The Clare Echo 03/07/25

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Jul 3, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 31, 2024

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Clare and Tipp BANNER BABY politicians at odds over Killaloe bridge

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A WAR of words has erupted over the planned trial pedestrianisation of a bridge linking Clare and Tipperary.

Fierce rivalry has long existed between the neighbouring counties but the tensions were evident within the respective County Councils over plans to pedestrianise the bridge between Killaloe and Ballina to commence at the end of July and run until the middle of October.

Elected members of the Killaloe and Nenagh Municipal Districts along with officials from County Councils in Clare and Tipperary met last week where it was decided to introduce the trial period.

Ballina based Cllr Phyll Bugler (FG) said she was “very opposed to this pedestrianisation” and claimed it was introduced as “an executive decision of Clare CoCo (County Council). This pedestrianisation will affect businesses and tourism as we

 WORDS HAD: Cllr Hayes & Dr. Phyll Bugler (FG)

need as many access routes as possible into our twin towns”. She said the opening of the Killaloe Bridge and Bypass has reduced traffic levels in the East Clare town.

In his final address as Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) took aim at Cllr Bugler who he accused of spreading misinformation. He said the measures were introduced on the advice of the Department of Transport.

Full story p18

Generations of Clare supporters in FBD Semple Stadium were behind the county’s minor hurlers as they faced Waterford in the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor hurling final Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

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Shane O’Donnell Interview

Shams win Garry Cup

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Kilrush Shamrocks captain Gearoid O’Brien celebrates with family following their Garry Cup final win over St Breckans

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End of an era in Lahinch as Talty stamp over post of�ice concludes

by Páraic McMahon

paraic@clareecho.ie

LAHINCH marked the end of an era with the closure of its post office on Main Street on Friday as the service relocated to the Spar store.

Joe Duffy finished up as presenter of Liveline on RTÉ Radio One on Friday, it was also the same day when Shane Talty closed the doors of the Lahinch post office for the final time, bringing the curtain down on a family link with the service stretching back seven decades.

In October, Shane tendered his resignation as postmaster in Lahinch, the service was set to close in April but a new arrangement has managed to keep a post office in the coastal town. Robert Kennedy is the new post master with the post office now situated in Spar’s store on Rue D’Arzon also known as Back Lane.

John Joe Foley was the final customer of the Lahinch post office on Main Street as sixty years of service from the Talty family came to an end.

The post office was initially operated by the late Aggie Marrinan, a grand-aunt of outgoing postmaster Shane before his late parents Francis and Marian took over the mantle while his siblings

Nóirín and Paul also played their part down through the years.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Shane noted, “it was the end of an era but it was well flagged, it was nine months since I announced I would be closing, we gave a six month notice and we tried to get an alternative shop set up, thankfully Robert Kennedy is now ready to roll in the Spar shop so the service continues but Friday definitely was the end of an era”.

“It was the right decision made at the right time for the right reasons,” Shane said of the decision to finish up in Lahinch. “It is a history piece, it was where we were reared, there was numerous families living and growing up on the Main Street of Lahinch at that time but Lahinch has changed in thirty years, there are very few people living on the Main Street now, the ideas of families being born and reared on Main Street seems to have gone away.

There was countless families living there in the 1980s and 1990s, we were one of a last of a breed but time changes and people move on”.

He will continue to operate the post office in Ennistymon but admitted the future of the post office network in rural

Ireland is “very challenging.

The days of the standalone post office in small rural areas are effectively numbered.

Lahinch was one of the last ones in the country, Ennistymon continues but it has a bigger footprint in a busier area. The co-location aspect might continue for some time where a retailer takes over the service in the hope it might improve turnover in their own space, it will continue in that vein for another period of time”.

Last week, the Oireachtas Communications Committee were told there could be widespread closures of local post offices from January if a fifty percent increase in the level of subvention is not sanctioned. An approximate €23m has been provided to postmasters to help maintain the network since the scheme was introduced a little over two years ago. The annual amount needs to be increased from €10 million to €15 million if services were to be retained in hundreds of offices considered to be less viable, the Irish Postmasters Union has flagged.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

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‘It was a year full of ‘True Magpie’ Murphy makes everything’ - O’Callaghan looks history as first Clarecastle back on term as Mayor of Clare person elected Mayor of Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A YEAR as Clare’s first citizen was “full of everything,” said Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) when reflecting on his 12 month stint as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council.

Friday saw the Kilmurry man’s term as Mayor conclude with Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) elected as his successor.

When he was elevated to the role last year, Cllr O’Callaghan described it as “the proudest day of my life”. Looking back on his time as Mayor, he reflected, “What a year in my life that I got over the last 12 months, it was full of everything.

We had Clare winning the All-Ireland, we didn’t have an involvement in the All-Ireland but we did in the Fair Green with the big screen for the match and the homecoming afterwards, what a spectacle. All I had to do was sing a song, I was in the right place at the right time really”.

He quipped that security personnel questioned on the night how many nieces and nephews he had as the homecoming saw between 50 to 60 youngsters claim to be a niece or nephew of ‘Wiggy’.

Attendance of a Clare tourism delegation at the Milwaukee Irish Fest has brought visitors to the county, he said. “I had the pleasure of going to Milwaukee and we’ve since heard of people coming here since we went there”.

He continued, “We’ve one of the best counties in Ireland, we’ve the industrial side, the airport side, the tourism side, we’ve education on both sides in Galway and Limerick and we’ve only half an hour’s journey to go and you can sniff sea air, what more would anyone want in

Marty Morrissey chats to Alan O’Callaghan during Clare’s homecoming last year

life”.

Opening the €17m de Valera library in Ennis in November alongside then Taoiseach Simon Harris (FG) was a “pleasure,” Cllr O’Callaghan recalled. Cutting the ribbon for the launch of the Killaloe Bypass was another win while he held the chain. “We buried a Bishop and elected a Pope,” he commented.

As he prepared to move from the top table back to his seat among county councillors, he took time to remember the man who sat beside him for ten years, the late PJ Kelly (FF).

Hosting a Mayoral Ball which raised €10,000 for Down Syndrome Clare was another notable achievement during his term.

“I’ve a fair record, I’ve been here 12 months and I’ve gone through three Chief Executives and three administrative staff,” he quipped referencing the resignation of Pat Dowling which was followed by Carmel Kirby serving in an interim capacity and then the full-time appointment of Gordon Daly. Ann Reynolds, Mary McMahon and John Corry all sat beside him in an administrative capacity during the year.

Addressing Friday’s AGM, Alan said he tried to remain positive and felt “there was not too many downs” over the year. “We leave no one behind which is very important as a local authority, we don’t leave anyone behind,” he stressed. He thanked Leas Cathaoirleach, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) for her commitment to the role.

Members of the O’Callaghan family were praised for their support and understanding during the year. “A lot of family stuff gets parked when you’re the Mayor. In fairness I was the priority in our house and I must say thanks to my family and neighbours for their patience”.

His time as Mayor also led to bragging rights for his children. “I was collecting my children from school and one young fella said to my son, ‘do you know my Daddy is a Garda’ and my young fella said back, ‘Do you know my Daddy is the Mayor of Clare’,” he said.

Returning to “the nitty gritty jobs of a councillor” is something O’Callaghan is looking forward to. He acknowledged constituents were patient with him over the year.

O’Callaghan’s colleagues praised his contibutions including Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) who noted, “you did a remarkable job, you are a man of the people, we and our party are very proud of you”.

For more, visit www.clareecho.ie.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DESCRIBED as “a true Magpie”, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) made history for ‘the fishing village’ by becoming the first Clarecastle person elected as the Mayor of Clare.

Many political heavyweights from Clarecastle have gone before but Cllr Murphy holds the distinction as the first to serve as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council (Mayor of Clare). Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) was appointed Leas Cathaoirleach.

Friends and family of Cllr Murphy were in Áras Contae an Chláir on Friday afternoon for his election. They included former Clare TDs, Joe Carey (FG) and Madeline Taylor-Quinn (FG), current TD Joe Cooney (FG), two-time National League winner John Callinan, parish priest of Clarecastle Fr Pat Malone and well-known activist Bernárd Lynch and former Mayor of Ennis, Ann Norton (IND).

In his opening address, Paul stated, “It is an honour to be sitting here today as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. I am deeply privileged to accept the role with your support”. He hailed the work of his predecessor, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), “I’ve no doubt I’ll be able to turn to him for any advice, the one thing I won’t need is the phone number for his hairdresser”.

Unity exists between all 28 councillors due to the power sharing agreement which has been in place since 2004, Paul maintained. “I’ve to try explain what it means to be first citizen in the most wonderful county in Ireland,” he said while referring to the beautiful landscapes that exist in all four corners of Clare. He stressed the county needs “thriving towns and villages” for its communities to survive.

He told colleagues, “Clarecastle was the original county capital for those that realise it” and continued, “our music, song and dance was referenced by Anthony Daly on steps of Hogan Stand in

1995, further enriching the culture of our county”.

Murphy continued, “Becoming Cathaoirleach is a privilege like no other and one I will treasure from this

us especially myself.”

Seconding his election, Cllr Colleran Molloy said it was a pleasure to be asked by Cllr Murphy to speak about him. “He is a trustworthy

Newly elected Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) Photo by Eamon Ward

day forward”.

Co-opted to the Council in 2007 following the Dáil election of Joe Carey, Paul has prevailed in local elections in 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024.

Proposing the election of Cllr Murphy, Cllr John Crowe (FG) recalled that Paul “took the baton from an outstanding man in Joe Carey and it was handed to an outstanding man, Joe was a great councillor elected in 1999 the same year as myself, he went on to bigger things in the Dáil. Paul has been a real team player, as Chief Whip of our group he certainly keeps us in line and he has a tough job at times, he is a real genuine friend to all of

and dependable person, a true gentleman, he might be a true Magpie but his top priority are his family, Siobhan, Cathal and Johnny”.

Chief Executive of the Council, Gordon Daly stated, “it is a very historic day for you and family, wish you really well for year ahead and assure you of full support during the course of our term, you referenced the match tomorrow, I know you are a big GAA supporter so it is only fitting that for your first full day in office tomorrow involves watching Clare in an All-Ireland final”.

For more on this story, visit www.clareecho.ie.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

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Mary Howard elected Mayor of Ennis MD for first time

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN EMOTIONAL Cllr Mary Howard (FG) remembered her late father Michael himself a giant in Clare politics as she became Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District for the first time.

On Thursday evening, Cllr Howard was elected as Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy’s (FF) successor in the hot seat. Despite serving on the County Council since 2014 and Ennis Town Council from 2009 to 2014, it is Mary’s first time getting the role of Mayor of the Ennis MD. Friends and family were in the public gallery of Áras Contae an Chláir for Mary’s election including former Clare TD and ex Mayor of Clare, James Breen (IND), current Clare TD Joe Cooney (FG), former Mayor of Ennis, Mary Coote Ryan (FG), Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG), Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), ex councillor Cillian Murphy (FF) and volunteers from Ennis Tidy Towns.

“People talk about your tribe and who is your tribe, this is my tribe,” Cllr Howard commented as she looked towards the public gallery. “Standing here I’m deeply humbled by the honour bestowed me, it is not about ceremony or the chain, I believe in the power of representation and of everyone being seen”.

She promised, “I will be your advocate, I will be your voice when decisions are made

about our town, your voice will be carried into every forum when decisions are to be made for the future of the town”.

Every voice in the Municipal District from Kilnamona to Doora, Spancil Hill to Toonagh will be represented while she is Mayor, Mary stated. She also assured young people she would fight to have infrastructure in place “to give you every reason to stay in Ennis.

To those that are marginalised, you have an advocate in this office”.

Mary continued, “As Mayor I will represent Ennis with dignity and pride, at Council meetings and when I speak for Ennis at national forums”.

Receptions to be hosted by Cllr Howard during her tenure “will showcase the best of what we are”.

Decisions made will be based on what is in the best interests of Ennis, Cllr Howard said. “Some positions will be challenging but every stance will be guided by one principle which is what is the best for the people of Ennis”.

Tears flowed from Mary as she recalled that the “best insights for our town comes from kitchen tables, community gatherings and something my father knew quite well from his business in The One Mile Inn, let us remember the wisdom of older generations”.

Proposing Mary for the role, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) said

Mayor of the Ennis Municipal DIstrict, Cllr Mary Howard (FG)

Photo by Paul Corey

he “great delight” in putting forward his party colleague.

He noted her time as Mayor of Clare was “unfortunately a COVID year but she still fulfilled the job with distinction, she is very strong on women’s health and deserves to be commended for that, she is very strong in her community, very active on Ennis Tidy

Towns where she is Chairperson and also with Darkness into Light”. He added, “you will fulfil the role in style, you’re the lady in pink so you won’t be missed going around the town this evening”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) quipped, “she’s very shy and not photogenic but I’d say she’ll manage

as Mayor”. He flagged she has served as Chairperson “on so many committees” and referring to her pink dress said, “Chris de Burgh would say lady in red but she’s the lady in pink”.

Her predecessor Colleran Molloy commented, “isn’t it great to have two women succeed each other, we don’t see enough of it. Your heart is in the right place for Ennis, for the people who live here and those who will be in the future, you just don’t think of the here and now, you will lead us in addressing the concerns from the people of Ennis while we undertake some tough decisions”.

All elected representatives are “here for the good of the town,” remarked Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF). “I’ve been self employed for nearly twenty years but as a councillor in this Chamber is one of the most challenging jobs because you’re dealing with many issues and challenges”.

He issued a note of caution, “Myself and Pat have two microphones that do work and we look forward to using them” to which Cllr Howard responded, “I’ll rise to the challenge”.

Outgoing Deputy Mayor, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) encouraged Cllr Howard “enjoy it as much as you can”.

She referenced a recent event with a group from Texas in Ennis where Mary “took off naturally and sold our town so well,

there will be issues but today is a celebration”.

Best wishes were also extended by Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF). “I did have a laugh with Clare Colleran Molloy when she broke out in tears after her AGM, I think you promised you wouldn’t’;t but there was a flow of tears so I thought we’d have to call the fire brigade but you meant it and it was from the heart”.

There is great pride in the “Howard ancestral home of Ballynalacken” at the career of Mary and her family, Cllr Garrihy stated. “What is good for Ennis is good for the county”.

Senior engineer, Seán Lenihan assured the incoming Mayor she would have the full support of Ennis MD staff.

Elected to the role of Deputy Mayor was Cllr Daly. “I’m delighted to take on the position, I’ve been Mayor a few times but never Deputy Mayor, I’ll keep a good eye on Mary Howard, the Lady in Pink”.

