Lift the cap in Shannon say Ryanair
RYANAIR have accused the Irish Government of hindering balanced regional development and Shannon Airport’s growth.
Shannon is one of Ryanair’s best performing airports but growth will be curtailed if alterations are not made to the Regional Airports Programme which dished out close to €8m in funding last month
but Shannon didn’t receive a single cent. Passenger numbers hit a 15-year high of 2.1m last year at Shannon Airport but the strong bounce comes at a cost in its exclusion from the Regional Airports Programme where funding remains targeted at airports that have annual passenger numbers of less than one million.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Chief Commercial
Officer with Ryanair, Jason McGuinness said this cap should be increased to three million. “It hinders the Airport here, there are very ambitious plans for growth in Shannon Airport but they need help.
The Government talk about balanced regional development but this is one thing they could do immediately, lift the cap for Shannon for funding and Ryanair will continue to grow in Shannon”.
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An Ennistymon flag flies beside Lahinch Golf Club. The flags have been erected as a sign of solidarity with the Rouine and O’Gorman families following the death of Éanna Rouine (20)
Photo by John Sheridan
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
Doolin and The Aran Islands
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Ennis Chamber Golf Classic
Witnesses sought following Parteen car hijacking
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
AN INVESTIGATION has been launched by Gardaí with an appeal for witnesses following a car hijacking in Parteen.
At approximately 18:15 on Friday evening, the theft of a car took place at a residential premises in Firhill, Parteen.
A woman in her seventies suffered non-life threatening injuries during the car hijacking. She was taken to University Hospital Limerick for treatment.
Several Garda units were dispatched to South Clare with the silver Nissan Micra subsequently located in the Clonard area of Parteen where it had crashed into a ditch.
A male juvenile teen was subsequently arrested and taken to a Garda Station in Limerick where he was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act. He has been referred to the Youth Diversion Programme and a file will be prepared for the DPP.
Gardaí are appealing for
witnesses to this incident to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dashcam) and were travelling on the R464 near Parteen Village and the Clonard area of Parteen are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Investigations are ongoing.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) was among those to arrive on the scene on Friday evening. “This was a car hijiacking incident and our thoughts are very much with the victim of this crime. The guards did an excellent job yesterday evening, supported by an armed response unit, and an arrest has been made”.
ENNIS Chamber Golf Classic (format: Champagne Scramble) recently held at Woodstock Golf Club saw AIB win this annual classic for the first time, captained by John Skerritt. The winning AIB team comprised John Skerritt (Captain), Ian Myatt, Sean Rouine and Evan Talty. Pictured (left to right) Michael Henchy, General Manager Campion Insurance, Ennis, Diarmuid McMahon, President Ennis Chamber presents John Skerritt captain of the winning AIB team with Ennis Chamber Golf Classic Perpetual Cup, also in the pic is AIB team member Ian Myatt. The Winners and runners-up were as follows: 1. AIB; 2. EBS; 3. Eye Care Centre; 4. The Old Ground Hotel; 5. Essilor (also known locally as Organic Lens)
104 year old inscribed piece of timber rediscovered during restoration of Ruan church
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
A HISTORIC piece of timber has been uncovered in Ruan as works continue in restoring its church following the Christmas lightning strike.
Dating back to October 1911, a 104 year old piece of wainscoting was discovered in St Mary’s Church on Wednesday last (May 28th).
Signed by Kilrush carpenters Simon Cusack and James Morrissey in 1911, the piece of timber was previously found by Ruan electrician John Kirwan when the church was wired for the first time in 1969. The church itself officially opened in 1912.
Another tradesman has been added to the tale with Connolly native Shane Meehan, an electrician based out of Ennis rediscovering the historic piece of wainscoting which has since been removed from the church for
safekeeping and is wrapped in what else but a recent edition of The Clare Echo.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Shane recalled how he made the discovery. “We’re here rewiring the sections that were damaged during the lightning strike here at the front section by the spire and running new cabling through the floorboards and a couple of the voids that are in the wall, that is when we opened the original wainscoting on the walls and re-rooting the new cables, that is when an off-cut of the original wainscoting was found inside with the boys signature on the back of it from 1911 and then in 1969 a neighbour down the road John Kirwan who did the
original electrical work here signed the back of it”.
He admitted it was pot luck that he spotted the timber and that it didn’t end up
getting dumped when the inscription caught his eye. “It was only pure chance because I was taking out the rubble that was there, I was putting
some of the blocks back in and I just happened to see the offcut of the timber work with the inscription on it, in all fairness I didn’t think it would last that long with the writing from 1911 still on it and it is pencil so it did well to last at all”.
An electrician since 1999, coming across items of historical value are rare, Shane said. “It isn’t every day that you pick up something that is 100 years old, I wouldn’t have thought the timber work that was here was from day one, it was lucky to survive the fire at all, it is the oldest thing we’ve found since I’m working as an electrician. It’s not every day you’re working in a church either, it is an unusual place to work but you wouldn’t come across something that old often”.
Ruan resident John O’Sullivan told The Clare Echo, “It was interesting that John Kirwan found it back in 1969,
he signed it and replaced it in the same position again, we were lucky that the fire brigade arrived here in time to stop the fire or all that would have gone and this bit of timber with it, it is safer to take it out of it at this stage”.
O’Sullivan added, “The church was opened officially in 1912, the carpenters obviously finished up doing the carpentry in 1911 on the stairs and up towards the bell tower, they put this in when they were finished saying goodbye to Ruan. It would be interesting if there are Cusacks or Morrisseys still in Kilrush or Cappa and if their descendants would be interested in seeing this”.
Progress on restoring the church since the lightning strike is “slow” said John. “We’re waiting for the steeple to be replaced, progress is slow but hopefully before the summer is over we’ll have it sealed”.
SBCR bring the talk of East Clare to the heart of the EU
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
VOLUNTEERS from Scariff Bay Community Radio have returned from Brussels where they broadcast three live shows from the heart of the European Union to their loyal and growing base of listeners. As the new river crossing between Killaloe and Ballina was being officially opened
a dozen volunteers of Scariff Bay Community Radio were at the heart of European democracy in Brussels to see how political bridges have been built between the member states of the European Union. Radio volunteers travelled at their own expense and conducted sixteen interviews, broadcasting three live shows on Saturday May 24th from the EU Parliament with another
three shows recorded for future transmission in the coming weeks.
Scariff native and MEP, Michael McNamara (IND) gave SBCR volunteers a tour of the European Parliament and European House of History Museum. He provided a detailed history of its origins as well as the current political groupings and affiliations of the 720 members who were
elected last year. Fellow Ireland South MEPs, Seán Kelly (FG), Billy Kelleher (FF) and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú (FF) also met the East Clare crew. They also enjoyed a guided tour of EuroNews’ Brussels bureau.
East Clare has strong representation at the heart of Europe with Moynoe native Anthony Whelan serving as Senior Economic Adviser (Acting) as well as Digital Adviser to the EU President Ursula Von der Leyen’s team. On the live broadcast of Saturday Chronicle, the team also spoke to Liam Hayes of Maghera who spent six months on placement in Brussels recently as well as Broadford native Kevin O’Regan who is the Head of the European Security and Defence College.
Kevin Conmy Irish Ambassador to Belgium was interviewed at the Irish Embassy also has family links to East Clare and was a regular visitor in his youth. He outlined that there are approximately 30,000 Irish living in Belgium with many who initially arrived for a period of three to six months deciding to stay and make their careers and lives in the country.
Brussels’ own Comhaltas
branch has been founded in recent months with their leader Noel Rowland appearing on Saturday Chronicle as did Chairperson of Brussels GAA, Liam Breslin Ogonnelloe native Carmel O’Brien who is currently studying at the Irish College in Louvain was instrumental in setting up a local camogie team and they have just participated in their first tournament in recent weeks.
Interviews and programming recorded on the trip to Brussels will be broadcast on Scariff Bay Community radio over the next eight weeks as part of “Euro News Extra” A one hour programme will be broadcast on 88.3 and 92.7Fm
in East Clare from 3 to 4pm each Saturday and will be available on podcast shortly afterwards on all platforms . This is the second overseas trip by SBCR in as many years. Last June, the community radio station had its own broadcasting first when airing a live show outside the country when presenting shows live from the home of the BBC. Presenters, producers and technicians are eagerly forming an orderly queue for what may be on the horizon in 2026 when it comes to foreign broadcasts.
Pictured are the Scariff Bay Community Radio team in Brussels ahead of their three live broadcast shows
Shane Meehan and John O’Sullivan show the 104 year old piece of wainscoting and inset an up close image of the timber
Crowe blames ‘jumble of words’ for woeful British Army blunder in Dáil
by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie
CLARE TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said “a jumble of words” caused him to make offensive and inaccurate comments in the Dáil claiming the British Army never shot or bombed anyone in Ireland.
Deputy Crowe criticised Israel’s “eye-for-an-eye approach” in the aftermath of the Hamas-led 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel, and added that the British Army never retaliated against civilians in Ireland. “The British Army was a bad actor on this island for many centuries but even in the worst of days, when its cities were being bombed by the terror organisations of the IRA, it never retaliated by bombing and shooting the civilian population of Ireland,” he claimed.
However in a personal statement in the Dáil, he said he wished to “correct the Dáil record and apologise profusely to anyone who may have been offended by my comments”.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, the former primary teacher stated that he was working from bullet notes as opposed to a “scripted speech”. The TD also said he
was frustrated by his short speaking time of two minutes.
“The point that I wanted to convey was that even in the darkest days of The Troubles in Ireland, as bad and all as the British forces have been across many years but they never resorted to the carpet bombing or blanket bombing of our cities. My words came out jumbled and what I said was they never bombed our civilian population or shot at them and that is absolutely wrong”, he said “It was later in the evening when I saw the transcript of my speech that I realised how woeful it all sounded. Entirely of my own volition I contacted the Taoiseach, the party, the government chief whip and the Ceann Comhairle and said I want speaking time in the morning to clarify this and to apologise profusely to people and that’s what I did”, the Meelick native continued.
“If I make a small error talking about education or transport, the ramifications of that are insignificant. You can correct the record fairly easily”.
The former Mayor of Clare said that his intention was to say that while the actions
of the British forces in Ireland were irreprehensible, no comparisons could be drawn between that and the actions of Israel in Gaza.
Crowe, who recently voted against a bill by Sinn Féin blocking the sale of Israeli “war bonds”, told The Clare Echo that Israel had “a right to retaliate” against Hamas following the October 7th 2023 attacks but “nothing by any stretch of the imagination has given them the authority to attack the civilian population. He also referred to the ongoing war as “ethnic cleansing” and “genocide”.
The Fianna Fáil TD further apologised for any hurt his comments had caused to the victims of British violence.
“I’m very much a Republican. I’m very much someone orientated around those who have been victims of British state terror. My family was central to the War of Independence as well and even further back to the Land League period and Fenian movement. My family suffered greatly at the hands of Britain historically”.
“What I really aspire to see as a politician is, and I think most people in Clare would know this about me, I want to
see a United Ireland. I want to see it done in a constitutional way, in line with the Good Friday Agreement. I look forward to the day when there aren’t British military personnel and garrisons on the island of Ireland”, he continued.
“It’s a jumble of words, I got it all wrong, I wanted to convey how heinous the acts we’re seeing are. The worst thing I’ve seen over the years with politicians when they get something wrong is that they double down on it and they become self-righteous and defensive. Thankfully, I have my own moral compass and I didn’t need any other politicians to tell me what to do”, Crowe added.
Sinn Féin led the call for the Clare TD to apologise and correct the record. Dublin
South-Central TD, Aengus Ó Snodaigh (SF) described the initial remarks as “appalling” and “untrue”. He stated, “In his attempt to rewrite history, Teachta Crowe is erasing the countless victims of British state violence in Ireland, north and south, victims and families who continue to fight for justice to this day”. He the “Government is historically ignorant to the point of
being offensive”. Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) said he did not instruct the Clare TD to apologise for his remarks and that he felt there was an “over-reaction” to the comments. “I
think Cathal’s views on the north are well-known. Cathal’s views – he studied history himself – are well-known. He doesn’t been to be correcting things, as far as I’m concerned”.
Funeral to take place this weekend of ‘bright & beautiful spirit’ Olivia Tuohy
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
TRIBUTES have been extended to Ennis nurse Olivia Tuohy who died suddenly while competing in the Edinburgh half-marathon.
Twenty four year old Olivia collapsed after participating in the half-marathon on Sunday last (May 25th). She was a student at Queen Margaret University in the Scottish city.
From the Tulla Rd in Ennis, she has been remembered as “a bright and beautiful spirit”.
An active and popular personality, Olivia played ladies football and camogie with Banner Ladies before relocating to Scotland. She was also a junior player with Ennis Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club.
In a statement, Clare LGFA said, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Olivia Tuohy. Her kindness, warmth, and vibrant spirit touched so many lives on and off the football field and her absence will be felt profoundly. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, her partner and all who loved her during this difficult time”.
A minute’s silence was held before the meeting of Banner Ladies and Éire Óg in the Mothers and Others game last week with all Banner games observing a moment’s reflection for Olivia.
She is survived by her parents Kieran and Liz, her brother Stephen and her partner Michael.
Olivia will repose at home on Friday from 4pm until 8pm arriving at Ennis Cathedral on Saturday (7th June) for Funeral Mass at 11 am with burial afterwards in Drumcliffe Cemetery. Donations if desired to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
Separately, Ellen Cassidy (24) died in hospital on Sunday after becoming unwell at the finish line of the Cork City marathon. Ms Cassidy, of Old Mallow Road in Co Cork, became ill at about 1pm on Sunday after she had finished the half marathon, which is part of the overall race, in Cork City centre.
She was tended to at the scene by medics before being transferred to Cork University Hospital by ambulance. She was pronounced dead a short while later.
Ex Clare minor football captain jailed for two years for sexual assault
by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie
A FORMER Clare minor gaelic football captain has been jailed for two years and four months for the sexual assault of a woman.
At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford imposed the 28 month prison term on Conor Gavin (32) of Paradise, Ballynacally, Co Clare for the sexual assault of the woman at a house in Co Clare on July 18th 2021.
The sentencing hearing was told that Mr Gavin captained the Clare minor gaelic football team in 2011 and has also coached in recent years.
Mr Gavin is a first-time offender and in sentencing, Judge Comerford said that Mr Gavin sexually assaulted the woman after making the ‘very bizarre’, ‘inappropriate’ and ‘not rational’ decision to strip down to his shorts and get into a bed – uninvited –with two women.
Mr Gavin had returned to the house with friends after a night out.
Judge Comerford said, “There isn’t much scope
for rehabilitation when one doesn’t accept that there is an offence”.
Judge Comerford said that Mr Gavin will be placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register and will “suffer all of the disgrace that someone receives who has committed a sexual offence”.
Judge Comerford said that there is limited mitigation in the case as Mr Gavin has not expressed any remorse for his offence or apologised to the victim.
Judge Comerford said that no indication of any apology at any stage “accentuates the harm done by this offending”.
Judge Comerford said that Mr Gavin is still in denial over the ‘serious offence’.
Judge Comerford said that it was not a planned sexual assault and was opportunistic.
Mr Gavin denied the charge but was found guilty by a jury in February.
In her victim impact statement, the injured party told the court that she is hopeful that after the judgement, “I will be able to move on with my life and close this chapter
of what I can only describe as a horror story I never asked to be part of”.
Reading from the statement in court, she said, “All I ever wanted was an apology and for Conor Gavin to admit what he had done to me and say sorry.
“I never got that and that is really hard. Conor Gavin had the audacity to take the stand during the trial and deny what was done to me. That to me is unacceptable and leaves a detrimental impact on my mental health”.
Mr Gavin sexually assaulted the woman in July 2021 and in her victim impact statement, the woman said, “The past four years have been extremely exhausting. I have felt the greatest deal of shame one could possibly imagine and although I know what happened to me was not my fault, it is still a feeling that I cannot shake”.
She said, “I have a tremendous amount of anger which I’m unsure if I will ever fully be able to let go of…It is an extremely bitter pill to swallow having to accept that this
is something I will never be able to erase from my memory and something that I will carry with me forever. I lost a part of myself that night which I don’t believe that I will ever get back”.
The woman said that almost four years ago on July 18th 2021, her whole word was turned upside down when she was sexually assaulted by Conor Gavin.
She said, “An unprovoked assault which should never have happened”.
The woman said that having to write the victim impact statement she has “to relive the biggest nightmare of my life” but added “I am however going to take this opportunity to have my voice heard”.
The woman said that after the assault “I was in a complete state of shock and disbelief. I could not and did not want to believe that something like this had happened to me”.
On the impact that the sexual assault had on her, the woman said: “My self esteem shattered into a million pieces, and my self confidence
was non-existent…I was a complete shell of myself”.
The woman said that she also suffered from panic attacks as a result of the assault.
The woman paid tribute to her boyfriend for his support since the sexual assault.
In sentencing, Judge Comerford said that the offence involved the digital penetration of a vagina which he said was “high on the scale of intensity”.
Counsel for Mr Gavin, Patrick Whyms BL said that his client accepts the jury’s verdict and will not appeal the jury verdict.
Mr Whyms said that on the night Mr Gavin had six pints in the pub and brought cans of Bulmers cider back to the house.
Mr Whyms said his client consumed a lot of drink and his drinking “must have been a factor in the poor decision making to go into the bedroom, take off most of his clothing and get into the bed with two female persons”.
Mr Whyms said that the DPP had directed that the case could be dealt with in
the district court on a plea of guilty only.
Mr Whyms said that Mr Gavin has a good work history and currently works at a manufacturing plant in Shannon. Mr Whyms said that it is in the public domain that Mr Gavin captained the Clare minor football team in 2011.
Conor Gavin
Fr Iggy to retire as St Flannan’s College principal
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
FR Ignatius McCormack is to retire as principal of St Flannan’s College in September.
A distinguished 24 year career at one of Ireland’s largest schools located in Ennis will come to an end for Fr McCormack in September.
Hailing from Kilcolman Parish in County Offaly, Iggy first joined the staff of St. Flannan’s in 2001 as a teacher. He later served as Dean of the Boarding School before being appointed Principal in 2017.
Over the past eight years, he has been a guiding presence in the lives of students, staff, and families, overseeing a period of growth, academic achievement, and spiritual development at the historic Ennis school.
“It has been a great privilege to serve as Principal of St. Flannan’s College, a place I fell in love with when I first drove through its
gates in 2001. I am deeply grateful to the staff, students, parents, and Board of Management for their support over the years. As I prepare to step back, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and pride in what we have accomplished together,” Fr McCormack said.
Bishop of Killaloe and Patron of St. Flannan’s College, Fintan Monahan stated, “Fr. Ignatius has been an inspirational leader and a steady hand at the helm of St. Flannan’s College. His leadership has been marked by a deep commitment to the values and mission of Catholic education, fostering a spirit of compassion, integrity, and excellence. His impact on the life of the school is immeasurable, and he will be deeply missed. After a sabbatical, Fr. Ignatius will return to parish ministry”.
