The Clare Echo 06/08/26

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Aug 31, 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 2024

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Guess who’s back...

Clare politicians happy to greet Trump on €20m visit

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DONALD Trump will be “very welcome” in West Clare, according to a local councillor, with the US President to arrive in Doonbeg next month.

Trump International Golf Links & Hotel will host The Amgen Irish Open from September 10-13 with a star-studded field that includes Rory McIlroy.

US President Trump will be joining them and is tipped to present the winner with their silverware on Sunday September 13.

Ahead of his arrival, a major security operation is to be mounted which is expected to cost €20m.

Protests are likely to take place in Dublin, Shannon and potentially West Clare when the New York native arrives in Ireland.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) told The Clare Echo

that President Trump will be more than welcome, “I will greet him and welcome him to West Clare if given the opportunity to do so.

“Ever before he became President, the Trump family saw the potential in Doonbeg. They have invested lots of money in it and they have huge plans for its future.

“They are employing nearly 500 people in height of the summer in West Clare, we have to ensure that the employment is protected,” Cllr Shannon stressed.

Mullagh native Michael added, “He is very welcome here and we’re grateful for his investment.

“This is created out of sand dunes that were there 30 years ago and now we have world class golfers coming to the sand dunes in Doonbeg; this has been created with international relations but the spotlight of the world will be in County Clare for these few days in September, you can’t buy that publicity”.

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Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Soccer Sisters raise vital funds

Sheryl Knowles (centre, pink) of Cahercalla Community Care receives a cheque for €6,746 from Soccer Sisters, Ennis’s only social women’s soccer team, at Gurteen. The proceeds were raised by their fundraiser blitz in July. Pictured (l-r) Sharon Smyth, Sarah Redmond, Marie Clare Leamey, Rachel Considine, Becky O Farrell, Debbie Quinn, Sheryl (Cahercalla), Michelle Larner, Suzanne King, Dolly McNamara, Emma MacAllister, Kylah Hickey Photo by Tom Micks

Swimmers in North Clare on alert with influx of Mauve stinger jellyfish

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

SWIMMERS in North Clare have been placed on high alert after due to the presence of mauve stinger jellyfish (pelagia noctiluca).

Ballyvaughan Community Group has alerted both locals and visitors to the popular North Clare destination to be wary of the purple jellyfish while stating that it is “extremely rare” for the sea creature to be seen in the area.

Popular swimming areas near Ballyvaughan include Bishop’s Quarter and Fanore Beach. Mauve stinger jellyfish are small and purple or maroon in colour and are noted for their bioluminescence, meaning that they can produce a low level of light visible to humans in the dark. Both the jellyfish’s tentacles and bell (head) are covered in stinging cells which are well known for being extremely painful.

The sting causes pain that typically lasts one to two weeks, local redness, swelling and a rash, but it is generally not dangerous and there are no known fatalities. On occasion, symptoms may be more general and include dizziness, vomiting and diarrhoea. The sting has been known to cause a serious allergic reaction and leave scars or hyperpigmented marks on the skin that can remain for years after the encounter.

In a post on social media, Ballyvaughan Community Group stated that they have

“been alerted to the presence of mauve jellyfish in Ballyvaughan. They are a purple jellyfish with tentacles. They give a nasty sting that can be very painful and last for weeks. It is extremely rare for them to be in the water here”.

“At first sight they could be mistaken for moon jellies that don’t sting, but when you look closer you’ll see they have tentacles which moon jellyfish do not. Be careful when swimming”, the group added, asking people to please share the post.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jul6,2,2026 2026 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug

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Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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During ‘most difficult time of our lives we have never felt alone’ - O’Riordan family strengthened by support

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

BROADFORD was brought to a halt as huge numbers came out in force for the funeral of Sergeant Andrew O’Riordan.

Colleagues of Andrew with An Garda Síochána formed a large guard of honour at St Peter’s Church following Friday’s funeral mass. He was stationed in the Limerick Garda Division for some 20 years, most recently at Mayorstone Park.

Father of five, Andrew died tragically in a road traffic collision when he was a passenger that hit the distinctive oak tree in Broadford on Sunday July 26th.

Family, friendship and community had a great importance in his life and it his family, friends and community of Broadford, Kilbane and Kilmore that are feeling his losses the most.

Amélie O’Riordan, the eldest daughter of Andrew and Stéphanie told the funeral mass that they have been “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of support.

“To see so many people gather here is a testament to the kind of man my daddy was and the lives he touched.

Over the past few days, we

l Andrew O’Riordan

have been overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity, and compassion shown to our family. During what has been the most difficult time of our lives, we have never felt alone.

“I think he would have been deeply touched to see everyone here today. He was someone who valued family, friendship, and community, and knowing that’s something he’d be very proud of is a great comfort.

“While we are all devastated that we aren’t with him here today, it is also a day to remember the love, laughter, and memories he gave us. We will carry those memories with us forever, and we will continue to honour him in the ways that he would have liked,” she said.

Superintendent John Flanagan noted that Andrew was

born in the middle of a storm, “a sign that his life was going to be a great adventure”. He referenced how Andrew had an ability to fix anything and his own garden reflected his love of nature.

“He took clippings from many a garden and planted his own. His gardens at home today are a testament to his love of plants and nature. He spent his childhood years in Tower near Blarney, where his friendly and energetic personality made him many friends who still remember him fondly today.

“Andrew’s father was the only Garda on the road where they lived, and then Andrew and others soon followed behind him into the Garda Síochána, a proud legacy and impact within the family and wider community”.

History and aviation were passions of Andrew’s which also demonstrated his intelligence. “He knew the name of every military plane under the sun and dreamt of becoming a fighter jet pilot. He liked to buy miniature plane kits for his children to assemble and paint and would take great pleasure in guiding them through the process. He was also talented at drawing and won art competitions,

and his mum fondly remembers when Andrew was 15 and how he proudly won a National Garda Credit art competition”.

A native of Blarney, Andrew attended “Farranferris secondary school on the north side of Cork City, and now wait for this— he actually captained the hurling team... But for those of us who are Gaelic fans among us who know him, this will come as a shock,” quipped Supt Flanagan.

According to Supt Flanagan, Sgt O’Riordan always commented that going to the University of Limerick was the best thing that happened and this was where he met Stéphanie, the love of his life. “Andrew and Stéphanie formed a lifelong partnership of love and went on to have five beautiful children.

“He was a very affectionate father, full of hugs and kisses, and he would say to his children every single day with a big smile, ‘who loves you?’ and answer his own question by saying, ‘Daddy loves you!’

“This time last week, Andrew, Stéphanie, and the kids spent his last week in Owenahincha in West Cork, in his sister Joanne’s house overlooking the sea. He had such

a wonderful time with them, full of fun and giggles”.

“Days before his death, Andrew celebrated his 22nd wedding anniversary to Stéphanie on July 22. The couple got the chance to go on a walk on the beach, where Sgt O’Riordan said how happy he was to be married to her, and how happy he was to have his children, and how especially proud he was of them.

Fr Brendan Quinlivan told Friday’s mass, “To the representatives of all the communities which he policed and served, we share in your brokenness and your pain today, and we ask for God’s consolation and peace for all of you in a special way as we pray this Mass”.

Symbols brought before the altar included a sword to commemorate his time in the French Resistance, a photo of the whole family at the passing out parade in Lyon, one of Sgt O’Riordan’s beloved vases with roses on the inside, a trowel symbolising his love of design and building, his garda hat from a scholarship honour, representing his career spanning almost three decades and a model aeroplane that he made as a child, reflecting his passion for history and aviation.

Sgt O’Riordan trained at an advanced level with the French police force. He was part of an international group of police service people from all over the world, from Africa, from Latin America.

In 2023, Sgt O’Riordan graduated from Ecole Nationale Supérieure de la Police in France after a year of training, he was the first English speaker to complete the course. A year later he was deployed to the 2024 Paris Olympics to assist French authorities.

Sgt O’Riordan is deeply missed by his heartbroken family, loving wife Stéphanie, children Amélie, Steffen, Gabrielle, Jonathan and Axel, parents Patrick and Kathleen, sister Joanne and her husband David Kerr. Parents-inlaw Jean-Claude Sachet and Marie-France Sachet, brother-in-law Ivan Sachet and his partner Hélena Rigal. Nieces and nephews Christopher, Alannah, Charlotte, Matthew, Léïla and Yaëlle, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, work colleagues in Mayorstone and Henry St, Garda Stations, neighbours and his many friends.

Sgt O’Riordan was buried in the church grounds of St Peter’s Church, Broadford.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

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Trump to be ‘warmly welcomed’ in Doonbeg; security operation expected to cost €20m

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A MAJOR security operation for the upcoming visit of US President to County Clare is expected to surpass €20m while Trump will be given a warm welcome to the area according to the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District.

Security will be very tight for the Amgen Irish Open which takes place at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel from September 1013. President Trump will not attend the opening days of the European Tour event but is expected to be among the spectators for the finale on Sunday September 13th.

An expected 4,000 individuals will be involved in the logistics, planning and operations of the visit with An Garda Síochána in discussions with US Secret Service prior to Trump’s arrival.

Doonbeg will witness the largest security operation of its type for a multi-dau sporting event in Irish history with the costs involved set to soar beyond the €11.3m spent on Garda overtime during Trump’s visit to his five-star resort in June 2019.

Rory McIlroy is aiming to defend his title as Irish Open champion while Jon Rahm who won the 2019 Irish Open in Lahinch is also part of the star-studded field. It is

l US President Donald Trump’s last visit to County Clare when he arrived at Shannon Airport and (inset) the stars & stripes flew proudly at various locations near Doonbeg, welcoming Trump

expected that President Trump will be among those presenting the silverware to The Irish Open winner.

He is also on course to host a private dinner at his resort.

No-fly zones will be extended around Doonbeg before and during the visit, while sailors and fishermen will be warned of an exclusion zone in coastal waters off Clare.Gardaí will man the security

checkpoints on access routes across West Clare while spectators will be advised to allow for additional time to reach the venue.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) told The Clare Echo that President Trump will be more than welcome in the Banner County, “I will greet him and welcome him to West Clare if given the op-

portunity to do so”. He added, “I’m viewing it as a positive occasion for West Clare. None of us know what way it will go, our American and Irish relationship transcends whoever is in the office of President.

There will be a new President in two and a half years’ time, the relationship between both countries stands for centuries”.

Investment from the Trump family means the 80-year old will always be welcome in West Clare, the Mullagh native said. “He is very welcome here and we’re grateful for his investment. This is created out of sand dunes that were there thirty years ago and now we have world class golfers coming to the sand dunes in Doonbeg.

“This has been created with international relations but the spotlight of the world will be in Co Clare for these few days in September, you can’t buy that publicity. It is an opportunity to build friendships. I’d love to sell Kilrush to potential investors as a site for a new European base factory, the same

for Ennis and Shannon, if I get the opportunity I will plant seeds to try get investment in West Clare”.

West Clare will get an opportunity like no other to promote itself as a location for future economic investment, Cllr Shannon maintained.

“To have the first office of the American president visiting Doonbeg, West Clare and County Clare is an ideal opportunity for us as public representatives and for the whole county to put our best foot forward, it will be beamed around the world”.

Protests are certain to be held across Ireland when President Trump arrives, Cllr Shannon acknowledged. “There will be protests, where they will be organised is an issue for An Garda Síochána.”

Works to improve the road infrastructure will continue over the next month, Cllr Shannon confirmed.

“There’s a lot of work to be on the N68 through Kilmihil, we have a lot of ancillary works on the Inagh to Miltown road and along the R474 Kilmaley road and the road from the Ferry into Kilrush and onto Doonbeg”. Car parking facilities to cater for 3,000 cars in Doonbeg and a further 3,000 in Mullagh will be in place to allow spectators travel by bus to Trump International Golf Links & Hotel.