In proposing him for the role, Cllr O’Callaghan described him as “a real Townie” and “very helpful” during his time trying to garner support for the post office network.

Cllr Baker Bashua seconded the proposal, “He is someone we all looked up to, if we needed help we asked him, I asked him for help and my mother said as of late, I’ll ring Pat and ask him to help me. I’m hoping as Deputy Mayor he will be too busy to be answering my mother’s calls”.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

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Public realm works to Council extends Ennis transport finish ahead of schedule consultation after systems crash

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ public realm works “may be completed by September,” the outgoing Mayor of the county town has said.

A new phase of the long-running public realm works in the town centre began this week with Abbey Street shutting to traffic.

Businesses across Ennis town centre have been greatly affected since the public realm works began way back in October 2023 for what is one of the largest public infrastructure projects carried out in Ennis.

Prior to works commencing, Clare County Council had said works would be “delivered in phases to minimise disruption to local business” yet the past twenty months have been an incredibly difficult spell for businesses in the town centre. Those left standing when works conclude will be able to avail of a paint scheme, the details of which are to be finalised by local authority staff.

As of Tuesday morning (July 1st) until October 19th, Abbey Street is under a temporary road closure even though the street is not undergoing any works as part of the €11.5m public realm project.

Abbey Street from Francis Junc-

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AHEAD OF SCHEDULE: O’Connell Street construction

tion through to Bank Place and Old Friary Lane is closed to vehicular traffic to facilitate the public realm regeneration works. A diversion is in place at Abbey Street car park.

In her final act as Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) revealed that the public realm works could finish ahead of schedule.

“We can all see progress on the public realm works, they are to be completed on time which is in October of this year, it is possible that they may be completed by September. The project has had substantial resources from the County Council but the majority of the €12m investment has

been from other resources. We’ve seen a peak of how it could be”.

“We understand people have been discommoded most especially businesses and pedestrians with disabilities,” she acknowledged. Colleran Molloy added, “We’re working on a grant scheme to address painting of premises going forward because of the disruption”.

She said, “We will have a completed project by Christmas and it will be magical”.

Similar views were also expressed by newly elected Mayor, Cllr Mary Howard (FG). “The public realm works are ongoing but to make an omelette you have to break eggs”.

A TWO WEEK extension for the public consultation period for the contentious draft Ennis Local Transport Plan has been confirmed by Clare County Council.

Submissions for the draft plan soared last Thursday evening in advance of the planned deadline of Friday (June 27) prompting the online system to crash and go offline from Thursday night into Friday morning.

This led to requests from Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) and Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) to extend the deadline for submissions, a stance which was initially rejected by officials in the Ennis Municipal District.

However, on Monday afternoon the County Council announced a change of heart and an extension of the window for public consultation with submissions from the public now accepted until Friday July 11.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for the Council welcomed “the many submissions” received on Thursday and Friday of last week. “Public participation in essential to the process, and Clare County Council are now extending the public consultation from today, Monday June 30, for two more weeks, until midnight on Friday July 11th 2025”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr O’Callaghan said he was “absolutely thrilled” with the extension of public consultation. “There were many attempts made by people who were unable to make a submission so these people can now have their voice heard, I’m very grateful to Clare County Council for extending the deadline”.

Plans to make the Mill Rd in Ennis a one-way traffic system have been met with heavy opposition from businesses and residents in the locality.

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Thursday, Jul 3, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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On This Week in 1963…

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

AMERICA’S 35 th President, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, left from Shannon Airport this week 62 years ago as part of his four-day trip to Ireland; A trip that marked him as the first serving president to visit Ireland and the first US President to visit an independent Irish state.

On President Kennedy’s last day in Ireland, June 29 th 1963, he boarded an Air Force 1 plane to England from Shannon Airport in County Clare. The Clare County Council gifted him old Irish silver, whom he thanked in his speech, as well as the President of Ireland (Éamon De Valera), the Prime Minister (Seán Lemass), members of the

government, and the people of Ireland. He then quoted Gerald Griffin’s poem, ‘Tis, it is the Shannon’s stream’, told to him by De Valera’s wife, Sinéad De Valera. He finished his speech by saying, “I am taking, as I go back to America, all of you with me.

Thank you.”, before waving to the crowd and being escorted to his flight with a 21-gun salute and a band playing the American National Anthem.

As he departed Shannon, RTÉ commentators, John Skehan and Síle Ní Bhriain, described, “The wish of everyone here in Shannon and indeed in the country as a whole as he takes his leave is that he should go safely and return soon.”

Earlier that same day, President Kennedy arrived in the west of Ireland by helicopter and visited Galway and Lim-

erick, where he received the freedom of both counties, presented by Galway Mayor Patrick D. Ryan and Limerick Mayor Frances Condell.

With a crowd of 80,000 people, the US President asked the people in Eyre Square: “I wonder if you could perhaps let me know how many of you here have a relative in America who you would admit to?”, which he then told everyone in Shannon, “nearly everybody holds up their hands”. Radio reporter Seán Mac Réamoinn described him waving at the crowd "with that tremendous vitality, that tremendous verve, that tremendous delight in the whole thing". The Mayor of Limerick told him, “Limerick is yours” before President

Tulla Greyhound Sanctuary struggles with costs

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

AN ANIMAL sanctuary in Tulla says that their expenses were “hanging over you like a black cloud”.

Founder of the 12-year-old Clare Greyhound Sanctuary, Petra Meyer, told the Clare Echo that they were down to their last few hundred euros in their PayPal account before setting up a GoFundMe. She said, “We’re just a small rescue that takes in and rehomes greyhounds that have retired from racing or were not fit for racing.” A GoFundMe has recently been set up to aid the sanctuary cover their expenses and vet bills.

She said that they receive donations monthly and through their online shop. However, prior to setting up their GoFundMe, they only had “a little bit over €1,000 left in the bank account and a few hundred in the PayPal account”.

She admitted, “There is money coming in every month, but I mean, it’s not enough to actually cover the monthly costs... I think we take in monthly €700/€800, or something like that.”

“For the last few years, all the prices have gone up. Our donations didn’t rise together with the inflation… The food bill alone is around €130 a week.”

The Irish Retired Greyhound Trust assist the rescue with neutering, vaccinations, and preparing the dogs for travel. However, other expenses, such as dog food, veterinary bills, and electricity bills, need to be covered to run the sanctuary, and neither Meyer nor her one other volunteer receives a salary.

For those who are unable to donate money, Meyer recommends buying from their shop, donating bags of dog food, or sharing and supporting the rescue. She said, “Help dogs be adopted.”

On Tuesday evening, the sanctuary reached their first GoFundMe goal of €2,400.

Meyer explained that she received the update this morning and responded, “I’m flabbergasted”. She said, “I thought we were asking for so much and I thought we were never going to reach it, but at least we might get something that will help and will make do, because that’s what we usually do. We make do.”

With this money, the Clare Greyhound Sanctuary can pay the vet bills, repair their van, and put the rest away for future use. Meyer said, “Our current vet bill is €2,700, which doesn’t sound like an awful lot, but it’s an awful lot for us.”

The sanctuary currently has 22 greyhounds, five of them being Meyer’s, and she estimates that the percentage of dogs being rehomed abroad compared to in Ireland is 70:30.

You can donate to the Clare Greyhound Sanctuary on gofundme.com by sacnning the QR code: https://www. gofundme.com/f/urgent-support-needed-for-clare-greyhoundsanctuary

Kennedy concluded his Limerick visit with: “I will certainly come back in the Spring time”.

The US President first arrived in Ireland on June 26 th in Dublin Airport and stayed in the US Ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin. As well as Shannon, Galway, Limerick, and Dublin, President Kennedy also visited Cork and Wexford, where he had tea with his Irish relatives.

Not too long after, President Kennedy was shot in his car that same year on November 22 nd while travelling through Dallas, Texas, in America.

lON THIS WEEK: JFK at Shannon Airport 1963

9

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

‘I’d rather be dif�icult than be silent’ - Natasha determined to speak out

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

“DON’T bite your tongue, you have a voice for a reason, so use it,” was the strong message echoed by Natasha O’Brien, pictured, who was the victim of a violet and unprovoked assault in May 2022.

In a new RTÉ documentary entitled ‘Natasha’, the Limerick woman offers acandid look at her pursuit of justice and the personal impacts of the legal process.

Kilkee, the hometown of Natasha’s father Joe featured during the documentary and highlighted her emotional ties to the area. The documentary opens with her standing on the Kilkee Cliffs recalling a childhood memory of nearly drowning. “I felt like I was helplessly accepting that I was going under. There was nothing I could do,” she says. The same sense of helplessness, she explains, resurfaced during the assault.

At around 1:30 am on May 29 2022, Natasha O’Brien was brutally assaulted on the streets of Limerick after intervening when a group of men were shouting homophobic slurs at another person on a city street. One of the men, later identified as Irish soldier Cathal Crotty from Ardnacrusha attacked Natasha, repeatedly punching her in the face until she fell unconscious.

“Right hook after right hook

after right hook, all in the same place,” is how Natasha recalled the attacked. She was left with a broken nose, facial swelling, and at a high risk of brain bleed due to a serious concussion. The assault happened just three months after the murder of Ashling Murphy and during the same month the Government launched its Zero Tolerance Strategy on gender-based violence. Yet, Natasha says, this context was absent from the court proceedings.

Crotty later boasted about the incident in a group chat on Snapchat, writing, “two to put her down, two to take her out”.

He was described as an exemplary private in the Defence Forces. He initially received a suspended sentence. A decision that sparked protests and national debate about how the justice system treats victims of gender-based violence.

In January 2025, following public pressure and a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Crotty was sentenced to two years in prison.

Even then, Natasha admits she felt conflict -ed, ex

pressing guilt over the impact the prison sentence might have on his life, and disappointment that no form of restorative justice was offered.

‘Natasha’ captures the emotional toll on her and her family, including her mother, Anne, and the strain placed on their close-knit relationship.

Despite these difficulties, Natasha has since become an outspoken advocate against gender-based violence.

“I’d rather be difficult than silent,” she said on her determination to speak out. Her activism, she says, has given her a renewed sense of purpose.

“To actually have a purpose to live now is insane so I’ll just throw everything I can at that reason, which is to do my best to change this stuff”.

While ‘Natasha’ focuses on one woman’s experience, it also serves as a broader indictment of the systemic issues victims face in Ireland. The 50-minute film also features appearances by other survivors of gender-based violence and includes footage from protests, courtroom scenes, and political meetings.

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10

Thursday, Jul 3, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Ennis

Plans lodged for Ennis’ largest single-housing development

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

PLANS for Ennis’ largest single housing development have been lodged within the past week.

Glenveagh Homes Limited have applied for planning permission for a large-scale residential development comprising of 300 houses.

Located within the town lands of Ballymacaula, Drumbiggle, Keelty and Circular Road in Ennis, the development also includes an 80-child creche, parking, open spaces, play areas, footpaths, cycleways, landscaping, lighting and a vehicular access point onto Circular Road.

Among the 300 houses are 31 four-beds, 164 three-beds, 92 twobeds and 14 bungalows.

In August 2022, Glenveagh Homes lodged plans for a €65m 289 unit scheme via the Strategic Housing Development Scheme.

An Bord Pleanála gave the green light for the proposal in April 2023 despite Clare County Council recommending a refusal.

That June, a case was brought to the High Court by Kilfenora resident, Michael Duffy seeking to overturn the decision of the planning authority. He had claimed

there was multiple errors in the decision including a failure to consider the Ennis local area plan. He argued that An Bord Pleanála acted irrationally and unreasonably when forming its decision.

As part of the new plans for 300 houses. The majority of houses in the estate will be four and three bedroom properties with a small number being single bedrooms.

Inclusion of the crèche accommodating 80 children is the result of a survey carried out by the developers.

The vacant site earmarked for the development is located close to the circular road with three pedestrian connections to the N85 planned, along with two pedestrian connections to the current Ballymacaula View estate at the Beechpark Roundabout.

Part of the land for the development is owned by Clare County Council, who have given their consent to the development. Under a Part V application, 20% of the properties in the estate will be reserved for social housing. A number of open green spaces are planned throughout the development with trees providing shade and visual amenities to the estate.

A children’s playground is

planned for one of the spaces featuring slides and a climbing frame as well as outdoor gym equipment for adults.

Sustainability concerns have also been addressed for the eleven hectare site. Homes in the estate will be heated by air source heat pumps, designed to limit heat loss and avail of heat gain through the fabric of the building where possible.

Twin EV charging hubs containing ten individual EV chargers each will also be included as part of the development.

The proposed development has been designed to bring about “a distinctive streetscape with feature corner units, varying widths of streets, shared surface/pedestrian links and alternative parking formations to provide a vision of placemaking”. The development aims to reduce its impact on the surrounding area despite its large size by retaining the existing trees and hedgerows where possible.

Clare County Council is due to make a decision on the development by the 24 of August 2025.

Members of the public can make submissions to the Council until August 3.

New rescue boat delivered to Clare Civil Defence in major fleet upgrade CLARE Civil Defence has taken delivery of a brand-new rescue boat, significantly strengthening the organisation’s emergency response and water safety capabilities across the county.

The rescue boat will be based at Clare Civil Defence Headquarters on the Quin Road in Ennis, joining an existing fleet that includes two ambulances, two operational support vehicles, five 4WD jeeps, and three drone units. It will be operated by trained volunteer coxswains from the Clare Civil Defence Boat Team.

A special blessing ceremony was held at Civil Defence HQ today (Wednesday, June 25), after which the boat was officially launched from the slipway at the River Fergus on the Tulla Road in Ennis.

Welcoming the new addition, Leas-Chathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Mary Howard, said the investment represents a significant enhancement

lBOAT LAUNCH: Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer, Clare Fire and Rescue Service; Michael Healy, Civil Defence Clare; Cllr Mary Howard, Leas-Chathaoirleach, Clare County Council; Gordon Daly, Chief Executive, Clare County Council; and Steven Hayes, Civil Defence Officer, Civil Defence Clare

to Clare Civil Defence’s operational capacity.

“This rescue boat ensures our volunteers are better equipped than ever to respond to emergen-

cies, support community events, and assist in critical water-based search and rescue operations in Clare and beyond,” she said.

l50 graduates

Clare Youth Service’s Community Training Centre (CTC) celebrated the graduation of 50 young people who earned national qualifications, including the Leaving Cert Applied, QQI Levels 3 and 4, and the Moving On programme.

