of De Vere Court, John Carew Park, Limerick is facing 66 charges, bringing to 125 charges the two men are facing.

The two remain on remand in custody pending trial and the trial concerning the two is due to commence at Ennis Circuit Court next month.

However, Mr Whyms has stated that he didn’t believe it is possible for the defence to be ready in time for trial given the volume of evidence in the case.

Mr Whyms stated that he received on September 16th disclosure in the case which included a hard drive. He said,

“The volume of the evidence is enormous in a case where telephone evidence is one of the elements of the prosecution”.

He said that the evidence includes 55,000 pages of telephone records and a very extensive amount of CCTV.

Mr Whyms said that it is very difﬁcult to advise clients in those circumstances given the time-frame involved.

Mr Whyms said that State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey has stated that it took her three months to go through all the material “that we now have to go through in a matter of weeks”.

Mr Whyms stated that he can’t apply for an adjournment in the case “as I don’t have instructions at this time to do so”.

Mr Whyms said that was seeking for his client to be produced from prison for court on Wednesday so he can consult with him and get instructions.

Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL said that the evidence in the case is voluminous “and we understand why this is being brought before the court now”.

Judge Francis Comerford ordered that both Mr Casey and Mr Carey be produced for court for Wednesday.

The 66 charges against Mr

Carey include two alleged offences at Wolfe Tones GAA club in Shannon.

No monetary value has been put on the alleged multiple burglaries that Mr Carey and Mr Casey are charged with.

Eddie Carey has been on remand in custody since January 19th after he was refused bail and Mr Casey has been in custody since April 13th after also failing to secure bail.

Both are charged with causing €16,000 in criminal damage to the bar counter of Wolfe Tones GAA Clubhouse in Shannon on July 9th 2024.

Thousands of Clare fans gathered at the grounds on Wolfe Tones on July 22nd 2024 to welcome back Brian Lohan and his players after they beat Cork in the 2024 All-Ireland senior hurling ﬁnal.

In evidence previously heard at a bail hearing for Mr Casey, Det Garda Aoife O’Malley told the bail hearing that Mr Casey along with two of his associates are suspected to be involved in burglaries and stealing high value vehicles across the Mid-West with a combined estimated monetary value in excess of €1m.

“There was nothing I could do to avoid this collision. She said: “After the collision, I was in shock but I was conscious, I was scared. I couldn’t get out of the car. I had pain all over my feet, my legs and body.”

Ms Rouine said that at the time “I was driving for four years and never been involved in an accident”.

Ms Rouine thanked

three Limerick students who did come to her to free her from her car and Ms Rouine was later brought by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick and she was discharged later that day.

Garda Michael Haugh said that the Garda investigation into the crash detected Mr Greene’s DNA on the airbag that was deployed in the driver’s side of the Mercedes.

Garda Haugh also stated that CCTV was harvested of Mr Greene entering the Claremont nightclub at 12.42am and exiting at 02.23am and driving his car away from Lahinch at 3.45am.

As part of his concocted sto-

ry to Gardai about his car being stolen, Mr Greene claimed that his drink was spiked and woke up at a house near Lahinch with his car-keys missing from his pocket.

Garda Haugh said that when arrested and interviewed on suspicion of endangerment and making a false statement, Mr Greene exercised his right to silence when questioned by Gardai.

Judge Comerford said that he took into account Mr Greene’s guilty plea, that he has no previous convictions and his offending is borne in large part out of his alcoholism which he is taking steps to address.

Counsel for Mr Greene, Patrick Whyms BL (instructed by solicitor, Daragh Hassett) said that Mr Greene made a number of bad decisions on the night. Mr Whyms read out a letter by Mr Greene where he said that he is ‘truly sorry’ to Ms Rouine for his actions.

Mr Whyms said that Mr Greene has battled with alcohol over the years and now does not drink.

Mr Greene’s mother, Mary told the court: “Tony is not a monster. He was always a kind person. He would not deliberately go out of his way to hurt anyone. Unfortunately drink got a grip of him. He is an alcoholic.

“He has finally changed his life. He has turned it around. He has put in the hard work and determination and I do think he will prove to you in time that he is a genuinely good person who has made mistakes.”

Mr Whyms said that Mr Greene has returned to Ireland from Australia for the case. He said that he moved from Ireland to Australia a few years ago with his girlfriend and the two are now engaged.

Mr Whyms said that there has been a civil case and that case has been resolved and Ms Rouine has been compensated.

lLos Paddys Continental Clare on stage at Harvest Music Garden Festival

Music and Harevst Festival

lDRINK DRIVER: Tony Greene at Ennis District Court

Natural Green Energy brings warmth to Clare

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

AS THE old Irish proverb goes, ‘Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin’ - there’s no hearth like your own.

And a new business has opened its doors in Market Street, Ennis which will create warm, comfortable hearths for the people of Clare for many years to come.

Natural Green Energy opened its state-of-the-art showroom this summer in Ennis, a company with more than two decades of experience and expertise in installation of renewable energies including woodpellet stoves & boilers, wood burning stoves, air to water heatpumps and more.

Originally established in Craughwell, County Galway, by the trio of Declan Horan, Gerry Moloney and Aidan Spellman, Natural Green Energy was one of the first businesses to import pellet stoves into the country.

They now employ 12 people since expanding into Ennis where the local outlet is managed by Seán Flannery.

Natural Green Energy began life as a provider of fireplaces, gas fires and plumbing services in 2003, however they quickly diversified to meet the growing demand in energy efficient homes and today they stand as one of the country’s leaders in wood pellet stoves, heat pumps, thermodynamic solar,

and solar PV.

Amongst the most popular products at Natural Green Energy is a fully automated Wood Pellet Stove, which can be controlled from your phone.

They have six crews on the road at any time which means everything from purchase, installation to servicing is all looked after under the one roof.

Co-owner Declan Horan told The Clare Echo that Ennis is the company’s first foray outside Galway, and marks an exciting chapter for the company that already counts numerous loyal customers in County Clare.

The showroom in Ennis marks a strategic addition to the existing set-up in Galway.

“All of the products in here are completely different to all of the products we have on display in the other two showrooms in Craughwell, in order to cover as much product as possible.

“If somebody comes in here and they pick a stove or a fireplace out of the brochure, if it’s not here, we may have it up in Craughwell which is only 40 minutes up the road. When you’re making a decision like that - because usually it’s a big investment for a stove - it’s worth heading up the road and having a look to see what you’re going to get.”

Having opened in August, Declan says they have been blown away by the local response. “We’re about six weeks

the product from a photo so we’ll be able to source it for them or advise them.

lDeclan Horan, co-owner of Natural Green Energy at their new store in Ennis and (inset right) a selection of electric ﬁreplaces at their state-of-the-art showroom

open. The response has been excellent. People were delighted that we were coming into the unit; sales have been really good, and a lot of our customer base that we already have in Ennis spotted we’re open and called in to wish us luck, so that’s been very positive.”

The heart of Natural Green Energy is renewable energies, however Declan notes there will always be a place for their

solid fuel customer bases, while noting, “Electric is also becoming really popular; the likes of the media wall with the television above the long electric fire underneath is very popular in A-rated new-builds.

“It’s really taken off since the heat pump arrived because you don’t need a chimney but still, the fire is built into our psyche, it’s something we need.”

Natural Green Energy rec-

ommend the use of high-quality wood pellets, and Declan notes that Moloney Fuels in Ennis supply Laois Sawmills wood pellets, adding, “The Irish pellets are the very best quality you can buy.”

When visiting Natural Green Energy, Declan recommends bringing a photo of your room or your dream project. “We’re in the business a long time so the chances are we’ll recognise

“The fitting side is really important, if they have an existing fireplace and they want to put a stove or electric fire into that space, once we can see it, it’s much easier for us to give a full and accurate price, and we always do a house call before making any committment just to make sure that everything will work out as planned. Fitting is really important and it’s critical that it’s done properly and professionally.”

Declan notes that customer service is what sets Natural Green Energy apart, this being reflected by their impressive Google review customer rating of 4.7/5.

Declan adds, “We undestand everything about the product and everything about the install and that guarantees W a good service and that’s what we really strive to offer people when they come to us.”

Regional News

Shannon

Summer passenger numbers up 16% at Shannon Airport

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SUMMER PASSENGER numbers at Shannon Airport were up sixteen percent this year.

Over 755,000 passengers travelled via Shannon Airport across June, July and August which is a sixteen percent increase on the same period in 2024.

An expanding route network of 36 services has aided the rising numbers at Shannon Airport. The network includes five daily transatlantic flights while Lanzarote, Malaga, Palma, Alicante and Faro remained firm favourites with the new year-round addition of Madeira proving to be very popular.

Shannon Airport’s second quarter performance for this year was an eleven percent increase with

650,000 passengers between April and June.

Niall Kearns, Airport Director at Shannon Airport stated, “We’re delighted to have seen such strong growth across the peak summer months. We started with a bumper June Bank Holiday weekend and never slowed down. It’s been a busy three months, not only in terms of passenger numbers but also in infrastructure. We launched 1,000 new car park spaces in our Park4Less facility and are progressing with additional major upgrades as part of our €30 million investment programme.

Ryanair’s routes to Madrid, Lapland and Madeira will be new additions for the 2025 winter schedule. There are also significant increased frequencies on

six existing services to Alicante, Edinburgh, Krakow, Lanzarote, Manchester, and Wroclaw.

Earlier this month, Aer Lingus announced an expanded schedule from Shannon to Boston between May and August next year, bringing the number of expected transatlantic passengers from Shannon to over 350,000 in 2026, the highest number since 2018. A new Shannon-Frankfurt service will also operate in the Summer ‘26 schedule, with twice-weekly flights operated by Discover Airlines, part of Lufthansa, which will connect with over 59 destinations across France, Germany, Italy, Austria, the USA and Asia, including Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Mumbai.

Girls in Aviation Day 2025

The Ireland Chapter of Women in Aviation International (WAI) hosted Girls in Aviation Day 2025 at the Shannon Aviation Museum, welcoming more than 50 young women and girls from across the country to discover the exciting world of aviation. This year’s event was sponsored by Stellaer 212 and ASG.

Judge says Shannon man engaged in ‘callous and vicious conduct’ when making false facebook claims about two innocent men

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has stated that a 43-year old Shannon man subjected two innocent men to “a driveby shooting by the Internet” when falsely claiming on Facebook that the two were paedophiles.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford said that carpenter, Martin Hannon engaged in ‘vicious and callous’ behaviour when making the completely false statements that the two “wholly innocent men” were paedophiles.

The court heard as a result of Mr Hannon’s Facebook post, one man ﬂed Shannon in terror in his gym-gear without his belongings while another man became a target of online hate and felt that there was a bounty on his head.

Judge Comerford stated that Mr Hannon “carried out actions that put two completely innocent persons at very serious immediate risk and also had the obvious consequence that it was going to cause great distress in their lives”.

Judge Comerford

said: “What he did by public statements was to tell the world at large wrongly, callously, stupidly and irrationally that these wholly innocent men were paedophiles.”

In the case, Mr Hannon of Tradaree Court, Shannon has pleaded guilty to a stalking offence from November 2 to November 16 2023 against the two innocent men.

Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that on November 7 2023 Garda became aware of a Facebook post where Mr Hannon posted “Lads, these are the sick paedos who tried to grab a 13 year old girl into a car yesterday evening along with other young girls”.

He went on: “If anyone sees these scum in Shannon or anywhere and if you can get me to them, then there is a €1,000 reward. Ye will be looked after by us”.

He added: “Cable ties and baseball bats are at hand and if the Gardai have a problem with my post, then do something

about it and be pro-active.”

The post was accompanied by photos of cars and their registration plates at the petrol station along with a photo of the home of one of the men.

Ms Comerford said that the background to this commenced on November 2 2023 when a mother and girl known to Mr Hannon attended at Shannon Garda Station to report that cars had passed the two and shouting from a car had put the girl in fear.

Ms Comerford said that the only description was that one car was white and one was black.

Ms Comerford said that on the same day, the two innocent menwho did not know each other - stopped at different times at a Texaco ﬁlling station in Shannon and one owned a black car and the other owned a white car.

Ms Comerford said that an example of the comments to Mr Hannon’s post included describing the two as ‘dirty scumbags’ and being ‘very scared for our kids’.

In the case, Mr Hannon has narrowly escaped being sent to prison after Judge Comerford imposed a fully suspended 32 month prison term on the accused.

Judge Comerford said that there was a strong case to mark Mr Hannon’s “callous and vicious conduct” with a prison sentence. However, Judge Comerford said that he would fully suspend the prison term after taking into account his guilty

plea, that he has shown genuine remorse, being a ﬁrst time offender, his opportunity for rehabilitation outside prison and that the offence was founded on his mental health issues.

Judge Comerford also imposed a €5,000 ﬁne on Mr Hannon and ordered him to stay off social media for the 32 month suspended period.

In a hand-written letter read out in court by counsel for Mr Hannon,

Aaron Desmond BL (Instructed by solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick), Mr Hannon said that he wanted to say “how sorry I am for the wrongs I have done”.

Mr Hannon said that he wanted “to express my deepest apologies to the two men”.

He said: “From the bottom of my heart I am truly very sorry. I am sorry for bringing this negative impact on you both. Every morning I wake up with a guilty conscience.”

He said: “I just wish I could turn back the hands of time…I am ashamed of my actions and I let myself and my family down.”

In a victim impact statement read out in court, one of the men falsely accused by Mr Hannon said that arising from what he described as Mr Hannon’s “malicious” actions, “almost overnight I became a target of online hate and public suspicion”.

The man said that the reward “only increased the sense of danger”. He said: “I was afraid to leave my home or to travel to work.”

He said: “This reward felt like a bounty on my head. I felt terriﬁed not only for myself but for my family.”

At the time, the man - who is a native of a country in Asia, but was living in Limerick - said: “I stayed off the streets, stayed off public transport and essentially locked myself in for weeks.”

In the victim impact statement provided by the second victim to court he said that he had to “ﬂee in terror from the town I was living in” due to “the false accusations and threats made against me online”.

He said: “I had been followed to my home and there was a call out online for help to catch me.”

The man from a Leinster county said: “I was absolutely terriﬁed and rather than go back to the house, I ﬂed from the garda station in my gym gear to my family home three hours away without any of my belongings.

The man said that the false accusation “turned my daily life into a waking nightmare”.

lFALSE FACEBOOK CLAIMS: Martin Hannon

lGIRLS IN AVIATION: Participants at workshops in the Shannon Aviation Museum

East Clare Cllrs told ‘put on the helmets’ over potholes debate

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TWO EAST CLARE councillors were advised to ‘put on their helmets’ a er digs were red over the presence of potholes in respective parishes.

Ordinarily noted as one of the more serene Municipal Districts, the Killaloe MD has become slightly tetchier following the elevation of Joe Cooney from the Council to the Dáil.

Councillors across the country are protective of their own native parishes and this became evident at the September meeting of the Killaloe MD when Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) tabled a motion seeking roadworks be carried out in Killanena, the homeplace of Cllr Pat Hayes (FF).

In his proposal, Cllr Ryan asked that Clare County Council include the “Dooras East Road, Caher by Tony Mc’s pub” in its future roadworks programme.

“Signi cant funding” was received for the R4-61 from Caher Cross to Tony McNamara’s Pub in the 2025 roadworks programme, se-

North Clare

nior executive engineer Declan Flanagan advised. A 1km section of the road received restoration improvement funding, he stated. Flanagan added, “Following a recent inspection of this road, immediately adjacent to Tony McNamara’s Public House going Northbound towards Doorus will require approximately 700m of surface dressing works to improve this section of road. Some chip loss is evident; however, the road condition is in good shape and no potholes or signi cant defects are

present. We will be including this particular section of road in our Regional Restoration Maintenance in our 2026 programme of works as it’s noted. e remaining section of public road to the Galway Border has three short sections of road of which require Restoration Improvement works of which will be reviewed as budgetary resources allow”.

Speaking at the September Killaloe MD meeting, Cllr Ryan explained that he was referring to the local road behind the pub and not the regional road. “It is in fair

old condition, it does need restorative works, it was part of the CIS ten years ago, there was three potholes from what I noted on my travels. e residents and landowners in question are making a good job of maintaining the land as it is”.

He apologised for causing confusion with the wording of his motion. “ e R461 is in fair condition, there are a few junctions where local roads meeting it and there are issues where the road surface isn’t quite what is should be, I did see a pothole below Broderick’s Furniture,” Cllr Ryan said.

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) felt the motion “should be rewritten” and as such withdrawn. “ ere is a reply to the motion so I’m not sure if I can comment but there is a pothole in the Mills too,” Hayes said in reference to Cllr Ryan’s native parish.

“Put on the helmets lads,” quipped Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF). Cllr Hayes said he was also made aware of a section by Tony Mac’s which needed to be resurfaced.

Fiona Linnane’s viral-inspired songs launch this Friday

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CRATLOE composer Fiona Linnane (pictured) will release her latest works, Songs from the Meteorologist, on Bandcamp this Friday, October 3.

e release features two witty and dramatic pieces, Stormy Weather and Don’t Make Unnecessary Journeys, both inspired by Teresa Mannion’s now-famous RTÉ weather report during Storm Desmond in Salthill in 2015.

e broadcast, which quickly became a cultural touchstone in Ireland, is reimagined by Linnane in a fresh operatic style that mixes humour with originality. e works are performed by soprano Róisín Walsh and saxophonist Markus Kraeber.

First

staged in 2019 as part of Opera Workshop’s Abandoned at the Sailor’s Home in Limerick, the pieces were later adapted into a short lm in 2021 with support from Creative Ireland and Limerick Arts O ce. In 2024, they reached a wider audience through features on RTÉ’s Nationwide and Lyric FM.

Linnane, who has built a reputation as one of Clare’s most distinctive contemporary music voices, said the Bandcamp release marks a new step:

“ is is the rst time in over a decade I’m releasing my music for purchase online. Bandcamp is one of the few platforms that still truly supports artists. I chose this Friday because it’s Bandcamp Free Friday, when all proceeds go directly to the artist.”

To hear Linnane’s new music visit fionalinnane. bandcamp.com

Student (20) fell to her death at Cliffs of Moher when slipping at edge of ‘huge puddle’

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A 20-YEAR old University of Edinburgh student slipped and fell to her death while walking at the side of a ‘huge puddle’ on a muddy part of a trail beside the cliff edge at the Cliffs of Moher in May 2024, an inquest has heard.

At the Clare Coroner’s Court in Kilrush on Friday, three college friends of the late Roxan Bastaens gave eye-witness testimony of Ms Bastaens’s ﬁnal moments before she fell to her death at Ireland’s most popular natural tourist attraction.

At the inquest, County Coroner, Isobel O’Dea gave a verdict of ‘accidental death’ concerning Ms Bastaens losing her life near Hags Head at the Cliffs of Moher.

Members of Ms Bastaens’s family had travelled to Kilrush for the inquest.

Ms O’Dea said that the post mortem found Ms Bastaens died as a result of poly trauma as a result of a fall from a height.

Ms O’Dea told the family members that Ms Bastaens’s death “would have been instantaneous and she wouldn’t have suffered”.

Ms Bastaens’s death was

the second recorded accidental death at the Cliffs of Moher in 2024.

On July 23 2024, a 12-year old boy, Zhihan Zhao slipped in a puddle close to the edge of the Cliffs of Moher before falling over the edge to his death.

In relation to Ms Bastaens’s death, the inquest heard that four female friends, two French, one Italian and Belgian national, Ms Bastaens were spending their academic year at the University of Edinburgh and arrived into nearby Doolin the night before with the intention of hiking in the area.

Italian-born college student, Guilia Bracchi was walking behind Ms Bastaens when she fell.

None of three eye-witnesses were present in Kilrush today but in her deposition to Gardaí read out at the inquest by Inspector Ronan McMahon, Ms Bracchi said that there was a “big puddle” in the middle of the trail as they walked south in the direction of Hags Head away from the Cliffs of Moher visitor centre.

Ms Bracchi said that “the trail was protected at the beginning but later on it got slippery and there was no

barrier”.

Ms Bracchi said that conditions were calm and she said, “We all had hiking boots on. It was not difﬁcult”.

After 1pm on Saturday May 4 2024, Ms Bracchi said they walked single ﬁle as they approached ‘the big puddle’ with Roxan and Catherine Didier walking in front of her.

Ms Bracchi said that “there were hundreds of people on the Cliffs. The impression was that the trail was safe”.

Ms Bracchi said that Roxan had her camera in her hand and was looking at her steps as she walked around the puddle.

She said that she saw Roxan’s foot going to the side where the trail was muddy and “she fell forward and she started tumbling down and I tried to catch her but I couldn’t. It all happened so fast”.

Ms Bracchi said, “I looked down and I saw her hit off the cliffs twice and then she then went out of sight”.

Ms Bracchi said that some moments later she could see Roxan’s body face down in the water.

French born student, Catherine Didier was walking in front of Roxan and Ms Didier said “I walked past the pud-

dle no problem. I balanced and I didn’t slip - I had to be careful. When I passed the puddle I turned around and I saw Roxan slipping off the edge. I tried to lean towards her to catch her but she was too far away - I got an awful fright, I started panicking”.