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Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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People of Clare cannot accept Urgent care centre pilot proposed for UHL overcrowding crisis Ennis Hospital

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

THE people of Clare can no longer tolerate the overcrowding crisis, a local politician insists.

It comes following figures that show 130 people were waiting on trolleys in UHL on Tuesday, an record high figure for summertime.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, the Regional Executive Management Team at HSE Mid-West admitted there is a long-standing mismatch between patient demand and available capacity at University Hospital Limerick.

HSE Mid-West highlighted, “Extensive independent analysis by HIQA and the ESRI has confirmed that the MidWest does not have sufficient acute hospital bed capacity for the population it serves.

“These findings are clear, evidence-based and widely accepted. They demonstrate that the principal challenge facing UHL is one of capacity rather than operational performance”.

“The reality is that all staff at UHL continue to care for unprecedented numbers of

l Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe (inset) believes “the dogs on the street know UHL is not fit for purpose”

patients in a hospital that has been independently assessed as operating with insufficient capacity for the population it serves. That is the context within which our teams deliver care every day”, they continued.

Clare TD Cathal Crowe (FF), acknowledged the unprecedented summer overcrowding at the Dooradoyle facility while stressing the importance of a more balanced, region-led approach to resolve the crisis.

“It is absolutely no secret

that the experiment to develop a ‘Centre of Excellence’ at University Hospital Limerick has failed and UHL simply cannot cope with the patient numbers which are attending”.

“There were 130 patients waiting on trolleys in UHL on Tuesday this week and this is totally unacceptable.

We have unfortunately grown too used to seeing these numbers occurring during winter illness spikes, but it is unimaginable that such a high number of peo-

ple are awaiting beds in the height of summer”, the Meelick native said.

The Fianna Fáil TD stated that he had written to Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD (FG) to express his alarm at the recent overcrowding at UHL and reiterated calls for an air ambulance base at Shannon airport and for the urgent progression of the planned 48 bed unit at Ennis Hospital.

“The dogs on the street know that the current system is not fit for purpose and while promises of devolvement and additional bed capacity are welcome, the proposed developments are simply too far away for the people of this region. I have long said that healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and it is time that the people of West and North Clare feel that they have the same right to emergency and lifesaving care as anyone else in Ireland”, Crowe outlined.

A NATIONAL policy proposal has been issued to the Minister for Health and senior figures in the HSE to establish enhanced urgent care centre pilot sites in Ennis and Roscommon, writes Páraic McMahon.

Both model four hospitals serving Clare and Roscommon are coming under severe overcrowding which prompted Friends of Ennis Hospital (FEH) to devise the proposal.

They have asked the Department of Health and HSE to establish a joint working group to assess the proposal and the feasibility of commencing a two-site pilot programme.

Figures during the month of July from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) detail that 2,172 admitted patients were treated without a hospital bed at University Hospital Limerick, the highest figure nationally with University Hospital Galway recording 919 which was the second highest.

Nationally, 10,394 patients were treated on trolleys or in other inappropriate spaces, the highest July figure on record.

Under the proposed pilot, the range of patients who could be assessed and treated locally through enhanced diagnostics, GP-referred assessment, IV treatment, ambulatory care and short-stay clinical observation would be expanded.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, FEH Chairperson Angela Coll stated, “FEH was established as a Clare health campaign, and improving hospital access and capacity for Clare and the wider region remains our priority. However, the pressures facing UHL are not unique to the Mid-West, and we believe a national proposal must look beyond one hospital or one region.

“I was born and raised in Clare to a Roscommon father and Leitrim mother, so I have strong personal connections to both counties. I understand their geography, their rural communities and the distances many people must travel to access hospital care. That insight prompted me to look at whether the model being developed for Ennis could also work in Roscommon”.

Roscommon’s selection is not solely due to personal connections, she insisted. Ennis and Roscommon are established hospital sites with existing urgent-care infrastructure, both serve significant rural populations, and both are linked to Model 4 hospitals experiencing sustained overcrowding.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

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‘I would urge public to review planned speed limit reduction’

by Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

SPEED limit reductions proposed across Clare have been welcomed by councillors, but concerns have been raised that lower limits alone will not tackle speeding without stronger enforcement.

Clare County Council’s Draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2026 propose the introduction of 30km/h speed limits in built-up and urban areas, while speed limits would also be reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h on sections of the R458 at Ballyline, the R352 at Caherlohan, the R445 between the Radisson Hotel and the Limerick border, and the N68 at Darragh.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Killaloe MD Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) welcomed the proposed reduction on the R352 between Caherlohan and Tulla, saying he had never agreed with the decision to raise the limit to 100km/h.

“I was never in agreement with raising it to 100km in the first place because you have so many junctions along that road,” he said.

“You have Caherlohan itself and you have a lot of byroads coming onto a very fast road and I hear several complaints about it.”

Cllr Hayes said speeding remained a constant issue and said enforcement would be essential

l The R352, which runs between Caherlohan and Tulla (inset) will see a potential reduction from 100kmph to 80kmph

alongside changes to speed limits.

“There is no point in the world talking about speed limits if we haven’t some enforcement way of doing it and making sure that people slow down,” he said.

He also called for Active Travel funding to be spread across the county to support traffic calming measures in towns and villages.

Shannon MD Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF) said she could identify “dozens of roads” where residents had previously requested speed limit changes. Cllr Hartigan said while speed limit reductions were welcome, enforcement remained a key concern.

“We’d love to see the speed limit

reduced, but we also really need to see enforcement because you get people that will comply,” she said.

“Most people will comply, but for those that don’t want to comply, it is that enforcement piece we are missing a small bit.”

Cllr Shane Talty (FF) encouraged residents and community groups to take part in the consultation process.

“I welcome this review, proposed reductions and effort to slow traffic travelling through our settlements,” he said. “I would urge the public and community groups to view the proposed changes and input any feedback to the public consultation process.”

The review forms part of a national road safety programme led by the Department of Transport and follows Phase 1 of the National Speed Limit Review in February 2025, when the default speed limit on local roads was reduced from 80km/h to 60km/h.

Director of Services for Transport, Climate, Recreation, Environment and Emergency with Clare County Council Dr Carmel Kirby said the proposed changes aimed to improve road safety, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

She said lower speeds were also expected to reduce collision severity, encourage active travel and reduce traffic noise.

The draft bye-laws are available for public inspection until August 31, 2026, at Áras Contae an Chláir, Clare County Council Municipal District and Area Offices, and online. Members of the public can make submissions through the council’s consultation portal, by email or by post to the Roads and Transportation Department.

The proposed bye-laws are expected to be considered for adoption by October 2026, with the new speed limits anticipated to come into effect by March 2027.

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Darragh black spot set for reduction

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by Paige Foley news@clareecho.ie

A STRETCH of the N68 at Darragh, described as an accident blackspot by local representatives, could soon see its speed limit reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h.

The proposed reduction forms part of Clare County Council’s Draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2026, which have now gone to public consultation.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Deputy Mayor of Ennis Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said local residents and campaigners deserved recognition for their efforts in highlighting the issue.

“For many years, local residents and campaigners have worked tirelessly to highlight the serious safety concerns at this location, and they deserve great credit for their persistence in securing action,” she said.

Cllr Howard described the proposed reduction as “a positive and sensible step that reflects the long-standing concerns of local road users about what has become an accident blackspot.”

Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney also welcomed the proposal, praising the efforts of those who campaigned for change at Darragh.

“Their persistence and determination in highlighting the need for improved road safety deserve great credit.”

Mr Cooney described the section of the N68 as an “accident blackspot” and said the proposed reduction should form part of a wider package of road safety measures.

“Reducing the speed limit is an important step that can help make this road safer, although it must form part of a wider package of measures,” he said.

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Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Miltown wind turbine with 200 objections appeals failed bid

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

A MILTOWN MALBAY proposed wind turbine has issued an appeal to An Coimisiún Pleanála after it was refused planning permission last month.

Slievenalicka Locally Owned Turbine Ltd had previously applied to Clare County Council for the construction of a singular wind turbine but the proposed development was met with over 200 objections including government TDs and local cllrs.

The proposed development, at a site close to Rockmount National School, would have stood at 150m tall when completed.

Construction of a 38kV electrical substation with a control building and welfare facilities were also planned for the site.

The local authority refused planning permission for the development however due to visual amenity and environmental concerns, issues which were echoed by the windfarm’s numerous objectors including TDs Joe Cooney (FG), Cathal Crowe (FF) and Donna McGettigan (SF).

l Potential impacts to the protected hen harrier were highlighted in objections

In their refusal, the local authority highlighted that “the proposed development would result in a significant north westerly extension of wind energy developments in the landscape and would give rise to an excessive proliferation of wind turbines at this rural location and would have adverse impacts on the visual amenities of the area and the views available from designated Scenic Routes”.

Potential impacts of the proposed development on the protected hen harrier were also highlighted in the chief executive’s order to refuse planning permission.

The planning department noted that North and West Clare are important breeding areas for the bird of prey

and stressed the danger of “potential habitat disturbance”, arising from the proposed development. Clare County Council further outlined the risks posed by the windfarm to the Marsh Fritillary butterfly by the development.

The local authority also highlighted the possible physical impact of the development on the surrounding landscape outside of visual amenities. As much of the surrounding area is made up of peat boglands, Clare County Council has noted that stability inspections must be carried out at the site to identify potential bog burst issues.

The planning department also stated that they were not satisfied that the proposed development “would not be likely to have significant effects on Carrowmore Point to Spanish Point and Islands special area of conservation and the Mid-Clare coast special protection area”.

An Coimisiún Pleanála is due to make a decision on the proposed development within 18 months, according to its statutory objectives.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

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Clare’s Fittest Superstars to raise funds for Cahercalla Community Care and Ennis RFC

In April 2025, Cahercalla Community Care celebrated its 30th Anniversary.

This date celebrates the generosity of the people of County Clare, who formally took over ownership and established Ireland’s first community-owned hospital.

A lot has changed during this time, however, the ownership remains in the hands of the people of County Clare.

Cahercalla Community Care prides itself on the great care the residents get from our dedicated and passionate staff who strive to promote the ‘home from home’ atmosphere within the facility.

Participating or donating to the ‘Clare’s Fittest Superstars’ fundraiser will directly enhance the daily lives of our residents at Cahercalla Community Care.

Proceeds will support a wide range of activities, wellness initiatives, and lifestyle services. Your generosity will help us provide more meaningful experiences and a vibrant, engaging environment

for the people who have come to regard Cahercalla as their home.

Meanwhile, Ennis Rugby Football Club has officially launched an ambitious fundraising campaign following the granting of planning permission for a transformational €2.5 million redevelopment of its facilities at Drumbiggle, Ennis.

The project represents the largest single investment in the club’s history and will deliver a modern clubhouse, pitch and match lighting upgrades, enhanced gym and training facilities, improved community spaces, upgraded player amenities, expanded parking and significant site improvements designed to serve members and the wider community for generations to come.

Ennis RFC has a proud tradition spanning generations and continues to be one of the leading rugby clubs in the region, providing opportunities for players of all ages and abilities while serving as an important community hub for Ennis and County Clare.

l Cahercalla Community Care; (inset top) Ennis RFC development plans and (inset bottom) organiser of Clare’s Fittest Superstars, Davy Fitzgerald

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Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Ennis News

Permission granted for padel facility at former Ennis abattoir

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

PERMISSION has finally been granted for Clare’s first dedicated padel facility at the former Ennis Abattoir

by Clare County Council.