Many pursued a second chance at education, highlighting the CTC’s vital role in offering alternative pathways.

lGRADUATION: Tracey Ferns celebrates a busy year for her household at Ireland’s Fittest Family, work experience at the Clare Echo and now graduation for son Bobby with a national award from the Community Training Centre in Ennis

HSE apply to build new haematolgy & pathology lab at Ennis Hospital

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

THE HSE has applied for planning permission for a new haematology and pathology laboratory at Ennis Hospital.

The proposed development will be housed in a protected structure on the west side of the hospital grounds, situated across the road from the Active Ennis Leisure Centre.

The application for the development includes plans for an entrance lobby for sample drop off and collection and a staff room, store room and office. The building currently houses a boiler room and an EGH Pathology Laboratory. A number of works are planned within the building to allow for the development including the removal of partition walls, altering of the stairs and alterations to the current doors and windows.

According to the HSE, the pathology department undertake in the region of twelve million tests per annum. “Over the past 10 years samples’ numbers have increased by approximately 50 percent,” they outlined in the planning application.

“It is expected that this increase will continue over the next ten years.

There are further plans in place to centralise GP work for the rest of the

region will result in an increase in the routine workload of approximately 25-50% for Haematology/Biochemistry. To meet these demands, it will be necessary to increase the analytical capacity and to automate work practice”, they continued.

The project is designed to serve patients from Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, classified as being part of UL Hospitals Group.

The HSE has addressed sustainability concerns in their application “External walls, the existing uninsulated mass concrete walls have poor thermal performance negatively impacting the laboratory environment.

Proposed works include providing internal wall insulation with a vapor barrier, impact resistant plasterboard and antibacterial finishes to improve the performance of the walls”.

The building is part of a number of protected structures at the site and forms part of the original Ennis Hospital that was built in the town between 1935 and 1940. The nurses’ home, mortuary building and hospital buildings are also protected structures.

Clare County Council will make a decision on whether or not to grant permission for the development on the 7 of August 2025. Submissions can be made until the 17 of July.

11

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, July 3rd, 2025

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€210k worth of cocaine seized in Tuamgraney

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

€210,000 worth of cocaine was obtained by An Garda Síochána following a search operation in Tuamgraney on Saturday.

Members of the Killaloe Detective Unit, Ennis Detective Unit and Clare/Tipperary Drugs Unit with assistance from the Regional Dog Unit carried out the search of a residential premises in Tuamgraney as part of the operation.

They searched a vehicle on the premises which resulted in the recovery of suspected cocaine with an estimated value of €210,000.

A man, aged in his 40s, was arrested and brought to a Garda Station in Co. Clare. He is currently detained under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996

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COCAINE SEIZED: Tuamgraney Cocaine

Planning refused for 38 homes in Sixmilebridge

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

PLANNING permission for a 38 house development in Sixmilebridge has been refused by Clare County Council over zoning and ecological concerns.

Ahaclare Developments Ltd submitted an application for the development in May. The refusal of the large estate comes after local residents raised concerns over the village’s continued expansion in recent years, with Datcha construction lodging plans for a 74 house development and Lidl getting the green light for a supermarket in the area.

Ahaclare’s application was rejected firstly due to the way in which lands are

zoned on the subject site, located on Rosmanagher Road. The land is zoned as part of a ‘Strategic Reserve’ as part of Clare County Council’s County Development Plan 2023-2029. The lands are selected as part of “the long-term sequential expansion of Sixmilebridge”, in order to reduce the overcrowding plaguing the village.

The local authority stated in their refusal that “the proposal would be premature by reference to the order of priority for development indicated in the Development Plan”. The council further explained that the proposed development would also be “contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

Ecological issues also played a part

in the planning department’s decision.

The Council stated that the absence of a Screening for Appropriate Assessment meant it was not possible to conclude that the development would have no significant impact on nearby European sites.

Clare County Council maintained that the proposed development would have a negative impact on the biodiversity of the area, due to what was identified as a wetland area and badger activity at the site.

This would further contravene with the county’s current development plan.

Ahaclare Developments now have a four week window to issue an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála and potentially reverse the Council’s decision.

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Hayes says Killaloe MD Cllrs have best working relationship

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PROVIDING suitable and viable housing “for the next generation” must continue to be a focus of all elected members in Clare, the outgoing Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District has said.

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), pictured, became Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD in January in what was a tense meeting with Fine Gael duo Cllr Pat Burke (FG) and Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) outmuscled in their attempt to hold onto the chains following Joe Cooney’s TD (FG) election to the Dáil which created the vacancy.

Though Hayes may have had the shortest stint of all Cathaoirligh in the county, he delivered the longest speech when it came to the AGM. Addressing Friday’s AGM from the €4.3m Inis Cealtra visitor centre, Cllr Hayes stated, “it is hard to believe we’re having a public meeting in The Old Rectory. It is a unique occasion, we’re very thankful to be here for the opening week of the new Inis Cealtra experience, from walking around and walking in here, there’s an amazement and

sense of occasion and looking out at the vista, we’ll never get a nicer view out the window for a meeting or having the cup of coffee”.

He praised the “vision” of Clare County Council to acquire what was a residential property to transform into the visitor centre. “We’re really blessed to be here for this special occasion, I wish everyone associated with this all the best going forward”.

Reflecting on his term in the chair, the Maghera native noted, “My term has been a short-lived occasion, five or six months flies by, when we sat down after the local election last year the key things we looked at were our own Municipal District which were a review of our work strategy and a plan for our Municipal District that document sets out fifteen key principles, we’re moving towards achieving a lot of them at this stage. That work is going very well and we have plans to progress a lot more”.

For the Killaloe MD to have completed a socio-economic profile was “unique, we went and produced key stats and facts, showing growth and

decline. That is the backbone of our Municipal District,” he commented. “The cohesiveness of our MD shows the importance of these documents for this period of the Council, this is the template and is the document we will work from and it allows applications from different headings,” Hayes added.

Congratulations were voiced to Deputy Cooney on his election to the Dáil. “We’re delighted to have himself, Timmy Dooley and Cathal (Crowe) from this side of the county and we hope they will deliver for this side of the county”.

Both of the Council’s applications for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund were on projects within the Killaloe MD. Cllr Hayes said they are expecting details on their applications from the Department of Rural and Community Development this month.

Hope was voiced by Cllr Hayes that plans for Greenways and Blueways in East Clare would proceed along with a mountain bike feasibility study.

Housing must be front and centre in plans for the Council, he said.

“A lack of suitable and viable housing for next generation is one of the things we’ve highlighted. That has to be a key focus”.

Dynamic between elected members in East Clare is the envy of the county, he maintained. “I would like to thank my fellow councillors for their engagement and for working together, we might have skirmishes now and again but we are the envy of the county where we work together as a team to deliver across the Municipal District”. He said they were one of the first area MDs to take “a lead role” by passing a part eight application for Bodyke.

It was unique for the Killaloe MD to be

home to the last three Mayors of Clare namely Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF), Deputy Cooney and Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Hayes observed to which O’Callaghan interjected, “now we’ve the Chief Executive” referencing Gordon Daly’s home in Tuamgraney. “You stole my thunder, we don’t need the mayor now,” Hayes responded.

Roads require more funding, Cllr Hayes added.

“There’s perception that we do little enough at times but there’s huge delivery here”.

He congratulated Ann Reynolds on her app oint ment as Director of Service for Rural Development, “, we’re blessed with the team here ably led by Brian, Declan, Olivia and Deirdre”.

12

Thursday, Jul 3, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Shannon

First Pan Am branded jet departs Shannon Airport in over three decades

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON AIRPORT marked a special moment linked to its aviation past with a Pan Am branded jet departing its runways for the first time in over thirty years.

On Friday, a Pan American World Airways-branded jet, known as the Yankee Clipper II, departed Shannon Airport’s runway for the first time in more than three decades. The flight, bound for JFK International Airport in New York, marked the conclusion of ‘Tracing the Transatlantic’, a nostalgic 12day journey celebrating the legendary legacy of Pan Am. Designed to revive the glamour of the ‘Golden Age of Travel’, the all-business class experience treated its fifty passengers to a carefully curated itinerary along Pan Am’s historic transatlantic routes.

Before boarding their return flight, passengers enjoyed a farewell Irish coffee reception at Shannon Airport, a fitting gesture of local hospitality to finish their nostalgic voyage. Onboard, flight attendants wore authentic recreations of classic Pan Am uniforms, adding to the retro allure of the journey.

Shannon Airport has long been interwoven with Pan Am’s pioneering spirit. In September 1945, a Pan Am DC-4 completed the first transatlantic proving flight into Shannon, paving the way for the first scheduled transatlantic commercial passenger flight just one month later. This October marks the 80th anniversary of that historic milestone. Another landmark moment came in August 1970, when Shannon welcomed its first scheduled jumbo jet, a Pan Am Boeing 747 carrying over 300 passengers.

Speaking in Shannon Airport,

THREE DECADES: Pan Am stewardesses at Shannon Airport Photo by: Arthur Ellis

Pamela Brooks, Head of Operations commented, “It’s been a pleasure to welcome this commemorative Pan Am aircraft to Shannon this week.

Pan Am holds an iconic place in aviation history, and while the livery certainly evokes a sense of nostalgia, having it back on the runway here after more than three decades also highlights Shannon Airport’s own enduring role in transatlantic travel”.

The ‘Tracing the Transatlantic’ experience was created by Bartelings in collaboration with Criterion Travel, under official license from Pan American World Airways and visited Bermuda, Lisbon, Marseille, London, and Shannon. After their arrival at Shannon on Wednesday, guests enjoyed a luxurious twonight stay at Adare Manor, and a special gala dinner in Foynes Flying Boat Museum before their departure from Shannon Airport.

Shannon Airport install Passenger numbers up 7% to 1.04m for first half of new security fencing

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON AIRPORT has ramped up security measures following recent breaches of its perimeter fencing by protesters.

Upgrade works to the fencing perimeter at Shannon Airport began in May, this followed a rise in attempted breaches by protesters over recent months.

Planning permission for the upgrade had been granted in September. Also included in this application is the removal and upgrade of the facade to the eastern end of the main terminal building over two stories, reconfiguration of the existing airside personnel and passenger entrance/egress locations, hard and soft landscaping, with the provision of wayfinding and branding signage.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for the Shannon Airport Group said of the fencing upgrade. “As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest

standards of safety and operational excellence, Shannon Airport is upgrading the airport’s perimeter fence with further enhancements planned.

“This enhancement is one of several proactive infrastructure improvements designed to align with evolving international aviation security guidelines and to support the longterm growth and resilience of our airport. We continuously assess and invest in our facilities to ensure a safe and secure environment for passengers, staff,

and partners”.

Increased security measures at Shannon follows the arrests of three Pro-Palestinian protestors after they attempted to drive a van onto the runway by ramming through the fencing. The trio, all from Dublin, forced a disruption of an operations for an approximate hour at the international airport.

At the end of March, another three Pro-Palestine protestors were arrested after they tried to block US military planes at Shannon.

SECURITY MEASURES: Shannon Airport’s new fencing.

Photo by: Joe Buckley

2025 at Shannon Airport

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PASSENGER numbers for the first six months of 2025 at Shannon Airport are above 1.04m which is an increase of seven percent for the same period last year.

Shannon Airport has started 2025 on a strong note with the seven percent jump for the first six months of the year.

CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine said the airport’s strategic importance must be recognised in the new National Aviation Policy. She stated, “As we continue to deliver strong growth and expand our international reach, it’s vital that the new National Aviation Policy recognises the strategic importance of Shannon Airport. With the right policy support, we can unlock even greater connectivity, drive regional economic development, and ensure balanced growth across the country”.

As a key international gateway for the Wild Atlantic Way and the entire island of Ireland, Shannon Airport continues to expand its offering.

Earlier this month, Ryanair announced the addition of a fourth based aircraft at Shannon, along with three new routes to Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid, and increased frequencies on six existing services.

These developments are expected to further enhance connectivity and drive continued growth in the second half of the year.

Early growth so far in 2025 builds on a successful 2024, when Shannon Airport saw over 2.1 million passengers, the highest annual total in 15 years. The airport’s expanding network of 38 routes to 12 countries continues to attract both leisure and business travellers.

“We’re proud to see such strong growth in the first half of 2025. These results are a testament to the hard work of our team and our ongoing investment in infrastructure, sustainability, route development and our focus on customer excellence. Shannon Airport continues to deliver for the region and for Ireland,” Considine added.

To support this growth, the Group recently completed the addition of 1,000 new car parking spaces, a timely enhancement ahead of the busy summer season. This is part of a wider €30 million investment programme across Shannon Airport and the Shannon Airport Business Park.

Sustainability remains a key focus, with construction progressing on Ireland’s first solar PV farm on an airfield, which will provide up to 20% of the airport’s electricity needs – a pioneering step in green aviation.

Beyond the runway, The Shannon Airport Group’s economic impact is significant. The Shannon Campus is home to over 300 companies, employing 10,000 people, while the Group’s activities support more than 20,000 jobs nationwide and contribute nearly €4 billion to the Irish economy.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

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Contributors

13

Welcome July: time to deadhead & bloom on JULY has come in the blink of an eye and colour is everywhere.

It’s been such a busy time, watering cleaning plant and deadheading whether its pots, beds or borders you can just loss time out there.

Some useful bits to remember when deadheading; its to take away flowers that are finished and gone off, so snipping them back to a bud ideally or nipping off the heads this encourages new buds and cleaning away any unsightly leaves.

The stacks of the lupin can be cut back as can the Anthurium or the snapdragon as commonly known, same goes for the Digitalis or foxgloves as they are known.

There is lots of bedding colour available and these will go on well into Autumn.

Begonias are very popular for pots and do well over the summer whether it’s the beddings ones or the double they are ones you like to use.

Geraniums are a very hardy bedding plant and lovely in pots too,

adding some trailing bacopa or nepeta make a lovely combination.

Herbs and tomatoes are on special offer at the moment 4 for €10.00.

If you were thinking of having a new herb box or adding some more to your kitchen garden lots to choose from.

Gift ideas; we have some lovely concrete Adare piece we have a lovely cottage and lighthouse both can be used as outdoor light up piece to give a glow in the evening .and some beautiful calla lilies at the moment in full bloom so. A gorgeous Flamingo Salix tree and some lovely baby weeping willow trees.

Bloom wise we have some lovely dahlias, beautiful Salvia if you want height and perennial violas and so much more. Alliums in full bloom with carnations adding a lovely scent to air.

Lots of ready-made pots and hanging baskets available and they can personalise to such your taste.

If we can help enhance your space and create more beauty for your home call in for a chat.

Happy July! ...

“Hello, July! ...