The fourth student on the trip, Prune Dussud said that when they came to “a huge puddle” she was looking at er feet while walking and heard one of the other students gasp . She said “When

I looked up I was aware that Roxan had fallen. Everything had happened so quickly. I am not sure how it happened”.

Garda Sarah Tubritt told the inquest that she was alerted to a female falling off the Cliffs of Moher at 1.25pm.

Ms Bastaens’s remains were recovered from the water at 3.10pm by the RNLI boat launched from the Aran Islands and the unit brought the body to the station of the Doolin Coast Guard unit and

Ms Bastaens was ofﬁcially pronounced dead there.

On August 22nd of last year, the Clare Local Development Company closed off large sections of part of the Cliffs of Moher trail and it remains closed off today due to continuing safety concerns. At the time, the Clare Local Development Company conﬁrmed that it was taking the action following the two recent fatal accidents on the Cliffs of Moher trail.

POTHOLES: Clare councillors but heads over roadworks in munipal district meeting

Hollywood in Ennis – a unique evening full of passion

People with Passion is celebrating its 200 members and, on this occasion, invites you to an unforgettable Hollywood-style event.

On October 5 at the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, participants will step into the magical world of lm, photography, and music.

e initiator and main organizer of the event is Katarzyna Dąbrowska, who will host the evening together with Dermot Fetton.

Dermot is not only the honorary 200th member of the People with Passion community but also the owner of the newly opened, atmospheric Considine pub in Ennis. With his charisma and energy, he will bring a special spark to the event. His venue, already known for its friendly atmosphere, excellent beers, and delicious snacks, has quickly become a meeting place for passionate people and a true heart of the local community.

Guests at the event will also have the chance to win a special voucher to invite their friends to Considine.

e evening will begin with a half-hour welcome for guests. During this time, participants will be invited to take their seats at reserved tables, enjoy their rst con-

versations, and capture some memorable photos. Once everyone has gathered, the artistic part of the program will commence.

First, three lmmakers will share their passion and artistic vision by presenting their unique works on the big screen. e audience will then be transported into the world of musicals with a recital by Bella Music, performing some of the most beloved songs from world-famous productions.

A er this musical treat, another three lmmakers will take the stage, inspiring the audience with their creativity and distinctive style.

Another highlight of the evening will be the presence of talented photographers, each showcasing their work at dedicated tables. Guests will have the opportunity to admire their photographs, explore portfolios, and connect directly with the artists. is unique setup not only adds to the artistic atmosphere of the night but also gives photographers the chance to promote their work and gain new clients.

e next highlight will be the Red Carpet Experience. Every guest will have the opportunity to pose for a photo with an Oscar statuette that looks just like the real one.

e elegant photography setup will ensure everyone feels like a true Hollywood star. Organizers encourage guests to dress in glamorous attire

to fully experience the atmosphere of the red carpet.

special moment of the evening will be the auction of a painting by the exceptionally talented artist known as Arts by Marts, whose unique style captivates art lovers. All proceeds from the auction will directly support the artist, further emphasizing the event’s mission of promoting passion and creativity.

Guests will also have the chance to take part in competitions with attractive prizes. Among them is a luxury beauty hamper from Rochford Pharmacy in Ennis. e ra e draw will take place a er 7:30 PM, with tickets available for purchase during the event.

In addition, guests can win a voucher for a glamorous Hollywood-style hairstyle at Cosmo Salon, or a voucher for four glasses of prosecco with a gourmet cheese board at Considine pub.

A particularly

To participate, guests are asked to like the People with Passion, Cosmo, and Considine pages and invite three friends to join the fun. Winners will be announced at the close of the evening.

Adding to the atmosphere will be jewelry and the Crowns of Power by Marta Matyka-Obacz, available for pur-

chase during the event. e evening will also be complemented by delicious treats and music by DJ B.O.G., creating the spirit of a true Hollywood celebration.Technical support will be provided by Michał Przikling, and hall decoration by Justyna Mróz, both with People with Passion since the very rst edition.

e main sponsor of the event is Ei Electronics, with promotional materials printed by Print Tank. Media patrons include Clare Champion, e Clare Echo, Radio Clare FM, Women in Business Magazine, Nasza Gazeta, and Mir, highlighting the prestige and broad recognition of the initiative.

Admission to the event is free but strictly by invitation. Organizers kindly ask guests to con rm their attendance in advance, as tables will be reserved for attendees.

“People with passion can change the world for the better” – this motto of People with Passion perfectly re ects the spirit of the upcoming evening. Hollywood Night in Ennis promises to be an unforgettable event that will bring together art, passion, and creativity, while strengthening bonds within the local community.

PEOPLE WITH PASSION: Templegate hotel will be the venue of People with Passions event [inset image: Dermot Fetton]

No match funding required for €7m Cloister project

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THERE WILL BE no budgetary headaches for the finance department of Clare County Council following the allocation of close to €7m to redevelop the Cloister in Ennis.

As first reported by The Clare Echo, a total of €6,997,047 has been allocated to Clare County Council under the THRIVE Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme to refurbish the 17th century Cloister building on Abbey Street.

Officials in the local authority have confirmed that no match funding is required by the Council to fund this development. Sources including elected members had expected that close to €1m would need to be pumped out by the Council to make the project a reality. “There is no match funding required from Clare County Council as the Thrive funding is 100%,” a Council spokesperson stated.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) welcomed the funding as “transformative”, Director of Economic Development Carmel Kirby said she was “delighted” and stated, “the knock on economic, social and community benefits promise to be significant”.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF)

was also “delighted” with the funding. “in the community”.

Not everyone in the local authority was pleased with the announcement with many of the view that such a volume of money could be better spent and others were fearful it would lead to a drain on resources in other sections of the Council.

As part of the redevelopment, the project titled ‘Teach an Phobail’ will provide six artist studios, two classrooms, conference, exhibition, and heritage spaces, while retaining the existing café and kitchen.

Raising the matter at a meeting of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) stated, “we have an announcement for €7m for arts and culture, we already have a building with glór, I’m thinking with the bones of €7m and I’m not criticising it coming into the place but I am criticising senior management who

see fit to divert all Active Travel funding to Ennis and Shannon, we haven’t had an Active Travel scheme for many years, we’re precluded from this fund on population but we are entitled to some money. We’re not the poor relations in this county but sometimes we feel we are”.

Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) clarified that he was referring to the €7m allocation for the Cloister to which Director of Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty remarked “despite the fact it was under embargo until 11am” prompting Cllr Alan O’Callaghan to pipe up, “The Clare Echo had it for the last two days”.

McNulty stated, “it is a very welcome investment for our town, it has to be welcomed”. She was confident the project “will lead to a lot of improvements, my directorate is tourism, there is a lot of the promotion of the Abbey and a lot of positives to be gained from it, Ennis is the only town in the county which benefitted from it, you might say it is pitting Ennis against the rest of the county but that is not the case because if Ennis is successful then the rest of the county is successful. We will take investment with both hands and deliver on it for the benefit of the county, it will yield benefits”.

No scrums, just signatures in Ennis

Former Munster Rugby star Donncha O’Callaghan meets young readers at the signing of his second book ‘Disaster Dad: Fun Day Fiasco’ at The Ennis Bookshop last Saturday September 27

Oíche Gaelach attracts 200 to Clarecastle

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

UP TO 200 people attended Oíche Ghaelach in Clarecastle, a unique night of music, singing and celebrating the Irish language.

Clarecastle GAA club

The Clarecastle choir - Scór na bPáistí winners - under the leadership of Kate Power also performed on the night along with Clarecastle set dancers.

Other performances came from Gaelscoil

were represented by students Cadhain O Lochlainn and Tomás O Sé along with Muinteor Pleimeann, while other s in attendance included Mayor of Clare Paul Murphy, Irish ofﬁcer Joe Garry, Clarecastle GAA

was chosen by Munster GAA for its second ever Oíche Ghaelach, an event which runs as part of Culture Night.

Organiser Síle Ní Dheargain (pictured) told The Clare Echo the night was “very positive, with loads of gaeilge” being spoken and promoted at the event which almost 200 people attended.

Following his performance, Clarecastle ﬁddle player and UL student River McGann was awarded Fáinne Ór, a symbol that recognises you as an Irish speaker.

There was a dancing showcase from Planxty O’Rourke school of dance which included traditional Irish dancing, brush dance, with boys & girls from Clarecastle to the forefront of the show.

NOTES

AI information session

An information session on AI will place in the De Valera Library will take place on Thursday October 2 from 6pm-7:30pm. The session aims to raise awareness and demonstrate safe practices when using AI.

Mhichíl Ciosóg Principal Dónal O hAiniﬁn and Claire Connellan, who sang Amhran na Bhﬁann. Gaelcolaiste an Chlair

Ennis

lBUDGETERY HEADACHES: Cloister

Cathoirleach Niall Touhy, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (Sinn Féin), and Aedín Ni Bhriain of Munster GAA.

lDonncha with Sophie (9) Emily (6) and Niall Carmody

lNorah Jane (6!) and Rosella Donnelly (9)

lOÍCHE GAELACH: Oiﬁgeach Cultúir agus Gaeilge do Clár Átha an Dá Choradh Síle ní Dheargáin, Cathaoirleach Niall Touhy, Múinteoir Gaeilge Mary Dinan agus Oiﬁgeach Cultúir agus Gaeilge do cuige Mumhan Aedín ní Bhriain

100th anniversary of Clare gold miner

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

THE QUIN Historical Group are holding a free talk in Ennis to remember the Clare discoverer of an Australian gold mine worth more than $1,100 million.

This year marks the 100 th anniversary of the death of the late Quin resident and initiator of the greatest gold rush in Australia, Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hannan (pictured), who passed away in November of 1925.

Ann Lawlor of Quin Heritage will be making a presentation on the life of Paddy Hannan in the De Valera Library, Ennis, on Friday, October 10 at 1:30pm.

Hannan was born on April 26, 1840, at Gorteen, Dangan, and moved six kilometres east of Quin to Ballyroughan in 1843. He emigrated to Australia in 1863 to try his hand at prospecting, working in the Ballarat and Bendigo gold ﬁelds in Victoria, and later moved to New Zealand. Six years later, he returned to Australia and spent time at

several gold-digging centres across the country, without much success.

In 1889, he was among the ﬁrst wave of miners in Western Australia. He and two fellow Irishmen, Thomas Flanagan from Ennis and Daniel O’ Shea from Cork, decided to try their luck east of Coolgardie town. In June of 1893, Hannan discovered some stray gold ingots on the scrubland surface. He and his colleagues lodged their claim at the police station in Coolgardie, and news of their gold discovery quickly spread.

The local gold field became known as the ‘Golden Mile’ and was deemed the ‘richest square mile in the world’. The Kalgoorlie gold field is still active 132 years after Patrick Hannan’s initial find.

Patrick Hannan received an annual pension of $150 from the Government of Western Australia in acknowledgement of his founder role, and over time, civic ofﬁces, the railway station, and a statue on Kalgoorlie’s Main Street were named after him. He lived out his life in Melbourne in the care of his cousins and died there at the age of 82.

Clare PPN 10th birthday event

COMMUNITY activists from across Clare will gather in Ennis on Saturday October 11 for ‘Rural Rejigs’.

The free event, will be a 10th birthday celebration for Clare Public Participation Network (PPN), a network of over 450 community groups from every corner of the county.

West Clare

Attendees will hear stories of inspiring grassroots projects. There will also be a full line-up of live entertainment with performances from clare-based and international artists. The csehdule includes music from Brian Fleming, Floriane Blanche and Quentin Cooper, while Seán Nós dancer Louise O’Connor

and Mohamed Alloh will lead a Céilí and Palestinian Dabke dance. Rural Rejigs take place from 10am to 5pm at the Maria Assumpta Hall, Station Road, Ennis and will include free lunch, tea, coffee and birthday cake.

Admission is free but registration is essential to secure your place.

Ennis Garda pays tribute at organ donor remembrance

Garda Alan Murphy, from Ennis, Co. Clare led the opening procession at the Irish Kidney Association’s 40th Annual Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving at the Church of the Holy Child in Whitehall, Dublin on Saturday 27th September. His brother Garry passed away at the age of 19 in 2005 and his family made the selﬂess decision to donate his organs.

The unique and poignant event, which drew a congregation of almost 1,500, honoured deceased organ donors and their families, while celebrating the renewed lives of transplant recipients.

The Service was recorded and will be broadcast on RTE One TV on Sunday, 2nd November (All Souls Day) at 11am.

Designated swimming area adjacent to Kilkee Pier sought

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN APPEAL has been issued to create a designated swimming area adjacent to Kilkee Pier.

Officials in the local authority have been asked by Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) to “design and cost a designated swimming area adjacent to Kilkee Pier to address the recurring congestion and safety risks experienced each summer”.

She explained, “Kilkee Pier is a vital working facility, regularly accessed by leisure craft, fishing boats, the Irish Coast Guard, and Kilkee Sub Aqua Club. However, the pier has also become an increasingly popular bathing location during the summer months. The overlap of swimming activity with marine operations has led to congestion and potentially dangerous conditions for both swimmers and pier users”.

Pressure on the pier can be alleviated, safety improved for all users and Kilkee’s recreational offering enhanced for residents and visitors if Clare County Council identify and develop a safe, designated swimming zone adjacent to the pier, Cllr McInerney maintained.

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare Municipal District, Alan Kennelly explained that Kilkee Pier “has in effect” been designated a working pier with parking reserved for boats, leisure craft, boat trailers and associated vehicular traffic. Kennelly stated, “I think a corollary of the

bye-laws is that people should not swim in the immediate vicinity of the pier as boats need the area to safely access the pier and slips”. He added, “Perhaps the issue might be approached from another angle. West Clare MD might identify a channel of water adjacent to the pier which would be for the sole use of boats and leisure craft accessing the pier, the location of this channel might be agreed with our elected representatives and local pier users. Once agreed West Clare MD could erect a number of signs in the pier area advising all us-

ers of the boating channel”.

Work of the local authority in designating Kilkee Pier as a working pier was praised by Cllr McInerney. “It is a very busy pier with the Coast Guard and sub-aqua club, people swim off there because it is handy”.

Use of the pier by families cannot be ignored, the Doonbeg shop owner flagged. “An Garda Síochána were called during the summer, a family had set up with deck chairs, kids playing and they refused to move, An Garda Síochána had to come and move them. It is so dangerous to have children playing there”. Kilkee was previously allocated Fáilte Ireland funding she recalled while pointing out that habits must be tweaked, “If they’ve always gone there, they will always go there”. Her motion was seconded by Cllr Dinny Gould (IND).

‘Substandard lighting’

in Kilbaha

tractors for PLEEP”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PUBLIC lighting in Kilbaha is “substandard” according to Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) who is also keen for infrastructure to be improved in Kilkee.

In a proposal before the West Clare Muncipal District, Cllr Keating requested Clare County Council “to investigate the substandard lighting in place at the playground and at the Memorial at Kilbaha at to extend the existing public lighting at the West End of Kilkee to the extents of the last housing development prior to the Diamond Rocks”.

Alan Kennelly, senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD stated that the National Public Lighting Energy Efficiency Project (PLEEP) is currently underway in locations including Kilbaha. “PLEEP will retrofit / upgrade all public lights in Kilbaha (& all of County Clare) to LED. Once completed it is anticipated that PLEEP will deliver greater than 50% energy savings, reduce maintenance costs and improve ambient lighting and the visual environment, reduce light pollution and thus enhance public safety. If there is an issue with lighting in a particular area following the completion of retrofitting works, we can contact ENERVEO, the appointed con-

On the appeal for an additional light at the terrace of nine houses closest to the Diamond Rocks car park in Kilkee, he said, “I would point out that there is a public light in place at one end of the terrace. This may not have been upgraded by PLEEP.

“It may be worth considering that an additional public light places a ﬁnancial obligation in perpetuity on Clare County Council, a funding source will have to be identiﬁed to pay for the new lighting column. All residents of the terrace would have to be in favour of a new public lighting column before one could be installed. Public lighting is constantly on outside daylight hours, and this can sometimes lead to light pollution. Having a light constantly on outside a front facing window can upset residents. Assuming that funding is in place and all residents are in favour West Clare MD can contact our colleagues in Public Lighting and request that the appointed contractors erect a new public lighting column,” he added. He continued, “On the way to the Diamond Rocks, there is one light looking after nine houses, we could do with another light there. I would hope that we get that light because it is a very busy area down to the Diamond Rocks, people walk there at night”.

lGarda Alan Murphy leading the procession in Dublin

lSWIMMING AREA: Kilkee Pier

Kinvara’s Catherine among locals celebrated for Positive Ageing Week

Twenty-seven people from across Galway City and County have been named Local Heroes as part of Positive Ageing Week 2025, in recognition of their ongoing contributions to their communities including Kinvara’s Catherine Kilkelly.

Chosen for their commitment to staying active, socially engaged, and supporting others, the winners will feature in a travelling exhibition that opens at Galway City Library this week before moving to other locations across the county. The display highlights the many ways older people contribute, from volunteering and family care to involvement in clubs and community groups.

Louise McLaughlin, Head of COPE Galway’s Senior Support Service, said the group “see age as only a number and are outstanding examples of how staying involved benefits both themselves and their communities”.

She stated that showcasing the achievements of the 27 local heroes was an important way to challenge

stereotypes about ageing, adding, “Many are family carers and active members of community groups, proving that age is no barrier to meaningful contribution”. Among those honoured is Laurence Daly, who volunteers with COPE Galway’s Meals4Health programme, delivering meals and providing companionship to clients. “Volunteering gives

me chances to connect, stay involved, and enjoy life,” he said Co-founder of Kinvara Community Games, Catherine Kilkelly is among those to be honoured, she is the life patron of Galway County Community Games. She is passionate about hurling and camogie also taking notes on scorers during games, she enjoys

reading the daily newspaper along with playing bingo and music concerts. Eighty year old Catherine married Mattie Kilkelly, a lorry driver and farmer. She worked the family farm, looking after sheep, cows, calves, saving hay, as well as having 8 children for whom she knitted and sewed. She has 24 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and regularly babysits. She is president of both Kinvara Juvenile Club and Kinvara Camogie Club and vice-president of the Galway Camogie Board.

Claddagh resident Martina Small, who balances family care with part-time work and hobbies, also featured among the honourees. “Ageing is a privilege,” she said. “Make time for yourself, keep young at heart, and enjoy life.”

The exhibition is part of the Galway Age Friendly Programme and is supported by Galway City and County Councils, COPE Galway, Galway Rural Development, Galway City Partnership, Forum Connemara, the HSE, Galway Public Libraries, and Comhar na nOileán.

First of its kind free tax support programme for vulnerable groups launched

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LONE parents and survivors of domestic violence in Galway are to receive free, confidential help with their tax affairs under a landmark new initiative launched this week.

The programme, called ‘Enabling Tax Literacy and Empowerment: Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities’, is the first public tax education partnership of its kind in Ireland. It is being run jointly by Galway Public Libraries and the University of Galway’s award-winning Tax Clinic.

Designed to help people navigate the State’s increasingly digital tax system, the service offers one-to-one consultations with trained tax advisers and supervised student volunteers. It will be available at selected library branches, with the option of online support. Recruitment is being handled through Family Resource Centres, FLAC, INTREO and the library network itself.

“This marks a significant step forward in inclusive financial literacy,” said Eileen Ruane, Director of Services at Galway County Council. “Embedding tax education in trusted community spaces helps tackle financial abuse and economic exclusion while strengthening libraries’ role as hubs for lifelong learning”.

County Librarian Elizabeth Keane described the programme as a way of helping people “regain control over their financial lives in a safe, supportive environment. This project is about more than taxes, it’s about empowerment. By bringing professional tax guidance into our libraries, we are helping lone parents and survivors of domestic violence reclaim control over their finances, build confidence, and take ownership of their futures”.

Commenting on the partnership with Galway Libraries, Prof Emer Mulligan, Director of the University of Galway Tax Clinic, said the collaboration “extends the clinic’s reach into the

KAVA Celebrates 10 Years

KINVARA Area Visual Arts (KAVA), proud advocates for the visual arts and local artists, marked a significant milestone by hosting its annual members show on Friday, September 26, in celebration of the organisation’s 10th anniversary.

Led by Chairperson Pam Fleming, along with the support of local volunteers the event showcased creative talents of 55 artists, featuring an impressive range of works including sculpture, mixed media, painting, and printmaking.

The exhibition was officially opened by Dr. Karen Weekes— performance psychologist, endurance adventurer, and the first Irish woman to row solo and unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean in February 2022.

Dr. Weekes praised the exceptional local talent and highlighted the historical significance of the Kinvara Courthouse, which has supported the arts since the days of Kinvara native Francis Fahy’s first play in the 19th century.

KAVA extends heartfelt gratitude to the local businesses whose generous sponsorship made the event possible. Special thanks go to Tiffin, Costcutters, Eurostar, and Tullys for providing delicious food and drinks, Pier Head for prize sponsorship and not forgetting bluegrass musicians The Shed’s for their lively entertainment. A birthday cake, crafted by KAVA member Kiki Cooper, was enjoyed by all attendees outside on the street.

The exhibition will be open until October 13, with the courthouse accessible daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Exploring

Gort Inse Guaire starts at the Tourist Information Point

community with real-world impact while giving students valuable experiential learning opportunities as future tax professionals”.