Clare County Council previously sought further information on the development in February 2025 after questioning proposed zoning at the site as well as highlighting Iarnród Éireann’s concerns that the proposed development could encroach onto the adjacent rail line.

A planning application for the development was first issued in November 2024 before being withdrawn. A new application was then submitted in March of this year.

Quin native Sean Hehir has overcome these stumbling blocks however and has now been granted planning permission by the local authority to “change the use of the abattoir to a gym and to carry out alterations to the buildings to include an exterior leisure area, for demolition of the cattle shed and to construct 4 no. padel courts with carparking”.

The planning department has issued a number of conditions that the development must adhere to after being

l Prof Christina Fleming, Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon, reunites Barry Kelly with the Versius robotic surgery system at St John’s Hospital Limerick Photo by Arthur Ellis

granted permission. The local authority has ordered that “the proposed development shall operate between the hours of 7.00 and 22.00 Monday to Sunday only” and that a contribution of €15,242 be paid to the council “in respect of public infrastructure and facilities benefitting the development”.

The development previously received the support of Ennis cllrs Mary Howard (FG) and Pat Daly (FF) who made representations in support of the proposed development.

Padel Tennis or Padel is a racket sport of Mexican origin and is played in over 90 countries around the world.

The sport combines elements of squash and tennis and is played by the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham.

It has been described as the fastest growing sport in the world with a facility opening in Limerick in January 2025.

Many Clare sports clubs including Ennis and Scariff RFC have applied to build padel facilities.

The development received one objection from a Mr. Oisín McNamara of Shannon who expressed several concerns relating to traffic safety arising from the site.

McNamara stated that the development “represents a significant intensification of use on a constrained site with a single access point onto a busy road. Increased traffic will lead to more queuing within the site and will spillback onto the Tulla road causing even more traffic problems”.

“A cycle lane runs across the site entrance. Increased vehicle movements will create conflict between vehicles and cyclists, particularly given existing congestion and likely queueing. The proposed access arrangement and limited internal queuing space raise serious safety concerns for all road users”, McNamara continued.

Work on the padel facility can now begin following Clare County Council’s decision to grant planning permission.

Man (30) who masterbated in public can return home

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has allowed a 30-year Ennis man, who has pleaded guilty to sending lewd images of himself to his counsellor and masturbating in a public place in Ennis, to return to live with his family while on bail.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Adrian Harris has acceded to the application by solicitor, Daragh Hassett for his client, Shane McCarthy of Shanballa, Lahinch Rd, Enns to to amend his bail conditions so that he reside in Ennis with his family once more.

Previously, a district court judge granted Mr McCarthy bail on condition that he live outside Ennis.

Mr Hassett said that Mr McCarthy has been living in Galway with a Muslim cousin “which is probably a good thing for someone who is a cocaine addict”.

Mr Hassett said that his client has recently completed a residential treatment course for his cocaine addiction.

Mr Hassett said that the programme’s aftercare is based in Limerick and from a practical point of view it would be better for Mr McCarthy to live in Ennis in order to access the aftercare more easily.

Mr Hassett said that his client has had a very, very bad cocaine habit in the past.

Judge Adrian Harris said that he would accede to the application for Mr McCarthy to return to Ennis.

Mr McCarthy has yet to be sentenced after pleading guilty to sending four lewd images of himself to his then addiction counsellor on May 5th last year.

Mr McCarthy has also pleaded guilty to masturbating in a public place at Silver Grove, Ballybeg, Ennis on August 31st last year and the possession of cocaine on the same date at Ennis Garda Station.

Mr McCarthy is also before the court where he is charged with masturbating in a public place on December 18th last at Ballyalla Lake on the northern outskirts of Ennis.

Mr McCarthy is also charged with on February 15th this year intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature at Cahercalla Hospital, Cahercalla Road, Ennis, contrary to Section 45(3) Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.

Mr Hassett told the court previously that Mr McCarthy “has a has a very, very serious cocaine addiction which has led him to act out in the most unusual ways”.

Mr Hassett told Judge Harris that Mr McCarthy’s cocaine intake resulted “in a complete disinhibition in how he behaved around certain individuals”.

Sgt John Burke previously told the court that two of the grossly offensive communications to the addiction counsellor concerned one second videos of Mr McCarthy’s penis.

Sgt Burke said that four grossly offensive images consisted of two videos and two still images of Mr McCarthy’s penis.

Judge Adrian Harris remanded Mr McCarthy on continuing bail to appear in court again on September 23rd.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

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Marked increase in Clare EV sales down to reliability of new cars - Clare dealer

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

SALES of new electric cars in Clare have more than doubled from January to July in comparison to the same period in 2025.

According to new figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), 658 new EVs were registered in Clare for the first six months of 2026 compared to 310 during January to July 2025.

Sales of new combustion engine cars in Clare rose by 7.69% at 2436 in comparison to 2262 in the first half of 2025.

Nationally, new car registrations for July were up 8.63% (29,046) compared to July 2025 (26,738). Registrations year to date are up 5.2% (114,228) on the same period last year (108,487).

The SIMI further stated that “In July 9,682 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, which was a 98% increase from the 4,898 registrations in July 2025. So far this year, 29,840 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 61% increase compared to the same period in 2025, when 18,527 electric cars were registered”.

Battery Electric cars achieved the lead market position for the first time this year with 26.12%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) 24.59%, Petrol 20.39%, Plug-In Hybrid 14.45%, and Diesel 12.45% in terms of new car market share by engine type.

General Manager of Sheils’ Motor Group Ennis says the figures make for happy reading. “It’s really positive and pleasing to see such a huge increase, especially in the EV sector. We see it day-to-day with customers coming through the door; most people now ask,

The Hyundai Ioniq 6

“What have you got in EV?””.

Public opinion has swung in favour of EVs in Clare with more and more consumers seeing the vehicles in a more positive light, says Rynne.

“I would put it down to people seeing that these vehicles are now much better, more reliable, and much cheaper to run. Batteries have gotten much bigger compared to where they were five years ago. People used to worry about infrastructure, but when you have a car doing 500 km plus on a full charge, people realise they can just charge it at home for their weekly driving”, Rynne explains.

While the increase in registrations is hugely positive, there is still huge room for improvement in public charging infrastructure in Clare.

“The real increase we see is with people charging at home, often installing solar panels and becoming more structured with their driving habits. The average driving distance is about 330 to 350 km per week. If they buy a vehicle that does 500 to 560 km on a full charge, they realise they can just charge it at home every Saturday night or so”, Rynne adds.

News

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12

Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

North Clare

Aillwee still behind Burren Gaels after 20 years

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

MORE than two decades have passed and the words ‘Aillwee Cave’ continue to adorn the front of the Burren Gael shirts, as the ladies football club season kicks off.

The Burren Gaels Ladies football team visited the Aillwee Experience last Sunday, where they showed off their new club gear, new all-weather jackets, with staff at the iconic North Clare destination.

Aillwee is celebrating 50 years in business and Burren Gaels club Chairperson Mary Connole said, “Congratulations to everyone at Aillwee Burren Experience on reaching this remarkable 50year milestone.

“For five decades you’ve welcomed visitors from around the world while showcasing one of the Burren’s greatest natural treasures. As a club, we know success is built on the support of people who believe in a vision, and Aillwee has been one of

l Burren Gaels Ladies football team at Aillwee with its Managing Director Nuala Mulqueeny

those supporters from the very beginning.

“Since Burren Gaels was founded in 2004, Aillwee has stood proudly alongside us, sponsoring our first set of jerseys and continuing to support the club over the past 22 years.

“From one underage

team to a thriving club with players from underage through to senior level, your generosity has helped generations of girls and women enjoy Gaelic football, represent their communities with pride and celebrate countless achievements.

“Thank you for your friendship, your unwavering support, and most recently for sponsoring our special 50th Anniversary team jackets. We are incredibly proud to have Aillwee as part of the Burren Gaels story.”

Aillwee Experience MD, Nuala Mulqueeny added, “We really are proud of the partnership that has remained solid over two decades now. Long may it continue. Best of luck to the girls in the upcoming championship and to all the teams, from underage right up to senior . The volunteers who carry out the officer and mentor roles are what make the club strong & sustainable.

Hats off to them all.”

Captain’s prize in Lahinch

l John Gleeson, Captain Lahinch Golf Club, presenting his Captain’s Prize to Peter Cloonan who won the competition with 64pts following the 9-hole playoff on Sunday evening Photo by Brian Arthur

‘We can’t forget older developments’ – dedicated budget sought for ageing estates

by Paige Foley news@clareecho.ie

CALLS have been made for repair works to deteriorating footpaths and roadways at a Lisdoonvarna housing estate, along with a dedicated maintenance budget for older council estates.

The motion, tabled by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) at the July meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, seeks a comprehensive assessment of the condition of footpaths, kerbing and internal roadways at Rooska Estate, Lisdoonvarna.

Cllr Garrihy said the motion arose from concerns regularly raised by both elected members and local residents.

He said many families had moved into Rooska Estate 50 to 60 years

ago to raise their children and that those residents were now growing older while the estate itself was showing the effects of age and wear.

While welcoming recent investment by the Housing Department, Cllr Garrihy said older local authority estates deserved the same level of maintenance as newer developments.

“We can’t forget old developments that have served the county well,” he said, adding that the issue should be a priority in this year’s budget.

The motion also calls for the establishment of a dedicated municipal district budget, or annual improvement programme, to support planned investment in older council estates, including upgrades

to footpaths, roads, public lighting, drainage and other essential infrastructure.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said the issue was “not unique to one estate or town” and suggested that legacy estates across the county should be considered as part of future budget discussions.

Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) also supported the motion, saying there was work to be done in Rooska Estate and that carrying out an assessment would ensure issues are “identified and remediated.”

Cathaoirleach of the MD, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF), said a dedicated budget should be established for the replacement of footpaths and resurfacing of roads in older

estates.

He said many estates built in the 1970s had “probably only been touched up since”, adding that residents were now older and needed safe footpaths and roads.

“It shouldn’t be a huge budget, but it needs to be addressed and find a resource for it for next year,” he said.

In response, Acting Senior Executive Engineer Paddy Tiernan said a programme of footpath improvement works was already planned to upgrade sections of the pedestrian links between Rooska Estate and Lisdoonvarna town centre.

The works are scheduled to take place later in 2026 and will be funded through the Schedule of Municipal Works.

Mr Tiernan said the municipal district would also undertake an assessment of the footpath and roadway network within the estate before the end of the year to identify maintenance and repair requirements and assist in prioritising future works.

He added that the Housing Department had provided funding to municipal districts in recent years for improvement works in older local authority estates, with a number of West Clare estates benefiting from the investment.

The municipal district will now liaise with the Housing and Finance Departments to establish whether similar funding allocations can continue in future years.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

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News

13

Kilmihil shows up for Festival of Fun THE annual Kilmihil Festival Of Fun was a major hit again this year, with the event now stamped in the August Bank calander thanks to its jam-packed agenda of well-run, fun events.

With everything from a parade and a pig race to motorcycle displays and more, The Clare Echo was on hand to soak up the atmosphere and give readers a small taste of the bumper festival with a selection of photographs.

The committee posted, “Thank you all so much for your incredible support. We were blown away by the fantastic crowds over the weekend and hope you all had as much fun as we did. A huge thank you to all our amazing volunteers and our Festival Committee for their outstanding efforts in the lead-up to, and throughout, the weekend.”

l There was plenty of colour on show at the Festival of Fun in Kilmihil last weekend, including a dare devil

motorcycle display, a parade with various community groups, while the Kilmihil Senior Ladies Football team were also recognised for their efforts in winning the senior county championship last year

Photos by Gerard O’Neill

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Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Rain can’t dampen lively Kildysart Show KILDYSART was a hub of activity over the weekend despite the rain as the 84th annual Kildysart Agricultural Show was buzzing with exhibitors, handlers, judges, and spectators.

