The Clare Echo 04/12/25 by The Clare Echo

‘Betrayed’ by Council with rates increase

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE BUSINESS owners have said they feel “betrayed” by Clare County Council over its decision to increase commercial rates by 8%

A shock is still felt by the business community in the county over the Council Executive and its elected members fully backing the move to hike up rates following rising costs of doing business, two years of public realm works in Ennis and the forthcoming auto-enrolment expense.

Co-owner of Sweet n Green café in Ennis, Frank Landy has said he will refuse to pay the increased commercial rates. “Deciding not to pay the rates is not a crusade, it’s just a pure point of principle,” he told e Clare

Echo. He said rates should instead have been reduced given the “patience and understanding” shown by businesses amid the “the massive disruption” caused by the €11.5m public realm works.

Barry O’Driscoll of Precious Pets commented, “ e timing is ill-judged and I feel a sense of deep betrayal, Clare County Council should know better”.

Martin Canavan of Moher Hill Open Farm and Leisure Park stated, “I was surprised at with our public representatives and some of them have been in business, they all rowed in and gave 100% support for raising the rates, I think it is very poor taste from Clare County Council”.

BUSINESS BUDDIES

Unprecedented attendances at UHL

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MORE THAN 350 patients presented to the emergency department of University Hospital Limerick (UHL) within the space of 24 hours this week.

UHL’s trolley crisis continues despite the opening of a new 96bed block last month at a cost of €105m. An appeal was issued by UL Hospitals Group on Tuesday night for the public to use available alternatives instead of visiting the ED in UHL. A spokesperson conﬁrmed more than 350 people attended

the ED within 24 hours.

Friends of Ennis Hospital described the figures as “unprecedented attendances” and flagged that flu season has yet to peak. The group has issued an invitation to the Health Minister to visit West Clare as it puts forward the case for a second hospital in the region to be built in Co Clare on the back of HIQA’s review into emergency health services in the Mid-West.

 (L-R) Ashling McDonnell, Jessica Phelan and Laura Long from HSF at the Clare Business Excellence Awards last Thursday night at the Inn At Dromoland. For more coverage, visit p34-37

Photo by Mike Mulcaire

Christmas in Ennis

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More than 350 patients presented to UHL emergency department in 24 hours

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

UNPRECEDENTED numbers of patients are presenting at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) this week.

On Tuesday night, UL Hospitals Group conﬁrmed that more than 350 people attended the emergency department at UHL in the past twenty four hours.

Friends of Ennis Hospital described the figures as “unprecedented attendances” and flagged that flu season has yet to peak.

Half of the ﬁgure of 350 presented to the ED without a referral from their GP.

In a statement, UL Hospitals Group appealed to the people of the MidWest to ﬁrst use the available alternatives where possible, including local pharmacies and family doctors, as well as walk-in Injury Units and GPreferral Medical Assessment Units in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospital for non-lifethreatening conditions and injuries.

“The Emergency Department is for patients

with life-threatening emergencies. Anyone with less urgent illnesses is going to experience a long wait, perhaps unnecessarily, and should follow the advice above where possible. We apologise to every patient who has experienced long waits for a bed in UHL. Our staff are doing everything to provide the best possible care. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as necessary. At this time of exceptionally high demand for hospital services, we ask the public to continue supporting us, to ensure emergency care is prioritised for the sickest, most seriously injured and frailest patients,” the statement outlined.

Shannondoc continues to operate from 6pm to 8am across Monday to Friday with a 24 hour service for Saturday and Sunday. Shannondoc can be contacted on 0818 123 500. If you need urgent care, but don’t require ED attendance, GPs can refer you to a Medical Assessment Unit in Ennis, Nenagh or St John’s Hospitals. Injury Units are a walk-in service, open 8am to 8pm at Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s Hospital. They can treat a range of injuries that don’t need hospitalisation, such as broken bones, dislocations, and minor burns. There is a typical patient experience time of around two hours. For advice, contact, Ennis Injury Unit - 065 686 312.

Dromoland Castle’s Christmas event which took place last Sunday

Photo by Brian Arthur

Health Minister says emergency department for Clare will be reviewed in 2026

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

POTENTIAL for building a second emergency department in the MidWest will be reviewed next year, the Minister for Health has said.

Speaking in the Seanad on Thursday, Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG) said she was “not correctly quoted” by Oireachtas members of the Mid-West at a briefing over the future of emergency health services in the region, held on Wednesday evening.

Minister Carroll MacNeill in a memo to be delivered to Cabinet in the next fortnight is to recommend the expansion of University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and the extension of UHL campus with a second nearby hospital under a shared model.

It will be 2026 before the construction of a new model three hospital with a second emergency department for the region will be on considered, she revealed. “Our ﬁrst priority has to be patient safety”.

An additional investment is envisaged for both Ennis and Nenagh but at the moment an emergency department in either county is unlikely. At present there are 81 beds in Ennis, the Minister outlined that an additional 48 is planned. In Nenagh there are presently 62 with this expected to rise by 27. St John’s currently have 95 with an additional 42 earmarked.

The Clare Echo understands that the Minister is 100 percent commit-

ted to Option A of the HIQA review which is UHL’s expansion and is conﬁdent of progressing Option B which is UHL’s further extension and an addition of another hospital nearby. The Minister is keen to take more time to examine data before deciding on whether a second ED is needed for the Mid-West.

“My priority is to deliver more beds as quickly as possible and to put in all the supporting architecture to make sure we can bring people out of Limerick, we are genuinely committed to it, we will prioritise Option A and B before Christmas and all look together at the opportunities for Option C in the New Year. I didn’t say those things at the meeting yesterday, I was not correctly quoted, we will look at Option C intelligently and in a paced way in the New Year. What HIQA have asked us to do for the people of the Mid-West is to put real teeth to Option A and B to that,” the Minister outlined.

Also in the Seanad, Minister Carroll MacNeill stressed that UHL is not the most under-pressure emergency department in the country. She said UHL has the seventh longest waiting times in the country. “It is not their processes, it is an acute bed capacity issue. In relation to the trolley numbers, it is absolutely clear that Limerick is consistently better whether you count in on the INMO or HSE ﬁgures, they are two very different things, INMO ﬁgures count the people in the emergency room generally, the HSE

ﬁgures count the people on trolleys, they are slightly different ways of counting but in Limerick consistently more than the trolleys we have more people self referring to the hospital than any other region so those numbers will always be much higher, you have to look at the trend and it is persistently lower.

“I have to end this idea that Limerick is the worst hospital in terms of emergency departments, this is persistent throughout November

Galway, St Vincent’s at the edge of my own constituency in Dublin and Cork are persistently worse in their trolley ﬁgures than Limerick and they don’t have the same issues that Limerick has. On Wednesday, there was 28 people on trolleys on the HSE ﬁgures at 8am, there was 42 in Galway, on Tuesday there was 27 in Limerick and there was 50 in Galway, 35 in St Vincent’s, it is persistently worse in other hospitals so we have to get away from the idea that Limerick is the place that is the most dangerous and under pressure, it isn’t actually as a consequence of two things, the greatly improved processes and the new bed block, we need more beds but the other hospitals have more to do and they don’t have the same presentation pressures, demographic pressures or bed capacity pressures, it is important to put that in context,” she added.

Clare Senator Martin Conway in his contribution opted against pleading the case for a new emergency department in his native county. He said UHL has been the issue he has discussed most in the Seanad and the Oireachtas Health Committee since 2011. “It has been utterly frustrating for years and years to week in week out, month in month out to hear the stories of people who have had negative experiences at the emergency department in UHL through no fault of the staff but because the accommodation and bed capacity wasn’t there, suddenly then there

was a back-up in the emergency department and a citizen from my own county lost their life unnecessarily”. Senator Conway praised the “urgency” shown by the Health Minister. He was hopeful the accelerated critical infrastructure plan would include health. “Hopefully you will be able to refer to a process for examining Option C but the critical thing at this moment in time is Option A and Option B because they eventually will lead to Option C, I know the commitment is there from you for all three options. I am very interested to hear how we will develop both Option A and Option B, I do believe more can be achieved on the site in Dooradoyle itself, they talk about a 96 bed block, my understanding is the history of the number 96 is because the pocket of funding for the block had to be kept at €200m, perhaps that can be scaled up and the next 96 bed block can potentially have another ﬂoor or two and add another 15 or 20 beds, that is the outside the box thinking that I know you are very open to because the whole idea of capping it at €200m when we all know bed capacity is needed and funding is available for it, it is just the process because you can’t magic beds over night, there has to be a process but what we can do is accelerate the implementation of Option B, I know you are fully committed and I know on behalf of the people of Mid-West, I thank you for your sense of urgency and commitment to this”.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG)

Health Minister invited to visit West Clare to see first-hand the difficulties on accessing emergency care

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN INVITATION has been issued to the Health Minister to visit West Clare to gain a better understanding on the need to build a new hospital in Co Clare not Limerick.

Minister of Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG) was in Co Clare on Saturday as she attended the funeral of former Clare TD and ex Junior Minister, Donal Carey (FG) in Clarecastle.

On her way back to Dublin, the Minister visited University Hospital Limerick (UHL)’s emergency department “just to see how things are this Saturday in November”. She reported that they were “not too bad at all after a busy week”.

This garnered the attention of Friends of Ennis Hospital who have subsequently contacted the Minister’s office to extend an invitation for the Dún Laoghaire TD “to come and meet us in Kilrush for a West Clare cup of tea”.

The Clare Echo has obtained the correspondence sent by Friends of Ennis Hospital PRO, Deirdre

Culligan. “In KIlrush town we have quite a few residential centres for the elderly as our population you will be aware is tending very much towards the older end of the population scale. I am sure their residents would be delighted with a visit from the health minister. We do think a visit to our market town would be most valuable to you as you examine options regarding Urgent & Emergency Care in our

region.

“We are confident that after your first-hand experience then, and only then, will you be in a position to reconsider your comment about having acute hospital services ‘every ten minutes’ and also realise the reality that 40% of our population experiences with long travel times and why we, as a campaign, continually point out that Option B and/ or Option C cannot be built in Limerick city or county”.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Mayor of Limerick John Moran Photo by Don Moloney

Money in the Bin? €6k Spent on Ennis bin surrounds

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

€6.2k was spent on the installation of twelve bin surrounds in Ennis working out on an average of €518 per bin.

Re-turn, the company behind the deposit return scheme and Clare County Council combined on the installation of the bin surrounds.

According to Re-turn, the project was a co-funded on an equal basis by them and participating local authoriries but the spokesperson said the financial details regarding the costs involved were “commercially sensitive”.

A spokesperson for Clare County Council confirmed to The Clare Echo, “The cost of the project to the Council was €3,110.08 inclusive of VAT”.

With both parties then paying €3.110.08, the total figure for the bin surrounds is €6,221.60 meaning the average cost per bin was €518.46.

Bin surrounds “aims to make on-the-go- recycling visible and accessible while reducing litter and preserving valuable recyclable materials,” a spokesperson for Re-turn outlined.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) stated, “Our goal is to support the local community and businesses as we work together to foster a cleaner, more sustainable county town while advancing our commitment

to lowering our carbon footprint and embracing the circular economy. This collaboration between Clare County Council and Re-turn is also another step forward in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The initiative has the potential to enhance recycling in public spaces and drive positive and meaningful change in how we manage valuable materials”.

Ciaran Hope, Chief Operating Officer of Re-turn, Ciaran Hope said: “We are very encouraged by the success of the bin surrounds initiative to date. From Dublin and Galway to Carlow, Navan and now Ennis, the public response has been extremely positive. With further rollouts planned in Cavan, Westmeath and SETU, this programme is playing a vital role in supporting cleaner streets, building stronger recycling habits, and creating a more sustainable future for Ireland”.

Research from Re-turn found that containers left on the bin surrounds were collected on average within sixteen minutes.

Established by the Government, Re-Turn went live with its Deposit Return Scheme operations on 1 February 2024 with the aim to signif icantly increase the recycling rates of bottles and cans.

In its annual report for 2024, the State-backed firm recorded pre-tax

surplus of €51.3m with revenues of €114.4m. Its earnings included €66.7m in unredeemed deposits and €47.7m made up of €17.2m from the sale of ma-

terial and €30.5m from ‘producer fees’. The annual report disclosed that the income from unredeemed deposits has resulted in a VAT settlement by Re-turn of €23.7m. The company’s 2024 costs totalled

€62.2m made up of direct collection and recycling costs of €46.5m and administrative expenses of €15.7m which included a spend of €4.6m on ‘marketing, communications, and public awareness’.

Susan Cahill, Project Manager, Re-turn, Cllr. Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council, Brendan Flynn, Senior Executive Engineer, Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard, Mayor of Ennis and Donnagh Murphy, Executive Engineer, Clare County Council photographed at the launch of 12 new bin surrounds in Ennis Town Centre.

Mick Guinee honoured as Shannon Chamber celebrates 30 years

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THREE DECADES of success for Shannon Chamber has been celebrated and lauded.

At a special anniversary dinner in Dromoland Castle on Friday evening, business leaders from the region gathered to toast three decades of Shannon Chamber.

Founding director Mick Guinnee was honoured for his outstanding contribution to the Mid-West with a presentation made to him on the night in the iconic Brian Boru Hall. He received a bespoke sculpture by Irish Natural Stone (INStone) sculptor Colin Grehan, titled ‘Pools of Light’, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the region from CEO of Shannon Chamber, Helen Downes.

Shannon Chamber President Mark Nolan, in his address, reﬂected on the vision of the founding directors, Chris Taylor, Arthur Hanly, Austin Collins, Michael Firtzpatrick, Risteard Crimmins, Mick Guinee, George O’Carroll, Paddy O’Rouke and Aidan Quish who established Shannon & District Chamber of Commerce as the ‘Voice of Commercial Activity in Shannon and District and to strengthen its economic heartbeat.

Nolan said he was “honoured to be standing here as President of the Chamber” for such a historic occasion. By 1997, there was 70 member companies of Shannon Chamber. He noted current CEO Downes has had “a dynamic role” since her ap-

pointment in 2008 succeeding the ﬁrst CEO, Tríona McInerney. He commented, “under her direction, I suspect Shannon Chamber is the envy of a lot of Chambers in Ireland”.

According to the former General Manager of Dromoland Castle, “this anniversary is not just about looking back but looking forward, we need to ensure Shannon remains a place of opportunity, resilience and growth. We are thirty years young and only getting stronger”.

Speaking after receiving his presentation, Mick Guinee stated, “we can be competitive worldwide from an Irish base”. A co-founder of Ei Electronics, the company is one of the most successful in the region with just short of 1,000 employees at their Shannon headquarters and a further 250 worldwide in their six subsidiaries.

He recalled that former Town Councillor, Patricia McCarthy (IND) approached him back in the mid 1990s which planted the idea of setting up the Shannon Chamber. The Cork native said the whole mood in Co Clare had been lifted by Ger Loughnane and how he instilled belief in the county hurlers to win All-Ireland and Munster titles.

RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey was MC on the night with HIYA entertainment keeping the 27 tables of guests on their toes for the celebration. “1995 was a special year with Clare hurling, beating Limerick in the Munster senior hurling ﬁnal, Galway in the All-Ireland semi-ﬁnal and Offaly in

the All-Ireland ﬁnal but it was also a special year with the founding of Shannon Chamber,” Marty recalled. Mullagh native Marty added, “We are leaders here, I’m adamant and passionate about that, what we have is unique and special”. He quipped that he ﬁrst met Mick Guinee a year ago and that on the three occasions he has since come across him that he has received a standing ovation each time.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries

and the Marine and Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Timmy Dooley (FF) in his address recognised how Shannon Chamber has succeeded in shaping local, regional and international policies. “Allegiances and alliances have been developed, we have pharma companies now, we’re real players and we provide an attractive environment for Shannon,” he added.

International investors according to the Junior Minister are now asking

about Shannon before they consider investing in Ireland. He recalled in 2006 when Eoin Hoctor was President of Shannon Chamber and the need for pre-clearance facilities at Shannon Airport was stressed. “we were talking about the N18 at the time, it’s now there and taken for granted. We now have infrastructure deﬁcits, we need to do more on energy and have more balanced regional development”.

Announcements are imminent from the Government on simplifying housing and reducing regulatory reform, the Mountshannon native advised, “it is to try to eliminate opportunities for very diverse individual who has a bee in their bonnet through courts and delaying you and your enterprise”. He described Mick Guinee as “a pioneer in your sector, a man who never really followed the globalist agenda, you continued to manufacture high-end technology when others were running to do it cheaper elsewhere.

CEO Helen Downes said “every day is different” at Shannon Chamber. She praised the Direcotrs for their continued support. “I have the honour of acknowledging someone who has given so much to Shannon, region and countless organisations. Back in 1995, he along with others helped laid the foundation for Shannon Chamber,” she said when introducing Guinee to the ﬂoor.

Shannon Chamber CEO, Helen Downes, co-founder of Ei Electronics Mick Guinee and Gordon Daly, Chief Executive of Clare County Council Photo by Eamon Ward

Donal Carey ‘a big man in size, warmth, encouragement, vision & how he reached out to people’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DONAL was laid to rest on Saturday morning with a massive guard of honour from Clarecastle GAA Club and Fine Gael accompanying his remains on his final journey from Clarecastle Church to Clarehill Cemetary. The black and white Clarecastle flag was draped on the coffin for this final leg.

He died on Tuesday last at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) surrounded by his loved ones, one month on from celebrating his eighty eighth birthday.

A Clare TD from 1982 to 2002, he became the ﬁrst Fine Gael candidate to top the poll in the constituency of Clare in a General Election when recording his greatest result in June 1989 amassing 19.7 percent of the ﬁrst preference vote.

Carey moved from the Seanad to the Dáil following his General Election success of February 1982, having unsuccessfully ran in 1977 and 1981, he prevailed at the expense of then TD Madeline Taylor-Quinn (FG).

Making his ﬁrst speech in the Dáil in April 1982, Donal expressed concern about the conversation of the salmon species.

First-time TDs can often hope of getting at least a year to settle into the job but Donal contested two General Elections in 1982, succeeding in both. Speaking following the November election of that year, when Fine Gael doubled their advantage when Taylor-Quinn regained her seat and Carey took the ﬁnal seat at the expense of ﬁrst-time candidate Sile de Valera, he commented, “It is a major achievement to win two seats in Clare but to beat a de Valera in the process makes it a truly historic occasion”.

In 1995, he was appointed Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach with responsibility for western development and rural renewal and Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht with responsibility for the Gaeltacht, holding the posts until the change of government in 1997.

Joe Carey followed in his father’s footsteps by entering politics ﬁrst at Clare County Council in 1997, twenty three years after Donal’s ﬁrst election to the local authority. Joe served as a four-term TD from 2007 to 2020, health grounds forcing his premature retirement from politics.

Looking down over the weekend, Donal would have been immensely proud of the wonderful reﬂection prepared and delivered superbly by his grand-daughter Eibhlin.

On Saturday, Joe had the difficult job of reflecting on the life and times of one of Clare’s most distinguished politicians, “When preparing for this I found myself struggling to capture a long life lived so well”. He began by expressing “deep gratitude” to everyone who showed the Carey family “kindness and support” over recent days. He thanked Donal’s best man John Callinan “from the bottom of my heart” and their neighbours for “their dedication, their compassion and constant presence which brought comfort and dignity to Donal in his final years”.

Joseph Carey and Eleanor Kearney who was originally from Tullamore welcomed their eldest child, Donal to the world on Octber 15th 1937. “He grew up in a time very different to today, his childhood was shaped by adventure. He spent

countless hours playing hurling, swimming, ﬁshing, playing darts and snookers,” Joe recalled. Donal attended Clarecastle NS, St Flannan’s College before graduating from UCG and UCD.