The project is in line with several national strategies on adult literacy, financial education and the Government’s Zero Tolerance plan on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. It also complements the Skills for Life programme under the national library strategy ‘The Library is the Place: 2023 to 2027’.

Earlier this year, the University of Galway Tax Clinic, Ireland’s first free voluntary tax clinic, won the Excellence in Education Award at the Irish Accountancy Awards for its innovative approach to tax education and public engagement.

Galway Public Libraries and the University of Galway say the pilot will serve as a blueprint for regional and national roll-out, creating a replicable model of inclusive financial literacy in safe, accessible community settings.

Situated in the south of County Galway, the charming town of Gort Inse Guaire (Gort) offers a unique blend of history, culture, architecture and natural beauty. Whether you’re passing through or planning an extended stay, the Tourist Information Point is the perfect starting point for discovering all that this vibrant multi cultural town and surrounding region has to offer.

Located in the former Weigh House in the town centre, the Tourist Information Point provides a wealth of information for visitors. Staffed by friendly and knowledgeable local volunteers, the information point offers maps, brochures, and expert advice on attractions, accommodations, events, and hidden gems in the region.

Gort Inse Guaire is steeped in history and cul-

ture, famously associated with the Irish literary revival due to its connection with ﬁgures such as W.B. Yeats and Lady Gregory. The tourist information point can help visitors to explore the Burren Lowlands, including a visit to Coole Park – a nature reserve and former home of Lady Gregory. The monastic site of Kilmacduagh is also close by.

Beyond the cultural sites, visitors can also guided to outdoor adventures, such as hiking and walking in the Burren region just over the border in County Clare, or exploring local crafts and food experiences.

Robert Lane is a tourist information point volunteer and National Tourist Guide and member of the Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland (ATGI)

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

lHERO: Catherine Kilkelly

l KAVA: KAVA members enjoying the celebration

Arts & Culture

Ennis exhibition showcases art by people living with acquired brain injury

by LISA MULLALY lisa@clareecho.ie

A NEW art exhibition, ‘Banner Brains: Still in Clare’ , created by individuals living with acquired brain injuries (ABI) in Clare was o cially launched on Monday , September 29, at De Valera Public Library in Ennis.

e exhibition, facilitated by Headway Ireland, will remain on display for several weeks.

Headway Ireland is an organisation which provides services to people a ected by acquired brain injury including. With o ces in Limerick, Headway runs a hub in Ennis every Monday and Tuesday organised by rehabilitation o cer,

Darragh Power. Banner Brain: Still in Clare is an exhibition of canvas paintings created by Headway Clients in Clare each one telling a story of trauma, resilience and healing. Using art to process participants individual experience with Acquired Brain Injury, the exhibition highlights the power of creativity as a form of recovery and self-expression.

Banner Brains follows the success of Brainbow, a similar project previously showcased at the Hunt Museum in Limerick.

e launch event which took place in the De Valera Library on Monday September 29 brought together participants, families, and supporters to celebrate the achievements of those involved.

Banner Brains is open to the public during regular library hours at De Valera Public Library, Ennis. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. e exhibition is supported by Clare Arts O ce. For more information about Headway and its services in Clare, visit www.headway.ie.

North Clare artists lead project chosen for EU Lighthouse initiative

A PROJECT by North Clare artist is one of 20 projects from across Europe selected by Tidal Arts as part of the Lighthouse Projects.

Lighthouse Projects is a Horizon EU initiative engaging communities through creativity and research to protect and restore our marine and freshwater ecosystems.

Chosen from over 600 applications across Europe, the winning projects span the Atlantic-Arctic, Mediterranean, Baltic-North Sea, and Danube-Black Sea regions. Each will receive support to unite artists, scientists, and communities in advancing the European Commission’s Mission Ocean goal of restoring the health of our waters by 2030.

Among the ﬁve selected in the Atlantic-Arctic Lighthouse region is Seaweed Stories, a six-month community-based project led by Cracking Light Productions in County Clare on Ireland’s west coast.

Maeve Stone and Alex Gill are artists living and working in North West Clare. They form Cracking Light Productions and are leading Seaweed Stories; a project rooted in the community and coastline they call home.

Seaweed Stories brings together people who live in Liscannor Bay who have been engaged in water and marine protection, alongside

those interested in seaweed, local heritage, story and creative responses to climate challenges. This group will walk the Clare shoreline and rediscover forgotten connections between land, sea, story, and self.

Maeve Stone says “Working in the community in North West Clare is brilliant. There are so many groups working to protect the incredible life and nature that we enjoy in Liscannor Bay; Restore Ballymacraven River Group, Banner Gleo, Clean Lickeen, Surf Riders to name but a few!”.

Guided by Cracking Light Productions in collaboration with organic horticulturist and forager Oonagh O’Dwyer, participants will learn to read tides and textures, forage respectfully, and explore seaweed as food, fertiliser, habitat, and ally in climate resilience. Together we will reﬂect on the Irish coastline as one of Europe’s most rapidly changing frontiers, shaped by the Atlantic and increasingly unpredictable storms. The project culminates in an exhibition presenting seaweed stories, photography, lino and eco print, a mapped guide to responsible harvesting sites, and tastings that recall both traditional Irish recipes and new possibilities for coastal food futures.

Facial reﬂexology with Clare Wellness Clinic

ANOTHER fabulous therapy has come available at Clare Wellness Clinic from October 1. Facial re exology is a complementary therapy in which speci c point or re ex points on the face are stimulated through pressure, massager tapping with the aim of inuence organs and system elsewhere in the body.

e foundational ideas are also re ected in foot re exology where there is a map of re ex areas that correspond to internal organs, energy meridian or emotion in the body.

I studied facial re exology with the world- renowned expert and teacher Ziggie Bergman owner of Zone Face Li based in London. e course with Ziggy was incredibly informative and engaging. It o ered a deep insight into connection between facial pressure points

and the bodies overall wellbeing. I was fascinated by how much knowledge was packed into the course- from anatomy and techniques to the therapeutic bene ts. e hands-on practise made it even more interesting, allowing me to really understand how the technique works in real life. It was a truly enriching experience broadening my understanding and anatomy of the face and the amazing bene ts of stimulating the re exes on the face and the bene ts they bring. I truly enjoy giving treatments.

What a joy- it was sooo relaxing and I could not believe the release I felt in my face

Bene ts:

- Well ladies!! How fabulous to know that facial re exology can help to revitalise the skin by encouraging new blood ow and stimulate

nerve ending. It can encourage the production of collagen and may reduce skin related conditions such as acne by stabilising the production of sebum and keeping bacteria levels under control.

- Relieve the e ects of stress.

- Aims to improve circulation to the face and head area.

- Improves lymphatic drainage and removal of waste products.

- Relieves tension and muscle tension.

- Relieves mental strain and improves concentration.

- Help relieve sinusitis/ congestion.

- Has a direct rejuvenating e ect on the skin and leaves the face glowing and radiant.

- Can bring about a general feeling of calmness and relaxation.

It’s amazing to see the difference in the fact a er just one treatment may photos

have been taken before and a er a treatment of facial re exology. e di erence is truly remarkable. To see a consistent change at least 6 sessions over a 6-week period is recommended. With this in mind and to bring this wonderful therapy into Clare Wellness Clinic I am o ering an introductory treatment for the price of €35 for the rst 5 people. So, sieze the moment! Text or call 086 3764817. Another option available at the clinic is a combination of facial re exology and hot stone re exology. Facial re exology can also be combined with Reiki, Kinesiology, BioMagnetic Pair erapy, Mindfulness & Positive Psychology. A Pick’n’Mix of wellness is available at Clare Wellness Clinic.

‘My Heart Will Go On: A Celebration of the Music of Celine Dion’ comes to glór, Ennis

A SPECTACULAR Celine Dion concert experience comes to glór this October.

Few artists have le a mark on modern music quite like Celine Dion. For over four decades, her voice has carried across the globe, providing the soundtrack to love stories, heartbreaks and triumphs. From her early days in Quebec to her reign as the Queen of Las Vegas, Dion has become a symbol of resilience and artistry, adored by generations.

Now her story and her songs are being honoured in My Heart Will Go On: A Celebration of the Music of Celine Dion, a spectacular concert experience that has been touring across Europe for the past four years, earning rave reviews along the way. Critics have called it “a powerhouse performance that delivers on every level,” praising the combination of faithful renditions, dazzling stagecra and a live band that brings fresh energy to her timeless hits.

At the centre of the show is Julia Martin, a remarkable performer who channels Celine’s music with passion and power. A fully quali ed barrister, Martin traded the courtroom for the stage, with spectacu-

lar results. She has even met Celine herself, who knows about the show. Critics and audiences alike have celebrated Martin for capturing not

only Celine’s extraordinary vocal range but also her poise and emotional depth.

Audiences can expect a jour-

ney through four decades of hits: “ e Power of Love,” “It’s All Coming Back

to Me Now,” “Because You Loved Me,” “All By Myself,” “I’m Alive,” and, of course, the iconic Titanic ballad “My Heart Will Go On.” With soaring vocals, stunning gowns, and the backing of a sensational live band, the evening is designed to transport fans back to those unforgettable musical moments that dened an era.

Celine’s songs have crossed generations, uniting fans young and old in their celebration of love, hope and resilience. My Heart Will Go On captures that spirit perfectly, both a nostalgic reminder and a powerful live experience in its own right.

My Heart Will Go On comes to glór, Ennis, on Friday, October 24. An unmissable night awaits.

Drivers urged to check tyres before winter

WITH winter approaching, the RSA is reminding road users of the importance of tyre grip, in particular when travelling in wetter weather conditions when motorists need to double their braking distance.

To highlight the importaNce of tyre safety to young drivers The Road Safety Authority (RSA), An Garda Síochána and the Irish Tyre Industry Association (ITIA) launched Tyre Safety Day today on Monday. Alarmingly, tyres remain the main cause of NCT failures in Ireland with figures from the last 12 months, showing 162,222 (9.5%) motorists failing due to tyre condition, and 2.7%

(44,887) of those drivers failed as a result of dangerously low tyre tread of less than 1.6mm. This follows a trend of fixed charge notices issued to motorists for tyre offences by An Garda Síochána of 1,755 year to date.

Sarah O’Connor, Director of Partnerships and External Affairs, Road Safety Authority, said: “Many motorists give little consideration to their tyres unless an emergency requires a tyre replacement or repair. As our main contact with the road, tyres play a crucial role in keeping us safe and it is vital that they are checked regularly. Getting into the habit of carrying out a regular

Thought for the week: Ploughing seeds for a creation of peace and hope

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

RECENTLY I had the privilege of attending the National Ploughing Championships in county Offaly, where I represented Self Help Africa, the charity I work with.

It was a joy to be part of the Global Solidarity Tent, supported by Irish Aid and launched by Minister Neale Richmond, alongside five other inspiring Irish charities—GOAL, Trócaire, Sightsavers, Brighter Communities, and the umbrella body for international NGOs, Dóchas. As I walked among the crowds and watched the fields turned by the plough, I was struck by how fitting it was to be there during the Season of Creation.

This is a time in the Church’s year when we are invited to give thanks for the gift of the earth and to renew our commitment to care for our common home.

The Ploughing is, in its own

way, a celebration of creation, of soil and seed, of harvest and hard work, of the deep connection between people and the land that sustains us.

In the Global Solidarity Tent, I was reminded that this connection stretches far beyond Offaly or Ireland. Our brothers and sisters across the world depend on the same earth, the same rains, the same harvests.

For many, climate change, drought, conflict, war, thirst and hunger are daily realities. Standing together in solidarity, we are called not just to enjoy creation, but to protect it, and to ensure that its gifts are shared fairly and justly.

The Ploughing Championship is a festival of skill, tradition, and community but is also, at a deeper level, a parable for our lives. To plough is never just about turning soil. It is an act of trust, patience, and prayer. Each furrow cut is hope made visible. It proclaims faith that unseen seeds will one day yield food, life, and blessing. Spiritually, ploughing mirrors what God asks of us,to allow the soil of our hearts to be

broken open, to let hardness and indifference be turned over, and to make space for new growth. At the same time, Christians across the globe mark the Season of Creation which began on September 1 and continues until October 4, an ecumenical time of thanksgiving, lament, and conversion.

Thought for the Week

As your thought for the week, let the plough guide your journey of discipleship:- Notice: Take time to notice creation around you such as listen to birdsongs, watch a sunrise, or walk gently on the soil. Plant: Sow a literal or symbolic seed of hope, whether planting a tree or beginning a habit of care. Reduce: Choose one way to reduce waste or live more sustainably such as buy local, avoid excess, or repair instead of replace. Share: Tell someone why creation matters to your faith. Share the vision of peace with creation. The Ploughing Championships held recently in the county of Offaly reminded me that abundance is born from care and patience.

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tyre check at the early stages of their driving life, means young road users are equipped with information about their tyre health to keep them safe. A check is as simple as walking around your car before you go on your journeylook for any defects, ensure all your tyres are inflated properly and that the tyre tread depth is within legal requirements.”

Here are some tips and information for keeping your tyres safe this winter:

lCarry out tyre checks every time you take your car or motorcycle out on the road lLook out for any bulg-

es, cracks, cuts or grazes

lEnsure your tyres are inflated to the current level for your car

lCheck your tyre tread depth – the recommendation is to replace a tyre if below 3mm.

New tyres are 8mm. The legal minimum tread is 1.6mm.

A motorcycle legal limit is 1mm.

Look out for your own saftey anf the safety of other road users by dropping into Martin Daly Autos for a tyre safety inspection.

Make sure sure your vehicle is are ready for winter roads with Martin Daly Autos.

Gaelteacht in mBaile Uí Bheoláin/ Pop-Up Gaeltacht in Mountshannon

Bígí i dTigh Keane i mBaile Uí Bheoláin anocht, Déardaoin an 2ú Deireadh Fómhair, ó 8.30pm don Phreab-Ghaeltacht / Come along to the Pop-up Gaeltacht in Keane’s Bar in Mountshannon tonight from 20:30

lCÚPLA FOCAL: Pop-up Gaeltacht anocht i mBaile Uí Bheoláin ag 20:30

Imeachtaí/Events:

lSIONNA – Gaeilge le Chéile, Ionad Siopadóireacht Skycourt, 11am, chuile Dé Domhnaigh lCILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar lSIONNA – Siúlóid Dúlra/Nature

Walk, Dé Domhnaigh, 11am, Community Room (Gaeilge le Chéile ar Facebook) lLUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach lCLARE FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM

lCILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm lINIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Máirt ag Zest 11am, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), Dé hAoine The Market Bar 11am, agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. lLUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389.

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

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Macalla an Chláir

Lakeside Hotel hold Christmas Party Night

CELEBRATE your Christmas party night out in Style at The Lakeside Hotel. This festive season, step into a winter wonderland at the Lake side Hotel, where Christmas magic meets unrivalled hospi tality.

backdrop of the River Shan non, our Christmas Party Night on the 27th of November is the perfect way to gather colleagues, friends, or family and toast to the most wonderful time of the year. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with

late into the night, it’s a chance to laugh, sing, and celebrate together in style.

Whether you’re planning an office outing, a get-together with friends, or a festive family celebration, the Lakeside Hotel offers the perfect blend of elegance and fun.

Add in our luxurious accommodation, and your Christmas night out can become a magical overnight stay – waking up to the serenity of Lough Derg on a crisp winter’s morning. This year, make memories that sparkle at the Lakeside

Christmas Playlist

IF YOU too happen to be a Christmas enthusiast, you probably crank up the Christmas music as soon as November 1st hits. After all, it’s never too early to celebrate Christmas.

Listen to our top 15 song recommendations to hype up the Christmas mood as the holidays come closer and closer, or add them to your party playlist in preparation.

White Christmas – Bing Crosby

A first on almost every Christmas album and therefore a must for every Christmas playlist.

Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid

You can choose from the original 1984 to the newest 2024 one. This song celebrated its 40th anniversary last year, that’s 40 years of people screaming “Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?”

Christmas Mood – The Waitresses

Every relatable lyric will have you saying, “same”, before bopping along to the repetitive chorus.

Fairytale of New York – The Pogues

A top favourite whenever asked what someone’s favourite Christmas song is, so a must for any Christmas playlist.

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas – Michael Bublé

The perfect song for the coming Christmas months to get excited for the celebrations.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – The Jackson 5

An exciting take on this classic song, Michael Jackson and the rest of the Jackson 5 show off their impressive vocals with every lyric.

Jingle Bells – Frank Sinatra

Years of being sung over and over amongst carolers makes this song a ne cessity for a Christmas playlist.

Last Christmas – Wham!

Despite its sad lyrics and story, belting along to the chorus is the perfect way to keep the Christmas party’s mood high.

Santa Baby – Eartha Kitt

With numerous different versions, in cluding covers from Kylie Minogue and Ar iana Grande, Eartha Kitt’s original 1953 version is iconic.

Santa Tell Me – Ariana Grande

With the newest ‘Wicked’ film coming out in November, why not reminisce on Ariana’s past Christmas songs in preparation for her performance as Glinda?

Silver Bells – Bing Crosby

Of course, Bing Crosby had to make this list. However, don’t mistake this song for ‘Jingle Bells’, as this one is a much calmer view of the chiming Christmas bells.

Winter Wonderland – Doris Day

Imagine yourself walking through a white Christmas scene in Doris Day’s version of this song, celebrating all things snowy.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Judy Garland

Nostalgia hits when Judy Garland begins this song. Sang in a heartfelt manner, this is a classic version of the song.

The Christmas Waltz – Laufey

With a perfect voice for Christmas songs, it’s hard to choose which one of Laufey’s ‘A Very Laufey Christmas’ songs is best. However, her ‘Christmas Waltz’ is sure to bring people on the dance floor for a sway.

Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley

A sad song, but one that makes us appreciate what we have on Christmas. If playing this at a party, I’d recommend putting this toward the end of the night.

Celebrate the Magic of Christmas at Temple Gate Hotel

THE FESTIVE season is a time to gather, celebrate, and create lasting memories and where better to do so than at the Temple Gate Hotel, located in the heart of Ennis town?

This Christmas, the Temple Gate Hotel invites you, your colleagues, friends, and family to experience the magic of the season with our renowned Christmas Party Nights. From the moment you step into our beautifully decorated hotel, you will be greeted with festive cheer, a warm atmosphere, and the impeccable service that has made Temple Gate a trusted name for special occasions.

Our party packages include a delicious festive menu designed by our talented culinary team, combining seasonal flavours with the finest local produce. After dinner,

the celebrations continue with live entertainment and dancing late into the night…the perfect way to toast the Christmas season in style.

Looking for something more intimate? We also cater for private parties, corporate gatherings, and family celebrations, offering tailored menus and dedicated event spaces to suit your group’s needs. Whether it’s a sparkling drinks reception, a festive feast, or simply a relaxed evening with colleagues, Temple Gate Hotel provides the ideal setting.

And of course, why not make a night of it? Stay over in one of our comfortable guest rooms and enjoy a leisurely breakfast the next morning, extending the celebrations a little longer.

With limited dates available, early booking is strongly advised to secure your place at one of Ennis’s favourite festive venues.

For enquiries or to book your Christmas party at the Temple Gate Hotel, please contact us on 065 682 3300, email: sales@templegatehotel.com or visit www.templategatehotel.com.

Temple Gate Hotel…where Christmas memories are made!!

12 Party Themes of Christmas

BORED of basic Christmas parties, with a string of lights wrapped around a synthetic tree, mistletoe dashed here and there, and Mariah Carey ending the night? Bring a bit of colour back to Christmas with a fun theme! Unique décor and an exciting dress code are sure to give your guests a party that they’ll never forget.

1. Winter Wonderland

Don your best white and silver fashion and don’t shy away from the snowflake décor. A classic Christmas theme that will never age, yet will bring a certain wonder to your party. Add fairy lights to mimic a starry night, and don’t forget lots and lots of fake snow!

2. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Bring out your inner Bridget Jones with this over-the-top and kitschy idea. Whoever wears the ugliest Christmas sweater wins a prize, and don’t forget to capture the memories with a photobooth and tacky props.

3. Nutcracker Suite

Bring the classic Christmas ballet to life with a Nutcracker-inspired party! This elegant theme with fairies, nutcrackers, and lots of sweets will bring a whimsical touch to your Christmas party. As a finale, put on a video of the ballet, or even organise a live performance.

4. Santa’s Workshop

The perfect theme for kids. Deck the halls with toys and candy canes, and organise a long list of party games to keep the fun going. Who knows, maybe even some elves or Santa himself will make an appearance?

5. Movie-Inspired

Whether it’s a pyjama party on the Polar Express, a sweet-inspired wonderland with Buddy the Elf, or a Whoville take inspired by The Grinch, adults and kids will surely enjoy a film-inspired party. Top off the night with a viewing of the chosen film, served with some

and deep reds will highlight the festive elements and of course, the masks are a must. Whether guests will come with ready-made masks or make them at the party, the choice is yours. But, classical versions of Christmas songs and ballroom dancing is sure to be a major talking point for years to come.

hot chocolate.

6. Christmas Masquerade Ball

Masquerade balls have always been a unique, formal take on parties, so why not put a Christmassy twist on it? Rich emeralds

7. Throwback & Nostalgic Christmas has gone retro… Bring back nostalgia with a 70s, 80s, or 90s theme. A throwback playlist with Christmas music from your chosen era is sure to be a hit, and

definitely a conversation starter.