Despite some downpours, the popular show drew lively crowds for its livestock classes, horse jumping, flowers and homecrafts, horticulture, children’s entertainment, vintage displays and live music.

l There was showing across multiple categories along with a vintage display, and indoor activities at the 84th Kildysart

Show. Pictured are (clockwise from top left corner): Cian Stephens in control of proceedings; John and Laura Ginnane with kids ,Jordan and Paige; Rachel Hanrahan, Isabelle Garry and Laura Kennedy take shelter from the rain; Willie Ryan, Lissycasey and Kevin Moloney, Ennis enjoy a cuppa; Pat Killeen with his tractor, which was owned by his dad who passed very recently; Dolores Quinn displays her churn; Micheal Kelly and his bull; Sean and Leo Moroney under their umbrella; Mary and Fergal Considine; and Kieran Quinn,Blacksmith Photos by Tom Micks

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

WEST CLARE

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15

Paid parking in Kilkee to operate all year under new byelaws

by Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

YEAR-ROUND paid parking has been approved for Kilkee after councillors adopted revised parking byelaws for the seaside town.

The updated byelaws, approved at a special meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, will extend paid parking beyond the current bathing season, which runs from June 1 to September 15.

Under the existing arrangements, pay-and-display parking operates in Kilkee’s East End and West End car parks during this period, be-

tween 11am and 6pm.

Administrative Officer Liam O’Connor said the changes followed discussions between Clare County Council, An Garda Síochána and the Kilkee Chamber, with all parties agreeing that amendments to the existing parking byelaws were required.

“The main changes that were proposed were the application of the byelaws all year round,” Mr O’Connor said.

Mr O’Connor said the revised byelaws also reduce the maximum stay for campervans from 48 hours to 24

l The move to introduce year-round parking charges is a “very positive” move said Cllr Rita McInerney (inset)

hours. “That area in Marine

Parade near the bandstand

Kilrush RNLI assists six people in three call outs on Estuary KILRUSH RNLI’s volunteer lifeboat crew launched three times over the weekend, assisting six people after three separate vessels suffered mechanical failure and were left adrift on the Shannon Estuary. All three boats and their crews were brought to safety.

The volunteers were first requested to launch their inshore lifeboat by Valentia Coast Guard at 5.11pm on Friday (31 July), following a report that a 10m yacht with two people on board had suffered rigging and engine failure and was adrift on the Scattery Roads.

The lifeboat crew located the casualty vessel, confirmed that both people on board were safe and towed the yacht safely to Kilrush Marina.

Just over two hours later, at 8.16pm, the pagers sounded again, this time to reports of an 8.5m motor cruiser with two people on board that had suffered engine failure and was adrift in the main shipping

channel east of Glin, where it presented a risk to navigation.

The crew assessed the situation on scene and, with both people on board safe and well, took the vessel under tow to Labasheeda, where it was safely secured.

The third call came at 9.07am on Sunday, when the lifeboat launched to a 7m sports angling vessel with two people on board that had suffered engine failure and was adrift in the outer shipping anchorage.

Once again, the vessel and its crew was safely brought to Kilrush Marina.

Shawna Johnson, Kilrush RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “It was a busy weekend for our volunteer crew, who dropped everything at a moment’s notice three times in three days, and we were glad to see all six people brought safely ashore. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team of volunteers at Kilrush Lifeboat Station, and these call outs are a real cred-

it to their training, teamwork and commitment to saving lives at sea.

“These call outs are a timely reminder to check your boat and your equipment before every trip. Make sure your engine is serviced regularly, check your fuel, and ensure your vessel, including its rigging, is well maintained.

Check that your lifejackets are in good working order and that everyone on board is wearing one. A few simple checks before setting out can prevent a day on the water turning into an emergency.

“And if something does go wrong, do not hesitate to call for assistance. Conditions on the water can change quickly, and even in calm, settled weather.

“The people we assisted did the right thing by calling for help early. If you get into difficulty, or see someone else in trouble, use VHF Channel 16 or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.”

would be designated as a parking area for campervans,” he said, adding that campervans will be prohibited from parking in other byelaw-controlled areas.

Mr O’Connor said the revised byelaws also clearly state fixed charge fine amounts and payment procedures, while references to An Garda Síochána as authorised officers have also been updated.

The draft byelaws were placed on public display

from May 29 until July 13, during which four submissions were received.

Councillors were asked to decide whether to adopt the byelaws as drafted, amend them or reject them.

Proposing the adoption of the byelaws, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) said they were “a very positive move for Kilkee in terms of managing the parking situation.”

“It is something we can work with and work towards in the local community,” she added.

The new bye laws was then formally seconded by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG).

Greater role for Kilrush students in decision-making YOUNG people in Kilrush could be given a greater say in shaping the future of their town under a new proposal supported by Clare County Council, writes Paige Foley.

The motion, tabled by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) at the July meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, calls for the reintroduction of annual civic engagement meetings with primary and secondary schools.

It also proposes that the municipal district work with the Kilrush Town Team, local schools and student councils to establish an ongoing programme of consultation, allowing young people to contribute to future planning, development and regeneration projects.

Cllr Lynch said it was inspired by a conversation with an eight-year-old member of a school student council who approached him about changes made to a local playground. He said the encounter highlighted the value of involving young people in local decision-making and questioned whether the municipal district could do more to bring children back into the conversation. He explained the initiative would help keep local democracy alive while encouraging civic pride and active citizenship among younger generations.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) said young people had "great ideas" and often knew exactly what they wanted and needed when issues directly affected them.

She added that Kilrush already had excellent youth workers and suggested existing national or international programmes could provide a framework for the initiative.

Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) recalled inviting school groups into the coun-

cil chamber during his early years as a councillor, describing it as a "fantastic" initiative that generated strong interest before it fell off the radar during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Senior Executive Officer John O'Malley said previous engagement through the Town Centre First programme had demonstrated how enthusiastic young people were when given the opportunity to contribute, describing it as "great learning".

In a written response, Mr O'Malley said the West Clare Municipal District supported the proposal in principle and recognised the importance of providing meaningful opportunities for young people to engage in the civic, social and economic development of Kilrush and West Clare.

He said previous initiatives, including the Town Centre First process, the Mars Cinema regeneration project, had demonstrated the value of involving young people in discussions on the future of their town.

Mr O'Malley said the Kilrush Town Team provided an established forum through which engagement with young people could be further developed, working alongside schools, student councils, youth organisations and community groups.

He added that the proposal for an annual engagement meeting with schools was supported in principle and would be explored with Clare County Council, local schools and relevant stakeholders.

Cllr Lynch said any engagement should take the form of a special meeting focusing on issues relevant to youth, rather than students sitting through a council meeting. "If we're going to do it, make sure the community know we are there," he said.

16

Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Shannon

‘Pinch-me moment’ for Pitbull superfan in Shannon

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

ONE of Pitbull’s biggest fans, Glenn Nealon, was in the right place at the right time when he found himself face-toface with the global superstar at Shannon Airport in the early hours of Monday morning.

Limerick man Glenn, who works at Shannon Airport was thrilled to meet his idol as the chart-topping rapper and singer passed through Shannon on his way home following a concert in Malta.

Their chance encounter was even more special as Glenn was able to chat to Pitbull about attending his concert in Thomond Park last month.

Describing the meeting as a real “pinch me moment,” Glenn couldn’t speak highly enough of l Glenn’s meeting with global star Pitbull

the forty five year old.

“He’s the most genuine celebrity. What you see on stage is exactly what you get. He’s an absolute gem of a man, full of love and appreciation for his fans,” he said.

Not one to miss the opportunity, Glenn also had a special message for ‘Mr. Worldwide’ himself: “I asked him to please come back and tour again soon, I told him Ireland will be ready”.

Calls for 30km/h zone in Cratloe amid safety concerns

by Paige Foley news@clareecho.ie

A CALL has been made for Cratloe village to be considered for a 30km/h speed limit zone, with concerns raised over traffic volumes and road safety as part of Clare County Council’s proposed speed limit review.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Shannon Municipal District Cllr Patrick O’Gorman (FF) said he would be urging Clare County Council to include the main section of Cratloe village in the proposed changes.

The Draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2026 propose the introduction of 30km/h speed limits in built-up and urban areas throughout Clare, while speed limits would also be reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h on sections of the R458 at Ballyline, the R352 at Caherlohan, the R445

between the Radisson Hotel and the Limerick border and the N68 at Darragh.

Cllr O’Gorman said that while 30km/h zones are generally intended for built-up areas and housing estates, Cratloe should also be considered. “My point is that in my own parish of Cratloe, because it is not classed as a housing estate we cannot get the speed limit down to 30 kilometres per hour,” he said.

He said he would like to see the central area of Cratloe village designated as a 30km/h zone, alongside traffic calming measures.

Cllr O’Gorman said the areas of particular concern included the road leading towards Cratloe National School and the route through the village towards Limerick.

He said road safety concerns had been re-

peatedly raised by the local community, with traffic issues regularly discussed at Cratloe Community Council meetings.

“There’s hardly a meeting that passes over the course of the 12 months of the year that traffic issues in the parish of Cratloe isn’t brought to my attention,” he said.

He also said Clare County Council had confirmed that Cratloe National School would be included in a pilot project examining reduced speed limits outside schools.

O’Gorman said he previously raised motions seeking traffic calming measures in Cratloe and hoped progress could be made “sooner rather than later”.

The Draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2026 are open for public consultation until Aug 31.

Limerick-Shannon commuters creating rat runs

by Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

CONCERNS have been raised over the impact of Limerick-Shannon commuter traffic on Clare roads, with councillors warning that some routes are carrying volumes they were not designed to accommodate.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Shannon Municipal District Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF) said residents had repeatedly raised concerns about traffic levels on roads around Meelick, Parteen and Ardnacrusha.

Her comments come as Clare County Council considers proposed speed limit changes, including a reduction from 100km/h to 80km/h on the R445 between the Radisson Hotel and the Limerick border, as part of the wider review of speed limits across the county.

Cllr Hartigan said she could identify “dozens of roads” where residents had previously requested speed limit changes, with Meelick among the areas where

l Cllr O’Gorman says the volume of traffic through Cratloe is placing pressure on local roads traffic concerns had been raised.

She said Meelick had experienced particular pressure during peak commuting times, with some local roads being used as alternative

routes by motorists travelling between Limerick and Shannon.

“Meelick village is used a lot of the time at peak traffic as a rat race to bypass a lot of the heavy Limerick traffic,

in particular by people who are working in Shannon but living in Limerick,” she said.

She said motorists travelling between Limerick and Shannon used local roads through Meelick during

morning and evening commuting times, creating additional pressure on routes not designed for the level of traffic they now experience.

“Obviously there would be a lot of the roads that weren’t really designed for that level of traffic,” she said.

Similar concerns have been raised in other parts of the Shannon Municipal District, with Cllr Patrick O’Gorman (FF) highlighting the pressures placed on Cratloe as a key route between East Clare and Limerick.

Cllr O’Gorman said the volume of traffic through Cratloe was placing additional pressure on local roads.

“Cratloe is a thoroughfare that is connecting all of East Clare with Limerick city,” he said.

“You have Tulla, Kilkishen, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge, all coming through Cratloe every morning and every evening coming into Limerick city to work or to shop.”

“We are so near Limerick city, we are so near Shannon and every car coming from East Clare into Limerick

has to come through Cratloe every morning and home every evening the same way,” he said.

Cllr O’Gorman said Cratloe was an example of the type of area where local concerns should be considered as part of the ongoing review.

He said the situation was further compounded when incidents on the M18/N18 motorway resulted in traffic being diverted through local routes.

