The Clare Echo 06/03/25 by The Clare Echo

Controversial Ennis 2040 plans parked

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CONTENTIOUS plans to build on car parks in Abbey Street and Harvey’s Quay as part of the Ennis 2040 strategy have been paused.

A review is to be initiated for The Post Office Field proposal while a stronger emphasis is to be placed on housing as part of the economic and spatial strategy with different sites earmarked across the town including the Francis Street site.

Elected members of the Ennis Municipal District were informed of the altered approach at a behind closed doors briefing on Tuesday.

The decision to pause plans was welcomed by Ennis MD councillors. “Common sense has prevailed,” Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) told The Clare Echo. “It became about a car park and that should never have happened,” said Cllr Mary Howard (FG).

“I hope the Ennis 2040 DAC will listen to the overwhelming public opinion and do what is needed for Ennis and not a fanciful idea which is totally and utterly mistaken,” stated Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF).

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A €500,000 winning Euromillions ticket has been sold in Sixmilebridge.

Crowe’s Gala in Sixmilebridge sold a €500,000 winning EuroMillions plus ticket in Tuesday’s draw which has led to much ex-

citement in the village. Flora Crowe told The Clare Echo, “What an incredible win, and what a fantastic boost for our community”. More on p4

Paudie Clancy and Eilish Cusack in the roles of Andy Crawford and Ivy for Kildysart Drama’s production of Separate Beds which begins this weekend

Photo by Tom Micks

Ennis Book Club Festival returns this weekend

LITERARY lovers from across the country will descend on Co Clare for the nineteenth Ennis Book Club Festival.

36C Abbey St., Ennis, Co Clare

Call: 065 - 6719021

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The festival kicks off this Friday at 12pm with the Five Books That Could Save Your Life event. Irish Examiner columnist Sarah Harte is joined by Haven Hori zons’ Madeline McAleer, Helen Crickard from Reclaim the Agenda and Noelle Collins from Belfast and Lis burn Women’s Aid to discuss the dangers of coercive control.

vid Butler will also be given the spotlight to speak about their works as they join Ciana Campbell. The festival officially opens at 7pm in glór with Sean Nós dancer Edwina Guckian and award-winning novelist Ann Cleeves discussing their works to bring day one to a close.

Sixmilebridge store sells

€500k winning EuroMillions ticket

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A EUROMILLIONS player in Sixmilebridge is €500,000 richer.

Crowe’s in Sixmilebridge sold a €500,000 winning EuroMillions plus ticket in Tuesday’s draw which has led to much excitement in the village.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

2017 All Ire land winning Galway hurler Joe Canning will also be making an appearance at 2pm followed by Booker Prize nominee Andrew O’Hagan to discuss his new novel, Caledonian Road at 4. At the same time, Pat Boran will lead an interactive event involving poetry and moving images as well as readings from his latest collection Hedge School.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling is to retire from the role next month.

Dowling’s exit had been expected but was

Cathy Sweeney, Maggie Armstrong and David Butler in conversation with Olivia Fitzsimons will discuss what makes a good short story. Clare writers Tracey Fahey, Kitty Murphy and Da-

confirmed in correspondence issued to the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) on Monday morning. His retirement will become effective from December 31.

author of Ghost Mountain, Ronán Hession in conversation with Neil Hegarty. This is followed by festival favourite Ten Books You Should Read in glór at 11.30am. This event features special guests such as Mark O’Halloran and RTÉ Radio One presenter and satirist Oliver Callan. At 2pm, Clare Youth Theatre will present Class Acts, their take on famous works by William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw and more. Renowned Clare author Edna O’Brien will be remembered by a panel discussion at 4pm as Andrew O’Hagan, Danielle

McLaughlin, Eoin McNamee and Sally Hayden discuss the life and times of The Country Girls author. An event on Ageing in Life and Literature will take place at the Temple Gate at 6pm featuring gerontologist Rose Anne Kelly, neuroscientist Ian Robertson and writer Mary O’Donnell. Sunday’s events begin early with Hush Hour in Sweet ‘N’ Green at 9am. The reading party is followed by the ever popular Sunday Symposium as panellists Sally Hayden, Paulo Nunes dos Santos and Vincent Durac discuss international conflict with journalist and RTÉ presenter Katie Hannon.

l LEARNING IN COMFORT: Matheo Boghi and Mark Sexton, Holy Family School, Ennis trying out the newly opened DeValera Library in Ennis. The brand new DeValera County Library opened its doors to the public on Monday morning. The 2,321sqm building on Causeway Link, Ennis comprises a public library over two floors which includes the local studies centre, a 100sqm art gallery and the County Library headquarters

Appointed to post in June 2016 on a seven year term, the Knockaderry native arrived in Áras Contae an Chláir in September 2016 as Chief Exec utive and has since Novem ber 2016 lived in Kilkee with his wife Rose. The 61 year old is a father of six.

This year’s Literary Lunch is hosted by Cónal Creedon and Mairéad Hearn at the Old Ground exploring a light-hearted journey through literature. Many more events will take place throughout the county in conjecture with Clare Libraries as DeValera Library Ennis and Edna O’Brien Library Scariff host workshops aimed at younger readers. See www.ennisbookclubfestival.com for the full range of events and times.

Flora Crowe told The Clare Echo, “We are absolutely delighted for the lucky winners who bought the €500,000 EuroMillions plus ticket from Crowe’s in Sixmilebridge. What an incredible win, and what a fantastic boost for our community. We wish the winners the best of luck in this exciting time”.

She added, “All the team at Crowes are buzzing with joy, and we couldn’t be happier for them”.

Dowling to retire as Chief Executive

Youth Worker with Clare Diocesan Youth Service, now Clare Youth Service and concluding it as Chief Executive of Clare County Council. “It has been my privilege to serve the Council and the county for almost eight and a half years and it is my earnest hope that I have made a positive contribution to the reputation and standing of the organisation and the county. Working with Clare County Council has represented the pinnacle of

There were two winners of the €500,000 prize, with one winner also in Wicklow along with the Sixmilebridge winner.

HAND BALL

Feirme and rural development with Kildare Leader Company.

2023, he in formed the Department of Local Gov ernment and the Public Ap pointments Service that he wished to avail of the op tion of a three year extension to his seven year appoint ment. Twenty months on, he has announced he is to retire from the role. It means his first and last jobs were based in Co Clare, having started his career as a

lion euro redevelopment of the Vandeleur Walled

Garden in Kilrush; and the most significant tourism project to be undertaken in East Clare with the development Inis Cealtra visitor centre. On two occasions during his tenure, Clare County Council was named local authority of

He was also to the fore in Lahinch’s hosting of the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open serving

Also under Dowling’s watch, the County Council has voted to implement the highest charge of local property tax on a consistent basis. He has always stressed the importance of the Council maintaining a balanced budget and noted his pride at the local authority never recording a deficit during his tenure. He previously issued promises that issues at Blake’s Corner would be solved during his term as Chief Executive and has been a central figure in the creation of the Ennis 2040 Designated Active Company (DAC).

with Clare Youth Service, National Youth Council of Ireland, Macra na

Photo by Eamon Ward

Jamie Grifﬁn hands Fillip Mostowy the ball in Bridge Utd’s extra time defeat in the quarter-ﬁnals of the McCarthy Insurance Munster Junior Cup last Sunday

Photo by Joe Buckley

Ennis 2040 developments for Abbey Street & Harvey’s Quay paused with Post Oﬀice Field plans to be reviewed

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PLANNED DEVELOP-

MENTS on car parks in Abbey Street and Harvey’s Quay as part of the Ennis 2040 strategy have been paused.

At a behind closed doors brieﬁng between members of Ennis 2040 DAC and elected representatives of the Ennis Municipal District on Tuesday evening, it was revealed that the planned developments in both Abbey Street and Harvey’s Quay (Parnell Street) have been paused.

Both developments were among the initial nine transformational projects in the economic and spatial strategy. They were the subject of much public criticism including a silent march and the compiling of a petition with 3,700 signatures. Plans for the Post Office Field have not been paused but will undergo a review, the briefing heard. Acting COO of Ennis 2040 DAC, Padraic McElwee outlined, “The proposed boardwalk and amenities at Post Office Field will be further reviewed at the request of the members. The devel-

opment, which will connect Bank Place with Harvey’s Quay, includes an amphitheatre-style public space along Bindon Street with outdoor seating and direct access to the boardwalk”.

Discussions have recommenced with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage plus The Housing Agency on options for the Francis Street following the withdrawal of a judicial review.

The brieﬁng took place in the County Museum. Ofﬁcials present included McElwee, Clare County Council’s Head of Finance Noeleen

Fitzgerald who also sits on the Board of the DAC, acting Director of Economic Development, Seán Lenihan, acting senior executive engineer in the Ennis MD, Paddy Tiernan and administrative ofﬁcer Niamh O’Connor.

On the decision to pause both the Abbey Street and Harvey’s Quay plans, McElwee stated, “The priority focus is on developing Ennis and Clare by enhancing our retail and SME offering, delivering homes and broadening our short-term accommodation availability”.

Ashﬁeld House has been acquired by Ennis 2040 DAC,

he said they are in the process of securing more strategic sites in the county town. “Given the high demand for accommodation and particularly tourism related accom-

modation in the town currently, we are considering various options for this key property and its curtilage.”

Reset of Ennis 2040 strategy ‘a step in the right direction’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A RESET of the Ennis 2040 strategy is the prevailing of common sense according to elected members of the Ennis Municipal District. Tuesday’s behind closed doors briefing of Ennis MD councillors, Council officials and acting Chief Operating Officer of Ennis 2040 DAC, Padraic McElwee brought confirmation that the economic and spatial strategy is adapting a new approach.

Plans to build on the car parks in Abbey Street and Harvey’s Quay (Parnell Street) have been paused, for now while a review is to be initiated of The Post Ofﬁce proposal particularly the provision of a boardwalk.

An emphasis on housing provision emerged at the brieﬁng with negotiations to recommence with the Department of Housing.

The Clare Echo spoke with all seven elected members of the Ennis MD to ascertain their views following the brieﬁng.

Sitting board member of Ennis 2040 DAC, Cllr Mary Howard stated, “I have a ﬁduciary duty to the board, a lot of what happens in the board is commercially sensitive, there are projects in sight and mind, proposed projects will be brought to our attention in the coming weeks, it is important to wait for those, it is good to stop and breathe, the pause is very welcome”.

Among the most vocal of the 28 councillors on Ennis 2040 has been Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF).

He said, “The concern I will always have and it hasn’t gone away and that is the cost and is it an unnecessary spend”.

He continued, “The Abbey Street and Parnell Street carparks case underscores the importance of agility, inclusivity, and foresight in urban planning. By embedding these lessons into future strategies, Ennis can transform challenges into opportunities for resilient, community-driven development. Projects should not only address immediate needs but also anticipate future trends, ensuring the town remains vibrant and sustainable beyond 2040”.

Deputy Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) outlined, “I’m open to change but it has to be the right change. For those of us who wanted to save the car parks, it is a positive step but it is only paused which means we will go back and look at it again, it is one step in the ladder but a positive step, overall it was quite positive”.

Elected for the ﬁrst time last June, Antoinette added, “Some stuff won’t happen till 2040 but we have to put a very positive spin on our town, it was very negative for such a long time regarding Ennis 2040, it was all or nothing till now. It has to be the right change, it has to suit our small little town which has to be reinvigorated”.

Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) commented “I welcome any actions taking steps towards not carrying out these projects in Abbey Street, Harvey’s Quay and the Post Ofﬁce Field”. He added, “If we are

to create a campaign across the town for the various projects it is an advancement in the battle ﬁeld, the people stood up for Francis Street and were accounted for, we welcome the decision to build affordable and accessible homes on the site, I hope to see the project starting and accelerating seeing as the judicial review has gone away.”

Clarecastle based Guilfoyle is currently actively involved on the committee ‘Hands off the Post Office Field, he said their campaign is building momentum. “It is a unique touch to have green wildlife sanctuary and flood plan in the heart of the town which many people call the lung of the town. If Abbey Street is the heart of the town then the Post Office Field is the lung. The Post Office Field brings a different element to the town which could build tourism rather than a walkway which has been disputed by business leaders as a future vehicle for anti-social behaviour. “Let us go about business by purchasing old the Analog building at the side of the post office and turn it into eco-friendly centre, possibly a café and tourism hub where tourists can buy a cuppa and take in about ecosystem and its wildlife from perfect position of Analaog building, we all need more tourism attractions to retain tourists in the town, this could be one of the attractions rather than construction over cherished wildlife natural reserve”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) commented, “It was a positive reaction from all seven councillors,

the brieﬁng indicated we will keep moving for housing provision on Francis Street, there are other houses to be worked on. The other opportunities have prompted the board to say we should pause the projects”.

Taking a step back is the right approach, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) maintained. He added, “there’s lots of ways for Ennis to go forward, you have to provide an alternative if you are getting rid of car parks, Cloister is coming on stream, I’m not in favour of doing anything on Abbey Street or Harvey’s Quay until alternative parking is provided”.

According to Cllr Pat Daly (FF), “It was a very positive meeting I thought, there was a lot of good things regarding the development at Francis Street, the site at Roche, the Post Ofﬁce Field, extra car parking at the Cloister but at the same time I have a problem with the proposed development of Abbey Street and Parnell Street car parks.”

Councillors were unanimous in their

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praise of McElwee’s calming inﬂuence as interim COO.

lAbbey Street Carpark

Appeal lodged over rejection of 61 houses in Kilkishen

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

AN APPEAL has been lodged with An Bord Pleanála against the decision to deny planning for 61 houses in Kilkishen.

Wastewater connection issues were among the primary reasons why planning was rejected for the East Clare housing development.

Clare County Council refused the development over concerns of the development’s proposed connection to Kilkishen’s water treatment plant. At the time, a correspondence from Uisce Éireann stated that such a connection “cannot be facilitated at this time”. The water provider maintained last year that the Kilkishen plant would be unable to support a development of this size.

Issues were raised at the plant in 2012 which found that it could only support a population equivalent of 440, rising to 750. This would mean that the wastewater treatment plant could not support large developments, similar to the 61 houses planned by Sandford Properties Ltd.

Sanford Properties Limited, based in Limerick city, have appealed the council’s refusal to grant permission for a 61 dwelling development at a site on the Tulla Road, Teeronea, Kilkishen. The proposed development would have seen the construction of a mix of 2 bed, 3 bed, 4 bed and 5 bed dwellings,

both single and two storey.

The planning application also proposed the re-modelling of two existing derelict dwelling houses constructed on site to a doctor’s surgery with ancillary areas and two 2-bedroom apartments overhead at first floor level.

Kilkishen resident Michael Hogan told The Clare Echo, “This development has been in for previous planning. The original guys went bust at the time that everything went bust but it went in for

planning again. They were refused on the basis that there wasn’t enough capacity in our sewerage system at the time. At some stage the storm water was allowed to infiltrate into the sewerage system and that reduced our capacity. I’ve seen it where the sewerage system overflows in lower areas after very, very heavy rain. Storm water broke into the sewerage system”.

The Kilkishen man maintains that the problem could be fixed and has raised the issue with lo-

cal councillors as well as Clare County Council. “I’ve asked them to investigate that but it looks like the Council at some stage seem to have difficulty in allowing that whether its cost or what I don’t know. I think that would be the answer if the storm water was separated and put into its own system that would give you the capacity for more houses”.

As to why an appeal has been lodged now, Hogan says “There’s different thoughts on that. The way the council policy seems to be is that they want to develop particular villages or towns like Scariff and Tulla, Sixmilebridge and smaller villages are probably not a priority in terms of spending money”.

A development of this size would have a huge impact on Kilkishen as Hogan is keen to point out that the area and its surrounds are a growing village. “We have so much facilities, we’re a very active community in Kilkishen. Between the sports, soccer and hurling, there’s so much amenities. We’ve our culture centre as well which has also developed. The latest one we have started up is a men’s shed to look at developing an old school that’s there, so there’s a lot of stuff happening community wise. Now we have an astroturf pitch as well which is used on a regular basis for training underage”.

He added, “You’ll find that if

there isn’t future developments, the number of children will go down and the number of schools will be effected as well. There’s a lot of schools in Clare being affected at the moment because there’s no development in the smaller villages”.

While he is in favour of the development, Hogan acknowledges that there are issues with the planning. “The area will have to be looked at alright. I agree with that because the access to the site is on a bend and its directly across from the entrance to another housing estate, but that’s all manageable”.

In terms of the current applicant or developer, “That’s a bit of a mystery at the moment but I know that they have been working with our councillors. There is a local guy involved and one of the developers was London-based but they reckon that there’s somebody local involved”.

The Kilkishen native said that a number of local councillors have been involved in the development and appeal process, including Joe Cooney TD (FG). Hogan says that “Before Joe Cooney was elected as a TD, he was involved in that development. He was working with the developer I believe. That’s what we’re told anyway”.

A decision on the appeal is due from An Bord Pleanála by June 25, 2024.

lAppeal lodged against 61 houses in Kilkishen

Kildysart Drama gears up for 25th production

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

KILDYSART Drama celebrates its twenty fifth production this year.

‘Separate Beds’, a threeact comedy by Sam Cree is the 2025 production for Kildysart Drama.

This year’s cast includes Frankie O’Shea, Grace Kelly. Flan Enright, Paudie Clancy, Carmel Murrihy, Kerry Carrigg, Carmel Hogan and Eilis Cusack all of whom have starred in previous productions.

Michelle Cogley and Mark Bagnal will make their debuts on stage, Mark has been promoted from his non-speaking role last year.

Backstage crew members include Vanessa Auntunez on props, Siobhan Moloney on sound and lights with Emer Deasy making sure everyone knows their lines.

Anna Leahy dips her toe into the role of Director for the first time. She has played many roles over the drama group’s quarter of a century in West Clare. Her attention

to detail and experience on stage has strengthened the production.

Kildysart Community Hall is the venue for the staging of Separate Beds by Kildysart Drama on Saturday March 8th, Sunday March 9th, Saturday March 15th and Sunday March 16th. Doors open at 19:15 with curtains up at 20:00.

Vice Chairperson of Kildysart Drama, Kevin Meaney stated, “The Play ‘Separate Beds’ is an absolutely hilarious comedy based around the upcoming nuptial od Alan and Judy. Judy’s parents are separated but when her mother returns for the wedding she isn’t happy when she discovers the nextdoor neighbour has set her sights on her husband.

“Meanwhile the mother of the groom isn’t altogether happy about the family her only son is marrying into. The painter decorator who doesn’t want to leave the housekeeper who likes a drop, a forgetful reverend who is performing the wedding ceremony and a frustrated next-door neighbour who can’t wait to get hands on the man of the house. It all adds up to total chaos and hilarious mishaps,” he said.

Woman seeks civil restraining order against her in-laws

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A DAUGHTER in law seeking a civil restraining order against her in-laws has prompted a judge to say “let’s not destroy an entire family. We have to try to defuse the grenade here”.

In the case before Ennis District Court, the woman is seeking a civil restraining order against her in-laws made possible under new legislation introduced last September which is aimed at protecting victims of harassment.

Both the woman and her father in law and mother in law were seated on opposite sides of the courtroom for the preliminary hearing into her application.

Judge Alec Gabbett asked, “Is there a possibility of compromising this for the sake of the grand-children”. He said, “Let’s not destroy an entire family. We have to try to defuse the grenade here”.

Solicitor for the father in law and mother in law, Stiofan Fitzpatrick said that his clients “are at a loss at what the application is about”.

Solicitor, Edel Ryan for the woman seeking the civil restraining order against her inlaws told the court that divorce proceedings against the husband are to be issued on behalf of her client next week.

Judge Gabbett said that in such a case “you are dealing with deep seated issues going on for years”.

Counsel, Rebecca MacCana BL for the applicant told Judge Gabbett that her client’s evidence will take thirty minutes where there is also CCTV evidence in the case.

Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to March 14th to allow the applicant to lodge a statement to court outlining the grounds for the restraining order.

In a second unrelated civil restraining order case, a solicitor, Billy Loughnane said that a ﬂuent English speaker was being “awkward” by requesting that the case

concerning his restraining order against Mr Loughnane’s client, a woman, be conducted in Irish.

Mr Loughnane said, “I am well capable of cross-examining in Irish and have done so for decades. This man is at no disadvantage whatsoever if this goes ahead in English”.

He said, “I don’t want to go into the ins and outs of the case but this thing is vexatious and he is now being awkward”.

Mr Loughnane said that his client does not speak Irish and Judge Gabbett said that an interpreter would be required at great cost if the proceedings were to proceed in Irish.

Mr Loughnane said that the man’s restraining order application follows his own client seeking a restraining order against the man in a court in Co Galway which is returnable to the March 20th.

The man who is a non-Irish national denied being awkward in seeking to have the proceedings in Irish. He said, “I have the right to speak in Irish.”

Mr Loughnane said, “No one respects that right more than myself.”

Judge Gabbett said that he will decide if the proceedings will proceed in Irish or English at a future date.

The man seeking the restraining order against the woman said that her own restraining order application “is outrageous and ludicrous”. He said, “Fighting with imaginary enemies - that is what this is all about”.

Asked the relationship between the two, Mr Loughane said, “It was employer-employee.”

Judge Gabbett asked could the case be resolved by each party making sworn undertakings to the court.

The man said, “That sounds like a good compromise - can we do it now”.

However, the woman rejected resolving the matter by sworn undertaking. Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to March 14th.

Clare County Council invites you to join us for the fourth citizen and stakeholder engagement session on Thrive Ennis, a project focused on showcasing and revitalising the unique heritage and architecture of Ennis. Your continued input will help to finalise the draft Heritage-led Integrated Urban Strategy for Ennis Town Centre. A short presentation will take place at 5:30 pm and will remain on-screen for the duration of the session. Feel free to drop in at any time during the designated time below.

l Cast members, back row (l-r); Frankie O’Shea, Eilish Cusack, Grace Kelly, Carmel Hogan, Carmel Murrihy and Paudie Clancy. Front row (l-r); Flan Enright, Mark Bagnal and Kerry Carrigg.

Photo by Tom Micks

COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING

Abbeyfeale Campus

10am–1pm & 6pm–8pm

Ennis Campus 9am–1pm & 6pm–8pm

Organic Campus 11am–1pm

Cappamore Campus 9am–1.30pm & 2pm–4pm

Croom Campus 9.30am–3pm

Hospital Campus 10am–1pm

Kilmallock Town Campus 9am–1pm & 4pm–6pm

Kilrush Campus 10.30am–1pm

Mulgrave St. Campus 9.30am–3.30pm

Kilmallock Rd. Campus 9.30am–3.30pm

Green Innovation Campus 9am–1pm

O'Connell Avenue Campus 9.30am–1pm

Raheen Campus 9.30am–1pm

Limerick man appears in court following alleged stabbing in Cloughleigh

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

GARDAÍ found a 42 year old Ennis woman outside her home on Tuesday morning with blood soaking the pants of her pyjamas and dripping onto the roadway after she was allegedly stabbed in her right upper thigh by her ex-partner, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court, Travis Wallace (31) has appeared in court in connection with the alleged stabbing of the woman at Pearse Avenue, Cloughleigh, Ennis.

In the case, Mr Wallace of Pearse Avenue, Cloughleigh, Ennis is charged with the assault of the woman with intent to cause bodily harm on February 25th at Pearse Avenue, Cloughleigh, Ennis.

A native of Limerick, Mr Wallace is also charged with producing a hurley in the course of a dispute contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act on the same date at the same address.

Refusing a bail application for Mr Wallace, Judge Alec Gabbett said, “The alleged stabbing is extraordinarily serious and there are potentially more charges to follow here I would have thought”.

Gardaí opposed bail for the accused and during the course of the bail hearing, Garda Sean O’Sullivan told the court that in the early hours of February 25th at 4.45am Gardaí received a woman that she had been allegedly assaulted by her ex-partner, Travis Wallace who was armed with a hurley.

Garda O’Sullivan said that Gardaí attended the scheme at 5am but the woman unfortunately refused to engage with Gardaí at this time.

Garda O’Sullivan said that Gardaí returned to the scene at 10am where the same woman said that Mr Wallace had allegedly attacked her again.

Garda O’Sullivan said that the woman was outside her home, had an injury to her right upper thigh with blood soaking through her pants and dripping onto the roadway.

He said, “She had bruising to her forehead, bruising to her both eyes and Gardai advised her to receive immediate medical treatment”.

Garda O’Sullivan said, “She refused initially and re-entered the house and locked herself in”.

He said that during the course of a subsequent search of the home at Pearse Avenue, a blood stained

Pajamas pants worn by the woman was seized which was consistent with a stab wound to her right upper thigh area.

Garda O’Sullivan said that a serrated knife with blood on top was recovered from underneath a mattress in the home.

He said that the woman was taken to University Hospital Limerick UHL for further treatment by ambulance.

Garda O’Sullivan said that Mr Wallace was arrested at 11.03am on Tuesday morning in connection with the alleged assault on the woman.

Garda O’Sullivan said that CCTV footage showed Mr Wallace at 4.38am on February 25th pulling the woman by the hair out onto the street, dragging her along the ground and aiming a kick at her head and torso.

He said that the woman then ran back into the house and slammed the door shut.