8. Victorian Christmas Christmas by candlelight and carolers galore are a classic for a good Christmas celebration. Guests can drink mulled wine under the mistletoe surrounded by antique ornaments, and then finish the night with a reading of A Christmas Carol.

9. Christmas in July (in December)

Don’t like the cold? Then bring back summer with a tropical-themed party. Decorate with beach balls and surfboards, and add baubles and lights to some palm trees. The tiki bar is sure to popular among guests, who will be dressed in shorts and Hawaiian shirts.

10. Christmas Murder Mystery

Whether your mystery will involve a Victorian manor or cosy cabin, guests can come dressed a Christmas-inspired characters and solve clues together for a winning prize. Sure to be a team-building exercise for an office party, or even a fun idea for families.

11. The Great Christmas Bake-Off Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses will never fail to lighten the mood. Give guests aprons and chef hats upon arrival and let the baking begin! Choose judges for a head-to-head baking competition before taste-testing each other’s creations.

12. Location-Inspired

Reminiscing on a past Christmas spent in New York, Paris, or elsewhere? Bring your memories to reality and share the experience of a Christmas abroad. Print out signposts and give guests plane ticket-themed invitations. If you can’t think of a location, the North Pole is sure to be a hit!

cosy

Shared Christmas Party Nights at The Inn

CELEBRATE the Festive Season in style at the Inn at Dromoland Hotel. Join their award-winning team for an unmissable Christmas Party night on one of their remaining

shared party nights – Friday 5th,Saturday 6th, Friday 12th, or Saturday 13th of December. It’s the perfect celebration for work colleagues, friends and family, so book your table now before it’s too late!

Kick off your evening with a mulled wine arrival reception before indulging in a fabulous festive four course dinner. MC Dary Fahy will keep you entertained throughout the meal with games, dance-

offs, quizzes and the best part of all –there will be some amazing prizes up for

grabs on the night including hotel getaways and dining vouchers!

The fun will multiply even more once the Band start their groove, with some of Ireland’s finest musical acts, Switch & The Gamblers, providing the must dance-to entertainment!

A midnight snack will offer one last extra boost of energy before the final hours of a DJ set, which ultimately will be the finale of an unforgettable night!!

Nora’s Christmas countdown is on!

THE countdown to Christmas is starting now in Nora’s! The decorations will be coming out of storage soon so it’s time to start planning your Christmas nights out with colleagues, friends or family.

Nora’s has a number of areas suitable for group Christmas parties such as the sophisticated Balcony Bar upstairs with its own outdoor area or the classic and comfortable Lounge Area downstairs or the cosy Whiskey Bar with its dramatic cabinetry displaying Nora’s impressive and growing Whiskey collection. While Nora’s doesn’t have its own kitchens we are happy to arrange to bring in party food for customers. We work with some great local food businesses to offer a selection of party food options and we will liaise with customers to find the right option to suit all tastes and budgets.

Anyone who has been to Nora’s will know that there is always great music playing and this year will be no different. “We have top class bands and Dj’s booked for the lead up to Christmas and throughout the Christmas period to ensure a great atmosphere” says owner Barry O’Keeffe.

“The team at Nora’s are really looking forward to welcoming and serving our customers this Christmas - we will do our best to deliver great service, great atmosphere and great fun!”

For party/group booking enquiries contact Nora’s on 065 6824954 or dm on Facebook/Instagram.

The Old Ground Hotel feeling festive

CELEBRATE the Christmas holiday season in style at the Old Ground Hotel Ennis with our Christmas Party Nights, a festive experience like no other!

We invite you to join us for a shared party night that promises to be filled with laughter, great food, and warm memories.Our Christ-

mas Party Nights will be held on the following dates: December 12th, 13th, and 19th.

It’s the perfect opportunity to gather with friends, family, or colleagues and get into the joyful spirit of Christmas.

As you step into our beautifully adorned hotel, you’ll be welcomed

with the inviting aroma of mulled wine, setting the perfect tone for a memorable evening. Our culinary team has prepared a sumptuous 4-course meal that includes all your festive favorites. From traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings to tasty desserts, you’re in for a culinarytreat.

If you prefer a more casual dining atmosphere, our Brendan O Regan Restaurant and Town Hall Bistro are also open for your enjoyment.

To make your experience even more convenient, we offer dis-

counted group accommodation rates. We highly recommend booking your luxury accommodation early to secure your stay and avoid any disappointments during this busy season.

To reserve your table for our Christmas Party Nights or to inquire about private party options, please contact us at 065 6892321 or email sales@oldgroundhotel. ie.

We look forward to celebrating the magic of Christmas with you, making memories that will last a lifetime.

Join us for an enchanting evening of festive cheer at the Old Ground Hotel Ennis!

Indulge yourself this season at Hotel Woodstock

THIS December, step into the warmth and wonder of the festive season at Hotel Woodstock’s Christmas Parties 2025 – where tradition meets celebration and memories are made.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a mulled wine and traditional music reception, setting the perfect festive

es, and plenty of surprises to keep the energy high.

And the night doesn’t stop there – once the dinner plates are cleared, the dancefloor opens! Our DJ will keep you moving with all the classics until late into the night, finishing with the much-loved tradition of Tayto sandwiches at midnight.

tone for the evening. Let the laughter flow as our MC Stephen McDermott (ex Clare FM) keeps the night buzzing, leading into unforgettable live entertainment with the ever-popular Will Leahy (RTÉ).

Indulge in a sumptuous gourmet festive meal, specially crafted by our chefs to capture the very best of the season. Between courses, you’ll enjoy lively games, exciting spot priz-

It’s not just a party – it’s an experience filled with food, fun, music, and festive cheer.

Whether you’re celebrating with colleagues, catching up with friends, or gathering family together, Hotel Woodstock is the ultimate destination for festive fun this Christmas

If you want a private celebration or lunch or dinner in Shanaway Bistro or a private dining room, or our famous overnight residential Santa package, we would love to look after you. Please call 065 6899800 or mail info@hotelwoodstock.ie.

Festive fun and food at Knox’s & The Storehouse

ONE of Ennis’ most iconic buildings, Knox’s Pub and The Storehouse Restaurant, has everything you need to celebrate the Christmas season in style.

Whether you’re planning a sitdown dinner, a casual get-together with finger food, or simply festive drinks in the pub, Knox’s has a package to suit every group.

For those looking to go all out, The Storehouse upstairs offers a full Christmas set menu Dinner with two courses plus prosecco for €38.95 or three courses for €38.95

per person (supplement applies to selected dishes).

Downstairs, the pub offers the ever-popular Finger Food Menu at just €11.50 per person — perfect for more relaxed gatherings.

Christmas Lunch group menus are also available daily from 12pm to 3pm in Knox’s Pub, with great value options: €16 for one course, €26 for two courses, or €31 for three courses (minimum 10 people). Alongside these festive specials, Knox’s will also serve bar food every day from 12 noon to 9pm throughout

the season.

If you are looking for a lively atmosphere with a few drinks, Knox’s has you covered too. Groups can enjoy drinks on a tab system, organised with wristbands, while soaking up the buzz of the season.

As always, Knox’s Pub will have the best of live bands with DJs and late bars until 2am every weekend!

From a sophisticated Christmas meal to casual drinks and nibbles, Knox’s & The Storehouse has the perfect party package waiting for you this festive season. Call Knox’s on 065 6822 871 or email info@knoxs.ie to book your Christmas party. Browse menus and more at www.knoxs.ie

Celebrate in style at Shannon Springs Hotel

LOOKING for the perfect place to celebrate Christmas in Shannon this year? Look no further than Shannon Springs Hotel, where the warmth of the season meets award-winning hospitality.

Whether you’re planning a festive gathering with family, friends, or colleagues, our hotel offers an unforgettable Christmas experience.

This Christmas, we’ve created a magical atmosphere in our charm-

ing Old Lodge Gastro Pub. Join us for a sumptuous 4-course Christmas dinner, complete with all the traditional trimmings. From office parties to family get-togethers, we have the perfect setting for every occasion. Enjoy live enter tainment that will keep the festive cheer going all night long.

Our exclusive Party Package includes a warm welcome with mulled wine on arrival, and with live music from Friday to Sunday, you can dance and celebrate in true Christmas spirit. Let our attentive staff handle every detail while you focus on making memories with your loved ones.

Spaces are filling up fast, so book your Christmas celebration at

Shannon Springs Hotel today! For more information or to make a booking call us on 061 364047 or email: info@shannonspringshotel.com.

Celebrate in style this Christmas at Shannon Springs Hotel— where the magic of the season comes to life.

Tis’ the season at The Grove

LOCATED just outside Ennis Town with free parking, The Grove Bar is the perfect spot to celebrate the Christmas Season.

With its quality food and warm atmosphere, The Grove is an ideal party venue for your Christmas Party this year able to cater for any size party.

At the Grove Ennis you can enjoy a three

Live music every weekend at The Creamery

WITH THE FESTIVE season fast approaching, the search for the perfect venue for your Christmas party is on! This year, look no further than The Creamery Pub & Food Barn in Bunratty, Co Clare. Known for its

cosy atmosphere and rich heritage, The Creamery offers an unbeatable blend of festive cheer, great food, and outstanding service, making it the ideal location for your family gathering or company party.

One of the standout features of The Creamery is its impressive

Loft Function Room, which can accommodate up to 200 guests. With ample and customisable space for mingling, dining, and dancing, this room ensures that no one feels cramped— perfect for larger groups looking to celebrate together. The function room is also equipped with a private bar, offering an exclusive setting where your guests can enjoy the evening to the fullest.

The Creamery offers a range of catering options designed to suit all tastes and budgets. Finger Food packages are perfect for a more casual gathering, with a variety of tasty bites that are sure to satisfy everyone. Christmas Lunch and

With the ability to cater for any allergens or specifics upon request. In need of a thoughtful Christmas Gift? Vouchers can be purchased in any amount at The Creamery - which means you can treat someone special to a drink, meal or more! For collectors and enthusiasts alike, the limited edition Creamery Whiskey - a collaboration with Co Clare’s very own JJ Corry is available to purchase in-house in full-size and travel-size bottles.

Christmas parties are not just about the food—the atmosphere is what makes a night to remember! The Creamery has live music every weekend, ensuring that your event will have the perfect soundtrack to get everyone in the spirit for celebrations.

Booking your Christmas party at The Creamery Pub & Food Barn in Bunratty means choosing a venue that combines a wide selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic options, ambiance, and the finest Irish food. With the capacity to accommodate large groups, flexible dining options, and a warm, festive atmosphere, The Creamery is the perfect spot for creating lasting memories with colleagues, friends, and family.

Make a booking today:

Award-Winning JP Clarke’s Celebrates Christmas in Style

FEW places capture the warmth of Christmas in Clare quite like JP Clarke’s in Bunratty. Just a minute off the motorway, with parking at the door, it’s long been a favourite for locals and visitors — and this festive season it’s ready to welcome you in style.

Earlier this year, in January 2025, JP Clarke’s underwent a major renovation, giving the venue a refreshed atmosphere while keeping all the charm it’s known for. This Christmas marks the first festive season in the new-look JP Clarke’s — and the team is going all out to mark the occasion, decking the entire venue in sparkling decorations and creating a true festive feel.

It has also been a standout year for JP Clarke’s, recently named Re gional Winner for the South west at the Irish Pub Awards for Outstanding Custom er Service and awarded Silver at the Bar of the Year Awards 2025 for Gastro Bar of the Year. These honours highlight the dedication and hospitality that guests can expect when they step through the door.

From a cosy dinner for two by the fire to a family meal after a mag ical visit to Santa at Bun ratty Castle, or a lively night with colleagues, JP Clarke’s of fers the perfect setting to celebrate.

Seasonal menus have been carefully crafted with something for everyone — two courses from €35 and three courses from

€42 — showcasing hearty classics, local produce, and a touch of indulgence. For younger guests, the award-winning kids’ menu ensures even the smallest diners

are looked after in style. With twinkling lights, festive décor, and the inviting atmosphere of the newly refreshed space, JP Clarke’s is more than a meal out — it’s where the season comes alive.

Bookings are open now and filling fast. To reserve your table, call (061) 363 363, email info@jpclarkes.ie or book directly at www.jpclarkes.ie.

Make your festive season effortless this year. Step inside JP Clarke’s, relax into the atmosphere, and enjoy Christmas the way it’s meant to be — with good food, good company, and no fuss.

Cheers to the season and a new chapter!

AS THE FESTIVE season approaches and the sound of clinking glasses and laughter fills the air, we’re raising a toast not just to the holidays—but to new beginnings!

We’re excited to announce that Durty Nellys Bar and Restaurant has a new management team. It’s a fresh chapter for our beloved local spot. The new management team are thrilled to continue building on the incredible foundation that’s been laid by the previous management team, Maurice Walsh and Garry O’Toole.

Maurice and Garry’s hard work and dedication over the years fostered the warm and welcoming venue that Durty Nellys has been

famous for. The new management team, under the leadership of Colm Shearman, is honored to carry the Durty Nellys legacy and tradition of great hospitality forward. You’ll notice some exciting updates at Durty Nellys from refreshed menus focusing on traditional Irish cuisine, seasonal specials to live music but at the heart of it all, you’ll still find the same familiar charm and hospitality that’s made this place feel like home welcoming our locals and guests from all over the world. And what better way to celebrate the season (and the new chapter) than with a Christmas party?

Santa prepares for his visit to Moher Hill Farm

SANTA is preparing to visit Moher Hill Farm where the children of County Clare will get a chance to meet the main man, his elves and reindeer this Christmas.

The renowned Moher Hill Farm & Leisure Park is now taking bookings for their Santa experience, where each family will enjoy a private audience with Santa Claus.

Santa visits will take place on the weekends of December 6th to December 21st. Each child will receive a gift and have time to chat and a photograph with Santa, while a professional photographer will also be onsite to capture your magical visit. Families can sit into Santa’s Sleigh for a picture and feed and pet Santa’s deer. Children will also meet Santa’s elves, play in the indoor bouncy castle, or visit the ball pool and under 5s area while adults keep themselves refreshed with complimentary tea, coffee, mulled wine and a festive home-made mince pie. Each child will also receive a bag of food to feed the animals of Moher Hill Farm, who are snuggled up in their animal barn where children will have the opportunity to hold a rabbit.

At Moher Hill Farm resides a vast array of animals from alpaca, emu, raccoons, sheep, Highland cow, Fallabella horses, Kune Kune pig, ostrich and much more.

Santa has been visiting the family-run Moher Hill for two decades, which is operated locally by Delia and Martin Canavan along with

their children Shane, Lorraine, and Alan.

Delia told The Clare Echo that families that began visiting the San-

ta experience in the 2000s continue to meet Santa at Moher Hill Farm to this day, “Our farm will look like a Christmas village in preparation

for the visit of Santa. Our whole Santa experience is indoor based and our indoor areas are heated. This ensures that

families can visit in comfort in all weathers.

We will have a Post Office where children can post their Santa list, we’ll have a snow scene and of course our resident deer are in attendance and families can sit in Santa’s Sleigh, we’re very unique in that sense.

Delia adds that visitors should book early to secure their visit, adding, “Santa is looking forward to meeting our visitors in the coming weeks, we are usually fully booked before December, so we would advise visitors to book now to avoid disappointment.”

Moher Hill Farm opened its doors in 2000 and over the years the farm has developed a range of facilities to meet customer demand including indoor go-karting, a mini-golf course, bouncing castle, and in-door and out-door play areas.

Prior to this year’s Santa Experience, Moher Hill Farm will host a Halloween family fun day with fancy dress, a magic show and balloon modelling on Sunday the 26th of October at 2pm.

They welcome bookings for groups and birthday parties, along with school tours.

To book your Santa visit and avoid disappointment, go to www. moherfarm.com. For more information on Moher Hill Farm & Leisure Park, call 087 2258347.

‘I had to Google knotweed, I thought of PJ Kelly & that it was something you would smoke’

GROWTH OF invasive species is occurring at “huge levels” in East Clare while funding for its removal and treatment is “very limited”.

A revised action plan for the removal of invasive species in the Killaloe Municipal District has been requested by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF). “Great work has been done in the past but now requires further attention. Working with landowners and other agencies are critical to the success of this programme,” he said.

Senior executive engineer in the Killaloe MD, Declan Flanagan said they have been actively working on the treatment of invasive species on the roadsides of East Clare, particularly Japanese Knotweed “over the last several years”. A contractor has been hired to treat Japanese Knotweed at 120 different locations in the Killaloe MD. He flagged that their efforts have been hindered by a shortage of funding. “It’s important to note that funding has been very limited, we have recently procured a contractor to commence works in the next few working days to treat Japanese Knotweed at over 120 locations across the Municipal District. Treatment is through a mix of stem injection and spraying to all sites identified. Works on site is recorded through GIS Mapping mapped and signage erected. Further locations can be added as works progress if found in a nearby vicinity

It’s important to provide landowners with information and the due care and responsible for invasive species on their own lands and encourage landowners to highlight issues that may be present along the public road network”.

Members of the public that locate new invasive species can report them to the County Council on the website invasives.ie

Speaking at a sitting of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Hayes said the work of the Waters

of LIFE in the Graney catchment has increased awareness. He noted Japanese Knotweed is prevalent on the backroads and byroads of the area, “we deal with it to a degree, if you don’t continue to deal with it then it comes back, it is something which needs to be brought to a national position”.

An increasing amount of requests have been observed by the Maghera native by constituents seeking for the treatment of invasive species to be included in the Council’s roads programme. “It has grown at a huge level, there are now other species and there is a major amount of work to be done across the Municipal District and county”.

Seconding the request, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) outlined that a constituent was only contacted by the environment section of the Council twelve months after reporting the presence of Japanese Knotweed. “To get a call twelve months after it was reported is too much of a gap,” he commented. “There is knotweed in an area in Kilkishen on private lands, the environment office can’t go onto private lands but it is leading onto an estate so as sure as night follows day it will lead onto that, a sign was put up saying ‘do not touch’ but it doesn’t cure it”.

Kilmurry based O’Callaghan remarked, “When I heard knotweed first in the Council I had to google it, I thought of PJ Kelly and that it was something you would smoke”. He referred to one instance where a septic tank was “burst up” by the presence of knotweed.

Roads leading to Broadford are impacted by invasive species, Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) flagged while Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) recalled former senior engineer Hugh McGrath once appeared on the Six:One news discussing Japanese Knotweed.

“It is an issue,” Cllr Hayes told the meeting. “There are fifty to sixty sites around the Lough Graney catchment on the public road alone that is

l

impacted. I have enough of it on my lane,” he added to which Cllr O’Callaghan quipped “with all the hen harriers”.

Cllr Hayes replied, At least we’re getting paid for the hen harriers. It is a crisis situation really”. He said it was ten years since he met a consultant from France on the issue, “the cost of hiring someone in to do this is substantial, maybe we need to go political and get a grant to support farmers”.

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

INVASIVE SPECIES: Knotweed

West Clare can become ‘world-leader for green energy’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

STRATEGIC THINK-

ING needs to come into force to ensure Moneypoint is supported for future generations and that West Clare can become “a world-leader for green energy”.

Clare’s economic, social and environmental sustainability is reliant on new innovative projects, said Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) when calling on his party colleague, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien (FF) to make the Just Transition Funding Scheme available to Clare”.

Funding from this stream “could facilitate and increase the development of innovative projects,” he believed.

“Projects of scale that

are required to be transformative to the economic development of the area could be developed and attract investment through a dedicated funding stream”.

Made available in 2020, the purpose of the EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF), co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union, is to assist the territories most affected by the transition to a climate neutral economy. It is pillar one of the European Union Just Transition Mechanism.

There was no funding for Clare in the €68m Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme 2023-2026 administered by Fáilte Ireland under the EU Just Transition Fund.

Speaking at the September meeting of Clare County Coun-

cil, Cllr Shannon said Clare needs to be “top of the list” for the next round of funding in the scheme. “We had 400 people working in Moneypoint for 40 years, that has gone down to 80 people and contractors, we’re transitioning to green energy and having further plans for the future, it is vital we in Clare extract as much funding as possible for the next round”.

He was of the opinion that the next round of funding will be based on the National Development Plan and that the potential for training, skills and new technology must be highlighted in any future application. “I don’t know why we missed out, Roche closed down in 2016 and Shannon Airport’s transatlantic traffic came under serious pressure and we were

only paid lip service. It is critical that we ensure Clare is in next round of funding”.

Equally baffled at Clare’s omission was Cllr Rita McInerney (FF). “I cannot for the life of me understand how Clare was left out when communities in Offaly were included with Bord na Mona closing down around there”. She explained, “this Just Transition Fund could go towards retraining, not just in renewables energy but other types of support service which could potentially be on site in Moneypoint, it is a big site and has huge potential”.

Resources follow the population, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) outlined. “We’re the dog running after the car barking, the car is going to stop so what are we going to

do, we need to have the preparation and work done in advance of 2028.

A lot of our strategies outline the right direction. We need to know what the ask is when the car stops and the dog stops barking”.

Groundwork must be done properly on applications to obtain the funding, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) stated.

“It is about being prepared to be in a position when applications are done that we ascertain as much out of the funding as possible. West Clare is a jewel that is about to pop open”.