Shannon was where he began his working life as a cost accountant with Lana Knit. “So many people from Lana Knit were at the funeral I never knew half the world worked there,” quipped Joe.

It was when he attended a local wedding that Donal ﬁrst met his future wife Evelyn, she had been working at Paddy Power’s bookmakers at the time. “She was the love of his life, they were a true team, he was a decent canvasser but Evelyn was an exceptional canvasser, she turned a number ten vote into a number one vote many times, they married and soon after had a family with Leonora, I and Donal coming along,” Joe outlined. He remembered his late baby sister Jane who died in the 1980s at birth and their time living together in Thomond Villas with Donal’s parents, “it was great and it worked. Our parents gave us a truly wonderful childhood”.

Life in the Carey household changed forever when Evelyn died suddenly on January 31st 1993. “It was an incredibly difﬁcult time but with remarkable strength and resilience Donal carried us through, he was exceptional, he never wavered with his love and his duty, we’ll always be grateful for the way he held us together,” Joe reﬂected.

With Clarecastle GAA, Donal served in multiple roles on the Executive including as County Board Delegate. He was involved in coaching teams but to the fore in making several return journeys to venues across the county to ensure the Magpies had sufﬁcient players. “He’d load up the car and drive to Ruan or Tulla or go back Clarecastle and go again, he went to Ruan three times one night and they nearly missed the throwin”. A love of the GAA was instilled in the Carey family thanks to Donal, a passion which remains very strong among his grand-children.

Delving into politics, Joe noted, “he devoted most of his life to public service in a career which spanned nearly three decades”. He spoke with pride at his father retaining his Dáil seat on six occasions, “he was the first Fine Gael man to top the poll in dev’s county which was historic. He would have had one regret and that was Evelyn wasn’t with him in 1995 when he was appointed a Junior Minister by his political hero, John Bruton. He was the first Clare TD to open a constituency office which is something he took great pride in.

This ofﬁce became the heart of his work, a place where he made representations and made sure people were looked after, even his political rivals would acknowledge he excelled in this area”.

Time-keeping was the one area Donal struggled on, Joe ﬂagged, “There was British Mean Time and then there was Carey time”. He reminisced on a late dash to make a family wedding in Newcastle when travelling from Cork Airport and they almost missed the ﬂight but Donal still managed to pick up an item from the duty-free store.

Family was very important and brought great pride to Donal including the achievements of Leonora in healthcare, Donal Jnr in business and Joe in the political sphere. He took great joy in spoiling his grand-chil-

dren with treats and ice-cream, “beyond the treats he instilled a sense of values, a spirit of caring, curiosity, love of sport, not forgetting a love for the quiz programme, The Chase, his inﬂuence will continue to shape who they are and who he will become in the future”.

Staying at home in Thomond Villas in his ﬁnal years “meant so much” to Donal but was “only possible because of family and friends, we will never ever be able to say thanks to Leonora for the love and devotion she gave to our father in his last few years which allowed him to stay in Thomond Villas”.

Those who excelled in sport earned Donal’s admiration and he often remarked “they are the greatest”. Joe said, “He had an ability to make people believe in anything they could do and that they could do it, for us he was the greatest, the greatest politician, a GAA stalwart, a great father, a great husband, a great grandfather, he is reunited with Evelyn now after 32 years”.

Gifts brought before the altar to celebrate Donal’s life including one of his election posters, a picture of the 1995 All-Ireland winning Clare team, a hurley and sliotar, a winning greyhound sheet, a red and white collar, a card from Ennis and Clarecastle coursing club, a photograph of Goleen in West Cork their “second home” where the Careys enjoyed many family holidays, a photograph of his family and a copy of The Clare Champion showing his “thirst for knowledge”.

Local, national and European political ﬁgures attended the mass with Captain Martin Cuddihy representing Tánaiste Simon Harris (FG).

Parish priest of Clarecastle, Fr Pat Malone spoke the “different and diverse memories” people had of Donal. “At his core, Donal was a community man, before he entered politics he was a community man and interested al things which happened in a local community and brought people together, main street is an awfully different place from when Donal was growing up, it was a hive of activity then, many shops and people gathered there”.

Fr Malone, a native of Clarecastle recalled the “great celebrations” that Donal was involved in at the house of Pappy McCreevy for greyhounds and cards. “He immersed himself in community and things that built up a pride of place like the GAA club and the Tidy Towns. He was born in Ennis but he was a Magpie to the end, there was a tinge of Ballyea in him which we better not leave out”. He continued, “Donal was a big

sonal and mostly what people say is inaccurate and unfair, that is more accurate now than the time of Donal Carey”.

man, he was remembered as a big man in not just size but warmth and encouragement. He was a big man in how he reached out to people, his vision”.

Politics opens a family open to the public but the Careys remained private, Fr Malone noted. “It is an extraordinary thing, it is my observation, for a family and a person who was very public in many ways, you as a family are very private which is lovely to have, it must be difﬁcult for someone in public life to have that sense of privacy, what is important is that family remains at the end and it was always there through the end, the warmth of family is so obvious, the closeness and bond is so obvious whether it was birthday, sacramental celebrations or going to holidays in West Cork, all those encounters were so warm and part of everything going on in life”.

Evelyn was remembered as “a powerhouse” by Fr Malone. “Donal was cross-party in many ways because he was so connected to the Barretts in the FF house but Evelyn was able to get the votes, to move around, the charm of a Carlow woman coming into Clare she had that bit of ignorance to try things that no one else would”.

Involved in a syndicate of sixteen members, Donal and his colleagues suspended parliamentary language for their gatherings, “it was free for all, many a party and day of enjoyment had after these long days,” Fr Malone said.

An act of kindness that Donal showed to Fr Malone not long after his ordination was recalled, “it taught me the lesson to be careful, not to be naïve and protect oneself, it also taught me the lesson of looking out for one another, Donal Carey was looking out for me that night and he looked out for many people that night, we don’t have to be nosy but when we look out for each other we make life more important”.

Getting the backing of the people of his area to be elected again and again was “a marvellous honour” for Donal. He stated, “Donal Carey exercised that role with great dignity, he respected all, he represented all that he could, who came his way, he was aware of the vulnerabilities, he reached out to do his best, to relieve their vulnerability, he looked out for others. There’s no doubt that public life is not an easy one, much is expected of our representatives, criticisms are harsh and severe, we’re often very judgemental, we get per-

Respect must be shown to politicans, Fr Malone stressed. “We need to respect them, support them, encourage them, for if we don’t do it we will end up with a right rag bag of people who won’t be suitable for the role they are undertaking, we need to return the level of respect that. Public representatives need to remember to honour and serve those that elect them, if that doesn’t happen even in a democracy we see what happens around the world where people elected democratically do selﬁsh things which affect so many people. Donal Carey represented people very well with dignity and with respect, he can and you his family can be very highly proud of his achievements and the way he acted in the roles people gave to him”.

John Callinan, Síle Carr, Nicola Killeen, Paschal Russell and Paul Murphy read prayers of the faithful. Following his career-best 1989 election success, Donal was one of six St Flannan’s College past pupils serving in the same Dáil alongside Miltown Malbay native Brian Hillery (FF) in the constituency of Dun Laoghaire, Kilmihil’s John Browne (FF) in Carlow/Kilkenny, Michael D. Higgins (LAB) formerly of Newmarket-on-Fergus, Tomás Mac Giolla (WP) in Dublin West and Michael O’Kennedy (FF) in Tipperary North. For ten years, Donal was the sole Fine Gael TD in Clare from 1992 to 2002. His political career hung in the balance in September 2001 when he wasn’t selected on the party ticket following a selection convention, one of the largest attended Fine Gael meetings in the county produced one of the biggest upsets when delegates backed Madeline Taylor-Quinn (FG) and Pat Breen (FG) instead, more than 1,000 people attended the convention with 620 eligible to vote. “I am a member of a party that formed democracy in this country. I accept democracy and I accept the people’s wishes that they did not want me to represent them in the next election. I have given twenty good years in the Dáil and I thought I had more to give, obviously you thought differently,” Donal said when addressing delegates at the time. He was added to the ticket by then leader Michael Noonan (FG). Speaking in May 2002 ahead of his final election campaign, Donal remarked, “Political life has its own type of oxygen. I think the adrenaline starts to flow once you hear the word election. I have always enjoyed General Elections”. During this campaign, he congratulated Sile de Valera for what he described as one of the finest pieces of fiction Ireland has seen in recent years with her election literature, “I have been forty years in politics and I have yet to read a more arrogant piece of work”.

Following his defeat in May 2002 marking the end of his time as a TD, his supporters wept openly at the count centre while Donal was “visibly shaken and upset” by the outcome. His contribution to life in Clarecastle, Clare and beyond has been heralded over the past week for the dedication to people and his ofﬁce.

Ireland’s ﬁrst wildcat bones dating back 5,500 years uncovered in The Burren

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

IRELAND’s first known wildcat bones dating back 5,500 have been located in The Burren.

Glencurran Cave which is the only cave in Ireland where a cairn or burial structure has been discovered is now also the site where the earliest directly dated wildcat (Felis silvestris) ever found in Ireland has been identified, confirming the species lived on the island more than 5,500 years ago.

Dr Marion Dowd an archaeologist at Atlantic Technological University (ATU), made the discovery which marks a breakthrough in understanding Ireland’s prehistoric wildlife and ecology.

Archaeological excavations at Glencurran Cave uncovered the bones which date to around 3600 BC (Neolithic). Until now, no prehistoric cat remains in Ireland had been radiocarbon dated, leaving long-standing uncertainty over whether early finds represented wildcats or later domestic intrusions. The research, published in

the Journal of Irish Archaeology, also formed part of a major international study published in Science, which analysed ancient cat DNA across Europe.

During excavations, 39 bones belonging to an adult wildcat were discovered deep within Glencurran Cave. There were no cut marks or evidence of human interference, indicating the animal died naturally inside

the cave. The bones were identified by zooarchaeologist Margaret McCarthy. Radiocarbon dating carried out at Queen’s University Belfast confirmed the remains were over 5,500 years old. Ancient DNA sequencing by Prof Claudio Ottoni and his team at the University of Rome Tor Vergata further verified the animal as a European wildcatdistinct from both modern

Ireland. It transforms what we thought we knew about Ireland’s ancient wildlife”.

domestic cats (Felis catus) and Near Eastern wildcats (F. lybica lybica). The aDNA also showed that the Glencurran wildcat was a male and belonged to an ancient European lineage, closely related to wildcats from Italy and Spain, rather than the modern Scottish population. Dr Dowd stated, “This is the first time we can say with certainty that European wildcats lived in prehistoric

For decades, small numbers of cat bones were found on prehistoric sites, including the Mesolithic site of Lough Boora, Co. Offaly and the Neolithic passage tomb of Newgrange, Co. Meath, but without radiocarbon dating, it was impossible to confirm their age or species. “This discovery finally gives us solid evidence that wildcats were here in the Neolithic. The ancient DNA results were especially exciting. To see this Irish wildcat grouping with animals from southern Europe tells us it belonged to a much older, wilder lineage than our domestic cats today,” she said.

“We simply don’t know when wildcats arrived in Ireland or when they vanished. Medieval writers mention wildcats in the Irish landscape, but these may have been feral domestic cats. Confusion is also common with the pine martenknown in Irish as cat crainn, or ‘cat of the trees’,” Dr Dowd explained. “This find makes clear that we need to radiocarbon-date and analyse other cat bones from prehistoric sites across Ireland. Without radiocarbon dating and aDNA analyses, we cannot separate true prehistoric wildcats from later domestic cats”.

Wildcat was once widespread across Europe but declined sharply from the 1700s due to habitat loss, hunting, and competition with domestic cats. As the domestic cat population grew, wildcat numbers plummeted. Wildcats prefer forest habitats and avoid humans, living mostly solitary, nocturnal lives. Although similar in size and appearance to domestic cats, they are a different species. Dr Dowd noted, “This project shows what can be achieved when archaeology, radiocarbon dating, and genomics come together”. Further analyses of cat remains from other sites may ultimately reveal how wildcats reached Ireland, how they lived, and when and why they vanished from the Irish landscape.

A Castle Christmas: Dromoland unveils its enchanting new Christmas shop

THERE’S a new sparkle on the grounds of Dromoland Castle Estate this season with the opening of its charming Christmas Shop, nestled beside the Brian Ború Hall and The Coop ﬁtness studio. Inviting both estate guests and festive wanderers, the boutique offers a beautifully curated selection of seasonal treats and thoughtful gifts.

Shelves are lined with Dromoland’s signature Christmas puddings, Walled Garden preserves, aromatic candles, and an array of elegant cocktail recipe books.

The gift selection continues with indulgences from Seabody and the Irish Burren Perfumery, along with cosy Dromoland bathrobes, handcrafted gingerbread men, and the estate’s much-loved brown bread and scones. Specialty pantry de-

lights—Irish Breakfast Tea, chutneys, jams, mulled wine spice blends, hot chocolate mixes, and festive turkey rubs and oils—complete the offering, making the shop a one-stop destination for festive gifting and gourmet stocking ﬁllers. Whether you’re seeking a keepsake of your stay or the perfect seasonal surprise, the Dromoland Christmas Shop captures all the magic (and ﬂavour) of Christmas at the castle.

across the estate, from indulgent treatments at the Castle Spa to leisurely lunches at the Fig Tree Restaurant, luxurious overnight stays, or lessons at the Golf Academy.

Limited availability also remains for midweek Festive Afternoon Tea at the Castle, for a special handcrafted afternoon of open sandwiches, sweet treats and champagne add on. Festive Menus are also available in The Fig Tree Restaurant right through the Christmas period. Dromoland at Home also offers the best of Dromland Festive dining, pre prepped for easy at home reheating for a small group or family this Christmas. See www.dromoland.ie for more or contact reservations@ dromoland.ie

Gift Cards

Shoppers can also pick up gift cards at The Christmas Shop or outlets at Dromoland - redeemable

A limited number of midweek reservations remain for Festive Afternoon Tea at the Castle—a beautifully curated indulgence of delicate open sandwiches, handcrafted seasonal pastries, and the option to elevate the experience with a glass of champagne. Throughout the Christmas season, The Fig Tree Restaurant is also serving its specially designed festive menus, offering guests a taste of the holidays in an inviting, relaxed setting.

For those wishing to bring a touch of Dromoland magic home, Dromoland at Home presents an exquisite selection of pre-prepared festive dishes, thoughtfully crafted for effortless reheating and perfect for intimate gatherings or family celebrations.

For further details, visit www.dromoland.ie or contact reservations@dromoland.ie.

Glencurran Cave where the wildcat bones were discovered

Co Clare named European Volunteering Capital 2027

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A JOINT bid was prepared by Clare County Council and the Clare Volunteer Centre in June 2025 for the county to be awarded the title. The announcement was made on Monday by the Centre of European Volunteering (CEV) in Barcelona following a competitive process involving cities and regions across Europe.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) travelled to Spain with Sharon Meaney, Manager of Clare Volunteer Centre and Brendan Boyce, Integration Support Co-ordinator, Clare County Council to accept the recognition. Clare’s bid was supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

In July, the trio travelled to Brussels to of-

ficially presented their ‘candidacy certificate’. The European Volunteering Capital Competition, launched in 2013 during the European Year of Citizens, is an initiative of the Centre for European Volunteering (CEV). The European network comprises 60 organisations dedicated to the promotion of, and support for, volunteers and volunteering at European, national, and regional levels.

Boyce confirmed “a vibrant programme of events” will be planned for 2027 in Clare, they include volunteer fairs, training initiatives and international exchanges. “This will be a year of celebration and growth for volunteering in Clare.”

“This is a proud day for Clare. Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our communities, and this award is a testament to their dedication and spirit. I want to congratulate ev-

eryone who played a part in achieving this honour,” stated Cllr Murphy. Volunteering’s impact was noted by Sharon. “Volunteering changes lives. It builds resilience, fosters inclusion, and creates a sense of belonging. This award gives us a platform to showcase the incredible work happening in Clare and inspire even more people to get involved.”

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Gordon Daly commented, “European Volunteering Capital 2027 is recognition of the work being done by our volunteers across the county on a daily basis. Clare has a long tradition of volunteerism, with the Clare Volunteer Centre playing a key role supporting the thousands of people giving of their time and skills for the betterment of their community. Clare County Council is proud to support the Volunteer Centre and this huge achievement by the Volunteer Centre personnel and

council staff working in this area”. Director of Services, Planning, Economic, Rural & Community Development, Clare County Council, Jason Murphy, highlighted the benefits of the accolade, “Being named European Volunteering Capital will shine a spotlight on Clare as a leader in community development and social inclusion. It will open doors for new partnerships and funding opportunities, ensuring that volunteering continues to thrive in every corner of the county”.

Previous European Volunteering Capitals, include Barcelona, Lisbon, London, Berlin and Gdansk. Sligo was the only Irish winner to date, in 2017.

Further details on events and initiatives for Clare’s year as European Volunteer Capital 2027 will be announced in the coming months.

Sharon Meaney, Manager of Clare Volunteer Centre; Gabriella Civico, CEV; Cllr Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council; Brendan Boyce, Integration Support Co-ordinator, Clare County Council, at the award ceremony in Barcelona

Businesses ‘betrayed’ by Council’s decision to raise commercial rates by 8%

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BUSINESSES across Clare have said they feel “betrayed” by the decision of Clare County Council and its elected members to increase commercial rates by 8 percent.

At its Annual Budget meeting last Wednesday, there was no dissenting voices from elected members as the Council Executive’s proposal to hike up rates was rubber stamped.

Forty eight hours before Black Friday, retailers and businesses were le gobsmacked upon learning that the local authority and its elected members opted to place an additional burden on them.

Co-owner of Sweet n Green café, Frank Landy has said he will refuse to pay the commercial rates and described the increase as “the straw which broke the camel’s back”. He told e Clare Echo, “I’m very disappointed with the County Council’s decision to increase the rates by eight percent when in actual fact it should have been a reduction given the patience and understanding shown by all the businesses in the town considering the massive disruption during the public realm works”.

Stressing €1 of an increase was too much, Frank said, “I really feel a disconnect to the Council, what are they actually doing to help small businesses like mine, since my interview on Alan’s Morning Focus I’ve had nothing but wonderful support and I’ve also heard some very sad stories from small hard-working traders a lot worse o than myself”.

At Sweet n Green, Frank works as a head chef, pastry chef and commis chef while his wife and co-ower Siobhain is supervisor, account and a waitress.

“Deciding not to pay the rates is not a crusade, it’s just a pure point of principle. We’re just asking for a little respect from the Council for all we do as traders to better the community, the parish and the county, the people we meet and

Frank Landy, co-owner of Sweet n

interact with on a daily basis promoting all the local suppliers and everything that’s wonderful about Clare,” he said.

Among the enterprises facing a sizeable bill as a result are the Shannon Airport Group who are expected to have an additional €223,188 to provide to the local authority. “We acknowledge Clare County Council’s decision to increase commercial rates as part of its e orts to maintain services and support its objectives. While we understand the context of this decision, the scale of the increase represents a notable adjustment to e Shannon Airport Group’s operating costs,” a spokesperson for the Shannon Airport Group told e Clare Echo

Barry O’Driscoll of Precious Pets in Ennis told e Clare Echo, “we feel betrayed just after we put up with years of roadworks and loss of car parking spaces. We’re just about recovering from the public realm works and we’re hit with this, we weren’t told about it only hours beforehand and then bam we’re given another eight percent increase. We’ve increased costs in business and auto-enrollment from January where we have to contribute to pensions. e timing is ill-judged and I feel a sense of deep betrayal, Clare County Council should know better”.