“Anything that will happen between Shannon and Limerick, all the traffic is diverted on through Bunratty, Sixmilebridge and into Cratloe again, and then again you have the bottlenecks,” he said.

The Draft Special Speed Limit Bye-Laws 2026 are open for public consultation until August 31, with submissions invited through Clare County Council’s consultation portal, by email or by post.

17

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

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Gort & South Galway

Ballinasloe ‘spiritual healer’ walks free after sexually assaulting 16-year old girl

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A 59-year old ‘spiritual healer’ and County Galway farmer has walked free from court after receiving a fully suspended prison term for sexually assaulting a then 16-year old girl on an Aer Lingus transatlantic flight.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford imposed a suspended 20 month prison term on Patrick Noone of Curragh, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co Galway for two counts of sexually assaulting an American teenager on the Boston bound flight from Shannon airport on November 15th 2023.

Judge Comerford said that it was a case that has “already attracted some notoriety”.

The court heard that on the EI 135 flight Mr Noone groped the teenager and kissed her arm after telling her “Oh God I would shift you if I was 20 years younger”.

There is a 40 year age gap between the two and the teenager told the court in a victim impact statement that Mr Noone told her that he was flying to Boston as he was on his way to New Hampshire ‘to heal a house’.

Father of four daughters, Mr Noone said that he had five or six whiskeys before getting on the flight and was on medication at the time.

In sentencing, Judge Comerford said that he was not taking into account a claim that Mr Noone sustained an acquired brain injury from a kick to the head by a horse in October 2023.

l Patrick Noone

The court heard that the sexual assault incident has resulted in the end of Mr Noone’s marriage.

In the Probation Report, Mr Noone said that he is living with the consequences of his actions on that flight every day.

In her victim impact statement, the teenager recalled the sexual assaults and said “in between brief naps, he would touch me inappropriately”.

She said: “He said repugnant things to me as a 16 year old including things like ‘if I were 20 years younger I would shift you and ‘I hope I didn’t make you wet.”

Mr Noone was allocated a window seat on the flight but sat in the middle seat in order to sit beside the teenager seated in the aisle seat.

The teenager’s mother, sister and grandmother were seated in the row across from her.

Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL told the court that

Mr Noone told her that she was a beautiful girl and she didn’t know how beautiful she was.

Ms Comerford (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that when Mr Noone said that he would like to ‘shift’ her the teenager didn’t know what the word ‘shift’ meant because she is American. Ms Comerford said that Mr Noone told her that “you have the features or a real woman” and he moved his hand up and down her arm and kissed her hand.

Ms Comerford said that Mr Noone told the teenager, ‘I wouldn’t want your Mum or Granny to see this - do you know what I mean?’

Ms Comerford said that Mr Noone kissed her arm, moved his hand to her thigh up and down and then stuffed his hand down the back of the seat grabbing her buttocks.

The teenager said that she gave Mr Noone “gummy bears as a deliberate distraction so I could stop him from touching me”.

After the teenager alerted cabin crew, the captain was told of the incident and flew the aircraft back to Shannon where Mr Noone was arrested. Mr Noone was brought by ambulance from the airport to University Hospital Limerick after complaining of chest pains.

The cost of the diverted flight amounted to over €28,000.

When interviewed by Gardai, Mr Noone that he had no recollection of touching the teenager or saying those things to her. At interview, Mr Noone said that he was horrified

and shocked at what he was then alleged to have done.

He said: “I am terribly sorry - I am always helping people.”

Judge Comerford said that the injured party - who was not in court - had made an impressive victim impact statement.

In her victim impact statement, the woman said she felt trapped as the seatbelt lights were still on.

She said: “During the entire incident I felt entirely trapped - I was strapped down into a seat with a man who I did not know was touching me in places that I did not want him to touch me.” She said: “I never felt more violated, nor more afraid. I can only assume that had I stayed he would have gone further.”

The teenager said: “In no world should it be accepted that anyone should put their hands on or near someone’s private regions without their explicit consent - never mind a man in his fifties putting his hands on a young girl of 16.

“That is an act that is - to put it simply - deeply perverse and incredibly violating.”

Counsel for Mr Noone, Antoinette Simon BL said that her client has no previous conviction and co-operated with Gardai.

Ms Simon said that the incident was the catalyst for the breakdown in Mr Noone’s marriage and he now lives in a log cabin on the farm in Galway. Ms Simon said: “Mr Noone is horrified that he did this to a young girl given the fact that he has four daughters from 21 to 10

Countdown on for 2026 Gort & District Show GORT & District Show takes place this Saturday 08th August 2026 at Gort community Centre and Gort Community School grounds.

Its been a hard couple of weeks for the Show’s committee following the sudden passing of former Chairperson Mary Moloney (RIP), who will be greatly missed by all.

There will be a special tribute made to Mary in the show’s program book.

Anybody who has entered in the classes is urged to contact the Show by phone if they haven’t received their entry numbers by now.

The Community Centre is open for drop off of any indoor un-perishable exhibits on the Friday evening before the show from 6-9pm and entrants are urged to avail of that where possible to avoid

the morning rush and this gets you into a free Early Bird draw for some lovely prizes.

All other exhibits entered must be in place between 9am to 10am, as judging starts at 10am sharp and the doors will be closed then until the official opening at 1pm.

The show asks that you correctly place your numbers on your entries and bring your entry form sheet with you when dropping off your exhibits.

The official opening on Saturday is at 1pm once the judging has been completed with a special guest cutting the tape.

Cash is still King at Gort & District Show with only come card facilities on site, please come prepared.

With a gate charge of just €10 per adult and children go free, it’s a great family day

out.

The programs for the day will be on sale at the gate and on the grounds and full of information about the days events and more.

There will be lots of FREE childrens entertainment including face-painting, bouncy-castle, magic show and puppet show and live music throughout the day from local trad musicians and then Mikey Burke and Sabrina Fallon.

The Bonny Baby competition, most appropriately dressed lady and gentleman and Glamorous Granny competitions on the day always provide a sense of fun. There will be crafts, art and food stands and baking and crafts demonstrations, pet farm, novelty games, archery, Sheaf Throwing with Tug O’War, Vintage car dis-

play and lots more. The National Feile na Gael Camogie Champions are due to make an appearance on the day also.

The Pat O Donnell Dog show takes place again at Gort Community School hurling field grounds with access from the Ennis road/ LISK side. Dog Show entries can be taken online in advance and on the Show Day, pre-entry online is advised which can help to speed up the allocation and pick up of class numbers.

The show, whose main sponsor is Minihanes Supervalu, Gort, promises to be a fun and enjoyable day out for all the family. Check out Gort Show facebook page or website www.thegortshow.com or by contacting gortshow@ gmail.com, or phone 0874452878.

years of age. Ms Simon said that Mr Noone has never come before the courts “and is a man who lives in the spiritual world”.

Ms Simon said that Mr Noone is a spiritual healer and travels abroad to carry out his healing while he has guided tours on his farm connected to his spiritual healing.

Ms Simon said that Mr Noone has attended for counselling and is now facing into divorce proceedings.

Ms Simon said that Mr Noone spent 15 days in Castlerea prison for a breach of a court order this year.

In sentencing, Judge Comerford said that all sexual assaults are serious. He said that the sexual assaults perpetrated by Mr Noone on the teenager did fall into the lower range of offending as it was outside the clothing but it was serious as it was perpetrated on a 16 year old.

Judge Comerford said that he was taking into account Mr Noone’s guilty plea, having no previous convictions and co-operation with Gardai. He said that due to the offence, Mr Noone’s name will be registered on the Sex Offenders register.

Judge Comerford said that a Probation Service report on Mr Noone concluded that he is at low risk of re-offending and he said that courts have shown that they are slow to imprison a first time offender where the Probation Service has expressed a view that they are unlikely to re-offend.

After exiting Ennis courthouse, Mr Noone did not reply when approached for comment.

No Weigh, hosé!?

Galway Person of the Year 2025, John Sullivan, will launch a new pamphlet about Gort’s Weigh House this weekend.

An Taisce and Robert Lane have collaborated on the new pamphlet which will be launched on Saturday, August 8, at 2pm in Town Square.

Perched in the centre of Gort Square is the Weigh House. Gort was a market town from the late 18th century and photos from the 19th century show an area full of carts, people and produce. The Weigh House was significant in that everyone wishing to trade in the market would bring their goods to be weighed and the Weigh Master would write the amount on a ticket he would attach to the vendor’s cap.

Part of the scale apparatus used is still on view beside and inside the Weigh House. The building’s current use is as a tourist information office for Gort, open 1st May until August 31st each year, staffed by 20 volunteers who love the town and supported by the Burren Lowlands.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

East Clare

Scariff Harbour Festival 2026 proves another huge success

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

Soft rain did not deter the sing along crowds swaying to the songs of popular balladeers ‘The Kilkennys’, so called after their home city, as they brought Scariff Harbour Festival 2026 to a close.

Earlier young hurlers from East Belfast in their yellow and black club jerseys tucked into generous portions of spaghetti bolognese in the GAA Hall, already hoping they can return to play in the Barry Nash Memorial hurling tournament with so many other clubs.

“This was heartening to hear,” said Mike Rodgers, Chair of Scariff Harbour Festival Committee “and an indication that the festival’s efforts to continue building genuine relationships with the north is making a difference,” he said.

It was also confirmed by Kimberly Robertson, Chair of East Belfast GAA Club, who chaperoned the young hurlers during their visit to east Clare.

Bilingual speeches by on-stage guests gave due recognition to passionate advocate of the Irish language, and former Club President of East Belfast GAA, Linda Ervine MBE, when she opened this year’s Harbour Festival on Friday night.

The Mayor of Clare Cllr Joe Killeen, Éanna Rowe of Waterways Ireland and Harry O’Meara, Festival Co-founder spoke of Linda Ervine’s unwavering commitment to promoting not only the Irish language but sporting culture in protestant east Belfast.

“I was introduced to the Irish language 15 years ago,” she said. “I had never learned a language at school.

In fact, I never really had any interest in learning another language.

“Then I got the opportunity to learn a cúpla focal—and it changed my life. When I started learning

l At the Scariff Harbour Festival are Cllr Tony O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of Killaloe Municial District, Linda Ervine and Cllr Joe Killeen, Mayor of Clare; (inset and right) revellers enjoy proceedings at the festival

Irish all those years ago, my husband Brian was the leader of the PUP, and there was quite a bit of media interest in the fact that his wife was learning Irish.

“The newspaper articles encouraged others from the local community to learn Irish too, so we set up our own classes — and it just took off,’ said the newly appointed Council of State Member.”

In welcoming Linda and her husband Brian, local pharmacist Harry O’Meara acknowledged the festival’s strong connection with Northern Ireland and Linda’s on-going cultural work, born out of her initial and surprising attraction to the Irish language.

“She founded Scoil na Seolta, the

first integrated school in Northern Ireland to teach through the medium of Irish, and now manages the Turas Project, one of the largest providers of Irish language classes in Belfast,” he said.

The event concluded with a moving rendition by Brian Ervine, former teacher, playwright and politician, of his own song Leaving Dal Riada.

Tens of familiar faces from families of past Scariff shopkeepers could be spotted in an audience of over 150 people at an illustrated talk ‘Behind the Counter’ given by Dr. Jane Halloran-Ryan.

In it the Mary Immaculate College lecturer and professional genealogist traced the story of local

shopkeepers and their significant role in the community to a highly engaged audience. “The study is definitely a work in progress,” she said.

The Camino of Hope walk snaked its pilgrim way in drizzly rain to the Mass Rock in Cappabane, led by the Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan and local Parish Priest, Fr. Pat Larkin, with ponder stops along the route.