Time must be dedicated to tease out the application, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) said. “Brendan O’Regan looked in Rineanna and thought about building an airport and building a zone for industry which has

been so successful, we need to be the same, we need to think outside the box and be strategic for Moneypoint”.

Ambitious plans must be put forward, Cllr Shannon stressed. “The main thing is with the new negotiations that when the plan is put together it will be performance based and can be amended. All of these transitions from heavy and fossil fuels to green energy whether hydrogen, wind or solar, how we store or create energy into the future. They will not tie you down to a plan which is outdated before it starts, we want to get the best value for money and up to date technology up to date. We need to be ambitious for these plans, we can be a world-leader for green energy and offshore”.

lGREEN ENERGY: Moneypoint

“Hold Me Close.” County Clare relaunches breastfeeding friendly initiative

CLARE County Council’s Healthy Clare initiative, in partnership with the HSE Mid-West, is re-launching the ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Clare’ campaign on Friday, October 3, 2025, during National Breastfeeding Week (1–7 October).

Supported by Healthy Ireland, the campaign promotes the creation of dedicated welcoming environments and spaces for breastfeeding families across County Clare. e initiative encourages businesses, organisations, and community spaces to adopt simple, no-cost actions that help mothers and families feel comfortable while breastfeeding in public. Research shows that a positive attitude from sta and acceptance from other service users are key to helping mothers feel at ease.

Cllr Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said, “ is campaign is a collaborative e ort across private, communi-

ty, and statutory

sectors. Displaying a ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Clare’ sticker or poster shows your commitment to supporting families in a meaningful and important way. Local campaigns like this bring the Healthy Ireland Framework to life by creating supportive environments for families who choose to breastfeed.”

Samantha McCarthy, Healthy Clare Coordinator, Clare County Council, said, “‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Clare’ is part of a broader vision for inclusive, family- friendly spaces. We thank the many local businesses, organisations and communities already involved and encourage others to sign up. Participants receive a campaign booklet written in plain English, along with a window sticker or poster.

e updated document has been literacy-proofed to ensure that it uses plain, clear and accessible language that is easy to under-

Celebrating ‘we’re breastfeeding friendly’ in Co. Clare

by Laura McHugh HSE National Breastfeeding coordinator

BREASTFEEDING rates continue to rise in Clare over the last decade.

HSE data collected shortly after discharge from hospital shows the number of babies breastfed in Clare has increased by 8% between 2015 and 2024, jumping from 51% to 59% in that time period. More encouragingly, there are greater rates of increase at 3 months of age, with 43% of babies breastfed at 3 months in 2024 compared to 30% in 2015, representing a 45% increase over the decade. This tells us that more mothers are breastfeeding for longer and the drop off in breastfeeding between the ﬁrst Public Health Nurse (PHN) visit and the 3 month developmental check-up visit is decreasing.

There are a number of reasons we can attribute to these positive statistics relating to breastfeeding in Clare. There are more HSE breastfeeding supports available for mothers in Clare, breastfeeding is more accepted as the norm within communities, we are seeing increasing diversity in the Irish population, and the importance of breastfeeding is more widely understood.

We know that mothers are more likely to breastfeed for longer if they connect with breastfeeding supports during pregnancy and after birth. Midwives, PHNs and lactation consultants provide breastfeeding groups and one to one support in Ennis, Tulla, Ennistymon,

Shannon, Kilrush, Gort and Limerick City. La Leche League and Friends of Breastfeeding volunteer groups also provide supports in Shannon, Lough Derg and Ballina/Killaloe. A popular online virtual breastfeeding support group is also held every week. Contact details for all groups are listed on mychild.ie/breastfeeding.

Mothers get tips and advice on all aspects of feeding at these breastfeeding groups, including laid back breastfeeding and other positions for feeding, good attachment to the breast, expressing, skin-to-skin contact, getting ready for going back to work, weaning and everything else in between. Mothers also meet others going through similar issues and are a huge source of friendship and support for each other.

stand and implement.” is year’s National Breastfeeding Week theme is: ‘Hold me close: e power of skinto-skin contact’. e HSE reports that 65.2% of babies began breastfeeding in hospital in 2024, up from 63.8% in 2019.

Laura McHugh, National Breastfeeding Co-ordinator, HSE, said, “I congratulate all who continue to be involved in the ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Clare’ campaign in creating welcoming and supportive public places and spaces for new breastfeeding parents. Hospital and community-based breastfeeding supports are provided by the HSE and volunteers from La Leche League, Cuidiú and Friends of Breastfeeding, which all make a di erence in supporting mothers to breastfeed for as long as they wish.”

Gobnait Murphy, Public Health Nurse and Lactation Consultant, HSE Mid West said, “ e relaunch of the ‘We’re breastfeeding

good for babies and mothers’ health and the HSE celebrates national Breastfeeding week in October to acknowledge all mothers who have breastfed for any length of time.

The HSE this year are also highlighting the importance of doing safe skin-to-skin contact as much as possible as your baby grows. It comforts your baby and makes them feel secure. Skin-to-skin contact helps you develop conﬁdence in caring for and feeding your baby. It also helps improve your sleep and your baby’s. Skin-to-skin contact is important for all babies, whether they are bottle fed or breastfed.

friendly Clare’ booklet is great news especially as it coincides with National Breastfeeding Week 2025. It is important for families to know that they have the support of local businesses within communities and this booklet demonstrates that. We know that breastfeeding contributes to the overall well-being and strength of our community. We already have successful existing breastfeeding support groups around Co. Clare where mothers come to meet and support one another, for details see mychild.ie/ breastfeedingsupports.”

For copies of the ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Clare’ booklet, contact samccarthy@clarecoco.ie

To get involved, visit: https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/breastfeedingfriendlyclare

Some mothers can experience trauma and grief due to breastfeeding ending sooner than they may have planned to. In these situations, we would advise mothers to talk to a midwife, lactation consultant, public health nurse or breastfeeding support group in the ﬁrst instance to discuss their feelings. These staff are trained to listen and explore this topic with you and can provide you with further support if needed. Parents or parents-to-be can also ask questions by email or live chat through the ‘Ask our breastfeeding expert’ service on mychild.ie.

Making breastfeeding more visible in our communities is important for encouraging more families to breastfeed their babies. The ‘We’re breastfeeding friendly Clare’ booklet for businesses is an excellent example of different groups and agencies working together to help families to stay healthy by welcoming and supporting breastfeeding.

advise mothers to talk to a provide you with further support if needed. Parents service on mychild.ie. supporting breastfeeding.

There is unequivocal evidence that any duration of breastfeeding is

For further information visit: mychild.ie/ breastfeeding. hclarecoco.ie/ services/ sports-recreation/ healthyclare/breastfeedingfriendly/

We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Clare

Féilire An Clár Sláintiúil Healthy Clare Calendar

A place where everyone feels good and is supported by the whole community, by working together.

Things we can do to reduce the risk of breast cancer

BREAST CANCER is the most common cancer in women in Ireland. Around 3,500 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

1 in 7 women in Ireland will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Many things increase your chance (risk) of getting breast cancer. We call these ‘risk factors’. Some risk factors we can’t change, such as our age and our genes. Risk factors we can change, include drinking alcohol, the types of food we eat, and how physically active we are. We can all take action to reduce our risk of breast cancer.

Breastfeeding

Consider breastfeeding if you can. Breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of breast cancer. e longer a woman has breastfed

over the course of her life, the greater the protection. Visit www.mychild.ie for support.

Weight

Maintaining a healthy body decreases your risk of breast cancer. If you are overweight, even modest sustained weight loss can lower your breast cancer risk. Eating a healthy balanced diet, being physically active, getting enough sleep and taking care of your mental health can all help to maintain a healthy body weight.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol - alcohol causes 1 in 13 breast cancers diagnosed in Ireland each year. If you drink even a small amount of alcohol, there is a risk it will harm your health.

Know the signs Find Breast Cancer Early

e less you drink, the lower your risk of cancer. Chemicals in alcohol can damage the body’s cells.

You can use the drinks calculator on www.askaboutalcohol.ie to nd out how your alcohol a ects your health and wallet.

If you are living in the Mid West you can contact the HSE Mid West Integrated Alcohol Service on 061-492016 if your drinking is becoming a problem. e team can support you or your loved one to make positive changes around alcohol.

Physical activity

Physical activity decreases your risk of breast cancer. Any amount of physical activity is good for your health.

What you can do:

• Aim to do two and half hours of moderate physical activity spread through the week or

• One hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity spread through the week.

Tobacco

While it is not clear whether smoking increases breast cancer risk, we do know that smoking increases the risk of at least 15 other types of cancer.

e best form of defence is not to start smoking. If you are already a smoker, it is

never too late to try to quit. e risk of developing a smoking related cancer decreases the sooner you quit.

For free HSE support to quit contact your local stop smoking service Quit Mid West on 065 6865841 or visit www.quit.ie

If breast cancer is found early, your chances of survival are much better than if it is picked up late.

How can I ﬁnd breast cancer early?

It is important to check your breasts regularly, learning how your breasts look and feel at di erent times so you know what is normal for you and to recognise any unusual or irregular changes. Being breast aware is important from your mid-twenties onwards. Check your breasts at regular intervals - see https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/how-tocheck-your-breasts/ for details on how to check your breasts.

Know the signs of breast cancer and contact your GP without delay if you develop any signs of breast cancer (even if you have had a recent BreastCheck screening test or are due a screening test soon).

If you are aged between 50 to 69 consider coming for your screening appointment when invited. Your GP (doctor) can help you make an informed decision about screening. Breast screening helps nd cancer at an early stage, before it has caused any signs or symptoms like a lump in the breast. Visit www.hse. ie/breastcheck or freephone 1800 45

The Business Chamber Podcast: Clare businessman builds global tourism venture from local beginnings

THE LATEST episode of The Clare Echo Business Chamber podcast, brought to you in association with Ennis Chamber of Commerce welcomes Clare businessman Robert Hanrahan, whose career spans from working in a local fruit and veg shop as a teenager to building a unique tourism business on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Hanrahan, co-founder of Wild Atlantic Music Tours, spoke about his entrepreneurial path, the lessons learned from global logistics, and his mission to create authentic Irish experiences for visitors from around the world.

After decades in international logistics, including high-pressure roles in the Middle East, Hanrahan returned to Ireland with a renewed outlook. “When I came back from Saudi Arabia, I had that kind of freedom. It was like poker, when you’ve just won a hand, you play

the next one differently. I was ready to jump in,” he explained.

That “jump” became Wild Atlantic Music Tours, which blends traditional music with local culture and community. Guests travel along Ireland’s scenic west coast, guided not only by professional tour operators but also by world-renowned musicians.

Authenticity is at the core of the business. Hanrahan is proud to showcase Clare, Sligo, Mayo and Donegal not just through music but through family-run restaurants, pubs and attractions along the Wild Atlantic Way.

“We say it’s as much about the sizzle as the sausage,” he said. “People love the stories before the song. And when they go home with tears in their eyes after a week with us, that’s the reward.”

Hanarahan also speaks about his experience working in the Middle East and the lessons he learned

Clare Youth Service

Clare Youth Service, a community-based charity, is the leading provider of Youthwork programmes and services to young people in the county The Community Training Centre (CTC) provides vocational training and education options to meet the needs of young people aged 16 to 21 years who have left mainstream education without adequate qualifications.

We are pleased to invite applications from suitably qualified and enthusiastic persons for the post of:

Community Training Centre

General Learning & Catering Instructor

Part time sick leave cover (23 hours per week). This is a specific purpose contract.

Job description and person specification are available from: emcdonough@clareyouthservice.org

Salary is based on the National CTC Instructors scale, starting at €33,254 to €59,330 (part-time pro-rata).

CV and cover letter clearly stating suitability for the post should be returned to the same e-mail address by 12 noon on Monday 6th October 2025 Application by e-mail only

Interviews will take place on Friday 10th October 2025

Clare Youth Service is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity. Appointment is subject to Garda Vetting. Shortlisting will apply

Tourism Ireland shines

during this time. He says that the best business advice he has heard was from a Saudi colleague who said; “Shoot the bird when you see him.” In other words, act on opportunities as they arise. “If there’s something you’re thinking about, do it. Don’t wait for a better angle, because the chance might be gone,” he said.

For younger entrepreneurs, Henebry’s message is clear. “Don’t be afraid to jump in. Get experience, learn from good leaders, but when the time comes, back yourself. You’ll never know everything in advance, sometimes it’s better that way.”

To hear Robert Hanran’s full story, from starting out stacking shelves in fruit and veg shop to co-founding a thriving tourism business, tune in to the latest episode of The Clare Business Chamber podcast available now.

spotlight on Co Clare in the Netherlands and Belgium

IRELAND is in the spotlight in the Netherlands and Belgium this week as Tourism Ireland hosts its annual B2B travel trade workshops in Amsterdam and Brussels. Tourism companies from across Ireland , including Clare’s Caherconnell Fort and Sheepdog Demonstrations and The Clare Collection are taking part. They will meet Dutch and Belgian travel professionals to encourage them to expand existing programmes or include Ireland for the first time in their 2026 itineraries. Over two days, around 400 commercial meetings will take place, driving fresh itineraries, securing Ireland’s place in future programmes, and delivering valuable overseas business for 2026 and beyond.

Karen van der Horst, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for Northern Europe, said: “I’m delighted that our valued Dutch and Belgian travel partners are taking the time to meet with us in Amsterdam and Brussels this week, finding out more about the richness of our tourism offering. Our goal is simple: to create meaningful connections between small businesses from Ireland with Dutch and Belgian travel professionals who can bring visitors at

scale.”

For Clare businesses like Caherconnell Fort and The Clare Collection, the workshops are a key opportunity to showcase the county’s unique attractions – from history and heritage to authentic cultural experiences – reminding Dutch and Belgian partners of the wealth of things to see and do across Ireland.

l BUSINESS CHAMBER PODCAST: Host Joe Melody with Clare businessman Robert Hanrahan

lTOURISM: The Clare Collection team at Tourism Ireland’s workshop in Amsterdam

Inis Dom campaign launched to increase use of Irish language in retail sector of Ennis town

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN INITIATIVE aimed at increasing the promotion of the Irish language in the retail and service sectors of Ennis town has been launched.

Clare County Council and An Clár as Gaeilge have banded together to launch the Inis Dom campaign. It aims to highlight the economic and cultural benefits of integrating Irish into business.

Co Clare has the second-highest proportion of Irish speakers of any county in the State at 47%. Aiming to capitalise on this, the Inis Dom initiative encourages businesses to use Irish in customer service, signage, menus, websites and social media, with support provided through assistance with funding, translation services, training and promotional resources.

Two-time All-Ireland winning Clare hurler, Paul Flanagan who is also an analyst on TG4 is a campaign ambassador for Inis Dom. “Irish is part of our identity in Clare. It’s great to see local businesses embracing the language and making it part of everyday life. Inis Dom is a brilliant way to bring Irish into the community in a practical and positive way,” the Ballyea man said.

Emer O’Flaherty, singer, composer and musician and fellow ambassador, added, “Language and culture go hand in hand. I’m delighted to support Inis Dom because it creates a space where Irish is visible, heard, and cele-

CLARE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DAC

Clare Tourism Development DAC is a subsidiary company of Clare County Council that oversees the management, development, and promotion of a portfolio of signature visitor attraction sites throughout Clare.

We are seeking applications from suitably qualified persons for a General Manager for the Clare Tourism Development DAC East visitor attraction sites, i.e. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen Castle & Crannog, Knappogue Castle & Walled Garden and Inis Cealtra Visit Experience.

Clare Tourism is now hiring for

• General Manager CTD East

HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you are interested in applying or wish to obtain further information about the position, contact the HR departmemt or email your CV with a cover letter to aohanlon@claretourismdev.ie

Closing date for applications is Friday, 10th October 2025, at 5:00pm.

brated. It’s about making the language accessible and enjoyable for everyone”.

Inis Dom is supported by Foras na Gaeilge under the Business Support Scheme, which provides funding for bilingual signage and resources to help businesses engage with the Irish language. The initiative is also supported by Glór na nGael, Ennis Chamber, Ennis 2040 and Clare’s Local Enterprise Office.

‘Frásaí Beaga, Tionchar Mór – Small Phrases, Big Impact’ is the motto of the campaign motto, Ruairí Henchy, Irish Language Development Officer and Communications Officer with Clare County Council outlined. He said they are attempting “|to take Irish off the pages of books and into the streets and businesses of Ennis and beyond. Shoppers are encouraged to start with, ‘Dia duit – Hello’ and to watch out for the Inis Dom! badge and sticker when shopping in Ennis”.

Leah Ní Thailtigh, Language Planning Officer, An Clár as Gaeilge commented, “Inis Dom builds on Ennis’s status as an Irish Language Network by making Irish more visible and usable in everyday business. This campaign gives local enterprises the tools and support to bring the language to life in practical ways”.

Participation in the initiative is free, and businesses receive tailored support to help them incorporate Irish in their operations. To join the scheme and receive support for your business contact: anclarasgaeilge@gmail.com

CLARE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DAC

We are seeking applications from suitably qualiﬁed persons for an Operations Manager position primarily at Loop Head Lighthouse, Kilbaha and to include additional sites under the Clare Tourism Development DAC organisation.

Clare Tourism is now hiring for

• Operations Manager

HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you are interested in applying or wish to obtain further information about the position, contact the HR department at careers@claretourismdev.ie or email your CV with a cover letter to careers@claretourismdev.ie

Closing date for applications is Friday, 10th October 2025, at 5pm.

lINIS DOM:Pictured at the launch of Inis Dom on Saturday, September 27, are (L-R): Paul Flanagan, former Clare hurler and Campaign Ambassador; and Emer O’Flaherty, Musician and Campaign Ambassador.

Captain Corry a central cog in Clooney-Quin's spinning wheel

MEMBERS of the Corry family have already ended one sporting famine in the county, now they bid to turn their hand to terminating another drought.

Clooney/Quin’s senior hurlers are captained by Jimmy Corry who is looking to follow in the footsteps of Paddy McNamara in 1942 and captain the club to championship glory.

Just two weeks ago, his younger brother Mikey was part of the Shannon Golf Club side which won the Jimmy Bruen Shield and, in the process, celebrated the club’s first All-Ireland pennant in 45 years.

Shannon’s success happened on the weekend where Clooney/Quin defeated Ballyea to qualify for the county final. “It was a great weekend, Mikey was playing the golf, Mam and Dad were up at it. Shannon had a brilliant win, I played a few years previous but with living in Galway I just couldn’t commit to it with the hurling this year."

On the hurling front, Jimmy made his first senior championship appearance

in 2013 against Clonlara and has been there ever-since including their run to the final in 2017. “I look back on 2017 as a great year, it was just a pity the way it came to an end. We’ve a good few lads still playing from that team like Cillian, Ryan, Peter, my-

self and lads on the panel like Bryan McInerney, Keith Hogan and Shane McNamara."

For the club to be back in the decider eight years later brings with it a great opportunity, he acknowledged. “You think when you’re there in 2017 that they do come

around but they don’t come around every year, it is nice to be looking forward to it and it is great for the parish, everyone will be on high-do for the next few days”.

Year 1 as captain “didn’t go to plan” with Clooney/Quin consolidating their senior status after beating O’Callaghans Mills in the relegation semi-final. “This year has gone better,” he observed. “It is no secret with all the underage success we’ve had with the groups over the last few years with the minors, that group has been coming and we’ve got another boost this year with six lads onto the panel this year from the minor team, they have really freshened it up... they have no scar tissue from before and just really enjoy playing hurling and playing hurling for Clooney/Quin”.

An influx of young hurlers has not changed Jimmy’s role within the squad. “People that know me know that I’m an outgoing fella and I’ll talk to the wall, I’d be no different with the young lads, they are very outgoing young lads and will chat to you about anything whether it is Liverpool at the weekend or the

match that is coming up, my role hasn’t changed, I’m still the same happy-go-lucky fella”.

From the hurling perspective, the Clooney/Quin young guns have brought a wave of confidence with them. “You don’t really know until you see them training with you on a Tuesday and Thursday night to really sense their ability 'til you see them up close. The pace and leadership they have brought as young lads of 17 and 18... I know when I joined the panel I was 20; I wouldn’t say I was more cagey but I was more nervous about making mistakes, these young lads have enough confidence to try the thing that I might not have dreamt of, they have really freshened it up”.

Beating Ballyea in the semi-final was a highlight of Jimmy’s senior career with Clooney/Quin. “Ballyea are such a tough team, over the last 10 years they are the benchmark of Clare hurling with the titles they have won and the achievements they’ve had outside of Clare, it was always going to be a big battle, we’re just so lucky to have come out on top”.

At midfield, Jimmy has been one of Clooney/Quin’s top performers in their run to the final and he popped up with assists for two of their four semi-final goals. Therefore it comes as no surprise that he is very much enjoying his hurling. Based as a Garda in Mill Street, Galway, he says, “I drive down from Galway for training, lads would be saying to me ‘why do you not transfer to someone in Galway’ but with the group we have, it is so easy to come training”.

His father Mike has been an integral force in Clare GAA streaming games, both with Clare GAA TV and now Stream Sport. If he is behind the camera this weekend and it is somewhat shakier than normal, he could be forgiven as he watches his son lead Clooney/Quin into battle.