“Here’s to making so many joyful memories in July that summer stays in your soul throughout the rest of the year. ”

14

Thursday, Jul 3, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

West Clare

Rita represented West Clare ‘with integrity & dignity’ during term as Cathaoirleach

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WEST CLARE’s first female politician to wear the chain of office as Cathaoirleach in the Municipal District has been hailed for an “unwavering commitment” who “represented the area with distinction”.

A poll-topper in the Kilrush local electoral area last June, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) followed the fine performance by becoming the first female to serve as Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District.

Her term drew to a close on Friday last when she was succeeded by Ennistymon LEA poll-topper, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG).

Speaking at the West Clare MD AGM, Cllr McInerney said it was “an honour to serve the people of the Kilrush LEA and Ennistymona LEA and to lead the West Clare Municipal District with pride and purpose”.

She outlined, “I have seen significant progress and witnessed an enduring strength of com-

munities whether it was witnessing improvements of roads or projects to enhances our villages and town, every decision was made to progress West Clare”.

Rural regeneration must continue along with the development of tourism products in West and North Clare plus improvements to the road infrastructure along the N65, N67 and N85, the Doonbeg woman said.

“We need to deepen partnerships, there is a lot of work done with communities but we need to deepen partnerships with them”.

September’s passing of PJ Kelly (FF) who was a county councillor for fifty years was acknowledged

by Rita, “the passing of PJ Kelly, I’d like to mark that and remember PJ and his family, he was a great stalwart, he will continue to be remembered and talked about in this Chamber”.

“Rows are good but we haven’t fallen out completely,” she remarked of the dynamic between elected members of the

lINTEGRITY&DIGNITY: Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) Photo by: Eamon Ward

West Clare MD. The former CEO of Ennis Chamber paid tribute to Cllr Slattery who was her Leas Cathaoirleach for stepping in “particularly during the General Election campaign when I was missing in action at times”. She thanked the local authority staff in the offices in Kilrush, Ennistymon and Ennis along with the various departments, Directors and senior executive officers “who helped all along the way”.

Rita told the AGM, “This year has been a

challenging one for me and my family on a personal level, I would thank my other half Karl who has been my lighthouse not just on busy days but the difficult ones. I thank my family for their continued love and patience which has sustained through highs of political life”.

Party colleague, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) thanked Rita for her service while Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) noted that his predecessor represented the area with “integrity and dignity”.

Twelve months ago, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) proposed Rita’s election as Cathaoirleach and now he thanked her for working tirelessly for West Clare and North Clare. “I often turned on Clare FM only to hear you raising issues of national and local importance during the past year, you haven’t been one bit shy from saying what you think, you support your ideas which are for the betterment of West Clare and North Clare”.

Noting Rita’s reign was “very historic,” Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) commented, “you were very gracious in your role, you treated us all fairly, we didn’t have many arguments based on how it was managed.

You are the only female representative amongst the nine of us”.

Director of Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty praised Rita’s “unwavering commitment to the role over the last twelve months. No Cathaoirleach had a busier twelve months with an election campaign in the middle of it”.

81st annual Kildysart show to take lace on August 3rd

THE ANNUAL Kildysart Show will take place on Sunday, August 3rd in the village of Kildysart. The event is held in the scenic surroundings of the Shannon Estuary Way, an increasingly popular tourist route.

A new feature this year is the Kildysart Show Estuary Way Brood Mare Championship. The first 22 mares entered in this class will receive nominations sponsored by owners of top-class sires from across Ireland.

The class also includes a total prize fund of €4,000 and is expected to draw strong entries from both local and national participants.

Prize money across the full equestrian section has increased this year, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Horse Sport Ireland.

The show will include the usual young horse classes for yearlings up to three-yearolds, along with a class for coloured horses.

The Young Horse Champion of Champion and Reserve Champion will receive a combined prize fund of €1,500.

The Irish Shows Association Kildysart All-Ireland Two-Year-Old Filly Championship, a key part of the show for over 30 years, also returns this year.

Other events include showjumping, show hunter ponies, lead rein, donkeys, cattle, sheep, goats, and dogs. The vintage section will be bigger than in previous years and is expected to attract visitors of all ages.

In the community centre exhibition hall, there are 15 categories for exhibitors, including classes for senior citizens and school children.

The 2025 show schedule will be available from Wednesday, July 2. Online entries open Friday, July 5 at www.kildysartshow.ie.

For more information, contact Show Secretary Dan O’Connell at 086 8368866 or 065 6832075, or email kildysartshow@gmail. com. Updates will also be shared on the Kildysart Show Facebook page.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

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15

There’s a magic about Madeira - the hottest new destination from Shannon Airport

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THERE’s a bit of a magic about Madeira and it’s no wonder why one of Shannon Airport’s newest routes is going down a treat.

Shannon’s first flights to Madeira took off in April of this year, it is already emerging as a favourite route which resulted in Ryanair adding it to its winter schedule making it a year-long destination.

Cristiano Ronaldo is the pride and joy of Madeira with airports and museums named after him, he is of course the island’s most favourite sun and one of the greatest footballers to have played the beautiful game.

While statues done in his honour have been questionable with regards to their accuracy, there is no doubt of the impact and legacy he has left on the island with many visitors flocking to the CR7 Museum in Funchal.

With stunning scenery, the landscape of Madeira will stop you in your tracks with its valleys and volcanic peaks.

It was back in April when this writer had the pleasure of undertaking a working holiday in Madeira, it was the first occasion where pages of The Clare Echo were filed from the island.

Flying from Shannon Airport was as always a hassle free experience. The press delegation included Connacht Tribune Editor, Dave O’Connell, Galway Advertiser journalist Úna Sinnott and podcaster Fergal O’Keeffe originally from Ennis but now domiciled in Tipperary, his Banner roots ensured Clare hurling was regularly on the agenda, the picture for the All-Ireland defence seemed much brighter then.

Travel agents were also on the trip and they included Siobhán Flynn of Ennis based Gail Travel Agency to help keep the Clare contingent strong.

Prices in Madeira are more than reasonable and the quality of accommodation is second to none. During a week-long stay, Suite Hotel Eden Mar in Funchal and Hotel do Campo in Ribeira Brava left a glowing impression. Funchal is an ideal setting as a base when travelling to Madeira, it is central to everything. Ribeira Brava is a small coastal setting with a nice backdrop and hills to ensure the step count stays high while indulging in the local cuisine.

Over the course of a week, it was a jam-packed schedule and as the only member of the Irish delegation stay-

ing for longer than three full-days it proved to be an inspired choice to properly sample what Madeira has to offer.

Sunday flights from Shannon to Madeira tend to result in a midnight arrival meaning the exploring won’t start until the following day.

Beginning with a walking tour of Funchal, the colour of the island began to quickly emerge and the realisation that there is frequently festivals taking place in the town which is named after a sweet-smelling wild herb.

Funchal is Madeira’s largest tourist, commercial and cultural centre, it is located on a large slope facing the Atlantic and shaped like a natural amphitheatre with cathedrals and churches to stop you in your tracks. The selection of cafes is equally impressive, it is worth navigating through the well-constructed laneways to find some of the hidden spots such as Uau Cacau which can tend to be cheaper than some counterparts in more prominent locations.

Mercado dos Lavradores, the local farmers market is a hive of activity and gives an indication of the importance placed on food quality. Spread across two floors, the market also underlines that there is a wide variety of choice on food alone.

Catamaran tours are also on the agenda to spot some whales and dolphins if looking to unwind some bit, choppy waters mean it could just be forty winks as opposed to getting some real shut-eye when at sea Museums are plentiful in Museum with trips made to the BAM (the Madeira Banana Museum) and Mudas Contemporary Art Museum.

No discrimination to bananas intended but the contemporary art was the more interesting of the two, they also knew their target audience as there was an exhibition running on newspapers which went down a treat.

Also noted for its fortified wine, a trip to Blandy’s Vineyard is an interesting way to gauge more on its importance to the island, there are nearly 500 hectares of vineyards in Madeira and there are 400 growers on the island. The Blandy’s business was founded in 1811 and they are experts when it cames to giving a warm welcome.

Anything beyond forty minutes is considered a long drive in Madeira so connectivity is important.

Its why there is an extensive network of tunnels that traverse the mountainous ter-

rain, making travel around the island much easier. These tunnels, along with bridges and viaducts, are a testament to Madeira’s advanced engineering, particularly in navigating the volcanic landscape. There are over 100 tunnels, some dating back to the early 20th century, while others are part of a modern highway system. It also adds for very scenic drives.

If you’re thinking everything is a bit too relaxing there’s also a more adventurous element to Madeira to get the pulses racing. What better to try than a bit of canonying. It is becoming an increasingly popular activity.

The descents of the island’s streams get the adrenaline pumping. The challenge consists of crossing mountain streams, abundant along canyoning trails in Madeira, overcoming the various obstacles encountered during the descent.

Canyoning is a different way to explore some of Madeira’s hidden and virtually untouched natural nooks, always accompanied by the clear waters that, between successive waterfalls, slide down the mountains.

Hiking is another worthwhile activity whilst in Madeira. Nazaré Viewpoint is located at an altitude of 164 metres, to the west of Funchal, this viewpoint gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view over almost the entire length of the capital of Madeira. From the coastline, mostly marked by the iconic Funchal bay, to the mountain peaks, this is a particularly photogenic scenario. Unfortunately, misty weather prevented yours truly from getting such a sight but it’s reason enough to make a return trip. The hike itself is not too challenging and won’t be a bother to anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

Prices are very modest in Madeira, for example you can purchase the local newspaper Diario de Notícias for €1.30 and you get a free coffee. Local cafes in Co Clare are more than welcome to give out an edition of The Clare Echo with any beverages sold. Full dinners can be got for as low as €10 in certain places but you will rarely more than €20 for the big meal of the day. Coffee prices are also far lower than the Irish equivalent.

On the weather side, Madeira is very much four seasons in the one day so a rain jacket is as essential as bringing the sun cream in the luggage. It’s the type of weather where you will tan easily

while waiting to be collected for the Airport. Temperatures average 20C in winter and in the high twenties in summer, making it an ideal year-round holiday destination. The off-season is from October to April which means rain is frequent and Instagram views on hikes may be frustrating.

In summary, a trip to Madeira is certainly recommended, especially with flights from Shannon Airport. You can tell them The Clare Echo sent you!

lMAGIC: Paraic McMahon absailing in Madeira

16

Thursday, July 3rd, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

North

Slattery ellected as Chair of West Clare Municipal District

A YEAR on from his successful political comeback, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) has been elected as the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District.

At Friday’s AGM held at Áras Contae an Chláir, Lahinch’s Bill was elected to succeed Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) with Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) elected as Leas Cathaoirleach. He topped the poll in last June’s local elections, amassing 2,244 first preference votes which saw him elected on the first count. He lost his seat five years previous, a result that has left lasting divisions among Fine Gael in North Clare.

In what is his second time becoming Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Bill admitted, “I’m a bit nervous, it is a while since I’ve did this.

I was Chairperson before but things weren’t as demanding or difficult as they are now, maybe it is the shortage of money now”.

He noted, “It is a privilege to be chosen by your colleagues to represent them and the West Clare Municipal District”. Cllr Slattery praised his predecessor Cllr McInerney “who represented us with integrity and dignity”. He welcomed the Council’s new Chief Executive Gordon Daly to his new role.

Road infrastructure was flagged by Cllr Slattery as a key priority for his tenure.

“As we look to the future, we’re all aware of the serious challenges facing our district from housing and transport to the core public services our communities rely on every day. But I firmly believe that by working together across party lines and parish boundaries we can deliver real and lasting progress. I want to clearly state that my colleagues and I in the West Clare Municipal District share a common and fundamental duty, to represent the interests, concerns, and voic-

NEW CHAIR: Leas Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) and Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) Photo by: Eamon Ward

es of the people who elected us to serve on this Council.

“The motions we table and the issues we raise whether at district or county level often stem from very specific local concerns. But every item reflects a genuine rep-

Ennistymon armer tears up charge sheet in Garda’s presence over harassment accusation

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A NORTH CLARE farmer tore up a charge sheet in the presence of a Garda where he is accused of harassing a neighbour over a 12 month period.

At Ennis District Court, two further charges were brought against Jim Greene (55) of Ballyea North, Ennistymon, Co Clare.

In the new charges, Mr Greene is charged with harassing John O’Brien at Ballyea North, Ennistymon on dates between January 27th 2024 and February 18th this year contrary to Section 10 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

Mr Greene is also charged with causing €2,600 worth of criminal damage at Ballyea North, Inagh to a range of items owned by Mr O’Brien contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Damage Act. The charge lists the items as a child’s wooden rocking horse burnt in a fire valued at €600; damage to the front door to gain entry at €100; damage to at least 20 framed family photos at a value of €20 each taken off the walls and burnt; damage to a Picasso print and its picture frame that was taken off the wall and burnt at a value of €500.

The €2,600 total also includes damage to the house CCTV system that had its wires allegedly cut and camera unit sprayed with paint at €1,000.

Mr Greene has been in custody at Limerick Prison since May 7th concerning other

charges relating to a neighbouring couple and Mr Greene was brought from prison to court for the new charges.

Giving evidence of arrest, charge and caution at Ennis Courthouse, Garda John Costello said that Mr Greene did not say anything after caution to the new charges “however, he tore up the two charges sheets in front of me”.

Sgt John Burke said that the new charges are indictable so a Book of Evidence will be required.

As a result, the case against Mr Greene will take place in the Circuit Court when the Book of Evidence is eventually served.

Solicitor for Mr Greene, Tara Godfrey said that she is currently awaiting a medical report on Mr Greene and she expects that it won’t be available for another three weeks.

Mr Greene currently has a bail application before the High Court.

Garda Costello said that DPP directions are still awaited concerned another case being brought against Mr Greene by Garda Brion Dolan.

In Garda Dolan’s case, Mr Greene is already accused of the burglary at the home of a neighbouring couple at Ballyhea North, Ennistymon on dates between April 2nd and April 15th last.

Ms Godfrey said that her client is a farmer with a small land-holding and has animals to look after.

Judge Alec Gabbett has remanded Mr Greene in custody to appear before Ennis District Court on July 2.

resentation brought to us by a resident, business, or community group. As we move through the year ahead, I urge the Executive to keep this in mind. Collaboration between the Executive and Elected Members is essen-

tial. Together, we must work to find the best path forward for all our communities. As Cathaoirleach, I will be placing particular emphasis on one issue that affects every community: our road infrastructure”.

Such conditions suggest a lunar rover is more acceptable than a family car to travel the roads, he quipped.