It concluded with the celebration of mass at the historic penal site to over 250 people before returning with the aid of their complimentary pilgrim sticks to the noise of the festival town.

Not the only nod to local history, brothers and local history aficionados Martin & Micheál Pearl led the increasingly popular 3km walk, highlighting the origins of Scariff and the landmark story points along the way.

Indoors a deeply moved audience became immersed in the personal journey to Palestine of local couple Bonnie Boyle and PJ McNamara through their film The Art of Resistance-The Art of Sumud.

It was followed by a discussion, chaired by Jim Collins of Scariff Bay Community Radio, and included the profoundly touching contribution of Fatma Abuawwad, a Gazan woman and former school principal, who spent time with her family in Scariff after leaving Palestine to escape the ravages of war.

Don Stiffe and the Voices of Ireland got the festival off to a popular start with a concert in the Church of the Sacred Heart.

The highly organised Family Fun Day in the GAA park thrilled the younger folk, while teenagers took to adrenalin fueled water-based activities and TV Chef, Shane Smith captivated an enthusiastic audience with his animated cookery demonstration.

The Festival Chair, Mike Rodgers acknowledged sponsors Waterways Ireland, EKO Integrated Services, Michael McNamara MEP and everyone who supported the festival and very specially the hardworking committee who deliver so successfully every year. “It could not happen without you all,” he said.

Smartphones to connect with Quin Friary QUIN HERITAGE will formally launch its Quin Friary QR app system with cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) at 2pm on August 16th in the Tearmann Gardens on Main Street, Quin, beside the grotto.

The App will allow those with smart or android phones to connect directly to a narrative that will offer a brief history of the Friary, followed by a guided tour of the building. Additional audio and graphics are used to enhance the visitor experience.

The tour will include a focus on 16 of the more notable artefacts encountered, with a short description of each. It also includes general comments on other key aspects of the Friary. Speaking to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for the group highlighted that “We are fortunate to have so much archaeology available, not least the integrated cloister - one of the finest in the country” Afterwards, for those still anxious to know more, a short tour of Saint Finghin’s Church on the opposite bank of the River Rine is also available. Much of the sponsorship for the

enterprise came by way of a LEADER grant and the remainder from local contributions.

The completely autonomous app is extremely user friendly, allowing users to take in as much of the Friary story as they choose or skip ahead to sections that are more interesting to the visitor.

Two versions of the app are available, one for adults and a slightly less detailed one for young folk. It also comes in a variety of European languages. The programme was developed by Evolvetech, a software group based in Ennistymon.

Quin Heritage Group highlighted that the app is a first for Clare as it uses pre-recorded commentary on an OPW site. The group described Quin Friary as “a cultural treasure, dominating the streetscape of Quin village for over 700 years. This is an invitation to all to join us for the launch, especially our local community. Using current technology, we are excited to be able to share the extensive and venerable story of Quin with others, now and into the future”.

l Members of Quin Heritage Group (l-r) Ann MacNamara, Michael Daffy, Michael Houlihan, Joe Barry, Yvonne Gallagher, Mick Maguire and Siobháin O' Sullivan

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

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East Clare

80 years of Tulla Céilí Band marked THE Tulla Céilí Band honoured 80 years of exceptional traditional music with a special CD launch on Tuesday at Feakle Community Hall on the eve of the Feakle Festival.

The hills of East Clare were humming with song as Clare’s

premier group celebrated their historic legacy with the launch of its 80th anniversary CD as well as their recent TG4 Gradam Ceoil for their Outstanding Contribution to traditional music.

l At the CD launch in Feakle were members of the Tulle Céilí Bank, (back row l-r) Mike McKee, Jim Corry, David Crowe, Mark Donnellan,

Brian Donnellan and Martin Hayes; (front l-r) Aoife Hayes, Benny O’Connor, Jennifer Lenihan and Eimear Coughlan. (right, from top) Benny O’Connor; the band performs to the packed room in Feakle and (inset) Cllr Pat Hayes addresses the room; (below) Martin Hayes; Gary Pepper presents a plaque to Mark Donnella; Jennifer Lenihan; a candle remembering legendary accordian player Charlie Harris; Eimear Coughlan and (below right); Angela Keogh and (bottom right) the daughters of Charlie Harris, Kate and Meave Photos by Ruthie Griffin

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

News

Elderly visitors facing diff iculties at Ballysheen Graveyard over gravel pathways

by Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

IMPROVED access has been sought at Ballysheen Graveyard, with councillors highlighting concerns around the accessibility of the gravel roadway for elderly visitors and those with mobility issues.

The issue was raised by Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) at the July meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District, where he called for works to be carried out on the councilmaintained section of the graveyard roadway.

Cllr O’Callaghan praised the “great work” previously carried out outside the graveyard but said the focus had now shifted to the internal roadway.

“The issue previously was outside the wall, now the issue is inside,” he said.

He acknowledged that the council’s response noted the “good condition of the gravel surface”, but highlighted the difficulties gravelled

areas can create for elderly visitors.

“We need to try and make it [the graveyard] as easy and accessible as possible,” he said.

Cllr O’Callaghan noted that the graveyard is divided into three sections, comprising the old part, the council-owned section and an area managed by the community.

The motion was seconded by Leas-Chathaoirleach of the district, Cllr Conor Ryan (FG), who praised the work carried out by community groups in maintaining their section of the graveyard.

In a written response, Senior Executive Officer Leonore O’Neill said upgrade works had already been carried out to the roadway within the council-maintained section of Ballysheen Graveyard in recent years, and that it is currently considered to be in “good condition for a gravel surface”.

However, she acknowledged that gravel roadways can create

SCARIFF HARBOUR FESTIVAL

difficulties for visitors, particularly older people and those with mobility issues, while also affecting access for maintenance and funeral vehicles during periods of poor weather.

Ms O’Neill said any further upgrade would have to be considered in the context of the overall maintenance and capital budget available for burial grounds across the county.

She said Ballysheen Graveyard would be assessed alongside other burial grounds when determining priority works, taking into account the condition of sites, available resources and competing demands.

In the meantime, the condition of the roadway will continue to be monitored, with any necessary maintenance works carried out as resources allow.

A big turnout for the Scariff Harbour Festival opening by Linda Ervine MBE and Council of State Member at Scariff GAA Hall Pic Arthur Ellis

Library to ‘Thousands of gallons’ lost Scariff host ‘East Clare as pressure mounts over Love’ art exhibition long-running Tulla leak

by Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

A CLARE county councillor has called for urgent action to address a long-running water leak near Tulla, warning that thousands of gallons of water are being lost each day while responsibility for the issue remains unresolved.

The issue was raised by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) during a discussion on Uisce Éireann at the July meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District.

Cllr Hayes said the leak, on the former Lough Ea Group Water Scheme, had continued for more than 10 months despite repeated efforts to have it addressed.

He said the leak was now creating a health and safety concern as water continued to flow onto the public road.

“It is an ongoing issue the last year,” he said.

Describing the situation as particularly frustrating during the current hosepipe ban, Cllr Hayes added: “It is ironic we have a hosepipe ban but we have water pumping up the middle of the road.”

According to Cllr Hayes, responsibility for the leak has remained unresolved despite repeated attempts to have it repaired.

He said he had repeatedly been met with the response: “While we appreciate the problem, we can’t resolve it.”

The councillor said the leak is located outside a private house, with the homeowner left dealing with the consequences of the ongoing problem.

“But we can’t leave a health and safety issue alone on a public road,” he said.

“We can’t just leave the water pumping out in the middle of it.”

He estimated that thousands of gallons of water were flowing down the road every

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF)

Photo by John Mangan

day, suggesting the water could instead be put to productive use by local farmers.

Cllr Hayes said the pipe forms part of the old Lough Ea Group Water Scheme, which was established in the 1950s or 1960s before public water supplies became available in the area.

Speaking to The Clare Echo following the meeting, Cllr Hayes said the scheme had served local communities for decades, but most households had since moved to private wells as public water infrastructure developed.

He said the water supply had later been deemed non-potable, meaning it was no longer considered suitable for drinking, and that the group water scheme had effectively ceased operating despite parts of the network still remaining in use.

“There are still some farmers using it here and there, but there are only a few houses that might use it for toilets and things like that,” he said.

“There is no real group water scheme operating it now or manager.”

Cllr Hayes said the absence of an active management structure had created uncertainty over responsibility for maintaining the old infrastructure.

He claimed Uisce Éireann had advised him the matter did not fall within its remit because the supply was non-potable, while Clare County Council had referred him back to Uisce Éireann.

“I can get nobody to take charge of it,” he said.

“I’ve been put from pillar to post everywhere. Everybody says, ‘We’ll look at it’ and ‘We’ll do it’, but nobody resolves it.”

He said the situation highlighted the difficulties faced by elected representatives trying to secure action on issues where responsibility was disputed.

“It just shows how challenging it is as a public representative trying to get answers and resolve it,” he said.

“So I am asking here today that Clare County Council find the formula to actually resolve this issue as a health and safety issue and a road safety issue, rather than just treating it as a leak in a water scheme.”

In response, Eoin Troy, Senior Executive Officer and Killaloe MD Meetings Administrator confirmed they would “take it away” and look at potential resolutions.

Reflections upon the Croaghrum

THE Gallery at the Edna O’Brien Library, Scariff, will host East Clare Love, a new exhibition by artist Joe Culhane, from Monday, 10 August 2026.

Supported by Clare Arts Office, the exhibition will run until Saturday, 12 September 2026, inclusive.

East Clare Love reflects a body of work inspired by the landscapes, places and living ecology of East County Clare. The paintings presented in the exhibition have been co-created with the locations and beings that shape the artist’s connection with the area.

Joe Culhane describes himself as an eco-cosmic generalist, with creative and professional pursuits informed by a collaborative relationship with the ecology of which he is part, and the wider cosmos beyond.

He has engaged in a range of artistic endeavours throughout his life, including stretch fabric art based on sacred geometric designs. While he enjoys working across many mediums, he is currently drawn mainly to watercolours.

Joe currently divides his time between his home in Gortavrulla, East County Clare, and Forest Row in East Sussex, where he works as HEaRT Coordinator for Emerson College.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

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News

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Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists

When every swim becomes a prayer...

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY

R

ECENTLY, I was sitting quietly in a church with magnificent bay windows overlooking Galway Bay. As people gathered for Mass, my eyes drifted beyond the altar towards the shimmering sea. There, almost 100 swimmers were taking part in the Frances Thornton Memorial Galway Bay Swim, the annual 13km crossing from Aughinish in County Clare to the iconic Blackrock Diving Tower in Salthill.

They were not swimming for medals. They were swimming to raise vital funds for Cancer Care West, supporting individuals and families whose lives have been forever changed by cancer.

Inside the church, people gathered to worship God. Outside, men and women of every age were offering their strength, determination and endurance for the sake of others. It struck me that these were not two separate acts. They belonged together. Both were acts of worship.

Expressions of hope.

Both reminded us that the deepest purpose of life is not to accumulate, but to give ourselves away in love.

The words of Jesus echoed in my heart, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13).

The swimmers were not laying down their lives, but they were offering something precious, their time, energy and compassion for people they would probably never meet. Every stroke became an act of generosity. Every breath became a prayer. Another verse followed behind it, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).

Love is never simply something we feel. It is something we choose, expressed through generous hearts and quiet sacrifices.

SACRED SANCTUARY As the swimmers disappeared towards the horizon, each stroke spoke of courage. Every wave reminded me of the unseen struggles so many people carry each day, illness, grief, loneliness, anxiety and loss.

Yet they kept swimming.

Their journey reminded

me that this is often how we travel through life.

We keep going because someone needs us. We keep hoping because someone is praying for us. We keep loving because God has never stopped loving us.