“Dad has a very steady hand in fairness, he doesn’t get too excited about much things, he’s been doing the video for the last couple of years so I’d say he will be steady, there’s no fear of them”.

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

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l Jimmy Corry

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Corbett has one foot in both camps

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

SUNDAY’S TUS Clare senior hurling ﬁnal has all the ingredients for a brilliant contest. That’s the verdict of a man who is well positioned to offer an assessment.

Current Clare senior selector Tommy Cor- bett played at all levels for Éire Óg but in recent years has spent a lot of time managing and coaching teams at Clooney-Quin, the parish in which he resides.

As a 17-year-old he played at wing back on the Éire Óg team which last won the blue riband of Clare hurling in 1990. As a juvenile he was part of Éire Óg teams that won championships at all levels.

“Disappointingly we failed to win at U21 level, losing the ﬁnals of 1992 and 1993 while we also lost in a few semi-ﬁnals”, Tommy told The Clare Echo He helped St Flannan’s College to Harty Cup and All-Ireland colleges honours in 1991.

When his playing days were over he an- swered the call and managed Éire Óg at senior level on three separate occasions. “I was manager for a year in 2003/04 and then I had a four to six week term when the previous manager stepped down. On that occasion we were relegated by Ballyea”.

“In 2017 the late Des Neylon asked me to get involved and I was manager then for two years. In 2017 we were beaten by Clooney/ Quin and they went on to contest the ﬁnal”, Tommy recalled.

Having set up home in Clooney, he got involved in coaching at juvenile level with the hurling and camogie clubs as his daughter

Ava and son Matthew were part of teams representing the club. Matthew is a member of the current Clooney/Quin senior panel.

Tommy himself “togged out once or twice” for Clooney/Quin’s Junior B side since relocating to the parish. Residing close to the Clooney/Quin pitch, he walks from his home to the grounds regularly.

Having taken charge of various underage sides with the club, it didn’t surprise anyone when he was asked to take charge of the senior team, a role he fulﬁlled in 2022 and 2023 reaching the quarter-ﬁnals in both years. The team was in transition at the time as Fergal Lynch, Conor Harrisson and Cilllian Duggan had all stepped away although Cillian is back now as the team’s goalkeeper.

“This is a unique ﬁnal, both clubs bring big crowds and they both play a brand of fast attacking hurling. The atmosphere in both parishes is building. Flags are appearing throughout this parish and I notice it is the same in Ennis. I would love to see both win but, obviously, that can’t be the case as there will have to be a winner”, Tommy explained.

Looking at the make-up of both panels he believes “both have a lot of good young players. Clooney/Quin had 10 under 22s playing against Ballyea while Éire Óg have similar numbers in that age bracket. There is a huge emphasis on youth. It's great for the county”.

As a Clare selector he is “delighted to see lads putting their hands up for selection. Overall, this has been a very good championship and the crowds have been there. Look at the competitiveness of the Clare championship.

"Sunday’s winner will be the 12th different one in the last 25 years”.

Whatever the outcome, Tommy believes that this ﬁnal “is massive for Clare hurling. Both parishes have been waiting a long time for this title. Thankfully all of the Éire Óg team that last won in 1990 are still with us but, unfortunately, all of the Clooney team from 1942 have passed on”.

l Tommy Corbett (centre) with Brian Lohan and Brendan Bugler

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

CLARE SFC CHAMPIONSHIP ROAD TO THE FINAL 2025

Group 1:

Round 1: Clonlara 1-19 Sixmilebridge 1-18 on July 25th in Cusack Park

Crusheen 0-23 St Joseph’s Doora/ Bareﬁeld 1-15 on July 26th in Cusack Park

Round 2: Clonlara 3-21 St Joseph’s

Doora/Bareﬁeld 0-12 on August 9th in O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge Sixmilebridge 1-20 Crusheen 1-17 on August 10th in Gurteen

Round 3: Clonlara 0-22 Crusheen 1-18 on August 23rd in Dr Daly Park, Tulla Sixmilebridge 1-27 St Josephs’s

Doora/Bareﬁeld on August 23rd in Cusack Park

Group 2:

Round 1: Clooney/Quin 1-18 Broadford 2-12 on July 26th in Shannon

Inagh/Kilnamona 0-31 Coroﬁn 0-18 on July 26th in Gurteen

Round 2: Broadford 5-25 Coroﬁn 4-10 on August 9th in Cusack Park

Clooney/Quin 1-27 Inagh/Kilnamona 2-23 on August 10th in Cusack Park

Round 3: Clooney/Quin 0-21 Coroﬁn 1-18 on August 24th in Clarecastle

Inagh/Kilnamona 1-24 Broadford 2-16 on August 24th in Cusack Park

Group 3:

Round 1: Éire Óg 2-24 Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-18 on July 25th in Clarecastle

Feakle 0-19 Wolfe Tones 1-16 on July 26th in Cusack Park

Round 2: Feakle 1-19 Newmar-

ket-on-Fergus 1-17 on August 8th in Cusack Park

Éire Óg 1-26 Wolfe Tones 1-12 on August 9th in Fr Murphy Memorial Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus

Round 3: Éire Óg 3-16 Feakle 1-18 on August 24th in Cusack Park

Ryan relishing a rare county ﬁnal appearance

Group 4:

Wolfe Tones 0-22 Newmarket-on-Fergus 0-16 on August 24th in O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

Round 1: Kilmaley 2-20 Ballyea 3-16 on July 26th in O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

Cratloe 1-24 Scariff 1-21 on July 26th in Glenomra Park, Broadford

Round 2: Kilmaley 5-17 Cratloe 0-20 on August 9th in Cusack Park

Ballyea 1-21 Scariff 2-16 on August 10th in Cusack Park

Round 3: Kilmaley 1-31 Scariff 2-18 on August 23rd in Cusack Park

Ballyea 0-23 Cratloe 0-16 on August 23rd in O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge Relegation semi-ﬁnals:

Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-19 St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld 2-15 on September 6th in Dr Daly Park, Tulla

Scariff 3-20 Coroﬁn 0-13 on September 7th in Dr Daly Park, Tulla Relegation Final: St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld 0-21

Coroﬁn 2-14 on September 21st in Dr Daly Park, Tulla

Quarter-Finals:

Ballyea 2-13 Clonlara 0-16 on September 6th in Cusack Park

Kilmaley 1-21 Sixmilebridge 1-8 on September 6th in Cusack Park

Clooney/Quin 1-21 Feakle 1-11 on September 7th in Cusack Park

Éire Óg 3-21 Inagh/Kilnamona 1-17 on September 7th in Cusack Park

Semi-ﬁnals

Éire Óg 1-14 Kilmaley 1-12 on September 20th in Cusack Park

Clooney/Quin 4-15 Ballyea 2-19 on September 21st in Cusack Park

Final:

Clooney/Quin vs Éire Óg on October 9th in Cusack Park

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

COUNTY finals at senior level have been a rare phenomenon for Clooney/Quin so it’s important to relish the occasion stresses midfielder Ryan Taylor.

Fresh-faced Ryan, noted for his engine and speed in the middle third, is one of the more experienced players within the Clooney/ Quin side. It may come as a surprise to some that he is indeed 30.

An addition of young players has refreshed their side, he felt. “We were the young lads back in 2017, the young lads coming in at the moment have given a great injection of youth, they have been performing really well”.

Adapting to the senior ranks for the likes of the McNamara twins and Jerry O’Connor has been aided by playing in the A grade for underage, he said. “Their hurling is top class, they bring a lot of pace to the team, they have been playing at a high standard of hurling all up along at underage and minor, they are very mature, they play with a lot of confidence”.

Some of his teammates are the holders of two Minor A championships while with the club success has been rarer for Ryan. “My sole win was an U21B, I think I was only 16 or 17”.

Peter Duggan, Keith Hogan

and Jimmy Corry were also part of that U21B winning side. Ryan made his senior debut for the club in 2012.

Time has a habit of just whizzing by, he observed. “It is hard to believe it is eight years since we were in the final, it doesn’t feel that long ago but the years fly by fairly quickly, we’re delighted to be back in a final. It will be very much the same approach as 2017, it is a final but at the end of the day it is just another game of hurling so you have to be fully focused on the match, we cannot wait, we’re really looking forward to it”.

His midfield partner Jimmy Corry will captain the side and lead them as they walk behind The Tulla Pipe Band on Sun-

occasion to be part of, you should relish and embrace it, there’s no point shying away from it, we don’t get here too often”. It was Clooney/Quin’s last final appearance in 2017 and his performances along the way that earned him a call up to the Clare senior panel who ironically were managed by current Éire Óg manager Gerry O’Connor and Donal Moloney. He has become a regular starter during Brian Lohan’s tenure and was nominated for an All Star in 2022.

Taylor’s Bar in the Market in Ennis is one of the town’s most popular establishments with Ryan working alongside his family. He won’t shy away from hurling talk this week with many of the Townie clientele. “I’d only be happy to chat to everyone and meet the customers, it is nothing new at this stage, we’ve been doing battle in championship for the last few years”. A past pupil of Ennis NS where Shane O’Donnell was a class above him, Ryan quipped, “I’m familiar enough with the town” but said they’re likely to opt for the village of Quin for their post final beverages.

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

Manager Lynch leads line for Clooney-Quin

WHEN Clooney-Quin last contested the Clare SHC

ﬁnal in 2017, Fergal Lynch was their captain, writes Páraic McMahon. As they ﬁnd themselves 60 minutes from lifting the Canon Hamilton he is their manager.

Being between the white lines instead of outside them is something Lynch misses. However, management can offer some form of substitute.

“You can’t beat playing. My ﬁrst big gig was going in with the Clare minors in 2019, unfortunately it ended after a year, a very successful year with those boys."

A member of the Clare senior hurling panel from 2002 to 2013, there was a spell where he was the only Clooney/Quin man on the panel following Conor Harrison’s exit and prior to the arrival of Peter Duggan. Duggan is among current panellists Lynch played alongside for the club as is Cillian Duggan, Jimmy Corry, Ryan Taylor, Martin Duggan, Bryan McInerney, Shane McNamara, Michael Corry and Trevor Lee.

"They are great guys and good friends, it is not something that I’d fall out with any of these guys over hurling, it is sport at the end of the day. These guys are extremely

professional and we’re happy to be on this journey”.

For their journey to include a ﬁrst Clare SHC ﬁnal appearance in eight years is something he felt was possible at the beginning of the year. “It is the ultimate goal for every club team when they started off, we were taking it step by step."

He continued, “People are on about a destination and winning a Canon Hamilton, these are just steps.

"We’re looking at the journey as opposed to the destination and the journey is always the most memorable in any team, the limited victorious teams that I’ve been involved in the journey was always what I enjoyed the most”.

Throughout their campaign, Clooney/Quin have shown resilience whether it was coming from behind with a late Darragh McNamara goal to beat Broadford, their statement round two win over Inagh/Kilnamona, knocking out county champions Feakle or overturning Ballyea in the semi-ﬁnals.

The impact of sports psychologist Kieran Shannon has been felt. “We’ve a lot of work done on the pitch in terms of our conditioning,

skill acquisition and coaching, we’ve done a bit of work mentally too and Kieran Shannon has been on board, he has been fantastic."

For the last decade, Fergal has been principal of Quin Dangan NS and over this time the primary school has put a big push on promoting games with teachers such as former Clooney-Quin senior hurler Donnchadh Murphy to the fore.

“A number of players have come through our school to the club but they have come from Clooney NS, Ennis NS and the Gaelscoil, we’re not the only feeder, we’re only a small piece in the jigsaw but it is great that Jack, Jerry and John Conneally have come through the ranks in our school, they are great memories of seeing them play primary game and winning Division 1 in the Cumann na mBunscoil”.

Past pupils of Fergal’s that are now part of the senior panel include Evan Maxted, John Conneally, Mikey Corry, Callum Hassett, Jack O’Neill, Jerry O’Connor, Dannan Fox, Darragh McNamara and Seán McNamara.

There was a barrier to break down in moving from the teacher/student relation-

ship to the manager/hurler dynamic. “These guys understand that the barrier has to be broken down, we have worked hard on that with the teacher pupil dynamic”.

This younger cohort are used to winning big games in the Clooney/Quin jersey. “They have great experience, Matthew Corbett, Jerry O’Connor, the McNamara twins, David Cahill, Pa Finnernan have been a fantastic boost of oxygen to us in the group, they have come in and risen standards. When you come in as a youngster at seventeen, you have a carefree and low thought process on what you need to do, they are hurling with freedom and we let them do that”.

County ﬁnal preparations will not lead to less hours of work in school this week for Mr Lynch. “The work has to be done, we’ve a big build going on in the school at the moment, €2.8m of a build going on for ASD classrooms and special education, that is taking up a lot of my time at the moment, there’s plenty of football competitions and athletics going on in the school so we’re part of all that which is great, the kids still have to learn and I still have to open the door and let them in”.

Photo by Gerard O'Neil

BRYAN McINERNEY

CALLUM HASSETT CILLIAN DUGGAN CILLIAN O'GARA CONOR GROGAN DANNAN FOX DARRAGH KEOGH

DAVID CAHILL DAVID CONSIDINE DONAGH O'SULLIVAN DYLAN CUNNINGHAM ENDA O'HALLORAN EOGHAN O'BRIEN EVAN MAXTED

JERRY O'CONNOR JIMMY CORRY JOHN CAHILL

JOHN CONNEALLY KEITH HOGAN MARTIN DUGGAN MATTHEW CORBETT

DARRAGH McNAMARA

JACK O'NEILL

MICHAEL CORRY

MIKE McNAMARA PATRICK FINNERNAN PETER DUGGAN PJ McCARTHY RYAN TAYLOR SAM SCANLON SEAN McNAMARA

SHANE McNAMARA TREVOR LEE ULICK O'SULLIVAN CIARA GROGAN DAN PALACHE DEREK QUINN DOM HAYES

ED MANLEY FERGAL LYNCH FRANCIS BROWNE KATHLEEN DOYLE

LIAM KEATING MAUREEN DUGGAN MIKE BROWNE

SHANE HARRISON

DR MARIE QUIGNEY

STEVIE McHUGH

AARON FITZGERALD AIDAN McGRATH ANDREW McELWEE BRUCE PIGOTT CIAN HOWARD CIARAN RUSSELL CILLIAN MORONEY

CONOR PERRILL DANNY RUSSELL DARRAGH STACK DARREN MORONEY DARREN O'BRIEN DAVID LOFTUS DAVID McNAMARA

EOIN O'REGAN FIONAN TREACY JAMES O'DWYER

JARLATH COLLINS

KEVIN BRENNAN KEVIN MOYNIHAN LIAM CORRY

JACK LYNCH

DAVID REIDY

LUCA CLEARY

LUKE MALICE LUKE PYNE MARC O'DONNELL MARCO CLEARY

MICHAEL MOLONEY NIALL McMAHON NIALL O'CONNOR

RIAN MULCAHY ROBERT LOFTUS SHANE O'DONNELL TOM KAVANAGH

CIARÁN DALY

DARRAGH O'ROURKE

RONAN KEANE

JOHN RUSSELL LIAM CRONIN NEIL McCARTHY

OWEN TARRANT JACK WALSH CONOR MALONE

ORAN CAHILL

GERRY O'CONNOR

PHILLY WALSH

Óg win could see 'explosion for hurling in town'

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WITHIN the Éire Óg dressing room, only John Russell has been acquainted with the Canon Hamilton, by Sunday evening he hopes to be sitting amongst a new batch of Clare SHC winners from the town.

A broken jaw and hand injury restricted John’s involvement in 1990 to that of a sub coming off the bench as Éire Óg defeated O’Callaghans Mills 1-5 1-3 to be crowed champions. He was back among the starting team that November when they lost the Munster club final to Patrickswell 0-8 0-6 in Cusack Park.

Among his most youthful teammates in 1990 was wing back Tommy Corbett who captained St Flannan’s College to Croke Cup success a year later and is a selector in Brian Lohan’s Clare management; his son Matthew is part of the Clooney/Quin panel. At midfield on the team was Gerry Cahill and his son Oran will be midfield for Éire Óg on Sunday.

That Éire Óg would be waiting 35 years to lift the Canon Hamilton is something John would never have envisaged in 1990. “When you’re playing you think they will come easy but they don’t come around too often, you have to take your chance when it comes. Thirty five years is a long time, there’s young lads growing up in the town of Ennis that have never seen Éire Óg win a senior championship. I saw Éire Óg win when I was 14 years of age, I remember playing outside with my neighbours the Barrys, Petie and Joe, it made all the difference to me. Thirty five years for us in the town is a long time but it’s the same for Clooney/Quin and they are thinking the same thing”.

Unique as the only Clare SHC winner in the dressing room is something he is "not a record I am proud of.

"I’ve seen the impact of the footballers winning the championships, we’ve young lads here and they know if you play senior football for

Éire Óg there is a good chance that you will be on a winning team, we need those young lads in the academy to see us get over the line and then maybe an explosion of hurling could happen, it would be fabulous for the town.”

Russell returned to senior management when Gerry O’Connor became manager last season. Prior to this, he had been involved with the club’s intermediate camogie side and junior hurlers.

This is certainly not his first rodeo at senior level, “I’ve been manager four times since I finished hurling myself; I was a player manager in 1995, I’ve had three unsuccessful attempts as manager since,” he recalled. He has also coached Kilmaley’s senior hurlers when the late Eugene McMahon and John Carmody were in charge. Management and players produce a “very professional effort” in their approach.

“This is a serious group. The management group is very good, you’ve serious coaches and a serious manager. Liam Cronin, Ronan Keane, Owen Tarrant and Gerry are super people to work with”.

John’s role as coach and selector sees him primarily work with the backs and oversee touch drills while Ronan is tasked with “the tactical stuff”. How tactics have led to an evolution in hurling has left John fascinated at training. “Having played corner back for Clare, if the goalkeeper hit me out the ball I’d hit it straight back to him, I wouldn’t be thanking him.

"The modern game is very tactical, it is completely different to what I played, you just hit the ball and got rid of it because you had to get rid of it, there was no taking on your man, no breaking the tackle or creating overlaps, you just got the ball and let it go, it was the age-old story of letting the ball do the work."

Having lined out for Clare’s senior hurlers when there

was no back door, he made 10 championship appearances, the last of which was the '93 Munster final defeat to Tipperary. He is all too aware the vital experience brought to the set-up by today's intercounty stars.

The Element Six employee noted. “The dual players have won three football championships which is huge, we have Shane O’Donnell and David Reidy who are All-Ireland winners and that is huge experience, you can see that in the dressing room, Danny Russell is there who might not have the same amount of medals as the boys but his experience and Liam Corry’s is savage, we have a lot of leaders in the dressing room and it is about leaders. Gerry said it in earlier in the year, this is a player driven set-up, we’re only there to facilitate it, I hope it shows in the way they play, they take control and get us over the line”.

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

l Éire Óg selector & coach John Russell

Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

'You blink and it's gone': Reidy ready

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

RISING STANDARDS and greater accountability have driven Éire Óg to a second Clare SHC final appearance in four years.

At the beginning of July, David Reidy captained Éire Óg to win the Division 2 Hurling League. There were no celebrations with the cup which he accepted from clubman Paddy Smyth but it would be a completely different scenario were he to receive the Canon Hamilton on Sunday.

Returning to the county final after their 2022 loss “feels like a long time", he says, "but if you look at it overall in the last 10 years, we’ve been to 10 quarter-finals and struggling to get over the line.”

He told The Clare Echo, “At the end of the day we have won nothing, if you lose at the weekend you might as well have been knocked out at the group stage, we’ll be focusing on winning at the weekend”.

After five successive years of quarter-final losses, Éire Óg made it to the semi-finals in 2020. Reflecting on what led to their progress, Reidy said, “Players themselves decided that we wanted to change our standards. The previous management let us dictate to a certain degree on what our standards were going to be, when we did that some lads that would have been playing senior for a number of years fell away, we had a bit of youth come back into the squad, we had junior players step up so it is not just one thing, it is a combination of everything”.

Basics must be perfected before any team can consider delving into a more tactical approach, the Clare forward flagged. “It’s like building a house, you have to have the foundations down first before you go building blocks. It is back to complete basics, the most basic thing is hitting the ball 20 yards to a fella’s hand, if you cannot do that consistently then why are you going into tactics. If you look at the Kilmaley game, skill execution wasn’t there but what we did have was workrate, tackling, harrying, hooks and blocks, they are all things that a lot of teams take for granted, if you don’t provide them on any day you will be in trouble”.

Though they have been consistently making the knockout stages for the last decade, Éire Óg will contest only their third final in 25 years. “I’ve been around long enough, I’ve put in the hard yards and there are lot of lads in their mid 30s who have been on the senior panel since they were 18 and they know nobody deserves to get to a semi-final or a final.

"You can pick out eight or nine teams that are very close because there is no real favourite and that is the beauty of the Clare championship that on any given year, any team can triumph. If you look at this year, none of the four semi-finalists were in the semi-final the year before which is massive and just shows the competitiveness of the Clare championship”.

Part of the victorious Éire Óg Clare SFC winning side of 2021, he

doesn’t view Sunday as the chance to add to the collection.