The Board of Management of St. Flannan’s College extended its sincere thanks to Fr. McCormack for his dedicated service
and announced that the process to appoint a new Principal will begin in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.
Leonard Cleary, Chairperson of the St. Flannan’s College Board of Management, said, “Fr. Ignatius McCormack’s tenure has been marked by inspiring leadership, unwavering commitment, and genuine pastoral care. Thanks to his guidance, the school and its students have thrived academically and spiritually. On behalf of the Board of Management, I extend our heartfelt thanks for his exceptional service and wish him every blessing as he embarks on the next chapter of his priestly ministry.”
“At this significant juncture for the school community, when a change of leadership is occurring at St. Flannan’s College, the Board of Management, Trustees, and Patron are very much aware of the importance of taking time for a listening and consultation
process with stakeholders,” added Mr. Cleary. “St. Flannan’s College is currently undertaking a School Needs Analysis process, which will assist the Board in identifying the future needs of the school and the skills to be recruited in the competition for Principal in due course.”
St. Flannan’s College, which takes its name from the 7th-century patron saint of the Dál gCais, can trace its origins back to Springfield House in 1846, before it relocated to the current school 30 years later. The school underwent a significant expansion during the 1960s and again in 2003, with the development of a new wing featuring extensive new facilities. Co-educational classes were introduced in 2002.
Fr. McCormack’s retirement in September will coincide with the opening of the first phase of a significant expansion of the historic St. Flannan’s College campus. The 2,500 sqm development
comprises special educational needs (SEN) facilities and general educational spaces, including classrooms, science rooms, and a construction studies room. The expansion is supported by the Department of Education and is regarded as a prototype rapid build project, which could be replicated elsewhere throughout Ireland.
The Clare Echo understands the process of appointing Fr McCormack’s successor will take a number of months.
Judge direct that Niall Gilligan assault trial be listed for middle of July
by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie
A JUDGE has directed that the assault trial of former All Star and Clare All-Ireland winning hurler, Niall Gilligan be listed for July 15th.
At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford made the order where he directed that a number of cases be listed for trial on that date.
Judge Comerford said that cases where an accused is on remand in custody pending trial will take priority and there is one such case listed for July 15th.
Judge Comerford listed the Gilligan case for trial behind the custody case and if the custody case does not proceed on July 15th, the Niall Gilligan assault case will be the first to proceed during the July criminal sittings.
As part of the preparatory work for the trial, Judge Comerford in April held a ‘ground-rules’ hearing due to the age of the complainant in the case while another witness is also a juvenile.
In the case, Mr Gilligan (48) of Rosroe, Sixmilebridge
denies the assault causing harm of a then twelve year old boy during an alleged ‘stick’ assault.
Judge Comerford has appointed a court intermediary to the complainant and the second juvenile witness.
Court intermediaries are appointed to assist juvenile witnesses with the court process.
Mr Gilligan is represented in the case by Patrick Whyms BL and solicitor, Daragh Hassett.
Mr Gilligan denies the charge of assault causing harm of the boy at the Jamaica Inn Hostel, Mt Ivers Rd, Sixmilebridge contrary to Section 3 of the Offences Against the Person Act on October 5th 2023.
The DPP had initially directed that the case be heard in the district court but Judge Alec Gabbett declined district court jurisdiction in the case after hearing an outline of the State case against Mr Gilligan last July.
In court last July, State solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey told the court that one
of the injuries the boy was treated for in the aftermath of the alleged ‘stick assault’ by Mr Gilligan was a fractured left hand.
Solicitor for Mr Gilligan, Mr Hassett told the court last July that the sequence of events set out by the State is not accepted by his client and “there is a complete dispute in relation to what is alleged to have happened here”. Last July, Ms Casey confirmed that both juvenile witnesses will give evidence by video link in the circuit court.
Mr Gilligan was a star forward for the senior Clare hurling team which defeated Tipperary to win the 1997 All-Ireland Final and was named an All-Star in 1999.
The Sixmilebridge clubman also won two Munster titles with Clare and multiple honours with his club over a long, distinguished hurling career.
Judge Comerford further remanded Mr Gilligan on bail on the same terms to Ennis Circuit Court to July 15th.
FR Ignatius McCormack
Fitzgerald receives suspended sentence for stealing €35k from bank to feed gambling addiction
by David Raleigh news@clareecho.ie
COLM Fitzgerald, (28), Castlequinn, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, stole the money while employed to be in charge of cash at a cash counter, at Bank of Ireland, Shannon Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co Clare, on seven separate dates in 2023.
Fitzgerald, who immediately resigned from the bank, after the thefts were discovered during an internal audit, told the bank and Gardaí that he stole the cash to sustain a gambling addiction.
Fitzgerald’s barrister, Kenny Kerins, told Ennis Circuit Criminal Court that “steeped in GAA” Fitzgerald, had paid all of the money back with the support and assistance of his family.
Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald was caught in a “serious” grip of addiction to sports gambling and that he had “expressed relief” when the thefts were discovered.
Fitzgerald admitted stealing the cash in bundles of €5,000 on seven separate dates in 2023.
Mr Kerins told the court,
“He was living a life of secrets, he has remorse, he has shame. This young man had everything going well in his life, he was engaged in sport, he had a job, and in seven actions he absolutely destroys his career”.
The barrister told the sentencing hearing that, prior to the discovery of the cash thefts, Fitzgerald’s gambling had gotten so serious, the well-known bookmaker chain “Paddy Power” banned him from betting with them.
“They were so concerned that they wrote to him and banned him from gambling with them...this was a serious addiction for Mr Fitzgerald,” Mr Kerins said.
“His life was completely out of control, so much so that he sees all this as a positive thing, he sees it as a disengagement from his addiction”.
Mr Kerins said when Bank of Ireland’s auditors discovered €35,000 was missing, Fitzgerald prepared a document that would have concealed “his deceit” but he “cancelled it almost immediately”.
“He was about to further
his criminal endeavour, but he stopped it. He went home and told his grandfather and close family, he knew the jig was up and he came forward, he met with bank officials and made admissions, he resigned and met with Gardaí by appointment,” said Mr Kerins.
“That is to his credit, he faced up to it, he is a gentleman,” said the barrister.
Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald was “aware” thefts from his employer were “unacceptable” but he said Fitzgerald had taken responsibility for his offending as well as measures not to return to gambling.
“He and his family are steeped in GAA, which was perhaps how he became involved in (sports) gambling. He has great passion for sport and he is still involved in coaching which is a great pride to him.”
Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald had “engaged with therapeutic services and had worked as courier” to pay his family back the money they reimbursed to the bank.
The barrister said Fitzgerald has, along with his part-
ner, opened a coffee shop business in Sixmilebridge, employing four people, and that Fitzgerald had “taken careful steps” to limit his own “access to the business’s finances and cash, so there is oversight that”.
Detective Garda Paddy Bourke, Shannon Garda Station, told the court he believed Fitzgerald had done all he could to cooperate with the garda investigation as well as trying to tackle his addiction, “and I hope to continues to do so”, added Gda Bourke.
CCTV footage located at the bank’s cash counters, which may have led them to Fitzgerald, had expired by the time the bank discovered the thefts and alerted Gardaí, and so Fitzgerald’s pleas were valuable to the prosecution, the court heard.
Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald had “no previous convictions”, had engaged in a residential therapy programme run by the Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre, and he continues to attend regular meetings of Gamblers Anonymous (GA).
“He’s not seeking to blame
anyone, he developed a low level gambling addiction which snowballed and got out-of-control while he was working as an employee of the bank — the court is aware of the compulsive nature of gambling addiction”.
Prosecuting barrister, Sarah-Jane Comerford, said the prosecution “accepted (Fitzgerald) was suffering from a gambling addiction at the time”.
Outlining his judgement, Judge Francis Comerford said Fitzgerald “took bundles of cash from his employer each worth €5,000” and that he considered a two-year headline sentence to be appropriate.
“It was a significant breach of trust, it was a significant offence, and the aggravating factor is that it was theft by an employee from their employer, it was an abuse of trust to steal from them”.
The judge told Fitzgerald, “Gambling is not an excuse for theft, and one should seek help without having to resort to this”.
However, taking into account Mr Keirns mitigation plea, the judge said he accept-
ed that persons in addiction who “have the compulsion to do this (steal), does reduce culpability somewhat”.
The judge said there was an air of desperation about Fitzgerald’s actions. “It was not a sophisticated fraud, it was a response to a need for money for gambling”.
Reducing Fitzgerald’s sentence to 12 months, the judge continued, “It wasn’t a commercial calculated crime, so that tends to put it at a lower level, and it was discovered very quickly, following an internal audit”.
Judge Comerford fully suspended the 12-month jail term for a period of 18 months, and directed that Fitzgerald continue to engage with gambling support services. “While the amount of money is significant, it would have been more serious if it was someone vulnerable that was preyed upon,” said the judge.
“This was not done for a high lifestyle or to accrue wealth, but, it was for a gambling addiction”.
Afterwards, Colm Fitzgerald hugged family members outside the court.
Éanna Rouine ‘a talent beyond you laugh & checked you were okay
– thousands attend
North Clare’s biggest funeral
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
ÉANNA Rouine has been remembered as “talented beyond measure” with his death bringing a darkness over North Clare and further afield.
United in grief, thousands of mourners attended Éanna’s reposal and funeral mass over the June Bank Holiday weekend. It was the biggest funeral ever seen in North Clare and one of the largest in the county.
At twenty years of age, Éanna’s time on earth was far too short but long enough to leave a legacy on the football field, through his music and dancing but also the way in which he treated and loved people.
“Where words fail music speaks,” said Fr Des Forde during Sunday’s mass and beautiful music was provided throughout both led by Éanna’s aunt Brid O’Gorman with traditional musicians but also the heavenly voices from the Lahinch choir.
On Saturday, the Rouine and O’Gorman families were in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Lahinch for six hours from after 2pm until 8:30pm as the masses came out in force to pay respect to a beloved figure. The numbers were so vast due to the tragic and sudden nature of his passing but also for the esteem in which the Rouine and O’Gorman families are held stretching far beyond their native Lahinch, Ennistymon and Liscannor. Families “we’re so proud of,” the funeral mass heard.
Some mourners didn’t make it as far as Lahinch, many could only make it as far as places such as Inagh, pulling over in their cars where they were reduced to tears due to the sadness of Éanna’s death and the feelings it invoked. Others experienced the four seasons as they queued, the standard wait was ninety minutes on Saturday.
Among the queues at different intervals were pockets of personnel from various GAA clubs. Éanna represented Clare at minor and U20 level, he was part of the extended senior panel last season while he won an array of underage titles with Ennistymon before progressing to the club’s senior side where he became a firstchoice starter two seasons ago. He won an All-Ireland
Freshers Title with UL where he was a second year business student.
Dotted across the county as a showing of solidarity and a form of remembrance has been the Ennistymon flag. It has been visible in Ennis, Kilnamona, Inagh, Moy, Miltown Malbay, Liscannor, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna, Kilshanny and of course Ennistymon, Lahinch and Kilfenora. The black and white flag in its own way saw the people of Clare silently pay homage to Éanna.
line but by Tuesday morning he had sadly died with his loving family by his side. The resulting days leading to an outpouring of sadness and shock.
Sunday’s mass had a packed to capacity church with standing room only indoors and outside while the service was streamed in the nearby Lahinch Coast Hotel where Éanna was a former employee, to accommodate the overflowing crowds.
Dara, Éanna’s older brother who is currently a student at Mary Immaculate College demonstrated how fine an asset he would be to any primary school when he graduates in the near future with a powerful and composed address at the beginning of the mass where he remembered his “beautiful baby brother” and acknowledged the public support “during these unimaginably difficult days”.
Fr Des Forde noted during Sunday’s ninety four minute mass “we shouldn’t be here” and that Éanna should instead be on duty on Lahinch Beach as a lifeguard. This was his third year as a lifeguard with Clare County Council, he had been based in Bishops Quarter and Fanore but was immensely proud to have started in his home patch of Lahinch. The lifeguard helicopter flew above the coffin as it was carried to the church for the first time this weekend, when it departed “the sound of silence fell across the area”. He noted, “darkness has come over North Clare and further afield”.
After becoming unwell attending a concert in Dublin last Saturday, Éanna was rushed to St James’ Hospital where his condition began to deteriorate. He kept fighting as the days followed, a prayer service was held in Lahinch on Monday attended by close to 200 people in-person and over 600 on-
This ability was also evident when their older brother Eoin delivered a warm reflection towards the end of the service.
As he reflected Dara said sharing a bedroom with Éanna was “a sleepover with my best friend every night”. He said, “To know Éanna was to be loved by him, he had a gentle personality, he was calm and warm to his core. His circle of friends was wide because once you knew Éanna you couldn’t help but be drawn in by his gentle spirit and his infectious laugh. His smile stretched from ear to ear and he touched the lives of so many. Éanna Pádraig born on the 18th August 2004 to our parents John and Caitriona, my older brother Eoin and I. Sharing a bedroom with Éanna growing up I now realise was a sleepover with my best friend every night, that extended into our college days where we shared a house together. When he was younger he called me ‘Dawa’ and I al-
ways responded with ‘Yawa’, our own little language, it was always Dara and Éanna, one never complete without the other”.
How Éanna was able to get away with mischief was recalled in the time “he took a skittle off a communion cake and blamed a mouse or ‘a wrat’. His cheeky grin pulled people in, that was was Éanna full of humour, always kind. He was the person who’d make you laugh and then check if you were okay all in the same breath. Éanna loved the simple things a big mug of tea and a packet of rich tea biscuits was heaven to him. His favourite word ‘grand’, everything was just grand, if he was asked how his day at school was Éanna would casually respond ‘grand’ and if he was pressed for more detail he would just shrug his shoulders and say ‘ah shur it was grand what do you want me to say’,”.
Other people always came first with Éanna according to Dara who referenced how he gave their younger sister Brid-Áine a safety teddy to comfort her when he wasn’t around. “Over the past few days we’ve heard so much about the many things he accomplished, a testament to how full his life was, he had an endless enthusiasm for taking part in everything he could do and truthfully there wasn’t enough days in the week to fit it all in. From football fields to music to spending time with his grandpar- ents, Éanna achieved so much in his short twenty years, he gave it his all. Talented beyond measure, Éanna was a committed lifeguard, a gifted footballer fierce on the field, a leader, a teammate, a friend, in the moment he could sit with his accordion and played with a grace that stirred hearts”.
He continued, “Éanna lived passionately, gave generously and he loved people. We mourn the years we won’t spend with him but we are grateful for the time we had, we honour him in our hearts where he lives on strong, joyful and full of fun. Adios amigo, adios my friend the road we have travelled has come to an end, adios compadre let us shed no tears but cherish the memories we shared over the years, rest easy Éanna you were always and always will be truly loved”.
Joining Fr Forde at the altar were Fr Jimmy Buckley, Fr Ned Crosbie, Fr Rob McNamara, Fr Gaynor, Fr Martin McNamara, Fr Tommy Marrinan while seated behind them were a host of Éanna’s friends from Ennistymon, Lahinch and UL. “We’re here because a grain of wheat has fallen into the
ground,” Fr Forde stated while pointing out it was “a week of darkness for family, community & everyone. Words cannot bring solace”. He said, “he was supposed to be on duty here yesterday and today, that is how close we are to tragedy”.
termination shone through but it is also where friendships were made, he played with skill and always did his best”.
His younger sister Brid- Áine brought up his accordion, remembering the musical moments that still echo
Symbols brought before the altar included his Ennistymon jersey and football, by his friends Mark and Seán the field was where “his de-
in the memory. A laptop and copy presented by Darragh and Conor showed Éanna’s “commitment to learning and dedication to studies”. His
Crowds gather in Lahinch as Éanna Rouine’s coffin is carried through
An Ennistymon flag flies beside Lahinch Golf Club. The flags have been erected as a sign of solidarity with the Rouine and O’Gorman families following the death of Éanna Rouine (20)
Photo by John Sheridan
Éanna Rouine photo by Gerard O’Neill
measure made in the one breath’
lifeguard top showcased his dedication to keeping people while a friendship symbol noted the wide circle of friends made a family photo captured his precious love for family.
Cathal O’Gorman and Anne Vaughan his uncle and aunt gave readings from the altar with prayers of the faithful from his cousins Micheál Vaughan, Seán Rouine, Cillian Rouine, Diarmuid Crowe, uncle Joe Joe Rouine and aunt Michelle O’Gorman.
According to Fr Forde, “everyone found a friend in Éanna, grand is a good word to sum him up as he used himself”. The showing of friendship was evident by his mates who sat for six hours behind the family on Saturday, “They are broken as everyone is, they shouldn’t be here and we shouldn’t be here, Éanna should be on duty”. In his twenty years, Éanna “did so much,” he said.
Fr Forde stated, “the greatness Éanna got he got in his home”. He commended his parents John and Caitriona, “their children are a credit to them and their
community, I compliment ye for what ye have done with the gifts ye received from God, all four are talented in music and where words fail music speaks, Éanna and the lads were at a music festival, that is what is still speaking to them”.
Speaking on the family’s
became unwell, to the driver who brought him to St James’ Hospital, he truly was a Good Samaritan”. Best efforts of the doctors, consultants and nurses who tried “to bring Éanna back to us” were recalled while he admitted “we will never forget the tears shed by the consultant and nurses who cared for Éanna”.
Given the volumes of people who attended Monday’s prayer service at short notice, Michael observed “if prayer could have saved him he’d be alive and well but God had other plans for him”. The input of John Linnane undertakers, those involved in preparing the resting place, streaming service, traffic management, gave positive tributes, added to the service were all acknowledged plus those who travelled from Europe, Canada and Australia. Massive support was also shown by their “second family” the GAA across the country.
Michael added, “Éanna’s young friends and teammates who staged a six hour sit down and lasted every minute, they showed friendship, solidarity and loyalty with us, we won’t forget it”. He added, “we have heard so many with us say they have no words, sometimes silence says it all, the way people put out flags was a silent language of its own”. Goodwill and genuine sympathy has been evident from their friends with an “explosion of generosity and kindness, the outpouring of genuine grief and sadness has been unbelievable”.
“To Éanna, thank you for touching our hearts and our lives, you have truly made a difference, rest in peace, we will remember and love you forever”.
Éanna is survived by his parents Cáitriona and John,
behalf, Éanna’s uncle Michael paid a “huge thank you to Éanna’s friends who reacted quickly and came to his assistance when he
his brothers Eoin and Dara, his sister Brid Áine, his grandmother Bridget, his uncles, aunts, cousins from the Rouine and O’Gorman and a wide circle of friends.
through Main Street
Moy players and management including Éanna’s uncle Pat stand for a minute’s silence before Tuesday’s Division 8 league game where they defeated Clarecastle 4-8 3-9.
Éanna’s grandfather John Joe was a founding member of Moy GAA Club while his father John was captain of the 1986 Junior A winning team with his uncles John Joe and Michael starting members of that team
West Clare Regional News
Regina House to reopen by end of this year
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
REGINA HOUSE in Kilrush is to reopen by the end of the year, the HSE have confirmed.
Closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago, the future of Regina House in providing day care services had remained unclear.
Before its closure in 2020, the Day Centre operated five days a week, providing vital services to older people in West Clare. The facility was shut down as part of public health measures during the pandemic.
Although a decision was made in mid-2022 to resume operations, the centre has remained closed, with the HSE citing “recruitment challenges” as the primary reason for the delay.
In response to a parliamentary question from Clare TD Joe Cooney (FG), the HSE confirmed that the Kilrush facility will reopen by the end of the year. The HSE is pro-
gressing a plan to reopen a day centre at Regina House in the final quarter of this year in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) and Clarecare.
Deputy Cooney said, “The HSE has informed me that it is working with voluntary agencies in Clare with a view to providing day services to older adults, including people with dementia, from Regina House and an options appraisal has been completed to determine the best approach to the operation of the day centre”. “This facility has long been a cornerstone of care for older people in West Clare, and its continued closure has been a source of real concern for local families,” he added. “I will continue to work closely with the HSE to ensure that recruitment challenges are addressed and that the reopening happens without further delay,” Cooney stated.
Council advisory notice for Spanish Point
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
An advisory notice not to swim at Spanish Point has been introduced by Clare County Council.
Clare County Council on the advice of the HSE introduced the bathing advisory notice on Wednesday. This do not swim notice will be in place “until furtber notice”, a spokesperson for the Council stated.
According to the Council, elevated levels of bacteria were shown in routine bathing water samples prompting the introduction of the restriction. Run-off from the catchment after exceptionally heavy rainfall is a likely cause of the elevated levels of bacteria in the water.
In accordance with An Taisce’s Blue Flag programme, the Blue Flag at this bathing area will be removed until such time as the water quality improves.
June blooms bring colour and buzz to the garden
JUNE has arrived and has been a bit mixed weather wise so far. However that is all the more reason to get out in the garden. Flowers are so beautiful this time of year and to keep them blooming longer and get the best out of them, spend time deadheading finished flowers and clean leaves that have curled or gotten damaged. So, repeat edcutting off dead blooms will encourage new growth for example the Lupin once the tall stem has finished flowering cut back this one and new one will appear.
Some perennial beds may benefit from some feeding over the summer period too I know we all feed our hanging basket and pots but the perennial can benefit too.
The buzz word with gardeners over the last few years has been; pollinators. These are plants that attract the wildlife like the bees and the butterflies. There is quiet a selection to choose from. Some of the more popular options are; Scabiosa which comes in pink and purple and is a long flowering plant. Geum comes in yellow, red and the orange is the most popular this year. it is also a long flowering plant and a love show of colour through the spring summer period.
Echinops the Globe Thistle is a lovely unusual looking one and blue shade of colour. Knautia comes in a mix colour and one va-
riety called Pincushion Knautia comes in a lovely red flower again gets for the bees.
Verberna Bonariensis is lovely tall purple perennial and get to give height in beds.
These are just a few of the plants available call in for the full range.
Salvia have proven to be very popular this year and there are so many types to choose from. They are a summer flower that comes in a variety of colour and some have scented foliage and they are a hardy perennial loved by the bees some of the variety available are Salvia Amethyst lips, Salvia Cambridge blue, Salvia Hot lips, Salvia Cardona , Salvia Salgoon Strawberry lake, Salvia Blue Swede shoes . These are a few to mention but pop in to the gardeen center to see our full selection.
So there is lots happing in the garden at the moment; we are continuing to fill pots for people for homes and as gifts, we can personalise them too. Remeber June is an important month with Father’s Day happening on June 15, so keep an eye out for lots of gift ideas later in week on our Facebook page.
Happy gardening this week and take time to admire all you have created.
lRE-OPEN: Regina House Kilrush
East Clare
Historic opening of Brian Boru Bridge ‘could & should have been handled a lot better’
by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie
THE HISTORIC opening of the Brian Boru Brigde could have been handled much better, elected representatives have conceded.
The invite-only event was met with anger from many in the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina who felt that they were deliberately excluded from the historic occasion. The decision to not allow members of the public to attend is believed to have been caused by a peaceful protest that occurred on the Killaloe side of the bridge on the day of the opening.
People in both communities reacted furiously to the news that the event would be invite-only and that members of the public would not be permitted to attend. Many parents also voiced their disappointment at being turned away from the event and not being able to bring their young children to see the bridge’s opening. As this writer was entering the ceremony, a local woman was refused entry by a steward, despite her protests that she was “living here all my life”.
People in Killaloe have expressed anger over the fact that they were the ones who endured years of roadworks, noise, detours and disruption, only to be turned away when the project was finally com-
pleted.
The anger has been felt on both sides of the River Shannon as people were also prevented from entering on the Ballina side on the new €88 million project. A negative reaction has also been given to the fact that the musicians selected to perform at the event were not local to the area.
Clinical hypnotherapist John O’Reilly called it “a shameful day for Ballina and Killaloe. The people were locked out of history”. He said it “was supposed to be a day of celebration – the long-awaited official opening of the new bridge between Ballina and Killaloe. A day that should have honoured the resilience, patience, and pride of the very people who endured years of roadworks, noise, detours, and disruption. Instead, it turned into a deeply insulting and disgraceful event – one where the citizens were locked out of their own story”.
He claimed,“In a baffling and shameful decision, the local authorities of Clare and Tipperary prohibited local business people, residents, schoolchildren, and citizens of Ballina and Killaloe from attending the opening ceremony. The very people who lived through the construction – the delays, the obstructions, the upheaval – were denied the chance to stand together and celebrate a milestone they so
rightly deserved to witness. This wasn’t just an oversight. It was a deliberate exclusion. Disgusting, unprofessional, and deeply insulting. Local politicians and public representatives, hang your heads in shame. You robbed our youth of a once-in-a-lifetime moment – a chance to stand on the bridge, be photographed, and say years from now, ‘I was there. That’s me in that picture’.
“Instead of unity, you delivered exclusion. Instead of celebration,
you served disrespect. This bridge stands over the Shannon, but on this day, it also stands as a monument to a shocking disconnect between the decision-makers and the people they claim to serve. To the communities of Ballina and Killaloe – we were not invited, but we will not be silent,” O’Reilly added.
Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) told The Clare Echo, “I think it could’ve and should’ve been handled a lot better. There’s huge disappointment amongst the local Killaloe people.
The bridge and bypass will bring huge benefits to the region and to the town for years to come. I hope that the benefits will outweigh any negativity going forward”.
Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) stated, “I think there was a lot of misinformation around all sides of it, really. It made the headlines that it was opening on the 22nd a week or ten days earlier and it wasn’t officially confirmed until the Monday or Tuesday of the week. A lot of people had been contacted through social media to say that it was opening and to come down and be there. A lot of misinformation went around with the opening and a lot of people thought it was an open event”.
Hayes offered an explanation to the public closure by saying “Normally it would’ve been nice if we could’ve had an open event and a party atmosphere on the bridge around the whole thing. There is an official side to it, it cost €88 million and when you have ministers and officials from departments you have to treat it as that kind of an event. I think people were misled; at the same time we had a group with a very credible peaceful protest in relation to Gaza on the Clare side. Someone took a decision, we didn’t make the decision”.
us for Bunratty Castle and Folk Park’s first-ever Dog Show! Join us on Sunday, 8th June 2025 for a tail-wagging good time at our Bark in the Park Fun Dog Show!
SUNDAY, JUNE 8TH, 2025 | 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
From 12 pm to 5 pm, watch dogs of all shapes and sizes strut their stu in a variety of fun classes, from “Best Biscuit Catcher” to “Best Dressed”. It's a dog lover’s dream day out!
lBRIAN BORU BRIDGE: Killaloe bridge opens
Judge questions if Ennis woman’s Summer trip to Turkey is for ‘health tourism’
by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie
A JUDGE has questioned if an Ennis woman’s planned trip while on bail to Turkey concerns health tourism.
At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett made his comment in response to Kelly O’Loughlin’s application to vary her bail conditions to allow her travel to the UK and onward to Turkey for a family holiday.
Judge Gabbett asked: “Definitely holidays? Not health tourism? It is very common around here.”
He said: “There could be a genuine health reason - that is why I am asking.”
Counsel for Ms O’Loughlin (33) of Pearse Avenue, Cloiughleigh, Ennis, Martin Durack BL said that it is not health tourism and the purpose of the trip is a holiday for Ms O’Loughlin, her husband John and their eight children.
Mr Durack said that it is his information that others will be joining the O’Loughlins on their holidays.
Judge Gabbett said: “The more the better.”
Judge Gabbett said that Ms O’Loughlin is charged with affray and assault and has surrendered her passport as part of her bail conditions.
He said that a Book of Evidence will be served on Ms O’Loughlin next month for the case to go to Ennis Circuit Court.
Asked to comment on the application, Det Garda Noelle Bergin told the court: “We were on notice on Monday about the trip to the
UK and to stay in the UK and travel back – there was no mention of Turkey and this morning was the first time that we were informed about Turkey.”
She said: “The State was not on notice for it.”
Judge Gabbett was told that Kelly O’Loughlin’s co-accused, John O’Loughlin has a similar application before the High Court on June 3rd to allow him to go on the Turkey holiday “and tickets are already booked for the flight”.
The court was told that the O’Loughlins’ departure date is June19th and Judge Gabbett said that he needed to see the flight tickets purchased for the holiday.
Judge Gabbett said that there was plenty of time to make the application on an adjourned court date and adjourned the application to June 11th.to Ennis District Court.
In the case, Ms O’Loughlin is charged with affray at Pearse Avenue, Cloughleigh on October 31st at Pearse Avenue, Cloughleigh, Ennis and one count of assault at the same location on the same date.
The court heard previously that John O’Loughlin (32) with the same address is charged in connection with the alleged assault of a 14year old girl who was chaperoning younger children ‘trick or treating’ on Halloween night.
Det Sgt John Casey previously told the court that Mr O’Loughlin is involved with an alleged feud with another family in Ennis and the children ‘trick or treating’ on Halloween night “were children from the other side”.
He said that on the night the situation arose when the children “ventured down the cul de sac where John O’Loughlin resides in Cloughleigh and I am satisfied those children did not know where John O’Loughlin lives”.
Det Sgt Casey stated that the Halloween night incident “happened in a wider context where there is an ongoing feud between Mr O’Loughlin’s family and the other side”.
Det Sgt Casey said that there is currently calm in the alleged feud.
Clare County Council resubmits plans for major overhaul of Beechpark machinery yard
by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie
CLARE County Council have lodged plans for major renovations at their machinery yard in Beechpark, close to Ennis.
“A typographical error”, had previously caused the plans to be withdrawn.
A spokesperson for Clare County Council told The Clare Echo on May 20 “The initial planning application was withdrawn after a typographical error was identified. The amended planning application was advertised again in last week’s Clare Champion”.
“Construction of a new 162m2 storage shed located at the rear (north) of the site”, as well as “Reroofing and recladding of the existing warehouse and office building”, is planned for the large buildings present at the site. The machinery yard is used for the storage of council vehicles and machinery such as salt spreaders and gritters used to treat icy conditions on roads.
Forty-seven new car parking spaces are planned for the development which also includes seven van parking spaces, seven rigid lorry bays, three articulated lorry parking bays and two disabled parking spaces.
“Provision of 9 no. EV Charging spaces”, is also part of the application. Other renewable
energy aspects to the development are also present in the plans, including the installation of solar panels on the southwest-facing side of the main warehouse and office building. A new rainwater harvesting system and surface water attenuation area are also planned.
These additions are in line with the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 which aims to “ensure that key assets such as the natural and built environment are protected and enhanced, and that the Council ensures the resilience to climate change of infrastructural assets”.
An EIA screening report carried out found that “The construction and operational stage of the proposed development will not impact on surface water quality. No potential for noise pollution is identified. It is concluded that the nature of the proposed development is not considered to have likely significant effects on the environment”.
The existing boundary fencing at the site is to be replaced by new fencing and a new sliding entry gate to control entry and exit from the site. The site also houses a large number of books for the Clare Libraries service and a “Provision of service area for mobile library” van is planned.
The application states that “no significant effects on the environment are likely as a re-
sult of the proposed development and that an Environmental Impact Assessment is not required”, following a period of environmental screening at the site by Clare County Council.
The local authority is due to make a decision on the proposed development by the 13th of July 2025. Submissions and objections can be made up until the 27th of June.
Ennis
lOVERHAUL: Clare County Council resubmits plans for Beechpark Machiery Yard
lTRIP TO TURKEY: Ennis woman questioned in Ennis Court
Forging the Past: iron smelting festival returns to the Burren
One of Europe’s most unique heritage festivals is set to return to the heart of the Burren this August 23rd and 24th, as traditional iron smelters, blacksmiths and other traditional craftspeople gather for the fourth Caherconnell International Furnace Festival.
Held at the ancient Caherconnell Stone Fort in County Clare—a site steeped in over a thousand years of history—the festival will feature live demonstrations of medieval iron smelting. The historic ring fort, once the stronghold of Gaelic chieftains, will become a living, open-air museum where raw Irish iron ore is transformed into replicas of artefacts such as arrowheads, knives, and belt buckles found during archaeological digs on-site.
The two-day event showcases bloomery iron, the form of iron
used in Ireland from 500 BC to 1500 AD—an essential material in everything from weapons of war to agricultural tools and domestic items.
“This is more than a festival—it’s a live experiment in archaeology,” said Gwilym Stanley of Irish Bloomery Iron, which organises the event. “We’re not just demonstrating old techniques—we’re reconstructing the technological history of Ireland in front of a live audience.”
Supported by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Clare County Council and the Irish Iron Heritage Foundation, the festival aims to bring this ancient craft into modern conversation.
Dr. Eamon Doyle, geologist with the Geopark, said the event is also about preserving and celebrating living heritage.
“Iron smelting is an ancient
skill that had been lost in Ireland for hundreds of years, but it is now alive again thanks to the dedication of a small number of people who have re-learned the craft.” said Doyle. “This festival brings the past to life and reminds us of the role iron played in shaping medieval society.”
Festival co-host Seán Davoren, co-founder of Caherconnell Stone Fort & Sheepdog Demonstrations, added: “It’s a privilege to host this event where real evidence of historic ironworking has been uncovered. The festival connects the craft to the landscape and the stories of the people who lived here centuries ago.”
Visitors will have the opportunity to observe traditional iron smelting in action, guided by expert commentary throughout the weekend. The event is designed to engage all ages and
for those interested in trying their hand at ancient smelting techniques Irish Bloomery Iron is offering one-day handson workshops, where participants can join smelting teams and learn the fundamentals of bloomery iron production.
In the festival’s forging zone, experienced blacksmiths will transform newly made iron into tools, decorative pieces, and replicas of archaeological finds from Caherconnell. For more details and to book your oneday hands-on workshop, visit www.irishbloomeryiron.com. Spaces are limited, early booking is advised.
The Furnace Festival coincides with all the other activities at Caherconnell Stone Fort and visitors are encouraged to book tickets at www.caherconnell. com in advance.
Cork singersongwriter to perform at The Cheese Press
by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie
ACCLAIMED Cork singer-songwriter Ger Wolfe is set to return to The Cheese Press in Ennistymon tomorrow evening, Wednesday, June 5, at 8pm, for what promises to be a soulful and unforgettable performance.
This marks Wolfe’s third concert at the beloved local venue. The show coincides with the recent release of Wolfe’s tenth studio album, ‘Songs from Freeman’s Ballyvourney Collection’, which launched in April. Known for his lyrical depth and his deep ties to Irish traditional music, Wolfe’s latest project brings new life to a largely forgotten archive of songs gathered in 1913–14 in the Gaeltacht region of Múscraí, North West Cork, by A. Martin Freeman.
The collection, published in the early 1920s, was rediscovered by Seán Ó Riada in the 1960s and reintroduced to audiences through performances by Peadar Ó Riada and Iarla Ó Lionáird. Wolfe, who has lived in the Múscraí area for nearly 30 years, spent seven years exploring and reinterpreting this rich body of work.
The album features Wolfe’s renditions of both familiar and lesser-known traditional songs, such as ‘Fáinnín Geal an Lae’, ‘Réidh Cnoc Mná Duíbh’, and ‘An Clár Bog Deal’. He is joined by a talented ensemble including Paul Frost (bass), Edel Sullivan (fiddle), Mick O’Brien (pipes/whistle), Richard Lucey (accordion), and Kevin Murphy (cello).
‘Fáinnín Geal an Lae’, the first single from the album, was released on March 14, followed by the full album on April 25 via Raggedy Records.
With limited space and growing buzz, early arrival is advised for what’s sure to be an uplifting evening of song and story from one of Ireland’s most genuine musical voices.
North Clare
lFORGING THE PAST: Alan Doyle and Gwilym Stanley of Irish Bloomery Iron and Reece Foster of Lyons Forge in Mountshannon, preparing for the Caherconnell International Furnace Festival on 23 and 24 August.
Photo by: Eamon Ward
Shannon
Ryanair add new Shannon winter routes to Madrid, Lapland & Madeira & another aircraft
RYANAIR’s growth at Shannon Airport continues with the addition of new winter routes to Madrid, Lapland and Madeira.
A fourth Ryanair aircraft has also been added to its Shannon base which brings with it thirty direct new jobs for pilots and cabin crew plus additional engineers. Ryanair have told The Clare Echo the additional aircraft will result indirectly in 200 new jobs for the Mid-West region.
As part of its winter schedule at Shannon for 2025 and 2026, Ryanair have added new routes to Lapland, Madeira and Madrid, in addition to extra flights on six existing popular routes - Alicante, Edinburgh, Kraków, Lanzarote, Manchester, and Wrocław. Ryanair has 20 routes from Shannon and will account for 1.6m of the Airport’s passenger numbers
this year.
CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine described Ryanair as “a really valued airline partner” for Shannon and said the latest investment “indicates how important Shannon Airport is to Ryanair” and that it was “a real vote of confidence”. She said passenger numbers at Shannon Airport have grown by forty percent since 2022 with last year seeing a fifteen year high reached for passenger numbers.
Speaking in the viewing gallery of Shannon Airport on Wednesday morning, Ryanair Jason McGuinness quipped, “airports don’t usually talk about us that nicely so it is nice for a change to hear the kind words”. He emphasised Ryanair’s commitment to Shannon and said the airline was “the biggest investor in regional Ireland”. They are hopeful of an-
nouncing further new routes from Shannon in the future, he confirmed, Over the past twelve
months, Ryanair has recorded a 20 percent growth at Shannon compared with Cork (10%), Knock (16%)
and Kerry (32%). The airline has 93 global bases, flies to 233 airports and 37 countries with 618 aircraft.
McGuinness was critical that the Irish Government has not acknowledged Ryanair’s growth plan which was submitted to them last year while he labelled the passenger cap at Dublin Airport “one of the most stupid things this Government has done”.