He said that CCTV then shows Mr Wallace shove the door open and he can be seen holding a hurley in his hand and entering downstairs living room and waving it in a threatening manner towards the woman.

for the accused that the alleged injury party had yet to make a statement to Gardaí.

Garda O’Sullivan said that medical treatment was a priority for the woman, given the nature of the injury to her upper right thigh.

Judge Gabbett remanded Mr

Interim barring order granted after mother found smoking crack cocaine while three year old son was at home

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has granted an Interim Barring Order (IBO) to a man to have his wife, and mother of their children, removed from the family home after the man found her smoking crack cocaine with a pipe in their bedroom with their three year old boy present in the home.

At the Family Law Court in Ennis, Judge Alec Gabbett granted the Interim Barring Order to the man after the man told the judge, “I don’t feel safe and I don’t feel safe for my kids”.

The man told the court that his wife has been addicted to crack cocaine for the last twelve months and has had drug addiction issues for the past three years.

He said that on February 12th he found his wife smoking crack cocaine in their bedroom with their three year old boy in the home at the time.

Judge Gabbett asked, “I see a lot of crack cocaine and I don’ know anything about it. Does she go unconscious? Could she burn the house down”.

Judge Gabbett asked the man

“You don’t feel safe if she is in the house”.

The husband said after coming home from work “when I came into the room she was in the bed with just tinfoil around her, a lighter and a pipe. I called the Gardaí that night and they saw drug abuse with crack cocaine and Xanax”.

The man said “I found burn marks on the quilt in our bedroom”.

Judge Gabbett said, “That is the problem. What I am afraid of is that the place would go up”.

Judge Gabbett said to the man, “You want her out of the house”.

In reply the man replied “Yes”.

The man said, “She has been in and out of treatment facilities but she has never done a full stint, she has always left after a week or ten days”.

He said, “She has mental health issues and has been in the psychiatric units in Ennis and Limerick”.

Asked by Judge Gabbett if the woman had ever been physically violent to him or their children, the man replied “no”.

The couple are married and Judge Gabbett asked, “Is this the end of it”. The man replied, “Yes - it has

been in decline for the past three years”.

The application was made on an ex-parte with only the husband present in court and Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to Thursday to allow the woman to come to court to contest the interim barring order made.

Judge Gabbett told the man that the interim barring order will expire on Thursday and told him, “If you are not here it is gone”.

Garda O’Sullivan confirmed to solicitor, Shiofra Hassett

Wallace in custody to appear via video link from Limerick prison at Ennis District Court on March 5th. Judge Gabbett said that he would not impose any reporting restrictions in the case on the identity of the accused as there are no family law proceedings involved.

Time for planting, pruning, and preparing for a colorful summer

MARCH is a busy month for most gardeners.

With the vegetables arriving at the garden centre and the dahlia bulbs for summer we have a lovely mix of plant and products available not to mention the perennial and shrubs arriving daily.

March is a lovely month; the evenings are longer, the temperatures picking up, the ground has been prepared for planting. It’s such fulfilling time to plant and watch as they grow and transfer into the ground. Then you can enjoy the long blooms as summer approaches.

The last of the bareroot is available to sow at the moment. As the ground temperature is rise rising it’s getting late to plant any bareroot plants. We have limited stock

of Laurel and griselina available and for a smaller boarder we have some bareroot Buxus plants which make a lovely low border.

This is an ideal time to sow seeds weather its vegetable or flowers we have a nice range to choose from and one of the favourites in the flowers is Nasturtium the are great low growing flower and produce lots of colour in the summer.

Seeds are an economical way of having more flowers in summer.

We have some lovely herbs available now and I especially love adding them to pots the scent is just added touch of beauty so as well as colour you have an herb for the kitchen.

The birds are singing early in the morning we have still some foods on special offer and feeder if you

wanted to add to your collection an increase the birds’ songs in the morning.

March has so much gone on if you need to do a tidy up it’s a good time to prune Rose and other shrubs, mulch beds and add some nutrients around shrubs. Rapid grow is a great nutritional product that add to your plant’s growth, so by feeding your shrubs your are giving them a great start to the season.

“I love March as it gives me hope that new beginnings are always beautiful.”

NEW SHOWROOM OPEN NOW

VISIT HOGAN GARDEN MACHINERY

Pictured from L-R is Brian Meaney, Willie Laffan, John Conlon, Brian Thornton, John Burke, Breffni Hogan outisde Hogan Garden Machinery All photos by Tom Micks

Seamus Conlon, John Conlon and Patsy Hogan

John Conlon (Hogan Garden Machinery)

Former Clare hurler Ollie Baker, John Conlon (Hogan Garden Machinery) and John Conlon (Clare Hurler)

John Conlon (Hogan Garden Machinery) and John Conlon (Clare Hurler)

Customer Paddy Grealish and John Burke Seamus Conlon, John Conlon and Rosaire Conlon

Deireadh Seachtaine na gaeilge in Clarecastle

by Lisa Mullaly Lisa@clareecho.ie

A NEW Irish language event will make its debut in several locations around Clarecastle village.

Deireadh Seachtaine na Gaeilge will see a variety of events taking place across three days to celebrate the Irish language in the run up to St.Patrick’s Day. The event aims to cater for all ages and gaeilge abilities.

Deireadh Seachtaine na Gaeilge will kick off on Friday March 7 with a Pop up gaeltacht in Kate O’Reilly’s pub, starting at 8pm. There will be live trad music from fiddle player River Mcgann, joined by Clarecastle native Jack Dillen and 6th year student in Gaelcholáiste an

Chláir Evan O’Cualian

A teddy bears picnic (Picnic na mBéar) for 3-6 year olds will be held in Clare Castle Primary School. Author Julie Anne de Brún will share some scéalta with the children and their teddy bears.

On Saturday afternoon Clarecastle GAA will host an Irish language football blitz. Clarecastle, Éire Óg, Cooraclare, and St. Breckan’s GAA Club will compete in the blitz. Each of these team were recipients of a Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha award in 2024 for their efforts to promote the Irish language throughout the club.

The blitz will begin at 12:30 pm at Clarecastle GAA. The

cup, sponsored by An Chláir as Gaeilge, will be presented to the winners at the pitch at 2pm.

A yoga (íoga) class through Irish will be held on Sunday morning in Cafe Hurst at 9:30am. To finish up the weekend this week’s 12 o’clock mass will embrace the Irish language by integrating some gaeilge into the mornings rituals. The Clare castle children’s choir will be performing a selection of hymns tríd gaeilge.

This debut Irish language weekend is organised by the Irish language and Culture Officer of Clarecastle GAA club, Síle Ní Dheargain. Síle started in the role last year making this her first Seachtaine na Gaeilge as part of

the GAA club committee.

Since starting in the role Síle explained that although it can be difficult to promote the Irish language in an area which is not a gealtacht, she has found great support within the community.

“It’s difficult to run these kinds of events when you aren’t in an Irish speaking community but it’s important to me to have it around me and for my own kids coming up through the primary school I’d like to have it as part of our lives.

The most important thing is there is buy-in from the community. From the start the community has been supportive of Irish language events.”

Clare Youth Service begin training for leadership programme

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THE Clare Youth Service Leadership Programme will run again this year in Ennis and Shannon to provide training for the young volunteers who run the highly popular CYS summer camps.

The camps have been running for over forty years and one of their legacy impacts for the county is the development of leadership skills amongst older teenagers who then bring this experience into their communities, jobs and families.

CYS will be providing the leadership programme in June and July at the Junction Youth and Community Building and Shannon Rineanna.

The programme involves two and a half days of training and leads to young

people running and organising the camps in Ennis and Shannon.

Young volunteers build skills such as teamwork, facilitation and communication skills while fun and friendship are also a core part of the agenda.

The programme has been commended for TY students; LCA group 1, and fifthyears. It is geared toward young people ages sixteen to eighteen who have an interest in working as part of a team or gaining new experiences.

Due to its popularity, the programme is over-subscribed each year. The closing date for applications is 18th April and spaces are limited.

Helena Slattery of Clare Youth Service commented, “the large team of voluntary youth leaders and the CYS staff are excited to be able to offer the camps again

this year. Summer camps are a great part of our calendar and are a fantastic experience for our leaders to gain leadership skills while organizing events for children”.

Those interested in applying in the Ennis area can contact Helena Slattery on 085 8047580 or email hi@clareyouthservice.org

Those in Shannon should get in touch with Emma Hodges on 085 8019666 or email ywshannon@clareyouthservice. org

A teddy bears picnic (Picnic na mBéar) held in Clarecastle Primary School

Cusack Park to be renamed

CUSACK PARK is to be renamed Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg.

Clare GAA have partnered with the Shannon based company Zimmer Biomet as the official county grounds naming rights partner.

Details of the new agreement were announced on Friday morning.

This partnership is in place for three years with an option to extend for a further two years.

In a statement, Clare GAA said it was “an important detail” to maintain Páirc Chiosóg in the name as Carron native and founder of the GAA, Micheal Cusack “never went by the English version of his name, preferring to always refer to himself as Michel Chiosog”.

Head of Manufacturing at Zimmer Biomet Shannon, Michael O’Malley said they were “extremely proud” to partner with Clare GAA and assume the naming rights of Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg. He stated, “The Zim-

mer Biomet ethos is steeped in the values of community support, grassroots involvement, and active healthy living as you would expect from a company that specialises in developing medical technologies that keep people active throughout their lives. The majority of the 1100 Zimmer Biomet staff are involved in or supporters of the vibrant GAA scene across Clare, Limerick and Galway and there is great GAA related banter and rivalry among our staff, particularly during the intercounty championships”.

Head of Operations with Clare GAA, Deirdre Murphy commented, “The Zimmer Biomet philosophy is a perfect fit with that of Clare GAA, as we are building and fostering the love of Gaelic games in Clare, providing opportunities for every boy and girl in the county to be active in their own community setting and also to excel and to represent Clare on the national stage. Pairc Chiosóg is our home, there is no venue like it for atmosphere, the

proximity of the crowd to the pitch helps create that incredible connection between our teams and supporters. We have had some fantastic days here in recent times and long may that continue. We are just delighted to have such an excellent employer

in the Shannon region on board with us”.

She added, “In many ways this is just the beginning, as patrons and players alike will see incremental improvements to the stadium over the next few years, with Zimmer Biomets’ partnership an

essential ingredient in making this happen”.

Employing over 800 people in Ireland between its manufacturing facilities in Shannon and Galway, Zimmer was founded in 1927.

The global medical technology leader established its

Shannon base in 2008. It employs 17,000 people around the world with operations in more than 25 countries and sells products in more than 100 countries.

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Pictured at the unveiling of the new naming rights deal are Clare players Cillian Rouine, Louise Grifﬁn, Tony Kelly and Clare Hehi

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Clare GAA not releasing details of Cusack Park naming rights deal with Zimmer Biomet

CLARE GAA have said details of their naming rights deal with Zimmer Biomet will not be disclosed.

Cusack Park is to be renamed Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg as part of a three year deal with the global medical technology leader. Facility upgrades and improvements to Cusack Park including efforts to increase the capacity beyond 20,100.

Since her appointment as Head of Operations with Clare GAA in September 2022, Deirdre Murphy has led efforts towards securing

an anchor sponsor for Cusack Park, the fruits of this are the deal with Zimmer Biomet.

No details on the financial aspects of the deal between Zimmer Biomet and Clare GAA have been released.

Responding to queries from The Clare Echo regarding the value of the new partnership, Clare GAA PRO Aaron Carroll stated, “In agreement with Zimmer Biomet, we will not be disclosing the specific details of the sponsorship deal but rest assured it is a considerable support to all stakeholders in Clare GAA. We are thrilled with the partnership and ex-

cited about the opportunities it brings for our county”.

The Clare Echo has learned that in pitches made to numerous companies over the past year that Clare GAA were trying to secure a five year deal worth €500,000 for naming rights of Cusack Park. The current deal with Zimmer is for three years with the option of extending for a further two.

Announcement of a new naming rights deal for Cusack Park came as a shock to the majority of elected officers of Clare GAA, very few of whom were consulted or briefed on the Zimmer Biomet deal. A number of of-

ficers have confirmed to The Clare Echo that they were kept in the dark until Friday morning when the deal was announced.

“All elected officers of Clare GAA have for many months, and at numerous meetings, acknowledged the opportunity naming rights at Páirc Chíosóg presents Gaelic Games in Clare. They have supported this and were informed of the completed deal before press release on Friday,” the PRO commented.

He continued, “a lot of the negotiations for such have to be conducted in the background. Not all personnel on

the executive board can be informed of the exact particulars involved in a sponsorship deal before its official announcement due to confidentiality concerns. Sponsorship agreements often involve sensitive negotiations, financial terms, and strategic considerations that must be protected to prevent any risk of jeopardising the deal”.

Interests of Zimmer had to be protected while negotiations were ongoing, the Cratloe clubman detailed.

“The trust we place in our elected officers is undoubted. We are similarly conscious that the risk of any premature disclosure can lead to in-

terference from competitors, potentially altering the terms or even causing the sponsor to withdraw from supporting Clare GAA. As an elected officer myself, I would concur that the nature of these two-sided negotiations often necessitate a limit to the number of individuals with access to the information to protect the interests of all involved. This is a significant support and a good news story for Clare GAA. I’m sure and hopeful all officers see it that way,” he added.

GAA pricing structures ‘have gone outrageous’ says Clare councillor

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PRICING structures in the GAA have “gone outrageous,” a Clare councillor has commented while stressing the importance of the home of the All-Ireland champions “taking a lead” on tackling the introduction of a €5 charge for U16s.

In January, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) tabled a motion before Clare County Council calling on the GAA to reverse their decision to impose a €5 charge for spectators aged under sixteen to attend Division 1A and 1B National Hurling League games and Division 1 and 2 clashes in the National Football League.

He told the Council meeting, “This levy is aimed at the top 2 divisions in hurling and football. It is nothing but a money-making racket at a time when the GAA’s pocket has never been heavier”.

Murphy added, “We are the home county of Michael Cusack, a founding member of the GAA and I’m sure Cusack would be turning in his grave if he heard of this”.

Officials in Croke Park have “noted” the sentiments of the motion while Clare GAA Chairman Kieran Keating stated, “I don’t have a problem with the €5 charge”. When the matter was brought before a meeting of Clare GAA, the Chairman said that Clare County Council should not have discussed the issue.

At the most recent Council sitting, Murphy referred to his

motion and remarked, “it got a bit of traction”. He praised Cork GAA for picking up on the motion and said they were taking the matter to Central Council “where hopefully it might be overturned, it is getting traction slowly but surely. It is massive that we are the ones to lead on it”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo on Wednesday, Cllr Murphy said he remains opposed to the charges. He referenced the €15 fee for league games for OAPs and students, “I think the pricing structure is gone outrageous. I’m not finished with it, I don’t know what tack I’ll be taking, a lot of people are annoyed with the charges, this is coming from Croke Park, this is not an attack on Clare GAA”. Cllr Murphy who was in the Gaelic Grounds for Clare’s three point win over Limerick said, “there is a lot of ill-feeling to the GAA. Naming rights in this day and age is right but the GAA in the days of Michael Cusack was to foster our love of the language and our love of the games, we’re losing the run of ourselves on this. It is not cheap to tog out a child these days with boots, socks, shorts, jerseys, helmets and hurleys, the county colours change every year and it is a huge expense on families. The GAA is an amateur sport not a professional one and the GAA isn’t a business either”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Patrons attending Clare’s meeting with Kildare in the Allianz National Football League

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Inner journey; What is an inner journey?

AN INNER journey refers to the process of self-discovery, awareness of self, bringing understanding and knowledge to the person we really are.

It’s a metaphorical journey that explores ones thoughts, emotions, believes and values. Its about being open to spend time with the self and learn from our story, upbringing, where we are at, uncovering hidden feelings and emotions, seeking clarity and inner peace. The journey leads to spiritual, emotional and psychological transformation.

Who do we want to be? What is our truth? - do we even know what that means. The inner journey makes us love ourselves. It can foster self-compassion, we discover our authenticity, we learn who we are and why we are the way we are. The journey uncovers our true values, strengths, and weaknesses leading to personal growth and a deeper sense of fulfilment. It fosters the ability to make more informed decisions and the ability to live with intention.

Possible tools to choose from to start your inner journey: Movement, inner child work, spiritual practise, self-compassion, energy healing, breath work, visualisation, nature and solitude, personal development book, creative expression, journaling, meditation, mindfulness.

Starting the inner journey can be both profound and personal and it varies from

Thought for

the

weekThe Empowerment of Lent Spreading

the word of positivity

AS WE all know, Lent is upon us. For me the season of Lent is an attitude of honesty and humility.

Lent brings with it changes in weather, sending many of us outdoors hopefully all going well more regularly.

We get to experience bright, sunny days that are often quickly followed by torrential rains and cooler temperatures and then sunshine a bit like four seasons in one day, a type of thing.

As we move to the interiors of homes and workplaces for refuge it’s also a good time to consider the interior of our hearts and minds. God is present with us at all times, of course, but Lent invites a fresh look inside to see where God stirs.

As the leaves start to blossom on the trees, we are prompted to watch their slow ascent to the air, seeing how at times, a burst of strong wind can blow off half the leaves from a tree in an instant.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, always remember that each one of us has a purpose and a place in the world. Each of us experiences pain, tiredness, loss, sadness, joyfulness, love, and hope and many other

feelings and emotions associated with our human conditions.

If we look more intently this Lent at the people we encounter on a typical day, we will see who they truly are, persons loved by God and an opportunity for us to love God in them. Regardless of appearance or situation, the woman, man or child before you each of the days of our lives are brimming with holy possibility. Consider that you are gazing into the eyes of God and understand that Jesus comes to us in many faces and places and it’s there we will ﬁnd God in our lives. Try doing something good to make things better for yourself and those in genuine need of love and care in our families, our communities and our world.

Therefore during Lent we should as the poet William Arthur Ward said, “Fast from fear; Feast on Faith! Fast from despair; Feed on hope! Fast from depressing news; Feed on prayer! Fast from discontent; Feast on gratitude! Fast from anger and worry; Feed on patience! Fast from negative unkind thinking; Feast on kind and positive thinking! Fast from bitterness; Feed on love and forgiveness! Fast from words that wound; Feast on words that heal and give real Life! Fast from gravity; Feast on joy and humor!” So this Lent in the face of so many wounds that hurt us and could harden our hearts, we are called to dive into the sea of prayer, which is the sea of God’s boundless love, to taste his tenderness.

person to person. The journey can be described in many ways.

A Voyage of Self-discovery- like peeling back layers of an onion, uncovering deep truths and realisations of who we are and what drives us.

A Journey of Struggle and Growth- often filled with challenges and setbacks possibly becoming vulnerable and uncomfortable on the path of transformation.

A Sense of Meaning- a path like navigating unchartered waters in search of clarity, purpose and authenticity.

An Evolution of the Self- it can feel like shedding old identities, habits, believes, ways, thoughts and embracing new perspectives and learning to live with authentic peace.

Many aspects of the inner journey are supported in sessions in Clare Wellness Clinic. Many of the bushflower combination remedies and homeopathy remedies are extremely effective when suggested to clients. Ultimately, the inner journey is a deeply personal experience that helps us understand ourselves better and connect more meaningfully with the world around us. The inner journey is very much like the butterfly, it symbolises freedom, joy and lightness. It reminds us that to let go of burdens we must embrace a sense of liberation. “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin”

Pádraig Jack ag casadh i gCill Chaoi san oíche anmárach

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

BEIDH an tamhránaí as Árainn ag casadh i gCultúrlann Sweeney, Cill Chaoi, san oíche Dé hAoine ag 7pm.

lBeidh Pádraig amárach i gCondae an Chláir

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

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

Imeachtaí/Events:

lINIS - COIS NA HABHNA – Dé Luain, 7-8pm, Irish Classes, all levels. Contact An Clár as Gaeilge: 065-6864474

lCILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar lLUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach lClare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM lCILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm lINIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Máirt ag Zest 11am, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), Dé hAoine The Market 11am, agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm.

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

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

Arts & Culture

‘Drama is alive and well in West Clare’

by LISA MULLALY

lisa@clareecho.ie

THE 63rd edition of the The West Clare Drama Festival returned to Doonbeg last Saturday March 1 with a selection of displays of dramatic excellence from top-tier drama groups from all across Ireland.

This year’s lineup includes a variety of plays that range from gripping dramas to hilarious comedies, ensuring something for every theatre enthusiast. Performances begin nightly at 8:00 PM, with doors opening at 7:15 PM. On the final night, the show will commence at 7:30 PM, with doors opening at 6:45 PM.

Andrew Killeen, Chairperson of the West Clare Drama Festival Committee, expressed his excitement for the event “The West Clare Drama Festival has long been a cornerstone of the cultural calendar in Doonbeg, and this year’s lineup is one of the most exciting yet. Each group brings exceptional talent to the stage, and we’re proud to host this celebration of Irish drama. We encourage everyone to join us for what promises to be a truly memorable week.”

The festival which was first founded in 1961 by Johnny Igoe, Murt McInerny, Cissy McMahon,

JJ Downes and Marie Shannon continues to be a highly anticipated event for locals and theatre lovers, attracting people from all over the country.

Andrew who has been involved with Doonbeg Drama Group since 1995 is now in his third year as chairman of the festival committee explained the Clare Echo hope he has seen the productions evolve over the years particularly in terms of technology.

“The shows are all the same but the sets and equipment being used have all been updated. I remem-

ber MURT McInerny one of the founders of the festival saying to me how he would have set up for shows in the past using metal biscuit tins with bulbs inside them and now groups will come in with a laptop and plug it into the sound or lighting desk and it is all pre programmed.”

The festival will be adjudicated by Tony McClea Fay, A.D.A., a highly respected figure in the world of drama adjudication. With extensive experience across the Irish drama circuit, Tony brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen

eye for both performance and production, ensuring constructive and insightful feedback for each group.

Andrew expressed that although the festival does have a competitive element the main goal of the nine day event is to entertain attendees as well as support drama and theatre not just in West Clare but across the county.

“Drama is alive and well in West Clare and it’s marvellous to see so many people getting involved. If we can help to keep that going we will definitely do all that we can.”

Pádraig Jack to perform in Kilkee

by Lisa Mullaly

lisa@clareecho.ie

ARAN Islands folk musician Pádraig Jack will be performing in Cutúrlann Sweeney in Kilkee, on friday March 7 as part of Clare County Council’s Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations.

The RTE folk Music Award nominee is renowned for his engaging performances of both English and Irish lyrics.

Pádraig started off the year with appearances at Dublin TradFest’, Galway’s bilingual festival ‘Tonnta’ before a tour in the UK and a trip to Montreal where he represented Ireland at the prestigious Folk Alliance in association with Culture Ireland.

Although he has already had some exciting performances this year, Pádraig

told the Clare Echo that he is looking forward to having the opportunity to sing more of his Irish language songs.

“It being Seachtain na Gaeilge I will get to do some more Irish songs than I usually would, and I will get to play some songs that I usually wouldn’t get to play. I rarely do a full gig in Irish, I usually base it off the audience and maybe play one or two Irish songs.”

Pádraig’s music is directly tied to his experience growing up on the Aaron Islands.

“Since I have been releasing more music I have realised that growing up on the Islands really does play a part in the music I make, obviously through the language but also growing up around traditional music and being in a very unique place.”

This 2025 festival kicked off with a performance of Marina Carr’s “Woman and Scarecrow” from St Patrick’s Drama Group from Mayo on Saturday evening and Enniscorthy Theatre Company’s rendition of “The Seafarer” by Conor McPherson.

There are three Co. Clare drama groups on the schedule for this year’s festival. Sliabh Aughty Drama Group performed “Dancing at Lughnasa” by Brian Friel on Monday March 3. Corofin Drama Society performed “The Weir” by Conor McPherson on Wednesday March 5. Cooraclare will take the stage tonight, Thursday March 6, bringing a Tom Coffey’s “Anyone Can Rob a Bank” to the Doonbeg stage.

Speaking to the Clare Echo ahead of Thursday night performance Hellen Kelly, a cast member from the Corraclare Drama Group described the Coffey’s comedic farce as “full of shenanigans and general mayhem.”

Hellen also explained that the drama group always enjoys performing in Doonbeg but it brings another level of pressure for perfection than a typical live performance.

“When you go to Doonbeg you have to up the anti because of the adjudication. There’s a very high standard of performers in Doonbeg as with all drama festivals.”

Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chlair bring The Addam’s Family Musical to glór

Lisa Mullaly

lisa@clareecho.ie

The students of Ennis Community College and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir will come together on the glór stage this evening as they perform the delightfully dark and ghoulishly funny characters of The Addams Family, a musical comedy that brings Charles Addams’ iconic creations to life in a brand-new way.

Gomez Addams, the charming and eccentric family patriarch, is portrayed by Olibhéar Ó Ruairc, a fifth Year student at Gaelcholaiste an Chláir, while his elegant wife, Morticia, is played by Holly Vaughan a Transition Year student at Ennis Community College. Their children

Wednesday and Pugsly will be played by Avril Ni Dhiarmada amother fifth year from Gaelcholaiste an Chláir and Hiago Dudziak a second year student from Ennis Community College student.