“I don’t think about it like that to be honest. It’s like two different sports, it’s like playing soccer and

football. At the start of the year I was concentrating fully on hurling and that will be no different coming into Sunday”. Similarly, he said the hurlers ha-

ven’t been drawing links with the success of the footballers who followed the 2021 win with titles in 2022 and 2024. “I don’t think we compare, it is two different squads, two different set-ups even though we have a crossover.

"At the start of the year we set our own goals in our hurling group, we don’t compare to other teams either in-house in the club or to other teams in the county, we’ve our own goals which we will try reach on Sunday”.

Clare’s All-Ireland defence did not go to plan in 2025 when the year finished with just one championship win. Reidy’s showings were one of the big pluses where he was consistently one of the county’s best players this season. “I think the biggest thing was to stay injury free, I had a full year of no injuries and credit is due to Lukasz [Kirszenstein] our S&C with Clare, he had me in good form, good fitness. I put the work in for the pre-season and that drove me on for the year and gave me a good foundation. Personally, games fell my way, I was able to get on ball and get scores, it goes back to the basics of working hard and getting tackles in”.

Part of the Clare senior panel since 2014, the past 11 years have gone by for him in the blink of an eye. “That is the one thing you will say to any of the young lads, there’s an opportunity on Sunday that doesn’t come around every day. I’ve played in one All-Ireland final with Clare in a 13-year period, you blink and it is gone. We’re playing a coun-

l Éire Óg captain David Reidy

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

to seize the day

ty final on Sunday, we will embrace that, we will enjoy it and have fun out there as well as all the serious stuff because it might not come around again”.

Following Clare’s run, he returned to Éire Óg and there has been less pressure on his shoulders so far as scoring is concerned with Danny Russell on the frees while Marco Cleary and Darren Moroney have been clocking up big tallies. “It is important if you look at our team compared to last year, we’ve an extra bit of youth which has given a new injection of life. If you look at it we’ve 17 and 18 year olds, we’ve 34 year olds and everything in between.

"Any day you go out trying to compete at the highest level there is pressure on you, it is about how you handle the pressure. We put pressure on ourselves to perform, again some days it doesn’t work but it is how you react to that. Coming into Sunday, it will be no different, we’ll be putting pressure on ourselves as individuals and as a collective, it is about whatever teams handles that the best”.

New additions to the panel have reminded him of his younger years. “I’m still young at heart, when you see the injection of youth and you have lads doing their Leaving Cert and looking at what points they’re going to get and where they think about going to college, you go back to thinking where was I staying when I was in Galway or Limerick with accommodation so you start comparing and talking about the nightclubs but the nightclubs that I was in are non-existent in Galway anymore so it adds a bit of craic which is very important too”.

Lining out against him on Sunday will be a familiar face, Peter Duggan, with whom he is very close. “Once that ball is thrown in there’s no friends, I’ve grown up with Peter, we are the same age and have been on the

Clare panel 12 years together. e’ll be saying the same thing, once the ball is thrown in there’s no friends until the 64th minute or whenever the final whistle is blown and we’ll go and shake each other’s hands, we’ll probably have a pint together,” he explained.

Sporting a red and white tracksuit top with no crest, it could be argued that he is still supporting Newmarket Celtic as much as Éire Óg in his choice of clothing. “I played for a number of years with Newmarket Celtic and managed to play for a couple of years when I was in with the Clare set-up, the way the body is now when hurling is finished before you go back in with Clare you need a break, unfortunately there’s no more soccer,” he admits.

A medical sales rep with Glencar, the job brings with it a lot of driving which he uses to switch off from hurling. “I sell seats and mobility equipment for children with disabilities in Munster and Connacht, I’m on the road four and a half days a week, I go as far as Belmullet and Sligo down to West Cork and Waterford so there’s plenty of driving in it. I think my best friend is Joe Molloy on the Indo Sport Podcast. It is everything but hurling that I listen to, I’d say I’ve every podcast listened to except any of the hurling ones, it is a way to switch off more than anything between that, phone calls and work calls it passes the day driving”.

Time spent in the car does mean greater attention is placed on his recovery. “Especially on the longer days, you’re stopping halfway and stretching your hips or glutes.

"I enjoy it is the big thing, if you weren’t enjoying it then that can play tricks on your mind in terms of how bad your body is but when you are enjoying it then it makes everything easier.”

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

O'Donnell: I will do what I have to do for Éire Óg

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANE O’Donnell has his sights on flying to the moon but his immediate focus is trying to win a first Clare SHC with Éire Óg on Sunday.

Success has not been overly plentiful for Shane when it comes to lining out with his club. “I’ve one medal with Éire Óg, an U15B championship, that’s it, that is my entire hurling career with Éire Óg and an intermediate medal which I was injured for so it hasn’t exactly been an illustrious club career,” he admitted.

Wins at underage are becoming more frequent for the club in both codes, he acknowledged while recalling presenting medals in the clubhouse to victorious Éire Óg underage sides last season. “It’s been brilliant to see this batch of new players come in, it makes me feel like Éire Óg is in a great place as a club. This time last year, I was giving out medals for Éire Óg’s football and hurling wins, the amount of Éiré Óg teams here in the clubhouse for winning A and B championships was phe nomenal.

“I know in five or ten years or even two years I’ll be look ing watching and they will be winning things which will be fantastic, I’m just looking to secure one while I’m still on the pitch”.

Head of Product Management with Eagle Genomics, Shane has a remote role working from Clare when the hurling is in full swing and then returns to Dublin when the season ends with Éire Óg. The double life is something he enjoys. “Brian (Lohan) and the Clare man agement are willing to give a bit more time at the start of the year which allows me to do six months of the year in Dublin and discon nect a small bit while keeping my body alive also because that is a full-time job”.

As October dawns and he is still working from Clare, it means the hurling is going well as Éire Óg aim to lift the Canon Hamilton for the first time since 1990. It will be O’Donnell’s second Clare SHC final having lined out against Ballyea in 2022.

the last two years, we’ve a couple more this year with Mulla [Rian Mulcahy], Marco [Cleary] but there is an unbelievable base of players there and you could see in the last 15 minutes of the semi-final, we could bring on Ja [Jarlath Collins], James O’Dwyer, Tom Kavanagh and ever one of them had an impact...it is incredible to have the players coming through and have so much competition for places”.

Such a swell of younger players suddenly sees the teenage man of the match from the 2013 All-Ireland final replay now among the older members of the Éire Óg panel. “I’ve realised that for a years,” he quipped. “I’ve been one of the older lads for a long number of years," says Shane, noting that he's been in the senior ranks for 14 years.

It is unlikely that he will ever be the oldest Éire Óg player on the field and he is quick to point out he won’t be playing senior as long as Danny Russell. “I can categorically say that will not be happening for all reasons but simply the mechanics of my body

when lifting the roof off Cusack Park following his introduction during Clare’s 4-18 2-21 loss to Tipperary in May. “My Clare campaign was 90 minutes, 70 of those were in a game which was a dead rubber so it puts it into perspective when you finish that year when you feel like you haven’t even started, the club starts and you think this is a serious opportunity”.

Watching Clare games will be difficult when the three time All Star does call time on his inter-county career, he admitted. “I’ll be a very poor spectator, when I finish - when exactly that is, next year, I’m not 100 per cent sure but I’ll be moving abroad with my girlfriend so that will make things easier, I’ll get that full disconnect”.

Australia has overtaken America as their preferred choice of country to move to. “I don’t think anybody is under any illusions as to why the veneer and appeal of America has washed off a small bit, America is not a place I want to go and contribute tax money to at the moment. From a career perspective, America would be a no brainer but you have to consider the whole package but we’d have a great time in Australia”. Another trip he has yet to finalise is flying to the moon. “I don’t know how to describe it, I wouldn’t say it’s a bucket list thing because that makes it feel like a finger in the air, it is definitely a goal, people have a lot of stretched goals, this is about as stretched as it gets but it is something I’d like to do”. His immediate mission though is to try lift the Canon Hamilton with Éire Óg on Sunday. “If I sat down at the start of my career before I ever put on a jersey for senior with anything, many of the medals and achievements I’ve had, I have already managed to claim, the major one is probably this one, the Canon Hamilton”.

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

This year’s run has seen him rotate positions and he does embrace the freshness this brings. “What I enjoy is Éire Óg winning, I really enjoy winning games and I will do whatever I have to do essentially, I like the cut and thrust of the half-forward line and midfield being under puckouts but I also enjoy when I’m in full-forward and I’m fed ball, it is a different type of game”.

With “a phenomenal injection of players in the last two years,” he feels Éire Óg are a much stronger collective. “We blooded seven new players at senior level in

Emphatic victories as last four ﬁnalised in Clare senior camogie championship

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CHAMPIONS

Truagh/ Clonlara will be joined by Scariff/Ogonnelloe, Inagh/ Kilnamona and Feakle/Killanena in the semi-finals of the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championship.

Round five of the senior championship resulted in completely one-sided affairs as the semi-final line-up was completed in emphatic fashion.

Winning margins of 25 points, 19 points, 16 points were all recorded in the ties which is highlighting a worrying gap in the gulf between teams competing in the top tier.

In the last four, champions Truagh/Clonlara will meet Feakle/Killanena while Inagh/Kilnamona and Scariff/Ogonnelloe will face off. Much closer encounters are hoped for when the penultimate stage rolls around.

Maintaining their unbeaten streak, Truagh/Clonlara blitzed Newmarket-on-Fergus 5-15 0-11. Roisin Begley scored a hat-trick for the South-East Clare side in the opening half while their backline limited Newmarket-on-Fergus to just two points in this spell.

Second half goals from Eimear Kelly and Lauren Slater saw the champions add to their tally. It capped off a busy weekend for centre forward Michelle Caulfield who alongside her husband John Conlon celebrated the opening of Thirteen Twelve Brew in Clonlara.

Scariff/Ogonnelloe secured second spot in Group 1 with a comprehensive 4-21 0-7 dismantling of St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield. Within the first seven minutes, they raced 0-5 0-0 clear and by half time, they had bagged goals via Aoife Power and Abby Walsh while containing The Parish to a single point.

In a three minute spell in the second half, the East Clare side struck for 2-1, Jennifer Daly raised both green flags while Amy Barrett split the posts. Senior

status has been secured for St Joseph’s which was their main objective but they will be disappointed to finish up on a whimper.

On Friday evening, Inagh/ Kilnamona made it four wins out of four when running out victorious against Clarecastle/Ballyea 1-19 1-3. Having started brightly with wins over Kilmaley and Kilkishen, the campaign totally disintegrated for Clarecastle/Ballyea with heavy losses to Feakle/Killanena and Inagh/Kilnamona. Eugene Foudy’s Inamona side have kept a strong focus throughout the group stages and head into the semi-finals in a rich vein of form. It comes with the caveat that they may not have been tested to their limit but they have passed each assisngment with flying colours. They will be joined by Feakle/Killanena who recorded a 5-27 2-11 victory at Kilkishen’s expense. Level

early on in the contest following Caoimhe Kelly’s first quarter goal for Kilkishen, there was the possibility that this could be a tight affair. However as has been common this season, Kilkishen faded from the game as their opponents took control.

Kelly’s major made it 1-3 0-6 but Feakle/Killanena upped the ante in the second quarter outscoring their opponents 1-8 0-4 and by half time they held a 2-15 1-7 advantage, the goals from Shauna Canny and Lorna McNamara.

Five minutes into the second half, Aoibheann Daly goaled to give Feakle/Killanena a seventeen point advantage and there was no looking back from here. The result consigns Kilkishen to a relegation battle with East Clare neighbours Tulla who have a point to their name after drawing with Newmarket-on-Fergus in round four. In the intermediate fi-

nal, Broadford/Bodyke and Clooney/Quin will battle it out for promotion to the top tier. Clooney/Quin overcame Éire Óg on a score of 1-10 0-7 while last year’s finalists Broadford/Bodyke secured their return to the county final beating Whitegate 2-14 1-9.

Clare Credit Union Senior Camogie Championship Round 5: Group 1: Scariff/Ogonnelloe 4-21 St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 0-7

Truagh/Clonlara 5-15 Newmarket-on-Fergus 0-11

Group 2: Inagh/Kilnamona 1-19 Clarecastle/Ballyea 1-03 Feakle/Killanena 5-27 Kilkishen 2-11.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Zi Yan SpillaneFEAKLE/KILLANENA

SUCCESSIVE semi-final appearances have been secured by Feakle/Killanena with Zi Yan Spillane playing a leading role which sees her named the Clare Credit Unions/The Clare Echo player of the week. A ten point haul from Zi Yan saw Feakle/Killanena blitz fellow East Clare side Kilkishen 5-27 2-11 to seal their place in the last four of the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championship.

Spillane a member of the Clare senior side was very prominent in their round five victory and has been to the fore in their run to the semi-finals.

Zi Yan will be presented with a €50 Torpey voucher courtesy of Clare Credit Unions, sponsor of our senior club camogie championship coverage.

l Feakle/Killanena’s Lorna McNamara tries to make a block

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Daniels dedicates Éire Óg victory to O’Brien family

TUS CLARE SFC SEMI-FINAL

ÉIRE ÓG 2-10

LISSYCASEY 0-09

Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

ÉIRE ÓG

Frees for: 8 (2/6)

Wides: 8 (6/2)

Spread of scorers: 4

Scores from play: 2-9

Top scorer: Colm Walsh

O’Loghlen (1-2) and Mark McInerney (0-5 1f)

Bookings: David McNamara (HT)

Own kickouts won: 10 from 16 (63%)

LISSYCASEY

Frees for: 10 (3/7)

Wides: 7 (3/4)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 0-8

Top scorer: Conor

Finnucane (0-4 1TP 1f)

Bookings: Mikey O’Neill (HT)

Own kickouts won: 12 from 20 (60%)

REFEREE: Niall Quinn (St Joseph’s Miltown)

ÉIRE ÓG senior football manager

Shane Daniels dedicated their semiﬁnal win to the O’Briens, a family deeply rooted in the club who are experiencing a great sense of loss.

On Friday evening, shock and sadness swept across the town of Ennis and into the heart of Éire Óg when word ﬁltered out regarding the sudden death of Bernard O’Brien, a brother of Darren who is a starting dual-player for both senior sides

and a son of Bob, a leading ﬁgure in the club who is heavily involved in video analysis with teams.

Prior to Saturday’s 2-10 0-9 semi-ﬁnal victory over Lissycasey, a minute’s silence was held for Bernard. Manager Shane Daniels said the O’Briens were at the foremost of their thoughts. “The lads worked

really hard, it has been a real tough 24 hours for the lads, for the club and everyone involved in the team. “It was different circumstances to what we are used to but the lads showed great heart and courage.

I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Darren and Bob O’Brien, both of them are involved with us for the last number of years, huge Éire Óg men, we had to get over the line for them”.

Goals help Parish over line into ﬁnal

TUS CLARE SFC SEMI FINAL

ST JOSEPH’S DOORA-BAREFIELD 3-11 CRATLOE 1-14

Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

ST JOSEPH’S DOORA/ BAREFIELD

Frees for: 7 (1/6)

Wides: 8 (4/4)

Spread of scorers: 5

Scores from play: 3-9

Top scorer: Tom Curran (1-5 1TP 1f)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 13 from 23 (57%)

CRATLOE

Frees for: 11 (3/8)

Wides: 8 (5/3)

Spread of scorers: 10 Scores from play: 1-12

Top scorer: Seán Collins (0-3 1f) & Podge Collins (0-3)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 15 from 22 (68%)

REFEREE: Fergal O’Brien (Broadford)

ST JOSEPH’S DOORA/BAREFIELD reaching the Clare SFC final for the first time since 2012 has been “five hard years in the making”.

Donagh Vaughan was a selector in 2020 when The Parish defeated Corofin 1-16 2-8 to seal their return to the senior ranks. He became manager following their promotion, they’ve remained in the top tier ever since and are now preparing for a first Clare SFC final in thirteen years.

On Sunday, they defeated Cratloe 3-11 1-14 to tee up a final showdown with Éire Óg. A delighted Donagh told The Clare Echo, “This is five hard years in the making since we won the intermediate during COVID, our big thing was to get past one of the quarter-finals and to get to a semi-fina. Semifinals are for winning, it was a tough battle at the end, we were trying to hang on in there and the goals were super which helped get us over the line”.

Prior to Sunday, 30 year old Conor O’Brien was the only member of their panel to have experienced a Clare SFC semiﬁnal. “We didn’t over worry about the fact that a lot of lads hadn’t reached this stage, at the end of the day the majority of these boys had won an U21A at the end of last year, they also played in a Cusack Cup ﬁnal this year, the group have been together and they have shown resilience. In the group

stages, while performances left a lot of work to be done, it propelled us forward and we got a good bit of momentum to improve where we were, now we find ourselves in the final”. With only a point separating them from Cratloe in the third round, Doora/Barefield certainly fancied their chances before the ball was throw-in for the semi-final. “There was nothing between us and we weren’t happy with our performance that day, we felt we didn’t give our best on the field, we felt there was improvement in us, obviously Cratloe came on again and had a few more back from injury but there is nothing between the teams, today the third goal sealed it”. Goals proved the difference but saves from Tom O’Brien and a block by captain Darragh O’Shea saw them withstand Cratloe’s fight back at the death. “We don’t do it easy, we were hanging on there for a finish and the bottom line is we’re in a final, that is all that matters”.

He told The Clare Echo, “This is only a game, we go out and we love football, we will train as hard as we can, we will analyse it, we will watch it, at the end of the day we all have to go home but what two of our family as we call them are going through at the moment is really tough, for the lads to keep their concentration today and win is super, I can’t speak highly enough of anyone that took to the pitch for us”.

Daniels continued, “Our immediate attention will turn to Darren and Bob O’Brien, we will spend the next few days with them and after that we’ve the hurling final which the club as a whole will be looking forward to and then we’ll look to the football final, we’ll take the games as they come which is what we’ve done all year and it is what we will keep doing”. Reflecting on the match, Shane stated, “We knew what we were going to get, Lissycasey are a fantastic team, they have shown it all year and have been putting up fantastic scores, they are really pacy, they can score and have guys all over the pitch that can cause you damage, defensively I thought we were good but in attack we can be better, you have to praise Lissycasey who were a really good outfit”.

IN HIS first start of the championship, Tom Curran made his mark for St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield to scoop the Martin Daly Autos/ The Clare Echo player of the week.

Curran was a constant threat in the inside line of Doora/Barefield’s attack as they overcame Cratloe in the Clare SFC semi-finals to advance to a first senior final since 2012.

Jinking left and right when he got on the ball, Tom more importantly was able to put the ball between the posts and in the back of the net.

He finished as the top scorer for The Parish with 1-5 to his name and had an electric spark whenever the ball came his way.

Injuries have limited his involvement this season but Tom showed his importance to the Doora/Barefield attack in what was one of their best collective displays since winning promotion from the intermediate ranks in 2020.

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

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Tom Curran - Doora-Bareﬁeld

l The ball flies past Cratloe’s David Collins and Joe Rafferty of St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld Photo by Gerard O’Neill

SCAN HERE FOR

l Éire Óg’s Luke Pyne gets away from Lissycasey defenders Daire Hill and Darragh Killeen

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Promotion has been the main goal for Coroﬁn all season

RELEGATED from the senior ranks last season, Coroﬁn’s objective from the beginning of their campaign has been to return to the top flight, writes Páraic McMahon

Unbeaten in the TUS Clare IFC to date, Corofin sealed their place in the county final with a 2-12 0-6 win over Clondegad in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Coroﬁn manager, Peadar O’Brien admitted their primary objective has been to put themselves within sixty minutes of securing promotion. “That was our goal at the start of the year whether we were good enough or not but we got a great battle from Clondegad in the semi-ﬁnal and the game could have gone either way, it was a really really top championship game, we’re delighted to get over the line”.

Goals from the Cahill brothers, Gearoid and Diarmuid served as “big scores” in the semi-final, he said. “They were well finished, we did miss a goal in the first half but they had no real clear-cut goal chance so we’re happy and

delighted to be in the ﬁnal”.

O’Brien acknowledged that Coroﬁn custodian Luke Neylon was called upon to make a vital stop from Fiachra Kirby immediately after their ﬁrst major. “There was one that he got a great hand to in the second half, he got a great hand to it and that was after our goal. It is a team game, we’re lucky enough that we have a bit of depth on the bench, that got us over the line”.

Last weekend, Coroﬁn suffered relegation from the Clare SHC, diverting their attention immediately to football and battling to go up has been a help. “They had a focus but the hurling was ﬁnished, there was nothing we could do about it, there is no point worrying about next year at the moment. The roles were reversed last year in that we were relegated in the football a week before we stayed up in the hurling so more luck to them but it just didn’t go their way last Sunday, they could have got something out of the game but were just a bit unlucky not to get it”.

COROFIN COME OUT ON TOP IN TIGHT BATTLE WITH CLONDEGAD

INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL

SCAN

COORACLARE KEEP PROMOTION BID ON COURSE

INTERMEDIATE

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

BANNER LADIES are bidding to be crowned senior champions for a fifteenth time this weekend but their hunger is “as strong as ever”.

One of the main reasons for the success enjoyed by the Banner ladies senior football team over the years is the role of manager J.J. O’Dea. That’s according to Laurie Ryan who is one of a number of players chasing a fifteenth Clare senior title on Sunday.