He was also critical of the Regional Airport Programmes which also has a cap in that airports must have 1.5m passengers or less to qualify, he said this should be increased to 3m. “The Government talk about balanced regional development, one thing they could do right now to help regional development is to reboot the Regional Airport Programme which has a cap, they need to increase the cap and allow airports like Shannon to put in capex’s for growth”.
Shannon Leisure Center celebrates 50 years in business
by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie
THIS Saturday, June 7, Shannon Leisure Center is inviting everyone to celebrate 50 years in business.
Since first opening its doors in 1974, the centre has grown from a modest community hub into a thriving space that promotes health, wellness, and inclusion for people of all ages.
To mark the occasion, the centre is hosting a full day of free activities, open to everyone, not just members. From free access to the pool, gym, sauna, steam room, and even an ice bath, to a full schedule of fitness classes, family entertainment, and live music, it’s set to be a party that reflects the community spirit that’s sustained Shannon Leisure Centre for half a century.
“We’re just so grateful to everyone who has supported us through the years,” said Karl Fogarty, manager of Shannon Leisure Center for the past 23 years. “This event is our way of saying thank you.”
The celebrations will run from 7:00am to 7:00pm, with something for everyone:
lFitness classes e.g. BodyBlast, Zumba, HYROX, spinning, and more.
lFace painting, balloon twisting,
mini discos, inflatables, and even a live DJ.
lA special Jive and Social Line Dance workshop.
lThere’s also a chance to win a gym and pool membership valued at over €500 in a free prize draw.
Reaching a 50-year milestone is no small feat, especially in an industry where leisure facilities often come and go. When asked what’s behind the centre’s longevity, Fogarty is quick to credit both staff and community.
“We have a really strong team here,” he said. “Our staff are not only highly quali fied, but
they genuinely care — and that makes all the difference.”
He also highlighted the loyalty of long-time users and the centre’s continuous investment in bettering its facilities. “We’re always improving — that’s our motto. Whether it’s big upgrades or small changes, we’re constantly finding ways to deliver the best service possible.”
For many locals, Shannon Leisure Centre is more than just a place to work out — it’s a second home. “There are members who’ve been with us since day one,” Fogarty shared. “And we’ve had school tours coming from all over Ireland — from Mayo, Cork, Kerry — just because of word of mouth. That’s something we’re really proud of.”
The centre has hosted everything from Winter Wonderlands to Santa visits, always striving to serve the community beyond just fitness.
According to Fogarty, the team has ambitious plans for the future, including expanding facilities and keeping pace with modern trends in fitness and wellness. “We’re at capacity in a lot of areas. That tells us there’s demand, and we want to meet it and exceed it.”
“The Shannon Leisure Center you see today won’t be the same one you see in five or ten years. We’re always looking ahead,” he added.
l50 YEARS: Shannon Leisure Center
Photo by: John Mangan
lWINTER ROUTES: New routes to Madrid, Lapland & Madeira
Gort & South Galway
70% drop in gum litter: taskforce hits Athenry streets to tackle waste
public engagement and education campaign.
A 70% REDUCTION in gum litter has been recorded nationwide since 2007 with proper disposal encouraged in Athenry last week.
On Friday, the Gum Litter Taskforce (GLT) took to the streets of Athenry to promote positive gum litter disposal.
As part of its Summer Roadshow campaign, the GLT collaborated with Galway County Council to promote the importance of proper litter disposal through fun education and awareness initiatives that highlight the negative environmental impacts of gum litter and draw awareness to the €150 gum litter fine. A collaboration between industry, government and local authorities, and funded by Mars Wrigley, this year marks the launch of the campaign’s sixth cycle.
GLT has seen gum litter reduce by almost 70% since 2007, via a sustained
According to the latest National Litter Pollution Monitoring System data, gum now accounts for just 8.6% of all litter, continuing a downward trend in gum as a component of litter from 26.4% in 2006, and 9.1% in 2021, the end of the previous three-year cycle.
However, according to the latest research, one in twelve admit that they still drop their gum on the ground – with men more than twice as likely to do so than women. This highlights the continued importance of the campaign.
Supporting the Roadshow in Co. Galway, Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr. Martina Kinane (FF) said, “The Gum Litter Taskforce Roadshow is an important reminder to the whole community that we must continue to reduce our litter and protect our local environment”.
Welcoming the Roadshow to Galway, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, Liam Conneally commented, “It’s a great initiative that generates awareness of the negative impacts of gum litter in a fun and engaging way. As a Council, we are committed to working with campaigns such as GLT, that promote responsible litter disposal behaviours, and result in cleaner communities”
According to Acting Director of Services for Rural & Community Development, Integration and Environment, Kieran Coyne, “The reduction of gum litter in recent years is a testament to the continued success of the campaign, and we look forward to seeing the progressive positive change the campaign brings in 2025”.
Launching the campaign in Mayo last month, Minister of State with responsibility for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon (FG) praised the continued success of the initiative. “Since 2007, we have seen clear, measurable change on our streets thanks to the work of the Gum Litter Taskforce. The consistent fall in gum litter shows that education and collaboration are driving real results. This is exactly the kind of behavioural change we need to build a cleaner, greener Ireland”.
Avril Donlon, Gum Litter Campaign Manager at Food Drink Ireland, added, “We are delighted to be kicking off another summer of interactive roadshows. Each year, we continue to see the positive impact this campaign is having on communities across the country. It’s encouraging to know that our efforts are helping more people make the right choice when it comes to gum disposal”.
Anne Sheeran, Corporate Affairs Manager at Mars Wrigley, stated, “The Gum Litter Taskforce continues to prove what’s possible through strong partnerships and community-focused messaging. By connecting with younger audiences and reinforcing positive behaviour, we’re not just cleaning up streets – we’re helping to create a culture of personal responsibility. Mars Wrigley is proud to sponsor a campaign that plays such an important role in educating people about proper gum and litter disposal”.
This year’s Summer Roadshow will make 20 stops across 17 counties this Summer. The GLT campaign also includes a school roadshow (‘Bin It!’) which will travel to primary and secondary schools across the country from October, and will run an advertising campaign and website, where educational material at www.gumlittertaskforce.ie.
Pálás Arthouse Cinema to be provided without charge by Council on long-term lease
by
EXPRESSIONS of interest to operate the Pálás Arthouse Cinema are being sought by Galway City Council.
Located in Galway City centre, the Pálás Arthouse Cinema is a three-screen, 322-seater arthouse cinema. The cinema opened in 2018 and is located on Merchants Road Lower and owned by Galway City Council.
Screen one has capacity for 161 seats, screen two is 68 seats and tbere are 93 seats for screen three. Additional facilities include box office, kiosk shop, kitchen, with further café, bar and office space.
Galway City Council proposes to provide the Pálás without charge on a long-term lease to one operator. Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council explained, “This opportunity is a unique prospect for an operator to make a sustainable positive impact on the cultural identity of Galway City by developing a unique attraction for this iconic building. We encourage submissions that can creatively bring this building back into use and add to the diverse cultural identity of the city”.
Some suggested options include the re-opening of the property as a cultural space featuring one operational cinema with other areas repurposed for community and cultural use, the re-purposing of the property to become more tourism focused with a focus on cultural tourism, a re-configuration of the property to operate as a mix of commercial space generating annual rents combined with allocation of space for community use. This expression of interest is not limited to these suggestions. Interested parties are invited to submit their own intended site usage concept.
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
lGUM LITTER: Marie Cafferkey, Athenry Tidy Towns, the Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr. Martina Kinane and Jim Reidy, Athenry Tidy Towns became Anti-Litter Ambassadors at the ‘Bin your gum when you’re done!’ campaign launched in Athenry
Photo by: Ray Ryan
LONG-TERM LEASE: Pálás Arthouse Cinema
Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
New food waste recycling campaign launched to urge 1.2M brown bin users to become brown bin champions
AS IRELAND celebrates its fourth National Food Waste Recycling Week, new research highlights both the remarkable progress made in brown bin usage and the ongoing challenge of contamination.
With over 200,000 new brown bins rolled out nationwide since the start of 2024, bringing the total As Ireland celebrates its fourth National Food Waste Recycling Week, new research highlights both the remarkable progress made in brown bin usage and the ongoing challenge of contamination.
With over 200,000 new brown bins rolled out nationwide since the start of 2024, bringing the total number of brown bin owners across Ireland to approximately 1.2 million, householders in Ireland are embracing food waste recycling like never before. However, a recent study of over 1,000 adults reveals that despite widespread brown bin usage, contamination remains a concern, potentially compromising the quality of compost and hindering our efforts towards a circular economy.
The research, conducted by Empathy Research on behalf of MyWaste, Ireland’s official guide to managing your waste, found that while the vast majority of people use their brown bin (84%), confusion and occasional haste can at times lead to incorrect items being disposed of in the brown bin.
The study indicated that 33% admit to knowingly putting incorrect items in their brown bin, a figure that rises to 50% amongst 18–34-year-olds. The research also highlights confusion about garden waste, with younger adults (18-34) mistakenly believing stones and barbeque coals can be composted. Other common items incorrectly placed in brown bins include general waste (32%), the plastic around vegetables (26%), soft plastics (24%), and food cartons (24%). This National Food
Waste Recycling Week (June 1st – June 8th, 2025), MyWaste.ie is launching a new campaign to tackle this problem, focusing on both confusion and haste as key contributing factors.
“I’m delighted to see the continued growth in brown bin usage across the country” said Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with responsibility for Circular Economy, Alan Dillon TD. “The expansion of the programme, coupled with the dedication of Irish citizens, is a testament to our commitment to a circular economy and a greener future. By working together to reduce food waste in the first instance and minimise contamination thereafter, we can ensure that our food and garden waste is transformed into valuable compost, enriching our soil, supporting sustainable agriculture and reducing our carbon footprint.”
The research also explored the reasons behind these mistakes. The primary reason cited for knowingly putting an item in their brown bin incorrectly was being in a hurry (38%), with lack of knowledge about what is accepted in the brown bin being the second most common reason (26%).
“It’s fantastic to see so many households embracing the brown bin system” said Pauline
McDonogh, Resource Efficiency Officer at MyWaste. “However, contamination remains a challenge. This National Food Waste Recycling Week we want to empower everyone to become brown bin champions in their homes, at work or at play. We understand that sometimes it can be confusing, which is why we’re providing clear and accessible information to help everyone use their brown bin correctly. Putting the wrong items in the brown bin can compromise the recycling process, re-
duce the level of compost produced. Let’s all remember: ‘No Metal, No Glass, No Plastic Makes Our Brown Bin Fantastic.’ By keeping contaminants out of our brown bins, we can protect our soil and contribute to a circular economy.”
What can go into the brown bin?
The brown bin service accepts all types of food including raw and cooked meat and fish, plate scrapings, along with fruit and vegetable peelings. Other items that can go into the brown bin include food-soiled paper napkins, paper towels, greasy pizza boxes as well as grass clippings and light garden waste, including hedge clippings, spent compost and dead plants.
What cannot go into the brown bin?
To avoid contamination, remember to remove all packaging from food waste and avoid adding large branches, stones, rubble, plastic plant pots, barbeque coals or other non-compostable materials from your brown bin.
To help combat contamination, MyWaste.
ie offers these tips:
lTake a Minute: As the research shows, being in a hurry is a major contributor to contamination. Slow down and double-check what you’re throwing away.
lSay No to Bin Intruders: Be aware of common contaminants like onion netting, flower bands, and plastic-wrapped vegetables. Remove these items before placing food or garden waste in the brown bin.
lWhen in Doubt, Check it Out: Use the MyWaste.ie website or your Waste Collectors guidelines to confirm what can and cannot go in your brown bin.
lUse Compostable Liners: To make brown bin management even easier, MyWaste.ie recommends using certified compostable liners in your kitchen caddy. These liners break down naturally during the composting process, keeping your bin clean and preventing odours.
For more information on proper usage, please visit MyWaste.ie for a comprehensive A-Z guide, helpful tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Shannon’s old trees carve new life into Town Park
In a first for a public park in County Clare, Clare County Council has commissioned the creation of in-situ tree sculptures, transforming the remains of felled trees in Shannon into woodland carvings that now dot the Town Park landscape.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Shannon Municipal District (MD) Office, turned a necessary public safety act of tree removal into an opportunity to promote environmental awareness and artistic reuse.
The trees, which had been identified as unsafe in early 2025, posed a risk to park visitors. Rather than clearing the stumps completely, Clare County Council engaged renowned wood sculptor Will Fogarty of Fear na Coillte to breathe new life into the tree remnants.
Among the sculptures featured throughout the An
Taisce International Green Flag Award-winning public park are detailed carvings of owls, foxes, rabbits, a bumblebee, and a fairy house.
“The Shannon MD Office, with the support of Elected Members, saw an opportunity not just to manage a safety issue, but to do so in a way that aligned with the local authority’s environmental values,” said Councillor Pat O’Gorman, Cathaoirleach of Shannon MD. “The project also offers financial practicality. The cost of sculpting and partial removal matched that of full removal, making it both an economical and imaginative solution.”
“This is the first time we’ve had in-situ tree sculpting done in a public park in Clare,” explained Tom Mellett, Senior Executive Engineer with Shannon MD. “We are proud to lead on something that combines public
safety, artistic expression, and sustainability. These sculptures not only enrich the park experience but will also support our efforts to maintain our Green Flag status for the fourth year running.”
“Funded through Shannon MD’s own resources and the General Municipal Allocation (GMA) fund, the project reinforces the importance of reuse in public works and underscores the local authority’s ongoing commitment to enhancing biodiversity and community spaces,” concluded Mr. Mellett.
lTREE CARVING: Councillor Pat O’Gorman, Cathaoirleach of Shannon MD pictured with his Elected Member colleagues Cllrs Michael Begley, John Crowe, David Griffin and Tony Mulcahy at the unveiling of tree sculptures at Shannon Town Park, County Clare
Photo by: Eamon Ward
How to be strong, smart, and proactive during Men’s Health Week and beyond
CLARE County Council is joining forces with Ennis Medical Center and other key services in Clare to promote Men’s Health this June.
The event will take place on Thursday, June 12, at the Buttermarket, Drumbiggle, Ennis, from 9:15 am to 1 pm followed by a light lunch with the option to attend a walk in Lees Road after the event.
Men’s Health Week is an international event that begins on the Monday before Father’s Day and ends on Father’s Day. In 2025, it will run from Monday, June 9, to Sunday, June 15. The goals of Men’s Health Week are to: raise awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages; encourage men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices and activities; and promote early detection and treatment of health issues in males. The event aims to empower men to take a proactive approach to their health and wellbeing. Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach
of Clare County Council, said, “I am pleased to invite the whole community to this important event. While Clare County Council places huge importance on staff wellbeing, the Council is also committed to supporting the health of the entire county. I hope participants will leave the event understanding that making time for and scheduling regular checkups is a powerful step toward staying strong, living longer, and enjoying life.”
Dr. Fergus Glynn, Ennis Medical, one of the keynote speakers for the event, advocates for ‘lifestyle as medicine’. “Sustainable and achievable changes in how we live, eat, and interact with our community can have a more significant positive impact on longterm health than any medication. These changes not only improve how you feel but also enhance your overall quality of life”, he added.
Tim Forde, Clare County Council, General Manager of Sports and Recreation at Active
Ennis, said, “These important check-ups can help men catch serious issues like cancer or heart disease early. Managing your health will protect your energy levels, performance, and quality of life.”
The event will cover various topics, including general health and wellbeing, exercise, nutrition, mental wellbeing and resilience, cancer awareness and prevention, and sleep hygiene. To get involved, attendees are encouraged to book their places early as spots are limited.
Samantha McCarthy, Clare County Council’s Healthy Clare Coordinator, is excited to work alongside key professionals. “I hope that by coming together shoulder to shoulder and connecting for men’s health, we can keep the men we love in our lives for as long as possible. Avoiding or skipping checkups can be detrimental. If men can take control of the conversations they have with their medical advisors their future self, their families, and colleagues will thank them for taking these proactive steps,” she added.
Speakers at the event will offer tips on making the most of medical appointments, empowering attendees to ask questions and seek clarifications from their doctors or spe cialists. Dr. Glynn advises individuals to “go prepared to appointments, with a list of questions to make the consultation time more productive.”
Tom Kent, Regional Literacy Coordinator with Limerick and
Clare Education and Training Board, will be present on the day to discuss Health Literacy programs designed to give individuals confidence during their medical appointments. Clare Library Services will host several events throughout the week to further support men’s health and wellbeing. These events aim to provide additional resources and information to help men live well.
lKilrush Community College: Tai Chi class for men’s health: Monday, June 9 @ 7pm with Kevin Copeland.
lShannon Library: A talk on the benefits of walking: Thursday, June 12 @ 6pm with Pius Murray.
lScariff Library: Tai Chi class for men’s health: Friday, June 13 @ 2.30pm with Kevin Kinsella.
To book these events, scan the QR code in the poster or visit: Clare Men’s Health Workshop Tickets, Thu 12 Jun 2025 at 09:15 | Eventbrite
Cancer in men
BERNADETTE Mullins is a Senior Health Promotion & Improvement Officer Cancer Prevention with HSE Mid West.
Here, she advises about possible signs of cancer and some of the things that men can do to reduce their risk:
More than 1 in 2 men will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime.
The most common cancers in men are lung, prostate, bowel and skin cancer.
The risk of getting cancer is affected by many things. There are things that we can’t change, like our age and family history. But there are things men can do to reduce their risk, including
lDo not start smoking. If you are already a smoker, it’s never too late to quit.
lManage your weight.
lTake part in HPV and Hepatitis B vaccination programmes.
lLimit alcohol. The less you drink, the lower your risk of cancer.
lProtect your skin from the sun and do not use sunbeds.
lTake part in cancer screening programmes.
lCheck radon levels in your home.
lEat a healthy balanced diet.
lBe physically active.
lFollow health and safety rules at work to avoid exposure to cancer-causing substances
Not all cancers can be prevented but finding cancer early means people are more likely to survive.
Cancer can cause changes to how your body normally looks, works or feels such as:
la new lump or bump on your body
la changing lump or bump on your body
lunexplained bleeding from any part of the body
lchanges to your skin e.g. a new or changing mole
lweight loss without trying
lunexplained tiredness
la new cough lasting more than 3 weeks or a change to your normal cough
la change in bowel habits, such as looser poo, pooing more often or constipation
lpersistent heartburn or indigestion
If you notice anything that is unusual for you or someone you know, it’s important to contact your GP without delay. Survival is better than ever – especially if cancer is found early.
For more information visit: www.hse.ie/preventcancer www.hse.ie/findcancerearly
Be SunSmart when working outdoors
IF you work outdoors, you are exposed to 2-3 times more UV radiation from the sun than people who work indoors.
This puts you at high risk of developing skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases annually.
Examples of outdoor workers include but are not limited to: farmers, gardeners, landscapers, construction workers, postal workers and people who work at sea.
The importance of sun protection for outdoor workers remains critical. Do not just wait for hot and sunny days to use sun protection – UV from the sun is damaging, even on cool, cloudy days.