Lucas Beineke, the romantic interest of Wednesday, is played by Tadhg Mac Mathúna from Gaelcholáiste an Chláir.

Music teachers Ms. Eimear Glancy and Ms Anne Cullen,ahve taken on th role of music directors putting the studnets through there scales in singing rehearsals while acting have been guided by Director Tony Cusack and Choreographer, Grace Burke. The production is further supported by the hard

work of the Transition Year students, who are taking on roles backstage, helping with everything from set design to costume cre ation.

The Art department is busy preparing artwork and visuals that will com pliment the dark and whimsical aesthet ic of The Addams Family.

Tickets can be bought at the Glór box office €18 Adult / €7 Child. Stay tuned for show dates—this is one musical you won’t want to miss!

lWEST CLARE DRAMA FESTIVAL: Sliabh Aughty Drama Group performing ‘Dancing at Lughnasa

lTHE ADDAM’S FAMILY: Holly Vaughan and Olibhéar Ó Ruairc

Regional News

North Clare

Lidl refused planning for Ennistymon location

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

LIDL have been refused planning permission to build a new store in Ennistymon.

January, the German supermarket chain applied for planning permission to build a two-storey outlet equipped with an off-license adjacent to Ennistymon Community School on the Lahinch Road.

The proposed development comprised a glass floor area of 2261.4 sqm, incorporating an internal plant room, storage area, chiller room, ancillary office area and staff rooms.

The development received only one objection from Kilfenora based engineer, Michael Duffy, in relation to wastewater concerns at the site. Mr Duffy stated that “there was no Water Framework Directive Assessment submitted with this proposal. It is my opinion that this planning application cannot progress until such time as proper wastewater treatment is in place and the issue of waste

disposal is properly addressed”.

Duffy also noted that there was “no feasibility of connections from Uisce Éireann”, and cited ongoing issues at Ennistymon’s Ballymacraven Water Treatment Plant.

MKO Planning Consultants in their application stated that the proposed development could generate an estimated annual turnover of €10.4 million and maintained the environmental impact would have been minimal.

Clare County Council disagreed with this however and have refused planning permission subject to five conditions. The local authority took issue with the site’s location and found that “the Planning Authority considers the proposed development, by virtue of its location, remote from the core area of the town centre and that it would seriously impact on the viability and vibrancy of Ennistymon town”. This contravenes with the county’s development plan.

While MKO outlined their plans for traffic management during construction, Clare County Council highlighted “an existing deficiency in the road network serving the area”. The planning department believe that the development would cause increased congestion in the town, due to perceived faults “in the structural condition of roads and footpaths in the vicinity of Blake’s Corner”, which would be “unsuitable for the increased road traffic likely to be generated”. Lack of pedestrian linkage from the town was also a factor in their refusal.

The planning authority raised concerns of the impact a new Lidl would have on existing stores in Ennistymon, as well as other towns and villages in its catchment area. Ennistymon already features large SuperValu and Aldi outlets and the addition of a third supermarket in the small town would have a severe impact on smaller scale retailers in the North Clare town. The planning depart-

Caves of the Burren to be explored

ARCHAEGOLOGY of the Burren’s caves will be explored as a lecture in Ennis next Wednesday (March 12th).

Clare Museum’s lecture series continues at 19:30 on Wednesday March 12th where Dr Marion Dowd will lead a talk entitled ‘The Archaeology of Caves in the Burren’. The series of lectures will continue at Clare Museum on the second Wednes-

day of each month, until May 2025.

A lecturer in archaeology at ATU (formerly IT Sligo) since 2005, Marion’s research over the past 25 years has focused on how people have engaged with caves in Ireland over the past 10,000 years. She is also interested in the intersection between archaeology and folklore, and the use of caves as dugouts during the War of Independence and the Civil War. She is the editor of sev-

en books and has published extensively in national and international journals. She has excavated numerous caves around Ireland, notably Moneen Cave, Poulbaun Cave and Glencurran Cave in the Burren.

Admission is free of charge for the talk but with a high level of interest anticipated attendees are asked to book a seat in advance by emailing claremuseum@clarecoco.ie, telephone bookings will not be accepted.

Creative Night for Women’s Aid at The Attic, Hotel Doolin

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

ment stated in their report that “the assessment does not consider the potential impact of the proposed development on the vitality and viability of other settlements in the catchment area, included but not limited to Miltown Malbay”.

Environmental concerns meant the local authority was “precluded from granting planning permission” due to ongoing problems at Ennistymon’s Water Treatment Plant which it argued could negatively impact the Inagh River Estuary Special Area of Conservation. Clare County Council stated that “The EPA Site Visit Report with regard to the wastewater treatment plant in Ennistymon (10/9/24), highlights significant concerns with respect to overflows which are occurring at the pump station due to the pumps inability to pump the incoming flow from the WWTP”.

Lidl Ireland now has four weeks to appeal the decision to An Bord Pleanála.

AN EVENING of music, spoken word, and ﬁlm will take place at The Attic, Hotel Doolin, on Friday, March 14 at 7:30 PM, in support of Women’s Aid.

This special event celebrates Clare’s vibrant creative community and features a remarkable lineup of artists.

Molly Sterling, a Clare-based singer-songwriter, will perform with her signature blend of piano, guitar, and vocals, exploring themes of healing and self-discovery. Maeve Abyss, a spoken word artist, will be joined by musician Ciaróg, whose sound combines traditional, jazz, and ambient inﬂuences, and together they will present the ﬁlm *Bodies of Water*. Zoë Gough’s new musical project, SAOL, will showcase a fusion of indie, grunge, and folk. Mná, a trio of talented singers, will bring stunning harmonies with a mix of traditional and contemporary music rooted in Clare’s heritage. Additionally, Aoibheann Boyle, Aisling Lyons, and Fiona Kirwan will perform heartfelt songs, blending soulful lyrics with masterful musicianship.

The evening will also feature a raffle with exciting prizes from local businesses, including a sauna experience, vouchers, and more. Raffle tickets are available for €3 each or €10 for five

All proceeds will go to Women’s Aid, which has supported women and children in Ireland for 50 years. This event is a chance to support an important cause while enjoying a night of creativity.

Book your tickets on; www.tickettailor.com

by Páraic McMahon

Smithstown Light Engineering backs Colaiste Muire’s F1 team

COLAISTE Muire Ennis is set to compete in the prestigious F1 in Schools Ireland competition for the second year in a row.

Los Paddys host ‘The Big Busk’ in aid of Focus Ireland

The F1 in Schools programme is a global STEM

The all-female team, ‘Go Tapa Racing Team,’ consisting of Kayla Connellan, Megan Harding, Maddie O’Neill, Eimear O’Neill, and Jessica Byrne, is gearing up for this year’s challenge with the full backing of Smithstown Light Engineering.

initiative that encourages secondary school students to design, build, and race miniature Formula 1 cars, providing hands-on experience in engineering, project management, branding and teamwork.

Smithstown Light Engineering, a leader in precision component manufacturing for the medical device and orthopaedic sectors, has a history of supplying the Formula 1 industry. This experience makes the collaboration with ‘Go Tapa Racing Team’ a natural fit, as the company is eager to share its engineering expertise with the next generation of innovators.

Gerard Henn, CEO of Smithstown Light Engineering, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are delighted to support Colaiste Muire’s talented students once again as they take on the F1 in Schools competition. At Smithstown Light Engineering, we are passionate about fostering STEM education and inspiring young minds to explore engineering and technology. Given our company’s past experience with Formula 1, we are particularly excited to see how the students apply their skills and creativity in this competition.”

By participating in the challenge, the Go Tapa team are aiming to challenge stereotypes, be innovative, learn and win.

THE MUSIC and dance group Los Paddys are teaming up with Nora Culligans Bar and Focus Ireland to have yet another Big Busk event in Co. Clare.

The event will be raising funds for Focus Ireland who support the homeless all throughout the country. Los Paddys put out an open call for musicians to take part and had an overwhelming response from local musicians and performers. They now have a diverse line up of talent that will be playing all day on the lovely stage of Nora Culligans in downtown

Ennis on Friday the 7th of March.

There will be music ranging from Irish trad (Louise O Connor), Nepalese music (Hiralal Gandharba), singer songwriters (Ian Cloke, Marijke, Nathalie O Leahy), rock covers (Michael Hanrahan, Dan Kennedy, Jennifer Stratton), songs as gaeilge (Phoenix e Wolfe), Nirvana cover band (With the Lights Out) and much more.

The event is organised by Lenka Fairy and Paddy de las Pampas, from the group Los Paddys.

Women, Rights & Peace exhibition at Ennis Scout Hall this Saturday

SATURDAY, March 8 marks International Women’s Day, and the Ennis Bahá’í community is hosting an exhibition entitled ‘Women, Rights and Peace’, from 11.00am4.00pm in the Ennis Scout Hall to mark the occasion.

‘We are delighted to be the first location in Ireland outside Dublin to be hosting this wonderful exhibition,’ remarked Madge Rainsford of Rosleven, chairperson of the Ennis Bahá’í Assembly.

Explaining the context of the exhibition, Madge continued, ‘throughout history, women have played a crucial yet often unrecognised role in building just and peaceful societies. This has been the case on our own island, with examples like the brave women Mairead Corrigan and Betty Williams, who brought people together from both Catholic and Protestant communities to raise a united call for peace, an effort that was acknowledged internationally when they were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.’

The need for all human beings, including women, to have full human rights is essential if we want to build and sustain peaceful societies.

As former President, Mary Robinson,

has said, “My approach to peace-building involves not just political leaders, but all of civil society, including women. Without their full support and participation, no peace agreement can succeed.”

Women, Rights and Peace is an immersive exhibition that commemorates the bravery of ten Bahá’í women executed one after another in Shiraz, Iran, on June 18, 1983, for refusing to renounce their beliefs.

Part of the global #OurStoryIsOne campaign, this exhibition highlights their courage as a symbol of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice across all faiths and cultures.

The #OurStoryIsOne campaign has resonated worldwide, inspiring governments, Nobel Laureates, human rights defenders, and grassroots movements.

The legacy of these women reminds viewers of a simple yet profound truth“We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” (Malala Yousafzai).

Come along on Saturday and explore the resilience of these women, and the movement for justice, human rights and peace that they continue to inspire.

lGO TAPA: Juan Carlos Guedes, Patryk Glowacz, Maddie O’Neill, Kayla Connellan, Gerard Henn, Eimear O’Neill, Megan Harding, Niamh O’Halloran, Val Byrnes and teacher Mr Sweeney

Picture by: Brian Arthur

lBIG BUSK: Cllr Timmy Dooley (FF) with the team behind The Big Busk 2024 on stage in Nora Culligans

Top speaker award for Kilkishen’s Liam at The Irish Times Debate

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

KILKISHEN’s Liam Boyce claimed the individual speaker award at the country’s longest-running third-level debating competition.

On Friday, Liam joined illustrious company after winning the individual speaker award at The Irish Times Debate held in Queens University, Belfast. He was representing the University of Galway’s Lit & Deb society.

Liam follows in the footsteps of the late broadcaster Marian Finucane (1971), current Attorney General Rossa Fanning (1999), retired army captain and current Senator Tom Clonan (IND) (1990), activist Eamonn McCann (1965) and High Court judge Cian Ferriter (1992) in winning the accolade.

Rob Fitzpatrick and Adrianne Ward of UCD’s Literary & Historical Society (L&H) were crowned team winners.

Speakers were competing for the Demosthenes Trophy for best team, and the Christina Murphy Memorial Trophy for best individual, as well as places on an all-expenses-paid tour of the United States for the three winning speakers.

A dozen speakers took part in the final, the initial stages of the competition commenced in autumn and attracted in the region of 250 third-level contestants. The Irish Times Debate competition, which began 65 years ago, is an all-island debating championship, open to any full-time third-level student.

Adjudicators included Irish Times editor Ruadhán Mac Cormaic; Prof Geert Dewulf, pro-vice chancellor for engineering and physical sciences at Queen’s University Belfast; Hugh Guidera BL, a team winner of the competition in 2015; Ceara Tonna-Barthet, a team winner last year; and Prof Brent Northup, chair of commu-

nications at Carroll College Montana and organiser of the US tour since 2000.

Students debated the motion, ‘This house believes that dialogue is dead’.

Contestants who argued in favour of the proposition said the development of social media meant more people were “unmoored from reality” in a world where disinformation was rife and fewer people were listening to each other, creating “monologue, not dialogue”.

Those arguing against said dialogue and understanding had led to considerable

political achievements and that healthy debate was alive and well.

Appearing in The Irish Times Debate was familiar territory for Liam who was in the 2023 final. He won the 2021 Model Council of the European Union alongside Eoghan Kinsella in 2021.

During his school days in St Joseph’s Secondary School in Tulla, He was also invited to be a delegate in RTÉ’s Youth Assembly in Dáil Eireann in 2019.

Tourism & commercial facility given go-ahead at Williamstown Harbour

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

WILLIAMSTOWN HARBOUR in Whitegate is to be revitalised after conditional planning permission was granted for the development of a major tourism and commercial facility.

Kevin and Sue Durkin of SD Design Services Leeds have been granted permission for “the regeneration and redevelopment of existing buildings and land, for tourism and recreational purposes” at the East Clare harbour.

Four residential lodges for short-term letting and reuse are to be constructed plus an existing workshop will be transformed into a café and retail unit at ground floor level with the provision for two apartments on the first floor. Further additions include a proposed decking area, outdoor seating for the café with a lower level floating jetty, pumping station, wastewater treatment facility and sand polishing filter and infiltration area.

An existing toilet block, ofﬁce and ancillary buildings will be demolished.

Situated on Lough Derg, the harbour is located approximately 3.5km from White-

gate and overlooks counties Tipperary and Galway. Clare County Council had initially sought further information in relation to the development but has now granted conditional planning permission for it to ahead. Cllr Pat Burke (FG) has endorsed the development.

The development received one objection from Ross MacNamara who operates his own harbour close to the site. He expressed concerns over potential loss of privacy. He stated, “Currently, our harbour is not overlooked from the subject property and never has been. The proposed development includes for a very large balcony of 16.0 square metres at ﬁrst ﬂoor leave associated with proposed northern apartment. Not only does this directly overlook our harbour to the north, it directly intrudes on the safest and most protects moorings. This balcony will impact on our ability to enjoy our existing harbour in the same way we always have over the last forty years”.

Fifteen conditions have been outlined by the planning authority that must be adhered to. They have asked that any new construction such as the proposed wastewater treatment system and percolation

Extension approved for St John Bosco CC

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

ST JOHN BOSCO COMMUNITY COLLEGE in Kildysart is to undergo a major extension.

St. John Bosco’s have been granted a school building extension (1,203m²) over two levels, incorporating general and specialist classrooms, social spaces, two classroom special education needs unit, reception, offices and ancillary accommodation.

Also included in the plans approved by Clare County Council are 22 new car parking spaces of which two will be wheelchair accessible. The development has been endorsed by councillors Gabriel Keating (FG) and Michael Shannon (FF). Work can now begin as long as it adheres to the conditions set out by the applicant’s plans.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Principal Denis O’Rourke expressed his relief over the planning department’s decision to grant permission. “We have a dual ASD unit which is a unit for autism but at the moment they’re actually being facilitated in one corner of a library and another in a converted court balcony, so the resources and rooms are badly wanted. There’s great excitement now that we can move on to the next stage”. O’Rourke has been principal at the school since 2017 and is delighted to see a development of this scale take place during his tenure.

It is unclear at this stage when work will begin at the school. “That’s the million dollar question”, the principal said. “I’d like to be able to tell you in 18 months’ time we would be turning the sod but it’s hard to know. The project itself is being handled by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board. They engaged directly with the department at the different phases”.

be built in accordance with the details that they have received and that no unauthorised works be completed. They have also asked that any construction works be carried out between 8am to 6pm from Monday to Friday include and between 8am to 1pm on Saturday with no work on Sundays and public holidays. This has been ordered to protect the privacy and amenities of the local properties.

During construction at the site, all forms of cables are to be laid underground and a record of daily checks is to be undertaken on any works currently taking place. A number of environmental conditions have also been outlined with the Council stating that all external lighting must be carried out in accordance with the site’s bat survey and that a landscaping plan showing all species at the site be provided.

The applicant has been ordered to pay €33,294 to Clare County Council due to public infrastructure and facilities beneﬁtting from the development. The contribution is to be paid prior to the commencement of works at the site. Full details of all boundary treatments and extreme hard surfaces at the site must also be provided to the local authority.

Mr O’Rourke also spoke of the ecological issues that held up the development in the decision seeking process. The school is located close to the Shannon Estuary. A Natura Impact Statement had to be included with the application which found the development would have little impact on the Special Area of Conservation. “The ball is back in our court now. We had huge issues to get over the line to do with ecology reports and so on. The Shannon Estuary was our main barrier in terms of environmental issues and that held it up somewhat”.

“The project was actually designed first and it didn’t include renewable energy. There was a decision made or a motion passed at Dáil level that all public buildings must include renewable energy so it actually went back to the drawing board then”. The principal says the development will now include renewable energy facilities as well as solar panels.

lTOP SPEAKER: Liam Boyce

lMAJOR EXTENSON: St John Bosco CC Kildysart

KILMALEY can lay claim to the Toughest Tribe after taking the top prize in their novel fundraiser.

Participants ran through forests, bogs, rivers and the roads of Kilmaley as part of the endurance event which had between forty five to fifty teams, with four individuals on each team it meant in the region of 200 competitors took on The Toughest Tribe. Local construction company PS Carmody Contractors were the main partners for the event. Funds raised from The Toughest Tribe are to fund “the operational expenses” of the Kilmaley senior hurling team for 2025.

A charity walk for children’s cancer took place at 11am on the walkway at Lisbiggeen sports facility. All funds from the 5km Chieftain’s Walk will go towards children’s cancer treatment.

With Kilmaley’s clubhouse serving as the starting point for 8km endurance run, competitors began here and ran two kilometres to a forest which they proceeded through a forest road for one and a half kilometres. A 500m bog followed before it was back to another two kilometre road section which included navigating over shipping containers.

There was no worries about drying off as runners were back in the water, this time for a 400m dash through a river before hitting back for another two kilometres on the road. As they moved onto the fields, there was bales and wooden walls to get over before getting back on the road before hitting Lisbiggeen and the finish line.

Thomas Maguire of Kilmaley was first home with an impressive time of 41:06, he was followed by Banner GAA’s Finn Duignan in 41:18 and Inagh/Kilnamona’s Seamus Foudy 43:47.

Winners were determined by the best combined score of all four team members. Kilmaley came out on top with Maguire joined by Colin McGuane, Tommy Barry and Daire Keane on the winning side, they had a combined finish of 02:59:30. The winning team will receive €1,000 or a brand new set of jerseys for their club. Inagh/Kilnamona led by Foudy took second place, his team members were Alex Leyden, Jamie Wynne and Darragh Power. Their overall result was 03:06:56.

Taking third spot was Ballyea with a time of 03:14:03, their team members were Jack Browne, Gearoid ‘Gudgy’ O’Connell, Paul Flanagan and Mossy Gavin.

Initial reaction has been so positive that organisers have told The Clare Echo they are aiming to make The Toughest Tribe an annual event.

The victorious team of Thomas Maguire, Colin McGuane, Daire Keane and Tommy Barry receive their cheque from PS Carmody Contractors Ltd.

Kilmaley girls hit the ﬁnish line in unison

Eoin Rouine of Ennistymon leads the charge through the river and circled The Carmody family

Supporters along the roads of Kilmaley

Runners from Kerry, Clonlara and Kilmaley. Circled: are more runners completing the river section

All photos by Tom Micks

All hands on deck at the shipping container

Helen McMahon, Siobhan White and Claire McMahon at the ﬁnish line

Scan the QR code to see the full gallery

Plans to base ﬁghter jets at Shannon Airport

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EIGHT FIGHTER jets are to be based at Shannon Airport as part of the Government’s plans to increase the capabilities of the Defence Forces.

Acquiring combat jets will cost the Government between €60m and €100m per annum according to preliminary analysis by defence planners.

Costings, action plans and timelines for a tripling of Ireland’s defence budget has been requested of officials in the Department of Defence by the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris (FG). An increase in budget is to match countries of a similar size in the European Union.

According to a report in The Irish Times, Defence Forces planners have already compiled preliminary cost estimates for the purchase of military jets for an “air policing” role designed to respond quickly to potential threats.

Under the proposals, the new air force would operate at least eight combat aircraft, the minimum number required

to provide a 24/7 air policing capacity. However, ideally, it will possess between 12 and 14.

Shannon Airport will be the base for the aircraft, as Ireland’s longest runway it is superior to the Air Corps headquarters in Baldonnnel, Co Dublin which is considered too short to be able to accommodate combat jets. The jets will share the runway with other civilian aircraft.

Response times will be quicker and fuel will be saved with a Shannon base as the aircraft are expected to mainly operate over the western approaches to Ireland.

Specialised civilian companies will be responsible for the maintenance of the aircraft and not Defence Forces technicians, the plans detail. Pilots using the combat jets will have to be trained overseas.

The plan’s cost estimates range from €60 million to €100 million per year over between 20 and 25 years, a figure which includes the initial acquisition cost of the aircraft. These estimates are dependent on the number and type of aircraft

purchased and their eventual service life. They translate to total final costs of between €1.2 billion and €2.5 billion over the aircrafts’ lifespan. It is understood officials have also started examining the acquisition of fighter jets for the purpose of air safety regulation.

Speaking this week, the Tánaiste said he was “convinced” of the need to acquire combat jets to “deter and detect” airborne threats. He cautioned that there are many steps before any acquisition such as the installation of primary radar systems to detect airborne threats, a project which is ongoing and due to be completed by 2028.

He said the “volatile” geopolitical environment has strengthened his convictions to increase Ireland’s airborne protection. “We’re living in a geopolitical environment that is volatile, that is different, and we have a lot of catching up to do”. He insisted the purchase of combat jets would not alter Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.

Expert crews disarm hand grenade in Shannon

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AHAND grenade has been disarmed in Shannon following a signiﬁcant emergency response this evening (Saturday).

Experts from the Army Bomb Disposal Team, the Ordnance Corps and members from An Garda Síochána had to disarm a hand grenade left in a silver Audi A4 in Rineanna View, Shannon on Saturday evening.

Six squad cars belonging to An Garda Síochána plus a Garda van were in Shannon as part of the response along with a strong presence of Army crew. The Ordnance Corps provide the only Explosive Ordnance Disposal service within the state, in support of An Garda Síochána in an ATCP role

An alarm was raised on Saturday evening with emergency services closing

access to the road Slí an Stionnaigh from approximately 17:30. As this is a one-way street, it meant residents of Rineanna View, Cluain Aoibheann, Carraig Hill and Clairín Glás attempting to access or leave via car were unable to do so.

Shortly before 9pm, the grenade was successfully deactivated allowing emergency services to clear the road. The vehicle and device have been removed for further examination.

According to local sources, the car had been in situ for three days and has moved location on up to three occasions.

The Clare Echo has contacted An Garda Síochána’s press ofﬁce for comment regarding the incident and the motives behind it. “Investigations are ongoing. No further information is available,” a Garda spokesperson stated while also giving detail on their response.

Shamrocks and shenanigans in Bunratty this St. Patrick’s weekend

IRELAND’S patron saint and national holiday will be celebrated in style at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park on Sunday, 16 March.

The County Clare visitor attraction will kickstart its 2025 tourist season with a comprehensive programme of St. Patrick’s weekend entertainment featuring Irish music and dancing, storytelling, demonstrations of traditional Irish crafts and skills, and family fun activities.

The world-famous 15th century castle also will join other famous landmarks across Ireland in being lit up in green for the weekend.

“We are inviting the public to join us in celebrating our national feast day with the perfect blend of Irish tradition, culture, and family fun to kick off our 2025 tourist season,” said Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park.

“From world-class Irish

dancing performances and traditional music sessions to encounters with St. Patrick himself and our merry band of dancing leprechauns, we have created a programme of events to entertain visitors of all ages,” she added.

“Whether you are learning a ‘cúpla focal’ at our schoolhouse, watching traditional baking demonstrations, or witnessing vintage machinery at work, Bunratty offers a unique taste of Ireland’s rich heritage this St. Patrick’s weekend.”

Family fun activities include the Bunratty Express Train, bouncy castles in the Red Barn behind Macs Pub, and an opportunity to meet St. Patrick as he parades through the village street. There will be curious characters located throughout the Folk Park including Konor the Clown and his merry band of Dancing Leprechauns, and Finegas the Druid who will be recount-

ing Irish fables and legends. Irish dancing will take centre stage in the Corn Barn with performances by the Linda Ball Hoban School of Irish Dance, which has enjoyed extensive success at the World Irish Dance Championships and

whose members have gone on to perform all over the world with Riverdance. Performers will be dancing between the jigs and the reels at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. There will also be live traditional Irish music seisiúns throughout the day

with the public invited to bring their own instruments and join in with Bunratty’s resident musicians

For younger visitors there will be a fun and interactive Clue Trail that will lead participants to all four corners of the Folk Park through woodland trails and paddocks, with their vast array of indigenous Irish animal species from Kerry Bog Ponies to Irish Red Deer and Bunratty’s resident Irish Wolfhounds Rian and Mide.