“Year after year, West and North Clare are overlooked when it comes to national road funding. Despite being a gateway for millions of tourists annually, our roads have been left behind.

This year, once again, Clare received one of the lowest per-kilometre capital allocations under the national secondary roads programme.

“It’s not just a tourism issue — it’s about fairness for our local communities. People here pay their taxes like everyone else. The least they should expect is to drive on safe, well-maintained roads.

Instead, we have sections so

poor, drivers must swerve into the opposite lane just to avoid damaging their vehicles. Sometimes, you’d wonder if a lunar rover would be more suitable than a family car. This is unacceptable in 2025. Our outdoor staff and engineers are doing their best on limited budgets, but only a strong, united voice from this council can secure the national investment we need. I recognise every Municipal District will make its case — and rightly so — but West Clare has too often been the forgotten corner.

Whether it’s road funding, active travel projects, enterprise supports or public services, we’ve fallen behind”.

Slattery concluded, “Engaging as one unit with the executive and government departments on making the case for increased investment in the district should be our priority. Let us represent the people of West and North Clare with purpose — not politics”.

Booktown Festival returns to Ennistymon

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

BOOKTOWN Festival will be back in Ennistymon this weekend July 4 and 5.

Every summer since 2012 booklovers have been travelling to North Clare drawn by the prospect of a town packed with all things books.

Previous participants that are returning this year include Joe Collins Rare Books Dublin, Temple Bar Bookshop, John O’Brien Limerick and Clare specialist dealer, Red Books from Wexford and Doolin Dinghy Books.

One new addition this year is Nerd-Up from Wexford bringing a large selection of Manga, Comics, Graphic Novels etc etc.

In addition to the shops in the Court House Gallery, Teach Ceoil and Byrnes Restaurant there will be a number of pop-up shops along the Main Street.

The festieval will take place across three days with a full programem of evenst scheduled fro Fri-

day, Staurday and Sunday.

These events include Poetry readings, book discus-

sions, book launches and spoken word events.

BOOKTOWN FESTIVAL: Booklovrs at last years event

17

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

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Inis Cealtra visitor experience opens in Mountshannon RESIDENTS and businesspeople from Mountshannon and neighbouring communities had a preview of the new Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience in Mountshannon on Wednesday, ahead of its opening to the public on Monday next.

East Clare’s most ambitious tourism development to date, the centre is housed in the Old Rectory, a period residence dating back to 1905.

The historic building has been carefully restored, repurposed, and extended to serve as a visitor and interpretative hub for Inis Cealtra, one of Ireland’s most significant ecclesiastical heritage sites.

Developed by Clare County Council it features a modern exhibition space showcasing local stories and the heritage of Inis Cealtra, a reception area, a first-floor café offering panoramic views of Lough Derg, and landscaped gardens. Displays explore Early Medieval pilgrimage, local traditions, the lives of Inis Cealtra’s former inhabitants, and the island’s lasting cultural significance.

The €4.3 million project includes the interactive visitor experience, outdoor seating in the restored Old Rectory gardens overlooking the lake’s stunning scenery, along with public realm improvements to Mountshannon village. The project was funded by the Department of

Rural and Community Development and Clare County Council.

The development is the result of comprehensive consultation with elected members and the local community.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Councillor Alan O’Callaghan, said, “The opening of the visitor experience positions East Clare as a key destination for cultural, heritage, and spiritual tourism, while preserving and promoting one of the region’s best known historic sites. This new attraction is a vital addition to Clare’s yearround tourism offering and a testament to the vision shared by the community and Clare County Council, with strong Government support.”

Siobhán McNulty, Director of Tourism Development, Clare County Council added, “It is great to see the Inis Cealtra Experience opening its doors for the 2025 tourist season. I would like to thank the stakeholders for their support and positive working relationships to date. I look forward to the continued engagement with the local community as we promote the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience in Mountshannon.

Visitors are being offered complimentary admission to the Inis

Cealtra Visitor Experience for the 2025 season.

The Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) Visitor Experience is part of The Clare Collection’s portfolio of attractions, which also includes Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Loop Head Lighthouse, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle, and Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre.

Visit www.clarecollection.ie for more information.

INIS CEARLTA: Visitor gets sneak preview of Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience in Mountshannon [inset image: Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience in Mountshannon]

Relive the Journey Once considered a place between heaven and earth, today Inis Cealtra and its surroundings continue to offer locals and visitors a sense of peace and connection.

Come and uncover the mystery and relive some of the stories of Ireland’s Holy Island by visiting Mountshannon and the new Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience.

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 16:30, with last entry at 16:00.

FREE ENTRY THROUGHOUT THE 2025 SEASON

InisCealtra.ie

The Old Rectory, Mountshannon, Co Clare, V94 P66V

18

Thursday, Jul 3, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

East Clare

Killaloe-Ballina Bridge trial pedestrian period sparks contraversy

GAA President to maintain Scariff Harbour Festival’s links with Northern Ireland & GAA

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LONG-held links between the Scariff Harbour Festival and Northern Ireland plus Scariff ’s strong GAA roots will be showcased through the presence of GAA President, Jarlath Burns at the popular East Clare festival.

Scariff Harbour Festival and Scariff GAA will come together to mark the official opening of the 2025 festival and celebrate the significant developments at the local GAA park. GAA President, Jarlath Burns will address the local community on Friday August 1 at 6pm.

The man from Silverbridge in Co. Armagh, will fulfil the festival’s long-held commitment to maintaining links with Northern Ireland, which stems from the presence of Waterways Ireland in the harbour town. He will also celebrate the most recent park developments brought about through the collaboration of Derg Active Alliance, the GAA and other bodies as part of Scariff Town Team initiative.

“It is a perfect community synergy”, said

Chair of the Harbour Festival Committee, Mike Rodgers. “We are proud of our long-running festival, and we are equally proud of our great hurling tradition, that fortunately continues to this day. We are absolutely delighted that Jarlath Burns has accepted our invitation to come to Scariff and we look forward to celebrating with him,” he said.

In also welcoming the upcoming visit of the GAA President to Scariff, Head of Operations at Clare GAA, Deirdre Murphy pointed to the very strong links and valuable partnerships that Clare GAA has with Northern Counties, particularly with Armagh, Derry & Tyrone. “The shared solidarity of the GAA community extends across the whole country, and we greatly value the strong relationship we have cultivated with GAA communities in the North.” she stated.

Scariff Harbour Festival 2025 in association with Waterways Ireland and supported by EKO Integrated Services runs from Thursday July 31- Sunday August 3. It opens with a performance at the Church

paraic@clareecho.ie

lHARBOUR FESTVAL: GAA President Jarlath Burns

of the Sacred Heart by broadcaster and singer, Ronan Collins, who will mix stories and songs from the ballroom days.

Other musical events include: Mac Fleetwood, a tribute group to Fleetwood Mac; the Fureys; The Tulla Céili Band, and Sin a Deir Sí, a dynamic collective of trad musicians.

The Grogan Brothers celebrating 50 years of music, Ger Starr, and the Thirsty Crows will also perform during the festival. There’s a Walk through the Centuries in Scariff, a Harry Clarke Studios Window Tour, a lecture on Scariff & East Clare Orphan Girls who emigrated to Australia in the late 1840s and a showing of Blue Road Documenta-

first elected to Tipperary County Council in 2004, traffic on the old bridge has dropped from 8,500 to 4,500 vehicles.

She further asserted that the decision was “an executive decision of Clare CoCo (County Council),” warning that it would affect businesses and tourism, stating, “we need as many access routes as possible into our twin towns.”

Responding to these remarks at the AGM of the Killaloe Municipal District in his final address as Cathaoirleach, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) criticised what he termed “misinformation” surrounding the process. “We had a meeting with our neighbours in Newport and Ballina, they were online and we agreed a trial closure for the bridge from the end of July to mid-October… It was jointly agreed by members of both Executives under advisement from the Department of Transport,” he said.

He continued, “It wasn’t just Clare County Council – it was the agreement of both Executives. There were dissenting views, but the general agreement was to go with the trial period.”

Hayes stressed the importance of clarity, warning that “misinformation can cause a lot of challenges.”

Formal advertisement of the Section 38 trial will follow in the coming weeks, including drawings of the pedestrianisation layout and details on how submissions from the public can be made during the trial period. Following completion of the trial, it is anticipated that in October, both Tipperary County Council and Clare County Council will make a determination on the future arrangements for the old 18th Century bridge.

by Páraic McMahon

ry – the story of Edna O’Brien, marking the first anniversary of her death.

The Riverside Activities with UL Sport Adventure are back, also Family Fun Day with Toons & Balloons (including sensory hour), boat & walking tours, scouting capers, kayaking activities, genealogy sessions, cookery demonstration, build your own chocolate bar, theatrics from the Sharp Dressed Men, and an Open Air Mass, Pop Up Gaeltacht, Brothers of Charity Open Day, Community Fire Safety, Heat me Healthy & Happy in the Sauna with all the familiar artisan food, Irish Seed Saver, craft fair & street stalls, (www.scariff.ie).

THE trial pedestrianisation of the old bridge linking Killaloe and Ballina will run from Monday, July 28 2025 to Friday, October 17 2025.

The announcement was made following a meeting between Elected Members of Killaloe and Nenagh Municipal Districts and officials from Clare and Tipperary County Councils on Wednesday, June 25.

The trial, provided for under Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, aims to pilot a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly route on the old town centre bridge between Killaloe and Ballina.

The trialled pedestrianisation of the old Killaloe-Ballina Bridge, announced by both local authorities, follows significant public engagement in Killaloe and Ballina in recent months, and is in accordance with the proposals included in the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan.

The decision to pedestrianise the old bridge has sparked political disagreement as an East Clare representative has accused a Tipperary councillor of spreading “misinformation” about the trial pedestrianisation of the bridge linking Killaloe and Ballina.

In a statement following the joint district meeting, Ballina-based Councillor Phyll Bugler (FG) claimed that “both Cllr Tony O’Brien and myself opposed this pedestrianisation on the grounds that this pedestrianisation is unnecessary due to the major drop in traffic flows since the new bridge has opened.”

According to Cllr Bugler, who was

lPEDESTRIAN TRAIL: Killaloe-Ballina Bridge

Burke elected Killaloe MD Cathaoirleach in historic setting of Inis Cealtra visitor centre

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WITHIN his own parish of Mountshannon, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) became Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District for the third time.

On the week that that the multi-million euro Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience opened in Mountshannon, the Clare County Council owned tourist attraction was the venue for the Annual General Meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District on Friday morning.

Proposed by Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) and seconded by Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Cllr Burke succeeds Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) in the role. Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) was elected as Leas Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD. Speaking at Friday’s AGM, Cllr Burke thanked his colleagues for their trust in electing him to the position for the

coming twelve months. “It is a great honour, I’m the type of councillor who shies away from the media, this morning I was thinking of a few words on what to say making my way over. Coming from the parish of Mountshannon and Whitegate, it is a great honour to be elected Cathaoirleach on the opening of the Inis Cealtra visitor centre this week”.

Burke spoke of his own involvement in “taking the bulls by the horns” to encourage the local authority to acquire the property which was formerly a house and is now home of the Visitor Centre. “I go back to four or five years ago and following a public meeting in hall in Mountshannon where the presentation was given by officials from the Council and the preferred sites for a visitor centre for Holy Island, the preferred site was for a new build on Aistear Park as I look out

and to build a visitor centre out there on the park, a lot of passionate people spoke that night, they were passionately opposed to new visitor centre in the park for the reasons the park was developed, the faith and the spirit, they had the vision in the 1990s to develop a park as opposed to it being given to a developer to build houses. I knew there was strong genuine opposition from strong genuine people that development would not take place in the park”.

Following this meeting, he raised the matter with then Director of Tourism Development, Leonard Cleary.

An elected member of the Council since 2009, Cllr Burke defended the input of consultants on projects led by the local authority. “People criticise the cost spent on consultants, when you walk through exhibition centre you can see why

because they are good at their job”. The inclusion of local figures by Brendan Bugler, Ger Madden, Martin Hayes and fishermen was praised by Cllr Burke.

“I’ve a great feeling that this place will take off, we don’t ever want it to have the numbers the Cliffs of Moher have but it will be successful. Mountshannon is fortunate to be where it is situated on the lake, I’m from the village of Whitegate which is part of this parish and we’re proud of it, it’s two miles from the lake. Millions have been invested in the area because it is a tourism hotspot,” he added.

Cllr Burke appealed to the “legal teams” representing Mountshannon Community Council and Clare County Council to come to a resolution and open the gate by Aistear Park “via a right of way or whatever means”.

Expression of Interest for Developers and Building Contractors for the Provision of Affordable Housing in County Clare – Extension of Deadline Clare County Council is extending the deadline for expressions of interest for the provision of turnkey housing developments by Housing Developers and Building Contractors for delivery of affordable housing across County Clare.

Further details of this scheme and a guide to making a submission are available on the Clare County Council’s website under www.clarecoco.ie or by emailing affordablehousing@clarecoco.ie.

The latest date and time for receipt of submissions is 4.00pm on Tuesday 30th September 2025.

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

Dated:

03rd July 2025.

Signed:

Adrian Headd, Senior Engineer, Housing Department.

19

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

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Regional News

Galway man breached safety order by Tuam to host National Play Day event commenting on ex-wife’s Facebook

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A COUNTY Galway man breached a domestic violence Safety Order by posting ‘Well done Louis’ when congratulating a newly elected Sinn Fein TD on his ex-wife’s Facebook page, a court has heard.

At Gort District Court, Sgt Claire Henaghan said that the post caused the woman “great distress”.

In the case, the man posted ‘Well done Louis’ under a photo on Facebook of newly elected east Galway TD, Louis O’Hara (SF) celebrating being elected to the Dail.

The man in his early 60s - pleaded guilty on December 2nd to contravening a Safety Order in place since September 2022 in that he made contact with his ex- wife by electronic means by commenting on her Facebook page belonging to her.

Sgt Henaghan said that it was the third time that the man had breached the Safety Order having al-

ready been convicted on two previous convictions.

Sgt Henaghan said that it was very obvious “that it was his ex wife who shared the post”.

Solicitor, Colman Sherry for the man said: “I was surprised that something like this would end up in court.”

Mr Sherry said that his client had met the case in the proper fashion by pleading guilty. He said: “He now understands that he can’t do anything like this again in the future.”

From the body of the court, the man said it was “a genuine mistake” stating that he had voted for the TD in the general election.

Judge Gabbett said: “I understand that these things can happen.”

He said: “Ludditery comes into it sometimes men and women of a certain age who use Facebook may not be fully au fait with what is happening.