She explained, “JJ is a very understanding manager. A lot of us are dual players, involved in soccer, camogie or hockey, clashes that other clubs don’t have. JJ never pushes us to do training our bodies aren’t able for. He always says go out and enjoy playing and you can see that in the way we play”.

“Officials in the club like JJ, Dorothy Meeneghan make us so welcome. I was living in Athlone last year (she played soccer with Athlone) and couldn’t always make the training.

We are like one big family. Girls come back year after year whether or not they have been overseas and all are made so welcome”, she added. Laurie will be playing in her seventeeth senior decider on Sunday.

The Banner ladies star agrees that the finals “are a great showpiece for ladies football. We missed out last year, the only time the final was played in Cusack park. Of all the finals I have played, I never got to

play any of them in Cusack Park. It was a fantastic occasion last year. While we did get to play a Munster club game there once, I would love to play a final there”.

Laurie told The Clare Echo, “the hunger for victory is as strong as ever. I moved back to Clare this year and this is bonus territory. We take great enjoyment out of each win. We know it’s not going to last forever. We were lucky

'Hunger for victory as strong as ever' for Laurie & Banner

to avoid relegation in the league and when we were well beaten in the opening round of the championship it was hard to see us getting to the final. Everyone has knuckled down and different girls have played huge roles. There is a great bond within the group. We have become closer as the years have gone on. The majority of the squad are based locally. Young girls like Caoimhe Cahill, and Eimear Burke have become real leaders and they will take over the mantle. We are lucky to be where we are”.

Concluding Laurie said “a lot would have seen Kilmihil and Kilmurry Ibrickane as the likely finalists this year. We are under no illusions as to the task in hand. Kilmihil have a strong panel with some fantastic players. We will be hoping to impose our own game as much as possible. They were brilliant against us in the opening round. We will have learned a lot about each other. It promises to be a great game”.

Kilmihil 'very proud' to be at top table in mens and ladies

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

KILMIHIL senior ladies football know they are facing a big challenge on Sunday but manager Timmy Ryan says they are focusing “on what we have and if we deliver on that we have a great chance”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo this week as Sunday’s final moves closer he acknowledged that “the Banner have very talented players but I am expecting a very tight game”.

A strong player with club and county, Ryan a member of the teaching staff at St. Joseph’s Spanish Point is a passionate Kilmihil man. “We are one of only a few clubs in Clare to have teams competing at senior men’s and ladies levels and we are very proud of that. The community is very supportive of both and the ladies will have a big following on Sunday”.

All of the panel that contested the semi-final last year are involved again this year while three girls from Newmarket-on-Fergus, Jenny Kelly, Carol O’Leary and Grainne McMahon joined the squad this year. Kelly and O’Leary were part of their 2019 championship winning squad.

Unlucky to lose out by a point in last year’s semi-final the manager is happy that he has a fully fit squad available for selection.

Noting that “we beat them in the opening round when we got three

goals in the opening half but it was a closely contested game. Both sides were missing players on that occasion and these players will be available this week”.

Kilmihil’s only senior title was won in 2019 and most of that squad are still available. Sisters Eimear and Ailish Considine who have gone on to achieve huge success on the international rugby fields and in Australlian Rules football, played starring roles in that success and both are part of this year’s panel.

This year’s side is captained by defender Rosie Currane and also includes key players in Becky Mahon, Dearbhla Higgins, Ellie O’Gorman

and the McNamaras, Aoife, Edel and Aine.

The Kilmihil manager has no doubt but that his charges will be playing in front of “one of the biggest crowds of the season. We have great support which we appreciate”. Asked if he is concerned that the game is going ahead in opposition to the county senior hurling final he said “a few have said that the clash is disappointing but we are totally focussed on our game and we don’t even know that the hurling is on. It would be a good idea to give the girls a day on their own”, he concluded.

Gearoid Kelly keeps the ball from Tadhg Ó Uallacháin

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Cooraclare goalkeeper Harry O’Gorman celebrates

Photo by James Downes

l Laurie in action during the quarter-ﬁnal win over Burren Gaels Burren Eye Photography

l Timmy Ryan addresses the Kilmihil panel Burren Eye Photography

Ennis RFC secure historic AIL win on league debut

ENERGIA AIL WOMEN’S LEAGUE

by Harry Shorthose at The Black Gates, Tullow

Tullow 26 Ennis 29

Ennis made history in Carlow on Saturday afternoon as they won their ﬁrst ever AIL match, and they got the ﬁrst ever AIL win by any club in Clare.

Gareth O’Hanlon’s young charges were impressive, and didn’t let the pressure get to them, even when their backs were against the wall, they found a way to get back into the match, never stopped believing and stuck to their gameplan.

It would have been easy for them to give up at times, especially when they were 12-0 down after 15 minutes. Aoibheann Hahessy had spoken at the league launch about development being their primary focus rather than results but they surely would have targeted this game against Tullow who were winless last season, and are lucky to still be in the AIL, having ﬁnished bottom with no points.

They were given a lifeline by Suttonians pulling out of the league. A Tullow side boasting a new manager and a team boasting a mixture of experience and youth looked strong in attack but struggled defensively, with Ennis being patient in attack

and ﬁnding gaps in the defence.

In the early stages, it appeared as if Tullow would run riot. The hosts took the lead after ten minutes, as an interception from Roisin O’Toole in her own half of the pitch saw her sprint down the left wing and with no Tullow players with her and Ennis players in pursuit, she kept going and tapped the ball down to the left of the posts.

Tullow’s new Samoan international, France Bloomﬁeld, sister of former club captain, Keiaho Bloomﬁeld was on conversion duties and missed her kick from the left, falling short of the posts.

Five minutes later, Alex O’Brien, one of the longest serving players on the team, and sister of British & Irish Lion Sean pushed Tullow further ahead as she went over under the posts. Bloomﬁeld converted easily to give Tullow a 12-0 lead.

With 19 minutes gone, a quick Ennis penalty was recycled to the right hand side where they were awarded another penalty.

Tullow overturned the ball and cleared their lines, giving the ball back to Ennis who pushed forward but conceded a penalty to Tullow, which allowed them to clear.

With 25 minutes on the clock, Ennis registered their ﬁrst score of the game. A 5m scrum saw Saher

Hamden crash over right next to the posts to the right. Emma Keane converted. With two minutes until halftime, Tullow edged further ahead. A penalty was kicked into the right hand side, leading to a lineout to Tullow on the 22m line. They pushed forward and won a penal-

ty. Kelly took it quickly and the ball was played into O’Neill who found a gap to go in right next to the posts. Bloomﬁeld converted to give Tullow an 11 point lead going into the break. Ennis started the second half off best and within six minutes, Caoilfhionn Conway Morrissey had gone

over to reduce the deficit to five points with Keane adding the extras. However, Tullow kept finding a way to get scores, Chloe Farrell finding space down the right hand side and going in around the back to touch down under the posts. Bloomfield added the conversion. Ennis refused to give up though. They put pressure on in the right hand corner, recycled the ball out to the left where they won a penalty which was taken quick and played down the left into Megan O’Connor who went over in the left hand corner. Keane missed the conversion. Just after the hour mark, Morrissey got her second try of the day as she went over just to the left of the posts. Keane added the conversion to set up a grandstand last 20 minutes. In the final minute, Ennis won a penalty and Keane made no mistake in firing over to win the game for the visitors.

Jonathan Keane & Aideen Walsh to represent Ireland

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

LAHINCH GC:

South of Ireland golf champion Jonathan Keane has been selected to represent Ireland at the Nassau Invitational which takes place next week at Nassau Country Club, Glen Cove, New York.

Jonathan and Aideen Walsh have been selected to represent Ireland at the Carey Cup which will be hosted at Portmarnock GC on October 16/17. The Carey Cup is a ten-person team competition between Ireland and golfers from the Metropolitan Golf Association playing a Walker cup-style competition featuring fourball, foursome and singles matches.

Áine Donegan competed in the 2025 LPGA pre-qualifying tournament at the LPGA International (Jones Course), Daytona Beach in Flori- da. Áine is wished every success as she embarks on her professional career over the coming months.

Following completion of the 50th Walker Cup match between the USA

and GB&I at Cypress Point Club, California just over two weeks ago, the focus now turns to Lahinch in September 2026. Planning for the tournament is at an advanced stage The Ladies Christmas hampers competitions will take place on Saturday 4th (Old Course) and Sunday 5th (Castle Course) October. The Ladies Committee have also conﬁrmed that this year’s Christmas party will take place as scheduled on Saturday December 6 followed by dinner at The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon.

WOODSTOCK

The weekend’s men’s competition was a singles which was won by Noel Casey (15) with 45 points. The gross was won by Tony Nugent (1) with 34 points.

Category 1 (+ to 10) was won by Johnny Clune (7) with 40 points from Declan Reidy (7) with 38 points. Category 2 (11 to 18) was won by Tony Neville (14) with 42 points from Liam O’Connor (16) with 39 points while 3 (19 +) was won by Gerard Henchy (20) with 40.

In the 2’s competition Ken O’Shaughnessy was a winner at the 8th hole.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

Rico’s menswear ladies 18 hole stableford competition was won by Edel Crowley (19) with 37 points.

The category winners were Fiona Kinsella (11) with 32 points, Mary Downes (30) with 32 points and Helen Hurst (48) with 28 points.

EAST CLARE

Last week’s ladies

Wednesday competition was won by Connie McKenna, Mary Noonan and Deirdre Tuohy from Mary Hogan, Mary Stritch and Phil Burke with third place ﬁlled by Pauline Nugent, Mary Farrell, Marie A. Kelly and Hannah Guinnane.

The winners in the senior men’s competition were Sean Jones, Brendan Moloney and Michael Heffernan from Jim Fahy, Paddy O’Brien and Jerry O’Brien with Brendan Magill, Tadhg Murphy and Denis Corcoran in third.

The men’s stabeford competition at the weekend was won by

John Fielding (23) with 40 points from Kevin O’Brien (23) with 37 points. The gross was won by Stephen B. Moloney (5).

ENNIS GOLF CLUB

The weekend’s men’s competition was won by John A. Byrne (10) and Jim Grifﬁn (11) with 46 points, one more than Richard O’Connell (14) and Brendan Pyne (11). In third place a point further back were Flan Downes (10) and Barry Lee (15) followed by Tommy Stack (18) and Raymond Power (15) also with 44 points. In ﬁfth spot with 43 points were Michael Clancy (28) and Mark O’Brien (16).

Last week’s senior ladies outing was won by Brid Cunningham, Breege Hamell and Bernie Brooks with 51.94. In second place with 56.40 were Phil Buler, Eileen Daly and Maeve O’Grady followed by Celie O’Reilly, Bridie Keane and Sarah Cunningham with 59.57 .

The ladies weekly competition was an 18 hole fourball betterball competition sponsored by Cummins Car Centre.

The winners were Ethna Murphy (27) and Patrice Ryan (32) with 37 points, one more than Mary Nagle (21) and Marian Irwin (38). The gross was won by Monica Finnerty (27) and Mary T. McMahon (11) with 19 points. The 9 hole stableford competition was won by Geraldine O’Mahoney (17) with 18 points from Vivienne Lawless (23) with 17 points.

Division 1 was won by Claire Ruane (11) with 15 points, division 2 by Mary O’Halloran (19) with17 points and division 3 by Marie Connolly (23) with 16 points

The Friday open singles was won by Barry Larkin (13) with 37 points from Paul Geoghegan (30) from Dunmore Demesne with 33 points. In third place with 32 points was Joe O’Brien (27)

The weekend competition was the Jackie Morris Memorial and the winner of the ladies singles stableford was Ethna Murphy (30) with 36 points. She won by two from Sinéad O’Sullivan (40). The divisional winners were Peg Hanrahan (17) with 34 points, Josephine Tone (34) with 29 points and Audrey McEnery (41) with 34 points.

The men’s stableford competition was won by Diarmuid Meere (7) with 39 points from Daire Meehan (7) with

Last week’s senior men’s competition was a team event which was won by Senan Ryan, Steve Burns, Tommy Heath and Tony Kehoe with 71 points. They won by three from Vincent Corbett, Joe Dilleen, Larry Parks and Tim Scanlon with third place ﬁlled by Kieran O’Loughlin, Seamus Hanrahan, Eamon Kelly and Seamus Bowe, also with 68 points. They were followed by Noel Connellan, Eamon Corry, Paul Mockler and Jim Farrell with 67 points, Pat Murphy, Ronnie Guinnane, Kevin Murray and Tim Kelly with 65 points, Andrew McGloin, Bill O Sullivan, Michael Ball and Pat P. McInerney with 65 points, Tom Saunders, John McNamara, Ger O Brien and Pat Garry with 64 points with eighth spot ﬁlled by Kieran Tuohy, Matt Flynn, Tom Fox and Damon Murphy also with 64 points.

38 points with third spot ﬁlled by Vincent Neylon (18) with 36 points

The gross was won by Ronan Herbert with 31 points while the category winners were Enda Heaney (9) with 36 points, Mark O’Brien (17) with 36 points, Michael Cummins (19) with 37 points and Damon Murphy (22) with 35 points

The club extends best wishes to Mary Lenihan (silver) and Helen Harnett (bronze) who are competing in the All-Ireland ﬁnal of the Golf Ireland Silver and Bronze medal competitions at Headfort GC this week.

GORT

Friday’s open singles stableford competition at Gort was won by Kevin Moran (9) with 37 points while the gross was won by Joe Moran (0) with 33 points

The weekend competition was an 18 hole stroke which was won by Niall O’Shaughnessy (15) with 65. The category winners were Tom Deveney (10) with 66, Alan Fogarty (18) with 66 and Declan Fahy (20) with 70.

Joe Moran (0) won the gross with 70.

Tullow: Hilary FitzGerald, Sara Rennick, Chloe Farrell, Emma Carroll, Roisin O’Toole, Catherine Dempsey, France Bloomﬁeld; Grace Kelly, Katie Ann O’Neill, Nicola Kilcoyne, Angela Viciano, Leah Browne, Lana Brennan, Emma Byrne, Alex O’Brien. Replacements: Gabby Cuddy, Anna O’Neill, Diana Kabi, Courtney Kelly, Siobhan Kennedy, Molly O’Gorman, Lisa O’Toole. Ennis: Orna Moynihan; Emma Keane, Saskia Conway Morrissey, Saher Hamdan, Megan O’Connor; Lyndsay Clarke, Clodagh McMahon; Annie Lynch, Aisling Heapes, Ciara Coughlan, Aoibheann Hahessy, Laura Cooney, Sally Kelly, Micaela Glynn (capt), Caoilfhionn Conway Morrissey. Replacements: Meadbh O’Driscoll, Saoirse Reidy, Emily Anglim, Eileen Keane, Amy Flavin, Emily Murphy, Aoibhinn O’Loughlin.

l Ennis claim a line-out during their successful opener in Tullow

Photo by Trea Heaps

Young athletes make a racket at Ennis Junior Club Championships

ALMOST 50 young players battled it out for a chance to compete in Finals Day at Ennis Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club last weekend.

The 2025 Junior Tennis Club Championships took place on Saturday, September 27, following a week-long event, which was kindly sponsored by The Ennis Bookshop.

More than 40 players battle it out for a chance

to complete in the finals for age group competitions from U8s to U16s.

Following a very busy summer season at the club which consisted of tennis camps, coaching with both Anne-Marie Darcy and Danny Comerford as well as five Go-Tennis Tour events organised by Justin Gleeson, the standard across the Club Championships was excellent. The winners and

finalists were:

n U8s: Ronan Leahy def Laoise Cunniffe

n U10 Girls: Laoise Malone def Ellen Cloney

n U10 Boys: Luke O’Brien def Ilyes Derguech

n U12 Girls: Maeve Flanagan def Willow Feeley

n U12 Boys: Finn Gleeson def Rayen Derguech

n U14 Girls: Zoey Speake def Ciara Hughes

n U14 Boys: Finn Gleeson def Aidan Macoscair

n U16 Girls: Lena Palgan - winner

n U16 Boys: Ethan Nibbering def Jakub Bochenski.

If you are interested in getting involved in Junior Tennis, please contact the Club Junior Captain (Justin) on 0879700828 or email tennisjc@eltbclub.com.

l(clockwise from top right) U8 finalists Laoise Cunniffe and Ronan Leahy; U16 boys Ethan Nibbering and Jakub Bochenski; U14 girls Ciara Hughes and Zoey Speake; U14 boys Aidan McOscair and Finn Gleeson; U12 boys Rayen Derguech and Finn Gleeson; U10 boys Iles Derguech and Luke O’Brien; U12 girls Willow Feeley and Maeve Flanagan; U10 girls winner Laoise Malone; U16 girls winner Lena Palgan

PLANNING

CLARE CO COUNCIL ARDMACLANCY, KILMURRY, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO CLARE

Permission is sought to construct a dwelling house, vehicular entrance, wastewater treatment system including all associated site works and services.

Applicant: Christine Skehan

‘’The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission’’

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, KILKEEDY, TUBBER, CO. CLARE

Take notice that A. Richard & M. Kiely intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the site entrance and internal parking area along with associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, MUCKINISH WEST, BALLYVAUGHAN,

CO. CLARE

Take notice that M. Hutchison & K. Noone-Hutchison intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for a) to alter the house plans as granted under P24/60670 b) to alter the existing site entrance along with ancillary site works at the above address.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, DEERPARK MIDDLE, ENNISTYMON, CO. CLARE

Take notice that C. Crowe intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the garage and house extension along with ancillary site works at the above address.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, LEAGARD NORTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that M. Flynn intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the rear shed building

along with ancillary site works at the above address.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

James & Lillian Hassett intend to apply for PERMISSION for development at Ballaghboy, Doora, Co. Clare. The development will consist of (a) single storey extensions to the rear of the existing dwelling, (b) alterations to elevations of the dwelling, detached boathouse & detached garage including a new canopy at the front entrance & rooflight over the stairs; (c) the change of use of the existing detached boathouse to use as a wellness suite and home office; (d) a new wastewater treatment system and percolation area; (e) all associated site and landscaping works to serve the development. 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 to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Further information/ Revised Plans, Planning Ref: 25/91; Permission to partially

demolish the outbuildings, extend and renovate the existing dwelling, install a wate water treatment system and for retention permission for the mobile home on site for use as temporary accommodation during the construction works & all other associated site & ancillary works at Clouna South, Ennistymon, Co Clare.

Take notice that Jess Wallnutt & Daire Pearson have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P25/91. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Chontae and Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DEERPARK UPPER, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Aisling Garrahy and Noel Considine intend to apply for planning permission to extend and reuse the existing building on site as a dwelling house, install a waste water treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the pre-

scribed 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 CREGGAUN, ENNIS, CO CLARE. V95A0YW

Take notice that Tara Hannan intends to apply for planning permission to alter the fenestration to the existing dwelling, replace the existing extension to the rear with a new extension and all other associated site and ancillary works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYTEIGUE, LISDOONVARNA,

CO CLARE.

Take notice that Michael Hogan intends to apply for planning permission to build a slatted shed & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS

Planning Ref: P25/60434

Development Description: erect dwelling house, garage, foul sewer treatment plant and percolation area

Location: Knocknagarhoon, Kilkee

Take notice that P. Crotty has lodged sig-

nificant further information in respect of planning application P25/60434. 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, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

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The Clare Echo Crossword

Almanac

Commander

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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.

Pottery oven (4)

Endearing (8)

Hug (7)

Assisted (5)

Employees (5)

Material for violin strings (6)

Young cat (6)

Root vegetable (6)

Silly laugh (6)

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Difficult (4)

1 Memento (8) 2 North African country (5)

Soak (6) 5 Cook in an oven (5) 6 Nomadic Arab (7) 7 Terminates (4) 8 Perplex (6)

Magnificent (8)

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Northern Ireland (6)

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The Clare Echo Quiz

1. The famous Miltown Massacre took place in what year?

2. Which former president of Ireland was born near Miltown? Eamon

3. In what year was the Willie Clancy Summer School ﬁrst held? 1965 1970

4. In what year did St. Joseph’s last win the Jack Daly? 2020 2019 2024

5. What mountain is closest to Miltown? Slievecallan Moylussa Carrauntoohil

6. Willie Clancy famously played what instrument? Fiddle Bodhrán Uilleann Pipes

7. In what year did the Rineen ambush take place? 1919

8. What was the name of the unpopular landlord who evicted many people in Miltown during the Famine? Moroney Prendergast Boycott

9. What was the population of Miltown as per the 2022 census? 829 921 755

10. Clonbunny won the Clare Junior B championship last year. Who did they beat? Tulla Kilmaley

Kilkee-Ballaha

ANSWERS

Kilkee-Ballaha

Uilleann Pipes

Spot the Difference

Last weeks Answers

Laurie Ryan in action for Banner Ladies during

quarter-ﬁnal win over Burren Gaels

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Halloween Midterm Family Breaks in Killarney

Get ready for a spooktacular family escape this Halloween at Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney.

Kids’ Halloween Club – pumpkin painting, treasure hunts, spooky crafts, giant games & more!

Family Shows & Fancy Dress Disco – laughter, music, and magical memories.

Gleneagle Ballroom Nights – live evening entertainment for all the family.

Full Leisure Centre & Pool Access – fun for all ages.

Multi-Generational Packages – from two-room family deals to special offers for grandparents. All wrapped up in our Magical Monster Mash theme – where spooky meets silly, and every day is filled with fun!

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