At the schoolhouse, Bunratty’s resident Schoolmaster will be on hand to teach visitors a ‘Cúpla Focal’ and entertain with tales and traditions from school days of old, including the story of the four leafed clover and how St. Patrick really drove the snakes out of Ireland.

The Bean an Tí will host a demonstration of Traditional Baking and Butter Making at 2pm in the Golden Vale Farmhouse where

Irish superstitions will also be explained, including why it is considered bad luck to spill salt, why seeing a solo magpie can strike fear into the heart of a passerby, and why an itchy nose signifies a fight is coming in your near future.

Members of the Clare Vintage and Engine Tractor Club will be present on the day to demonstrate an array of vintage agricultural machinery at work, including corn grinders, water pumps and mini threshing machinery. Ireland’s largest collection of vintage farm machinery also will be on display around the park. The Talbot Collection have been bequeathed to the tourist attraction for permanently display throughout the 26acre folk park and features more than 50 items of machinery, including ploughs, hay rakes, and Turnip and Mangel Seeders.

lHAND GRENADE: Slí an Stionnaigh

lSHAMROCKS AND SHENANIGANS: St.Patricks day celebrations at Bunratty

Gort & South Galway

Galway leaders meet to discuss securing backing for regional projects

SENIOR OFFICIALS and Elected Members from Galway City and County Councils and Galway Chamber of Commerce met at The Galmont Hotel on Wednesday morning to discuss opportunities for leveraging government support for key strategic priorities for Galway and the wider North-Western Region.

The joint briefing and workshop event follows an opening meeting held in October 2024 and featured presentations from the Chief Executives of the three organisations on the priority lists prepared for the recently published Programme for Government.

Shared priorities include the N6 Galway City Ring Road, East Galway Main Drainage Scheme, Galway City Flood Defence Scheme, BusConnects Galway, the upgrade of the N-59 from Clifden to Maam Cross and a Masterplan for the Galway Metropolitan Corridor, including the Athenry to the City environs (Oranmore) Strategic Economic Corridor.

The Cathaoirleach of Galway County, Mayor of Galway City and President of Galway Chamber were in at-

tendance along with Elected Members and Officers from the local authority’s Corporate Policy Groups (CPG) and Strategic Policy Committees (SPC) and representatives of Galway Chamber.

Speaking following of the joint briefing and workshop event, Cllr Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of Galway County said, “I welcome this joint briefing and look forward to ensuring that the priorities as agreed are promoted and delivered upon within the lifetime of this new government. I am also committed to hosting a follow up event in the county to track progress and ensure ongoing updates are provided”.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Peter Keane (FF) commented, “As Ireland’s fourth largest city, Galway is a key driver for socio-economic development along the Atlantic Economic Corridor, with close ties and significant overlapping priorities with Galway County. This briefing makes explicit our shared ambitions and initiates a process of seeking government investment to realise these priorities for the people of Galway City and County”.

Cáit Noone, President

of Galway Chamber stated, “Galway Chamber welcomes the strong commitment shown by Galway City and County Councils in working together to advance these critical infrastructure priorities. A thriving Galway depends on strategic investment, and it is essential that we maintain momentum to secure the necessary government support. By uniting the business community, local authorities,

and elected representatives, we can ensure that Galway remains a competitive and dynamic place to do business, driving economic growth and opportunity for the entire region”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council said he welcomed the opportunity to build on the previous join briefing, adding, “Our collective focus is to ensure the priorities for Galway and the West of

Ireland are known, understood and fully implemented within the lifetime of the new government. This briefing expands on the priorities and our shared commitment to working collectively and collaboratively to deliver for the people of Galway and the West”.

Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council stated, “Galway City Council, Galway County Council and Gal-

way Chamber recognise the importance of a collaborative approach to ensure flourishing communities, strong employment, and investment in infrastructure, while safeguarding our natural resources and environment. While local authorities may have distinct boundaries, our communities’ lives are greater and more interlinked than lines on a map, so collaboration and dialogue is essential”.

Deirdre Mac Loughlin, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Galway Chamber, added, “As a Chamber, our role is to advocate for our members and the wider business community, holding local and national government accountable to ensure the delivery of key infrastructure priorities for Galway. A strong, competitive city depends on investment in infrastructure, connectivity, and strategic development—needs that are central to our members’ ability to grow and thrive. To secure Galway’s future, we must take a collaborative approach, ensuring clear visibility and driving timely delivery on these critical projects”.

Environmental action tops the agenda at Galway Youth assembly

by Páraic McMahon

AN INNOVATIVE forum aimed at empowering young people to take an active role in addressing climate change was held at the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry on Wednesday last.

Galway County Council, in conjunction with Youth Work Ireland Galway and SAUTI-Youth, hosted the second annual Youth Climate Assembly which was attended by young people from secondary schools and youth organisations across County Galway.

First hosted in 2023, the Assembly was instrumental in shaping the Galway County Council Climate Action Plan 2024-2029.

This year’s assembly focused on supporting participants to gain an understanding of the steps they can take to reduce their environ-

mental impact, while participants were invited to highlight the ac-

tions that Galway County Council can adopt to support young people to initiate positive change individually and through their school and community.

Cllr Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council highlighted the importance of youth involvement when considering climate and environmental policy. “The Assembly empowers young people to play an active role in shaping our shared environmental future by encouraging them to learn about climate action and actively contribute to local environmental solutions,” added Cllr Kinane. “Our first assembly demonstrated the power of young voices in shaping our Climate Action Plan. This year, we once again heard innovative ideas on how we can support communities to make a tangible difference to their local environments”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Execu-

tive of Galway County Council expressed his support for the Assembly, describing it as “a wonderful opportunity to amplify the voices of community members and ensure their active participation in shaping a bright and sustainable future. It’s only by working together that we can create a thriving and resilient community for generations to come.”

Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services with Galway County Council stated, “We had a fantastic line-up of speakers participating in this event. I wish to thank the schools and students for their active participation. I also want to acknowledge Letizia Gorini Coady and the team at the SAUTI-Youth project and Youth Work Ireland Galway for their work in organising the event and for supporting young people in our community”.

lGALWAY YOUTH CLIMATE ASSEMBLY: Sadhbh Carty, Cora Weekes Glynn and Rayna O’Neill from Gort Community School.

Photo by Aengus McMahon

lGALWAY LEADERS: left to right at The Galmont Hotel in Galway; Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services, Economic Development and Planning, Galway County Council; Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council; Cllr Peter Keane, Mayor of the City of Galway; Cáit Noone President, Galway Chamber; Caitriona Morgan, Administration Ofﬁcer, Galway City Council; Liam Conneally, Chief Executive, Galway County Council; and Deirdre MacLoughlin, interim CEO, Galway Chamber

Photo by Andrew Downes

Scariﬀ students raise funds for new astro-turf with sustainable fashion sale

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

A “RE-LOVED PRELOVED” FASHION fundraiser is taking place at Scariff Community College this Saturday (March 8th).

The pop-up shop is being organised by teachers Rachel Stewart, Darina Sheridan and students of the TY Sustaianable Class to raise funds for a new astroturf pitch. The shop is running from 1pm to 4pm and is selling exclusively women’s fashion to mark International Women’s Day.

The Scariff teacher says the idea came about during a lesson on the circular economy. The success of the ‘Nourish and Flourish’ event on St Brigid’s Day gave further impetus. “We knew

the idea was a runner. We started gathering garments from all over the country, from as far away as Donegal right down to West Cork. Several bloggers and influencers have sent us clothing as well. If you look at the full circle, you’re taking an item that’s been mass produced, it might still have the tags on it just because it was an impulse buy online and now we have it back around and we’re putting it back into our local economy which is our astroturf”.

Preparations are well underway at the school as the over 400 students assist to have the secondary school ready for Saturday. “We have over 500 garments for sale in our new building and alongside that we’re going to have a café and bake sale with baked goods on the

day as well. We have designer items retailing at €50 and these would previously have been on sale for over €300. We have plenty of macks and raincoats for Spring and the season ahead. We have designers like French Connection, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, LK Bennett shoes, Guess bags. You name it, we have it for every lady. There’s something there for everybody, every colour, every style”.

“Many students are passionate about the environment while in secondary school but tend to move away from this as time goes on. This is something that Stewart is keen to avoid however as she says that “It’s definitely something that we’re going to continue on with. The second phase of this would be that we would

hold a teenager pre-loved shop before the summer holidays,” she added.

Rachel is confident this will become a regular event in the school. “We want the younger students in the school to get involved with that. So that then will be passed on to the younger classes once we have finished with next Saturday. It’s something we will continue definitely, we’re very keen on producing green future leaders from our school in particular”.

Students have promoted the event on social media through its account (@ss-

cgreenschools) which has over 250 followers and features a number of posts with information on fast fashion and single-use plastics. “They’re very involved in promoting it on social media and setting up the Instagram accounts. The younger students have also been involved in the tagging and segregating of the items”.

“We’re hoping that they’ll understand that fast fashion isn’t good for the environment and continue that into the future as future leaders. The younger students were actually shocked and boys in particular that people would

impulse buy and never wear the items. They’ve arrived en masse. It’s incredible and we got some great footage of that. They’re surprised that these things can still be valuable and that they’ll go into their astroturf”.

Funding for the new astro is going well so far with €414,000 of the necessary €450,000 raised. The East Clare school will continue to run and manage events until the full total is raised.

EPA has ﬁve easy steps for people in Clare to reduce food waste and save money

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

According to the Envionrmental Protection Agency (EPA) over 220,000 tonnes of food are wasted by Irish households each year.

Food waste is responsible for up to 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions globally. By reducing our food waste, not only are we taking an important climate action, but are also saving money - on average €700 a year spent by households on food that is wasted.

The EPA have shared ways the people of Co.Clare can reduce food waste and save money to mark National Stop Food Waste Day which took place on Saturday March 1.

David Flynn, Director of the EPA’s Office of Environ-

mental Sustainability commented:

“Homes and businesses across Ireland are wasting too much food. Food waste is a lost nutritional opportunity and an avoidable pressure on our environment. The EPA’s practical guide will help you to reduce your household’s food waste. For business owners, signing up to the Food Waste Charter is a positive statement that your business is serious about tackling food waste, which has climate impacts and costs your business.”

Food sector businesses in Clare have an important role to play too, as nearly two thirds of food waste in Ireland is generated from businesses. The first step to reducing food waste is to measure food waste across

your business - see Measuring Food Waste - Food Waste for helpful tips. Food sector businesses can support National Stop Food Waste Day by signing the Food Waste Charter, a national voluntary commitment by businesses who pledge to measure their food waste and take action to reduce it.

Alan Dillon TD Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications with special responsibility for Circular Economy said: “Valuable time, energy and resources are needed to produce the food that we consume. By reducing food waste, we are helping to protect and use our resources wisely, as well as supporting efforts to combat climate

change. We all have a role to play in preventing food waste and I urge householders and businesses to follow the EPA’s practical advice and tips on how to reduce food waste and help save money.”

EPA food waste prevention expert Odile Le Bolloch explains: “We all waste food and the reasons are different for everyone: we buy too much, we prepare too much, plans change, or leftovers go off in the fridge. Day-to-day it might not seem like much, but when added up, it is costing you money. It takes less than 10 minutes to read our Stop Food Waste Pocket Guide and these small, manageable changes will help cut your food waste and your food bill!”

lFOOD WASTE: 220,000 tonnes of food are wasted by Irish households each year

National No Smoking Day is the perfect time to start your quit journey

MARCH 5 is National No Smoking Day, it is also Ash Wednesday, the start of the season of Lent.

In Ireland, 17% of the population smokes tobacco but just over a third of current smokers are trying or planning to quit. If this is you, Take Back Control on National No Smoking Day by participating in the 28day No Smoking challenge.

People who quit for 28 days are five times more likely to quit for good! HSE QUIT Mid West is your free, local QUIT service. From setting a QUIT date until you are 12 months smoke free, QUIT Mid West offers in-person, telephone / telehealth support and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) if you sign up to the programme.

Everyone who uses the QUIT service is given a stop smoking advisor to guide them on their QUIT journey. QUIT Mid West can be con-

tacted on 065 686 5841 or email quit.midwest@hse.ie

People who smoke know that smoking is bad for their health, but the thought of quitting makes them fear what they might be losing. They believe that cigarettes relieve their stress and boredom and help them socialise. Cigarettes are reliable and are always there for them, like a good friend. When they finally quit, they realise the harsh truth about smoking and this ‘friendship’. They find freedom from the control that cigarettes had over them.

Mary Mac Mahon, HSE Mid West Tobacco Lead says, “While quitting is hard, it will be easier with the right support. Stop Smoking Advisors in QUIT Mid West, will guide your quit journey from the outset, until you are one year smoke free. They can help you to access free stop smoking medicines, check

your carbon monoxide reading and help you to stay on track, building your motivation and confidence along the way. In 2024, QUIT Mid West had 1,003 referrals and 53% of people who agreed to join the quit programme remained quit at 4 weeks cessation. Quitting smoking brings immediate wins no matter how long you have been smoking.”

Dr Paul Kavanagh, HSE Public Health Consultant and Clinical advisor to the Tobacco Free Ireland Programme explains, “Using NRT during a quit attempt increases the likelihood of success. Since it became widely available across our services in 2023, the impact of free NRT for people using our support to quit has been game-changing. There’s been a 50% increase in NRT use among people using our service. People who use NRT double their chances of quitting successfully so this is a huge step forward, with

Tulla United FC, promote health and wellbeing by becoming a ‘Not Around

Us’ sports club

TULLA United have been actively promoting football in the community of East Clare for over 50 years. The club has developed a thriving underage schoolboys and schoolgirls section which also includes an academy for children from 5 years of age.

All this activity takes place on two grass pitches, an astro pitch and a clubhouse within our facility here in the Cragg in Tulla. Kevin Perill, Secretary of Tulla United, explains that as a club Tulla United is ‘acutely aware that players of all ages and their supporters share this space as they play with and support their respective teams.

We have always understood the im-

portance of physical activity to the health of all our members, but we also feel a part of maintaining our members’ health is to protect them from smoke related harm.

We as a club cannot promote a healthy environment for our players while allowing smoking and vaping to take place in this same environment. We want to change the social perception around the normality of smoking or vaping in public for our younger players. We feel that the only way to ensure this healthy environment in Cragg is to discourage and stop the practice of smoking and vaping completely from our facility.’

According to Samantha McCarthy,

Healthy Clare Coordinator, Tulla United FC have been supported to address smoking around children and young people, by signing up to the Not Around Us’ campaign with Clare County Council and Healthy Clare.

‘The ‘Not Around Us’ campaign supports clubs to access signs that can be erected at locations, thereby showing that there is a commitment to reduce instances of cigarette use around young people. The signs also signpost to HSE Quit supports which can help people on their smoking cessation

journey.’ Other clubs and organisations are invited to join the ‘Not Around Us’ campaign by reaching out to Samantha McCarthy at Clare County Council. For more information on this campaign, please visit, https:// clarecoco.ie/services/community/ healthy- clare/notaroundus/

6 in 10 people using the service availing of the free NRT on offer.”

With QUIT Mid West you can take the best route to quitting and live a smoke free life with immediate and ongoing benefits – you won’t regret quitting. Phone QUIT Mid West on 065 686 5841 today. Top tips for quitting smoking successfully

1. Don’t feel you need to go it alone. HSE QUIT is there for you, to help you take this step with simple, practical and effective help, maximising your chance of staying

quit for good. Staff will provide non-judgemental support and encouragement.

2. Focus on the goal to stay smoke-free for one day at a time until you get to 28 days. Once people get to that goal, they are up to 5 times more likely to stay quit for good.

3. Use stop-smoking medicine, like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). This is a safe, effective and a clinically sound way of dealing with cravings. QUIT supports available

In addition to local QUIT Mid West supports, free national HSE Quit services are also available:

lOnline, personalised Quit plan where you can track your progress lText message 50100 / phone support, Freephone Quitline 1800 201 203 lA free Quit Kit to help you prepare lAdvice on Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and stop smoking medication lDaily tips and support from people who have quit and who are trying to quit on the You Can Quit Facebook page.

Ref: Healthy Ireland Survey 2024, Summary Report

‘Transformation and excellence are my desire and strength’

Elaine Ryan celebrates 18 years of supporting business growth and HR excellence

Elaine Ryan, founder of Elaine Ryan & Associates Ltd, reflects on her journey, the role of faith and mentorship in her career, and how she has built a business dedicated to transformation and excellence over the last 18 years. The following captures a conversation where she shares insights about her experience, work, challenges, and the lessons she has learned along the way

Describe your business.

I am an HR and Business consultant, crafting people strategies and business models for business success and progress. While we ensure businesses are legally protected, we go beyond that by working on people management, training, performance management, team building and restructuring. We help businesses establish their vision, mission, and values while fostering a coaching culture. As a qualified executive business life coach and neurolinguistic programming (NLP) practitioner, I bring an experiential approach to every organization we work with. What makes your business unique?

Accessibility. We are not typical nine-to-five consultants, we become an extension of our clients’ teams. Over the years, we’ve built long-term relationships; some clients have been with us for 18 years. Even when they step away for a while, they often return because of the trust we have built. If you had to describe your business in three words, what would they be?

Integrity, honesty, and passion. What do you love most about owning a business?

The privilege of working with so many different businesses across industries. Being part of their journey, helping them grow, and watching them transform is incredibly rewarding. What inspired you to start your business?

My background was in HR and operations, overseeing three businesses, but I had no work-life balance. I sought out a business coach in Dublin, and as someone whose faith is central to my life,

I felt that God was telling me to pause and reevaluate through that process.

That led me to an executive business life coaching diploma offered at University of Limerick. I was about 37 when I started this journey, and I set a goal to have my own business by 40. I launched Elaine Ryan & Associates in February, and by May, I turned 40 and I’ve never looked back.

Who has been your biggest role model or mentor?

My mother and my uncle. My uncle was a true visionary, he reinvented his life in his 40s to become a Pastor. He always told me, “You can be whoever you want, whenever you want.”

That message stayed with me. My mom continues to be a huge inspiration as well.

What motivates you every day?

Passion. If I can inspire even one person a day, I consider that a privilege. Seeing businesses and individuals thrive, watching people go from a caterpillar to a butterfly, that’s my soul food.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in business?

Employment legislation in Ireland is tough, and the cost of doing business is high. I see clients struggling, sometimes even unable to pay themselves. This year alone, we have seen minimum wage increases and compulsory pensions coming down the track that add financial pressure. My challenge is to help businesses create people strategies that allow them to stay afloat and succeed despite any hurdles.

What’s your biggest fear?

Honestly, I don’t operate in fear.

My faith grounds me. The Bible says “Do not fear” 365 times, and I truly believe that. When I started my business, I prayed over it and trusted that it was the right path. My only concern would be not to lose the joy in anything that I do. What advice would you give to someone starting a business?

Use the resources available to you, like the Enterprise Board. And get a talented accountant! Mentoring is crucial, and having a solid plan in place is non-negotiable. Know your passion and your why, because on the tough days, that’s what will keep you going. Also, choose your tribe

wisely. Surround yourself with people who will uplift you.

What are your top tips for networking?

Networking is about connection, not just business. When I started out, my financial advisor introduced me to BNI (Business Network International), and joining the Clare chapter was one of the best decisions I ever made. It built the foundation of my business.

The Chambers of Commerce in Shannon and Ennis and the Clare Business Network are also fantastic. Networking isn’t just about gaining clients, it’s about meeting

people who share your challenges, your wins, and your knowledge. It is invaluable.

How do you maintain worklife balance?

I design my life intentionally. I am excellent at time management, and I value even the smallest moments of downtime. My diary is my lifeline, I manage it 24/7. I also have an amazing support system. My husband is my unofficial life coach, and as an NLP practitioner, I practice self-care and listen to my body.

What place inspires you the most, and why?

The sea. Standing by the water at Lahinch or Kilkee grounds me. But a recent trip to India was probably the most transformative experience I have had in years. Waking up in Valparai, surrounded by tea plantations and wild elephants, was breathtaking. Being in nature and just being, that’s where inspiration comes from.

Your favourite book?

The Bible. It’s 66 books in one, full of wisdom, encouragement and guidance. Outside of that, I love Joyce Meyer’s writing and Pat Divilly’s work.

What are your future plans? I turn 58 in May, so I’m designing how I want to show up for myself by 60. My faith guides me in honouring the time I have. I love my ministry work as a deacon, and I plan to continue growing in that space.

Business-wise, we’re expanding internationally. Last month, I worked in India and Dubai, it was a new step, and I want to continue growing global.

What gets you through tough days?

My faith, first and foremost. Every morning, I sit in my car and pray for grace and wisdom. My family and my passion for what I do keep me going. And the people I surround myself with, my tribe –they lift me up when I need it.

Elaine Ryan’s journey is a testament to determination, faith, and an unwavering commitment to transformation. As she continues to grow her business and inspire those around her, one thing is clear, her passion for people and excellence remains as strong as ever.

l Elaine Ryan, director of Elaine Ryan & Associates

Empowering creativity and confidence at BreakThrough Dance Company

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

LAURA Jane Allis, owner of BreakThrough Dance Company in Ennis, has dedicated her career to providing a space for creative expression through dance, musical theatre, and performing arts.

Since opening her studio in 2007, Laura Jane has built a thriving business that continues to empower students of all ages. Her passion for the arts and resilience have been the driving forces behind the success of the business.

Laura Jane’s journey in the world of dance began long before she opened the doors to her ﬁrst studio. Like many young performers, Laura Jane spent time auditioning for West End shows in London after completing dance college in 2005. She then decided to take a step back from performing and moved back to Quin to be closer to her mother. It was during this time she was encouraged by a local drama teacher to start running dance classes for the local children in Quin. Soon Laura Jane was travelling around the county to teach dance.

In the years that followed, BreakThrough Dance Company grew

steadily, expanding its offerings beyond dance to include musical theatre, singing, and performing arts. The school, now in its 17th year, has become a cornerstone of the Ennis community. “The classes grew, the numbers grew,” Laura Jane recalls. “It all happened quite organically.”

Just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the dance school was at its busiest. Laura Jane had expanded her studio, moving to a larger premises in the Quin Road Business Park to accommodate the growing demand. At the time, she had eight teachers and over 500 students.

However, like many businesses, BreakThrough Dance Company was not immune to the impacts of the global pandemic.

“It was a busy, busy place and then Covid hit, and all of that just came crashing down. So I suppose my vision of having all these different classes and teachers, it did work for a while, but then obviously that wasn’t sustainable because of Covid,” said Laura Jane.

When Covid-19 forced the dance school to close, Laura Jane faced an uncertain future. “At that point, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue. I didn’t know if I had the energy to rebuild.” The strain of those chal-

lenging months led her to take a step back. She enrolled in a Master’s program in Contemporary Dance, using the time to reﬂect, and reconnect with her passion. It was during this period of reﬂection that Laura Jane realised just how much she loved her work.

“As much as I nearly walked away from it all, something kept telling me not to make any rash decisions,” she says.

“Doing my Masters, I realised I needed the time away but where I wanted to be was back in the studio.” Since then, BreakThrough has slowly regained momentum.

Whilst rebuilding the business, Laura Jane focused on the importance of community and the need to provide a safe, welcoming space for children and families in Ennis.

“I think it’s important for me to provide a creative outlet for the students and kids of Ennis,” she explains.“Dance and performing arts have always been my thing, and I want to give others that same sense of purpose and expression.”

Laura Jane's students play a crucial role in motivating her every day. “They keep me going. They constantly inspire me,” she says. “I have a really strong group of

dancers. Seeing them perform, especially at events like the one we attended in Dublin, ﬁlls me with so much pride.” For Laura Jane, the reward of teaching and working with students extends far beyond the technical skills they acquire. “It’s not just about dance. It’s about helping them develop conﬁdence, discover who they are, and be comfortable with themselves,” she explains.

Looking to the future, Laura Jane envisions the studio as a hub for creative expression, not just for dance, but for all performing arts. “My goal is to create a space where people can come, rehearse, and prepare for performances, whether for local shows or touring companies,” she says. “I want it to be a center where artists, performers, and creatives can grow, explore, and express themselves without fear of judgment.”

For Laura Jane, the arts have always been a source of personal healing and growth.

“No matter what was going on in my life, as soon as I went to my dance class, I could forget about everything else. It was a space where I could just get lost,” she recalls. “I realise now that without the arts, my life could have been quite different.”

l Laura Jane provides an important creative outlet for students

Celebrating Local Women in Business: The Story of Tatjana Merzvinska

THIS International Women’s Day, The Clare Echo is shining a light on inspiring women in our community— women who turn their passions into businesses, who create, innovate, and leave a lasting impact.

One of them is Tatjana Merzvinska, a woman with golden hands and a vision that’s changing the way we think about fashion in County Clare.

A Life Stitched with Passion

Tatjana’s story begins in Latvia, where, at just 16 years old, she stepped into the world of sewing and never looked back. She worked with lingerie, dresses, jackets, menswear, leather, fur, furniture upholstery, even footwear—if it involved fabric and craftsmanship, she mastered it.