O’Driscoll has said he is unsure if he will pay the increased rates. “I will have to give serious consideration pay-

North American market both have gone very at, it is disappointing to say the least. Our biggest problem is where the 8% will come from, we can’t pass it onto the customer so it will have to come from the bottom line. We’re 25 years in business and I’ve never saw the bottom line as bad with wages, PRSI, cash has gone out of the system so the cost of the credit card is another thing, they are costing 6% of the sales. is is something I only went into detail when I did our end of year accounts, people tapping think nothing about it but it is 6% of the sale. 6 and 8 is 14 so it is a huge cost”.

our public representatives and some of them have been in business, they all rowed in and gave 100% support for raising the rates, I think it is very poor taste from Clare County Council”.

Patricia Farrell of Wilde Irish Chocolates operating out of Tuamgraney stated, “Increases are never a good thing especially at this time of a cost of living crisis. It is fairly di cult to manage with the cost increases. e minimum wage goes up every hour of the day, auto enrolment is coming down the track so for very small busi-

nesses with high costs to begin with, it would be worrying to think of what the impact of this will be”.

Between them, ESB and Uisce Éireann will now have an estimated rates bill of €936,536 for Clare County Council. “ESB has noted the decision by Clare County Council to increase commercial rates by 8% in the dra budget for 2026. e level of commercial rates is a matter for the local authority,” a spokesperson commented.

ing the rates. I believe that this rates increase will close a lot of businesses that are already struggling countywide”. He added, “we opened in 1999 and when we opened rst when you paid for your rates that included your bins and your water as part of that with the Urban District Council at the time. Now, we have to pay for water and bins separately, the cost of rates has gone way beyond in ation”.

Finding the additional money to pay the increased costs will be a challenge for businesses, Martin Canavan of Moher Hill Open Farm and Leisure Park outlined. “Eight percent is a lot at a time when tourism has gone a bit at certainly the domestic market in particular and the

Parts of Rural Clare do not get the same level of service from the local authority, he agged. “Some businesses might get something back from sewerage, we have nothing like that in rural Clare, we’ve our own water, electricity, we’ve nothing from Clare County Council, no street lights, it is unfair. It is unfair that rates are based on twelve months of the year, every tourism business in North Clare in general would be closed for ve months of the year, we are doing Santa which is keeping open, we’re only open three quarters of the year yet we are charged for the full year”.

Liscannor native Martin noted there is only a few “handful of families le in the tourism business” in Clare. “ ere are only a few of us established longterm, there are no new family businesses cropping up because the cost of doing business is exorbitant, it is tough going, you’re paying the sta and your costs, July and August are the two main months in Liscannor and Lahinch and you are depending on those two months to get you through the winter”.

Open since June 2000, Moher Hill Farm obtained a zoo licence in 2019. e bottom line “has never been as low” for the business, Martin admitted. “I was surprised at with

Green café

Who said what as Clare County Council decided to hike up commercial rates by 8%

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BUSINESSES across Clare are agitated with elected members and the Executive of Clare County Council following their decision to increase commercial rates by 8%.

At Áras Contae an Chláir last week the Budget was passed with no resistance from elected members.

Of the 28 elected members of the County Council, 17 made contributions during the course of the meeting while 11 remained silent. For the rst time in the 455 year history of the local authority, the Budget accounts for a spend of €204m.

Ennis Chamber have been among the most vocal critics and said elected members are out of the touch with the reality faced by businesses while trying to hammer through the commercial rates increase. is view has been shared by many business owners who have shared their frustration since e Clare Echo rst reported of the planned hike on Tuesday. It is the second time since 2022 and the third in 17 years that the commercial rates have been increased by Clare County Council.

To give our readers an informed view, an account of the contributions of elected members from Wednesday’s Budget meeting has been compiled.

Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF), Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF), Cllr David Gri n (FF), Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF), Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF), Cllr James Ryan (SF), Cllr Michael Begley (IND), Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG), Cllr Dinny Gould (IND) and Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) were the 11 councillors to stay schtum during the meeting.

Chief Executive of the Council, Gordon Daly presented the Budget for approval. It is the rst Budget to be delivered during the Tuamgraney man’s tenure. “ e dra budget endorses the priorities and key objectives as set out in our discussions since I took on the role of Chief Executive”. He said the “importance of the local economy” was recognised, “a signi cant amount of our expenditure remains in Clare”. He stated, “we have sought to strike a balance between generating an income and our expenditure”. An additional €3.5m will be provided to the Council by raising the rates, he con rmed.

Director of Finance, Enterprise and Investment at

Clare County Council, Noeleen Fitzgerald explained that there are over 550 vacant properties in the county, “well over half of that” are providing less than €2,500 in their rates contribution,

“ ey are in rural towns and villages like small shops, this is a real piece of legislation that we need to look at in the coming year, how we can get property owners to bring them back into use”. She said the Council has a proposed capital spend over the next three years of €437m but cautioned, “we still have to identify €80m before we progress it”. She continued, “next year we plan on spending €190m on roads and housing delivery”.

On expenditure, the “main increases” are in housing, building, roads, safety and environmental services,” she outlined. €5.6m is the cost of homeless services which is an increase of €1m, she advised. Renting and leasing properties is an area where the Council can only recoup 90% from Central Government, Fitzgerald said.

According to Fitzgerald, on an annual basis, “the Fire Service is costing us over €11m” and the local authority does not receive full recoupment. Other costs listed include €8.7m on library services, €2m on street cleaning, €1.2m on public lighting, €6m on parks, pitches and open spaces. She said comments made on radio that the public realm works in Ennis were “fully funded” were incorrect, “that was not the case, we’ve spent over €20m between phase one and two, Clare County Council has to fund part of that”.

Acquiring the Cloister building is included in the Budget, she advised while outlining that €3m has to be borrowed and match funding provided for the public realm works in Scari . For the €17m library, €5m came from Government grants, the Council gave match funding of €12m and borrowed €7.5m.

Moving to the subject of commercial rates, the Director said €2m of the €3.5m that the Council will receive will be from the energy and utility sector. “A third of our customers will be asked for an extra €1.28 a week”. She added, “For half of the properties, we’re looking for an additional €3. For three out of every ve businesses we’re looking for €5 extra in order to have a stable nancial environment for the local authority and invest on the increases we’re seeing”.

Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) praised the top table for a “very succinct presentation of the very complex nancial transactions for the local authority”.

Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) asked for further detail on the amount of match funding on the Council’s books and the institutions the Council is borrowing from.

Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) agreed, “match funding is the crux of the di culty, the greater the ambition the greater the de cit we have, we want to stay with our own ambition and have the best Council and local authority in the country”.

Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) shared her concerns on the “process” followed in adopting the Budget. “I feel that there is a requirement of this process to start earlier on the engagement with the councillors, it is a comprehensive document and one we only received a week ago.”

On rates, she said, “ e rates situation is di cult, costs in general is di cult for any businesses”.

Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) admitted “my phone has been ringing from di erent businesses on the 8% hike”. He sought further information on the SME support scheme and whether it will be rolled out “for future years considering the rate will apply from here on out”.

Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) picked out the Chief Executive’s use of the words “fairness and balance” from his contribution. He felt there was an imbalance in services as he pointed out, “we have a gardening section that the county town bene ts from a lot more than the rest of the us”. He agged that it is

businesses and community groups in Kilrush paying for Christmas lights, owers, a traditional festival and organising the St Patrick’s Day parade whereas supports are given to Ennis.

Cllr Shane Talty (FF) reminded the Chief Executive this was a clear example of councillors showing their trust in him. “You are ve months in the role with a new strategic direction set out, you are asking us to back you in your strategic ambition for the county. Over the course of the next while you will get that backing but with that comes the responsibility that we need to see outcome and delivery to respond to the queries we get today and into next year”.

He described references to the 5% rates rebate scheme as “disingenuous, that was used in 2022 as an explainer to ease the increase of the time”. Ennis has been invested in and “fairly supported” by the Council, he said while pointing out that businesses in Inagh are the ones sweeping up by public bins at the same time the county town gets €1.1m for street cleaning.

Cllr Pat Burke (FG) asked the top table if they met with Ennis Chamber prior to the Budget.

In reply, Fitzgerald conrmed she met with Shannon Chamber and Ennis Chamber prior to the meeting.

Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) shared his frustrations on the money generated from the Cli s of Moher not staying in the locality. “I can’t convince the people asking me coming from North Clare area why are ye looking for more money with the amount of money coming into the Cli s. I can’t

convince people in North Clare that the money coming into Cli s of Moher has to be ring-fenced for tourism, they are asking can the numbers be capped and extra money be put into roads which are destroyed every year by the people on buses bringing people to the cash cow that is the Cli s of Moher”.

Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said the decision to pass the Budget was made “very easy” thanks to the Head of Finance. “You made it very easy from the start when you said a third of rate payers would be €1.20 per week extra, it makes it very easy”. Ennis representatives are “very pleased with the recent developments” including the public realm works, de Valera library and the upcoming paint scheme “will see every shop in the town painted”. He added, “ ere’s good things happening, Ennis is one of the nest towns in Ireland a er the works. Overall Ennis people will gain from what has happened with these developments”.

Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) believed there has been “a serious amount of investment” made during his time as a county councillor, he was rst elected in 2019 “when the purse strings nationally opened and allowed for an opportunity to make up for at least ten yeas of under-investment”. He said, “the challenges of being ambitious are matching funds and management of projects”. e Council must “steer footfall and focus” to the SMEs affected by the rates increase, he stressed while agging there is a lot of investment directed towards Council owned facilities. “I think increasing the rates is justi ed

based on the investment,” he commented. He praised philanthropic donators like Tomar Trust, JP McManus and Mick Guinee for enabling development across the county. According to Fitzgerald, “strong management and the Wild Atlantic Way which has been a phenomenal success and the motorway development” is leading to increased visitors to the Cli s of Moher. “It is successful but there are six others not in a position to turn a balanced position, they don’t generate the income versus the cost of operating them,” she said of the Council owned tourist attractions. She admitted, “tourism is not our natural business” while stating the amount of American tourists to the Cli s of Moher has dropped with a 8,200 reduction in coach numbers since its peak gure. “We do invest and have been investing in the local site, we hear what you are saying, we recognise the success of the sites bring requests locally”.

Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) stated, “We have a very high compliance of rate payers, is it over 90%. e rate payers do pay their rates and have a great track record, there’s lot of bene ts out of the rates, the public works has out county town looking fantastic, it all has to be paid for”.

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) had sympathy for those working in nance, “It is a tough gig with over €200m”. He remarked, “It is a bit like turkeys voting for Christmas but it is what we have to do it”. Queries on the rates increases for neighbouring

Regional News

West Clare

O’Neill’s contribution to Kilmihil across ﬁve decades marked

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

GERARD O’Neill’s contribution to Kilmihil GAA Club has been honoured.

A long-serving administrator and volunteer with the West Clare club, Gerard on Sunday attended his fiftieth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Kilmihil GAA club and the milestone was marked by the club executive.

During the AGM, he was presented with a plaque inscribed with the words ‘To Gerard in appreciation fifty years loyal service to Kilmihil GAA’.

His first AGM was on Christmas Day 1975 and the most recent was Sunday’s held in the Community Centre.

Over the years, O’Neill has held the role of club Chairman on three separate occasions and has served as Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Registrar, PRO and County Board delegate. He currently holds the dual role of PRO and County Board delegate.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Gerard said, “I’ve been immersed in the GAA all my life, given that I wasn’t any good at playing so I got involved on the administration side and have remained involved all my life. I played U16 in 1970 and played up to U21 with the club but my eye-

sight was causing me problems and I wasn’t into wearing contact lenses so that ruled me out, I wasn’t good enough to make the teams but the standard was so high in the club in the 1980s, we were strong in numbers and quality too. I was able to contribute in my own way to the club and I enjoyed the interaction with the lads, I’ve been made feel very much a part of the club with my involvement”.

In 1981, he began taking team photographs and has been able to document Kilmihil teams down through the years. “I started taking team photos in 1981 when I got my first decent camera, a lot of team photos wouldn’t have been taken only for me because I was the only one with a camera whereas now everyone has a camera in their hand. Taking the photographs has helped to preserve the history. In 1973 we won the Cusack Cup and no team photograph was taken, the same happened in 1976 when we won the Clare senior football championship. Cameras were very scarce back in the day. I’ve put together the club’s website and I would confidently say no other club has as many photographs on their website. I’ve helped to put together the history section of our website too with Maura Cotter before me”.

Subscribers of The Clare Echo are

treated to Gerry’s quality photographs on a weekly basis with galleries of images from the games he attends available to view online.

Receiving a plaque from Secretary Breda Breen, Chairman Dominic Curtin and Treasurer Eamonn Donnelly “caught me by surprise,” O’Neill admitted. “I had intended getting a picture with the Chairman and Secretary myself to mark the occasion but the presentation caught me by surprise”.

Reflecting on five decades of AGMs with Kilmihil, he pointed out, “I’m the only one that ever contested an election for Chairman during this time, that was in 1987 and in most other years you’re trying to push somebody into the job”.

“Back in the 1980s there would have been a much bigger attendance at AGMs, there was some of the older members of the teams from the 1950s and 60s attending then. I can remember Michael Browne, a great

footballer in his time, he wouldn’t speak much at an AGM but if he was asked to make a comment everybody listened with great respect because he was well regarded and always had something very constructive to say. Likewise Fin Callinan a captain in 1959, if he spoke everybody listened and took on board what he said, he was so well respected,” O’Neill added.

lCONTRIBUTIONS: Dominic Curtin (Chairman), Breda Breen (Secretary) and Eamonn Donnelly (Treasurer) make a presentation to Gerard O’Neill at Sunday’s Kilmihil AGM.

Opening doors for local students: Kilrush Credit Union sponsors studyclix access for two secondary schools

KILRUSH Credit Union has reafﬁrmed its commitment to supporting young people and strengthening local education by partnering with Studyclix to provide full platform access to every student in Kilrush Community School and Kilkee Community College. The initiative, which will beneﬁt more than 450 students, was formally launched last week with presentations and study-skills sessions delivered by representatives from both Kilrush Credit Union and Studyclix.

Students across all year groups, and particularly those approaching exam cycles, now have access to one of Ireland’s most widely used study tools. Studyclix has grown rapidly in recent years, with over 170,000 students and 90% of second-level teachers ac tively using the platform. Its strength lies in breaking subjects into manageable topics and pairing each with past exam questions, marking schemes, quizzes, explana-

tory videos and sample answers — giving learners a practical, structured and conﬁdence-building approach to studying.

This sponsorship was arranged through Studyclix’s “Sponsor A School” programme, which connects organisations with local schools to ensure equal access to digital learning supports. Kilrush Credit Union’s decision to fund access for both local secondary schools is part of its ongoing mission to invest in the educational, social and economic wellbeing of the community it serves. It ensures every student, regardless of background, has access to the same high-quality study tools as their peers nationally.

Speaking about the partnership, Fiona Walsh, CEO of Kilrush Credit Union said “Kilrush Credit Union is proud to work alongside our community to create opportunities that last well beyond the classroom. By investing in resources like Studyclix, we’re helping to build skills and conﬁdence that will shape the

future for young people in our area for years to come.”

Both schools expressed their appreciation for the initiative, noting the tangible difference such support makes in the school environment.

Agnes Hehir, principal of Kilkee Community College said “The school is delighted to partner with Studyclix. We are very grateful for the community support and generous sponsorship of full access for all students provided to

our school by Kilrush Credit Union. Their support makes a real difference to enhancing teaching and learning in our school.”

Aisling Haugh, Career Guidance teacher of Kilrush Community School said “Studyclix provides our students with an outstanding tool to build on classroom learning” “Senior Cycle students are delighted with the comprehensive study skills training provided by Studyclix

schools, Kilrush Credit is giving students access to 40,000+ past exam questions, 20,000+ quiz questions, and 3,000+ sample answers and tutorials.

“We know this access has a huge impact, as on average, Studyclix Premium users score over 510 points in their Leaving Certiﬁcate. Sponsorships like these help students achieve their dream courses and open doors for the students involved.”

and will certainly approach exams in the coming months with a sense of conﬁdence and assurance that whatever obstacles they encounter, there is a tool to help solve the problem!”

Speaking at the event, Anna O’Sullivan, Schools Sales Manager with Studyclix, said:

“By sponsoring these two

As students begin to log on, explore the platform and embed new study habits, the impact of this sponsorship will unfold gradually throughout the year — in improved understanding, increased motivation and ultimately in exam performance. But at its heart, this partnership is a reminder of something even more meaningful: when the community and its young people are supported, everyone beneﬁts.

With this investment, Kilrush Credit Union continues to stand by its core purpose — not just supporting members, but strengthening the future of the entire community, one student at a time.

Members of Kilrush CU and Studyclix alongside students from Kilrush Community School [inset right Kilkee Community College and inset left a member of StudyClix shares study tips with the students]

46k passengers used Burren/Cliffs Explorer in pilot season

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

46,742 passengers used the Burren/Cliffs Explorer in its pilot season over the summer.

For the ﬁrst time, Clare County Council have released details on the costs involved with the venture. Director of Services for Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty outlined, “this was a pilot initiative delivered in 2025, we are committed to delivering it again in 2026. The cost to Clare County Council in delivering this service is in the region of €500,000”.

National Parks and Wildlife Service who were described by the Director as “signiﬁcant partners in this project” and are funding the route from Coroﬁn to the National Park.

From the beginning of May to the end of August, the free shuttle bus linked Ballyvaughan, Coroﬁn, Carron, Kilfenora, Doolin, Liscannor, and Lahinch with Lisdoonvarna and Miltown Malbay serving as the key hubs where free parking was available. The Explorer had stops at the Burren National Park, the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Aillwee Burren Experience, Poulnabrone, Michael Cusack Heritage Centre, The Burren Visitor Centre, and Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations.

August was the busiest month for the free shuttle bus with 18,366 passengers followed by 13,846 in July, 8,636 in June and 5,894 in its

East Clare

ﬁrst month of operation in May.

Addressing a meeting of the Tourism Development SPC, the Director advised that 34.5 percent of all trafﬁc on the Explorer came from Doolin which had eight routes per day. Miltown Malbay was the second busiest with its route to Lahinch, “the community of Miltown Malbay really got behind the shuttle”. Both Kilfenora and Liscannor accounted for 10.8 percent of passengers with Ballyvaughan (2.8%) and Carron (1.5%).

According to McNulty, “there is a bit of work to do on the marketing, we see the beneﬁt and have seen the beneﬁt of community engagement, when a community harnesses a project it results in football, the extent of which was evident when the community of Miltown Malbay grabbed a hold of the project”.

Signs at The Bellbridge Hotel and Inagh advertising the Burren/Cliffs Explorer were “well commented on”, she noted.

Feedback received in the review of the pilot was the absence of timetables at bus stops, the absence of signage in Irish which will result in “an extra cost”. Promotional material next year will be available in Irish and English, the Director outlined.

Other alterations on the cards for the second year of the Explorer include an extension of the Miltown Malbay service to have pick-ups at The Armada Hotel and The Bellbridge Hotel, “this is where there is footfall,” McNulty commented.

Ennistymon’s absence from the shuttle bus was a major talking point across the summer season. “We are actively pursuing including Ennistymon and the potential to commit it for 2026,” she said.

Additional parking options to have further hubs will be explored. There was confusion initially on booking, she acknowledged, “the marketing for 2026 will say it is advantageous to book in advance but equally you can rock up and be accommodated by the drivers”.

She continued, “we are proceeding with the project for 2026, it will be organic, there will be lessons to be learned and active tweaking”. Siobhán said, “For the communities where performance is less than what it could be, the ask if more community engagement on the routes”.

Providing the Explorer is “not just for tourism,” the Director explained. “It was a wonderful initiative, I am very proud it worked, it wasn’t without its challenges but we will go again in 2026. It is a pilot for two years, thereafter we have to have cold heart discussions on sustainability of it being free”.