Protect skin by being SunSmart as part of your
daily routine from April to September in Ireland.
Outdoor workers can significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer and sun damage with proper preventive measures.
The Healthy Ireland SunSmart steps show how outdoor workers can protect their skin from the sun’s UV rays and reduce their risk of developing skin cancer:
lSlip on clothing that covers your skin such as, long sleeves, collared t-shirts lSlop on sunscreen. Use sunscreen with UVA protection and UVB protection with SPF minimum 30 or higher. Apply 20 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours – more often if sweating.
lSlap on a wide brimmed hat, hard hat with a brim
and use a neck flap. lSeek shade, especially if outdoors between 11am to 3pm when UV rays are at their strongest. If possible schedule outdoor work before 11am or after 3pm. lSlide on wraparound sunglasses.
Check the UV index
The UV index tells you how strong the sun’s UV rays are each day. You need to protect your skin when the UV index is 3 or above.
In Ireland, the UV index is usually 3 or above from April to September, even when it is cloudy. UV is usually strongest between 11am and 3pm.
Check the UV index on Met Éireann www.met.ie/ uv-index
Visit www.hse.ie/sunsmart for more information
Arts & Culture
Cruinniú na nÓg Celebrates Free Creativity for Children and Young People in Clare
by LISA MULLALY
CRUINNIÚ na nÓg, a national day dedicated to free creative opportunities for children and young people under 18, returns to Clare this June 7, with a vibrant lineup of workshops and performances designed to unlock the creative potential of our youth.
This flagship initiative of the Creative Ireland Programme’s Creative Youth Plan has been inspiring young minds since its inception in 2018.
This year’s Clare Cruinniú na nÓg promises an exciting array of experiences across 22 locations in the county, featuring over 35 workshops and performances that aim to spark imagination and self-expression.
There are a number of workshops available for children and teens to help them explore a variety of creative fields.
Helen Walsh, County Librarian and Creative Ireland Clare Coordinator, said, “Cruinniú na nÓg is a great opportunity for young people to try something new. From dance and film-making to sketching and music, there is something for everyone. Whether it’s creating magic books, exploring cyanotype printing, or participating in workshops with Clare Youth Services and Helium Arts, the day is packed with inspiring activities.”
Clare museum is hosting ‘Sketch Hunters’ where children between the ages of 8-12 are invited to Clare Museum for a morning of exploration and sketching with visual artist Leigh O’Connell. The participants will be guided in learning how to observe and draw objects found throughout the museum. Each child can then pick their favourite sketch of the day to be included in a temporary exhibition in The Clare Museum.
Clare Youth Service have organised a film Workshop and showcase which will take place in The Pavillion in Lisdoonvarna, where teens between the ages of 14 and 17 will gain hands-on experience and get an insight into the world of filmmaking. The
workshop will be led by experienced film maker Shane Vaughan.
The participants will also have the opportunity to share their short-films with the community at a public screening.
At Kilkee Community Centre there will be two art workshops for young people aged 10-18. These will teach participants how to create their own illustrations and experiment with watercolours to make vibrant, eye-catching paintings.
Some other highlights are Mini Music Explorers at glór, where the very young can move, sing, and play in a fun-filled early years music workshop. There is also ‘The Big Draw!’, a free-flowing drawing session where participants can create on a giant paper-covered wall. Young artists can try their hand at creating a unique self-por-
trait using colourful building bricks at Shannon Public Library or explore recycled materials like felt, old clothes, buttons, and wool to craft a recycled portrait in De Valera Library, Ennis.
For older participants, ‘Cruinniú Late’ offers the opportunity to join ‘Night Beats Music Tech Lab’, a hands-on digital music workshop from 6pm to 9pm, culminating in a live showcase at 9pm where young people can perform, remix, and DJ their own music
Eva Birdthistle, Creative Communities Engage ment Officer, Clare County Coun cil, explained that Cru inniu na nÓg is a great opportunity for
young people to try out new hobbies and explore different creative fields. “Cruinniú na nÓg in Clare promises a day filled with imagination, discovery, and creative fun for children and young people of all ages. All workshops and events are free of charge and therefore booking early is recommended.”
For a full list of Cruinniú na nÓg events in Clare, please visit: www.cruinniu.gov.ie/ events/location/clare
‘Submerged: Cill Stuifín’, an exhibition by Marie Connole
CLARE Arts Office, in conjunction with Cultúrlann Sweeney Library Gallery, will host ‘Submerged: Cill Stuifín’, a striking new body of work by Marie Connole, from June 3 to July 5, 2025, inclusive.
Marie Connole is an Irish visual artist whose work explores folklore, ecology, and memory through paint, drawing and installation. She has exhibited nationally and internationally, including at the Irish Arts Center in New York, the Royal Ulster Academy, the University of Galway and EVA International.
Inspired by the legend of Cill Stuifín; a mythical village said to sink beneath the Atlantic waves and reappear every seven years. This series blends folklore, memory, and ecology in a deeply resonant visual meditation.
In a departure from her earlier, research-driven watercolours, Connole embraces the boldness of acrylics to explore what lies beneath the visible world. Her large-scale canvases evoke the shifting moods of the Atlantic coast, populated by seaweed, submerged ruins, lost keys, and mythic forms. The series further develops archetypal motifs through drawings and watercolours, grounding the work in familiar local landmarks from Loop Head to the Cliffs of Moher. At its heart, ‘Submerged: Cill Stuifin’ is a reflection on ecological and emotional resilience. Through the lens of myth, Connole addresses contemporary themes, such as coastal erosion, cultural heritage, and our changing relationship with the natural world. Drawing from Ireland’s rich storytelling tradition, she invites viewers to reflect on what endures beneath the surface. This exhibition reimagines folklore as both warning and compass; a call to remember, reconnect and endure.
lSUBMERGED: CILL STUIFÍN: Exhibition by Marie Connole
Thought for the week: Be Present
Spreading the word of positivity
RONAN SCULLY
In our fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to get lost in worries about tomorrow or regrets from yesterday.
Striving to be present and to live one’s life in the present moment, that’s what a lot of people are trying to do, only to find it very difficult. And why is that? Possibly because so many of us are trying to do too much. We get bogged down with anxious thoughts. And who wants to live like that?
The author, Ida Scott Taylor, wrote this about striving to live one day at a time and be present, “This is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for its gone. And do not be troubled about the future. For it hasn’t come yet. Live in the present and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.”
It is difficult to live in and enjoy
the present moment or to live one day at a time or to be present when you are thinking about the past or worrying about the future. A quote from St. Padre Pio whose heavenly birthday was recently I love to hear or pray goes as follows, “Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry.” I can’t tell you exactly how I heard this quote for the first time. I think it was part of a homily a while back by a Franciscan Friar about the life of St. Padre Pio in the Poor Clares church I like to go to, but I remember my initial thought was, “Don’t worry? It’s useless?! How?! I need to worry!”
Then I realized how useless worry actually is. I’ve always known it’s useless, but I still feel it regardless. I don’t want to feel worried, but I still do. I realized this is a symptom of anxiety. I never knew I had anxiety, and never defined myself as having it. The symptoms of anxiety, like being in a constant state of worry or having restless sleep cycles, were never symptoms to me, it was just life and how I survived life. Worry is a cause of alot of the problems in
our world. It is a warning sign that God is not central or first in our life or world at this present time.
Thought for the Week
As your thought for the week, don’t ever forget for even a second how very important and how very special each and every one of us are. Please try to love and pray deeply from your heart always and for the good of everyone. In the end, the goal of real life is love and to be present to that love. The measure of our maturity is our love for God and our love for others. If we fail in our love we have missed what it means to be a truly good person. To anyone who also may be struggling like me at this moment with questions and worry right now, I offer again the simple words of St. Padre Pio: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.”
Our God is massively bigger than any problem we perceive. Our God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Our God is merciful (Ephesians 2:4). Our God loves us beyond measure (Ephesians 3:18),
and it is impossible for our God to lie. Unlike so many things in our world, He is truly trustworthy (Hebrews 6:18). “Pray, hope, and don’t worry” is probably Padre Pio’s most famous saying. However, we cannot forget about the second part of his prayer statement, which is: “Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” We can be certain God knows what we need even before we ask him. I feel Padre Pio’s peacefulness as he listens to my worries now as I pray to him, as he listened to many during his life, and he reassures me daily that all my worries are in God’s hands. The saints advise us to live in the present moment with trust and a spirit of childlikeness. St. Faustina of Kowalska gave us this beautiful Prayer for the Present Moment which is at my bedside to pray daily :- Oh My God, When I look into the future, I am frightened, But why plunge into the future? Only the present moment is precious to me. As the future may never enter my soul at all. It is no longer in my
power to change, correct or add to the past; For neither sages nor prophets could do that. And so what the past has embraced I must entrust to God. O present moment, you belong to me, whole and entire. I desire to use you as best I can. And although I am weak and small, You grant me the grace of Your omnipotence. And so, trusting in Your mercy, I walk through life like a little child, Offering You each day this heart. Burning with love for Your greater Glory. Amen. As Romans 8:38-39 reminds us, “nothing can separate us from the love of God.” Let this truth anchor you in the present, allowing you to live peacefully and joyfully.
Let’s cherish today and make the most of every moment. I pray that we all discover the treasure of the present moment and that it brings us true joy, hope and peace. Enjoy the journey of your life, there is no need to rush through life, stop and be present.
Imagine a world without water - Clare student wins Green School Award for short film on water scarcity
A student from St. Michael’s Community College, Kilmihil, County Clare was among the big winners at an annual awards ceremony held recently in Dublin City.
Cara Copeland was named as an overall winner in the GreenSchools Video Competition last week for her short film called ‘24 Hours Dry’, where she gave a stark depiction of what life would be like if we woke up and all the water on the planet was gone.
These awards were held to recognise the efforts of primary and secondary students across the country who participated in the Green-Schools Water Programme in the 2024-25 academic year, and to honour the winning students in this year’s poster competition.
The annual event marked the twelfth year of Uisce Éireann’s sponsorship of An Taisce’s GreenSchools programme which supports schools working to gain a Green Flag under the water theme.
The theme of this year’s competition was ‘Water is Life’, and participating students were asked to design a poster or video centring on the theme of water’s intrinsic importance to every aspect of life
on our planet.
The response from pupils of the participating schools was phenomenal, with a record 4,300 entries received across the junior primary, senior primary and secondary categories. The standard of entry was exceptionally high, and the judging panel had a hugely difficult task in choosing their winners. Twelve regional winners were each awarded a €100 voucher and had their poster professionally framed, while three overall national winners were also announced at the ceremony.
Secondary school students were also invited to enter a video competition, also on the theme of ‘Water is Life’. A full list of all winners is available to view at Water Poster and Video Competition 2025 | Green-Schools.
Uisce Éireann’s Head of Customer Operations, Geoffrey Bourke, was on-hand at the award ceremonies and said that the record number of entries was evidence of the Green-Schools Water Programme going from strength to strength around the country.
“The Green-Schools awards are always a wonderful occasion and this year, the quantity and qual-
ity of the submissions across the various categories has been truly incredible. The vital work being done by Green-Schools in schools across Ireland is clearly bearing
fruit in terms of how our young people think about water and the need to conserve and respect it. We in Uisce Éireann are proud of our long-standing sponsorship of the
programme,” said Geoffrey. Cathy Baxter, An Taisce Director of Education, said:
“The Green-Schools Water Awards are one of the highlights of our year. They celebrate the creativity, commitment and teamwork of students and teachers working together to protect one of our most precious resources: water. These young people are leading by example and showing that real environmental change begins in our schools and communities. We’re so proud of their efforts and inspired by their impact.”
Throughout the current academic year, An Taisce has been engaging directly with 330 schools on the Water Flag, working with over 100,000 students and 10,000 teachers across the country.
The Green-Schools water theme is a grassroots sponsorship that aims to foster awareness and understanding of a range of activities, tailored to students at both primary level and secondary level. In addition to developing awareness around water conservation, the sponsorship incorporates wider engagement around stewardship of our water resources.
lSHORT FILM: Cara Copeland of St. Michael’s Community College, Kilmihil, Co. Clare pictured with Uisce Éireann’s Head of Customer Operations Geoffrey Bourke and Joanne Scott of An Taisce at the Green-Schools awards, held at Wood Quay in Dublin city last week.
Photo by: Conor Healy
Bunratty’s Melody Farm Eggs launch in SuperValu
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
BUNRATTY based Melody Farm Eggs is one of twenty five new food and drink producers to have launched their products in selected SuperValu stores across Ireland.
In an exciting new chapter for the Melody family from Bunratty, Newmarket-on-Fergus, their well-regarded pasture raised pre mium eggs are now available in some Super Valu stores. It follows the completion of their involvement in the Food Acade my programme.
Founded in the spring of 2020 by brothers Frank and Joe, Melody Farm Eggs began with 400 hens and a mobile coop on the farm in Bunratty, it has grown into a thriving pasture-raised egg busi ness, rooted in animal welfare, sus tainability, and local partnership.
Now in its twelfth year, The Food Academy is a partner ship between SuperValu and the Local Enter prise Office and is the only accred ited producer development programme in Ireland, from Tech nological University Dublin (TU Dublin). Food Academy of fers participants a Certificate in Food Entrepre neurship and a robust combination of mentoring, industry insights, and retail strategy. Through expert-led workshops and direct engagement with the Food Academy team, producers refine their products and build the skills needed to succeed in a competitive retail environment. The programme’s results speak volumes: Food Academy products have exceeded €260 million in retail sales, with a projected €30 million in sales for 2025 alone.
Aviation lawyer launched the company with a small flock and a mobile hen-house five years ago. The business quickly gained traction through an on-farm, self-service honesty box. In 2021, co-founder Joe joined the venture, enabling continued growth and operational expansion. Hens are rotated on fresh grassland to produce nutrient-rich eggs with superior flavour and colour. Joe has re
lEGG-CELENT: Joe Melody
Luke Hanlon Managing Director SuperValu confirmed that Food Academy participants including Melody Farm Eggs will receive a 52-week listing. “The exceptional quality and taste of the products year after year, showcases Ireland’s incredible talent and passion. As the food sector evolves, the Food Academy remains at the forefront – fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and building a more resilient, sustainable industry. It’s more than a programme; it’s a movement shaping the future of Irish food. We look forward to seeing this year’s participants make their mark and continue Ireland’s rich tradition of food and drink innovation.”
Frank and Joe Melody, Founders of Melody Farm Eggs expressed their hope of gaining valuable exposure as they continue to grow their company.
Áine Scully Appointed CEO of Six West Aviation
by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie
SIX WEST Aviation has announced the appointment of Áine Scully as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership change at the world’s largest provider of operational services to the aircraft leasing and airline industries.
Scully, who joined the company in 2016 and became Director of Finance a year later, has played a key role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction and operational structure. In addition to her financial leadership, she has served on the Boards of both Six West Aviation and Kleos Aero, contributing to key initiatives that have strengthened corporate governance and business performance.
Six West founder Jason Williamson praised the appointment, stating: “Áine has been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of our company. Her leadership, financial expertise and long-term vision make her the ideal person to guide us through the next phase of growth. We’re excited for what lies ahead under her stewardship.”
Speaking about her new role, Scully said: “I’m proud to lead a team that consistently delivers exceptional results in a complex and dynamic environment. We’ve built something special, and I look forward to guiding the business into its next chapter, one that focuses on stability, innovation and continued service excellence.”
Headquartered in Shannon, Ireland,
Six West Aviation provides critical support to the global aviation sector, advising on airline start-ups and restructures, and facilitating lease transitions, aircraft deliveries, and recovery operations. The company operates with a diverse international team serving clients worldwide.
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.
• Communications Graduate
Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 27th June 2025
• Executive Architectural
Conservation Officer
Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 5th September 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.
lCEO: Áine Scully
Exploring DOOLIN and the ARAN ISLANDS
INIS MÓR IN FOCUS
Aran Sweater Market honours traditions and connects island’s past to present identity
LOCATED at the heart of Inis Mór, the Aran Sweater Market is a well-known landmark, integral to island life and community.
Familiar to locals and visitors, the market connects the island’s past to its present-day identity.
The Aran sweater, recognised internationally, is distinguished by its unique knitting patterns that traditionally symbolise family connections, community strength, and the islanders’ enduring relationship with the sea and nature. Patterns such as cables, honeycombs, and diamonds are deeply familiar symbols reflecting island life.
The market continues to honour these traditional designs, offering visitors and residents alike sweaters that embody meaningful stories from generations past. Each garment serves as a testament to the heritage and craftsmanship valued highly by the community.
The market itself maintains a familiar, welcoming atmosphere that mirrors Inis Mór’s own character. The modest and practical building resonates deeply with local people, reflecting their
straightforward, resilient way of life. For islanders, the Aran Sweater Market is not only culturally significant but also supports community livelihood and economic stability.
Regularly attracting visitors keen to experience authentic Irish tradition, the market remains a popular spot on Inis Mór. Visitors frequently depart with a deeper appreciation of the
craftsmanship and cultural significance that the sweaters represent.
In an era marked by rapid change, the Aran Sweater Market quietly preserves and promotes local traditions,
reinforcing community pride and cultural identity. It serves as an important reminder to both locals and visitors of the timeless heritage unique to Inis Mór.
Judge family breathing new life into Tig Joe Mac
JUST seven months after taking over one of the island’s oldest pubs, the Judge family have turned it into a lively hub, writes Lisa Mullaly
Originally from Louth, Colleen Judge moved to Inis Mór 15 years ago with her family. Colleen notes that since Covid, there are noticeably less people going out to pubs to socialise.
When Tigh Joe Macs became available, Colleen along with her mother Clodagh and dad John, decided to take the leap and take over the business with the simple motivation of bringing life to the island.
The pub itself has been a fixture on the island for decades. “Local legend Steve Kilmartin had it for 40 years’’, Colleen explains. Since taking over in November 2024, the Judge family have found support in the locals of Inis Mór and visitors to the island alike.
Although winters are quiet, Colleen said the novelty of the pub changing hands helped bring people in. “There’s a bit of a buzz around. So, we had a few coming in, thank God.”
Over the past seven months Tigh Joe Mac has slowly become a hub for all
l The Judge family
generations. Colleen views the pub as playing an essential role on the island, both socially and culturally.
“Living on a small island, you don’t have a lot of the facilities that you get on the mainland, so the pubs are an integral part of the community and one of the main places for people to socialise,” Colleen says.
“We get people walking in the doors from all walks of life, tourists wanting to try a creamy pint of Guinness, experience the ambiance of a traditional Irish pub and warm themselves by the open fire before they get the ferry, as well as locals who have come in to catch up
with friends and family.”
Though they had no previous experience in hospitality, the Judge family have found themselves naturally at home in a role that’s about far more than serving drinks. “It's been a really great experience so far and being islanders ourselves, we're loving the experience so far of welcoming both new and familiar faces!”
The most important member of the Tigh Joe Mac team is Colleen's dog and pub mascot Stormy. Colleen says that he has fitted into the publican lifestyle better than anyone else in the family. “Every good pub has a dog.”