Then life took an unexpected turn. Nearly eighteen years ago, a holiday in Ireland turned into a new chapter. She fell in love with the country and decided to stay. But starting fresh wasn’t easy. She worked in hospitality before eventually returning to what she knew best—sewing. It was during her time doing clothing alterations that she noticed a problem. Too many clothes were being tossed away when they could have been saved, reshaped, or even transformed into something completely new. That’s how The Atelier for Clothing Repairs was born—a place where garments get a second chance, and creativity knows no limits.

Breathing New Life into Old Clothes

At The Atelier, ﬁxing clothes isn’t just about stitching up a tear or

replacing a zipper. Tatjana and her small but talented team reinvent garments, turning forgotten pieces into something fresh and stylish.

A jacket from the ‘90s? Reshaped into a modern statement piece.

A pair of old jeans? Transformed into a oneof-a-kind outﬁt.

A sentimental dress that no longer ﬁts? Reworked so it can be worn and loved again.

In 2024, Tatjana showcased her work at People with Passion, an

event that celebrates creativity and sustainable fashion. There, she proved that upcycled fashion can be just as stylish as anything off a designer runway— if not more.

Your Wardrobe, Reimagined

Now, Tatjana is taking her passion one step further with a new service—“Wardrobe

Reimagined.” Instead of bringing clothes to her shop, she’ll come to you.

Imagine this: instead of staring at a wardrobe full of clothes you never wear, Tatjana helps you see the hidden potential in every piece. A dress that’s too long? Shortened into a chic tunic. A forgotten blazer? Tailored to perfection. A collection of mismatched items? Combined into something totally unique.

“Fashion isn’t about buying more—it’s about falling in love with what you already have,” Tatjana says.

With this service, she hopes to inspire more people to embrace creativity over consumption, proving that fashion can be both personal and sustainable.

More Than Just a Business

For Tatjana, The Atelier is more than just a shop—it’s a community. It’s a place where local artisans share their skills, where fabrics are given new life, and where people discover the joy of truly owning their style.

This International Women’s Day, The Clare Echo celebrates the women who are shaping our world in their own unique ways. Tatjana Merzvinska isn’t just repairing clothes—she’s changing the way we see fashion, one stitch at a time.

Want to reimagine your wardrobe?

Visit The Atelier in Shannon or Ennis, and let’s create something new from the old—together.

l Tatjana, owner of The Atelier, displays her work and (right) her dedicated team in her workshops in Ennis and Shannon

Open Sesame owner Sally Smith discusses breaking perceptions of women in business

OPEN Sesame’s owner Sally Smith opened her business in 1988. As part of International Women’s Day, she recounts the early days in Ennis and Gort, and discusses challenges she faced on route to becoming a successful business owner.

I am pleased to celebrate my 37th mother’s day as proud owner of Open Sesame. I opened Open Sesame’s doors in a tiny outlet in Parnell Street in August 1988 - I had no till, no phone and of course no computer. I used a simple red cash box, a calculator, and a large notebook for takings and expenses.

I was armed with those simple tools, and the knowledge I had gained by attending a 12-week FÁS business course in Galway.

In the early days, suppliers often asked “can I speak to the boss” and I would enjoy replying “you already are”. The other assumption made was that because I was a woman, Open Sesame was secondary income or a hob-

by. I am glad this assumption has changed.

Married to a very supportive musician, the shop was my venture and our main source of income. Looking back, there were several other women running their own businesses in the street even then - some of whom are still going to this day. Compared to the early days, things are much better for women now. Driving into the city recently I noticed at least eight woman of different ages at various points running in fabulous gear full of pride, health and energy, heads high full of power and sass. I thought of my own two fine daughtersmy four granddaughters and of my 97-year old mother who is still the strong woman I grew up with. She still puts make-up on every day!

After a few years trading, we moved the business to a bigger and better premises a few doors up with the expertise of a great shop fitter - an exciting project.

Then came my first taste of being “victims of your own success” when ex-staff and others opened rival sores in Ennis. There’s no point glossing over it - to be honest, I was disappointed and worried for the future. However, this challenge encouraged me to open a second branch, closer to my home, in the lovely town of Gort in 2000. Even 12 years on from opening in Ennis, there were still doubts as to the viability of a health food store in the town but we hit the ground running. Trading through two recessions and a pandemic is something I’m proud of, as well as the employment opportunities we have provided to so many. There are still challenges of course – not least the over saturation of outlets and the rise of the faceless multination chain stores. Gargantuan, non-Irish owned brands can take from the character of a small town. It doesn’t take long for the high street to lose its soul and become a

copy of every other city. By using extreme buying power, some chains are able to offer discounts that we simply can’t compete with. However, our secret super-power is our knowledge and investment in staff training. We love to keep track of the latest scientific research and innovation. Just recently I attended the

Health Stores Ireland annual event in Shannon and was delighted to see innovation and passion is still at the heart of the Irish healthfood industry. It’s nice also to see my son Leroy in the role that I filled myself in the past as chairperson of Health Stores Ireland. It’s been great to see the things that

were considered alternative when I started Open Sesame - things that I have always loved, become accepted and mainstream. Yoga, pilates, supplements and the importance of diet in overall well-being are just some of the things that were considered avant-garde back in 1988 but are now very much part of our culture.

Another super-power of ours is our relationship with customers. We would be nowhere without them and find it so important to listen and learn from our customers’ feedback. We encourage people to let us know how they get on with a product and do our best to source anything we may not have on our shelves for them. The last but most important super-power I will leave you on is our staff – apart from my wonderful son, all of them are strong knowledgeable females who I am proud to work alongside, just a little less than I used to – I am 70 you know!

l Leroy Smith & mum Sally Smith

A journey of empowerment & success for Louise

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

AS WE mark International Women’s Day, The Clare Echo is celebrating local women who inspire others by pursuing their passions in the business world.

One such woman is Louise Lynch, an entrepreneur who has built a business around mindfulness. Her journey into entrepreneurship began with a personal transformation and has grown into Mindful Moments, a business dedicated to helping others embrace mindfulness to lead calmer, more present lives.

Louise’s journey with mindfulness started in 2012 while she was pregnant with her second child. After having a difﬁcult pregnancy and birth with her ﬁrst child, Louise began looking into alternative routes to help mentally prepare herself for labour.

She practiced gentle birthing and yoga, and Louise continued to dip in and out of mindfulness practices following the birth of her second child to help subdue periods of stress and anxiety. Louise was made redundant in 2019 after 20 years in the corporate world and decided to take some time out with her three young children. During that time she found that although she was no longer working full-time, life as a busy mother was still leaving her feeling stressed and anxious. She decided to take this opportunity to dive deeper into the realm of mindfulness and positive psychology by enrolling in an 8-week stress reduction course, which Louise says changed her life.

“It completely changed the way I look at things,” she reflects. “It helped me understand how I was living, how much anxiety I was carrying, how I was always ruminating about the past or worrying about the future, but never really living in the present.”

Mindfulness became her anchor, a way to reconnect with herself through her mind and body. As she reaped the beneﬁts, she noticed her stress and anxiety began to lessen. But it wasn’t just about her own healing. Louise wanted to share the transformative power of mindfulness with others. Louise went on to study mindfulness and positive psychology for 15 months, where she truly began to grasp their transformative power. She realised that mindfulness is more than just meditation—it’s about bringing awareness to our thoughts, recognising negative patterns, and understanding how the mind works. By doing so, we can build a healthier relationship with our thoughts and cultivate a more positive outlook.

Inspired by this knowledge, Louise decided to leave the corporate world behind and founded Mindful Moments.

She launched her ﬁrst beginners’ mindfulness course, modelled after the MBSR programme. Now, three years later, Mindful Moments offers two courses in mindfulness and positive psychology: a beginners’ course and a follow-on course titled Deepen. This advanced course is designed for those who have completed the beginners’ programme or a similar form of training, guiding them on a deeper journey of healing and self-discovery.

Louise plans to launch her courses online to make them more accessible to a wider range of clients. She will also be launching a lunchtime beginners course soon. Louise also provides one-to-one coaching for both adults and teenagers and runs a monthly women’s circle. This is a space where like-minded women come together and celebrate women through topic discussions and rituals such as full-moon ceremonies.

In addition to her diploma, Louise is a

qualiﬁed breathwork coach and is currently deepening her expertise in children’s mindfulness. At the core of Mindful Moments is the belief that mindfulness is about implementing simple daily practices to help bring awareness to the present moment.

Louise explains there are a variety of ways to bring mindfulness practices into your life, whether it’s through formal or informal practices. Formal practices involve setting aside speciﬁc time each day for meditation, while informal practices encourage mindfulness in everyday activities, such as drinking a cup of coffee or brushing your teeth. These small moments can provide a sense of calm and help reduce the stress of living in the past or worrying about the future.

Running a business is not without its challenges. Like many women, Louise had to navigate the complexities of self-doubt, particularly when launching her business. However it was those mindfulness tools that Louise was hoping to share with others that helped her break through those barriers.

“I’ll never forget my ﬁrst course, the day I was setting up I had a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach from the fear that I was feeling. And I thought, ‘what am I doing? Are you crazy? Go back to the ofﬁce, go back to the day job.’

“I had all those thoughts, but I had to keep on telling myself, reminding myself what mindfulness has done for me and how it’s changed my life.”

Mindfulness has not only transformed Louise’s personal life but has also played a signiﬁcant role in the success of her business. “The reason I teach mindfulness is because of how much it has impacted me. It has completely changed me as a person,” she adds.

Bríd embraces the highs & lows of hospitality

BRÍD O’Meara, co-owner of the Lahinch Coast Hotel, tells The Clare Echo about what it takes to run a dynamic and welcoming four-star hotel on Clare’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Tell us about your business.

Lahinch Coast Hotel is a four-star Hotel with 144 bedrooms, leisure centre, swimming pool and a busy gastro style bar and restaurant.

In late 2018 my husband John and I became co-owners and took over the management of the hotel which started the journey of a new brand and stylish refurbishment. This was a huge undertaking but one which I enjoy especially being part of a dynamic team that constantly look to improve standards.

Tell us about your journey.

I was keen on a career in tourism and hospitality from a young age. I studied Hotel Management in Galway RTC (now ATU) and had worked in hospitality even prior to college. I knew it was hard work however I also got the ‘buzz’ and always enjoyed trying to look after guests.

I tend to be drawn to scenic settings and leisure hotels. I grew up in Currow, Co Kerry and after college I worked in Kenmare where I was promoted to the management team at the ﬁve-star Sheen Falls Lodge in Kenmare. After moving to Clare, I managed smaller intimate businesses. We are living in Clare 20 years this year and enjoy family life with our two children Kayleigh (14) and Paddy (11).

In business we have endured what

can only be described as “a lot of highs and lows” over the years such as the high of The Irish Open in Lahinch with a very busy opening season leading straight into to the pandemic.

Despite this early setback our business and team has grown hugely, and we welcome a lot of repeat guests.

We have always continued the journey of upgrades including bedroom refurbishments and enhancements to public areas. I believe this is very important to keep competitive. I don’t mind admitting it’s at little “pat on the back” if a guest comments on the classy new toilets or extra bounce on the corridor carpet! That is the feedback we need to be hearing along with good service and small individual improvements in each department.

We are delighted at being Certiﬁed as a 'Great Place to Work' again this year. We have over 100 employees in high season who are dedicated to creating a positive environment. We have also been awarded an Employer Excellence Award by Failte Ireland. What are your biggest challenges?

Having to navigate the business through the various lockdowns and guidelines that were so new to everyone during the Pandemic.

A lot of time is spent on people management and of course that is part of running a business – it can certainly be challenging at times particularly being a seasonal Hotel. At times it’s impossible not to be slightly understaffed but the vested interest from the people we have along with treating our team well

l (above)

Bríd O’Meara, co-owner of Lahinch Coast Hotel; (right) the hotel’s leisure centre; and (below) Lahinch Coast Hotel is ideally located within walking distance to the beach and Lahinch’s world-famous golf course

and being flexible with their personal situations means we always get there in the end. John and I are not afraid of hard work and it’s good to lead by example!

Despite increased operational costs we are facing in hospitality, I am always grateful for great local suppliers in Lahinch and of course our staff. What makes your business special?

Our great team of employees and our excellent location. The hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Lahinch and within walking distance to Lahinch Golf Club.

What motivates you every day?

Good service in our different departments, seeing our guests relax and enjoy the hotel and chatting to them after they discover the stunning area. Any good feedback from a guest is also a good motivator and generally involves a compliment about a member of our team which gives me a great boost. Do you think there are any issues for women in the workplace?

I am grateful not to have personally endured unfair issues for being a woman in business. I can only speak for myself as I am aware how females can be overlooked in some male dominated businesses and workplaces. For me the issue is “work life balance” and being a woman and a mother of two children brings a daily and weekly balancing act! For more information about Lahinch Coast Hotel, please visit wwwlahinchcoasthotel.ie or call 065-7081100.

Facebook:@LahinchCoastHotel x, Instagram lahinchcoast_hotel

24 years of unique fashion and personal service at Freya

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

FREYA Boutique has been a staple for fashion lovers in Ennis and beyond for over two decades. Owned and operated by the passionate Monica Keane, the boutique has become known for its unique, high-quality pieces and exceptional customer service.

Monica’s journey into solo entrepreneurship wasn’t planned. After working in the shop for a year and a half, Monica took over the business from the previous owners when they decided to step away.

“It just happened organically,” she reflects. “And after they finished, I took over, and I’ve been in business now for 24 years.”

Starting out in a small unit in The Market in Ennis, Freya Boutique quickly grew, expanding into a two-story space on Parnell Street that offers everything

from smart-casual wear for the everyday woman to special occasion outfits for weddings, communions, and confirmations. The boutique is the largest stockist in the county of the coveted Irish label, FEE G, a designer collection with a loyal following.

Monica’s approach to fashion is simple; she believes in dressing to suit individual body shapes and styles. Avoiding highstreet trends, she’s built a reputation for sourcing a variety of unique labels ensuring to always listen to customers’ needs.

“I was never trend-driven. I prefer something individual. After all, you dress to suit your body shape, colouring and your individual needs.”

Freya Boutique’s growth was not without its challenges. Monica recalls opening the shop in 2001, before the onset of the global recession some seven

years later. While other businesses around her were closing, she remained resilient. “It was the toughest period of my career. But I was fortunate to have loyal customers who supported me. They trusted me, and together, we got through it,” she says. “Some of those ladies are still shopping with me today.” Her determination paid off, and the business rebounded.

While there was no social media at the time, Monica’s reputation and personal touch acted as her marketing tool. “My good name was my business card,” she says. Monica credits much of her success to the personal connections she’s built over the years. “It’s not just about selling clothes,” she explains. “It’s about how you make people feel. If you can make them feel good in what they’re wearing, they’ll always remember you and come back.”

The challenges didn’t stop with the recession. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic presented another hurdle. But rather than faltering, Monica adapted quickly, embracing online sales and nationwide deliveries. “We were working online and delivering, and the kindness of my customers kept me afloat,” she says. “We were all in the same boat, so it was easier to adapt.”

Despite the ups and downs, Monica has maintained a healthy work-life balance, supported by her family and loyal team. “I have a great husband,” she says. “It was tough, but I made it work. My kids would come with me on buying trips around them.”

Although Monica started the business on her own, she has a small team of staff who support her and help the business to run smoothly. Hilary, has been with Monica in the boutique for over 10 years and “she goes above and beyond” for the business. Monica also employs a number of part-time staff who help out on the shop floor.

“They are just brilliant. I’m blessed to have a dream team,” said Monica In a world where fast fashion dominates, Monica’s vision for Freya Boutique remains

grounded in sustainability and individuality. “More than ever, people want quality clothing that lasts, not disposable items,” she explains. “I focus on selecting quality, sustainable pieces that you could wear over and over again. I have some people who come in to me, be-lieve it or not, who have bought jackets and things when we were up in the market, and they’re still wearing them and still have them.

Looking ahead, Monica’s commitment to offering personalised service remains central to Freya Boutique’s success.

“I absolutely love styling people and kitting them out and something they will never choose themselves. It’s all about how you make people feel. There’s a great buzz when a customer leaves the shop with a peck in their step.”

l Monica Keane of Freya Boutique in Ennis

Clonlara solicitor Keogh appointed adjunct professor with UL

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLONLARA’s Stephen Keogh has been appointed as anew adjunct professor of practice in University of Limerick’s School of Law.

Stephen is a Practicing Solicitor and Managing Partner of MHP Sellors Solicitors, a law firm that employs over 50 people at its Ennis and Limerick offices.

Head of the School of Law, Professor Lucy-Ann Buckley said of Stephen’s appointment, “He is eminent and distinguished in legal practice and he will make a tremendous tangible contribution to the School of Law and the University of Limerick, inspiring our students as a role model through his leadership”.

Keogh has extensive specialist legal experience in advising a broad range of companies and public sector bodies across different sectors in high value commercial transactions and complex commercial disputes.

He regularly advises Boards of Directors and shareholders on corporate governance matters, directors’ duties

and employment matters.

He is a member of the Board of the Charities Regulatory Authority in Ire-

Women in aviation event to take place at Shannon Airport

OVER 100 industry leaders and professionals will discuss and promote gender equality and diversity in aviation at the event on Thursday (March 6th) organised by the Shannon Airport Group in collaboration with the Women in Aviation Mid-West Region.

CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine will open the event highlighting the importance of gender equality, diversity and inclusion in the aviation sector. “As we approach International Women’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible women who inspire us daily—our colleagues, mentors, and friends,” she said.

The event will feature a panel discussion moderated by Maria Frost from Engine Lease Finance Corporation (ELFC), with distinguished aviation speakers including Shauna Kelly from Falko, Mary Bradford, formerly of GPA/GECAS, Don Salmon from Shannon Technical Services. The panel will address a range of topics, from the importance of equal rights advocacy in aviation to the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the industry.

Panellists will explore key questions such as the challenges of equal rights advocacy in aviation, historical milestones that have shaped equal rights in the industry, and initiatives currently in place to ensure diverse hiring and equal opportunities. They will also discuss how airlines and aviation organisations can foster a more inclusive culture for underrepresented groups, the role of mentorship, and the importance of policies and legal frameworks to protect equal rights.

SHEIRBHÍS F ARANTÓIREACHTA GO HINIS CATHAIGH

Iarrann Coimisinéirí na nOibreacha Poiblí in Éirinn aighneachtaí ó iarrthóirí atá cáilithe go cuí chun tairiscint a chur isteach ar sheirbhís farantóireachta séasúrach a oibriú ón mórthír go hInis Cathaigh, Co. an Chláir. IS IAD SPRIOCAM AGUS SPRIOCDÁTA AN CHOMÓRTAIS SEO NÁ 12 MEÁN LAE AR AN AOINE 21 MÁRTA, 2025.

Tá sonraí iomlána ar fáil ar láithreán gréasáin soláthair na hearnála poiblí in Éirinn; eThairiscintí (http://www.etenders.gov.ie).

SCATTERY ISLAND FERRY SERVICE

The Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland invite submissions from suitably qualified candidates to tender for the operation of a seasonal ferry service from the mainland to Scattery Island, Co. Clare. THE CLOSING TIME & DATE OF THIS COMPETITION IS 12 NOON ON FRIDAY 21 MARCH, 2025.

Full details are available on the Irish public sector procurement website; eTenders (http://www.etenders.gov.ie).

land and was appointed by the Minister for Rural and Community Development. He served as President of the Shannon Chamber of Commerce from 2020 to 2022, and he was a member of the Clare Economic Taskforce during the same period.

Holding a BBS (Accounting and Finance) from Trin-

ity College Dublin, a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Technological University of Dublin and a Diploma in Commercial Litigation from the Law Society of Ireland, Stephen builds upon his prior engagement with UL’s School of Law through his contributions to the Law and Technology Professional Diploma.

MHP Sellors also facilitates students from the LLM course in International Commercial Law, in addition to a much sought-after traineeship programme, and his appointment will further strengthen the relationship between the School of Law and MHP Sellors.

lPROFESSOR OF PRACTICE: Stephen Keogh

60 years of Credit Unions in County Clare

CREDIT Unions in the Banner County have certainly come a long way since 1966, when the first members joined the growing national movement in Clare, almost 60 years ago.

There are now four thriving Credit Unions serving the population and communities of Co Clare; namely Derg, Ennistymon, Kilrush and St. Francis Credit Unions where 72,000 members are served via a local network of 15 offices throughout the county.

80 friendly and professional staff are employed locally in Clare Credit Unions with responsibility for combined assets of €426 million and a loan book value of €123 million, with over 11,000 members enjoying the benefits of borrowing from their local credit union.

Credit Unions have always put their members first and offer an unrivalled customer experience, as evidenced by the fact that for 10 years running, Credit Unions have been voted as the top organisation in offering the best customer experience in Ireland according to the Customer Experience Insight (CXi) Report.

These are just some of the reasons why so many Clare people choose their local Credit Union for their financial needs.

What is the credit union difference?

When it comes to choosing a financial institution, the decision often boils down to one crucial question: where will my money be most valued? While traditional banks and other financial institutions offer certain products the credit unions offer a distinct advantage that sets them apart. The "credit union difference" is more than just a tagline; it’s a philosophy rooted in community, personal service, and a commitment to the financial well-being of their members.

At their core, credit unions are not-for-profit organisations. Unlike banks, which are driven by the need to generate profits for shareholders, credit unions operate with a mission to serve their members. This fundamental difference allows credit unions to focus on offering a NO Fees policy, flexibility and very competitive interest rates on loans. When you join a credit union, you’re not just a member; you’re a part-owner. This structure ensures that decisions are made with your best interests in mind, not the bottom line of a distant corporate entity.

One of the most compelling aspects of the credit union difference is the emphasis on locality. Credit

unions are deeply embedded in the communities they serve, often established to meet the specific needs of local families along with local businesses. This local focus translates into a personalised approach that’s hard to replicate at larger, nationwide banks. For example, credit unions are more likely to understand and support the unique financial challenges of their members, offering tailored solutions that reflect the realities of the local

economy. Every credit union is run independently, so each credit union makes its own decisions at a local level.

The personal service offered by credit unions is another hallmark of a credit union difference. While larger financial institutions may rely heavily on automated systems and call centres, credit unions prioritise a strong personal touch. Members are often greeted by name and treated as individuals rather than

account numbers. This personalised service fosters trust and long-term relationships, making members feel valued and understood. It’s not uncommon for credit union employees to take the time to provide financial education, helping members make informed decisions about their money.

Moreover, credit unions excel in giving back to their communities. Whether it’s sponsoring local events and community groups, supporting schools, or offering scholarships, credit unions reinvest in the areas they serve. This commitment to community development underscores the cooperative spirit that drives credit unions forward. When you bank with a credit union, you’re not just investing in your financial future; you’re also contributing to the betterment of your community.

In today’s fast-paced world, where many financial institutions prioritise profit over people, credit unions stand as a beacon of integrity and service. They offer a unique blend of financial advantages, local focus, and personal care that larger banks simply cannot match. For those seeking a financial institution that prioritises their needs and values, the choice is clear. The credit union difference isn’t just

l The team at Kilrush Credit Union and (below) staff at St Francis Credit Union; (opposite page, l-r) the Ennistymon & Derg Credit Union teams

about banking; it’s about building stronger communities and brighter financial futures for all.

The Future of Credit Unions

The future of credit unions lies in their ability to adapt while preserving their core values of community, member-focused service, and financial empowerment. As technology advances, credit unions are embracing digital transforma-

tion to meet evolving member expectations, offering seamless online banking, mobile apps, and innovative financial tools however maintaining the core ethos of the credit union with strong member engagement. Credit Unions provide the personal touch through a strong network of local branches but are also digital when you want it and human when you need it.

Their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility will continue to resonate with younger generations seeking ethical financial institutions. Collaboration among credit unions will foster shared growth, enabling them to compete with larger banks. By staying true to their mission and integrating modern solutions, credit unions will remain vital, trusted

institutions in an ever-changing financial landscape.

Become a Member Today

To join a credit union, you need to hold what is known as the 'common bond'. In Co. Clare, the 'common bond' is the local area where members live or work. The 'common bond' is what enables members to know and trust one another. You can contact your local credit union

if you are interested in joining to find out about their membership requirements. You can find details for your local Clare Credit Union at www.clarecreditunions.ie Experience the difference for yourself and become a member today. Clare Credit Unions would like to thank the people of Clare for their continuing support and placing their trust in them.

A HIGH-PERFORMANCE team is not built overnight, it is carefully incubated, nurtured, and refined over time.

Strong teams don’t just happen by chance; they are the result of intentional leadership, well-defined structures, and a culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and trust.

Let us explore the few key elements of incubating and embracing a high-performance team and how organizations can cultivate an environment where individuals thrive and collectively achieve greatness.

1. Assign the right responsibilities to the right people - avoid micromanagement

One of the most fundamental aspects of building a high-performance team is ensuring that each team member is placed in a role that aligns with their strengths, skills, and aspirations. This strategic alignment allows individuals to take ownership of their work and contribute meaningfully to the team’s success.

However, a common mistake that many leaders make is micromanagement, hovering over employees, scrutinizing every decision, and restricting autonomy.