As a daily sea swimmer, I have discovered that the water offers far more than exercise. It has become a place where I encounter God. Away from noise and distractions, prayer becomes as natural as breathing. Like Elijah, I begin to recognise God, not in the wind or fire, but in “the sound of sheer silence” (1 Kings 19:12). The sea has become one of God’s great cathedrals. There are no stained-glass windows, only endless sky and water, filled with His presence.

LETTING GO Swimming teaches something life often forgets. Water cannot be controlled. The harder we fight it, the more exhausted we become.

Only when we relax do we discover it is able to carry us. Faith is remarkably similar. We spend so much of life trying to control tomorrow or carrying burdens God never intended us to bear. Prayer gently invites us to surrender.

“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Stillness is not weakness. It is trusting ourselves to hands stronger than our own.

EVERY STROKE BECOMES A PRAYER Over the years, swimming has become one of my favourite places to pray. The rhythm of breathing, the movement of each stroke and the silence of the sea quieten the mind and open the heart. Some of my deepest prayers have never been spoken aloud. Sometimes they are simply tears.

Sometimes gratitude.

Sometimes silence.

Often I whisper the names of people who are struggling into the hands of God. St Paul reminds us that “the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans” (Romans 8:26).

How comforting it is to know that when words fail us, God still understands the heart.

SWIMMING AGAINST THE CURRENT Swimming has also taught me that we do not become stronger

by always moving with the current. Strength is often formed by swimming against it. Faith is much the same.

There are seasons when prayer flows easily and others when simply putting one foot in front of the other requires extraordinary courage. Perhaps today you feel as though you are swimming against the tide. If so, remember Christ’s promise to remain with us through every hardship.

THE WATER TAUGHT ME FORGIVENESS Perhaps the greatest lesson the sea has taught me is forgiveness. There was a time when my heart carried a pain so deep I wondered if it could ever heal. Day after day I brought that hurt into the water. Slowly, almost unnoticed, God began loosening the grip bitterness had on my heart.

I discovered something life-changing. You cannot swim with an anchor tied to your feet.

Resentment weighs us down. Forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing or deny justice.

Instead, it places justice into God’s hands while freeing our hearts to live again. On the Cross Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Forgiveness is rarely a single decision. More often it is a journey taken one prayer, one step at a time.

SWIMMING FOR OTHERS Every swim reminds me that caring for ourselves also enables us to care for others more generously. Yet every time I enter Galway Bay, I also think of the millions throughout the world who have no clean water to drink.

While I swim for pleasure, countless children walk miles ev-

ery day carrying water that may not even be safe. Jesus reminds us: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Prayer that never becomes compassion remains incomplete. Whether through a kind word, a listening ear, a visit to someone who is lonely or support for a charity, every act of love becomes another ripple in God’s great ocean of compassion.

RETURNING TO SHORE Every swim ends. We dry ourselves, put on our shoes and return to ordinary life. Yet perhaps we are not meant to return as the same person. The true miracle is not what happens while we are swimming.

The true miracle is who we become afterwards, more patient, more forgiving, more grateful and more willing to love.

Perhaps every swim is preparing us for something greater than crossing a bay. Perhaps

it is teaching us how to cross life itself, with greater faith than fear, more gratitude than complaint, more compassion than judgement and hearts that have learned to trust the God who has been beside us in every wave. For wherever life’s waters may carry us, we never swim alone.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the week, step away from the noise for 30 minutes. Leave your phone behind. Walk beside a river, sit by the sea, visit a lake or spend a few quiet moments in your local church or garden.

Thank God for five people who have shaped your life. Pray for someone who is suffering. Pray for someone you find difficult. Ask God if there is someone you need to forgive. Then perform one unexpected act of kindness for a stranger, a neighbour or someone who may never be able to repay you.

As St James reminds us, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

Prayer must always become love in action.

Let me leave you with this prayer I wrote called, ‘Speak Gently to Our Hearts’ - “Loving God, thank You for the gift of water and for the quiet places where You continue to speak gently to our hearts. When life’s storms threaten to overwhelm us, help us to trust Your love more than our fears. Renew our strength when we grow weary, soften our hearts with Your mercy and open our eyes to those who thirst for kindness, justice, hope and love. Bless those who grieve, comfort the lonely, strengthen the sick and protect all who journey across dangerous waters seeking safety and peace. May every breath remind us that You are near, every act of kindness reflects Your love and every day become another opportunity to love more generously. May “the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him” (Romans 15:13), and may Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

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GREEN CLARE

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Burrenbeo Trust scoop national nature award

by Stuart Holly news@clareecho.ie

Ire-

land’ leading conservationists, educators, nature filmmakers and community groups gathered at Powerscourt Estate last week for the 2026 Working with Nature Awards, celebrating the people and projects making an outstanding contribution to biodiversity restoration, nature protection, nature education and nature communication across Ireland.

The ceremony brought together nominees from across the country to celebrate inspiring initiatives restoring habitats, protecting dark skies, connecting communities with nature through education, and using storytelling to inspire a deeper appreciation of the natural world.

Winners of the Biodiversity & Rewilding, Nature Education & Wellbeing and Nature Media Awards each received a unique handcrafted award, crafted from beech wood grown on the Pow-

l Lucy Bowler of Burrenbeo Trust accepts the Outstanding Nature

Protector Award on behalf of The Hare’s Corner / Burrenbeo Trust, presented by Éanna Ní Lamhna, at the 2026 Working with Nature Awards at Powerscourt Estate, Enniskerry Photo by Robbie Reynolds

erscourt Estate and engraved in County Wicklow, together with a

€500 bursary to support their ongoing work for nature.

The overall Outstanding Nature Protector Award was presented to The Hare’s Corner / Burrenbeo Trust, whose practical approach is helping landowners, schools and communities create wildlife ponds, mini-woodlands, heritage orchards, hedgerows and other habitats across Ireland.

As the overall winner, The Hare’s Corner also received the Ultimate Powerscourt Experience, including a place on the Leaders for Nature Leadership Programme, developed by Common Purpose Ireland. The Leadership Programme is valued at over €2,000 and is complemented by a guided tour and food pairing experience at Powerscourt Distillery, Annual Membership to Powerscourt Gardens and a four-ball at Powerscourt Golf Club.

The awards were presented by judges Éanna Ní Lamhna, Duncan Stewart and Alex Slazenger, Head Gardener at Powerscourt Gardens.

Sarah Slazenger, Managing Director of Powerscourt Estate, said, “The Working with Nature Awards

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celebrate the remarkable people and organisations helping nature recover across Ireland.

“From restoring habitats and protecting biodiversity to inspiring communities through education and storytelling, every finalist demonstrates that positive action can make a lasting difference.

“We hope these awards not only recognise their achievements but also encourage many more people to take practical action for nature in their own communities.”

The ceremony also included a Special Recognition Award presented in honour of the late Manchán Magan, celebrating his extraordinary contribution to helping people reconnect with Ireland’s landscapes, language and natural heritage.

For more information on the Working with Nature Awards and this year’s nominees, please visit: www.powerscourt.com/workingwithnature

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Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

Triple success for B. Molloy Master Butchers highlights ‘pride our team brings every day’

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

ENNIS butcher B. Molloy Master Butchers, has once again been recognised among Ireland’s finest artisan food producers after receiving three Great Taste Awards.

The judges awarded Molloy’s Traditional Sweet Cure Ham a 2-Star Award with 1-Star Awards for both their Dry Aged T-Bone Steak from their own farm in Quin and their locally sourced Rack of Clare Lamb.

Master Butcher Derek Molloy said “We’re absolutely delighted to receive recognition for three very different products.

“It reflects the consistency, hard work and pride our team brings every day. We remain committed to supporting local farmers and providing our customers with the very best quality meats.” The awards continue the family’s long tradition of producing premium quality meats sourced from trusted local farmers and prepared using tradi-

tional butchery skills.

B. Molloy Master Butchers follows traditional practices in every aspect of their work.

They raise their beef on the Bord Bia Quality Assured family farm in Quin, process their beef and lamb locally, and use traditional methods of maturing beef and lamb on the bone, which intensifies the flavours and enhances the tenderness of the meat.

Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, the Great Taste Awards are recognised internationally as one of the world’s most respected food accreditation schemes, with products blind tasted by expert judges purely on flavour and quality.

Out of all this year’s entries, only 4,286 (28.50%) received a 1-star award, deeming them ‘simply delicious’, 1,596 (10.61%) received a 2-star award, which means the judges felt they were ‘outstanding’, and 306 (2.03%) received the highly coveted ‘exquisite and extraordi-

nary’ 3-star award.

Derek is a member of the Irish Butchers’ Guild which brings together some of Ireland’s leading independent butchers. Members are committed to preserving traditional butchery skills while embracing innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Members work closely together to share knowledge, develop new products and promote the highest standards of craftsmanship throughout the industry.

As consumers increasingly seek authentic, locally produced food from businesses they know and trust, these awards further reinforce the reputation of Irish Butchers’ Guild members as some of the finest artisan food producers in Ireland.

Clare-based Moher Golf launches all-weather glove San am i láthair, tá Comhairle Contae an Chláir ag iarraidh iarratais ó dhaoine a bhfuil na cáilíochtaí oiriúnacha acu ar na comórtais thíosluaite. Tar éis an phróisis agallaimh, cruthóidh Comhairle Contae an Chláir painéil le haghaidh na réimsí atá leagtha amach thíos óna bhféadfar folúntais ábhartha amach anseo a líonadh faoi réir ceadú a fháil ón Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta.

• Oibrí Sóisialta atá Cáilithe go Gairmiúil Dáta deiridh: 12 pm meán lae Déardaoin an 17 Meán Fómhair 2026

A NEW golf brand rooted on the Clare coastline is taking on the Irish golf market with a productdesigned specifically for the unpredictable weather of the Wild Atlantic Way. Moher Golf, founded by Ross Keyes and based near the Cliffs of Moher, has opened pre-sales of its debut product, the Element 18 – an all-weather performance golf glove designed to hold up through sun, hail, rain, wind and everything in between.

The idea grew from

a frustration shared by golfers across the west coast: most gloves on the market are built for dry climates and quickly lose grip, stiffen or deteriorate once Irish conditions kick in.

Moher Golf set out to create a glove that performs on the kind of days Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher are famous for.

The Element 18 features

Moher Golf’s Box-Structure Palm Matrix, a design the company says delivers consistent grip in wet and windy conditions without losing shape or drying out.

The brand’s positioning is built around a simple idea: four seasons, eighteen holes, one glove.

Moher Golf is based in County Clare and draws

its identity directly from the west coast golf scene, with plans to expand its product range and community initiatives.

The brand currently ships within Ireland and aims to build a wider community around Moher Golf in the coming months.

Pre-orders and more information are available at mohergolf.com, with an official launch planned for September to coincide with the Irish Open at Doonbeg.

Comhlánaigh, le do thoil, an fhoirm iarratais ar líne atá ar fáil ar www.clarecoco.ie faoin rannán dar teideal ‘Careers’.

Ní ghlacfar ach le hiarratais atá comhlánaithe ar líne.

Is fostóir comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae an Chláir agus fáiltíonn sí roimh iarratais ó gach cuid den phobal.

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

• Professionally Qualified Social Worker Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 17th September 2026

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

Only applications completed online will be accepted.

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

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

Shannon is fastest-growing major airport in June NEW figures published by the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC) show Shannon Airport recorded the strongest year-on-year passenger growth among Ireland's major airports in June, with traffic increasing by 14% compared to the same month last year.

Speaking this week, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll said: “We are encouraged to see the recently published industry figures from ITIC showing Shannon Airport recording the strongest year-on-year passenger growth among Ireland's major airports in June.