Judge Gabbett said that in the future rather than congratulate the TD on Facebook, he should send

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

lFACEBOOK COMMENT: Galway man breached safety order

a card.

Judge Gabbett described the offence as “a very technical breach”. He said: “This was the man waving a flag and coming a little bit close to his ex-partner for my liking.”

With two previous convictions, Judge Gabbett said: “There is an underlying current here which I don’t like. This must stop today.”

He said: “This lady needs to be left alone. She has a five year order which speaks volumes and judges don’t hand out five year orders like confetti. I rarely make five year orders.”

Judge Gabbett said that he would adjourn the case

for one year in order that he can monitor the man’s future behaviour.

He told him: “You just have to keep your nose clean and stay out of this lady’s life completely.”

He said: “Come off Facebook. Delete it. Do you need to be on Facebook?

Is it adding to your life? I doubt it very much.”

Judge Gabbett told the man he is at risk of going to prison after three breaches of the Safety Order.

The man agreed when Judge Gabbett said he had never seen the door of a prison.

Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to June 25, 2026.

tunities for children to try their hand at basketball, tennis, orienteering, and enjoy face painting throughout the day.

This year’s National Play Day theme, ‘The Power of Play’, emphasises the importance of ensuring that all children, regardless of background or ability have access to inclusive and meaningful play opportunities.

Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr David Collins (FG) stated, “Play is a cornerstone of community life, and events like this help foster creativity, connection, and well-being among our youngest citizens.

We encourage families across the county to join us in celebrating the joy and power of play”.

FAMILIES across Galway are invited to take part in a free celebration of play and creativity in Tuam this weekend, as part of National Play Day 2025.

Palace Grounds in Tuam is the venue this Saturday (July 5th) for the event which takes place from 12pm to 2pm. It is organised

by Galway Sports Partnership in collaboration with Galway County Council.

A wide range of free, family-friendly activities is planned, with a focus on fun, movement, and imaginative play. Highlights will include performances by the Galway Community Circus, musical drumming sessions with D r u m a d ore , nature-based play, traditional garden games, and a dedicated sensory area designed to provide a calm space for children who may benefit from quieter activities.

There will lNATIONAL PLAY DAY: Lorraine, Conor, Donnchadh and also be oppor- Diarmuid Treacy

Ballinasloe flood relief scheme to enter planning next year

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BALLINASLOE’s flood relief scheme will advance to the planning phase during the first half of 2026, the Office of Public Works (OPW) have confirmed.

Successful completion detailed scheme design and environmental assessment work has allowed the progression of efforts to address long-standing flood risks in the town.

Confirmation that the scheme will enter the planning phase next year was made during a meeting between Galway County Council and Minister of State for the OPW Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran TD (IND), as well as Seán Canney TD (IND), Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, and Noel Grealish TD (IND), Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the

Marine.

During the meeting, progress updates were also provided on other local flood relief projects. Schemes in Clifden and Portumna are each advancing through different stages of development, while the Gort Lowlands scheme is nearing completion of its final environmental assessment and is due to be submitted to the OPW shortly.

Cllr. David Collins (FG), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, welcomed the news, “Flooding has had a devastating impact on Ballinasloe’s residents, businesses, and essential infrastructure.

It’s encouraging to see meaningful progress being made.

We look forward to working closely with the OPW and project teams as the scheme moves towards planning early next year”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, added, “This

scheme represents a longterm solution to significantly reduce flood risk in Ballinasloe and support the

sustainable development of the town. We are committed to supporting the OPW and ensuring this much-needed

project is advanced without delay”.

Ballinasloe has faced significant flood events, most

lFLOOD RELIEF SCHEME: Pictured left to right at Áras an Chontae: Deputy John Connolly, Deputy Mairead Farrell, Minister of State Noel Grealish, Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, Minister of State Sean Canney TD, Cllr. David Collins (Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway), Brendan McDonagh (Executive Engineer, Galway County Council), Enda Gallagher (Senior Executive Engineer, Galway County Council), and Liam Conneally (Chief Executive of Galway County Council). Credit Galway County Council.

notably in November 2009 and during the 2015/2016 winter, primarily due to the River Suck, the Deerpark River, and surrounding tributaries.

To address this risk, the OPW conducted a Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study under its national programme. The Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Management Plan, finalised in May 2018, identified Ballinasloe as a high-risk area and recommended the development of a dedicated flood relief scheme.

In collaboration with Galway County Council, the OPW appointed Arup, in partnership with Hydro-Environmental Ltd., to lead the scheme’s engineering design.

Ryan Hanley Ltd. was tasked with carrying out the necessary environmental assessments to guide the planning and development process.

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Thursday, Jul 3, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Green Clare

NPWS Discovery van to serve as mobile visitor centre in The Burren

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

A NEW MOBILE visitor centre Discovery Van for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has been launched in the Burren.

On Monday, the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O Sullivan TD (FF) officially launched The Discovery Van which will serve as a mobile visitor centre serving the Burren National Park and North Clare.

Visitors will be met at popular trailheads along the Burren by the Discovery Van where they will receive an informed interpretation of the Burren’s unique landscapes, geology, flora, and fauna along with practical advice on trails, safety, and responsible visiting.

The Clare Echo understands the total cost of the Discovery Van inclusive of VAT and taxes was just under €84,800. This includes the purchase of the new van, the fit out of the vehicle, graphics and all other associated costs.

During the busy summer season, the van will be an on-site information point. It marks a new approach in how the NPWS engages with the public in the region, bringing nature education and information directly to the heart of communities, schools, and protected areas.

Despite steadily increasing visitor numbers, the Burren National Park has never had any infrastructure on site. While a dedicated information point has been in place for many years in Corofin, many visitors now go directly to the Park and these remote, but popular, trailheads lacked an NPWS staff presence to welcome and assist visitors.

Year-round, the van will act as an outreach tool, enabling NPWS guides to engage with schools in the wider area offering environmental education linked to habitats, species, and conservation, as well as attending festi-

THE BURREN NPWS Discovery Van

vals, community events, and national fairs.

Junior Minister O’Sullivan formally launched the Discovery Van at the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre in Carron. Among those in attendance were Junior Minister, Timmy Dooley (FF), Mayor of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), Cllr Joe Killeen (FF), staff from the NPWS, conservation rangers from Burren National Park, Cathaoirleach of the Michael Cusack Centre Dónal Ó hAiniféin and the Centre’s Manager, Tim Madden.

Speaking in Carron, the Junior Minister remarked of the Burren’s beauty, “I’m only here three hours but I’ve been blown away. I am embarrassed to say it is my first time in The Burren but it is like something from a lunar landscape, it is other worldly”. Collaboration between different groups and agencies within the region was exemplary, he noted, “I’m really envious coming from Cork because here there is unbelievable collaboration. The setting is extraordinary, it may not be exactly how it was but this is how I imagine Michael Cusack grew up with these surroundings around him”. He continued, “ye have come together and collaborated to create something special, I’ll be telling the people of West Cork this is how collaboration works”.

A love of wildlife, nature and the outdoors can be fostered at an early age, he said. “The key to get them interested. Once you discover the beauties of nature, you never lose it and this helps to provide an opportunity for those visiting The Burren National Park to learn about the flora and fauna. To be honest I’ve to pinch myself that I get to go and visit these places and I get paid for it”.

Divisional Manager with the NPWS, William Cormacan believed the Van would act as “a great resource for the locality”. He stated, “it’s about real positivity and people working together, it is a really exciting time to be working in the Burren, we’re on the cusp of a lot, we have a new visitor centre, a new bus

and a new field study centre”. He expressed hope that the Junior Minister would become a more frequent visitor to North Clare and that he would be making positive announcements on such trips.

Mayor Murphy said it was “a really exciting initiative. The discovery can isn’t just a van, it is a mobile hub for awareness”. He was hopeful he would spark a real interest in The Burren. “We know how special our environment here in the Burren, over 30,000 hectares are designated as a SAC”. In what was his first official event as the county’s first citizen, Paul commented, “it’s not just about protecting what we have but helping feel connected to, the discovery van does just that, the more we know and care the better we look after the

world around us”. Ó hÁiniféin explained that they are “custodians of the Michael Cusack Centre, we see ourselves as custodians for everything he stood for”. The Ruan based primary school principal added, “we are thrilled with our fantastic developing relationship with NPWS. The leave no trace policy and everything about the Cusack Centre and the Burren aligns with the tourist strategy, the discovery van is as a fantastic idea. A little is tasty, once they’re hooked on that I’m confident we’ll have return visitors”. He continued, “the Burren is out of this world and it is unique, anybody that visits the Burren I challenge you not to have your heart blown open because it is something else”.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

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Ennis ‘next in line’ for town bus service with launch details to

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS is “next in line” for a town bus service with an announcement expected “fairly soon” from the National Transport Authority to confirm when operations can commence.

An indicative implementation date of 2025 had been set by the NTA for the town bus service in Ennis, while there have been setbacks met along the way, the wheels are almost in motion for the county town’s new service.

Speaking at the AGM of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) outlined that work was ongoing for the service. “We will be announcing fairly soon the NTA launch of the Ennis Bus

Service”.

She continued, “we’ve been waiting long enough, we’re next in line, there are some minor issues to be sorted but as of my mind we’re gone to public tender.

We’ll have buses moving north, east, south and west of the town”.

C l l r M a r y Howard (FG) told Clare FM in June that the town bus would be operational before autumn. “The bus stops

have gone out for tender, some of the lollipop poles have gone up, that is progress, we’re waiting for them to start, we’re very optimistic that we should have it before the autumn”.

According to the NTA, the new Ennis Town Bus service will be up and running by the end of 2025.

Once in place, two routes will offer services to run eighteen hours a day. The NTA have stated that seven in ten Ennis residents will live within 400m of a bus stop and nine in ten will live within 800m of a bus stop.

Funding uncertainty within the NTA in November 2023 poured doubt over the whole project but the case made for Munster’s largest town was strong enough to secure the necessary funds. Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) previously told The Clare Echo the total initial cost would be in the region of €800,000.

TOWN BUS SERVICE: local link bus [cut out: Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF)]

Green Clare

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Thursday, Jul 3, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Arts & Culture

West Clare singer/songwriter PJ Murrihy to perform three nights at Armada Festival

by LISA MULLALY lisa@clareecho.ie

WEST CLARE singer-songwriter PJ Murrihy will return to the stage of the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point this July for three nights as part of the Armada Music and Dance Festival, which runs alongside the Willie Clancy Week celebrations in Miltown Malbay.

Murrihy, who has been performing since the 1970s, is known for his original songs and storytelling style, rooted in Irish life, people, and place. His music has been recorded by wellknown artists including Daniel O’Donnell, Patrick Feeney, and Foster & Allen, and he has collaborated with musicians such as Michael Sexton Snr, Jimmy Warde, and David Culligan throughout his career.

Familiar Stage

This summer’s performances mark a return to a familiar venue as PJ has been

playing music in the Armada since the beginning of his career.

“I’ve been playing in the Armada for nearly fifty years, but for the Music and Dance Festival, I’d say I’ve been doing it for the last maybe ten or fifteen years.”

Murrihy has a long history with the Willie Clancy Festival, having attended and performed at it for decades. He’s seen it grow from a small, traditional-focused week to a festival that now includes a wider mix of music styles.

“Everywhere is full, and all the classes are full. It has come on in leaps and bounds since day one, it’s almost unrecognisable since it started.”

Still Writing

Although he has been writing and performing from a young age, PJ explained that in recent years he has become increasingly busy with songwriting, writing not just for himself but for a growing list of Irish artists.

“I was never as busy writing, because I’m getting calls from all sorts for songs.”

He’s recently worked with

ARMADA FESTIVAL: PJ Murrihy

Nathan Carter, Michael Inglis, and Brendan Shine, writing songs tailored for their styles.

“Last week I was up the country doing a bit of writing with Nathan Carter, and today, Michael Inglis is going to give me a shout, we’re going to try to work on something over the phone, we’re not always successful, but look, more often than not, it works” PJ has also been taking on projects to help promote communities and causes through music. Most recently PJ wrote a song for the town of Doonbeg to help promote the village.

He told the Clare Echo; “earlier this year a man named Tommy Comerford from Doonbeg got in contact with me and said ‘you’ve written a song for every other town in Clare, why not write one for Doonbeg?’”

The song entitled “The village of Doonbeg” launched on Saturday March 16 as part of Doonbeg’s St. Patrick’s day festivities.

The proceeds from the CD sales will go towards the

town’s Christmas lights fund and the development of the football pitch in the town.

Looking Ahead

As he prepares for his three nights of performance in the Armada, PJ says he’ll be sticking to the songs that audiences enjoy most, both new and familiar.

“I just go over some of the older songs, I more or less stick to my usual. People want to hear Drawing Little Men in the Ashes, Soldier On, and Life in the old Dog. That’s what I’ll do.”

These performances are also an opportunity for PJ to share his love for music with his son Seamus, who will be joining him on stage.

PJ Murrihy will perform three nights at the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point as part of the Armada Music and Dance Festival, during Willie Clancy Week 2025. His performances will take place on Monday July 7, Wednesday, July 9 and Friday July 11, beginning at 9:30pm.

Olivia Douglas set for Miltown Malbay gig

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

COUNTRY singer and accordion player Olivia Douglas will take to the stage at the Armada Festival in Miltown Malbay on July 7, as part of this year’s Willie Clancy Week celebrations.

Originally from Ferbane in Co. Offaly, Olivia grew up attending music classes during the festival as a child. Now, she returns as a performer with her own band. Speaking to The Clare Echo, she reflected on her musical journey from traditional music to the country scene, and shared some of the advice that’s stayed with her along the way.

Have you ever played a gig during the Willy Clancy Festival before?

Actually, it was my summer holidays every year when I was growing up. I used to play the accordion as well, so I used to be down to the classes as well during Willy Clancy

Week. So yeah, I used to be down there when I was very young every year….I never thought when I was going down there as a child that I’d be going back to be doing a gig with a band, you know, and that there’d be people who’d come and see it, I never, ever thought that.

You started out playing trad music, how did you transition into country music?

I started playing the tin whistle, I think I was very young, probably about six, and I progressed on to the accordion then. My dad owns a pub in Trahan in County Offaly, so there was always either traditional music or else country and Irish music there every weekend. So there was kind of a mixture of both, I think that’s where I got the love for the whole lot of it, I just couldn’t escape it. There was music there every weekend and I’d always be getting up and singing with the band. Yeah, that’s definitely

I think where I got the love of it.

When recording covers of wellknown songs, how do you choose which songs to cover?