Micromanagement stifles creativity, slows down decision-making, and erodes trust. Instead, leaders should:

n Empower employees with clear roles and responsibilities

n Trust their expertise and allow them to make decisions within their domain

n Focus on outcomes rather than controlling every step of the process

n Encourage problem-solving rather than dictating solutions

A well-balanced team functions like a welloiled machine, where each member knows their role and feels trusted to execute it effectively.

2. Set and encourage a feedback mechanism

Feedback is the lifeblood of continuous improvement and team cohesion. High-performance teams thrive in an environment where open, constructive, and frequent feedback is encouraged. However, feedback should never be a one-way street from leadership to employees. Instead, it should be a dynamic exchange that fosters growth and alignment.

To establish a strong feedback culture:

l Normalize feedback by integrating it into regular meetings, performance check-ins, and informal discussions.

l Encourage peer-to-peer feedback to promote a culture of shared accountability and learning.

l Balance positive reinforcement with constructive criticism, recognize achievements while identifying areas for improvement.

l Create psychological safety (more in the following paragraph) so employees feel comfortable giving and receiving honest feedback without fear of retaliation.

3. Establish an environment of psychological safety

Psychological safety, the belief that one can express ideas, take risks, and admit mistakes without fear of humiliation or punishment is the foundation of a high-performance team. When employees feel safe, they are more likely to contribute ideas, challenge assumptions, and collaborate openly.

Ways to cultivate psychological safety:

n Lead with empathy and authenticityshow vulnerability as a leader by admitting when you don’t have all the

The art of incubating and embracing a high-performance

team

answers.

n Encourage curiosity and experimentation - frame mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures.

n Foster inclusivity - make sure all voices are heard, regardless of rank, experience, or personality type.

n Model respectful disagreement - normalize debate and discussion without personal attacks.

High-performing teams are not afraid of failure, debate, or taking bold action because they operate in an environment where learning is prioritized over perfection.

4. Address the Needs of a Multi-Generational and Diverse Workforce

Today’s workforce is more diverse than ever, spanning multiple generations with different work styles, motivations, and expectations. Leaders who understand and leverage these differences can create a more engaged and effective team.

Managing a multi-generational workforce

Each generation brings unique strengths:

l Baby Boomers value structure, experience, and loyalty.

l Gen X thrives on independence and efficiency.

l Millennials seek purpose, collaboration, and continuous learning.

l Gen Z prioritizes digital fluency, flexibility, and inclusivity.

Leaders should adapt their communication styles, feedback approaches, and motivational strategies to cater to this diversity while fostering unity.

Embracing cultural and cognitive diversity

Diversity isn’t just about age or demographics, it is also about diversity of thought, experiences, and approaches. Diverse teams are more innovative and adaptable, but only if they are given the right platforms for collaboration.

To harness the power of diversity:

n Encourage knowledge-sharing across generations and cultures.

n Avoid one-size-fits-all leadership approaches but customize engagement strategies.

n Use team-building experiences that celebrate different perspectives and encourage cross-functional collaboration.

5. Experiential Learning - Spring & Summer is the Best Time!

The most effective way to build a highperformance team is through experiential learning/training, a hands-on approach where individuals actively engage in challenges that simulate real-world team dynamics.

At Elaine Ryan & Associates, we specialize in designing curated experiential training programs, a hybrid combination of indoor and outdoor sessions to help organizations unlock the full potential of their teams.

With Spring and Summer offering the perfect setting for immersive learning, now is the ideal time to invest in team development.

These programs are strategic investments that drive productivity, engagement, motivation, team dynamics and long-term success for team member and business.

Take the Next Step Toward Building a High-Performance Team

If you are ready to elevate your team’s potential and create a culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence, Elaine Ryan & Associates is here to help.

Connect with us today to learn more about our experiential training programs and how they can transform your team. Reach out via: Email (elaine@eraltd.ie) or through any social media platforms (LinkedIn & Instagram).

This Spring & Summer, give your team the gift of growth, connection, and performance excellence. Let’s build something extraordinary, together!

Engineering for the Future at Ei Electronics

YOU’RE a collaborative engineer keen to work in one of Ireland’s most innovative and successful technology companies, Ei Electronics in Shannon wants to hear from you. The core technology of the Company is sensors. Products engineered around these sensors have enabled Ei to become a world leader in development of home life safety devices for the connected home.

After another record year at Ei, one of Shannon’s largest employers, the Company continues to grow and expand its R&D function – often described as ‘the lifeblood of its business’.

Dr. David Richardson has recently been appointed Ei Group Head or R&D and has set an ambitious path to further grow the existing 30 Strong Engineering at the Shannon Campus.

A graduate of UL, and the University of Galway he joined Ei Electronics as Chemical and Sensor Technologist in August 2015 and was promoted to the position of Senior Technologist in April 2018.

The year saw many new faces join the team across various engineering disciplines

including, Embedded Software, Automation Controls, Cloud Software and Product Design.

The message from Ei is simple: If you wish to develop your engineering career and live life to the full then consider a career with Ei Electronics.

A key part of Ei’s engineering success is the collaborative way its cross-functional teams work, including mechanical, electronics, process, automation, hardware and software engineers.

The R&D laboratory boasts a suite of hightech testing facilities, including echo-free or anechoic chambers, 3-D printers for prototype development, smoke tunnel testing equipment, radio mesh network testers and power analysers for testing electronics.

Today Ei employs 1,100 people in Shannon (Global HQ), with a further 150 people in its ofﬁces worldwide.

The Shannon campus is responsible for the manufacture of 13 million home life safety devices a year, over 95 per cent of which are exported, with an annual turnover of €425 million.

l Dr. David Richardson; (right) Employees beneﬁt from a fully-equipped gym, astroturf pitch, and subsidised state of the art restaurant; (below) State of the Art R&D Laboratory at Ei with an R&D team of over 30 engineers

A New Chapter: Clare Lundy from Munstergroup shares her experience of working in the insurance industry

CLARE Lundy, CIP, began her insurance career through a somewhat circuitous route – as a beautician. “I was twenty when I joined Munstergroup, with no experience in insurance – in fact, I’d been a beautician until then!

“I joined Munstergroup in Personal Lines sixteen years ago and have been there ever since. I do new business quotes, renewals, customer service – both in person and on the phone.

“I’ve worked my way up there from the bottom – and now I’m an assistant manager.”

Lundy’s experience in Munstergroup was one of guidance and support in her career goals. “Munstergroup supported me in my exams to becoming qualified first as an APA and now as CIP, which helped me on my journey from Team Lead to Assistant Manager.”

A NEW ACQUISITION

The recent acquisition of Munstergroup Insurance by Campion Insurance, part of the PIB Group, will mean change is coming for the Ennis-based company, but Lundy has seen only positive impacts so far.

“We’re not fully merged yet,” she says, “but already we’ve found the process to be great. Campion Insurance have been open and inclusive during the whole process.

“They’ve come down to talk to us several times, with Jim Campion himself in meetings and on calls, and HR on every email.”

Lundy says that while there are many changes happening and more to come, Campion has been careful to ensure that Munstergroup and its employees are carefully integrated and not overwhelmed.

“Over the last couple of months as things have been brought over, for example their phone systems, certain letters, or different products that they sell, they’ve organised training for everything, so that when the integration is done it’s just another day in the office and not a massive change.”

MORE BENEFITS TO COME

Lundy outlines some of the benefits she’s discovered since the acquisition.

“We now have health checks, which we didn’t have before which is great. We also have a group pension scheme, hybrid working and the opportunity to work from

home, as well as the opportunity to work in other offices – or even in other countries.”

On top of this, Campion Insurance is as supportive of learning as Munstergroup was.

“We have an apprenticeship scheme and have open roles for those with experience as well as those without. Campion supports those taking exams to become qualified in the industry and is keen to train people without experience.”

An additional learning path is that of LinkedIn learning which is now available to Lundy and her colleagues. “There are lots of courses there for you to upskill with.”

Ann Keogh, Head of HR, Campion Insurance says that “we are delighted that Munstergroup is now part of Campion Insurance, part of the PIB Group.

“With this integration, our presence in Ennis is stronger than ever. By combining Munstergroup’s expertise with our own, we have created an even more dynamic and robust offering for our clients, and better career opportunities for our teams.

“At Campion Insurance, we are committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits, including location flexibility, hybrid working, maternity and paternity leave, the Bike to Work scheme, company pension scheme, and more. In the coming weeks, we will be implementing these benefits for our newly added Ennis team members, supporting their growth, development, and success within our company.”

YOUTHFUL IDEAS

For the younger members of staff, Lundy thinks the opportunity to work in different offices – or countries – is a benefit to all.

“Transferring offices is one of the opportunities that excites me the most – and I think will be really appealing to new or younger members of staff.

“Instead of – when you want to live somewhere else for a while –having to give up your job, with Campion Insurance, and the PIB offices in the UK and Europe, you can transfer across to another office and have the same experience without the risk and uncertainty of giving up your job.”

l Clare Lundy began her insurance career aged 20, having previously worked as a beautician

Cooking up a storm

Cook Medical engineers Eamon

Needham and Conor Cusack brought the excitement of Engineer’s Week to Monaleen National School.

Through interactive displays and hands-on demonstrations, the students discovered what it means to be an engineer at Cook Medical and explored the world of engineering.

Engineer's Week has been created to introduce primary and secondary school children in Ireland to the diverse world of engineering.

By showcasing the exciting and innovative work of engineers, it seeks to inspire young people to pursue future studies and careers in this field.

Pictured is Cook Medical engineer, Conor Cusack, with students at Monaleen National School.

ASafe Global: Join our growing, professional team

Headquartered in Ennis, Co. Clare, ASafe Global has multiple exciting opportunities across Ireland, USA, and Europe in a dynamic environment where your career can thrive.

Our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence means that every team member plays a vital role in driving our success. Our mission is simple: “Our client's success is our success.”

WHY WORK WITH US?

With our global outlook, including positions in the USA supported by visa opportunities, your career can grow as far as your ambitions.

Whether you’re a recent graduate eager to launch your career or a seasoned professional with years of experience ready to make a lasting impact, ASafe Global is the place for you. We value the fresh perspectives of new talent just as much as the insights that come from experience.

We are always seeking talented, driven professionals to join our diverse team. At ASafe Global, you will find a range of career paths in Quality, Environmental, Safety, Sales, Finance, Administration, Project Management and Operations. Every role is designed to empower you to contribute directly to our clients’ achievements.

Our workplace culture embodies the principles of the ASafe Way, a programme that consists of several distinct modules, each strategically crafted to enhance teamwork, presentation skills, and overall effectiveness in every department of ASafe Global. We

prioritize employee satisfaction with ongoing training, professional development, and a supportive environment that values every contribution.

Enjoy flexible work arrangements, including hybrid options, international travel opportunities, and the chance to collaborate with teams around the globe. Competitive salaries and a positive, growth-oriented atmosphere ensure that your professional journey is both rewarding and inspiring.

At ASafe Global, sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s an integral part of our operations! Our innovative projects aim to deliver long-term, efficient solutions that make a real impact on the environment.

We believe that responsible practices lead to a healthier planet and a stronger business foundation, aligning with our broader vision for a sustainable future.

We are proud of our diverse, experienced workforce, where collaboration and innovation drive every project.

Whether you’re working on-site or behind the scenes, your efforts directly contribute to our collective achievements. Every success we achieve and every milestone we reach is a direct result of the dedication, creativity, and commitment of our team members.

Our vision has always been to create a community and a brand that stands as a symbol of trust and reliability.

Photo by Alan Place

‘Opportunities enormous in aviation for those with passion in sector’

When students from four secondary schools in Co. Clare attended a recent lunch hosted by Shannon Chamber in Dromoland Castle Hotel, not only were they treated to sumptuous food, but they were left in little doubt that aviation is a career worth considering.

With the executive chairman of Emerald Airlines and Dublin Aerospace, Conor McCarthy, as keynote speaker, and the general counsel of High Ridge Aviation, John Ludden, posing the questions, the discourse was enlightening not just for the students but also for the 170 people who attended the event, representative of the many different segments of aviation and business. The luncheon was sponsored by International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) and Eirtech Aviation Services.

In a fast-paced interview, McCarthy responded to questions on a wide range of topics such as the traits needed to be a successful aviation entrepreneur; the successes, challenges and mistakes he has faced in his career to date; the key attributes that have enabled his success in the many business ventures he has been associated with; his future plans for Emerald Airlines and Dublin Aerospace; sustainable aviation fuel and the industry’s carbon reduction commitments and; what aviation might look like in one hundred years.

Upfront in his responses to each question, he described aviation as one of the most exciting industries in the world, requiring dedication, faith, and trust and, while there may be many challenges, it’s a sector that offers enormous potential to anyone with a passion and interest in it.

Focusing on challenges and successes, he cautioned attendees to be careful of early success which can often lead to overconfidence, over expansion… the main reason for airline failures.

Noting the importance of choosing the right partners for your business, McCarthy added “Make sure they fit your business culture as moving in the wrong direction culturally can destroy a

business from the inside.”

Commenting on his future plans and whether Shannon features in those plans, he described Shannon as an amazing airport that has achieved so much, not just in terms of the airport but in the cluster of aviation businesses now operating from Shannon.

HUGE SUCCESS

Comparing Shannon to other regions of similar size in Europe, such as Pescara or Perpignan, or large city airports such as Hamburg and Birmingham, neither of which have one year around transatlantic flight, he said that Shannon, despite having three competitor airports within a 90-minute drive of its catchment, stands out as a huge success.

Responding to a question on the cap on passengers at Dublin Airport and the ability of Shannon and Cork airports to absorb the passenger overflow at Dublin, he said that it would be an extremely short-sighted strategy to build an airport on the back of another airport’s inability to cope in the short-term. He mentioned the Dublin Airport cap will be addressed as a matter of national importance, with reference to the new government’s recent commitment to resolving the issue.

“Shannon has amazing strengths, with great tourism products and experiences on

its doorstep. It has the capacity to drive its own future and should focus on this to continue to build on its success.” he stated.

Looking ahead and describing Emerald Airlines as a fledgling airline, with a fleet of eighteen ATR-600 aircraft, designed for shorthaul flights he said, that while the company has no plans to fly out of Shannon, should an opportunity arise in the future to consider a poorly served airport in the UK, it would not be ruled out.

“We know our niche. We are a regional airline supporting hub carriers and we will always look for opportunities where we can make money,” he added.

Referring to the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) sector, in which Dublin Aerospace is a leading player, having opened a new landing gear facility in Ashbourne, County Meath, he called on the Government to review its treatment of aircraft hangar for commercial rates.

Contrasting hangars to non-rated barns in the agricultural sector, he said: “Aircraft hangars are large by nature, but a lot of the space is non-productive and should not be regarded as rateable space in the same way as an office building, for example. Change is needed,” he added. McCarthy then went on

to speak about the need for change in how we train aircraft engineers and technicians. While Ireland has a proud history of the aviation and particularly aircraft maintenance sectors, it’s clear the number of engineers and technicians and being trained today falls woefully short of the requirement of this growing industry. He mentioned there is a need for a complete overhaul of the way we train aircraft engineers in order to ensure it remains a vibrant industry here in Ireland.

When asked what the airline industry will look like at the turn of this century, he noted the huge transformation which we have wit-

nessed in the aviation industry, bearing in mind that the first ever transatlantic flight (which landed in Clifden in 1919) occurred just over 100 years ago. In particular, focusing on aircraft fuel, he said that:

“Fuel burn has improved by a factor of eighteen and, while we may have a new fuel source in the future to impact this further, all players in the industry will have to move in sync if the potential of sustainable aviation fuel is to be realised. The burning question is: are governments committed to CO2 reduction?”

Thanking Conor Mc Carthy for a most insightful conversation, Shannon

Chamber president, Eoin Gain, said that the Chamber is equally passionate about aviation, particularly the role it can play in attaining balanced regional development in Ireland.

CONNECTIVITY

“The connectivity that Shannon Airport provides to North America, the United Kingdom and Europe is critical to economic activity and growth in the Midwest and west regions; it is a key enabler of balanced regional development. That’s why we will continue to call on the Government to undertake a review of national aviation policy, and to permanently include Shannon Airport in the Regional Airports Programme.

“This can be done by raising the threshold to three million passengers, as is permitted under EU legislation. Supporting a regional airport, such as Shannon, would enable it to invest in infrastructure and technology that align with its climate change targets, ensuring that growth in air travel in the regions is sustainable,” he stated.

Helen Downes (CEO of the Shannon Chamber) commented that she was heartened to see aviation leaders such as Conor McCarthy visit Shannon and praised Conor for his candid responses to the interview questions. In turn, McCarthy remarked that he was delighted to be in Shannon and commended the warm and hospitable welcome that he received during his visit to the region.

l Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber and Conor McCarthy, executive chairman of Emerald Airlines and Dublin Aerospace pictured at Dromoland Castle Hotel with pupils and teachers from St Flannan’s College, Ennis, St Caimin’s Community School, Shannon, Coláiste Muire, Ennis, St Caimin’s Community School, Shannon, and St Joseph’s Secondary School Tulla Photo by Eamon Ward

ENNISTYMON COMMUNITY SCHOOL CHASING FIRST ALL-IRELAND TITLE

ENNISTYMON COMMUNITY SCHOOL go in search of their first All-Ireland football title this weekend.

Connacht champions, St Clare’s CS of Manorhamilton stand in their way of claiming the Dr. Eamonn O’Sullivan Cup (All-Ireland Senior C PPS final). St Jarlath’s Park in Tuam hosts the decider which commences at 13:00.

Open since 2023, Ennistymon Community School saw the merger of Scoil Mhuire, CBS Secondary School and Ennistymon Vocational School.

“It has been on the agenda for 35 years, it is the largest investment in

West Clare Municipal District over the last five years, it is a huge moment for Ennistymon,” Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said of the school’s opening. The Lahinch man is also Chairperson of Ennistymon football club and would be well aware of the significance of Saturday’s final.

Opening the new school was labelled by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) as “a generational investment in Ennistymon”. An All-Ireland title at schools level is something that is remembered for generations by those involved, the Lisdoonvarna man would agree.

For Saturday’s final, Ennistymon CS head into the decider with a clean bill of health. The side has joint captains in the guise of dual

players Conor Rynne and Alex Leydon, both of whom play their football with Ennistymon and their hurling with Inagh/Kilnamona. Conor Burke, one of the most promising young forwards in the county will occupy a pivotal role in attack for the Clare school, the Kilmurry Ibrickane club man will be joined here by Dominic Griffin, Seanán Kirby, Joe Concannon and Josh Daniels.

All-Ireland winning boxer Louis Griffin is among those likely to occupy defensive roles alongside Daniel Brody while the midfield pairing of Clare U20 panellist Colm Breen and county minor panellist Donncha O’Dwyer will have key roles to fill.

'This is the last time some of will us play together so we hope it's a good one' - O'Dwyer

by Páraic

DONNCHA O’DWYER is likely to be the youngest member of Ennistymon Community School’s starting fifteen as they go in search of All-Ireland honours this weekend.

Kilshanny teenager Donncha is the only Fifth Year student anticipated to be included in the first fifteen for the North Clare school as they take on St Clare’s CS, Manorhamilton in Saturday’s All-Ireland PPS C final in Tuam. Still the fact that it is likely to be the last time he will share the field with some of his teammates is flagged by O’Dwyer. “It's a great bunch of guys, they are all great craic and we all get on very well in school, we’re all friends in school. The next one is the last time some of us will ever play together again so we’re hoping it will be a good one”.

Of their campaign to date, he remarked, “I’m looking forward to it, we’re on a great

run this year so far, it’s great”. He said of his status as one of the side’s youngest members, “I suppose I would be, there’s one TY who is either coming on or starting, the rest would be sixth years, I’d be young for a fifth year”.

Losing the county final to St Joseph’s Spanish Point “was disappointing,” he recalled, “but we beat them in the first round of Munster so we’d be two even teams. We’re on a good run”.

He continued, “When we won the Munster semi-final and the talk turned to a final, people going to the final, getting gear and stuff like that brought a great buzz around the place”.

Kilshanny has not erupted with a sense of All-Ireland final fever just yet, he confirmed.

“You’d hear it around the school a lot and you have people text you wishing you luck for games and stuff, a few of the Breckan’s lads would wish me well”.

Inter-county experience is already in his locker, Donncha was a Clare dual player at U14 and U15, he concentrated solely on hurling at U16 and is no longer with the county hurlers and is instead part of Joe Hayes’ Clare minor football squad.

O’Dwyer plays his club hurling with Ennistymon. He explaned, “they wouldn’t be going as well whereas St Breckan’s would be a higher standard like we are in Division 1 for my age whereas Ennistymon would be Division 3. All along, I would have nearly preferred hurling but in the last two years I’m leaning towards the football”.

Enjoyment is what led to this change in

preference, he told The Clare Echo

“I started to enjoy it more, when you’re with a better club then you’re playing to a higher standard and a higher level of football so you’ve better chances with the development squads and stuff like that, you are happier when you’re winning”.

Analysis and preparation done by joint manager Lawrence Healy has been a big asset to Ennistymon’s cause, Donncha believed. The St Breckan’s clubman will be in the middle of the park for the throw-in on Saturday, “I’m really looking forward to the game, it will be a great occasion”.

l Conor Byrne and Jason Dowling pictured ahead of this weekend's ﬁnal

l Donncha O’Dwyer in possession for Ennistymon Community School Photo by John Sheridan

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ALEX LEYDEN BARRY McINERNEY BEN KELLY

COLM BREEN CONOR BURKE CONOR BYRNE CONOR RYNNE

DANIEL BRODY DANIEL HEALY

DARRAGH McGROARY DOMINIC GRIFFIN

DONNCHA O'DWYER GAVIN TWOMEY HARRY FINE

JACK CULLINAN JACK GALLAGHER JACK LAVIN

JASON DOWLING

JODY McMAHON JOE CONCANNON

JONATHON CULLINAN

JONATHON LEYDEN JOSHUA DANIELS KEELAN HOGAN LIAM FITZPATRICK LIAM WHITE LOUIS GRIFFIN LUKE McGUANE

TARA RYNNE Management LAWRENCE HEALY Management

NIALL TWOMEY OISIN TIERNEY

SEANÁN KIRBY

DANIELS RELISHING OUTFIELD ROLE

JOSH DANIELS may be more familiar to standing between the posts but he’s found a new lease of life out the field.

Whether it was hurling or gaelic football, Josh tended to get the number one jersey but on Saturday he’s expected to have two number ones on his geansaí but it will be the centre forward role that he is expected to occupy for Ennistymon Community School in their quest for All-Ireland honours.

Eighteen year old Josh plays his hurling with Kilmaley and his football with Lissycasey. “I only started playing football maybe four or five years ago. I started off in goals as well so this is actually my first year playing outfield. Hurling was my number one sport for quite a while, and then I picked up football and just loved football,” he outlined.

Moving from the goals to out the field has been “difficult in a way,” he admitted. “You wouldn't be as skilful as the rest of the players but as a goalkeeper, you're good with your hands, and I suppose that's what I'm recognised for, I'm like a playmaker, I suppose you could say”.

Getting away from the goals has been refreshing and he noted that outfield players tend to receive a lot more plaudits than the custodians. “You don't get enough recognition in goals as you do outfield, it's nice to get out there and even fitness wise it is good to get out,” the former Clare minor football panellist commented.

There is more freedom and less pressure for outfield players, the Kilmaley teenager believed. “In goals all it takes is to drop a high ball or to give away a kickout or a puckout and they’re straight through on goal, when you’re up the other end of the field you could get turned over and they have to work through the entire defence after that. I suppose it’s a relief in a sense to be out the field”. He is having no difficulties following instructions from netminder Jack Kelleher, a goalkeeper he holds in high regard.

Reaching the All-Ireland has not been plane sailing, he reflected. “It started off a bit rocky earlier this year but once we got a bit of a level playing field we were grand after that. We thought maybe at the start it might not be our year but then the lads came together and we’ve played really well so we’ve done well to

get here”.

Beating St Joseph’s Spanish Point in Munster having lost to them in the county final was a big moment for Josh. “We were gauging where we were, then we played Spanish Point and we knew they were good having won an All-Ireland last year, we beat them by four points so from there we thought we had a chance”.

Although they are all under nineteen, Josh maintained this could be the biggest game he or any of his teammates could play in their entire sporting career. “Especially for someone who might only play club level and never go back to playing county, it could be the furthest we'd ever go in a competition and for some of us it could be the biggest game of our lives”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Josh noted there had been “a great buzz around the school” since they qualified for the All-Ireland C final. “There is a lot of promotion going around with nice support from Ennistymon Credit Union and The Falls Hotel, they’ve been very kind with sponsorship towards us for gear, it brings a buzz to the community”.

Panellists are using their studies to keep their minds off the football, he said. His plans for next year and life after the Leaving Certificate are not set in stone, “I wish I could say yeah (I know what I want to do) but I don’t have much no-

tions yet, I have the CAO filled in but that is just about it”.

A past pupil of Kilmaley NS, he started his second-level education at Ennistymon CBS before the amalgamation to Ennistytmon Community School. He said of the transition, “It's strange to go from an all-boys school to a mixedschool with women and girls, it is strange because the school was a lot smaller with a lot less people inside, it is strange but it is not too bad, it could be a lot worse”.