INIS MÓR IN FOCUS
A whistle-stop tour to Inis Mór
Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie
LIKE a lot of people living in Ireland for their whole lives, I haven’t had the opportunity to explore some of the beautiful places along the Wild Atlantic Way that are usually seen as tourist attractions.
But recently I was lucky enough to be a tourist for a day on Inis Mór when the O’Brien family from Doolin Ferries invited some of The Clare Echo team to try out their new boat.
We arrived at the ferry port that morning in Doolin and hopped on the 11 AM sailing. The crossing to Inis Mór was quick and smooth—just under 40 minutes. Doolin Ferries are well known for their reliable service and scenic routes, and this new boat made the trip even more enjoyable. We were very lucky with the weather, it was one of those rare Irish days where the sky was totally clear, the sea was calm, and the views were endless. You could see
the other Aran Islands in the distance, along with the dramatic landscapes that make this place so special.
First Stop: Kilronan
Village
Once we arrived at Kilronan, the island’s main hub, the first thing we did was head straight to the tourist office to make a plan. With just a few hours to explore, we wanted to squeeze in as much as we could. Everyone recommended getting around by e-bike, and honestly, that was a game-changer. Aran Bike Hire is just a short walk from the pier and they gave some e-bikes free of charge to help us get around as much of the island as possible.
A Cosy Lunch at Tigh Joe Mac
Before hitting the road, we stopped for a quick bite at Tigh Joe Mac, a cosy pub with views right over the harbour. We had toasties and soup, and it was the perfect warm-up before a day of cycling. The place has that classic Irish pub feel,
friendly service, and great comfort food.
Window Shopping & Sweaters
After lunch, we took a quick stroll around the village. We browsed through the Aran Sweater Market and Carraig Donn, both great spots if you’re into traditional knitwear or looking for a unique souvenir.
Up to Dún Eochla
With limited time, we jumped on our bikes and headed inland to Dún Eochla—a round stone fort perched on the highest point of the island. The cycle is pretty straightforward, but you’ll need to walk the last stretch. The view at the top is totally worth it. On a clear day, you can see all the way back to the Clare coastline.
Seal Spotting by the Coast
Next stop: the seal colony. This is another easy cycle with a short walk to the viewing point. We were hoping to catch sight of some of the grey seals that live around the island. You’ll often see them lounging on
Man of Aran Fudge: A sweet island success story
by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie
WHAT began as a kitchen-table experiment on Inis Oírr has grown into one of the most beloved handmade food businesses on the Aran Islands.
Founded by Tomás Póil, Man of Aran Fudge is a family-run operation crafting rich, creamy fudge using Irish ingredients.
The business began over 30 years ago when Tomás Póil, a farmer struggling to make ends meet, turned to a cherished childhood memory: his grandmother’s homemade fudge.
Today, Tomás makes fudge daily in Inis Mór, while his nephew Eoghan, who joined the business 10 years ago, runs the Inis Oírr side and manages their busy online store.
At its peak, Man of Aran Fudge offered over 30 flavours. These days, they’ve scaled it back to around 20. “We stick to what people love,” says Tomás. “And sometimes customers give us ideas. One of our flavours actually came from my son. He mixed banana and choc-
l Tomás
olate together as a kid, made us taste it, and we thought, ‘Why not?’”
The fudge is a local product in the truest sense. It is made on the islands, by islanders, for visitors and locals alike. “There aren’t many things made on the island that tourists can take away with them,” Tomás notes. “Aside from cheese, some crafts, and this — there’s not a lot that’s made here anymore.”
For Tomás, one of the most rewarding parts of running Man of Aran Fudge is seeing familiar faces. “We
made fudge is delicious, with over 20 flavours there is something to suit everyone’s tastes. It’s safe to say we didn’t leave empty-handed. Back to the Mainland
After that, it was time to catch the ferry back to Doolin. As we left the island behind, one thing was clear—we barely scratched the surface. Inis Mór is packed with ancient sites, wild landscapes, and charming spots that deserve more than just a day.
the rocks, especially around low tide. It’s a peaceful little detour and a great way to take in more of Inis Mór’s coastal beauty.
Sweet Ending at the Man of Aran Fudge Shop
Just before heading back to the ferry, we made what
have people who first tasted our fudge as children on a holiday to the islands,” he says. “Now they’re coming back as adults, sometimes with children of their own.” He recalls a young woman who visited recently and told him she’d been buying his fudge since she was six. “A young woman came to me this morning,” Tomás says. “She was 21, and she remembered her mam bringing her to the market when she was six or seven. She’s been buying fudge ever since. That’s a great feeling.”
turned out to be the best stop of the day: the Man of Aran Fudge Shop. Tomás, who runs the business with the help of his nephew, is absolutely lovely. His hand-
Tips if You’re Planning a Visit:
n Take the early ferry to make the most of your day (or better yet, stay a night!).
n Rent e-bikes— they’re the easiest way to get around.
n Don’t miss Dún Aonghasa, the most famous fort (we’ll be back for it).
n Try the fudge. Seriously. n Bring a windbreaker and suncream—even on a sunny day, the Atlantic breeze is no joke.
Póil of Man of Aran Fudge
l Kilronan and (right) Dún Eochla
A different view of Inis Mór and true hospitality at Ard Éinne House
INIS Mór native Clodagh Ní Ghoill is the owner of Ard Éinne House B&B, the person who makes the business tick and standard setter at the bed & breakfast on the south side of the island which overlooks the beach.
A quick look at any of the 91 Google reviews of Ard Éinne House demonstrates how important it is to Clodagh and her team to be hospitable, attentive and helpful.
A graduate of GMIT where she studied Hotel & Catering Management, Clodagh beams while speaking to this reporter as she receives an alert for the latest review. It reads as follows: “Clodagh was the best host we ever had. We got to the island around 4:30pm and she called the shop to help us get bikes so we can explore that same day. She gave us great recommendations and was truly our savior this stop in our trip. The breakfast was delicious and the house was so cute in the quiet part of the island. Definitely recommend staying here for the night on the island.”
Clodagh tells The Clare Echo, “When our guest check-in, we like to help them make the most of their time, we help them plan their itinerary around where to go and what to see so that they can make the most of their visit to the island. We get positive reviews and we get a lot of repeat guests as well.”
Her parents established the B&B in 1984, with Clodagh and husband Gerry moving home in 1997 to manage it until they took
over the business in 2008. Since then, they have continued the tradition of family hospitality with their children Ashling, Caobhán & Prionnsias helping out along the way.
Every year, Clodagh and her team welcome guests from across the world from March until the end of October. The six-bedroom B&B is famous for its delicious breakfast and can accomodate up to 14 people at one time (note: the B&B can be booked out for special
l The stunning view from Ard Éinne House and (right) at sunrise
Visitors can avail of taxi services or rent bicycles for transport, all of which will be arranged by a staff member as Clodagh notes “there are no challenges at all” with connectivity to any part of the island.
occassions!)
Asked what makes a stay at Ard Éinne so special, Clodagh notes, “We’re we’re located in a unique part of the island.
“We’re elevated on the hill with spectacular views and overlooking the beach. We’re 300 meters from the airfield, and we’re in a quite part of the island, it’s very scenic. It’s ideal for people who want a break away because it’s not in the village and it’s quiet.”
“It’s an ideal base for hiking and cycling. We’re located in the prehistoric, Celtic monastic area, so St Enda’s Church is beside us, and there’s also the hike to the Black Fort which is a must, you’ve also channel Chapel Bheanain in our locality and Túr Mháirtín, there’s lots of cliff walks around our area. There’s a full day of exploring at our end of the island without even going past the main village of Kilronan.” Depending on your time on the island, everything is accessible and Clodagh recommends three full days to really explore everything there is to see in Inis Mór. “There’s a lot to explore”.
Visitors can book online with Booking. com however Clodagh notes that the best value is achieved by contacting directly by phone or email.
Explore the breathtaking southern coastline of Inis Mór
ARAN Sea Tours offers a unique way to explore the breathtaking southern coastline of Inis Mór — a side of the island few visitors ever get to see.
From custom boat hire to guided fishing trips, we provide immersive experiences that celebrate the raw beauty, culture, and tradition of the Aran Islands.
Our tours reveal the dramatic cliffs and rugged limestone terrain that define Inis Mór. Towering sea cliffs plunge into the Atlantic, home to nesting seabirds and sculpted by centuries of wind and wave. The southern coastline, untouched by mass tourism, showcases a more authentic, untamed view of the island — a place where nature reigns and time slows down.
We take great pride in sharing this hidden gem with our guests. Our experienced local skipper guides you
along coastal routes that unveil secluded coves, ancient stone walls, and panoramic views few get to witness.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful sightseeing cruise, a thrilling fishing trip, or a private charter tailored to your interests, Aran Sea Tours offers it all.
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy everything from deepsea angling to mackerel and pollock trips, with all equipment provided. Our boats are fully licensed and equipped for comfort, safety, and adventure.
At Aran Sea Tours, we’re not just showing you Inis Mór — we’re sharing our home, our history, and our deep pride in the landscape that has shaped generations. Come and see the wild side of Inis Mór, as it was meant to be experienced.
Top sights to see in Inis Mór
THERE are so many wonderful things to see and do on the Aran Islands and Inis Mor is no exception.
So to make things a little easier for you, here is a list of Inis Mor’s top attractions compiled by our friends at Doolin Ferry.
A. Dún Aonghasa
One of Inis Mor’s most popular attractions is the Dun Aonghasa. Also known as ‘Fort of Aengus’ it is arguably the most famous attraction on the Island. This magnificent fort is a semi-circular structure that rests on the edge of a high cliff, rising 100 metres out of the Atlantic Ocean. This is the largest of the prehistoric ruins on the Aran Islands. The fort is about a 900 metre hike from the Visitor Centre to the base of the rise. After visiting the centre the fort is about a 10 minute climb up to reach the top. So please be sure to have appropriate footwear and be prepared for some amazing views! Is there an entry fee to visit Dun Aengus?
Adults €5
Group/ Seniors €4
Students/ Children €3 (children under 12 are free)
Family €13 (2 adults + children under 16)
B. Poll Na BPéist (Serpents Lair)
You’ve probably already heard of the famous worm hole on the Aran Islands, also referred to as Poll na bPeist or Serpents Lair (pictured right). This is a perfectly rectangular shaped pool located near the village of Gort na gCapall. The worm hole pool is connected to the Atlantic by an underground channel. The famous Red Bull Cliff Diving competition took place here in 2012.
C. Dún Eoghanachta (Fort of Eoin)
If you’re looking for things to
do on the Aran Islands then Dún Eoghanachta should certainly be on your list. This is an inland ring fort as well located in the western side on Inis Mor in a remote area of the island off the road between Kilronan and Dun Aengus. This fort is in the townland of Eoghanacht, south of the village of Sruthán. It has a single circular two-terraced wall of impressive height. The remains of several Clochain (stone houses) lie inside. The fort takes its name from the Eoghanachta tribe of Munster who were associated with the island in medieval times.
D. Na Seacht d’Tempaillt (The Seven Churches)
If you’re unsure what to do on the Aran Islands then why not visit the seven churches. Despite its name these remains are comprised of two small churches and several domestic buildings. This was a well-known place of pilgrimage in the West of Ireland in its time. The monastic settlement founded by Dísert Bhreacáin rivaled the St. Enda’s settlement on the east side of Inis Mór.
INIS OIRR IN FOCUS
‘It’s a different
world here’ - visitors urged to experience Aran Seaweed Baths & Spa
by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
INIS Oírr is arguably one of the most attractive places in Ireland to switch off. It’s fitting, so, that Annette Joyce set up Aran Seaweed Baths & Spa on the island. Since opening in 2012, her facility has become popular with visitors as well as locals looking to reward themselves with R&R when the long tourist season comes to an end in November.
Originally from Milford, North Cork, she is married to Oliver, a native of Inis Oírr and together they are raising their 12 year old twin boys.
Annette always wanted to work with seaweed so a small, touristy island on the Wild Atlantic Way seemed like the perfect place to grow her business. “I saw a niche in the market. People come to the island to relax and recharge so a rejuvenating treatment is a perfect ad-
dition to their self-care routine.”
Annette told The Clare Echo, “I am blessed to have amazing support from the island community. Other business owners hand out my brochures and spread the word, for which I am so grateful.”
Annette is passionate about seaweed and its many benefits. “It’s full of minerals and antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. A detoxifier with great healing power, it’s great for skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. It is also excellent at relaxing muscles, soothing tension and alleviating pains in the bones. People love having a soak after a long walk, hike, or cycle on the island.”
Aran Seaweed Baths & Spa offers a wide range of treatments from the popular hand-harvested, fresh seaweed baths to reflexology, facials, beauty treatments
and specializes in various massages: Swedish, hot stone, bamboo, Indian head massage.
Annette adds, “I always strive to improve customer comfort so took the opportunity during lockdown to renovate the upstairs to add an extra treatment room with a shower in order to expand my range of services to include wraps and scrubs.
“I also added a relaxation area where people can relax and revive with a fresh range of teas while taking in an amazing view of the island.”
Last summer, Annette expanded her business to include a wood burning sauna which caters up to 10 people, along with a wood burning hot tub that seats 5, as well as a cooling plunge barrel. “We’ve found it’s a fantastic idea for groups, but just as nice to indulge in yourself after a treatment or bath, where you can relax
Úna embedded in Inis
Oírr’s unique fabric
FOR those arriving in Inis Oírr, one of the first sights you’ll see is Caife Úna. Some rush past in the scramble to rent a bike next door - but if you slow down and amble into the café for a coffee or bite to eat, you’ll be greatly rewarded.
Run by Úna McDonagh along with her husband John, children Éanna and Gael, and helped by their team, the family-run Caife Úna offers visitors home-baked goods, cakes, light lunch options, teas, coffee and more.
While the cosy and welcoming café has been in operation for nearly 10 years, Úna also showcases her traditions through the business, which she admits has grown thanks to a growing tourist trade which has benefitted greatly from the island’s relationship with Doolin and particularly O’Brien’s Doolin Ferries.
A woman of the island and its culture, Úna is an enterprising spirit and also leads walking & culture tours around the island, and knitting workshops.
Úna herself learned to knit before she went to school and finished her first Aran
sweater before she finished primary school.
“People come to learn the Aran knitting designs and local techniques and traditions.
“Well, Aran knitting is know around the world, and was made famous over the years in various forms, from the 1932 Man of Aran film made by Robert Flaherty, to the Clancy brothers and right through to modern celebrities still wearing them, and that gave world exposure to the Aran sweater.
“The Aran designs are specific to the islands. The diamond depicts the little field with the richness of crops, for example.”
At each workshop Úna creates a project for the class so that everyone in attendance will always have a momento of their trip to the island and leave Úna’s Café with much more than just a full belly.
The workshops cater to both beginners and experienced knitters, with a minimum group size of 15. The tours, meanwhile, use a mini bus and local transport when necessary, and are on daily but must also be prebooked.
The cafe is seasonal, operating from March to November.
and enjoy the view of O’Brien’s castle and watch the boats passing by.”
Customers can combine all that’s good about Aran Seaweed Baths for a day of relaxation. Annette says, “I do a lovely package of half an hour bath, half an hour treatment called The Relax and Revive package. Customers can select two 30-minute treatments from a menu consisting of back massage, reflexology, seaweed baths and more. A lot of people are opting for the sauna afterwards to give themselves that little extra chill out time.”
When asked why people from Clare should come to visit Aran Seaweed Baths & Spa, Annette says, “Because life is so busy now with everybody always on the go. Lifestyles have changed. People are appreciative of the value of taking time for self-care.
“It’s another world here. People go home refreshed and relaxed yet recharged.”
Due to demand of people wanting to take seaweed baths at home, Annette and her husband Oliver started
to hand-harvest their own seaweed off the Inis Oírr coastline, along with dillisk and carrageen moss, both of which can be used in cooking.
They also showcase their seaweed at a trailer at the famous Plassey shipwreck (seen in the opening credits of Father Ted) along with other souvenirs such as caps, t-shirts, magnets and more.
Vouchers are a lovely gift and are available at the spa or contact Annette via phone, email, Instagram or Facebook.
l The hot-tub and (inset) sauna at Aran Seaweed Baths
INIS OIRR IN FOCUS
All aboard the Wanderly Wagon on Inis Oírr
by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie
ON INIS Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands, the family-run Wanderly Wagon business has become a vital part of the local tourism industry.
What began over 40 years ago with a humble pony and trap has grown into a professional, customer-focused operation offering visitors a convenient and comfortable way to explore the island.
Bríd Seoighe, the director of Wanderly Wagon, shares how the company began and the journey it has taken over the years.
The family-run business was started by her father who used to run tours with a pony and trap.
Due to the space in the trap he could only take four or five people at a time, so he decided to find a way to expand the business to accommodate larger groups.
“That led to the creation of the iconic wagon pulled by a tractor, which operated for
many years. “We had tractors and wagons for a good number of years that could take 15 people,” explained Bríd. In recent years, the company has modernised further to allow for more comfort for
tourists taking tours around the island.
“So two years ago, we got mini buses, so now we have two 16-seaters, mini buses that take you around the island. That allows for more
makes it more memorable and personal to customers, who love spending time with the local drivers and members of our family.”
Tourism has become a vital part of island life. “Tourism is a huge lifeline on the island,” Bríd says.
“Our tour season was very short, it used to be June, July, and August. Now, our tour season runs from March until the end of October.”
Inis Oírr itself continues to draw visitors for its beauty and history.
“There’s a huge amount of history of the island… we have a castle and the watchtower on the island. We have a shipwreck on the island as well. There is so much history and so much culture on the island. It’s a huge attraction.”
on the tour and
The Wanderly Wagon offer an efficient and enriching way to see the island, especially for day-trippers.
“A lot of tourists that come to Ireland and the west of Ireland often only have a week or maybe ten days if they are lucky to see everything.
“So these tours are great because they can be on the island by 10:30 in the morning, we will take them around the island and they can be back in Doolin by 2pm.”
Wanderly Wagon, along with any other tour companies on the island, do their very best to show tourists the best and most interesting parts of Inis Oírr.
Bríd adds: “We go to the shipwreck, we go to the cemetery, and we go to the castle, which is the highest point of the island… and that’s huge.”
A special kind of afternoon tea...
TEACH an Tae is offering Clare Echo readers a unique Afternoon Tea experience in 2025. You are invited to relax in the Donoghue's heritage Tea Rooms with organic Solaris teas or barista coffee while delighting in exclusive home baked treats, freshly made scones and savoury selections.
Established 20 years ago, the Tea Rooms & Café Aran will be familiar to many, as featured in the documentary Bliain in Inis Oírr on TG4. The menu remains home-made and celebrates the best of the season from the family garden and local producers.