Chairperson of the SPC, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) stated, “the pilot came following a long-heard demand locally to lessen the burden on roads and for businesses to give them the opportunity to offer this transport piece”. He clariﬁed, “€500,000 is the contractual cost of providing it” to which the Di-

rector responded, “we haven’t included the income forgone”. Talty added, “Providers were crying out for something like this, it was a no brainer”.

Highlighting the need to improve the marketing of the service beyond North Clare, Ennis based Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) asked, “what was the name of the bus”.

Increasing footfall to towns and villages in North Clare is a big focus of the service, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) stressed. “It shows the leader role that was taken and the right way forward, it took so many years. A lot of communities were involved and really credit to team for getting it up and running. It is about bringing footfall into our towns and villages in particular which need it like Kilfenora, Lisdoonvarna and Fanore”. He questioned if €10 per person was the envisaged cost to sustain the shuttle to which Cllr Mary How-

ard (FG) calculated, “that would only cover it”.

All the learnings from the ﬁrst four months were “amazing,” Cllr Garrihy stated. “Would you pay into Disneyland for €10. I’ve mentioned Disneyland and Las Vegas before and got in trouble,” he remarked in reference to previous comments criticising the lack of spin off from the Cliffs of Moher to surrounding areas.

Concluding the discussion, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said, “I won’t labour the Ennistymon point” while asking that the Council do more than ‘actively pursue’ its inclusion for next year. “You learned by changing the Miltown route to pick up at the Bellbridge and the Armada. Ye have learned there, The Falls Hotel is number one accommodation provider in North Clare, the same learning needs to be applied by having a stop there”.

Officials optimistic 95% of land for 43km Scariff Greenway will be on publicly owned

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A 43km greenway linking Limerick City and East Clare is to be opened up in stages with ofﬁcials optimistic 95 percent of the land used will be publicly owned.

Contracts were signed four years ago in June 2021 for the Limerick to Scariff Greenway with local elected represenetatives critical that the project lost momentum and direction along the way.

Senior ofﬁcials in Waterways Ireland have remained committed to the development of the Greenway and expect to lodge planning permission for the ﬁrst section in the second quarter of 2026.

There are ﬁve sections to the proposed Greenway.

Section 1 leads from Limerick City to Black Bridge, Section 2 is from Black Bridge to O’Briensbridge, Section 3 leads from here to Killaloe, Section 4 is from Killaloe to Tuamgraney and the ﬁnal section is from Tuamgraney to Scariff.

All sections will not be completed in chronological order. Section 2 will be completed ﬁrst followed by Section 5, Section 1, Section 3 and Section 4. Work will commence on Section 5 once planning is granted for Section 2.

Western regional manager with Waterways Ireland,

Brian Treacy briefed elected members of the Killaloe Municipal District with a progress report for the Greenway. He said consultation has occurred for the project but acknowledged “albeit some time has passed since our last consultation”. The 43km Greenway is funded under Transport Infrastructure Ireland guidelines “which means we need to follow the TII steps”. Information evenings will be held before planning applications are lodged for various 8-10km sections, he said. Completion of a TII peer review is the current focus of the project team and they have been working on this for the past nineteen months. “We have made progress, it is taking time but a lot of this assessment was critical to the project progressing, we have a review meeting to address ﬁnal issues for December but we’ve got approval from TII to begin a phased delivery”. The peer review is for the

entire scheme.

Engineer John Jones “spent a few months in Dublin” having worked on this project “for years” but is now back steering the Greenway. He said the hope for the preferred route of Section 2 will be along the existing Errinagh Canal which he described as “an old disused canal which is about 15km in length, it is at the rear of Thomond Village in UL and it heads all the way to Clonlara village”.

For section three, the preferred route is along the existing regional road from O’Briensbridge to Killaloe, Jones outlined, this will also include some lands owned by ESB towards Ardclooney.

On section four, he expects that the Greenway will join the new bypass and come out by Two Mile Gate “and head towards Scariff along the regional road, we will go through Raheen Woods or the existing road to Tuamgraney”. Various

land

routes are to be examined, he added, one included going along the banks of Lough Derg with another overhead Ogonnelloe. “We are looking at utilising publicly owned lands in the ﬁrst place, we’d envisage 95% of the Greenway will be in publicly owned lands”.

Six viewing points will be in situ in East Clare, “before you come to Caher, the viewing area is going to be special,” Jones promised.

Treacy said planning authorities are happy with their approach of breaking the Greenway into sections. He explained, “by delivering the project in a phased manner we will see sections of the Greenway open and accessible in a much shorter timeframe. Each phase forms part of the overall 43km Greenway but has its own stand-alone economic beneﬁts”.

Waterways Ireland will develop the planning submission for the section between Black Bridge and Errinagh Bridge. The land is owned by Waterways Ireland and Brian outlined they aim to lodge a planning application in the second quarter of 2026 and “commence works as soon as planning is granted.”

For an extended report including queries and comments raised by elected members of the Killaloe MD, visit clareecho.ie/subscribe.

271 years of service celebrated in O’Gonnelloe

THE spirit of volunteerism was celebrated in O’Gonnelloe at the weekend as a collective 271 years of service to parish by nine people – one with 45 years of giving - was recognised.

Nine stalwarts of the Parish Council, who have kept the lights on, the heating primed, the walls painted, the churches cleaned, and so much more, were paid tribute to by the local community at a memorable celebration at St. Molua’s Church and afterwards at the O’Gonnelloe Exchange. Some 53 current and past members of the Parish Council in all were recognised at the end of Mass, celebrated by Parish Priest Kieran Blake, at a packed St. Molua’s as they were presented with candles to remind them of the example they gave and continue to give of the importance of community service.

But a special and surprise recogni-

tion was sprung on the longest serving after mass as large numbers retired to the community hall.

The nine – Seamus Bane, Sean Sheedy, Noel Stuart, Gerard O’Brien, Liam Gavin, Mary Lynch, Mary Gibbons, Pat O’Brien and Michael McNamara – had an average service on the Parish Council of 30 years. The longest serving, Noel Stuart, very much kept up the family tradition of commitment to community with an astonishing 45 years on the Parish Council.

Expressing the thanks of the parish to the volunteers, Chairman of the Parish Council Joe Mooney said that the event was a reminder of just how great the spirit of community is.

“The people we are honouring have given an absolute lifetime of service to O’Gonnelloe Parish. On average, we are looking at 30 years each.

Imagine the number of hours they

gave, with weekly meetings and all the work in between those thrown into the bargain. It’s incredible and, really, it’s people like these that keep rural Ireland alive,” he said.

“When researching this event and how long different people served on the Parish Council, I came across the minutes of meetings from years gone by and you couldn’t but be amazed by what you read. Firstly, the meetings were held weekly and then you see ﬁve handwritten foolscap pages of perfect minute-taking that, in its own right, is an archive of the history of the parish. In time, if anyone wanted to start writing the history of the parish, they would start here.

“But what you are struck then by is the incredible work rate of the parish council members. No sooner would one event be over than they would be onto the next.”

Coote’s family history revealed in new book

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

A NEW book has been published that delves into an Ennis family’s past, uncovering their relevance during Ireland’s fight for independence.

‘The Coote’s of Ennis and the War against an Empire’ is a 77-page detailed account of the Coote family and their part in the turbulent years of Ireland’s struggle for freedom. “From the mudsoaked trenches of France and the fever-ridden hills of Salonika to the daring ambushes of the Mid Clare Flying Column, their story spans two world wars, the Easter Rising, the War of Independence, and the bit ter Civil War that followed,” explained author Cathal O’Hagan.

Cathal started researching his family history two years ago as a side project after his grandfather told him that his great-great-grandfather, Luke Coote, was in the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and fought in World War I. However, his research “went to a standstill” after realising that the Bureau of Military History had yet to release files. When Cathal finally obtained the files last year, he was able to learn more in-depth about the relevance that his family had during the Irish War of Independence.

Palestinian memorial stone unveiled

LAST Saturday was International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People and it was marked in Ennis by the unveiling of a marker stone at the Ireland-Palestine friendship tree in Tim Smythe park.

The event was co-hosted by the Clare branch of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Clare PPN and featured performances from singers and musicians. Performers included Paul Dooley and Fiona O’Dw- yer, Éisteacht, and Paula Carroll, her daughter Eve, accompanied by Aoife Hammond. Peter Fee read the last message of Gaza journalist Anas al-Sharif, which was released after his murder by Israeli forces.

to Irish history, Tomás said, “In July of 1917 A group of young men and women stood outside Ennis courthouse there, to ﬁnd out the results of the East Clare by-election. For years, for decades, for centuries, Republicans had been told that there was no point in ﬁghting against the British Empire, that it was folly. But because they stood together, because they stood against imperialism, they were victorious, Sinn Féin won the by-election and went on to win the General Election. And when they did, 16 of those young men that were outside this courthouse were on hunger strike in Mountjoy Jail.”

Cathal, currently residing in Kilkishen, retired as a local historian for East

Clare’s Clonlea Parish in 2024 to focus on his creative writing. He won a Screenwriting Certificate at the International New York Film Festival last year. He was also a semi- finalist at the London International Screenwriting Competition, the Edinburgh Film Awards, the Melbourne Independent Film Festival, Berlin Shorts Award and Berlin International Screenwriting Festival, and was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for Best Short Script at the Dublin Movie Awards.

After his research, Cathal was left with endless amounts of information about the Coote family. “Whether it was an ambush or a bombing or a trouble, the Coote’s were there, so I ended up doing a book,” he said. With “so many Coote’s all over Ennis,” he decided to publish his book on Amazon for the many members of the family to buy and anyone else interested in the history of Ennis.

For Cathal, the most shocking piece of information that surfaced during his research at the Bureau of Military History, the Clare Library, and using online websites was not only that his great-great-grandfather was an intelligence officer, but that his intelligence department was mentioned in Michael Collins’ papers. He told The Clare Echo that Collins would deploy spies to collect information. According to Cathal, information would often be passed between Collins and Michael Brennan, the commander of the Clare IRA, as he worked for and was a close friend of Collins’. “Of course, he then

passed Luke’s information on to Michael Collins, personally, in Dublin,” he said.

Luke Coote was a double cousin of Johnny ‘Joker’ Coote, a Clare hurler who played in the winning All-Ireland Junior match in 1914 and a member of the IRA unit, the Flying Column. “He did a lot of famous ambushes, such as Ruann, Monreal, Rineen,” he added.

The author hopes that his book can show the true passion that people had whilst fighting for freedom, especially after the Easter Rising. “Ireland has such a great passion.”

“When the leaders were being led away, people in Dublin were throwing rotten veg and throwing slurs; they thought they were terrible. It was only when they were executed that people realised, ‘God, the British really are brutal’, and The Famine and all they did to us came back up.”

Passionate about Irish history, Cathal said, “I think that it’s hugely important that people should celebrate the part that their family had in the War of Independence, because these men and women were just so brave. There’s not many wars like it.”

The writer who now hopes to join the Irish Army has a novel coming out in early 2026 called ‘It Lives in the Alleyways’.

Originally a film script, “It’s about a boy who overdoses on cocaine in a rough nightclub. He survives the overdose, but it destroys his nerves and his mind. He becomes mentally ill and he’s convinced that he is being stalked by this strange figure in an old army coat with a big hood, but no one will believe him,” explained Cathal.

After finishing up as a local historian, Cathal donated all five years of his research about the Parish’s history, from Mesolithic times to the 19th century, to the Clare Library, where it is now safely stored in their archives.

The Coote’s of Ennis and the War against an Empire is available now on Amazon or by contacting Cathal O’Hagan (0872413721).

The main speaker was the historian, author and former chairperson of Clare IPSC, Tomás Mac Conmara.

Tomás thanked the IPSC and Clare PPN for inviting him and said, “I want to be standing openly, publicly in solidarity with Palestine as often as, as humanly possible. And we need to continue to do that.”

“The numbers of Palestinians that have been killed since the ceaseﬁre, if that number was applied to any other country, it would be the cause for international military action. Not to mind what happened over the previous two years. So, silence and the vacuums that can manifest after ceaseﬁres are very, very dangerous because it is in silence that evil prevails.”

“So, our solidarity is very much built on that foundation of historical awareness and historical consciousness. And the more we lean into that, the stronger we are standing in solidarity.”

“Soon, there will be no Palestinian on this earth who has lived a day outside of Israeli occupation or exile as a result of Israeli occupation.”

“And we know that silence is complicity. Our government’s silence is complicity. Indifference is a form of injustice, and all of that is only confronted by open public declarations of solidarity like this.”

“To unveil any memorial stone is a form of permanent declaration. And that is really important because we understand in Ireland, the importance of memorial stones, the importance of memorialisation.”

Drawing comparisons

“But in that haunting reality is evidence of resilience, because for all that denial of their freedom, there are more free than many in the West, who claim to live in free worlds, but do not have the freedom to apply their conscience in times like this. We learn from the resilience of the Palestinians. We learn from the endurance of the Palestinians.”

“And the analogy of the tree is perfect, because it can grow, and it will grow. And a tree symbolizes hope. It symbolizes resilience.”

“We commit to our solidarity, to the meaning of our solidarity, to ensure that we will not look away, that we will never look away, and as the oppression of Palestinians grows louder, our voice grows louder, and we will continue until the day that this tree is still growing and Palestine is free. Go raibh míle maith agaibh,” Tomás concluded.

lHISTORY: Author Cathal O’Hagan writes about the history of the Cootes family

Ennis

Shannon

Linnane & Podge appointed to new roles with GPA

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON’s Laura Linnane and Podge Collins of Cratloe have been appointed to new roles with the Gaelic Players Association (GPA).

Eight part-time engagement and development ofﬁcers (EDOs) have been appointed by the GPA in what it has labelled “a refresh to engaging with its membership”.

Laura and Podge are among the eight former inter-county players announced as EDOs. They are looking after the South Region and will focus on ensuring squad needs in their areas are catered for across the GPA pillars of representation, welfare, development and equality. The EDOs will report into the GPA’s Player Development Team led by Head of Development and Wellbeing Jennifer Rogers, herself a former Westmeath footballer and All-Ireland winner.

An All-Ireland winner with the Clare junior camogie side in 2008, Laura ﬁnished as joint top scorer with four points when the Deirdre Murphy captained outﬁt defeated Offaly 2-8 1-10 courtesy of a late goal from Shonagh Enright.

Linnane represented Clare on the camogie ﬁeld for over a decade and since retiring has had a successful coaching career which

Laura Lynn concert returns next year by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

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

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

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

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

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

included coaching the ﬁrst St Flannan’s camogie side to win an All-Ireland title when they defeated St Louis Grammar School from Ballymena Co Antrim in 2009. She served as a selector with UL when they won two Ashbourne titles and spent one season as part of Ger O’Connell’s Clare senior camogie management in 2019. She is the daughter of retired Shannon GP, Dr Michael Linnane. Laura completed a Masters in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology from SETU. Of her new role, Laura com-

mented, “My role involves liaising with the female county squads in both codes in Munster and Galway. The aim is to promote further engagement from players with the excellent services offered in the BEO 360 programme. These services include fully funded educational scholarships, CV and interview guidance, leadership and transition programmes, counselling services and much more. The role involves working with squads as their primary point of contact for all matters relating to player welfare and ensuring their voices are

heard and represented”.

Clare’s last dual player at senior level, Podge won an All-Ireland SHC in 2013 following an outstanding season at corner forward which earned him an All Star and a nomination as Hurler of the Year. He won an Allianz National Hurling League in 2016 while he won All-Ireland and Munster U21 championships in 2012 and 2013. Podge last played for the Clare hurlers in 2020 during Brian Lohan’s ﬁrst season as senior manager. He returned to the county football panel that season and remained with the side managed by his father Colm until announcing his inter-county retirement in 2023. With his club Cratloe, Podge has won three Clare SFC and two Clare SHC titles including a historic double in 2014.

Welcoming the appointments, Jennifer said, “The GPA ensure that an extensive list of supports and services are available to all of our 4,000 members as part of our BEO360 Player Development Programme. The programme aims to support the person behind the player, away from the ﬁeld of play, be that through educational opportunities, business supports, career advice and mentoring and wellbeing services such as our counselling service.”

Reinstating Shannon Diary among big wins of SCP

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

REINSTATING the Shannon Diary has been heralded as one of the biggest successes achieved by the Shannon Community Partnership (SCP) this year.

Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel in Shannon was the venue for the Annual General Meeting of the SCP held on Friday November 14th.

Chairperson Siobhán Boyd highlighted a year of progress for SCP including the success of Culture Night Shannon 2024 and Culture Night Shannon 2025, the expansion of seven active Task Groups, strengthened partnerships with Clare County Council, Shannon Municipal District, Clare Local Development Company and Creative Ireland, and the continued development of SCP as the central advocacy body for the town. Growth in governance, communication and community engagement was outlined by Joanne Begley in the secretary’s report. Key achievements included the revitalisation of the Shannon Diary, increased social media reach, regular bi-monthly meetings with the Shannon Municipal District, and the coordination of multiple task groups working across areas such as Age Friendly, Arts and Culture, Disability, Health and Wellbeing, Sustainability and Housing & Neighbourhood.

lMEETING: Success in reinstating the Shannon Diary

Joanne also reported on the grants and sponsorship secured over the past year to support SCP’s projects and events.

SCP recorded a total income of €13,372,44, Geraline Lambert detailed in the treasurer’s report. This comprised of grants, contributions and a transfer from Love Shannon, and expenditure of €6,776.38. This resulted in an income in excess of ex-

penditure of €4,146.61, which stands as the closing bank balance at 31 May 2025. Geraldine acknowledged the vital support of Ei Electronics, other funders and sponsors in enabling SCP to cover administrative costs, reinstate the monthly Shannon Diary & Newsletter and deliver key community events such as Culture Night.

SHANNON Community Partnership (SCP) held its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Friday, November 14th in Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel, Shannon.

The meeting was well attended by board members and members of the public, reﬂecting the strong and growing community interest in SCP’s work.

Chairperson Siobhán Boyd opened the meeting and welcomed all in attendance before presenting her Chairperson’s Report. She highlighted a year of signiﬁcant progress for SCP across 2024/2025, including the success of Culture Night Shannon 2024 and Culture Night Shannon 2025, the expansion of seven active Task Groups, strengthened partnerships with Clare County Council, Shannon Municipal District, CLDC and Creative Ireland, and the continued development of SCP as the central advocacy body for the town.

Secretary Joanne Begley then presented the Secretary’s Report, outlining SCP’s continued growth in governance, communication and community engagement. Key achievements included the revitalisation of the Shannon Diary, increased social media reach, regular bi- monthly meetings with the Shannon Municipal District, and the coordination of multiple task groups working across areas such as Age Friendly, Arts and Culture, Disability, Health and Wellbeing, Sustainability and Housing & Neighbourhood. Joanne also reported on the wide range of grants and sponsorship secured over the past year to support SCP’s projects and events.

Treasurer Geraldine Lambert presented the Treasurer’s Report for the year ended 31 May 2025. She reported total income of €13,372.44, comprising grants, contributions and a transfer from Love Shannon, and expenditure of €6,776.38. This resulted in an income in excess of expenditure of €4,146.61, which stands as the closing bank balance at 31 May 2025. Geraldine acknowledged the vital support of Ei Electronics and other funders and sponsors in enabling SCP to cover administrative costs, reinstate the monthly Shannon Diary & Newsletter and deliver key community events such as Culture Night.