As the sole representative of the Lissycasey club on the panel, he is enjoying lining out with players from different clubs. “There’s no one else from Lissycasey or down that direction even, it is different to play with lads from other clubs but at the same time you go to school with them for six years so it is nice to be playing with them, I’ve played with some of them at county level too”.

Standards are high within the Ennistymon Community School set-up, he said. “With the county you could have eight or nine in the management whereas it’s just the two of them here, we know Lawrence (Healy) and Tara (Rynne) quite well, they were teachers in the CBS with us, we’ve known them up along so we have a good strong bond with them. It is different but at the same time, it is quite good”.

Tara central to Ennistymon successes

TARA RYNNE has tasted success on and off the ﬁeld, this weekend she’s hoping to guide her Ennistymon Community School charges to All-Ireland glory.

Captain of the ﬁrst Inagh/ Kilnamona side to win the Clare senior camogie championship in 2016, Tara is also the holder of an All-Ireland junior camogie championship with Inagh from 2011. Two years ago, she was the receipient of a Gradaim an Uachtaráin.

Since joining the staff of Ennistymon CBS in 2013, she has made her mark in the coaching sphere and was in charge of the talented side of 2022 that won Munster C titles in hurling and football before narrowly losing out in

their All-Ireland campaigns. She said of the 2022 adventure, “That was just after COVID so it was huge, everybody was coming to support us and they were just thrilled to get to see another day”.

Keelan Sexton, Aidan McCarthy, Cillian Rouine, Cillian McGroary and Brendy Rouine are just some of the players to have gone on to wear the county colours that Tara has trained with Ennistymon CBS. “There is always somebody on the Clare team. It makes it really worthwhile from a coaching perspective, you get to hang out with them more when you’re training them and coaching them, it is good to see them progressing with their sports after school,” she said. Transitioning to the Community School has been

positive, the maths and PE teacher contends. “It's great because we have so much more facilities now in the school, and we have a bigger pool of people and pool of teachers to work from. It's just really busy...It's great for the community even”.

A native of Cloounaha in North Clare, Tara pointed to the array of clubs with representatives on their panel. “We’ve never had as much a spread of players, like we have Ennistymon, Corofin, St Breckan’s, Inagh, Miltown, Clann Lir, down as far as Barefield and Kilmaley, they’re coming from everywhere but it's great that you are in a position to put it all together and also help them to reach their potential outside in the field”.

This campaign has been a hectic one, she acknowl-

Healy embracing the heat of management

MANAGEMENT and playing have similar pressures but they also bring the same levels of enjoyment, former Clare defender Lawrence Healy has discovered. Healy, who had a nine-year inter-county career with Clare, is joint manager of the Ennistymon Community School bidding to lift the Dr. Eamonn O Sullivan Cup this Saturday in St Jarlath’s Park, Tuam. Lawrence stated, “This management campaign is the first time I've really been a manager kind of in a high stakes environment, I'm really enjoying it, it comes with similar pressure to being a player and similar enjoyment when you’re winning, I’m really enjoying it”. A maths & physics teacher, Lala is five years teaching in his native Ennistymon, having been part of the Ennistymon CBS staff for three years before the amalgamation to become Ennistymon Community School. Prior to this he was a teacher in Meath at St Peter’s College in Dunboyne. There is a lot more satisfaction to be involved with football teams in Ennistymon where he knows it will benefit his own club. “It's a lot easier when you know our club will benefit from schools football, that’s definitely a huge factor, I’d know a lot of their parents so you have tht closer connection”.

Back in his school days at Ennistymon CBS, he also won a Munster U16½ C title. “There was no All-Ireland series so it is great it exists now. We’re in the new school now but actually, all the lads on the panel had been in the CBS. I think in the years to come we will get more players that would have gone to the Vocational School”. He continued, “I guess we've always been in C really, we went up one year to B and I think next year we will be in B and it would be nice to stay there”. In 2024, he was part of the Ennistymon senior panel but lined out with the club’s intermediate team in what was his 26th year playing adult football. The seniors now managed by Declan Downes play their ﬁrst Cusack Cup game this weekend but Healy has yet to link up with them in 2025.

Among his teammates last season was Conor Rynne who is joint captain of Ennistymon Community School. The 43 year old noted that Conor is the ﬁrst teammate he has coached within the school.

edged. “In Munster, we played Spanish Point and we played Doon after that, then after Christmas we had the Munster semi-ﬁnal...Glanmire were a good Cork team so when we beat them we knew we were really in this”.

On Thursday evening, the clock strikes 17:40 as the last of the panellists depart the community ﬁeld in Lahinch. “They might be tired going around in school but they come out here and they're absolutely lifting to go train so that's great to see,” Tara observed.

Heading into Saturday’s ﬁnal they have a clean bill of health and support is growing for the team, she added. “It’s great that we have so many behind us and so many offers of support getting ready for next week”.

“It would be funny if I go back in a few weeks (to be teammates again and maybe receive a shoulder from Rynne), Conor is a very mature lad, a lot of the lads are and we’ve a lot of great leaders, I know they’re students but talking to them it is like talking to adults and they are adults to be fair, there’s a lot of good characters, they are very level headed, nobody is getting ahead of themselves which is important”.

On Ennistymon Community School’s run to the All-Ireland final, the maths and physics teacher observed, “This campaign has just kind of snowballed really. We never really set out to start the year with any ambition of winning a Munster and definitely not an All-Ireland. We lost to Spanish Point in the Clare final, we were very disappointed that day, it was a turning point for us, since then we’ve just gone on a bit of a run and we're improving every game, we're just focused on the next game”.

Having representatives from a multitude of clubs is a big help to their cause, he added. “When I was in school we always had one or two from Kilmurry Ibrickane, Miltown Malbay and maybe one from Breckan’s, we have all of that this year which is great and maybe a couple extra, we’ve one player from Lissycasey and Doora/Bareﬁeld so we have a great spread here, it is good for the dynamic of the group”.

l Josh Daniels in action for Ennistymon Community School

Photo by John Sheridan

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l Lawrence Healy

Photo by John Sheridan

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE WITH TIMELY LIMERICK WIN

NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1

LIMERICK 0-21 CLARE 1-21

Venue: TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

Compiled by David Byrne

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 12 (6/6)

Wides: 9 (5/4)

Spread of scorers: 9

Scores from play: 1-15

Top scorer: Aidan

McCarthy (0-7 6f)

Bookings: Seán Rynne (16), Tony Kelly (34).

Red Card: None

Own puckouts won: 19 from 30 (63%)

REFEREE: Thomas Walsh (Waterford)

LIMERICK:

Frees for: 12 (7/5)

Wides: 6 (3/3)

Spread of scorers: 8

Scores from play: 0-12

Top scorer: Aaron Gillane (0-8 6f)

Bookings: Aidan O’Connor (68)

Red Card: Diarmaid Byrnes (64)

Own puckouts won: 20 from 31 (65%)

Huge setback with O’Donnell ruled out

by Páraic McMahon

paraic@clareecho.ie

CONFIRMATION that Shane O’Donnell is to miss the entire Munster championship is a massive setback for Clare’s senior hurlers.

O’Donnell has undergone shoulder surgery which rules him out for the entirety of the provincial championship. Should Clare make it to Croke Park for an All-Ireland semi-ﬁnal, the prospect of seeing Shane in the county colours is a possibility, though distant it may be.

Confirmation of Shane’s absence filtered through on Thursday evening following a report by The Irish Times. Such is the standing of the two-time All-Ireland winner in the world of GAA that it warranted a notification from The Irish Times to demonstrate how newsworthy it indeed was.

In the aftermath, Clare supporters were downbeat and understandably so because the 2025 championship will be all the poorer if the Éire Óg icon does not feature. The thirty one year old lit up last year’s campaign and was effectively Hurler of the Year elect before a ball was pucked in the All-Ireland ﬁnal, such was his level of performance.

Clare manager, Brian Lohan conﬁrmed that they were planning without the Hurler of the Year for the entire championship. “It’s very unfortunate for Shane himself and the team as well.

“We looked at every option with Shane but the medical advice was that surgery was 100 per cent necessary, so we wish him well and a full recovery”.

O’Donnell was expected to link up with the squad prior to their championship opener against Cork on April 20th in Cusack Park.

Captain Tony Kelly said the loss of the Ennis native was disappointing but one Clare cannot wallow in. “There was a lot of news with Shane being out, it is disappointing for him and for us, we’re still going to have 15 lads taking to the ﬁeld when we go out, it is just next man up and gives someone an opportunity to tear into Cork and Tipperary and prove to Brian and the management that they are the men to ﬁll shoes, that is all we can do with it”.

“We can’t replace him,” reacted AllStar David Fitzgerald on the blow of not having O’Donnell in the Clare attack.

(3/2) Tackles: 2 (1/1)

for: 5 (3/2)

against: 1 (0/1) Frees for: 0 Frees against: 2 (0/2) Hooks: 1 (1/0) Blocks: 0 (0/0)

'Limerick win only a starting point for Clare'

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BEING

Championship ready is “the end goal” for Clare’s senior hurlers, captain Tony Kelly has outlined.

Clare ended their winless run on Sunday when producing their best performance of the year to collect their first victory of 2025 when defeating Munster champions Limerick in their own backyard.

Supporters of the All-Ireland and League champions were very pleased to see Clare get off the mark and record the win but captain Tony Kelly said a greater emphasis was placed on them delivering a performance.

He said, “The performance was more important, the focus all week was to do the basics better than we had done the first three days, we didn’t do them well enough against Galway and we certainly didn’t do them well enough against Wexford last week, it is about the basics, the breaking ball and rucks which we hadn’t done well enough, we wanted a performance and we got it bar the first seven or eight minutes where Limerick were on top but our second quarter was really strong which put us in a good position at half time, it was a mature performance in the second half to always keep in front and (David) Reidy’s goal was a cushion for us”.

Kelly was unsure as to why it has taken Clare four games to improve the basics but he flagged they fielded a very inexperienced side in the opening round against Kilkenny and were just two points adrift at the final whistle. “We were missing a lot of lads

the first day and the basics were good against Kilkenny so we were unlucky not to get a result but against Galway and Wexford our second quarter let us down on both days, you can’t be out a game for ten or fifteen minutes at this level so we got punished and rightly so. This is only a starting point for us for the year, it is two points on the board, we’ve an outside chance of staying in this Division if we can win our two games and we’ll need to build on this performance for Cork”.

An accidentally mistimed tackle from Tony forced Adam English to leave the field as a blood sub. Speaking on RTÉ, ex Galway hurler Joe Canning said of the incident, "Tony Kelly was very lucky”. Offering his explanation, Tony said, “He sold me a dummy and I committed to it, on another day another referee could have sent you off for it, I committed trying to get the ball and in fairness I got the benefit of the doubt from the referee but on other days they can go against you”.

April 20 when they welcome Cork to Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg is front and centre in Clare’s minds, the five-time All Star detailed.

“The end goal is April and building towards that, we know it is going to be a different sport come April, wins like this are very good this time of year but it is mainly about the performance level and can you get those one or two players like Jack O’Neill was very good, he has put himself in the frame to start next week, can you get the performance right and blood one or two new lads in the league”.

l Darragh Lohan rises the sliotar following a save from Eibhear Quilligan Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

l Clare's Tony Kelly in action against Limerick

Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

PLAYER WATCH: Seán McAllister (midﬁeld)

Possessions: 19 (11/8)

Passes: 18 (10/8)

Long Pass: 0

Short Pass: 18 (10/8)

Foot Pass: 14 (8/6)

Hand Pass: 14 (8/6)

Shots: 0

Scores: 0

Wides: 0

Dropped Short: 0

Tackles: 2 (1/1)

Turnovers For: 2 (2/0)

Turnovers Against: 1 (0/1)

Frees For: 2 (2/0)

Frees Against: 0

COUGHLAN WAS 'CHOMPING AT THE BIT BEFORE CLARE RETURN

by Páraic McMahon

CLARE’s third successive win in the National Football League sets them up for a real push at promotion to the second tier and they’ve been strengthened in their cause by the return of Dermot Coughlan.

Sprung from the bench on sixty two minutes in Sunday’s clash with Kildare, Dermot’s impact was immediate and he kicked two excellent and vital scores on Clare’s way to recording a 2-12 0-16 win.

Having fractured his foot in the club quarter-finals last September, Coughlan defied the odds to make an appearance in the county final but was forced off with twenty seven minutes played in their 1-10 0-6 loss to Éire Óg

His return to the field of play was a welcome sight and one he embraced after four months out of action. “I’m delighted now,” Dermot told The Clare Echo of his reaction to getting back in the county colours. “You’d be chomping at the bit there for the last few weeks after watching the boys and, look just delighted to get on the pitch today and get a win at home. It's massive and hopefully sets up for the next

few weeks”.

For the first half, his vantage point was in the stand, a position that Kildare wish he stayed in given the impact he made in the closing stages of the game. “It's nearly easier playing the games than watching them but in fairness to the boys, they put in a massive shift there, they started really well and they

Key lies in winning home games, insists Keane

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 3 ROUND 5

CLARE 2-12 KILDARE 0-16

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 13 (5/8)

Wides: 9 (5/4)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 2-9

Top scorer: Keelan Sexton (1-4 2TP)

Bookings: Emmet

McMahon (45).

Own kickouts won: 16 from 28 (57%)

KILDARE

Frees for: 8 (5/3)

Wides: 12 (4/8)

Spread of scorers: 5

Scores from play: 0-13

Top scorer: Alex Beirne (0-6 2TP)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 13 from 23 (50%)

REFEREE: Brendan Grifﬁn (Kerry)

CLARE football manager Peter Keane has said he was more focused on ensuring relegation to Division 4 was not a worry for his side rather than keeping a promotion to the second tier alive in advance of their latest victory.

Wins over Leitrim, Fermanagh and a previously unbeaten Kildare have seen Clare bounce back from a disappointing opening round loss to Antrim to stay on track in their bid to return to Division 2 of the Allianz National Football League which they were relegated from in 2023.

Speaking following Clare’s two point win over Kildare, Keane emphasised the importance of winning in Cusack Park, or as it has since been christened Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg. “I wasn’t overly focused on promotion, the focus here was to win our home games, you want to win your home games no matter what your aim is, when I was in Kerry for three years we lost one home game, you need to be very strong at home, it needs to mean something and to mean something to the supporters, the key is to win home games.

“We were on four points and we needed to get to six points because hopefully six would stave off relegation, no

matter what group you’re in your priority is not to get relegated down.

"We’ve Sligo next weekend who put up a great battle against Fermanagh, they were very unlucky not to come out of it with a win, that will build them up because they are a very good team who ran Galway very close in the championship last year, there’s very good teams in Division 3 this year”.

Traits shown by Clare in their latest victory have left supporters on a high as evident by the amount of former players and mentors that managed to get on Cusack Park to congratulate players.

“It was a great battling victory, we're happy to come out of us, but again it is only two points, it is one game, it wasn’t looking so sweet there at midway or three quarters way through that second half, we went down a point but the lads never gave up and they showed great spirit, great heart and an appetite for work”.

A strong opening half where they built up a six point advantage was a big help on their way to overcoming Kildare. “It was a very good performance, there was a strong wind, we had that wind advantage in the ﬁrst half and

put in as a great position. Kildare were always going to come back into the game, there is a strong breeze there but I suppose the main thing today is we showed great heart, we never gave in and ploughed away until seventy minutes and luckily we got two points on the board which sets us up nicely for the next three games but then again if we don’t capitalise on it then it will be no good come the end of the league”.

It was win number three for Clare under Peter Keane in the National Football League but for Coughlan it was their strongest display. “That’s probably been our best game today so far in the league just from watching the boys now, we've put in kind of 15 to 20 minute performances but today I feel like even watching the boys in the first half they really dug in and put in what was nearly a 50 or 60 minute performance, if we can keep building on that and working hard to do what the boys are trying to set us up to do then we will hopefully have a successful year”.

Three of Clare’s final four scores came from Kilmurry Ibrickane men with Coughlan accounting for two and Keelan Sexton nailing the all-important shot on goal, both Daniel Walsh and Evan Cahill had their parts to play in creating the scores.

funnily enough I think the wind got stronger in the second half when we were against it.

"We were very much dead but we got a break when they breached the halfway line and it gave us a lifeline. Funnily enough, we were playing Antrim a few weeks ago and they were totally out of the game, and something similar happened and they got back into the game and you know there are small things that get you going”.

Kicking nine wides over the course of 70 minutes was not going to draw ire from Keane who is encouraging his charges to take on the scoring opportunities. “If they don’t back themselves they are never going to score, you have to trust them”.

One such well-taken opportunity was Keelan Sexton’s match-winning goal on 72 minutes. “It was a fantastic ﬁnish but just before that we had gone through three or four times but the last pass didn’t work, what was really positive was we were creating the space and opening them up”.

Kildare’s dominant stages in the game saw them cut open the Clare defence which Peter acknowledged they have to improve on. “I think a lot of that came from turn-

overs that we had, you know, we got exposed so that's something, we need to mind that ball a bit better and not cause ourselves turnovers”. Although he wore number 16, Mark McInerney was introduced as a substitute out the ﬁeld. When asked by The Clare Echo if this was planned in advance, Keane replied, “It was something we were looking at, we were probably going to put him on earlier, then we got the goal so we were probably looking at a bit more defensive then for a while, so we held him for that few moments, you know. We're very happy, we had great support here today, there was a great crowd here today, funnily enough, I saw I saw a good few people here from Kerry here today, I don’t know whether they were on their way home from the Mayo game or what, but they seem to be giving us a bit of support here as well so I met a good few of them here after the game”.

3 from 3 in camogie

CLARE made its three wins from three outings in the Very national camogie league (division 1 B) when they accounted for Down, writes Seamus Hayes. Clare 1-10 Down 0-11 Venue: Clondfuff

The result keeps them in contention for a place in the final. The early exchanges were even and the sides were level at 0-3 each at the end of the first quarter.The game’s only goal came at that stage, Ellen Casey providing the finish.

Two converted 45s and two frees from Zi Yan Spillane and one from play from Caoimhe Carmody helped Clare to lead by a goal at half time when the score was 1-7 to 0-7. Defences dominated in the second half when Clare’s three points all came from Zi Yan Spillane who ﬁnished with a tally of 0-9.

Understandably team manager John Carmody was happy with the win. “To have three wins on the trot under out belts is something I would have taken at the outset. It’s in our own hands now, win one of our two remaining games and we will reach the ﬁnal”, he said. Clare; Rachel Daly (Scarff-Ogonnelloe); Susan Daly (scariff-Ognnelloe); Michelle Powell (Truagh-Clonlara); Muireann Scanlan (Cratloe);; Lynda Daly (Scariff-Ogonnelloe); Clare Hehir (Inagh-Kilnamona); Cliodhna Queally (Inagh-Kilnamona); Jennifer Daly (Scariff-Ogonnelloe); Grace Carmody (Kilmaley); Mary Hanrahan (Crusheen); Caoimhe Carmody (Kilmaley);; Aine O’Loughlin (Truagh-Clonlara) Capt; Caoimhe Cahill (Kilmaley); Ellen Casey (Newmarket); Zi Yan Spillane (Feakle); Subs; Hannah Mai Neylon (Ballyea) for M. Hanrahan; Niamh Mulqueen (Broadford) for J. Daly; Aoife Anderson (Ruan) for C. Carmody; Siead O’Keeffe (Kilmaley) for S. Daly; Aisling Cooney (Parteen-Meelick) for E. Casey

l Keelan Sexton bursts past three defenders

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR PLAYER RATINGS

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

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l Donovan was inconsolable following the controversial decision

Donovan devastated with disqualification defeat

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ Paddy Donovan suffered a controversial disqualification defeat in the final eliminator for the IBF World Welterweight title.

Donovan had two points deducted for head clashes with his opponent Belfast hometown hero Lewis Crocker earlier in the bout. His finishing shot was delivered in the final seconds of the eighth round in what appeared to be a knockout victory but Donovan’s joy soon turned to despair when he was informed of his disqualification.

Croker is now the mandatory challenger for the IBF crown, which is currently held by Jaron 'Boots' Ennis, however there will certainly be calls for a rematch given the very controversial ending to

this fight.

Paddy ‘Real Deal’ has been in the spotlight since arriving on the scene with three rapid-fire wins throughout the last three months of 2019. He is coached by Andy Lee and had fourteen wins from fourteen prior to the Belfast bout.

"I won the fight, I was winning every single round, I dropped Lewis, I was beating him up and I was getting the knockout, the crowd is ferocious in here, they said I hit him after the bell but I thought I hit him on the bell, you can see Lewis was a beaten man and I won the fight fair and square, the ref took my dreams away tonight," a devastated Donovan said afterwards in the ring.

He said they are going to appeal the decision and seek a rematch.

by Dearbhla Parry

news@clareecho.ie

Senior Women’s Cup: Tralee RFC

8 – 11 Ennis/Kilrush RFC

Ennis/Kilrush and Tralee faced off against each other in a repeat of last year's ﬁnal and once again, the Clare women prevailed with 8 – 11. Similar to last year's ﬁnal, early-season encounters counted for nought. The Clare women started the stronger of the two and worked the ball into the opposition's 22. A series of strong forward carries and darting runs from number 10 Megan O'Connor brought the ball to the Tralee line.

At ﬁrst, Tralee stood strong but great link-up play from front-row pair Ciaran Coughlan and Annie Lynch sent Lynch into the left corner for the game's ﬁrst score, with no conversion.

Errors from both teams created a stop-start game, preventing either side from building any momentum, and saw a high scrum count. Tralee was able to capitalise on several penalties and scrums in the Ennis/Kilrush half to bring the ball into the 22. Then, a

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Ennis/Kilrush see off Tralee in repeat of last year's ﬁnal

l Emma Keane

back’s overlap helped to create a score in the left corner, with no conversion. Tralee were again able to capitalise on an Ennis/Kilrush penalty to convert three points just before the break. The halftime score was 8 – 5. The second half continued with a high penalty count and a yellow card for Tralee that spanned the interval. Second-row Laura Cooney car-

ried into the face of the opposition, but it was centre Emma Keane who turned the game. A great line break from inside her own half deep into the opposition’s territory in the ﬁnal quarter of the game rallied both her teammates and the crowd. Keane converted a penalty on the edge of the 22 to draw the game level. A deliberate march down was again rewarded with a penalty on the edge of the opposition's 22, converted by Emma Keane. Ennis/Kilrush were able to kick the ball out and only a few moments later, achieved a remarkable repeat as champions with 8 – 11.

Ennis/Kilrush: Annie Lynch, Meadbh O’Driscoll, Ciara Coughlan, Emily Fanning, Laura Cooney, Aisling Heapes, Eileen Keane, Micaela Glynn (captain), Aishling Browne (vice-captain), Ellis O’Flaherty, Emma Keane, Lyndsay Clarke, Nell Walsh, and Orna Moynihan. Their substitutes were Emily Anglim, Saoirse Reidy, Saoirse Downes, Róisín Dillon, Amy Flavin, and Emma O’Dwyer. U16 Girls Munster Cup: Cobh/Kinsale RFC 5 – 26 Ennis RFC

Ennis travelled to the Cobh Pirates to play the U16 girls’ Munster Quarter-Final and won 5 – 26, earning them a place against Clonakilty in the Munster Semi-Final.

Ennis tested the Cobh’s defence and they held up until 15 minutes into the ﬁrst half after Lauren Reidy ran from halfway under the posts to score her ﬁrst of four tries for Ennis.

The opposition’s defence then managed to put Ennis under pressure, forcing some mistakes from Ennis. After some great teamwork and ball handling, Reidy scored two more classic winger tries and made the halftime score 21 – 0.

Ennis were in control in the second half but still had some work to do to keep Cobh out. Cobh started this half better and got in for the ﬁrst try, which put Ennis under a lot of pressure. However, Ennis managed to break away from inside their own half while Cate Foley ran almost the length of the pitch, only to be tackled, with Reidy in support to ground the ball under the posts.

U14 Boys Munster Plate: Waterpark RFC 21 – 35 Ennis RFC Ennis’ U14 boys were victorious with 21 – 35 in a highly competitive game against Waterpark.

Both teams traded scores throughout the ﬁrst half. Captain Robbie McMahon ran in two tries after some excellent back play and Colm O'Gara ﬁnished off an excellently executed penalty move. Ennis had to be well organised in defence and the forwards stood up to Waterpark's physical pack. Endless tackles from Donnchadh Warner, Alex Labuhn, Jack Hall, and Micheál Thornton kept Waterpark from breaking the defensive line. The halftime score was 21 – 21.