For further details and to book, please visit www.cafearan.ie / Instagram @cafearan. Make an island memory this summer.
interaction
Top things to do with the kids in Inis Oírr
1. Fun ways to get around
To get around, you can rent a bike or hop on a pony and trap. There are two bike rental shops near the pier, and kids will love the freedom of riding along, with very few cars to bother them. You can rent a child seat or buggy for little ones or a tag along to an adult bike. Another great option is a pony and trap ride with an island guide who’ll share the history and sites of interest, as you meander along the charming narrow roads. Alternatively, for families with a pram or buggy, the island’s small size makes it perfect for exploring on foot.
2. Visit the Plassey Shipwreck
A visit to Inis Oirr isn’t complete without seeing the iconic Plassey Shipwreck, which featured in the opening credits of Father Ted tv series. Stranded on the rocks since 1960, the shipwreck is a captivating sight and a great spot for imaginative play. Kids will love the adventure of discovering this real-life shipwreck, and to learn about the heroic efforts of
the islanders who managed to save everyone on board. Photographs and information about the historic event line the walls of Tigh Ned pub, opposite the pier, if you want to learn more.
3. See the Lighthouse Next on the list is the Lighthouse, located on the island’s eastern shore, standing tall at 34 metres in height and still in operation. It’s a bit of a trek for younger kids so depending on everyone’s energy levels, you might be content to just admire it from a distance. It’s generally closed to the public, but you can wander around the grounds and pose for photos with the striking black and white horizontal striped building in the background.
4. Explore O’Brien’s Castle
Perched on a hill overlooking the harbour, O’Brien’s Castle offers a glimpse into the island’s medieval past. The short hike up to the castle is manageable for kids and it’s the perfect spot for a family photo with stunning views over the island. The castle ruins are perfect for a game of hide and seek or
for climbing the crumbling walls (pictured).
5. The Sunken Church
The Sunken Church (Teampall Chaomháin or St.Cavan’s Church) is a 10th century ruin located opposite the airstrip on Inis Oírr. This revered site became completely submerged under sand over hundreds of years until the locals excavated it. According to legend, anyone who can fit through the narrow east window of the Sunken Church is assured a place in heaven so see how
many in the family manage to squeeze through!
6. Time for Lunch
When it’s time to refuel, Inis Oirr offers a variety of family-friendly dining options that are sure to please everyone. The Seaweed Café does delicious pizzas, paninis and home-baked treats, with a choice of both indoor and outdoor seating. Flaherty’s bar, at Inis Oírr Hotel has a great menu and hungry kids will be distracted by the colourful flags on the ceiling and paraphernalia on the
walls while waiting for their food to arrive! Local pubs, Tigh Ruairí and Tigh Ned are also known for their delicious food. Café Úna and Teach an Tae are great spots for some time out on your day of adventure or how about a quick stop at the crèpe van by the beach where kids will love choosing their favourite toppings!
7. Bug Hunt
The hedgerows on Inis Oírr are filled with lots of colourful wildflowers teeming with tiny creatures just waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s spotting a caterpillar or an unusually patterned moth or butterfly, bug hunting is a fun and educational way to connect with the environment.
8. Playground and Pitch
For some active fun, head to the island’s playground and pitch. The playground is a great spot for kids to burn off some energy, while the pitch is perfect for a family game of football or frisbee. It’s a wonderful way to meet other families from near and far.
9. Hit the Beach
The beautiful sandy beach
beside the harbour, Trá Inis Oírr, is ideal for children to paddle and play. Bring a picnic, build sandcastles and enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear water. Or just relax and unwind as you soak up the stunning surroundings.
10. Cliffs of Moher Cruise A Cliffs of Moher boat tour with Doolin Ferry is a fun thing to do for all the family. Kids will love sailing past the Harry Potter Cave and the giant sea stack and keeping an eye out for the puffins and other seabirds who call it home during nesting season. If they’re lucky, they might even spot a dolpin splashing nearby. The entertaining onboard commentary provides lots of interesting facts and folklore about the Cliffs and is available to download in a range of languages to cater for people from near and far.
Doolin Ferry sails to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher from March to mid-November. This is the fastest way to reach the Aran Islands – just a short 15 minute boat ride to Inis Oír from Doolin. Check tour options and book online at www. doolinferry.com
DOOLIN IN FOCUS
McDermott’s: A family legacy of four generations
Our Story: A Family Legacy for Four Generations
Our Pub is not just a business; it’s a family legacy.
Owned and run by Patsy & Stephen McDermott, managed by Paudie; Our Pub has been a beloved part of the McDermott family for four generations.
As you step through our doors, our friendly staff will embrace you with open arms. We pride ourselves on offering a warm welcome to Doolin, ensuring your time here is nothing short of extraordinary. If you need anything during your visit, our team is always ready to assist. McDermott’s Pub – The Heart of Doolin’s Music and Community
Tucked away in the charming village of Doolin, McDermott’s Pub is more than just a place to enjoy a pint — it’s the soul of traditional Irish culture on the west coast.
Known across Ireland and beyond for its lively atmosphere and rich heritage, McDermott’s has become a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Irish pub experience.
What truly sets McDermott’s apart is its unwavering commitment to live traditional Irish music.
Every night of the week — seven nights strong — the pub comes alive with the sounds of fiddles, flutes, bodhráns, and heartfelt vocals. These sessions are organic gatherings of local musicians, each adding their own flair to the living tradition of Irish music. It’s not uncommon for visiting players to join in, making every night a unique celebration of Irish culture.
The Local’s pub
While Doolin has become popular with tourists, McDermott’s remains proud of its roots as the locals’ pub. Step inside and you’ll find familiar faces at the bar, friendly chat by the fireplace, and a warm welcome for anyone who walks through the door. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon pint or a raucous night of tunes and laughter, McDermott’s is where the people of Doolin come together.
With a long-standing reputation for great pints, hearty Irish meals, and genuine hospitality, McDermott’s Pub continues to embody the spirit of Clare.
It’s a place where stories are shared, music is made, and memories are born — seven nights a week. For anyone visiting the Wild Atlantic Way, McDermott’s isn’t just a stop — it’s a destination.
Over 40 years of jams, chutneys, marmalades & jellies in Doolin
by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie
The Clare Jam Shop is a family-run business situated equal distance between the traditional music village of Doolin and the national heritage Cliffs of Moher (2km each way), on the Burren Way and the Wild Atlantic Way.
Started in the 1980s by Vera Muir, the shop has been making handmade jams, marmalades, chutneys, and jellies on-site for over 40 years.
The shop began with a small range of traditional jams like strawberry, raspberry, and gooseberry. Over the years, Vera has added more based on customer requests.
“One man kept asking for rhubarb and ginger,” Vera says.
“I gave it a go — now it’s nearly as popular as strawberry!”
winter, while mint jelly goes well with lamb.
Rose petal jelly is a unique option that can be used with scones, cheese, or ice cream.
All products are made in the shop by Vera and her family. Some special flavours, like fig & apple or rose petal jam, are only available in-store.
Customers can also buy a 12-jar box and get one free, a popular option for returning visitors.
At the Clare Jam Shop, you can browse a range of wonderful selection of products from jams to marmalades and chutneys.
The Seville orange marmalade is a favourite, and the three-fruit marmalade (orange, lemon, and grapefruit) is just as popular.
There are also whiskey
Marmalade is another big seller, especially among Irish and UK visitors.
marmalades, made with Connemara and Bushmills whiskey, which are especially popular with tourists.
The shop also makes a variety of jellies and chutneys. Apple jelly with clove and cinnamon is perfect for
You can also meet the makers and owners of the business to discuss all things jams, recipes and useful tips and of course you can savour the wonderful view overlooking the Aran Islands.
PICTURED: The Clare Jam Shop and (left) its owner Vera
DOOLIN IN FOCUS
Best of North Clare hospitality at Village Crafts
by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie
Located in the centre of Doolin village, the Village Crafts Shop has quietly become a longstanding fixture of the local landscape. Established over three decades ago, this family-run business offers visitors a thoughtfully curated collection of Irish crafts and souvenirs, alongside a warm welcome that reflects the very best of North Clare hospitality.
The Village Crafts Shop, owned and operated by Maeve Fitzgerald, offers more than just souvenirs, it’s a place rooted in local history, family tradition, and warm Irish hospitality.
“We started it up 30 years ago,” says Maeve. “It’s a family run shop.” Together with her daughter and her husband who has since retired but still occasionally steps in to work the till, Maeve has built a shop that caters to tourists from around the world while staying true to its local roots.
The shop originally began life as a grocery store near the family home, before the Fitzgeralds saw an opportunity to do something different on a small site in the village. “There was two small cottages on it, derelict, and we knocked them and we built a summer grocery shop down here for tourists in the summer,” Maeve recalls. “Then it just got harder, more difficult to run a grocery shop and we decided maybe there’d be an opening for a craft shop”
Today, the Village Crafts Shop is known for its extensive range of high-quality Irish goods. “We have everything that the tourists could look for,” Maeve says. “We have souvenirs, sweaters, knits, lovely hand-knit baby
wear, Guinness products… we’d be one of the only people in this area that would have them, other than the Cliffs of Moher.”
What has made the shop truly special over the years is its loyal customer base and its deep-rooted connection to the community. “We welcome a lot of tourists into the shop from all countries and we find now that people who were here 15, 20 years ago, they’re coming back again… and they send their friends which is great.”
As the summer season begins, the shop opens daily from 10am to 7pm. For Maeve, the enduring appeal of Doolin plays a significant role in the shop’s continued success. “Doolin itself has a great name… and what made that great name was the people of Doolin and the business people of Doolin,” she says. “It’s an Irish welcome we wanted, and that’s really the basis.”
PICTURED:DoolinVillage Crafts and (from top) Maeve and her daughter; a selected Irish broach available at the shop along with the wide range of Aran sweaters
Doolin’s Michelin star continues to shine
TUCKED between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher, on a quiet stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way, sits one of County Clare’s two Michelin-starred restaurant; Homestead Cottage, writes Lisa Mullaly
But blink and you might miss it. This 200-year-old stone cottage, with its limewashed walls and flagstone floors, could be mistaken for a postcard-perfect rural home—until you step inside and discover a unique and inviting culinary experience which celebrates the local produce of Ireland’s West coast.
“It’s like walking into a warm hug,” says chef and co-owner Robbie McCauley, a sentiment echoed by many who’ve dined at the intimate, 30-seat restaurant since it opened in July 2023. Less than six months after welcoming their first guests, Homestead Cottage stunned the Irish culinary world by earning a Michelin star in January 2024, which they continue to hold in 2025.
“We never set out to win awards,” Robbie admits. “We just wanted a small restaurant that celebrated what’s in season and what’s growing and produced here in Clare.” That passion for place and produce has become the heart of Homestead Cottage’s identity and the ethos they live by.
With his wife Sophie running the front of house and Robbie in the kitchen, the couple have created something rare: a dining experience that feels like home, while delivering plates worthy of international acclaim. Much of what appears on the ever-changing tasting menu is grown in their own garden or sourced directly from local farmers, fish-
ers, and artisans.
“We are just a stone’s throw away from the ocean so we’ve got amazing frsh crab and lobster” Robbie says. “The beef and lamb from the Burren is exceptional. And when it comes to vegetables and herbs, if we’re not growing it ourselves, we’re sourcing it as close to home as possible.”
While Michelin stars restaurants often follow the aesthetic starched tablecloths and hushed dining rooms, Homestead Cottage is anything but. “We wanted to strip back the formalities,” Robbie explains. “It’s about letting people relax, enjoy the food and wine, and enjoy the setting as well because when the sun shines in Clare, there’s no better place in the world.”
Since the Michelin star announcement, international attention has followed. A major feature on CNN in January brought a wave of American interest, and the restaurant was recently named one of the 100 best in Ireland by the Irish Times. Still, Robbie says the goal is to grow slowly and sustainably.
25 Cois Ne Ce
This excellent holding is located on the northern side of the Ennis to Scariff road (R352) 13 km east of Ennis and adjacent to Tulla village. The entire property (Folio CE15790) including the residence extends to 21.9 ha (54 acres) and is for sale in lots.
Lot 1 – The residence on 0.57 hectares (1.4 acres) Asking Price €225,000
• Lot 2 – Farm on 21.31 hectares (52.63 acres) Asking Price €625,000
Lot 3 – The Entire being the residence and lands on 21.88 hectares (54 acres) Asking Price €850,000
The residence is set on 1.4acres with access onto the R352. It is a 4 bedroom detached bungalow on a private site serviced by a septic tank and a well.
The land holding consists of some top class pasture land for the most part. It has excellent access onto the R352 and also has excellent road frontage to the northern boundary onto the back road into Tulla village on the L4078.
Sherry
002295
Sherry FitzGerald McMahon is delighted to present this fine 4-bedroom semi-detached property, nestled in a corner position within the Cois Na Ce development in Kilrush. This home offers a perfect blend of space, style, and comfort. Built circa 2006 and maintained to an impeccable standard, the property boasts modern finishes throughout.
Enjoy the convenience of being within walking distance of both Cappagh Pier and Kilrush town centre, making this an exceptional choice for families, professionals, or anyone seeking coastal living with ease. This property is in excellent condition throughout and presents an outstanding opportunity for anyone seeking a beautifully finished home in a well-established and convenient location.
Cluain Glas, Circular Road, Kilkee, Co. Clare
Sherry FitzGerald McMahon are proud to present this superb A2-rated, four-bedroom detached property, built in 2020 and finished to the highest standards throughout. Set on a generous 0.3-acre site, this impressive single-storey home is located just a 2-minute walk from Kilkee’s horseshoe beach. Whether you’re seeking a forever home, a stylish coastal retreat, or an accessible, energy-efficient residence with zero compromise on quality, this property is a rare find.
The property is accessed via secure gates with a tarmacadam driveway providing ample off-street parking. The landscaped front garden creates a welcoming feel, complemented by outdoor features like an electric car charger, external taps, and power sockets.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a truly exceptional, future-proof home just moments from Kilkee’s beautiful beach and within easy walking distance of all the town’s shops, cafés, and amenities.
Sherry FitzGerald McMahon
Contact: Róisín Lennon
Tel: (065) 686 7866
PSL 002295
Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Contact: Róisín Lennon Tel: (065) 686 7866
Apartment to Rent - 2 Bedroom - 2 Bathroom. Quinn Property Management are delighted to bring to the rental market this newly renovated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment to let in a very desirable residential area- Cuirt an Fhile.
This property is on the top floor of the complex and offers 2 large bedrooms, 1 with an ensuite, 1 bathroom, large kitchen coming dining/ living room area. The property is fully furnished with onsite parking available.
The development is conveniently positioned within 2kms of Ennis town centre, offering walking access to local primary and secondary schools, along with close by parks many other outdoor and sport amenities that Ennis town boasts. The property is situated within 5 minutes drive to the M18 motorway which
offers easy commuting access to Galway and Limerick cities.
Viewing is highly recommended. *We are requesting expressions of interest by email only. To register your interest in this property, please fill your details in to the “Contact Seller Box” on the right hand side of this ad in order to receive an application form. We endeavour to reply to as many enquiries as possible, unfortunately due to the current large volume of enquiries everyone will not receive a response.
Cuirt An Fhile, Millbank, Rosleven, Ennis, Co. Clare
FOR SALE BY AUCTION Wednesday the 23rd of July 2025
CLARE CAN'T AFFORD TO BE MISSING PLAYERS, SAYS KEANE
STORY OF THE GAME
MONAGHAN
Frees for: 12 (3/9)
Wides: 14 (5/9)
Spread of scorers: 11
Scores from play: 1-16
Top scorer: Jack McCarron (0-8)
Bookings: none Own kick-outs won: 12/16 CLARE Frees for: 10 (4/6) Wides: 3 (2/1)
Spread of scorers: 6
Scores from play: 1-14
Top scorer: Aaron Griffin (1-3)
Bookings: Ikem Ugwueru (62) Own kick-outs won: 16/33
REFEREE: James Owens (Wexford)
SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND ROBIN
MONAGHAN 1-25 CLARE 1-16
Venue: St Tiernach’s Park, Clones
Compiled by Colm Shalvey
by Colm Shalvey
news@clareecho.ie
CLARE cannot afford to be missing players, manager Peter Keane said following their nine point loss to Monaghan.
A strong opening half which resulted in Clare building up a seven point half-time lead with Connor Meaney landing two point-
ers was not matched in Sunday’s second half as Keane’s charges fell to a nine point loss.
Three successive championship defeats, the Munster final and first two outings in the All-Ireland SFC have been recorded by Clare but they can still qualify for a preliminary All-Ireland quarter-final should they overcome Louth in Portlao-
ise on Sunday next.
Keane is hopeful of having the injured pair of Cillian Brennan and Emmet McMahon available for selection for that game.
“We’d be hopeful, the medical team are working as good as they can and they have been very good, they weren’t too far away today that maybe we could have them for a fortnight”.
He added, "To be missing Cillian Rouine, Cillian Brennan and Emmet McMahon … we need everyone and hopefully we’ll have them back for the next game.
Experienced forward Keelan Sexton was an unused substitute in Clare's latest outing with Jamie Stack, Evan Cahill and Darren Nagle all introduced when the game was out of reach.
He said the wind was a big factor in the second half and referenced a “very difficult” week for Clare football with the death of Éanna Rouine.”
"We worked very hard and
the two-pointers worked well for us in the first half, but we paid for it on the other side in the second half.
"There was a very strong wind. They probably got back into the game pretty early in that second half, but I can’t fault the lads, considering we were down a few fellas and the week we had. It’s very difficult on the lads. It’s just a very difficult situation and our hearts went out to them”.
Getting out of Division 3 is key for Clare to progress, the former Kerry manager stated. “You’re looking at a Division One outfit. I saw them against Louth and they were very impressive. They have a lot of movement and a lot of quality.
"We just have to try to get out of Division Three and play at a higher level. That’s how you progress and the beauty of this competition is there’s games and games and when you play better teams you learn”.
Minors 'ready to give semi-final a right go'
REACHING a fourth successive All-Ireland minor hurling semi-final is testament to the work ongoing with development squads in the county, minor manager Ger O’Connell has said.
An eight point win for Clare over Galway saw them set up a semi-final rematch with Cork in two weeks.
Paul Rodgers finished as Clare’s top scorer with 0-11 while Liam Murphy and Rory Ralph raised green flags on a day when Dara Kennedy and Evan Crimmins excelled in defence with Clare sealing a 2-21 2-13 victory.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, O’Connell praised their strong second half showing. “It was a comprehensive second half, especially when we conceded a goal right at the start of the second half as
well, you know. But I’ve been saying it all along about these boys, they’ve great character and as a group they’ve been through a lot of ups and downs this year. I said it to them in the dressing room beforehand, that we’ve every time we have responded and the second half was just that”. There was more than the wind that led to their second half dominance, the Clonlara man said. “We knew we had the elements as well but that alone doesn’t win you games. It helps when you have Murphy and Rodgers inside; if you can get them enough ball you are going to do damage. The wind was strong in the first so we just needed to stay tipping away, get our scores. We got the goal off Rory (Ralph) and we opened it up two or three times and let a few goal chances get away as well. But look, it would have been
ALL-IRELAND MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP QF
CLARE 2-21 GALWAY 2-13
Venue: FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles Compiled by Enda Treacy
STORY OF THE GAME
CLARE
Frees for: 9 (5/4) Wides: 13 (2/11)
Spread of scorers: 7
Scores from play: 2-13
Top scorer: Paul Rodgers (0-11, 0-6f, 0-1 sl-cut)
Bookings: Zak Phelan (31), Dara Kennedy (62)
Own puckouts won: 13 from 20 (65%)
GALWAY Frees for: 11 (7/4) Wides: 6 (3/3)
Spread of scorers: 6
Scores from play: 2-8
Top scorer: Tadhg Mac Carthaigh & Ronan Cahalan 1-2 each
Bookings: Gus Lohan (19), Mikey Maher (32)
Own puckouts won: 19 from 34 (56%)
REFEREE: Nicholas Barry (Waterford)
worse if we weren’t creating them but I’m delighted with that second half.”