I suppose I like to try and do something that I can incorporate the accordion into, that I think that the accordion might suit that song, because that’s just part of me. If I wasn’t including the accordion in it, it just kind of wouldn’t be me.

You have toured with a number of well-known artists such as Nathan Carter and Derek Ryan, what is a piece of advice that has stayed with you?

The one thing that has stuck with me actually, and i think it came from Sandy Kelly when I was starting out Glór Tíre at the time, she said just to enjoy the moment that you’re in because it just goes by so quick and then just be yourself, I think that’s what kind of stuck with me.

COUNTRY SINGER: Olivia Douglas

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

Business

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wins Push for southern infrastructure CREGG ‘Recruitment Firm in NDP by Shannon Airport Group of the Year 2025’

CREGG, a leading Irish recruitment company with over three decades of industry leadership, has won the title of ‘Recruitment Firm of the Year 2025’ at the Chambers Ireland Recognition Awards Ceremony, held at Clontarf Castle in Dublin on 26 June.

The Chambers Ireland event celebrated the highest standards of achievement and innovation in Irish business in the past year.

With Head Quarters in Shannon, this national win recognises CREGG’s consistent delivery of exceptional recruitment solutions across Ireland’s multinational and SME sectors. It is a powerful endorsement of the company’s people-first philosophy, deep industry knowledge and commitment to continuous improvement.

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

PRIORITISING the Shannon Airport rail link, implementing recommendations from the Shannon Estuary Taskforce and inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme over the next five years are key asks in a submission to the review of the National Development Plan.

Decisive action to address critical infrastructure deficits in the Mid-West is needed according to the Shannon Airport Group who submitted a proposal to the Government’s review of the National Development Plan (NDP).

Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers (FF) announced in April that a review of the NDP Delivery and Reform would take place. This is to shape public capital investment through 2035.

An urgent need for balanced regional development is stressed in the submission by the Shannon Airport Group, noting that it was a core objective of Project Ireland 2040.

The Group warns that unless the NDP prioritises infrastructure in the Southern Region, the national vision for equitable economic and population growth risks falling short.

Shannon Airport’s inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme (RAP) 2026– 2030 has been sought, as per the submission. “Aviation is a key enabler of economic growth by connecting markets, facilitating

PUSH FOR SOUTHERN INFRASTRUCTURE: Shannon Airport

trade, and unlocking opportunities for tourism and investment. The Shannon Airport Group is advocating for Shannon Airport’s inclusion in the Regional Airport’s Programme to enable targeted capital investment.”

Regional accessibility would be enhanced for over 10,000 daily commuters through the transformative Shannon Airport Rail Link, the Group’s submission outlined. “Its inclusion in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review highlights its importance for sustainability, decarbonisation, and economic

CCSL celebrates double win at catering awards COUNTY Clare’s leading catering company, CCSL, emerged as a standout winner at the first-ever Gold Medal Catering Awards 2025, held on June 26 last night at Clontarf Castle in Dublin, taking home not one, but two significant accolades.

Two leading team members from the Corofin based business received honourable recognitions for their innovative work and dedication. Craig Thunder was named Chef Manager of the Year for his innovative work with Dublin Bus, while Johnnie Finn, who leads catering operations at the Irish Management Institute, received the title of Catering Manager of the Year.

Long recognised for its commitment to quality and innovation, CCSL has built enduring partnerships with clients such as Dublin Bus and the Irish Management Institute. The company credits much of its success to the visionary leadership of team members Johnnie and Craig, whose fresh thinking continues to redefine the workplace dining experience.

“Dublin Bus and the Irish Management Institute have been among our most valued, long-term clients,” said Tom Hackett, Managing Director of CCSL. “We’re proud to be trusted by such respected organisations. These awards are a tribute to the passion and professionalism Craig and Johnnie bring to every plate, every day. Their deep commitment has fostered relationships built on trust, consistency, and creativity—and it’s fantastic to see their impact recognised on a national stage.”

The Gold Medal Catering Awards shine a spotlight on excellence across Ireland’s catering landscape—from corporate and healthcare dining to high-end events. Honouring trailblazers who are raising the bar in taste, service, and innovation, the awards have quickly established themselves as the gold standard for the industry.

growth. The Group is calling for funding to accelerate the planning, design and construction of the project”.

Recommendations of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce (SEET) must be integrated into the updated NDP, the Group argued. CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine was also a member of the Taskforce. “The Estuary’s potential as a hub for renewable energy, sustainable industry, and tourism is immense. Strategic investment in this region will unlock significant economic and climate action benefits”.

Extension of Ennis Local Transport Plan Public Consultation Clare County Council welcome the many submissions received as part of the Ennis Local Transport Plan public consultation. Public participation is essential to the process, and Clare County Council are now extending the public consultation for an additional two weeks from Monday June 30th until midnight on Friday July 11th, 2025. Your participation in this consultation is important, we value any feedback which will be reviewed and considered by the project team during the development of the Ennis LTP. Public consultation boards, information, maps and supporting documents, including the Ennis Local Transport Plan itself, will be available for viewing at Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis up to Friday, July 11th during normal working hours.

The public are further invited to inspect the plan and all supporting documents at: •

The Planning Department of Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare.

•

The Council’s online public consultation platform https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/ennis-local-transport-plan

•

The Placechangers interactive map https://app.placechangers.co.uk/campaign/484/overview

•

Ennis Library during normal Ennis Library opening hours.

WINNER: Loretta Flynn, Edmund Jennings, Oliver McMahon, Gary Cusack and Donal Tuohy

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

• Apprentice Computer Networking Associate 2-Year Apprenticeship Programme (Level 6) Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 18th July 2025

• Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanic 4-Year Apprenticeship Programme Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 1st August 2025

• Technician Grade I (Civil panel, Architectural & Building Panel) Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 18th July 2025

• Beach Operative Panel – North Clare Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 1st August 2025 Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.

Only applications completed online will be accepted.

Submissions or observations on the Ennis Local Transport Plan may also be made in writing to the Senior Engineer, Ennis Municipal District, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road Ennis, on or before July 11th, 2025 and should be clearly marked “Ennis Local Transport Plan”.

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

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

24

Thursday, Jul 3, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

ALL-IRELAND DEFEAT WON'T OVERSHADOW BRILLIANT YEAR FOR CLARE MINOR HURLERS SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND ROBIN

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A DISAPPOINTING defeat in the All-Ireland final will not overshadow the year for Clare’s minor hurlers.

Clare’s fifth appearance in the All-Ireland minor hurling final ended in a ten point defeat to Waterford who lifted The Irish Press Cup for the first time since 2013 and the fourth in their history.

Waterford led by Cormac Spain who scored 0-11, more than the entire Clare tally were the dominant side in FBD Semple Stadium on Saturday evening. They had a glorious start with 1-1 without reply, the green flag from Pierce Quann.

Selector Paul Mannion told The Clare Echo, “It was a bad start but we did react well, we had five or six chances after that but we only took two of them and that’s it. We had a long chat

in there, we don’t think we could have done anything more, we were just off on the day which is the disappointment”.

It was certainly an off-day from Clare but one which can’t cloud their view of the whole year, he said. “We don’t think we performed, we don’t use it as an excuse for the way we played but the conditions probably didn’t help us in the first half, we were ten points down at half time and it was always going to be a struggle, we didn’t get that run in the second half to pull it back. Waterford are obviously very good, they beat Kilkenny by six points the last day, they were favourites to win it and they brought it again today, we were just off but we were very proud of the finish, the lads never gave up, we told them that we can’t let the defeat overshadow the year but

Trailing by ten points at half time, Clare started the second half with three points in succession, two from John Barry and one from Ian O’Brien. It took fifteen minutes until the next score from Clare while Waterford had extended the gap back to nine points in the interval. “We got momentum, we needed ten minutes of it but we probably got three or four where we did pull it back but they’re a very physical team so it takes energy to do that, they were tackling hard, they are big men so conditions did suit them which is not an excuse but we never got that momentum for a ten minute period to pull back 1-4 or 1-5, it’s hard to know what we could have done,” Ennis’ Paul added.

Reflecting on the overall year, he said, “It is a success but it is very hard to say right now it is a success, I won’t say we would have took this at the start of the year but the

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

WATERFORD 1-17 CLARE 0-10 Venue: FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles

l Ian O’Brien soloes away from Tommy Kennedy with Ger

O’Connell offering encouragement from the sideline

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

it is disappointing”.

Figuring out the why and how Clare didn’t hit the levels they are capable of is an area the Ger O’Connell led management will mull over.

“We were going through everything at half time, it was like quick sand, the more we tried the deeper we got

stuck into it, they had a great year, we’re so proud of them, twenty eight players took to the field and I thought they kept going till the end even when Waterford got that score and the whole stand stood up we responded and that is all you can ask for in those circumstances”.

lads have learned so much, 28 players got game time in championship, they will be better for that and some of them will go up to U20 next year and they will recover, they’re young”.

Now six years involved with the county development squads, Paul outlined that All-Ireland deciders is where Clare need to aspire to be competing in. “It’s where we wanted to be at the start of the year, we had setbacks at the start of the year, we had to change things around and we learned a lot as a management team, we got fantastic support from the County Board through that because sometimes with a new management team there can be doubt but we always got massive support from Deirdre (Murphy) and everybody. Today was disappointing but we’re very proud of the lads and how they finished it out”.

Neylon wins Lady Captain’s Prize in Shannon & Young lands hole in one

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

SHANNON GOLF CLUB: LADY captain Sandra Ferguson’s prize was played for last week.

Ten handicapper Noeleen Neylon captured the honours with 66 nett, winning by a stroke from Dee O’Connell (34).

Emma O’Hallloran (17) was third with 69.

Laura O’Brien (10) won the gross with 80.

Sandra’s prize to the men was won by Peter Buckley (29) with 45 points from Harry Storan (19) with 43 points.

Damian Casey (+1) won the gross with 37 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: It was vice captain’s day on Saturday when Tomas Prendeville (15) captured Brian Scanlan’s prize with 38 points.

He won on a countback from David Abbott (14) who had a similar score.

In third place with 37 points was Gerard McInerney (20). The gross was won by Donnacda Nagle with 32 points.

Fiona Kinsella (11) won Mary Lyons’ prize with 35 points from Maureen Kinnerk (26) and Sheena Mahoney (25) both with 33 points.

Anne Gallagher (12) won the gross with 18 points while the category winners were Mary Bolton (18) with 32 points, Mary Young (22) with 26 points and Grace Howard (36) with 31 points.

The overall winner in last week’s ladies 18 hole stableford competition was Clare Pyne (23) with 37 points. The category winners were Anne Brennan (16), Mary G Nolan (21) and Helen Hurst (48), each of whom returned 35 points.

While playing for Kilrush against Shannon in the Jimmy Bruen shield inter club competition last week, Jim Young recorded a hole in one at the 12th in Shannon.

Shannon were winners and progress to the next round. The sporting highs continued for Jim who was part of the Kilrush Shamrocks side

to win the Garry Cup on Friday evening.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: The Shanahan trophy, sponsored by Shanahan Paints, was played for last week when Paul Kearse (24) with 41 points was the winner. He had two points to spare over Barry Larkin (14) with John Gavin (17) in third spot with 37 points.

The annual open week of competitions took place last week when sponsors included Sutton Lighting, Old Ground Hotel, Moloney Fuels, Martin Ward Golf Ltd, Munster Group, Michael O’Reilly Oil and Mr. Binman.

Friday’s ladies open singles sponsored by Martin Ward was won

by Anna Marie Darmody (31) with 38 points one more than Kitty Morris (19).

The men’s open singles on the same day was won by Darragh Murphy (7) (Shannon) with 41 points from John M. Lillis (18) with 40 points with Gerry Daly (16) in third place, also

with 40 points. Cathal Ruane (2) (Slievenamon) won the gross with 31 points.

DROMOLAND: Category A in last week’s senior men’s competition was won by Jerry O’Gorman from Jimmy Neville with Bart O’Brien in third place.

The winner of category B was Mick Foley from John McDermott with Frank Travers in third spot.

The men’s monthly medal was won by Billy O’Mahony with 68, one better than John Higgins with Gerry McInerney, also on 69, in third place.

Patrick Marnane won the gross with 76.

The ladies 18 hole competition winner was Dorothy Brennan from Anne McMahon with Leslie O’Flynn in third.

WOODSTOCK: The Western Joinery June medal was the competition at the weekend when Paul Coote (14) won with 68 while Tony Nugent (2) won the gross with 72 Ronan O'Looney (9) with 72

l Lady Captain Sandra Ferguson presents her

prize to Noeleen Neylon

Photo by Joe Buckley

from Kieran Cunnane (1) with a similar score.

Colm Reidy (16) won category 2 69 from Martin Nugent (12) with 72 while category 3 was won by John Baker (20) with 74.

Andrew Hamilton won the singles competition for those with handicaps of 16 and over.

Last week’s ladies 18 hole stableford competition was won by Mary Morgan with 37 points from Mary McNamara with 33 points.

Last week’s mixed scramble at Woodstock was won by Liam McInerney, Marie McNamara, Ken Horgan and Vincent McInerney with 24.6.

Thirty seven played in last week’s open singles when John Clune (8) won category 1 with 38 points.

David Duhig (11) from Shannon Golf Club won category 2 with 41 points while category 3 was won by Liam Browne (27) with 39 points.

EAST CLARE : The John Stack memorial cup for senior men was played for last week when Brendan Magill and Kieran McNamara claimed the honours.

Last week’s ladies 18 hole stableford competition was won by Noreen Doyle (20) with 36 points and she had one to spare over Eileen Donnellan (13). The gross was won

by Siobhan Shanahan.

The men’s open stableford was won by Cian Fitzgerald Bradley (19) with 43 points, two more than Norman Haltof (26) with Michael Darcy (21) a point further back on 40 in third place.

Anthony Sweeney (2) won the gross with 73 while the birdie winner was Bryan Tobin (13).

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB: Lahinch defeated Woodstock in the Vincent Nevin trophy (previously known as he Fred Perry trophy) competition last week. In the senior cup Lahinch will face Doneraile at Limerick golf club on Sunday week, July 13.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

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Sport

CLARE SENIOR HURLING RETIREMENTS Inagh/Kilnamona chase first senior title & Clonlara UNLIKELY, SAYS SHANE O'DONNELL aim to regain silverware

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

TWO of the leading contenders for the Canon Hamilton face off in the Clare Cup final this weekend.

With the opening round of the senior hurling championship three weeks away, Inagh/Kilnamona and Clonlara will be hoping to get a timely boost when they clash in the willwego.com Clare Cup (Division 1 league) final at Dr Daly Park in Tulla on this Sunday at 1pm.