The AGM also conﬁrmed the board for 2026 as follows:

lChairperson: Siobhán Boyd

lVice Chair: Don O’Sullivan

lSecretary and Funding Ofﬁcer: Joanne Begley

lTreasurer: Geraldine Lambert

lPublic Relations Ofﬁcer (PRO): Denise O’Brien

lBoard Members: David O’Halloran, Sue Corcoran, Derek Clune and Sam Stephens

In closing, SCP reiterated its commitment to advocating for the people of Shannon, strengthening community connections and working in partnership with local authorities, agencies, businesses and residents to build a more inclusive, vibrant and sustainable town.

For enquiries please see https:// www.shannoncp.ie/

lGAELIC PLAYERS: Eight EDOs have been appointed by GPA

Gort & South Galway

Council prosecuting Pat McDonagh over Supermac’s sign

by DeeganGordan

SUPERMAC’S Managing Director, Pat McDonagh is being prosecuted for an alleged unauthorised Supermac’s company sign “in need of a refresh” that has been in situ for more than seven years, a court has heard.

At Gort District Court today after looking at Galway County Council photos of the sign, Judge Alec Gabbett commented that “this sign is very old and is in need of a refresh”.

In response, solicitor for Mr McDonagh and Supermacs Ireland Ltd, John Nash told Judge Gabbett that the sign in question in the townland of Castletown, Co Galway has been in place for more than seven years.

He said: “That is one of the points I will be making when the case is heard and there is more in my armoury than that.”

Mr McDonagh and Supermacs Ireland Ltd are contesting the Council prosecution and Mr Nash said that “at this stage I don’t want to be showing my cards to the opposition.”

Judge Gabbett told Mr Nash: “Your client operates licensed premises and runs very popular establishments around the country - what is the problem here that can’t he abide with planning?”

In response, Mr Nash said: “He believes that he does abide with planning.”

Mr Nash requested an adjournment as an “essential witness” in the case, Michael Rabbitte is unable to attend the

court as he is out of the country.

Earlier this year, Mr Nash issued a witness summons for Mr Rabbitte to attend court and told the court previously”“I understand that he is aggrieved by the sign - that is my understanding.”

Galway County Council was ready to proceed today with the case but Judge Gabbett acceded to Mr Nash’s application for an adjournment.

Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to February 26th. He said: “It is on, all duck or no dinner, it is on.”

Judge Gabbett said that in the meantime, the two sides “could work it out - it is not that big a problem.”

The court summons issued to Mr McDonagh of Supermacs, Ballybrit Park, Galway says that a complaint has been made that on November 26th 2024 in the townland of Castletown he did commit an offence by failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice dated 24th October 2024.

The summons states that the enforcement notice required Mr McDonagh to carry out the following - cease the development being a development for which no permission has been granted and cease the use of the framed structure for advertising within seven days.

The Enforcement Notice also required Mr McDonagh to remove the advertising signage and dispose of it in accordance with the current Waste Management Act.W

New community safety partnership holds ﬁrst meeting

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NEW statutory body focused on improving community safety in County Galway held its first meeting at Áras an Chontae on Tuesday, marking the formal end of the Joint Policing Committee (JPC) model.

The Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) has been set up under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024 as part of a national shift towards wider and more inclusive planning. Its members include up to 30 people from Galway County Council, An Garda Síochána, the HSE, Tusla and local organisations representing youth, social inclusion, education, business and community groups.

This new model no longer facilitates the presence of the media for all meetings.

Over the next three years the Partnership will draw up a safety plan for the county, coordinate new initiatives, engage with residents and feed into the work of the National Office for Community Safety. The National Office will offer training and support and will oversee the Community Safety Fund, which uses proceeds of crime to back local projects.

During the first meeting, Cllr Andrew Reddington (FG) was

elected Chair for a three-year term, and Aodán McDonogh was chosen as Vice Chair.

Cllr Reddington commented, “Each area of County Galway has its own specific safety and community issues that no single organisation can solve alone. Real progress depends on various agencies working together, from policing to local government and health services, as well as community groups. We aim to unite these perspectives so local people can help guide how safety improves in County Galway”.

Vice Chairperson McDonogh

emphasised that the Partnership strongly prioritises collaboration and places local voices at the heart of decision-making. Membership from the community and voluntary sector was confirmed through a nomination process led by the Chief Executive of Galway County Council. This was reviewed by the National Office and approved by Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan (FF) TD. Welcoming members to the first meeting of the LCSP, Chief Executive Liam Conneally said the Partnership replaces the

Joint Policing Committee (JPC) model and represents a new approach to local community safety. “The LCSP brings all the key agencies together to look at the safety issues affecting our communities and to agree practical actions to address them,” he said. “It gives local people a stronger voice in identifying priorities and helps ensure that services work in a more joinedup way. Galway County Council looks forward to working with other agencies in developing and overseeing a new Community Safety Plan for the county, focused on prevention, collaboration and improving quality of life for everyone who lives here”.

The Partnership will meet at least six times a year. One of the meetings will be open to the public, while another will be for elected representatives from the Oireachtas and Galway County Council.

It will also collaborate with neighbouring partnerships and existing local structures, including the Local Community Development Committee, Galway County Public Participation Network, and youth groups such as Comhairle na nÓg and the Children and Young People’s Services Committee. The LCSP will not address individual criminal investigations, State security matters, or confidential Garda operations.

€634,922 in CLÁR funding approved for Galway projects

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

€634,922 in funding has been approved for community and sports facilities across CLÁR areas in Galway by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary (FF).

Provided under Our Rural Future, the Government’s fiveyear rural development plan, the funding will support 10 projects shortlisted and submitted by Galway County Council.

The largest award of €100,000 went to Portumna Chamber of Commerce and Galway County Council for a County Pilot initiative featuring facilities for persons with additional needs and Changing Places Toilet.

Seven other projects each received €65,000, including upgrades to the community pitch and facilities at Lawrencetown Community Development, an outdoor gym and parking facilities at Killimordaly GAA Club, Astro and MUGA developments at Kiltartan National School and Glenamaddy, extended walkway and accessible parking at St Thomas GAA, and accessibility enhancements and carpark works at Meelick Eyrecourt GAA and Skehana Community Development.

Abbeyknockmoy Hurling Club received €54,900 for parking improvements and Pairc Spraoi Iorras Aithneach Cill Cháirain was awarded €25,022 for the development of a playground sensory area.

Cllr David Collins (FG), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, praised the community groups and organisations for their dedication to finding new ways to improve their local areas. “Their commitment is reflected in the thought and care put into their project ideas and in their efforts to raise the match funding needed to bring these projects to life. I also wish to acknowledge the staff of the Council’s Rural, Community and Tourism Development department for working with the community groups in preparing the funding applications.”

Welcoming the government announcement, Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said CLÁR is a vitally important scheme for ru-

ral counties like Galway, where small-scale infrastructural projects can bring new life to local communities. “This year’s funding provides a strong return for the county, he said, supporting community groups and sporting clubs right across Galway. The Council is committed to working with all funding recipients to ensure their projects are delivered successfully and make a real difference for their communities.”

Nationally, the Government is investing €12.3 million to support the development of sports and outdoor facilities, including playgrounds, running tracks, astro turf pitches and spectator stands, as well as community buildings.

lCOMMUNITY: Cllr Andrew Reddington and Aodán McDonogh have been elected Chair and Vice Chair of the newly established Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP)

Photo by Murtography

Buy Local Fly Local returns with flights to Paris & Lapland for Ennis shoppers

ENNIS CHAMBER and Shannon Airport have teamed up once again to boost footfall in the county town while giving away flights to Paris and Lapland plus spending money.

Returning for a seventh year, the #BuyLocalFlyLocal initiative aims to increase footfall in Ennis in advance of Christmas while also promoting the growing number of routes available from Shannon Airport.

Last year, over fifty businesses participated in the initiative with a further increase expected for this Christmas with a greater emphasis placed on Ennis town’s night-time economy.

Running on December 6th and 7th, anyone who spends a minimum of €20 in participating businesses can enter the draw.

Prizes include two flights to Lapland plus €400 spending money from Ennis Chamber, flights for two to Paris plus €400 spending money from Ennis Chamber.

Participating businesses include, Bambino’s, Blackbird, Bridget Haren Hair &

Beauty, Collins Jewellers, County Boutique, Duffy’s Pharmacy, Ela Maria, Eva’s Café, Eye Candy Opticians, Freya Boutique, Haven Pharmacy (Holly’s), Heaslip’s, Horizon Optical, Kilkenny Shop, Knox’s Bar & Restaurant, La Jolie Femme, Lily’s Boutique, Mondo, Munster Tech Centre, Murphy’s Menswear, NC Paint & Décor, Nora Culligans, Nozomi, O’Connors Bakery O’Connell Street, O’Connors Bakery Parnell Street, O’Connors Bakery Tesco, Open Sesame, Pamela Scotts, Passatempo, Patrick Bourke Menswear, Pursuit, Preacher’s Pub, R Carmody Shoes, Rochford’s Pharmacy, Seoidin, Shanahan Paints, Sip, Sweet N Green, The Atelier (Claureen), The Wine Buff, Town Hall and Truth. Posters with promotion details and entry forms will be available in participating businesses this week.

Contact info@ennischamber.ie for further details.

lVanessa Spencer, Munster Tech Centre, Arlene Hayes of Pamela Scott’s, Margaret O’Brien, Ennis Chamber, Nandi O’Sullivan, The Shannon Airport Group, Maeve Flouch, County Boutique, Jenny Mather, Sweet n Green and Rosie Heaslip of Heaslips

Photo by Eamon Ward

Precious Pets launches new range of household Christmas gifts and lights

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

FOR the first Christmas ever, Precious Pets has launched a new household range of nonpet Christmas gifts.

Trading on the corner of Summerhill and the Market for the past 26 years, the long-time Ennis pet shop is now offering two Christmas sections this season: Their yearly Christmas-themed pet products and their new household Christmas range.

A staple of Ennis town since September 1999, Precious Pets offers a line of pet goods for cats and dogs and also sells livestock, including hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, and fish.

Upon visiting, customers can expect the usual Christmas stockings and toys for cats and dogs, now also being sold among mugs, candles, lights, and plenty of merchandise with robins and reindeer.

“It’s the season of goodwill,” Precious Pets owner Barry O’Driscoll said, something that is apparent in his

something different” in the town.

Barry added, “The gift shop across the road closed down here in Ennis in the last couple of months, so that market wasn’t being served,” referencing Precious Pet’s neighbouring shop, Sonoma, which made the difficult decision in January to close down.

During this busy time of the year, Barry is excited to see the variety of people visiting his shop.

“Parents come in with their kids and get something

“The gift shop across the road closed down here in Ennis in the last couple of months, so that market wasn’t being served

for their cat or dog.

“We also have people who are abroad coming home for Christmas… Some people you will only see at Christmas.”

He added, “It’s always a great time of the year.”

Precious Pets began as a small shop of 400 square foot.

“Things were good”, explained Barry, and with that brought two expansions in 2005 and 2018.

He continued, “We’ve expanded twice, so we’re kind of an amalgamation of three shops now.

“Despite all the roadworks and everything else, we’re still here 26 years trading and we hope to be here for years to come.”

Precious Pets plan on launching a new website in the New Year.

To see their full range of pet and Christmas goods, visit the shop in Summerhill, Ennis (V95 FC99) or call 065 6849771.

lPrecious Pets on the corner of Summerhill and the Market in Ennis has opened a Christmas gift section

Sinead’s

Sinead Walsh

WITH Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to get shopping for the important people in your life. What better way to show that you care by pampering them and going all out on beauty and skincare hampers?

At Holly’s, we have all you need this season. Browse our beautiful products or enquire about our bespoke hampers in-store at Haven Pharmacy Holly’s, 23 Abbey St, Ennis. We are also happy to personalise hampers, just ask. Holly’s, your destination for gi ing this Christmas. In the meantime, take a peek at some of our range...

‘Unique opportunity to launch pedestrian friendly town centre’ for Christmas trading

by Páraic McMahon

ENNIS is “a revitalised, attractive and pedestrian friendly town” to shop in this Christmas, county councillors have stressed.

Prior to supporting the decision of Clare County Council to increase commercial rates across the county by eight percent, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) tabled a motion before the Ennis Municipal District stressing the need to “generate extra footfall” and maximise Christmas trade in Ennis.

“With the public realm works nearing completion we have a unique time-sensitive opportunity to launch a revitalised, attractive and pedestrian friendly town image this Christmas,” he stated. Cllr O’Callaghan questioned the Ennis MD on what initiatives were in place “ensuring our many businesses can benefit in the hope to generate extra footfall over the upcoming Christmas Trade”.

Acting senior engineer in the Ennis MD, Paddy Tiernan outlined, “many excit-

ing initiatives are planned to encourage additional footfall in Ennis over the upcoming Christmas period”.

Such items referenced by Tiernan included the demobilisation of public realm contractor from November 25th, the switching on of the Christmas lights, pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street, “extensive promotional and media campaign showcasing Ennis”, additional parking at Council offices, free parking in town centre car parks, street fashion shows, the family orienteering event, the Christmas film in glór, street entertainment and Ennis street radio. “The aim of these initiatives is to boost economic activity within the town during the upcoming festive season,” he said.

Speaking at a sitting of the Ennis MD, Cllr O’Callaghan commented, “I’m so happy for everybody that the public realm works are coming to completion. We have a unique and time sensitive opportunity to launch a pedestrian friendly town centre as Christmas trading begins”.

He continued, “The message is simple, disruption is

over and access is better than ever”. The proposed Christmas in Ennis programme was welcomed by the Kildysart native. “I love the incentive of free parking being extended, access is the key to the success of our businesses”.

Ennis 2040’s ongoing review was referenced by Cllr O’Callaghan who added to comments from the previous month on utilising the old Ennis NS as a temporary car park “while we are waiting for an overall plan”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) commented, “the public realm works are beautiful, the whole town is looking beautiful, there are exciting initiatives happening for Christmas”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) praised the work done in the background “for many months” by Council staff to prepare the initiatives. “Last Christmas we saw the bounce that was there, it is up to all of us to promote Christmas in Ennis”.

lO’Connell Street in its pedestrinaised state earlier this week

Photo by Conor Connery

paraic@clareecho.ie

Make some magic this Christmas

Children with long-term health conditions, like Leah, face daily challenges that can create anxiety and make joining everyday activities difficult.

Helium, an Irish children’s charity, gives them a safe space to create alongside professional artists, connect with others with similar life experiences, grow in confidence, and feel a sense of joy and belonging - through free art workshops in hospitals, the community, and online.

This Christmas, support our Making of Magic Appeal by buying a one-of-a-kind digital art print. Leah, a Helium workshop participant, and five of her talented friends have created five stunning pieces of art, and they are thrilled to see their work available for the first time.

Every purchase or donation helps Helium continue its programmes, giving more children confidence, creative opportunities, joy, and connection. Perfect for printing, framing, or using as a screensaver, these prints make thoughtful gifts.

Buy a print or donate at helium.ie and bring joy to children this Christmas.

Christmas in Ennis festivities kick oﬀ

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ Christmas festivities have commenced with the turning of the lights last week kicking off the programme of events.

Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) was joined by Clare footballer Ikem Ugwueru, Lithuanian siblings Mia Visockaite, Lea Visockaite and Sarunas Visockas, Ennis’ Daithí Lynch, Luvia Hilpert originally from the United States of America, twins Taisiia Navrotska and Tymur Navrotskyi originally from Ukraine. They all call Ennis their home.

Crowds gathered in Abbey Street car park for the turning on of the Christmas lights last Thursday with Clare FM’s Colum McGrath acting as MC with the Circus for Ponies back to provide musical entertainment.

Next Saturday (December 13th), the Ennis Street Fashion Show returns. Holman Lee Agency will be providing the models while “some local sporting models” will also be on the runway, administrative officer with the Ennis MD, Niamh O’Connor confirmed. Between 30 to 35 fashion suppliers including jewellers, shoe shops and sports stores will be showcasing their offering.

On the same day, Ennis Chamber will support the return ofpopular Ennis Artisan Market, welcoming back an array of high-quality producers of food/ drinks/crafts. Sited once again the in the Courtyard area to the fore of Temple Gate Hotel from 10:30 to 3pm. Ennis Chamber members Siobhain Landy of Sweet n Green and Maeve Sheridan of Western Herd Brewing, will manage the event this year.

A new addition to the Christmas in Ennis programme is a family orienteering event which is scheduled for December 14th (Sunday) with the Temple Gate Hotel the meeting point at 14:00.

Ollie’s Tours are coordinating the event with participants getting a guided tour to set them up for the scanvenger hunt. There will be teams of four which must include one adult. Prizes include a family membership for the Active Ennis complex worth €800 and a family membership to visit Bunratty Castle & Folk Park worth €150.

O’Connor stated, “Last year we had two events in glór, a film and little Christmas show, the film was a big hit so we’ve decided to do that again, this year the film is The Magic Reindeer, Clare County Council is subsidising the show”. Tickets have been available since November 21st and cost €2. The Christmas film

will be broadcast this Sunday (December 7th) at 6pm.

For the shortest day of the year, Sunday December 21st, there will be music on the streets from Ennis Brass Band, the Ukelele Group and Damien Gormley. Christmas is a time of magic, Mayor Howard commented, “We have all the things which have been working in the past, I loved all the street performers, Christmas is a time for children, for wonder and magic, to see their faces and mirrors of their outfits. I am thrilled to see Damien Gormley, back when we were coming out of COVID, he was the first musician to put up his hand and busk in Ennis, it was a different world back then, he did it for no fee and no charge so I am delighted to see he is involved”. She suggested the street radio be considered for “a lot of the year” to provide more atmosphere in the town.

Praising the efforts of local authority staff in devising the programme, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) questioned if the stilts were returning to Ennis. “We’re changing it up this year,” replied O’Connor confirming they would not be back for 2025. “I’m going to have to write to Santa to tell him I’m not happy,” responded Colleran Molloy.

lTREE-SY DOES IT: The Christmas lights committee in Clarecastle, with Fergal Grifﬁn posing as the angel, erecting the largest floating Christmas Tree in Ireland, which is visible from the quay during the festive season

Photo by John Power

A festive chapter at O’Mahony’s Booksellers on Parnell Street

This festive season, as the streets of Ennis come alive with lights and cheer, one place continues to offer something more than just shopping — a sense of connection, curiosity, and tradition.

That place is O’Mahony’s Booksellers on Parnell Street, a beloved part of Ennis town centre and a proud chapter in Ireland’s oldest independent book business.

O’Mahony’s has been part of the Irish book landscape for over 120 years, and its Ennis store is one of the most welcoming in the country.

Nestled in the heart of town, the shop is known not just for its carefully selected range of books, but for its beautiful gifts, premium stationery, educational toys, and warm, personal service.

It’s a place where generations of customers have come to browse, to chat, and to find the perfect read — or the perfect present.

This year, the team in Ennis is going all out to make the shop feel festive, cosy, and inspiring.

With pavement signage to draw in curious passers-by, stunning window displays, and a team that truly knows its stock (and its cus-

tomers), it’s an experience that stands out. Whether you’re picking up a thoughtful Christmas gift, a

help.

At a time when attention spans are under pressure from screens and scrolls, giving a child the gift of a book has never been more powerful. It’s a moment of calm, curiosity, and imagination — and it can last a lifetime.

O’Mahony’s also continues to support local authors, community events, and literary initiatives, helping keep book culture alive and well in Clare.

Their Ennis branch regularly hosts school visits, seasonal promotions, and charity fundraisers, reinforcing its role as a cultural hub as well as a retailer.