Ennis kept up strong attacking play in the second half after a kick chase try from Cian O'Dwyer was disallowed. However, Ennis’ breakthrough came when Alﬁe Treacy intercepted and ran 50 yards to score. To ensure the victory, a one-handed pass from scrum-half Oisin Hough from a set move off the scrum allowed Robbie McMahon to score his hat trick and ﬁnish the game with 21 – 35. Additional Results: U14 Girls Cup: Garryowen/ Thomond 21 – 14 Ennis U13 Boys North Munster League: Ennis 30 – 10 St

Mary’s/Richmond/Thomond U18 Boys North Munster League: Garryowen 15 – 12 Ennis Senior Men 1st XV Munster Junior League: Ennis 10 – 57 Waterpark

Fixtures:

U18 Girls Cup: Ennis v Kilrush; Saturday 8th March; KO at 11am in Drumbiggle Girls U14 Cup: Ennis v Dunmanway/Bantry Bay; Saturday 8th March; KO at 1pm in TBC U14 Boys Munster Plate: Ennis v Shannon; Sunday 9th March; Kick-off at 12:00pm in Drumbiggle U16 Munster Plate: Ennis v Midleton; Sunday 9th March; KO at 12pm in Drumbiggle U18 Boys Pan Munster: Bandon v Ennis; Sunday 9th March; KO at 2pm in Fethard Senior Women’s League: Roaring Water Bay v Ennis/ Kilrush; Sunday 9th March KO at 2pm in Bantry Bay Senior Men 1st XV Munster Junior League: Fermoy v Ennis; Sunday 9th March; KO at 2:30pm in Fermoy

Witness Odirile in possession for Bridge Utd

Photo by Joe Buckley

CLARE SURFER KATIE WINS INTER-VARSITY COMPETITION

MILTOWN Malbay surfer Katie Lodge emerged victorious in the Women's division at the Irish Surﬁng Student Intervarsity Nationals Competition, writes Lisa Mullaly

The competition held last weekend in Aughrs, County Sligo, was organised by Irish Surﬁng, and co-hosted by ATU Sligo Surf Club and brought together 130 student surfers from eighteen universities, from across the island of Ireland. The competition aimed to foster a fun competitive spirit with huge amounts of camaraderie within the Irish surﬁng community.

Representing the University of Limerick and West Coast Surf Club Katie navigated through three challenging rounds to secure the win against a competitive ﬁeld, showcasing her skill in the favourable 2-3ft wave conditions.

Katie started surﬁng at the age of 7 as a way to spend time with her dad who is also an avid surfer. Katie spent the majority of

her weekends and evenings as a child learning to surf with her father along the Clare coast. She began competing when she was 16, after earning strong results in her ﬁrst few competitions, Katie started receiving formal coaching from Ollie O’Flaherty with West Coats Surf Club. As her skills improved Katie then went on to represent Ireland in the 2023 Junior World Surﬁng Championships held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Now in her ﬁrst year of University studying Architecture, Katie doesn't get to surf as much as she used to as she is living on campus. Since moving to Limerick Katie has joined the UL Surf Club. She explained that the club has helped her to meet new people and has kept her interested in surﬁng.

“It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and continue to improve my skills. I think most people that join the surf club have come to college and they

want to try something new and surﬁng is a really fun sport that not many people get to try on their own so the surf club gives them that opportunity.”

Although Katie may not have as much time as she would like to practice surﬁng, she has said that she would like to continue to surf whenever she can both for fun and in competitions.

“It has always been and will always be a fun hobby, but I want to keep competing because competitions are a great way to keep you focused and they make me want to keep improving.”

The event originally due to take place in Strandhill, Co Sligo had to be relocated to Aughris, Co Sligo due to a very large swell with waves of 10-15ft rolling into the small Sligo village. The competition's success was bolstered by the excellent wave conditions at Aughris, providing an ideal platform for participants to demonstrate their talents.

Futsal winners at St Francis Credit Union Community Games

THE St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games Futsal competitions for Boys U13 & U15 took place on Saturday in Ennistymon Community Centre.

Coordinated by Denis Hynes and his team of referees, 12 teams took part in the U13 event.

In the Prelim matches, Corofin/ Kilnaboy Red beat Quin/Clooney Green 8-1; Cratloe Blue beat Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Red 4-0. Ennis St John’s beat Clarecastle/ Ballyea 6-2. Doora/Barefield beat Corofin/ Kilnaboy Blue 6-1.

Quarter Finals: Sixmilebridge/ Kilmurry Blue beat Cratloe White 4-0. Coroﬁn/Kilnaboy Red beat Quin/Clooney Red 4-3. Crusheen/ Ballinruan/Tubber beat Ennis St John’s 5-1. Cratloe Blue beaten by Doora/Bareﬁeld 7-1.

In the Final Crusheen/Ballinruan/ Tubber proved much too strong for Coroﬁn/ Kilnaboy Red winning 5-0 with Doora/Bareﬁeld in third and Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Blue in 4th place. 1st Crusheen/Ballinruan/Tubber-Zaid Cheema, Oisin Collins, Seanie Hayes, Landon Morrish, C.J. O’Doherty, John Scully, Cian Vaughan, Ryan Vaughan

2nd Coroﬁn/Kilnaboy Red-Albert Casey, Rian Cummins, James Howard, Tomas Laski, Quillan Lavery, Dylan O’Rouke, Evan Singleton 3rd Doora/Bareﬁeld-Rian Bastic, Rian Deegan, Fadhlim O’Sullivan, J.P. Fitzgerald, Dylan Mc Inerney, Ben Moloney, Shane Quinn, Thomas Ryan 4th Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Blue-James Drake, Evan Flannery, Michael Gilligan, Joe Madden, Jake Mc Carthy, Conor Murphy, Dan Reidy Crusheen/Ballinruan/Tubber now go forward to represent Clare in the Munster Competitions in Limerick April 26th/27th.

FUTSAL U15 BOYS

Seven teams participated in the

St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games U15 Futsal. This was a very keenly contested event with all teams eager for the opportunity to represent Clare in the Munster competition.

In the Quarter ﬁnals Crusheen/ Ballinruan/Tubber beat Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Red 4-1. Sixmilebridge/ Kilmuurry Blue beat Cratloe 8-5. Quin/Clooney beat Ennis St John’s 2-0. Clarecastle/ Ballyea had a bye.

In the Semi ﬁnals-Sixmilebridge/ Kilmurry Blue beat Clarecastle/ Ballyea 6-4. Quin/Clooney beat Crusheen/Ballinruan/Tubber 4-2. Clarecastle/Ballyea came 3rd and Crusheen/Ballinruan/ Tubber came 4th.

The ﬁnal was a very close contest between Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Blue & Quin/Clooney with both teams very evenly matched. They ﬁnished level 3 all at full time. After extra time the Bridge boys edged ahead winning the gold after a brilliant contest on 5-4.

1st Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Blue-Padraig Collins, Dylan Comerford, Sean Conlon, Aidan Kearney, Corie Mc Gowan, Jim Mc Namara, Luca Raffa, Carter Tuohy.

2nd Quin/Clooney-Michael Cahill, Owen Grifﬁths, Austin Mc Carthy, Sean Mc Gee, Colm O’Gara, Fionn Mc Guire, Evan Power, Bearach Rees. 3rd Clarecastle/Ballyea-Jack Barrett, Bob Casey, Daniel Doyle, Pedro Lucas, Thomog Ryan. 4th Crusheen/Ballinruan/Tubber-Tiernan Collins, Odhran Hassett, Niall Mc Greal, Stephen Morrish, Shaun Woods, Evan Wherrett. FUTSAL GIRLS

The St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games Futsal competitions for girls U13 & U15 were held on Sunday in Coroﬁn GAA Complex. The coordinator was Denis Hynes with his referees. In the U13 sx teams participated.

l The Quin/Clooney U15 team that won their competition and (below) the U15 Sixmilebridge side that overcame Quin/Clooney in their ﬁnal

In quarter finals-Newmarket on Fergus beat Doora/Barefield Maroon while Clarecastle/Ballyea beat Quin/Clooney Doora/Barefield White & Ennis St John’s had a bye. The semi finals were won by Ennis St John’s & Clarecastle/Ballyea.

Ennis St John’s were stronger in the ﬁnal beating Clarecastle/Ballyea 5-0 while Newmarket beat Doora/Bareﬁeld white for the bronze medals.

Ennis now go on to represent Clare in Munster weekend in Limerick.

1st Ennis St John’s-Alex Flynn, Ellie Ryan, Sophie Lyne, Alannah Mc Cullough, Cara Mc Cullough, Willow O’Grady, Carrie O’Keeffe, Katie Jane Purcell 2nd Clarecastle/Ballyea-Biborka Benko, Allison Donnelly, Holly Farmer, Emma Jacob, Abbey Lynch, Gemma Minogue Clune, Keeva Moloney, Aimee Travers FUTSAL GIRLS U15

In the U15 competition there was four teams. In the semi ﬁnals Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Blue beat Clarecastle/ Ballyea 6-5. Quin/Clooney beat Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Red 4-3. The Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Red team beat Clarecastle/Ballyea 3-1 for the bronze medals. The ﬁnal was a hard fought battle with the Quin/Clooney pipping the Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Blue team.

1st Quin/Clooney-Nessa Clune, Sinead Clune, Sophie Harrison, Kayleigh Loughnane, Nina Mc Carthy, Molly Mc Mahon, Mella Skehan, Leah Titley.

2nd Sixmilebridge Kilmurry Blue - Lucy Conroy, Lucy Murphy, Grace Mc Namara, Sarah Phelan, Faye Collins, Anna Cunniffe, Sarah Moloney, Teagan O'Connor 3rd Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Red-Lucy Coughlan, Caroline Earley, Anna Gilligan, Ailbhe Halpin, Aisea Keane, Anna Madigan, Roisin Moloney, Sarah Conroy

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

GOLF footwear has undergone signiﬁcant transformations over recent years, balancing tradition with innovation to enhance player performance and comfort.

The ongoing debate between spiked and spikeless golf shoes continues as manufacturers introduce advanced designs to cater to diverse golfer preferences.

In 2025, leading brands like Skechers, FootJoy, adidas, and ECCO have unveiled new models that exemplify this evolution.

The modern style of golf shoes has now gone away from the old heavy leather shoe styles and most of the brands have now drifter to designing shoes with lightweight materials that are still breathable and waterproof but look more casual more like a runner style.

Spiked golf shoes have been the standard for decades, primarily due to their superior traction which is more suited to the majority of parkland courses around Ireland.

Equipped with replaceable cleats, these shoes provide enhanced grip, especially beneﬁcial in wet or uneven terrains. This add-

ed stability can lead to improved swing consistency and power. However, spiked shoes tend to be heavier and may lack the versatility of their spikeless counterparts.

I personally carry at least one spiked pair of golf shoes and I use this throughout the year when the ground is wet. I save my spikeless golf shoes for when the weather is dry and the ground is ﬁrm. Using this method of alternating my shoes I ﬁnd I get a longer wear out of my spikeless shoes in particular because they don't get destroyed from the wet conditions.

Spikeless golf shoes generally feature outsoles with moulded traction patterns, offering versatility and comfort. They are lighter and can seamlessly transition from the course to casual settings. While advancements have significantly improved their grip, some golfers feel they might not match the traction provided by spiked shoes, particularly in damp conditions. The added benefits of spikeless shoes is you can keep them on after your round of golf inside the golf clubs. I also find when travelling abroad on a golf vacation I can double up the use of my spikeless runner style golf shoes as a pair of runners even when I am not at the golf course.

FOOTJOY:

FootJoy's 2025 lineup showcases a blend of classic aesthetics and modern technology. The all-new HyperFlex model has been making waves on professional tours, offering golfers enhanced performance and comfort. Additionally, FootJoy has introduced new styles in their

Captain's drive-in at Woodstock

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WOODSTOCK GC:

THE captain's drivein for 2025 will take place this Sunday at 3pm. This will be followed by a 9 hole scrambles commencing on the ﬁrst and tenth Tees. The incoming captains are Gerry O'Malley (Men), Chaye Kelly (Ladies), Frank McEnery (Seniors), Sean Crowe (Junior boys) and Grace O'Halloran (junior girls).

Round 5 in the Ozone Health & Fitness Spring League took place last weekend when the winners were Mike and Cathal Kelly with 53 points. They were one ahead of Paul Coote and Chris McGrath with third spot ﬁlled by Seamus Kelly and Barry McNicholl with 49 points.

The ﬁnal round takes place this weekend when the format will be modiﬁed betterball.

Last week’s club singles was won by Eugene Killeen (16) with 38 points, two more than Pat Barry (14) with Paddy Meehan (10) a point further back.

In the 2’s competition the winners

were Ross Darmody (7th & 14th holes), Cathal Nagle (14th hole), Brian Carty (14th hole) and David White (14th hole)

EAST CLARE GC:

Last week’s ladies competition was won by Connie McKenna, Mary Hogan and Mary Collins from Teresa Bradley, Mary Farrell and Brid Hayes. In the men’s 18 hole stableford competition at the weekend the winner was Paul Hayes (10) with 42 points from Seamus Cawley (12) with a similar score.

Last week’s senior men’s competition was won by Martin Quinn, Ger Shortt and Ger Lenihan from Danny Minogue, Kieran McNamara and Kevin Grimes with third spot ﬁlled by John Fielding, Michael Heffernan and Sean Ahern.

KILRUSH GC: Johnson's Bar Spring Series open qualiﬁer continued as the week 3 winner was Bryan J. Hayes (9) with 31 points from Brendan Carrig (19) who had a similar score.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Patricia Moroney (17) was the winner of the ladies 13 hole

stableford competition with 24 points from Ann Pyne Gallery (31) who had a similar score. In third spot with 23 points was Mary T. McMahon (14).

The winners of the senior ladies scramble were Nuala D'Auria, Phil Butler, Martina Corbett and Judith Brassil from Marina Varden, Pat Lacey and Claire Kennelly with third spot ﬁlled by Liz Kelly, Marie Dilleen and Josephine Tone.

LAHINCH GC:

The 2025 inter-club competitions are due to commence over the coming months and Donal McSweeney and Shane Carey will be assisting Lahinch teams with preparation in the academy throughout the duration of the competitions.

The contact people for each of the teams are: Seniors’ Inter-Club (Over 50’s) (Previously Fred Perry Trophy): Joe Casey. Jimmy Bruen Shield: Patrick Crowley. Junior Cup: Mark Hassett and Duncan Cusack. Pierce Purcell Shield John Skerritt and Mick O’Riordan. Flogas Irish Mixed Four-ball (Over 18's): Ronan

Ryder. Flogas Irish Mixed Foursomes (Over 18's) Gerry Pierse. Senior Cup and Barton Shield will be captained by Ray Hennessy this year.

GORT GOLF CLUB:

The category 1 winner in the men’s 18 hole singles competition at the weekend was Tony McMahon (9) with 39 points. Category 2 was won by Aidan Helebert (13) with 37 points, category 3 by John Collins (16) with 38 points and category 4 by Daire Murphy (32) with 38 points.

FANNY O’DEAS SOCIETY:

The Fanny O’Deas golf society held its ﬁrst outing of the year at Ennis on Saturday.

The event was sponsored by Martin Casey and included captain Peter O’Leary’s drive in.

Thirty members took part and the winners were Jim Carmody, Alan Jackson, Mark Cottam and Alan Hogan with 96 points. In second place with 90 points were Gerry Lernihan, Robert McMahon, Paddy Corcoran and Nigel Lynch followed by Brian Kilker, Tony McMahon, Pat Delap and Niall Coughlan with 89 points.

Premiere Series, featuring upgraded materials that elevate the standard for the brand's offerings.

ADIDAS:

Adidas continues to push the boundaries of golf footwear with the release of the Solarmotion BOA Golf Shoes. This spikeless model emphasizes lightweight design and exceptional comfort, catering to golfers seeking versatility without compromising performance. The BOA lacing system ensures a precise ﬁt, enhancing stability throughout the swing.

ECCO:

ECCO introduces the LT1 BOA Golf Shoes in 2025, combining Scandinavian design principles with functional excellence.

These spikeless shoes feature the BOA lacing system for a customized ﬁt and are constructed with premium materials to ensure durability and comfort. ECCO's commitment to crafting shoes that perform on the course while maintaining a stylish off-course appearance is evident in this latest offering.

Ecco's pricing has also reduced dramatically in the past two years with shoes retailing at €249 been reduced to €199. I have to say to have a quality comfortable golf

shoe with incredible support like Ecco on your foot for under €200 is great value for money.

SKECHERS:

Skechers' 2025 Go Golf Elite golf shoes are designed with recycled materials, reflecting the brand's commitment to sustainability. These waterproof shoes feature a lace-up mesh upper with synthetic overlays, offering breathability and durability. The inclusion of Skechers’ exclusive heel pillow ensures a secure fit, while the removable Arch Fit insole provides enhanced support, catering to golfers seeking both comfort and performance. Selecting between spiked and spikeless golf shoes ultimately depends on individual preferences and playing conditions of the course you predominantly play. Golfers who frequently play in wet or hilly terrains might favour spiked shoes for their superior traction. In contrast, those who value versatility and comfort, and often play in dry conditions, may opt for spikeless designs. I honestly feel because of our schizophrenic weather conditions in Ireland there is definitely benefits for having a spiked pair for the wet days and keep your spikeless pair for those dry days.

Newmarket owners strike in Galway

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS owners were in the winners enclosure of Galway Greyhound Stadium.

Thursday night's Galway card saw the commencement of three mini graded stake competitions with the semi finals of a Novice N2 350 Yards event and the opening round heats of both an A5 and A7 525 Yard Events

All runners were away on terms for the opening heat of the Bet on the Tote A5 Stake with Killanin Bono slipping round in front and avoiding the slight crowding behind as he led into the back straight. Racing towards the third bend the Frank Casey of Newmarket-on-Fergus owned Knockalton Bill (Malachi-Billy’s Sahara) began to close on the leader in company with Ballyhale Matt. Off the home bend less than a length separated the trio with Knockalton Bill sticking his neck out to prevail by that margin over Ballyhale Matt and Killanin Bono in 29.86.

In the opening heat of the A7 Sweepstake Kate’s Princess was away smartly along the inner and racing towards the opening bend she led Killanin Grace by a length with Bayview Power in third on the wide outside. Racing down the back Kate’s Princess led by two lengths to Bayview Power as the Donie Duggan of Tulla-trained Candys Widget (Skywalker Canny-Miss Dior) began to close in third. Leaving the back Bayview Power took over in front but the Any-Chance-Of A Kuga Syndicate of Newmarket-on-Fergus owned Candys Widget stayed on well to prevail by a neck in 29.99.

In the first semi-final of the Novice 350 Sweepstake all runners were away to a level enough break with Brickhill Moana the prominent along the inner and Drombeg Jet and Brickhill Aurora

also prominent as they raced towards the opening bend. As the bend loomed Brickhill Moana railed well and quickly extending her advantage the Clare natives John Collins and Albert Long owned daughter of Ballymac Bolger and Twentylittletoes drew right away to defeat litter comrade Brickhill Aurora by eight and a half lengths in 19.23.

As the traps rose for the S7 graded sprint contest the Martin Griffin of Lissycasey owned Universally was very smartly into her stride along the rails and striding out well the daughter of Broadstrand Bono and Brickhill Sharon led Pallasmore Bid and Burnpark Lorna by two lengths at the opening bend. Although Pallasmore Bud did close the margin was still a length and a half at the line as Universally won in 19.44.

In heat three of the A2 Bitch 525 Stake on Friday night’s card, May On Faya and Burnpark Layla were both away well with Mirabel in third place rounding the opening bend. Turning down the back the Michael Browne of Cree-owned Burnpark Layla shot three lengths clear and the daughter of Newinn Taylor and Burnpark Leanne looked home and hosed on the run home but Fantasy Tuppence finished to some effect to get within a neck at the line in 29.33.

The second contest was an S6 graded 350 where all six runners were away to a good line and as they settled Fast Fit Fergie along the rails and Drombeg Star on the outside both showed good pace to move a length clear. Rounding the bend, the Donal Malone of Ennistymon owned Drombeg Star took a half length advantage and although the daughter of Skywalker Logan and Drombeg Dancer ran wide around the home bend she gradually asserted to defeat Fast Fit Fergie by two & a half lengths in 19.37.

l There are beneﬁts to both spiked and spikeless shoes

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOINEAR NA DARACH, MAIGH

DARA AND BALLYHANNON NORTH, QUIN, CO.

CLARE Abbey View Quin Property Development Ltd., intend to apply for permission for i) the construction of 4 no. two-storey dwelling houses, ii) the retention and completion of 4 no. dwelling houses (previously approved by planning permission reference no.’s: P22/1039 and P24/60359) in an altered location and iii) ancillary site works within the curtilage of the application site all located at Moinear na Darach, Maigh Dara and Ballyhannon North, Quin, Co. Clare. An Appropriate Assessment Screening and Natura Impact Statement related to the application site is submitted with the planning application. 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

‘DERRA’, DERRYMORE, MEELICK, CO.

CLARE

(1) Permission for retention is being sought by Cillian King for the as-constructed dwelling to replace the previously sub-standard dwelling that was predominant-

ly demolished. The new dwelling includes a likefor-like replacement of the previous dwelling in footprint and profile, a new extension to the west and a new extension to the north of the previous dwelling’s footprint. The design includes a detached garage on the site. (2) Permission is also sought for modifications to the previously approved landscape design granted under planning reference 2360086, improvements to the existing site entrance wall to provide improved sightlines, site entrance gate and associated site works at ‘Derra’, Derrymore, Meelick, Co. Clare.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and 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, DERREEN TLD, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE

Take notice that D. Kiely & E. Watson intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for the following: a) to create accommodation space within the first floor area, to change the roof finish from slate to zinc on the single storey side extension and to add additional rooflights to the dwelling house from what was granted under P22/333 b) to install a new proprietary wastewater system along with associated site works at the above address.

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that

a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL OFF THE SQUARE & MAIN ST. ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Gabriel McCarthy intends to apply for permission to build a shed , walled yard area & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address at the location of the previous Old Forge.

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 CLOONBONY, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE. V95 A0V3.

Take notice that Eileen Ryan and Francis Lynch intend to apply for retention planning permission for 1. The house as built on site, which is a mirror image to that originally granted; 2. The porch to the front of the house; 3. The first floor development including additional windows; 4. The garage on site; 5. Revised site boundaries and site layout & 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.

NO 2. CLAHANE, LISCANNOR, CO CLARE V95 YD77.

Take notice that Cam Smith intends to apply for planning permission for a Garage/Storage Shed & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KING’S ROAD, KILDYSART, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Kieran Eyres & Laura O’Rourke intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a wastewater treatment system 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, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks

beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL BALLYNEVAN, SIXMILEBRIDGE.

Take notice that Angela & Robert McNamara intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works at the above address. The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOUNT TLD., BALLYNACALLY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Michael Keating Dip. Arch. (phone 085-8421780), on behalf of David & Aisling Cleary, intends to apply to Clare County Council for full permission to construct a new dwelling house, provide a wastewater treatment system, upgrade of existing entrance, connect to nearby services (electricity and telephone) and to carry out all ancillary site works at Mount Tld., Ballynacally, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. 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. ATTYSLANY SOUTH, TUBBER, CO. CLARE

Take note that Tubber GAA club Intent to apply to the planning authority for the following works at the above address. To construct a new vehicle entrance, car parking and all associated site works. This application will be accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement. 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 of Clare county council, Planning department, Aras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL.

POULAWILLIN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www.diarmuidkeane.ie) intends to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Eoin & Robyn McDonagh for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, private garage, site entrance, on-site wastewater treatment system and 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, €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. EAST END, KILKEE, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www.diarmuidkeane. ie) intends to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Kilkee Waterworld CLG for planning permission to construct an extension to the rear of the existing swimming pool facility, 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, €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. grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

O’Connor (née McInerney), Josie Quilty

McGowan (née Kirk), Louise Kilmihil

Gormley, Mikey Ennis

Moloney, Paddy Parteen

Rochford, Kathleen Bodyke

Recent Deaths

Fitzgerald (née Ryan), Anne Veronica Ardnacrusha

Keogh, Noel Sixmilebridge

Linnane, P.J. Kilrush

Clancy (née Griffin), Kathleen Lissycasey

Nolan, Michael Kilkee

Nolan, Michael Kilrush

De LACY (née Byrnes), Terri (Bridget) Shannon

Mulqueen, Rev. Martin B. Ruan

Naughton (née Spelman), Mary Feakle

Real, Paul Clare

RUBBISH

The Clare Echo Quiz

1. In what year did Clare contest the All-Ireland Football Final?

2. What Division does Clare currently compete in in the National League?

3. Who is the Clare team’s current captain? Tony Kelly Stephen Ryan Keelan Sexton

4. The famous ‘Miltown Massacre’ took place in what year? 1979

5. In what year did the Clare footballers win their second Munster title?

6. In what year did Kerry legend Paidí Ó Sé join Clare as manager?

7. Kilmurry Ibrickane last won the Jack Daly in what year?

8. Which is the only team to win ﬁve Clare championships in a row?

Kilrush Shamrocks

Eire Og Cratloe

9. Which club won a double in hurling and football in 2014? Eire Og

Doora Bareﬁeld Cratloe

10. Which Clare Footballer once famously backheeled the ball over the bar to score a point?

Gary Brennan

Martin Daly

Brian McNamara

Quiz by Michael Fitzgerald

Spot the Difference

weeks Answers

Jack o’Neill and Adam English battle in Clare’s ﬁrst win of 2025

Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Mar 6th THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Mar 7

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Bronte heroine(4,4) 15 American whisky(7) 17 Handsome Greek god(6) 18 Resides(6) 20 By and by(5) 22 Approaches(5) 23 The two of them(4) The Clare Echo Crossword