1-3 from the stick of Liam Murphy saw him effectively turn out to be the match winner for Clare. “Murph is brilliant, but it's not just his
scoring. Along with Rodge and Ben (Talty), their effort off the ball is just constant and that is the energy we’re trying to bring to the group. It’s amazing, would I have taken this at the start of the year? Absolutely. To be in an
All-Ireland semi-final and it gives us a nice two weeks to get ready and we’re going to give that a right go”.
Reaching four All-Ireland semi-finals in a row “at this level it is really, really hard. This is my first year and we really want to build on what has been done previously. There is such good work going on. It goes from under 14s, 15s, 16s, and the whole development piece going on in Clare and it is something we have to build on.”
l Clare's Daniel Walsh
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
l Paul Rodgers gets a shot away on the ground with one hand
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
by Enda Treacy news@clareecho.ie
SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT
Avenue gig for Walla
ADRIAN WALSH is to take over from David Russell as the new manager of Premier Division champions Avenue Utd. Walla who joined Avenue’s first team as coach for what was Russell’s last of six seasons in charge was ratified by the club committee this week to take on the top job.
Former Chairman of the Clare District Soccer League, Oliver Fitzpatrick will remain involved as joint assistant manager with Eoin Slattery continuing in his role as part of the management team focusing on analysis. Walsh confirmed he hopes to make three more additions to his ticket including a joint assistant manager and goalkeeper coach, “all of these will be persons outside the club so we are freshening it up”
Ennis native Adrian will be the side’s main coach. The club is also expected to add to their squad as they begin their quest to win three Premier Division titles in a row. Long-serving winger Mark Roche a four-time Premier Division winner has confirmed he will not be part of the squad when they resume preparations ending a 13 year career with the club’s first team while defensive midfielder Dylan Barry has relocated to New York City. Full article & interview on www.clareecho.ie.
Youthful Clare show progress says Shine
STORY OF THE GAME
CLARE
Frees For: 12 (3/9)
Wides: 5 (2/3)
Scores from play: 5-11
Spread of scorers: 8
Own kickouts won: 4 out of 9 (44%)
Bookings: None
OFFALY
Frees For: 26 (10/16)
Wides: 1 (0/1)
Scores from play: 1-3
Spread of scorers: 3
Own kickouts won: 14 out of 22 (64%)
Bookings: None
REFEREE: Conor McCarthy (Cork)
TG4 ALL IRELAND INT' LADIES FOOTBALL CHAMP'
CLARE 5-12 OFFALY 2-06
Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Ciosóg, Ennis
Compiled by Seamus Hayes
by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie
STARTING their championship bid with a resounding fifteen point win over Offaly while lining out with nine starters under the age of twenty has aided the cause of a youthful Clare ladies football side.
Clare manager Graham Shine was, understandably, very happy with his side’s performance and display on Sunday. “It was a comprehensive win and we are delighted as a group. This week a few girls were away but we stuck together. We were disappointed last weekend but we didn’t let that upset us, we put in a great week”, the Kerry man told The Clare Echo shortly after Sunday’s game.
“There is a massive bond between the young girls. People outside the group might not realise the youth that is after coming into it combined with the senior girls. We asked today for attitude and they gave it to us in spades and I am delighted”, the Clare boss added.
Looking ahead to the team’s next game which will be away
to Wexford in two weeks time he said, “that’s a big challenge again, we can only ask the girls to go out and perform, and do what we ask. I couldn’t be prouder of them today, they put in a massive effort”.
Facing into a strong second half wind, Clare put an emphasis on workrate, Shine outlined. “We said at half time, we will draw a line across that and go at them straight away and if we work hard we will take our chances. The girls were brilliant in that third quarter and in the fourth quarter we were able to get our subs on. It’s a good day for us and we are delighted”.
Concluding the manager said “We will be taking it one game at a time We have 9 girls starting who are under 20 years of age and it’s a big learning curve for them. That was their first championship game, last week was their first Munster final. There are a lot of learnings and I think we learned a lot from last week and hopefully we will continue to learn. It’s positive going forward”.
Community Games County Athletics Finals
4.
Visit www.
for a full round-up from the event which will be published on Thursday at 3pm.
l Teresa Collins takes on Ella Cuskelly Burren Eye Photography
l Eoin Guilfoyle of Éire Óg shields the ball from St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s Tom McDonald Photo by Gerard O'Neill
The County Athletics Finals took place on Saturday at Lee's Road. Pictured is the podium from the U12 Long Jump event: Isla O’Rourke – Crusheen/ Ballinruan/ Tubbber
2. Jessie O;Driscoll –Doora/ Barefield
3. Katie Carmody –Ballynacally/ Lissycasey
Orla Henchy – Newmarket on Fergus
clareecho.ie
Scheffler versus Woods: Two Golfing Phenoms at 28
by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH
As Scottie Scheffler con tinues to dominate the golfing world, comparisons to Tiger Woods are becoming inevitable. At only 28, Scheffler's trajectory mirrors that of Woods in several remark able ways, prompting dis cussions about the emer gence of a new era in golf. Scheffler has now amassed 16 PGA Tour victories, in cluding three major cham pionships : the Masters in 2022 and 2024, and the PGA Championship this year. His recent win at the Memorial Tournament marked his third
victory in four events, joining above one hundred and twenty million dollars to date. Scheffler has held the world number one position for over 100 weeks now, a testament to his consistent excellence. Scheffler's win last Sunday in winning the Jack Nicklaus Trophy, awarded to the PGA Tour Player of the Year. A defining characteristic of Scheffler's game is his composure when leading. Notably, he has won ev-
ery tournament where he led after 54 holes, showcasing his ability to maintain and extend leads under pressure each and every time which is so rare in the sport of golf.
all-around
O'Connor claims Dromoland captain's prize
by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie
DROMOLAND GC:
NEWMARKET senior hurler Niall O’Connor showed his versatility at the weekend when he won captain John O’Neill’s prize.
Niall had two strokes to spare over Brian Shally, completing the 27 holes in 107 with Shally on 109 followed by Ryan Enright also on 109.
Brian Arthur won the gross with 80 while the category for handicappers of 20 and over was won by Darren Malone.
Other prize winners were Gareth O’Grady (front 9), Frank Melody (back 9), Eana McMahon (student), Simon Pereire (junior), Con Woods (past captain) and Charllie O’Neill (guest).
The captain’s prize to the ladies was won by Mairead Toomey with 75 from Colette Colleran on a similar score. Katrina O’Neill was third with 76. Leslie O’Flynn won the gross.
EAST CLARE:
Captain Paul Hayes’ prize was played for last weekend when there was a big entry for the ladies, men’s and senior sections.
Winner of the captain’s prize to the ladies was Marie Donnellan (20) with 36 points and she won on a countback from Geraldine Finnegan (26) with Kathleen O'Brien (26) also on 36 points in third place.
The gross was won by Siobhan Shanahan.
The Get into Golf category, over 9 holes, was won by Deirdre Tuohy from Colette Ward.
Winner of the captain’s
prize to the men was Colm Kelly (14) from John Carey (21) with third place filled by Dermot Hayes (17).
Tony Cleary won the gross while the category winners were Anthony Sweeney (13), Seamus Mason (16) and John Canney (22).
The captain’s prize to the senior men was won by Michael Hayes (18) with 47 points from Ger Hoey (21) with 43 points with third place filled by Michael Larkin:(19) with 37 points.
WOODSTOCK:
President Ken Horgan’s prize was played for at the weekend. The leading 21 players after the 18 hole competition returned for a 9 hole play off on Sunday.
Chris McGrath (12) returned 106 for the 27 holes to take the top prize.
The best score was returned by Cian Ruane (10) with 103 but he was not eligible for the top prize as he did not have enough qualifying rounds played. Lucas Kelly (5) with 107 was third winning on the back nine from Gerry Kelly (11) who had a similar score. Kieran Cunnane (1) won the gross with 71 for eighteen holes.
The category winners were Ronan O'Looney (9) with 108, Sean Williams (13) with 110 and Tom O'Donohue (20) with 114.
The president’s prize to the ladies, an 18 hole stableford competition, was won by Eilis Neville (24) with 32 points and she won on a countback from Aine Burke (34) with third spot filled by Deirdre Molyneaux (20) with 32 points.
The winner of the Bank holiday open singles was
Ken Horgan (10) with 39 points from Mark McInerney (6) with 36 points.
KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Mary Lyons (18) won the Bowman’s Lane Restaurant ladies 18 hole stableford competition at Kilrush last week with 37 points. She had one to spare over Edel Crowley (20) with Fiona Kinsella (11) a point further back in third place. Ailish Lorigan (20) also with 35 points was third.
ENNIS GOLF CLUB:
Ennis hosted the annual St Flannan’s College past pupils outing last week when the winner was Gerry Broderick (23) with 39 points. He had one to spare over Noel Pyne (7) with third place filled by Darragh Murphy (7) with 37. The gross was won by Ronan Herbert with 32.
The winner of the Ennis members category was Evan Lewis (17) with 40 points from Desmond Ryan (23) with 39 and John Gavin (16) also with 39. Andrew Whelan won the gross with 34 points.
Last week’s ladies com-
petition was the Australian spoons, a scotch foursomes stableford competition which was won by Carmel Verling and Sinéad O’Sullivan with 42 points. The gross was won by Ann A. Gallery and Helen Gallery with 23 points.
In the 9 hole ladies singles the overall winner was Marie Keane (21) with 20 points while the divisions were won by Yvonne Keohane (9) with 16 points, Nuala Healy (13) with 20 points and Claire Kennelly (22) with 18 points.
The Teresa Howard memorial 18 hole stableford competition for seniors was won by Ollie Kennelly (27) with 43 points from Michael Irwin (26) with 36 points and Tony Lawlor (13) with 35 points.
The Teresa Howard memorial 9 hole competition was won by Damon Murphy (10) with 18 points from Jim Hennessy (22) with 17 points with third place filled by Seamus Hanrahan (13) also with 17 points.
game leaves little room for critique. His recent improvements in putting, transitioning from a blade to a Spider mallet putter, have significantly enhanced his performance on the greens. While it's pre-
mature to declare Scheffler as the next Tiger Woods, his achievements at 28 are ridiculously impressive. With a robust skill set, mental fortitude, and a growing list of accolades, Scheffler is carving out his own legacy in the world of golf history. I certainly never expected to see in my lifetime another player like Tiger who would dominate so much in the modern game but there seems to be no stopping Scottie and with the form he is showing he looks like he will be the bookies favourite for the remainder of this season at least.
Double for Duggan & Cummins
by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie
FIVE Banner greyhounds entered the winner’s enclosure at the SIS Limerick meeting on Thursday last with doubles for Tulla’s Donie Duggan and Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Myles Cummins.
Races two and three made it a quick fire double for Donie Duggan as Astro Podge duly obliged for the Madden Pepper Syndicate in 29.80, this was race win number 13 for this son of Ballymac Best and Dynamic Cool Sky.
Amys Jack led from trap to line in 29.22, owned by Peter Russell from Shannon, this was career win number 18 for this son of Skywalker Rafa and Notimetotalk.
Races seven and eight brought home the double for the kennels of Myles Cummins and Breda Casey. Snuggie Benny a son of Ballymac Cashout and Slaneyside Goldi notched career win number nine in 28.89 and Syds Star under the ownership of the C-Star Syndicate landed his fifteenth career win in 29.13, he is a son of Droopys Sydney and Annual review.
Staunch Clare hurling supporter Joe Collins from Parteen presented Shanayle Turbo for an A5 graded contest and this son of Ballymac Cashout and Moment in Life didn’t disappoint to lead all the way in a time of 29.37, this his second career success.
Friday night's Galway card was headlined by what looked a very competitive A1 graded contest over 525 yards. In the A3 graded seventh contest Knockanoura Kate came away best ahead of Rylane Master but as they charged towards the opening bend it was the Donie Duggan owned and trained Rylane Master that showed the better pace to lead by a length at the opening bend. Turning for home the lead was still three lengths but Rylane Master (Burgess Bucks &
Notimetotalk) was all out to hold the thrust of Knockanoura Kate by a diminishing neck at the line in 29.34 and complete a kennel double in the process.
Duggan was back in the winners enclosure after the A8 graded sixth contest in which Charming Ciara (Grangeview Ten-Marley Star) scored by four lengths at the line in 29.87. Race two was an S8 graded sprint contest in which the Tony Brigdale of Ennis-owned Blaze Bay to slipped through to lead and the son of Slippery Robert and Sports Olivia drew clear to defeat Rocket Blanca and Coillbhui Puca by three and a half lengths in 19.93.
The Martin Cronin and Jack Markham of Ennis-owned Cragbrien Hero got off the mark in the A7 graded contest leading halfway up the run in on his way to a length and a half victory over Burnpark Archie in 30.23.
The S2 graded sprint contest quickly developed into a match between two old rivals as Burnpark Jaytee broke smartly from his trap three berth to lead from Ballyea Jet with the pair opening up a three length advantage over Seekers Jet. Rounding the bend the Maria Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Jaytee (Jaytee Jet & Seekers Vision) took command and had enough in hand to prevail by a diminishing neck in 19.32.
Scheffler's
l Niall O’Connor receives the Dromoland Captain’s Prize from John O’Neill
CLARE COUNTY
COUNCIL
CILL STUIFÍN, SCHOOL ROAD, ATTYCRISTORA, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE
Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie.
Intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of John Talty Construction Ltd for permission to construct 1 No. detached dwellinghouse together with all associated site development works and connections to public services at the above address.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY
COUNCIL POUND ROAD, KILFENORA, CO
CLARE.
Take notice that Frances Connole intends to apply for permission to revise the plans previously granted under planning reference P23/417 at the above address.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLINAHOWN, LISDOONVARNA, CO
CLARE.
Take notice that Bridget O Brien and Niall Donlon intend to apply for permission to build a dwelling house, garage, install a
wastewater treatment system and all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 49 CORROVORRIN DRIVE, ENNIS, CO CLARE. V95E0YF
Take notice that Rachel Lynch and Andrew Hogan intend to apply for permission to widen the entrance and increase the hard surface area within the curtilage of the dwelling at the above address.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL
6 TULLYVARRAGA CRESCENT, SHANNON, CO CLARE
Take Notice that Shane O Sullivan SO Arch Tech Design (087) 3654995 intends to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Tony Mulcahy for planning permission to construct a dwelling house, amend existing entrance to allow access to proposed dwelling by demolition of existing garage and make a connection to public sewer along with all associated site works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the
Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS PLANNING REF: P25/60124
Development Description: The construction of a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, wastewater treatment system and ancillary works
Location: Cragbrien, Ballynacally, Ennis, Co Clare
Take notice that Cathal Doohan & Fiona Griffin have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P25/60124. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL
FURTHER INFORMATION - NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT
PLANNING REF: P25/20
Date planning application
Received: 27/01/2025
Development Description: (a) replacement dwelling house (b) renovation and reuse of existing barn (c) upgrading domestic wastewater treatment system (d) retaining existing sheds (e) associated site works and services
Location of Development: Fahee South, Carron, Co. Clare, V95 AP90
Take notice that following a requirement of the Planning Authority, Chris & Marietta Hickey will be lodging a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in respect of planning application P25/20. This NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co.Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the NIS may be made in writing to the Authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Natura Impact Statement and a copy of this public notice.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL
GLENDREE, FEAKLE, CO. CLARE
Take notice that Bryan & Sabine Mulhall intend to apply for planning permission for development at Glendree, Feakle, Co. Clare. The development will consist of change of design and location of house previously granted permission under planning ref: P21/27 and change of applicants names as pertinent to Condition 2(a) of said permission. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the
date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARROWDUFF, MILTOWN MALBAY
Take notice that P. Malone intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect dwelling house, garage, waste water treatment system, percolation area, new site entrance and all associated works at the above address.
The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS PLANNING REF: P25/60131
Development Description:
The construction of a new dwelling house and garage complete with a wastewater treatment system and ancillary works
Location: King’s Road, Kildysart, Co. Clare
Take notice that Kieran Eyres & Laura O’Rourke have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P25/60131. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.
Markham, Clare Tulla
Flaherty, Joe Ballyvaughan
Flanagan, Tom Ennistymon
Glynn (née Clancy), Bernadette Newmarket-on-Fergus
O’Brien, Michael John Ennis
O’Neill, Fr. Noel (Patrick) Clare
Tuohy, Olivia Ennis
Recent Deaths
Mayston, Evelyn Newmarket-on-Fergus
Nestor, John Kilkee
Nestor, John Kilshanny
Bohan (née O’Neill), Thérèse (Tess)
Sparling, Georgina (Gina) Mountshannon
Kennedy, Frank Coolmeen
Ní Cheallaigh, Áine Kilmaley
O’Neill, Tommy Cranny
Rouine, Éanna Lahinch
Snody (née McMahon), Peig (Peggy Anne) Miltown Malbay
The Clare Echo Quiz
1. How long is the Great Stalactite in Doolin cave?
2. What is the name of the island located closest to Doolin?
3. Which bus route links Doolin and Ennistymon?
4. Which river runs through Doolin?
5. Doolin Cave was discovered in what year?
7. Doolin Cave is referred to as Poll an Ionain in Irish. What does this mean? Eamon’s cave Ivy cave Eanna’s cave
8. What rock primarily makes up the cave? Granite Sandstone Limestone
9. Which trio of brothers were famed traditional musicians in Doolin? The Fitzgeralds The Russells The O’Connors
10. What is the name of the street in Doolin that features O’Connor’s pub and several shops? Fisher street O’Connell street
Spot the Difference
SBCR bring the talk of East Clare to the heart of the EU. Pictured is Tom Hanley, Jim Collins, Marie McNamara, Trish Nugent and David Fleming
WORD SEARCH
The Clare Echo Crossword
Airman
Apprentice Author Censor
Champion Citizen Companion Court
Dictator Director
Doctor Fellow Friend Hard Kin Lady Lord
Member Owner Partner Seaman
Showman
Town Ward
HOW TO PLAY
Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.
Section of a book (7)
Of a pope (5)
Assuaged (7)
Idea (6)
Inflexible (5)
Alike all over (7)
Wood nymph (5)
Deserved (7)
One of the senses (7)
Calmed with