As footfall trends shift and shopping habits evolve, O’Mahony’s continues to grow and adapt — offering click-and-collect, online ordering, and soon, an upgraded gift card and loyalty system to bring more value to local customers.

beautiful hardback, or a Jellycat soft toy, you’ll find real thought behind every item — and a team happy to

This Christmas, Ennis shoppers can look forward to a store filled with festive spirit, personal touches, and all the things O’Mahony’s

has always stood for: community, service, and a deep love of books. So whether you’re hunting for a thoughtful gift, a great read for the fireside, or just a peaceful moment away from the bustle, step inside O’Mahony’s Ennis. There’s something special waiting on every shelf — and a friendly face behind the counter to help you find it.

lO’Mahony’s Booksellers are on hand to offer a thoughtful Christmas gift, a beautiful hardback or a Jellycat soft toy

INCREASED PARKING FOR ENNIS SHOPPERS

INCREASED and extra incentives on parking have been introduced in Ennis to build the festival footfall, writes Páraic McMahon

Clare County Council have introduced measures to provide additional parking across the county town for the Christmas season.

Free parking at Áras Contae an Chláir on the New Rd and at Waterpark House in Drumbiggle has been made available each week-

end for free parking. Council owned car parks in Abbey Street, Harvey’s Quay (Parnell Street), Bindon St, Cornmarket St, Friars Walk, Lower Market St and Woodquay will have free parking from 2pm from Monday to Saturday. Fees remain as normal for on-street parking.

As ﬁrst reported by The Clare Echo, more than ﬁfty parking spaces will be provided at the old Boys NS in En-

nis now owned by Ennis 2040 DAC for the festive period.

This weekend, the barriers will be raised at Holy Family School as part of a new partnership between Ennis Chamber, the Council and management of the primary school.

Free parking will be provided at the town centre school carpark this weekend and next plus from December 20 to January 3 (in clusive), when the

school closes for its Christmas break.

CEO of Ennis Chamber, Margaret O’Brien stated, “The car park is accessed from Station Road, next door to The Old Ground Hotel and opposite the Cathedral. Ennis Chamber is appealing to business owners to ask staff to park at Holy Family Car Park to free up car parking in the town centre for customers”.

Cllr. Mary Howard, Mayor of Ennis, Allen Flynn, Chair of Holy Family Board of Management, Jillian Bridge, Principal, Marina Mulqueen, Deputy Principal l and Margaret O’Brien, CEO, Ennis Chamber

WARNING:

Thousands gather for Christmas lights

l THOUSANDS of revellers attended Abbey Street Car Park last Thursday night in Ennis where the Christmas lights were ofﬁcially turned on by Clare footballer Ikem Ugwueru, Mayor of Ennis Mary Howard, with the help of a few friends. The Big Man himself, Santa Claus was also on hand to greet the people of Clare while the Circus Ponies provided music entertainment on the night

Photos by Eamon Ward

Festive gardens and Christmas tree tips

DECEMBER has started and so has our busy mind with all the stuff we think we need to get done.

I encourage you to breath, slow down, and

enjoy the month as it unfolds and each activity we choose to do, from the simple arrangement at the kitch en table to rearranging the front

entrance. It’s so nice to see the lights lit in the evening - We forget that we are the process that helps create the magic of December.

The garden is sleeping and mostly the birds are busy foraging and looking for food. Feeders placed around the garden can help keep them fed. We have bird food and feeders in stock. We often take water for granted but it’s good to leave a bath or two around the garden so they can have access to a drink.

We have a lovely selection of plants available if you are redressing pots at the front door or window boxes. Helleborus are in colour and come in white and a nigra colour. The cyclamen gives loads of colour too. Mix with primrose and you can’t go wrong. We also have red berried skimma and some snowy trees to add to the festive feeling.

Thought for the weekAwakening advent hope to begin again

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

ADVENT invites us into a season that many of us instinctively resist, the season of waiting. We live in a world that loves certainty, speed and clear answers. Yet God often chooses to meet us in the in-between spaces, those quiet, uncertain stretches when we cannot see what comes next. But Advent gently whispers that vulnerability is not failure, it is the place where God chooses to begin. This waiting season of Advent began just last Sunday, a gentle doorway into a new spiritual year, a soft light rising in winter’s darkness.

Advent is not about perfection. It is about preparation. It asks not for a perfect home, but a willing heart. Not a ﬂawless life, but an open one. Advent begins in the dark for a reason.

The ﬁrst candle is lit before the room is bright because God meets us in the not-yet, the uncertain, the unﬁnished. We don’t have to pretend the world is tidy before inviting Christ in. Advent asks us to see reality, to grieve deeply, and then to allow hope to rise.

Recently I sat in a waiting room, early, restless, watching the world in its quiet tension. A woman sighed. A man tapped his foot. A child stared at the ﬂoor. Every person carried a private story, a private ache. And I thought, Advent is a waiting room for the soul. We are not waiting for gifts or holidays. We are waiting for God and astonishingly, God is waiting for us.

A few years ago, outside a shop, a woman approached me. “Please… can you help me?” I walked past her. But, I left feeling uneasy and halfway home, the truth hit me: I had failed to love. I turned the car around, praying she was still there. This time, I listened. She told me her story. She had almost nothing, yet as I left she said, “God bless you and keep you.” That encounter became my Advent every year, a reminder that compassion is not an idea but a willingness to see another human being with God’s eyes.

This Advent asks us the most important questions: ‘What kind of nation or country do we want to be? What kind of communities? What kind of hearts?’ The choice is ours and Advent gives us a whole season to choose well.

The Christmas trees are looking amazing this year and the selection is fab (I may be bias though).

Tips when considering a real Christmas tree:

lSize matters: How much room space you have and where you intend to place it.

lNear open fire or radiator is not good idea.

lHave a tree stand that holds water. This keeps the tree fresh longer.

lAre you adding a star to top? Don’t forget to allow room.

lIf it’s going into a corner, you may not need it big on one side.

I hope this helps you decide on the type and shape of tree this year. One of the advantages is the free aroma from the tree.

We have a range of wreaths available and can custom make them to suit your requirements. If you have some pieces you would like to add to your wreath, pop on in and we can choose a suitable ready green base.

We are taking orders for table arrangement and centrepieces, so WhatsApp your order to us.

Remember to enjoy whatever activity you choose to do this festive month and of course, pop in to see our beautiful Christmas shop.

December is Christmas in Irish!

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Thought for the Week

As your thought for the week, please give ourselves permission to rest for a moment. To let the light of Advent be just enough for the next small step.

This Advent, make yourself a sacred space at home, a place for prayer, reﬂection, and meditation. Light a candle and ask, ‘Where can I bring light in the darkness? How can I extend hope, faith, peace, and love to those in need?’ Then choose one person, family or group to bless with unexpected kindness.

Let your Advent begin not with decoration, but with transformation. Let your heart be a vessel of Christ’s light, and your hands instruments of God’s compassion. Let me leave you with one of my prayers for Advent, “God of the waiting and the weary, as the darkness deepens, kindle in us the light of hope. Open our eyes to those who feel unseen. Soften our hearts where they have grown cold. Calm the fears that whisper in the night. Give us courage to love, patience to wait, and tenderness to begin again. May this Advent awaken in us a new compassion, a deeper stillness, and a hope strong enough to share. Come, Lord Jesus. Come into our hearts, our homes, our country, and our world. Amen.”

NOLLAIG SHONA! Is ábhar ceiliúradh i gcónaí é nuair a iompaítear an leathanach ar an bhféilire agus bíonn an focal “Nollaig” le feiceáil ar bharr an leathanaigh. An bhfuil an crann Nollag maisithe agaibh fhéin fós?

Thinking back to my wind-swept childhood on Inis Oírr, I remember fondly when the múinteoir would write “1ú Nollaig” or the 1st of Christmas (December), on the clár dubh. It almost felt like Christmas started earlier in the Irish-speaking universe.

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com

Imeachtaí/Events:

lSIONNA – Gaeilge le Chéile, Ionad Siopadóireacht Skycourt, 11am, chuile Dé Domhnaigh lCILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar lSIONNA – Siúlóid Dúlra/Nature Walk, Dé Domhnaigh, 11am, Community Room (Gaeilge le Chéile ar Facebook) lLUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach

lCLARE FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM lCILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm lINIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Máirt ag Zest 11am, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), Dé hAoine The Market Bar 11am, agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

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

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

l NOLLAIG: Ag scríobh ar an gclár dubh in Éirinn fadó, fadó

Ireland’s first airfield solar PV farm & extension of passenger gates

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON AIRPORT has unveiled a €6.6m investment which has resulted in Ireland’s first airfield solar PV farm and new passenger gates.

One ﬁfth of Shannon Airport’s electricity is to be powered by a new 1.2 megawatt solar farm while a 7,800sqft extension to its European passenger gates responds to continued rising passenger numbers.

Minister for Climate, Environment & Energy, and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD (FF) made his inaugural visit to Shannon Airport for the dual unveiling. He was joined by Junior Minister, Timmy Dooley (FF), Deputy Joe Cooney (FG), Deputy Cathal Crowe (FF) and Senator Maria Byrne (FG) for the unveiling.

Combined it is a €6.6m investment which is split as €3.6m for the solar farm and €3m for the passenger gates.

Within the solar farm are over 2,700 bifacial solar panels installed on a 5.5 acre site within Shannon Airport’s airﬁeld. It is expected to supply up to 20% of Shannon Airport’s annual electricity needs, signiﬁcantly reducing reliance on the national grid and fossil fuels by generating renewable energy on-site. The electricity generated from the solar PV farm each year would be enough to drive one of the airport’s electric vehicles around the world 233 times.

Early trials indicate the installation is outperforming expectations, generating impressive levels of renewable energy including 100% of the terminal building’s full electricity requirement at certain times on peak days in September.

Supported by a government grant of €1.5 million, the solar PV initiative aligns with national efforts to accelerate Ireland’s energy transition. The grant forms part of almost €2 million in grant aid for Shannon Airport under the government’s Regional State Airports

Sustainability funding programme, with the remainder of the grant going towards upgrading the airport’s water system.

Passenger ﬂow and accessibility is to be improved at Shannon with an expansion of its European boarding gates. The 7,800sqft extension is comprised of 4,300sqft of new internal space and 3,000sqft of integrated external covered walkways offering extra protection from the elements to passengers as they move from boarding gate to aircraft.

Short haul routes via boarding gates 1-5 are served in the expanded gate area. It has been reconﬁgured to optimise queuing and circulation space. Lo cated at the eastern end of the existing gates, it also improves internal connectivity to aircraft stands on the east apron.

Both developments form part of a €50m investment in airport infrastructure and commercial property in 2025 and 2026.

Minister O’Brien paid tribute to all involved with the “very signiﬁcant project” and admitted, “I’ve been really impressed with what I’ve seen” during his ﬁrst visit to Shannon.

“When you are doing more, we will support you to do more,” he promised management of the Shannon Airport Group.

“It is an Airport that is growing and will continue to grow, passenger numbers are projected to be 2.3m for the end of the year,”

Minister O’Brien stated. “We have capacity to grow further at Shannon, I will support you during this growth period and we want to see Shannon grow further, it is a really important asset for our people”.

Interim CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll stated, “Today marks a significant step forward in our sustainability strategy and infrastructure development. The government support announced by Minister O’Brien in 2024 was much appreciated and will be instrumental in assisting us on our

Strong Uptake for Free Energy Upgrades

A CAMPAIGN to encourage and support eligible homeowners in Clare to apply for fully funded upgrades under the Warmer Homes Scheme (WHS) has had a strong uptake and found that many homeowners don’t realise that they are eligible.

The campaign, undertaken by Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) in collaboration with Ennis Sustainable Energy Community, has included awareness raising activities and direct support for people to apply for the scheme.

“We’ve had an information stand in the Dunne’s walkway in Ennis once weekly over four weeks and taken part in a number of events, as well as a series of information articles in The Clare Echo” said Hannah Griffey of CLDC “Through that, we have directly supported over a hundred people and have been told by many others that they will apply for the scheme themselves. Through this they will get basic home energy upgrades such as attic and wall insulation at absolutely no cost.”

To be eligible for the scheme, the homeowners should be living in the home and receiving any one of the following payments: Fuel Allowance, Working Family Payment, One-Parent Family Payment, Disability Allowance or Job Seekers Allowance for over six months and have a child under seven years of age, Domiciliary Care Allowance or Carers Allowance and live with the person you are caring for. The home also has to have been built and occupied before 2006.

“We are delighted with the interest and take up of the scheme.” adds Bridget Ginnity of Ennis SEC. “Every poorly insulated home that gets an upgrade will save hundreds of euro a year in heating cost and have a warmer, healthier home. And it is a great help in addressing the climate crisis as the carbon savings are about the same as keeping a car on the road for a year, about one tonne annually. Applying for the scheme is relatively straightforward but ﬁlling out forms online can be off-putting so we give people

whatever help they would like.”

After an application is approved, a surveyor from SEAI assesses the home and appoints a contractor to undertake the appropriate upgrade measures. This typically includes attic and wall insulation, lagging jackets, draught prooﬁng and energy efﬁcient lighting. Renewable heating systems and windows are included where appropriate.

“CLDC want to see as many as possible eligible homeowners in Clare availing of this scheme” adds Hannah Griffey. “It is a step towards a just transition where qualifying homeowners beneﬁt from state investment in climate action”.

For homeowners who are not eligible for the Warmer Homes Scheme, there are grants available for individual upgrades. The individual grants typically cover about 70-80% of the cost for attic and wall insulation.

Further information is available on the SEAI website or from CLDC at 065 6866800.

journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 51% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. It has augmented our efforts to implement innovative solutions that enhance energy efﬁciency, reduce emissions, and promote sustainable practices throughout our operations. The grant was invaluable in delivering our solar PV farm, a key project under our Sustainabil-

ity Strategy”.

O’Driscoll labelled the solar farm as “a game changer” for Shannon Airport and forms a big step in their efforts to reduce emissions by 51 percent by 2030. Easier travel is the aim of the extended passenger gates, he outlined. Airline partners in Shannon will ﬂy to 40 different routes in 2026 which is the most amount of connections at the Airport in twenty years.

Green Clare

l SOLAR FARM: Light Bulb Moment at Shannon Airport

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Burren’s hidden wildlife explored in new TG4 series

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HIDDEN wildlife of the Burren is explored in a new series on TG4.

Episode one of Oileán Glas, Fásach Bán aired last night (Wednesday December 3rd) with the second episode to follow next Wednesday (December 10th), both on TG4 at 21:30.

Over the course of a wild year, presenter Eoin Warner explores the magical otherworld of the Burren, camping, diving and trekking to its most secret corners while seeking out the wild animals that call its land and waters home.

Nestled in the heart of North Clare, the Burren is one of Ireland’s greatest natural treasures with its desert of grey stone the home to some of the country’s most enchanting wildlife. Elusive Pine Martens find sanctuary in its hazel woods, while magnificent birds-of-prey roost in the ruins of Medieval Abbeys and just offshore an extraordinary mass gathering of Basking Sharks may be rarely seen courtship displays of these gentle

giants.

Eoin’s year-long exploration of the Burren sees him camping rough and trekking its stony hills to uncover the region’s hidden wild worlds. Along the way, Eoin finds

the tombs of the very first settlers who cleared the ancient forests and created the Burren as we know it today. The series shines a spotlight on one of Ireland’s most important natural regions, home to an aston-

ishing variety of plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else on the island. Farmers in the Burren still practise the ancient cattle moving patterns of Booleying, which keeps hazel woods at

bay, allowing wild meadows and open grasslands to thrive.

Crossing the Line Productions produced the series which features Poulnabrone Dolmen and the Aran Islands.

Naturalist Eoin stated, “The Burren is one of the most magical places on the planet and it was an absolute privilege to spend so much time filming there. For this series, we were seeking out the Burren’s most elusive wild creatures in some of its least visited corners and it was such a treat to explore those places”.

John Murray who Directed the series and acted as cameraman said, “Capturing the magic and mood of the Burren properly is all down to time and in this frenetic world what a pleasure it was to sit in the region’s wildest corners and wait for wild animals or wonderful light to make an appearance. On wet and windy days the Burren has its own special atmosphere but in the early mornings or late evenings, when the low sun is picking out the details on the rocky landscape there is nowhere on Earth I’d rather be”.

l WILDLIFE: A Whopper Swan spreading its wings

Photo by Crossing The Line Productions

Business

‘Only few rooms left’ in

Dromoland Castle

while 2024 revenues top €33m

by Gordon Deegan

news@clareecho.ie

FIVE STAR Dromoland Castle in Newmarket-on-Fergus “only has a few rooms left” for the duration of the Ryder Cup being staged at Adare Manor in September 2027.

That is according to General Manager at Dromoland Castle resort, Mark McSorley who confirmed that the resort in 2024 enjoyed another record-breaking year as operating profits increased by 20 percent to €2.42m.

Mr McSorley said, “2024 was another record breaking year for us following on from 2023 in terms of revenues and operating profits”.

Mr McSorley was commenting on new accounts which show that revenues at Dromoland Castle Holdings Ltd last year increased by 6 percent from €31.4m to €33.43m.

The accounts comprise revenues generated by Dromoland Castle and the adjoining three-star Inn at Dromoland hotel.

In the role since February of this year after succeeding the long serving Mark Nolan, Cork native, Mr McSorley said that “2025 is another bumper year and is on course to surpass the 2024 performance”.

Mr McSorley said that he is very encouraged by the increase in average room rate across 2024 and

2025. “You are looking at paying anything from €1,200 to €2,500 per night depending on room category during the peak summer time”.

He said, “Ireland as a nation we might feel that it is a strong and expensive rate but if you are in the US and paying hotel room rates there you are easily paying that”. He said that the average room rate across the year is around €650.

Mr McSorley that both Dromoland Castle and the Inn at Dromoland “have only a few rooms left” for the duration of the Ryder Cup in September 2027.

This is after entering a deal with Ryder Cup sponsors in 2024 for the rooms.

Asked about the rates charged at the hotel for the Ryder Cup, Mr McSorley said, “It is a more elevated rate than what we would normally get for September. It is nothing outrageous. It was in 2024 when we signed that contract and we are very happy with it”.

Mr McSorley stated that the US market accounts for around 65 percent of resort revenues.

Prior to taking up his role at Dromoland Castle, Mr McSorley worked as General Manager of Hotel and Residences at Denis O’Brien’s Quinta do Lago in the Algarve.

A graduate of the Shannon College of Hotel Management, Mr McSorley worked for 23 years out of

Ireland before returning to take up the GM role at Dromoland Castle Resort.

He said, “It is an honour to be here and lead a team at this iconic property. I never thought I would come back to work in Ireland and Dromoland was the only place I would have ever considered”.

The accounts show that revenues generated from rooms rose by 5.5 percent from €17.45m to €18.42m while food and drink revenues increased by 10.5 percent from €10.73m to €11.38m. Income from golf, leisure, shop and spa rose by 10.5pc from €2.95m to €3.26m while miscellaneous stood at €363,721.

The profits last year take account of noncash depreciation charge of €3.19m and interest charges of €331,051.

Numbers employed reduced from 492 to 473 as staff costs increased from €13.4m to €13.54m.

The resort expanded last year with the addition of €3.07m in freehold property. Additions to tangible assets increased by €5.82m.

At the end of December 2024, the book value of the group’s tangible assets totalled €37.49m.

At the end of December last, shareholder funds totalled €26.54m that included accumulated profits of €10.57m. Cash funds increased from €3.1m to €4.79m.

Global geoparks annual forum

The Shannon Airport Group wins Operational Excellence Award

SHANNON Airport has been named winner of the Operational Excellence in Aviation award at the prestigious Aviation Industry Awards, which took place on Friday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin.