As has been the case throughout the campaign both have to plan without players due to travel, holidays and injuries and Clonlara look to be to more hit in this regard.

For their semi-final clash with Sixmilebridge they were just able to name a panel of 21 players.

Defender David Fitzgerald is out for the season having suffered a cruciate knee injury a few weeks ago in the competition quarter final. Oisin O’Brien, Ian and Kieran Galvin, Michael Clancy, and Eoin Begley are all injured while Micheál O’Loughlin and Brian McLeish are away for Sunday’s final.

Manager Donal Madden is keeping his fingers crossed that Colm Galvin will be able to play this week. He was replaced in the closing minutes of their semi-final win over Sixmilebridge due to injury. He is also hoping that Cathal O’Connell will be able to play a part this week having missed recent games due to injury. Dylan McMahon is expected to return having served a one match ban in the semi-final.

“While we have a lot of injuries at present, the league has been ben-

eficial to us as we have got to use thirty seven players throughout the campaign. We have managed to expose a number of players to what is required at senior level and I am looking forward to another good competitive game”, Madden told The Clare Echo.

Inagh-Kilnamona have never won the Clare Cup and are hoping to go a step further this year. They lost last year’s final to Newmarket and will be appearing in the final on Sunday for the fifth time.

For Sunday’s final they will be selecting from the same panel they had available for their semi-final against Crusheen.

“Conner Hegarty, David Fitzgerald and Sean Rynne are overseas while Keith White, Shane Woods and Josh Guyler are on the injured list. This competition is good preparation for the championship and it provides a great focus. The championship is the most important and this is a nice lead into that competition and we are delighted to be involved at this stage”, Inagh/ Kilnamona manager Tomas Kelly explained.

Eamonn Foudy, Aidan and Jason McCarthy, James and Fred Hegarty will lead the Inagh/Kilnamona charge while Clonlara will be looking to the experienced John Conlon, Colm Galvin, Aidan Moriarty and young star Diarmuid Stritch.

It has all the makings for a lively contest and should attract a big attendance to Tulla on Sunday where the throw in time is 1p.m. with Sixmilebridge man Kevin Corry as referee.

TWO-TIME All-Ireland winner Shane O’Donnell has said retirements from the Clare camp are unlikely given the manner in which the county’s defence of the All-Ireland title panned out.

As has been speculated, there is almost an unsaid commitment within the Clare senior hurling panel that the more experienced cohort are willing to give the cause another year due to the frustration felt at how their championship campaign unfolded in 2025.

All-Ireland champions Clare drew their opening round of the Munster championship before successive defeats to Waterford and Tipperary ensured they would not advance from the province, their final outing of the year saw them defeat Limerick by five points in TUS Gaelic Grounds on May 25th.

Speaking at the launch of Bord Gáis Energy’s new solar campaign, Shane outlined that exits from the panel are unlikely but cautioned that one departure over the next two seasons could open the flood gates.

On his own circumstance, Shane said no decision on his Clare future would be made for a number of months. “Obviously, I've thought about it. I had talked about this year being my last year”. He continued, “I'm a bit more careful about how I phrase this. I think a number of us had genuinely intended for this to be the last year. With how disappointing it ended, it makes it

ÉIRE ÓG WIN CUSACK CUP FOR SECOND TIME CUSACK CUP SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

 Éire Óg captain Aaron Fitzgerld accepts the willwego.com Cusack Cup from Clare GAA Chairman Photo by Gerard O'Neill Kieran Keating

 Shane O'Donnell

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

very difficult to hang up the boots.

“I don't know, to be honest. It depends on a number of factors.

Not least whether other players are staying or going. It definitely will be up in the air until the end of this year. When other players make that decision, then we'll see,” the 31 year old said.

According to the Ennis native, another of the experienced brigade, Tulla’s David McInerney is set to stay with the county cause for another year at least. McInerney is expected to be travelling over the summer months but will be refreshed to go again with Clare in 2026.

O’Donnell recalled an exchange with McInerney prior to their final outing of the year. “There's no way we're not going to go again.

But we'll see what happens, essentially. When push came to shove, I remember the week of our game against Limerick - obviously we

were out at this stage and the Tuesday training had just wrapped up.

I turned to Davy Mc and just said, ‘That's our last Tuesday session ever’. I was under the impression he was going to be leaving. He just turned to me and was like, ‘no’ basically. I think when it comes down to it, it becomes very difficult to actually take that step away”.

A shoulder injury meant Shane only featured for the county twice in this year’s championship. In January, he was told to expect to be out of action for six months but he lifted the entire grounds of Cusack Park on May 10 when replacing Shane Meehan on 44 minutes.

“The noise when I came on, it was a great memory, but looking back on it, it's obviously tarnished with the result of the game. If anything, I actually just think about that result and think that it would have been one of the great days of my career, coming back and everything and getting back on the pitch, if we'd won. But now I don't want to think about it, because we didn't win.

And it essentially torpedoed our campaign,” he recalled.

Three-time All Star Shane is confident that Clare senior hurling manager Brian Lohan has the backing off all the players to stay on for a seventh season, and also believes that Clare will continue to compete at a high level when the experienced heads begin to step away.

For the full interview, head to www.clareecho.ie.

SHAMS BEAT BRECKANS FOR GARRY CUP GLORY GARRY CUP

SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

Evan Power, Ben McKiernan, Ross Phelan and Mark Bonfield celebrate Kilrush’s success

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

26

Thursday, Jul 3, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport SCAN FOR REPORT

 Jennifer Daly strikes under pressure from Mairead Eviston

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Clare have 'one hell of a shot' in quarter-final with Waterford ALL IRELAND CAMOGIE CHAMP' TIPPERARY 5-12 CLARE 2-06 Venue: Semple Stadium, Thurles Compiled by Páraic McMahon

CLARE will have “one hell of a shot” at Waterford in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie quarter-final, manager John Carmody has said.

One win, one draw and two defeats in the group stages was enough for Clare to secure their place in the quarter-finals and ensure a trip to Croke Park awaits.

Reaching this stage has been an objective of the panel from when they first assembled in preparation for their 2025 campaign. “This has been a huge target for the girls since they came together last year. There have been ups and downs but this is huge progress for a young Clare team. They are the first Clare senior camogie team to play in Croke Park.

It’s an occasion to look forward to. It’s knockout hurling now and we will have one hell of a shot at it on Saturday”, manager Carmody said.

Throw-in on Saturday in Croke Park is at 14:30, the game is a curtain raiser to the All-Ireland senior hurling semi-final meeting of Cork at Dublin.

Kilmaley clubman Carmody readily acknowledges that “Waterford are strong favourites. They are operating at a higher level than us but look we haven’t even thought

about Waterford. We would have played anybody. We are just delighted to be there. The girls are relishing the opportunity. We lost a bit of pride in Thurles on Saturday but look the girls will leave everything on the pitch this week”.

Carmody and his management won’t finalise Clare’s starting team until shortly before match time. “Sinead O’Keeffe and Niamh Mulqueen picked up serious ankle injuries in the first half against Tipperary which didn’t help our cause. They are extremely doubtful but we will give them every chance to prove their fitness”.

Muireann Scanlan who has missed most of the season due to injury “is very close to being fully fit” and there is a chance she will get some game time on Saturday.

According to the manager Clare “have used 23 players in the championship and while there could be some rotation, it’s likely the same twenty will be the ones Clare will call on Saturday”.

Reflecting on their nineteen point hammering to Tipperary on Saturday, Carmody said he was “disappointed”. He stated, “We played so well the previous week. We needed to perform against Cork and the girls did give a great performance in that one”.

Stressing that Clare were “the underdogs” this weekend, he added, “it’s great to be there and the girls will learn from this experience”.

CLARE SHOWN END OF THE ROAD BY MONAGHAN TG4 ALL-IRELAND INTERMEDIATE LADIES FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

 Ellie Hanrahan offloads the ball under pressure from Lauren Garland

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

27

Thursday, Jul 3, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CRONAGORT EAST, DOOLIN, CO CLARE. Take notice that Donna McAleese and Keith Bloomfield intend to apply for outline planning permission to build a new house, garage, install a waste water treatment system and all associated and ancillary site 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 CARNAUN, DOOLIN, CO CLARE. Take notice that Felix Prummel intends to apply for permission to rebuild, extend and renovate the derelict house on site, install a wastewater treatment system and all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKATUNNA, KILMALEY, CO CLARE Take notice that Noel Marshall intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct an extension to the side of an existing derelict dwelling house along with alterations/ renovations to the existing house and the construction of a proposed garage along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL AGHAGLINNY NORTH, BALLYVAUGHAN , CO CLARE. Take notice that Diane and Gerard (Buddy) Flanagan intend to apply for permission to build a dwelling house, install a wastewater treatment system and all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL PARLIAMENT ST, ENNISTYMON Take notice that M. Hohey intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for change of use from bookshop to coffee take away unit 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 planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLARD ROAD, LEAGARD NORTH, MILTOWN MALBAY Take notice that West Clare Vets intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain veterinary service unit 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 planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of

the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ‘MAIRE RUA’, MAIN STREET, KILFENORA Take note that Kilfenora Tidy Towns seeks planning permission for the erection of a mural on the east-facing gable end of the premises formerly known as ‘Maire Rua’ Craft shop, V95W0HA. The development will consist of a public mural approximately 7m x 5m in scale, and comprise work by a professional artist.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL We, Armada Hotel Holdings Ltd, intend to apply for permission for development at this site at the Armada Hotel and Armada House (which is a protected structure, RPS No. 025), Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.

The development will consist of – • The construction of an under-ground wastewater treatment plant including associated overground plant, • The construction of an under-ground pumping station, and • All associated site development works, including underground piping, landscaping and the decommissioning and removal of the existing wastewater treatment plant.

This planning application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement (NIS).

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

Planning

To place a notice email kieran@clareecho.ie permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DOIRE NA MBLÁTH TULLA ROAD, ROSLEVAN ENNIS CO CLARE Take Notice that Drumquin Construction Ltd intends to apply to the planning authority for permission for development at this site, Doire na mBláth, Tulla Road, Roslevan, Ennis Co Clare.

The Permission seeks a renewal of a previously permitted residential development permission at this location as granted under P19 244.

The development will consist of the construction of 27 no dwelling houses as follows (a) 2 no. detached 2 storey dwelling houses with additional attic accommodation House type A (b) 18 no. semi-detached 2 storey dwelling houses, house type B/ B1 (c) 4 semi-detached 2 storey dwelling houses, House type E (d) 3 no detached bungalows, House type D and all ancillary and associated site works and connection to public services as permitted under P 21639 and P23425.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 7 GIRROGA HEIGHTS, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE V95 PDX9 Take notice that Kay Magdeburg intends to apply for Retention Permission to retain the existing basement area, covered storage area and balcony at the rear of the existing dwelling house including all ancillary services and works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL Ardilaun Guest House intend to apply for planning permission for the development of Ardilaun Guest House, Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare. The development will consist of the extension of the caretaker/ owner’s apartment to include an additional en-suite bedroom at first-floor level. The development will also include the conversion of the existing semi-basement storage area to two guest bedrooms and a games room; the conversion of the ground floor games room to a guest bedroom; conversion of attic space to four ensuite guest bedrooms; and the conversion of the existing garage to night porter accommodation. Permission is also sought for a side staircase extension, two external guest rooms in the side garden, extension of the existing car park, modifications for ramped access, elevational change and all associated site works. A Natura Impact Assessment has been prepared as part of the application.

The Planning Application and the Natura Impact Assessment 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 , €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission Signed SOTOPARRA architecture+ design ltd CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISDUFF, CLONLARA, COUNTY CLARE Take Note that I, Patrick Noonan, intend to apply for planning permission for the following development at this site Lisduff, Clonlara, County Clare.

The development will consist of planning permission for the construction of a detached dormer dwelling, detached domestic garage, new entrance and driveway, onsite wastewater treatment system, bored well, together with all associated ancillary site development 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 planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, DERRYFADDA, CLONLARA, Planning Permission is sought by Howard Caulfield for extensions and alterations to and refurbishment of, an existing cottage and for a replacement waste water treatment system at; Derryfadda, Clonlara, Co. Clare.

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

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Thursday, Jul 3, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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Keane (née Downes), Marie Cooraclare

Courtney (née Nelson), Mary Ogonnelloe

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Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz 1.

In what year did Moneypoint power station open?

1988 1979 1959

6.

Which Saint is associated with Kilrush?

St. Brigid St. Patrick St. Senan

2.

Which prominent Dutch family was associated with Kilrush for hundreds of years?

The Vandeleurs The Van Der Lindes The Van Bastens

7.

What is the name of the GAA pitch in Kilrush?

Cusack Park Captain Tubridy Memorial Park Páirc an Dálaigh

3.

What colours do Kilrush Shamrocks GAA play in?

Black and white Green and red Green and white

8.

What was the population of Kilrush as per 2022?

3500 1567 2649

4.

Kilrush is known as Cill Rois in Irish. What does this mean?

Church of Ross Church of the woods Church of the king

9.

Businessman James Paterson developed much of the town in the 19th century. What country was he from?

England Scotland Wales

5.

What island is located 15 minutes from the coast of Kilrush?

Inismór Scattery Island Bull Island

Movies to see this week

Scan here to see what’s on

10. What major Irish historical event was commemorated in Kilrush in 2013?

The Great Famine The War of Independence Catholic Emancipation

ANSWERS St. Senan Captain Tubridy Memorial Park 2649 Scotland The Great Famine Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

1979 The Vandeleurs Green and white Church of the woods Scattery Island

Spot the Difference

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

Last weeks Answers . white logo on t-shirt missing (second from left) . Cone green . Logo missing on t-shirt (centre)

. Pole missing in background . Logo missing on red tent . T-shirt in background (right) different colour . Part of L missing on sign (top left)

Clare’s minor hurlers came undone in their bid for All-Ireland glory against a superior Waterford side Photo by Gerard O’Neill

31

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul 3, 2025

Puzzle PUZZLE 31

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

THIS 3rd THIS WEEKS WEEKS PUZZLES PUZZLES Jul MAY 26th

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

5/20/22, 9:46 AM

Canaletto

Turner

Dali

Warhol

5

5 6

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Goya

1

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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.

ANSWERS

HOW TO PLAY 1/2

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

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9

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How to play

Degas

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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.

Chagall

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5

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

The Clare Echo Crossword

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Daily Quick Crossword: 20 May 2022 ,5/20/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

Supporting Journalism in Clare

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Daily Quick Crossword: 20 May 2022 ,5/20/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

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