The award honours aviation organisations in Ireland that have demonstrated exceptional operational performance over the past year, celebrating those who set industry benchmarks in efficiency, customer service, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

Commenting on the win, HR Director at The Shannon Airport Group, Chris O’Donovan said: “We are delighted to re-

ceive this Aviation Industry Award for Operational Excellence as it recognises our commitment to really important areas such as innovation, customer service improvements, growth and sustainability initiatives. It’s a fantastic reflection of the dedication shown every day by our team, who consistently place passengers, safety and customer experience at the heart of everything they do.” This latest win builds on The Shannon Airport Group’s recent success at the Chambers Ireland Awards where it won the Environment & Biodiversity category

for its Thady’s Hill conservation grazing project. In July the Group also celebrated retaining its position as Ireland’s top airport brand for the third consecutive year in the RED C Brand Reaction Index (BRI) Ireland 2025. The Group is also nominated for Public Enterprise of the

Year at the upcoming Business & Finance Awards, which take place next Thursday at the Convention Centre, Dublin. Launched in 2014, the Aviation Industry Awards are the benchmark for excellence, recognising best practice and innovation across Ireland’s aviation sector.

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.

• Professionally Qualified Social Worker

Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 16th December 2025

• I.S. Project Leader (GIS & Innovation) Grade VII

Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 16th December 2025

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.

Only applications completed online will be accepted. Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

lIrish UNESCO Global Geoparks Network attendees for the annual public forum in Hotel Doolin outside the Burren Visitor Centre

Photo by Eamon Ward

lAVIATION: Shannon Airport wins the Operational Excellence in Aviation Award

lTheresa Mulvihill of Local Enterprise Ofﬁce Clare, pictured centre with HR and Business Consultant Leo Bernard and Elaine Ryan, Managing Director of Shannon-based Elaine Ryan & Associates Ltd (ERA), joined by Clare business representatives at a LEO Clare Management Development Programme on talent acquisition and retention held recently at the Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis

Photo by Eamon Ward

ENTREPRENEURS and small business owners from across the county gathered at Future Mobility Campus Ireland in Shannon on Friday for the Local Enterprise Ofﬁce Clare Business Networking Morning.

Mark Kelly, President of AI Ireland, delivered the keynote on how artiﬁcial intelligence is reshaping both emerging and established businesses. Conor Smith of Insight Life Pensions and Investments outlined the impact of autoenrolment on SMEs, while Michael Queally of AMQ Accountants and Auditors presented his 2026 economic outlook for Clare and the wider region.

Scan the QR code above for information on LEO Clare

programmes and events in 2026.

Conor Smith, Insights Life Pensions and Investments, Michael Queally, AMQ Accountants, Helen Pilkington, LEO Clare, Mark Kelly, AI Ireland and Bernie Haugh, Head of Enterprise and Investment, LEO Clare

Roisin Bennett, CEO of MarketingMentors puts a question to the panel

A large crowd attended the LEO Clare event in Shannon and circled above is Mark Kelly, President of AI Ireland, speaking about how AI can transform startups and established businesses.

Bernadette Haugh, Theresa Mulvihill Killeen, Helen Pilkington and Marie Thornton of Local Enterprise Ofﬁce Clare

Guest speaker Conor Smith of Insights Life Pensions and Investments All photos by Eamon Ward

Guest speakers Conor Smith of Insights Life Pensions & Investments, Michael Queally of AMQ Accountants & Auditors, and Mark Kelly of AI Ireland on stage

training

IS YOUR BUSINESS CYBER SECURE?

Cybercrime is rising fast in Ireland—more frequent and ﬁnancially

(065) 684 9666 : connect@campion.com :

O’Connors scoop top prize at Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025

THERE wasn’t a seat to be had at Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025 Gala Ceremony at the Inn at Dromoland on Thursday November 27, hosted by Ennis Chamber in partnership with Clare County Council.

This year’s event marked the 15th running of these prestigious local awards. Big winners on the night included O’Connor’s Bakery, for ‘Best Family Business’ and the overall award for ‘Clare Business of the Year’.

Mick Guinee was the very worthy recipient of the inaugural Ennis Chamber President’s Award for Lifetime Achievement. He received a standing ovation for his contribution to the region as an engineer, employer, entrepreneur, innovator and philanthropist. Relative newcomers BEO - The Well scooped two category awards for ‘Best Café’ and ‘Best New Business’. Zimmer Biomet took the honours for ‘Best Manufacturer’ while Lahinch Coast Hotel won what is traditionally considered the hardest fought category ‘Customer Service Excellence’. Sponsored by media partners, The Clare Echo, Doolin Ferry Company were awarded Best Use of Digital Marketing while first time entrants Holly’s Pharmacy won Retailer of the Year.

MC for the Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony was

O’Regan, who brought professionalism and a

AND THE WINNERS ARE...

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Munster ﬁnal a huge learning curve for Éire Óg

MUNSTER SHC CLUB FINAL

BALLYGUNNER 0-21 ÉIRE ÓG 1-09

Venue: FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

BALLYGUNNER

Frees For: 13 (6/7)

Wides: 4 (4/0)

Scores from Play: 0-16

Spread of Scorers: 6

Top Scorer: Dessie

Hutchinson (0-7)

Yellow Cards: Paddy Leavey (42), Ian Kenny (60)

Own Puck-Outs won: 14 from 19 (74%)

ÉIRE ÓG

Frees For: 13 (4/9)

Wides: 9 (4/5)

Scores from Play: 0-3

Spread of Scorers: 4

Top Scorer: Danny Russell (1-6 6f 1Pen)

Yellow Cards: Liam Corry (5), Shane O’Donnell (21), Marco Cleary (24)

Own Puck-Outs won: 14 from 25 (56%)

REFEREE: Alan Tierney (Tipperary)

ÉIRE Óg’s first Munster club campaign in thirty five years and provincial final appearance has been “a huge learning curve”.

Ballygunner scaled to the top of the Munster club roll of honour powering to a sixth title with a 0-21 1-9 victory at Éire Óg’s expense.

“Today was a huge learning curve. Look, we got to a standard that was good enough to win the Clare championship but we saw a different standard out there today. Maybe it was one that we thought we were ready for but no, they [Ballygunner] are an exceptional team and

worthy champions,” manager Gerry O’Connor said following their defeat.

“Their ability to build play from the back and launch repeated attacks was relentless. And we had targeted not conceding any goals which we did but they were able to pick shots from the middle third, get players coming off the shoulder and had a lot more energy than us on the day. But what can you say, once you see them up close, their movement

and physicality, they are a soberly conditioned and athletic team”.

Winning the Clare SHC for the ﬁrst time since 1990 was the highlight of a memorable campaign for the Ennis side, Gerry noted. “But look, they’re ten years down the road in terms of their preparation. We’ve two years done, some of our lads have a year done. And it was always the fear factor that with an

inexperienced team like that, we were going to face a really difﬁcult challenge. And we did today. But we're still incredibly proud of our lads. We're thrilled to have come out and represented Clare, but ultimately it was just a step too far”.

O’Connor told The Clare Echo, “We now know the bar that's required to take the next step for us. And that's probably important, you

know, that we've a winter ahead of us at training and we know exactly where that bar is. But it's a large gap based on what we saw out there today”.

Victorious Ballygunner boss Jason Ryan said stopping the Éire Óg attacking threats was the focus for the Munster champions. “It was just about keeping the scoreboard ticking over and once we established a gap we looked to maintain that lead and not concede any goals. Unfortunately we gave away a penalty for a finish and it was well finished but overall I thought the lads defended exceptionally from start to finish and did some really good jobs on the likes of David Reidy, Shane O’Donnell, Danny Russell and Marco Cleary, guys that had been really lighting up the championship for Éire Óg."

'Shambolic' refereeing ruins the Mills'

Day

O’CALLAGHANS MILLS had a year full of highs on the hurling field but have been left seething with their Munster Final defeat to Upperchurch-Drombane and the performance of referee Nicky O’Toole.

Saturday’s decider in the Munster club intermediate championship saw The Mills finish with twelve men following red cards for Jacob Loughnane, Conor Henry and Gary Cooney.

Loughnane and Henry were dismissed within 30 seconds of each other in separate incidents but for second bookable offences.

Seán Doyle led The Mills back to the senior ranks of Clare hurling at the first time of asking. Their 3-20 0-15 loss to the Tipperary side left a sour taste for him to conclude his first season with the East Clare side. “It is a pity the way it has ended. The referee lost composure, he totally ruined the game, to me that was shambolic refereeing and it ruined the whole thing as a contest”.

"Jacob Loughnane is one of our cleanest players, I’d say he has never got sent off in his life. I think the ref

lost composure out there in the match, Gary Cooney nearly got decapitated in front of him and he gives your man a yellow card and comes around and gives Gary a red card.

"I’ve no complaints about the second red card, you have to hold your discipline in

those type of situations but it just ruined the game, it ruined the game as a spectacle and it ruined the game for our supporters."

Based on their first half when the sides were level on eight different occasions, the Bodyke man was optimistic they were well capable of prevailing. “We’ve been fairly disciplined all year, I’m all about hurling, if we got to the last ten minutes and if it was only a point either way in it I think we would have got over the line because that is where we’ve come into our strength but we have to take it on the chin."

STORY OF THE GAME

UPPERCHURCH/ DROMBANE

Frees for: 9 (5/4)

Wides: 11 (6/5)

Spread of scorers: 11

Scores from play: 3-15

Top scorer: Conor Fahey (1-2) and Luke Shanahan (0-5 3f)

Bookings: Mikey Lavery (53)

Own puckouts won: 15 from 22 (68%)

O’CALLAGHANS MILLS

Frees for: 6 (4/2)

Wides: 7 (6/1)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 0-8

Top scorer: Seán Boyce (0-5 3f)

REFEREE: Nicky O’Toole (Waterford)

Bookings Jacob Loughnane (16 & 37), Conor Henry (37 x2), Killian Nugent (46), Seán Boyce (57), Gary Cooney (58), Bryan Donnellan (60). Red Card: Jacob Loughnane (37), Conor Henry (37),

INAMONA PUT CRATLOE TO SWORD

Jack Mescall offloads the sliotar as Sam Sheehy closes in

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Ciaran Russell bursts out of defence after Fionnan Treacy picks up a slap; (inset) Shane O’Donnell watches on as Ballygunner are crowned Munster champions Photos by Ruth Griffin

l Paddy Phelan gets to know Mills full back Conor Cooney Photo by Ruth Griffin by Páraic McMahon

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

NEWMARKET & AVENUE STILL

UNBEATEN

FOLLOWING CAGEY TOP OF THE TABLE TIE

Tough ties for Bridge Utd & Newmarket Celtic in Munster Junior Cup last 16

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BRIDGE UTD and Newmarket Celtic have been handed tricky assignments in the last sixteen of the Munster Junior Cup.

On Friday, the last sixteen draw of the provincial competition was held at Turner’s Cross where the two Clare sides learned who they will be facing at the beginning of 2026 to try advance to the Munster quarter-ﬁnals. The last sixteen ﬁxtures will take place on January 17th/18th.

Mark Culbert’s Bridge Utd have been handed a home fixture against last year’s finalists Pike Rovers. Ironically Coachford AFC who won the title in May eliminated Bridge from the competition in the quarter-finals. Pike have boosted their squad with the return of Ennis’ Steven McGann who is joined in the squad by former Bridge Utd winger, Leon Daly.

Newmarket Celtic and St Michaels’ will meet for the ﬁrst time since the 2023 FAI Junior Cup ﬁnal when Celtic became the

ﬁrst Clare club to win the national competition. It is an away outing for Newmarket who lost in the sixth round of the FAI Junior Cup in 2019 to the Tipperary side.

The teams also met in the 2016 Munster Junior Cup decider when St Michael’s prevailed while earlier that season, the then Mike O’Malley managed Newmarket eliminated Michaels from the FAI on penalties.

Regional Utd winners of the 2023 Munster Junior Cup will be at home to Geraldines AFC in the last sixteen. Their squad includes Shannon duo, Eoin Duff and Brian O’Connor along with Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Rob Shier.

Aisling Annacotty face Kilorglin AFC and their lineup is expected to include Shannon’s Jamie Halpin plus former Tulla Utd duo Arron Curtis and Isaac O’Sullivan.

In the Munster Junior Cup Shield, both Avenue Utd B and Shannon Town Utd B will be on the road to face Murroe AFC

and Mullinaone respectively.

McCarthy Insurance Munster Junior Cup Last 16:

Ark Rovers vs Hibernians FC Kilorglin AFC vs Aisling Annacotty

Bridge Utd vs Pike Rovers

Regional Utd vs Geraldines AFC

Coachford AFC vs Tralee Dynamos

Broadford Utd vs Tramore AFC

St Michael’s vs Newmarket Celtic

Villa FC vs BT Harps

McCarthy Insurance Munster Junior Cup Quarter Finals

Broadford United or Tramore AFC vs Villa FC or BT Harps

Kilorglin AFC or Aisling Annacotty vs Bridge United or Pike Rovers

Coachford or Tralee Dynamos vs Regional United or Geraldines

ARC Rovers or Hibernians vs St Micheals or Newmarket Celtic

Devitt calls time on Treaty to join Galway Utd

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS’

Lee Devitt has signed for Galway Utd as he makes the step up the League of Ireland Premier Division for next season.

Devitt on Monday conﬁrmed his exit from Treaty after four excellent seasons which included captaining the Limerick club. As he bids farewell from the Markets Field, he will be heading up the M18 to line out in Eamonn Deacy Park. His senior career in the League of Ireland began with Limerick FC in 2019 before moving to Cobh Ramblers in 2020. He joined Treaty Utd ahead of the 2022 season becoming a central ﬁgure in

Tommy Barrett’s side and a ﬁrm fan favourite. In the season gone by, he lined out in all 36 games plus the three play-off ties for Treaty Utd. As a result of his performances, he was selected on the PFAI First Division team of the year. He ﬁnished the season with 14 goals to his name which was the third highest in the First Division. His matchwinning penalty 60 seconds from time helped Treaty defeat Athlone Town 3-2 in September while he also stepped up with goals in each half when they defeated Bray Wanders 2-1 in June and at the end of February he was on target in their 2-1 victory

against Finn Harps to push them into second place.

For the past two seasons, Lee has been selected as the Treaty Utd player of the year.

Galway Utd manager, John Caulﬁeld said of his new signing, “We’ve been watching Lee closely for the last couple of seasons, and he really exploded last year — it was a standout season for him. He’s been a massive player for Treaty for a number of years, and when we heard he was looking for full-time football, we knew he was at the perfect stage in his career to make that step.

“Lee brings incredible energy and real quality. He’s versatile, he’s powerful, he’s

athletic, and he’s got serious pace. On top of that, he scored a huge amount of goals last season. His style ﬁts exactly into the proﬁle we’re building, and I’m absolutely delighted to bring him in”.

Twenty ﬁve year old Lee stated, “I'm absolutely delighted to be here, I can’t wait to get going with the lads and play in front of the fans at a packed out Eamonn Deacy Park. It’s a really exciting project John is building here and I can’t wait to be part of it and give my all for the club”. On his time at Treaty, Lee reﬂected, “what a journey. I will always be grateful for the opportunities and memories.”

Nagle elected as Chair of Clare LGFA

SITTING Chairman of Clare LGFA, David Nagle has been elected to the role at an AGM for the ﬁrst time while the organisation has been dealt a blow with the exit of top-performing administrator Rachel Healy from the County Executive.

Miltown Malbay’s Rachel announced at Tuesday’s AGM that she would not be seeking re-election as PRO which has left big boots to ﬁll on the Executive. She took on the role at the end of 2023 and has developed strong relations with all members of the media in the county to help increase coverage of ladies football in Clare.

West Clare Gaels’ clubman David Nagle took on the role of Chairperson in July following the controversial exit of Theresa Roseingrave. The role of Vice Chairman has remained vacant over the past six months with Sinead Fox stepping up as Secretary following the abrupt exit of Monica Callinan of Kilmihil. Callinan said she would wait until January to determine if she would take up one of the Munster Council delegate roles alongside Maria O’Loughlin. Nagle was elected unopposed as Chairman with Fox elected as Secretary at Tuesday’s AGM held at Hotel Woodstock.

Kilfenora native JJ O’Dea was nominated as Vice Chairperson but told the meeting he was not standing and “fresh blood” was required. On the proposal of Liscannor’s Cathal O’Gorman and seconded by Joe Kelly of Cooraclare, Ray Foudy agreed to allow his name forward to become Vice Chairman. O’Dea also stepped down as Central Council delegate with Paul Shanahan returned.

There was three nominees for Asst Secretary but neither of Edel Conway, Edel Keavey and Frank Culleton wished to take on the post. Conway and Keavey agreed to stay on as Joint Assistant Treasurer with Diane Hassett returned for a second year as Treasurer.

Ciara Harvey of West Clare Gaels succeeded former Clare player Louise Henchy as the Munster player delegate. Veronica Finucane, Deirdre O’Dwyer, Leroy Crowe were all returned to their posts.

Clare LGFA Executive 2026:

President: Michael Fitzpatrick

Vice President: James Lafferty, Ann Hayes, James Costelloe

Chairperson: David Nagle (West Clare Gaels)

Vice Chairperson: JJ O’Dea not standing Vice Chairperson: Ray Foudy (Kilmurry Ibrickane)

Secretary: Sinead Fox (Cúil Gaels)

Asst Secretary: Vacant

Treasurer: Diane Hassett (St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld)

Joint Asst Treasurer: Edel Conway (Doonbeg)

Joint Asst Treasurer: Edel Keavey (Cúil Gaels)

PRO: Vacant

Asst PRO: Vacant

Registrar: Veronica Finucane (Kilmihil)

Cultural/Language: Deirdre O’Dwyer (Burren Gaels)

Development Ofﬁcer: Leroy Crowe (Fergus Rovers)

Children’s Ofﬁcer: Vacant.

Munster Delegates: Maria O’Loughlin (St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld) & TBC

Munster Player Delegate: Ciara Harvey (West Clare Gaels)

Central Council Delegate: Paul Shanahan (Kilmurry Ibrickane) & TBC

Gradings Committee: Deirdre O’Dwyer, Carmel Bohannon, Frank Culleton, Paul Shanahan, Maria O’Loughlin.

Fixtures Committee: Edel Conway, Benard Kelly, Ciara Harvey, Alisha Talty, Cathal O’Gorman, Monica Callinan, Sinead Fox.

Newmarket Celtic’s Eoin Hayes is fouled by Avenue Utd fullback Gary O’Connell Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Ronan Kerin and Kevin Garnett battle for possession

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Maguire to referee Munster club football ﬁnal

SHANNON’s Chris Maguire has been confirmed as the referee for Sunday’s Munster club SFC final between St Finbarr’s and Dingle.

FBD Semple Stadium will host the meeting of the Cork and Kerry champions this Sunday with Maguire throwing the ball in at 13:30. It will be his second time refereeing The Barrs in this campaign, he was referee for their quarter-final 1-17 2-11 win over Clonmel Commercials.

It will be Chris’ second time taking charge of the Munster club senior decider, having done the 2021 final when St Finbarr’s defeated Austin Stack’s of Kerry 2-9 1-10, a game that also took place in Thurles.

He was on duty for the 2022 Munster club intermediate final in Mallow when Rathmore of Kerry beat Limerick’s Na Piarsaigh 1-17 0-10.

A referee since 2013, Chris has done two Clare SFC finals, the 2019 decider when St Joseph’s Miltown won back to back titles at the expense of Kilmurry Ibrickane and the 2022 final when Éire Óg beat Ennistymon 0-9 0-6.

Quilty’s Talty coaches St Brigid’s

Evan Talty has coached St Brigid’s of Roscommon to win the Connacht senior football championship.

St Brigid’s defeated Galway side Moycullen 1-16 1-14 to win the Connacht SFC title for the sixth time at King and Moffatt Dr Hyde Park on Sunday.

A goal from Ruaidhrí Fallon three minutes from time plus a seven point return from centre forward Conor Hand helped them emerge victorious.

Talty is in his first season as coach to St Brigid’s. He will return for a second season as skill acquisition coach with the Jimmy Lee managed Limerick senior footballers.

County and provincial titles with St Brigid’s is not Evan’s only time tasting success with Roscommon sides. He coached the Roscommon U20s to win

the Connacht championship in 2024. He has previously managed Clare’s intermediate ladies footballers and coached the senior ladies football teams of Dublin and Galway.

He has nine Clare SFC medals and two Munster club titles from his playing career with Kilmurry Ibrickane and is the founder of iGaelicCoach.

Manager of the St Brigid’s side was Anthony Cunningham, the latest win adding to an impressive CV which includes managing the Galway senior hurlers and Roscommon senior footballers to Leinster and Connacht titles in 2012 and 2019. He previously led St Brigid’s to win the Connacht SFC in 2006 beating Corofin while he repeated the feat with Westmeath side Garrycastle winning the Leinster equivalent in 2011.

Pickleball Takes Off in Clare as New Ennis Club Rockets to 120 Members

A brand-new pickleball club officially launched in May 2025, led by founder and chairman Brian Moore. Operating out of Doora Barefield GAA Sports Hall and Corofin GAA Sports Hall, the club marks a major leap forward for the sport locally.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing fun sports globally, blending elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis - has taken hold quickly in Clare. Following an initial four-week “Let’s Try Pickleball” taster programme, the club trained 40 new players, followed by a dedicated men’s taster that brought another 16 men into the game for the first time. Membership has since surged to 120 and continues to grow.

The early support of Clare Sports Partnership was central to the expansion, with James Murrihy playing a key role in securing funding and driving participant recruitment.

In November, the club ran its first Social & Recreational competition with 24 participants. Winners: Breda Collins & Trevor Glynn. Finalists:

Mary Frances D’Arcy & Hughie Connolly.

On Monday, December 1st, the club hosted its second competition for Improver & Advanced players, again drawing 24 players. Winners: Aine Jones & Davy Clohessy. Finalists: Caroline McDonnell & Christopher Hanlon.

Chairman Brian Moore said: “Launching this club in Ennis wasn’t about adding another sport - it was about building a community from the ground up. Seeing players fill the courts in Doora Barefield and Corofin every week tells me we’re on the right track. The backing from Clare Sports Partnership and the push from James Murrihy gave us the momentum to get started, and the players have driven it forward since. From our first tasters to our recent competition winners, the progress has been fast and real. We’re only getting going, and the ambition is simple - make pickleball a permanent, thriving part of sport in Clare.”

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ Senior Men’s team travelled to Charleville on Sunday where they fell to a 26 - 19 defeat inthe Junior 2 League & Junior Club Challenge Shield double header.

Charleville scored the ﬁrst points of the game after 20 minutes, when Ennis conceded a penalty following a garryowen from a Charleville lineout. The score showed 3 - 0 to Charleville, but was brought to 3-3 after Charleville conceded a penalty for blocking just inside Ennis’ half, converted by Dylan Kenny. Charleville scored the next penalty of the game on 33 minutes and Ennis again levelled the game with a penalty on the 22, converted by Kenny. The score was left at 6 - 6 at half-time.

A dogged and slow ﬁrst half pattern continued into the second half with the teams exchanging penalties again for the score to show 9-9 after 60 minutes.

sulted in Kenny scoring a converted try, putting Ennis in the lead with 16-9.

After the kick-off, Charleville scored another penalty. After winning numerous scrum penalties on Ennis’ ﬁve-metre line, they took a 19-16 lead with a score under the posts. Ennis went through phases to work up the pitch, but knocked on in the tackle, where Charleville then picked up the ball with an advantage and made ground for Ennis’ 22. When they kicked into their 22, the ball was knocked backwards from Ennis, however Charleville were quickest to react and scored a converted try for a 26-16 score. Ennis won a penalty from the following kick-off to bring it back to seven points, making the score 26 - 19.

As the end of the game approached, Ennis went through the phases and worked the ball up the pitch and midway into Charleville’s half. Despite their opponent winning the ball at the ruck, Ennis were able to rip it back and work through the phases again. With space

the game in the ﬁnal quarter. Cascaders will play Shannon Jets in the Basketball Ireland Development League December 6th at 7pm in the Ennistymon

Ennis would get the ﬁrst try of the game after a tap-and-go penalty by Kenny in his own 22 led to a period of pressure by Ennis, which re-

behind the Charleville backs, Ennis kicked to the corner, but Charleville won the race and kicked the ball out of play to take the 26-19 win.

Winner & Finalists Dec 1: LR Brian Moore (chairperson) Winners Aine Jones & Davy Clohessy, Finalists Christopher Hanlon & Caroline McDonnell

Ciaran Harrington Cascaders Red and Graham Sheehy Cascaders Blue prepare to do battle in Clare Basketball Senior League this weekend Cascaders Red 61-Cascaders Blue 58 Cascaders Red edged out Cascaders Blue in the Clare League by one basket on Sunday at the Ennistymon Community School. In front of a great crowd the game produced some great performances from big men Mattie Kinch and Derry Duncan under the basket. Point guard for team red Ciaran Harrington got the better of Graham Sheehy but it was 6’4” Conor Kelleher who dominated the boards and hit double ﬁgures to clinch

Community School.

QUILTY’s

Chris Maguire

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Evan Talty

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Trish in scoring form on All-Ireland captain’s day

by Seamus Hayes

TRISH O’Brien recently represented Doonbeg in the All Ireland Captains ﬁnal where she captured second place.

The competition was a three-day event at Roscrea Golf Club for all club male and female captains day winners from all over Ireland. The prize presentation was on Sunday night in Roscrea golf club.

Trish who is also a member of Dromoland Golf Club won the lady captains day in Doonbeg. In both rounds in Roscrea Trish scored an impressive 41 points.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB

Ennis Golf club held its annual captains’ dinner on Friday night, last November 28, in the clubhouse, in honour of captains John Coleman and Mary Curley. Incoming captains, Noel Pilkington and Mary T.

McMahon announced their vice captains for 2026.

Four-time golfer of the year T.J. Scanlon, who joined Ennis Golf Club in 1986, and Audrey McEnery, who joined as a Junior Member in 1987, were named as the vice captains for 2026.

The men’s 18 hole turkey competition last week was won by Barry Lee (18) with 41 points and he was one ahead of Jim Grifﬁn (13). Frank McEnery (23) was third with 37 points followed by Con Daly (28) also with 37 points.

Ronan Herbert with 34 points won the gross while the category winners were Mark Geraghty (9) with 37 points, John C McNamara (14) with 40 points, Gerry Daly (18) with 35 points and Frank Sheedy (24) with 40 points.

The ladies14 hole November Spirits compe-

tition was won by Mary Lenihan (17) with 27 points and she was one ahead of Monica Finerty (32) with third spot ﬁlled by Ann A Gallery (11) with 25 points.

Last week’s senior ladies scramble was won by Kathleen Pyne, Ann McMahon and Margaret Flanagan with 28.6. In second place was Alice Darcy, Bernie Brooks, Kathleen Frehill and Eileen Daly with 28.8. with third place ﬁlled by Maeve O’Grady, Mary Murray, Martins Corbett and Brid Cunningham with 30.8. Senior men’s captain Tim Scanlon nominated two hospice charities, Cahercalla Hospice and Milford Hospice to beneﬁt from the Charity Day, raising over €1,500 for both organisations.

WOODSTOCK GOLF

CLUB

The seniors committee for 2026 was elected at the seniors annual gener-

al meeting last week. Round 4 in the Ozone Health and Fitness Winter league took place at the weekend when the winners were Joe (8) and Pat Barry (9) with 59 points. They had eight to spare over second placed Paddy Meehan (8) and Brian Kilker (11) who had 51 points.

The 15 hole club singles was won by Steve Lahiffe (13) with 34 points followed by Gerry Kelly (7) with 33 points with third place ﬁlled by John Dreelan (10) with 31 points.

Woodstock seniors played their Christmas vouchers competition on Tuesday when the format was 15 holes stableford. The winner was Dickie Pyne with 39 points from John McGrath with 38 with Frank McEnery in third place with 36 points.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB

Dromoland’s touring

Flyers Penny gets Christmas started for Fitzgerald

by Michael Maher

FLYERS PENNY owned by Kilrush’s Colm Fitzgerald got the Christmas party started winning the opening stake in Galway last Thursday.

Thursday night’s Galway card featured both the semi-ﬁnals of the Coisir Na Nollaig A7 525 yards stake and four ﬁrst round heats of the Christmas Party Nights Novice 350 yards stake.

In the opening heat of The Christmas Party Novice 350 Stake Krushing It began well towards the inner but on settling down it was the Colm Fitzgerald of Kilrush trained Flyers Penny that really stretch her legs to assume command approaching the opening bend. Tracking well between the bends the Flyers Racing Syndicate owned daughter of Signet Ace and Pennylane Sheba was in complete control rounding the home bend as she stretched clear to score impressively by ﬁve lengths from Drombeg Dolly in 19.52.

In heat three, the Declan McDonagh of Liscannor trained Ballyea Warrior never saw another rival as he made all from his trap six birth to defeat Drombeg King by two lengths in 19.53. Trapping well the son of Ballymac Kingdom and Wolfofwallstreet gradually edged towards the rails and this proved vital at the opening bend. Extending his advantage on the crown of the home bend the Noel Gavin of Ballyea owned Ballyea Warrior stayed on well for a comfortable success.

First round heats of the W.G.O.B.A. sponsored Paddy O’Gorman A3 525

Professional Sara Byrne played in the last event of the year on the ladies European tour at Andalucia Open de Espana last week.

Meanwhile last weekend’s 18 hole stableford turkey competition was won by Dylan Brown with 40 points.

SPANISH POINT GOLF CLUB

The ladies 13 hole stableford competition at Spanish Point was won by Eileen Murrihy with 28 points with second place ﬁlled by Karen Twomey on 26 points while Fiona O’Boyle with 24 points was third.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

The men’s 2 ball scramble at East Clare at the weekend was won by Chris Withycombe and Michael Cooney with 44 points.

Friday’s mixed scramble was won byTadhg

Murphy, Mary Farrell and Terry Coughlan.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

Sean Lyons (9) won the men’s 12 hole singles sta-

formed the spine of Friday night’s card at the Collage Road venue.

In the second heat On The Latt began well on the wide outside and racing towards the opening bend the Gerry O’Donoghue of Gort owned runner led from Slanestownbailly with Heathlawn Ruby close up. Turning down the back On The Latt led by over a length as Burnpark Class also began to get involved. Maintaining a wide berth On The Latt (Broadstrand Bono-Brickhill Sharon) kept the ﬁeld at bay and although Heathlawn Ruby looked a threat turning for home On The Latt stayed in well to score by two lengths in 29.21.

The Going Well Syndicate are enjoying their racing and Nosobadnow added to their tally in the A4 graded contest, winning for the fourth time from six starts for Liscannor Trainer Declan McDonagh. Away in second place as Hit The Diss trapped best the son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Raha Gogo tracked well into the opening bend and by halfway his lead was three lengths. Powering into the third bend he stayed on strongly to defeat Hit The Diss by two and a half lengths in 29.30.

The concluding contest was an A2 graded 525 and racing towards the opening bend Stick With Me and Derrymoyle Bono disputed the lead with Laois Lightening close in behind. Entering the back straight the Gordon Vaughan owned Laois Lightening (Ballymac Anton & Old Treasure) surged to the head of affairs and by halfway had opened a couple of lengths. Stick With Me tried to respond but the Donie Duggan of Tulla

trained winner stayed on powerfully to score by two and a half lengths in a best of the night 28.97.

At Shelbourne Park, Malabar Misty was exceptional for the Malabar Syndicate which is spearheaded by Clarecastle’s Terry Moloney with a 28.36 victory, career win number three for this daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Ballymac Sanjose, trained by Pat Buckley from Doon.

Killimer Kilrush Coursing Club once again hosted a fantastic meeting where excellent hare husbandry was evident. Trigger Trixie displayed great pace for local owners Seamie and Paudie Browne to win the Alevaroo All Age stake, a daughter of Watchman and Highland Kathy, while her brother Five O Five obliged in the Gilligan & McMahon Memorial Cup for Dan O’Connor & Patrick Fitzgerald.

The Eustace family were celebrating after Windfarm Strand proved she will be a leading fancy for this year’s Oaks with a ﬂawless display to win the Oaks Trial Stake, owned by Michael Eustace and his daughter Claire and trained by Liscannor’s Declan McDonagh.

The reserve derby trial stake went to Miltown Malbay’s Sean Meade after Paradise Monaco showed grit to claim the honours, a son of Upper Hand and Paradise Swift. The national workers qualiﬁer and JJ O’Dea Memorial Cup was won by Scattery Yank for the Scattery Syndicate—Anthony, Denis Cloheesy and Bridget McNamara— as this son of Boylesports Magic and Scattery Holly displayed nice pace throughout.

bleford competition at Kilrush at the weekend with 28 points.

Adult Nationals Summary

Oisin Donnellan was Clare’s top performer at the Adult Nationals in Kilkenny, reaching the Men’s C ﬁnal before losing to Andrew O’Dwyer. Clare had two semi-ﬁnalists in the grade, with Donnellan defeating Tuamgraney’s Willie Fitzgerald in the last four.

Leah Minogue reached the Ladies Plate ﬁnal, while Caitriona Millane made the Open semi-ﬁnal after beating Amy Brennan earlier in the event.

In other results, Sean Coughlan, Colin Corbett and Niall Bolton exited in their opening rounds, Tiarnan Slattery went out in round two, and Glenn Murray reached the Men’s B quarter-ﬁnal. Stephen Malone lost a round-two tie-break in Challenger, and Shane Walsh fell in the Masters semi-ﬁnal.

Tulla’s Orla and Niamh O’Brien both enjoyed wins, with Niamh making the Ladies B quarter-final and Orla reaching the semi-final. Amber Nolan also bowed out at the quarter-final stage. Claire Minogue won her opening match in her first adult tournament, while Angela Floyd reached the O35 Plate final on her debut. Oisin Donnellan, defeated in National C final in Kilkenny Sunday

(L to R): Roscrea lady captain Angela Talbot, men’s captain Aidan Shanahan, Trish O’Brien and Roscrea president Johnny McDonald

All-Ireland & Munster medals presented to Clare minors

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s All-Ireland winning minor ladies football side were presented with their medals at a victory social on Saturday evening.

The Bellbridge Hotel in Spanish Point was the venue as Clare’s minor champions got their hands on the coveted All-Ireland medals which they won in July and the

Munster medals they won earlier in the year.

Managed by Barry Donnelly, Clare won the All-Ireland B title for the ﬁrst time since 2017 when defeating Sligo 1-8 0-7 at the Connacht GAA Centre in Bekan.

Kilrush’s Aisling Crowe was the victorious Clare captain among a talented group of players who claimed provincial and national honours in a memorable year.

Medals were presented to the All-Ireland and Munster champions by Clare footballer Ikem Ugwueru who spoke of the importance of having role models within your family and the internal competition it can bring while referencing the successful rugby career of his younger sister Chisom.

Derrick Lynch of Clare FM was MC on the evening.

Aisling Crowe, Ria Meaney and Aisling Kelly All photographs by Gerard O’Neill

Shannon Cagney, Nicole Clarke, Millie O’Connell and Grace Marrinan

Saoirse, Patrick, Aisling, Ciara, Sally and Eleanor Crowe

Gerard Talty, Eileen Talty, Deirdre Foran, Lexi O’Loughlin, Emma Talty and Ellie Talty

Alisha Talty and Ray Foudy

Verona and Sadhbh Fahy

Ria Meaney, Eimear Burke and Áine McNamara Laura Meaney, Sarah McEvoy and Carmel Harvey

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, HILL ROAD, KNOCKYCLOVAUN, KILLALOE, CO. CLARE

Planning Permission is sought by John Burns for change of house and garage design (including relocation of proposed garage), from previously granted planning permission 2460184 (permission for construction of two storey dwelling, detached domestic garage, new entrance, onsite WWTS, connection to necessary services together with all associated ancillary and incidental works), at Hill Road, Knockyclovaun, Killaloe, Co. Clare. e planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Peter Donnellan & Caroline Stack intend to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission for:

A: Demolition of part of rear of existing dwelling (ground oor: sun lounge, dining area & rst oor: master bedroom),

B: Proposed rear extension to existing dwelling,

C: Proposed minor alterations to dwelling house including:

C1: Alterations to existing ground & rst oor layout,

C2: Alterations front elevation entrance hall door & windows,

C3: Proposed window to bedroom 1, northwest elevation,

C4: Proposed alterations to hall window, northwest elevation,

C5: Proposed relocation of window to rst oor master ensuite, northwest elevation,

C6: Proposed window to rst oor master bed-

room, southeast elevation,

D: Proposed upgrade of existing septic tank & soakpit to proprietary treatment system & percolation area and associated works at Drumgranagh, Bare eld, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 CCF7

e planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the o ces of Clare County Council 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.

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

Signed: Stephen Blake, M.R.I.A.I., Registered Architect

CLARE COUNTY

COUNCIL TULLIG, CROSS

Take notice that C. Downes intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to demolish shed, to erect new dwelling house, foul sewer system, percolation area and new site entrance at the above address.

e Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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. e

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Roslevan SVR Limited intends to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission for (i) the change of use of part of the existing store, o ce and part toilet to retail use, (ii) relocate existing re escape door on the Northern Elevation (iii) revise and update the existing sta facilities area and all associated site works at the existing Supervalu Retail Unit(Unit 1), Roslevan Shopping Centre, Roslevan, Ennis, Co Clare. e planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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. e planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAHERMORE, KILMALEY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Chris McMahon intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to renovate an existing cottage and construct an extension to the rear of it along with an e uent treatment system and all associated site works at the above address. e planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority, New Road, Ennis, 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 the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

MAIN ST., DOONBEG, CO CLARE. V15 Y592

Take notice that Brian McNally intends to apply for planning permission to renovate and extend the existing building, for use as a two bedroomed long term rental unit, connect to public sewerage & all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. is application is in lieu of permission granted under reference P25/212.

e planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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

CLOONFADDA, KILLALOE, CO CLARE. V94 DY6V

Take notice that Lynne and Ray O Brien intend to apply for planning permission to extend the existing dwelling house, alter the internal layout and fenestration & all associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL WILD ATLANTIC LODGE, CREGG, LAHINCH, CO CLARE. V95 Y7C3

Take notice that Nicola and Clem Downes intend to apply for planning permission to extend the existing dwelling house, alter the internal layout and fenestration & all associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL GREGANS EAST, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Rodger Woods intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit with machinery storage area and associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL CAPPAGH MORE, BAREFIELD.

Take notice that Eoin Hennessy intends to apply for permission for development, the devel-

opment consists of the construction of a slatted unit onto existing cubicle house and associated site works at the above address.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL RATHKERRY, INCH, CO CLARE

Take notice that Richard Curtis intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct an extension to the side of an existing dwelling house along with alterations/renovations to the existing house and the construction of a domestic garage and a new wastewater treatment system along with ancillary works at the above address. e planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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

DOONAGORE, DOOLIN, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Richard Hynes intends to apply for permission to build a new dwelling house, install a wastewater treatment system and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address. e planning applica-

tion may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces 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 BALLYVANNAN, TUAMGRANEY, CO. CLARE V94 902V

Take notice that Gordon Queally and Jocelyn Florence intend to apply for retention permission for development at Ballyvannan, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare V94 902V. e development consists of retention of (1) existing dwelling house (2) 2no. polytunnels (3) potting shed (4) storage shed (5) tool shed and permission for (a) extension and renovations to existing dwelling (b) wastewater treatment system (c) associated site works. e planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the o ces of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

WORD SEARCH

The Clare Echo Crossword

December 2023

NOTES:

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