This provides further evidence of the positive impact of our ongoing route development strategy and the strong partnerships we continue to build with our airline partners.

The introduction of a fourth based Ryanair aircraft this year, together with four new services to Madrid, Rome, Warsaw and Poznań, has played a significant role in driving this 14% growth.

The new Discover Airlines route to Frankfurt, together with increased frequencies on the Aer Lingus Boston service also made an important contribution, while providing passengers with even greater choice and connectivity through Shannon Airport.

We are very proud of Shannon Airport's growing network, which now offers the largest number of routes in 17 years, and

of the role we play in supporting tourism and economic growth across the region, the West of Ireland and along the Wild Atlantic Way.”

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

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WE ARE HIRING!

Product Builders Day and Evening Shift Opportunities

Day and Evening Shift Roles available with start dates on: 21/08/2026 28/08/2026 04/09/2026 and other dates in September and October

Working with Shannon's largest employer enables you to avail of a competitive salary, an inclusive benefits package with health insurance, pension, and an attractive bonus scheme.

Scan the QR code for more details. To apply, send your CV and cover letter to careers@eielectronics.ie.

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Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Property

Island off coast of Quilty up for €1.8m

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

MUTTON Island has gone up for sale to the tune of €1.8 million.

The uninhabited island just 1.5km off the coast of Quilty is currently available to purchase as a 186 acre site on property website daft.ie. Costelloe Estate Agents had previously listed the island at €2 million in 2023.

In the site’s description, seller Streets Ahead Properties state that they are delighted to bring the island to market, describing Mutton Island as “Rich in history and natural beauty, was once home to a small farming and fishing community, with families raising sheep, harvesting seaweed, and growing crops”.

Also known as Oileán Caorach or Iniskeeragh (The Sheep’s Island), the island’s English name comes from its long tradition of sheep farming and the high quality of its grazing land.

The location has been uninhabited since the 1940s and is well known for its dramatic cliffs, sea caves once used by smugglers, the ruins of an early church founded

by St. Senan, two ancient forts, and a Napoleonic-era signal tower built to watch for possible invasion.

Mutton Island is currently an

l OneShannonHub plans were unveiled earlier this year

important wildlife site due to its isolated and uninhabited nature as it is now home to many seals, seabirds, and wild goats.

The barren island also features

a small lake and was historically home to up to 12 families at a time who survived by fishing, harvesting kelp and seaweed, growing vegetables, and sheep farming.

The site’s online description highlights the novelty and attractive nature of the sale, noting that “This unique property could attract all different sorts of potential purchasers from the romantic notion of a person wishing to own an island to a hardworking farmer wishing to make a living or an investor who would get a far better return from the various grants and schemes on the island than having money sitting in a bank”.

The seller also stated that the island should serve as “an attraction to the various state bodies who may wish to preserve the unique wildlife heritage and form a sanctuary for the different wildlife species on the island”.

According to the writings of Samuel Lewis in 1837 in ‘Annals of the Four Masters’, the island was once called Fitha Island and it formed part of the mainland until the day “the sea swelled so high that it burst its boundaries, overflowing a large tract of country, and drowning over 1,000 persons.”

This happened on March 16th, 804. Some reports describe it as an earthquake, others as a tidal wave when “the sea divided the island of Fitha into three parts.”

These three islands are Mutton Island, Inismattle (or Illanwattle) and Roanshee (or Carrig na Ron).

There is a fourth island in the area called Carraig Aolacan.

Lewis gives this account of Mutton Island; “On its shores are some curious natural caves, formerly used by smugglers for storing contraband goods. Here are an old signal tower and the ruins of an ancient structure, said to have been founded by St. Senan of Inniscattery.” This small oratory, dedicated to St. Senan has since fallen into the sea.

There are two promontory forts on Mutton Island which were probably used as defence systems.

In the north-east corner of the island are the graves of unknown sailors, believed locally to have belonged to a ship from the Spanish Armada fleet, “The Sao Marcos.”

The island was inhabited up to the 1920’s but little remains of the village today. It is believed to have been home to twelve families in the nineteenth century. Names such as Gallagher, Kelleher, Griffin, Scully, Power, Boyle and Egan were associated with the place. They made a living partly from fishing.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

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Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Clare Ladies Football kicks

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

THIRTY two teams spring into gear as the Clare ladies football championships kick off this weekend.

In what is a record amount, it is the first time that a total of thirty two teams will be fielding teams across grades from Senior to Junior B. 100 years it all began in Clonreddan in Cooraclare when the first ladies football game in the county took place.

Sunday sees the start of the 2026 senior championship.

Kilmihil will put their title on the line and will look to build towards winning back to back championships for the first time. Timmy Ryan’s charges are full of experience with the Considine sisters, Eimear and Ailish central to their attack, Ellie O’Gorman, Laura Egan, Becky Mahon and Carol O’Leary will also be lynchpins of their side but they start out with Dervla Higgins this weekend due to her involvement with the Galway senior camogie side. Éire Óg may be cursing their luck to be drawn in Group 1 alongside the reigning champions, their pre-

decessors and the 2024 finalists. With that brings little expectation and Brian Fitzpatrick’s side will need to embrace the underdogs tag and maintain a strong resilience as they bid to cause an upset. It’s a second season in the top flight for the Townies for whom Orla Devitt and Roisin Martin will be leading the cause.

After winning their maiden title in 2024, Kilmurry Ibrickane will be determined to be back having a big say in determining where silverware is headed this season.

Cooraclare’s David O’Brien is managing the Bricks this season for whom Chloe Moloney, Amy Sexton and Joanna Doohan bring plenty of ability to bolster their chances, they’ll be looking to lay down a marker in a repeat of the 2024 final against Doora/ Barefield this Sunday.

Consistency is needed from Doora/Barefield if they are to be back in the mix for honours. League champions in 2024 and county finalists in the same season, the Parish failed to kick on last season and thus far in 2026 have struggled to put back to back displays together in the

TEAM PROFILES GROUP 1

KILMIHIL Management: Timmy Ryan (manager), Eamon Donnelly (selector), Conor Crowley (selector), Veronica Finucane (liaison officer) Captain: Rosie Currane Key Player: Becky Mahon One to watch: Elke Downes Fresh blood: N/A Departures Gate: N/A. Treatment table: Dervla Higgins (lining out with Galway in All-Ireland camogie final) Titles won: Two (2019 & 2025) Last season’s run: Won the county championship defeating Banner Ladies 1-15 1-8 in the final.

Schedule of games: Round 1 vs Éire Óg on Sunday August 9th at 11:00 in St Michael's Park, Kilmihil Round 2 vs Doora/Barefield on Sunday August 16th in Gurteen Round 3 vs Kilmurry Ibrickane on Sunday August 23rd in Páirc Naomh Mhuire, Quilty

Kilmihil Ladies celebrate last season’s win Photo by Gerard O’Neill

league. They will be expected to be in the knockout stages nonetheless as they remain without Aussie Rules duo Aisling Reidy and Siofra Ní Chonaill.

Fourteen-time champions Banner Ladies have been out of the winners enclosure

Championship power ranking: 9 Timmy Ryan (manager): “We expect that teams will be targeting us and bring big performances against us because we are the champions so it is up to us to match that level of performances”.

“The league was good to us, we got to play all our players and they get a lot of game time. We were missing players too but we were stronger than most teams in it, we didn’t really get competitive games but the value in the league was getting game time for a lot of our players. The league was on very early in the year, it was wrapped up by the end of April so that is a long way from championship”.

“We’ve had great numbers all year regardless of if players were involved with Clare or not, we’ve had girls on county panels down through the years and they have always been great to show up and train with Kilmihil then so it hasn’t been much of a difference. We’ve had a lot of challenge games to get used to the new rules, we haven’t had any competitive games with the new rules whereas the county players would have had that

since 2023. They have rallied the troops in a bid to recover from last year’s county final loss with Grainne Nolan and Naomi Carroll returning to bring additional firepower to their attack. The focus for JJ O’Dea’s side will be getting out of the group and come

the knockout stages they will begin to show their true hand.

Undoubtedly a coming force, Fergus Rovers have been making their mark at underage but are now keen to try replicate this at senior level. Barry Keating’s side

whereas before if we got one or two over three years we’d have been lucky.

Ladies football in general is going really well in Éire Óg so we want to try keep that going at senior level and put in a few good performances”.

Éire Óg defender Jodie Russell Burren Eye Photography

experience”.

“It really jumps out how strong the group is, the standard of Clare ladies football is very strong. The only game we didn’t win last year was versus Doora/Barefield and we had a hard-earned draw with them and Kilmurry Ibrickane are the champions of two years ago. Our goal is to win the group and get straight to the semi-finals, our first game against Éire Óg is a must-win, we must win and get over the line because we have tough games away to Doora/Barefield and Kilmurry Ibrickane in our tough group from there”. ÉIRE ÓG Management: Brian Fitzpatrick (manager), Ultan Shiels (coach), Billy Woods (selector), Auriol Considine (FLO) Joint captains: Roisin Martin and Orla Devitt Key Player: Orla Devitt One to watch: Faye O’Malley Fresh blood: Charlie Duggan, Faye O’Malley, Aoibhin Hahessy, Departures Gate: N/A Treatment table: Sadhbh Vaughey (ACL) Titles won: 0 Last season’s run: Consolidated senior status defeating St Joseph’s Miltown 9-14 2-6 in the relegation final Schedule of games:

reached the penultimate stage but bowed out to the champions Kilmihil so they’ll be eager to at the very least be back in the semi-finals. Hamstring injuries have Louise Griffin and Abby Doyle as doubtful for round one.

Emigration has weakened the challenge of Burren Gaels but it hasn’t diluted their ambition. Ex Clare senior Lizzy Roche who has led their attack over recent seasons is based in Australia, Sally King and Alva McGann are both down under which does hinder their ability to make serious inroads. Managed by ex Clare U21 joint manager, Neil Hawes, they will be well organised and may yet cause an upset.

A first season in senior is the reward for Liscannor who produced tremendous fight to claim intermediate spoils at the expense of West Clare Gaels last season. The Considine sisters will be key figures as they aim to consolidate their status in the top tier. Little will be expected of Liscannor which creates the perfect mix to try defy the odds.

Round 1 vs Kilmihil on Sunday August 9th at 11:00 in St Michael's Park, Kilmihil Round 2 vs Kilmurry Ibrickane on Sunday August 16th in Ennis Round 3 vs Doora/Barefield on Sunday August 23rd in Ennis Championship power ranking: 4 Brian Fitzpatrick (manager): “We’re looking at each game as it comes, there is a big step up from intermediate to senior and last year was tough enough for us but we got through the relegation final and we won it. We will be taking each game at a time and look to improve in every game”.

“We are in a tough group but at senior level it will always be a tough group.

We’re lucky to have got two home games which is one good thing. We’re getting ready for the Kilmihil game and we’ll see where we are after that, we’ve to try get used to the new rules too which is another thing”.

“We can embrace the underdogs tog, we’re looking forward to getting out there and to try get some attacking football going and do our best to get scores”.

“Last year was the first time we were ever in senior for ladies football and it is the first time we have a lot of underage teams coming through the ranks, we’ve a lot of good players coming through

KILMURRY IBRICKANE Management: David O’Brien (manager), Gary Sexton (coach), Teresa Morrissey (selector), Alisha Talty (selector) Captain: Amy Sexton Key Player: Chloe Moloney One to watch: Kayla Darcy Fresh blood: Michaela Sexton, Amy Martin, Leah Darcy, Sarah Keavey Departures Gate: N/A Treatment table: Siofra O’Dea (ankle).

Titles won:1 (2024) Last season’s run: Won Senior B final beating Fergus Rovers 6-9 5-11.

Eliminated in the semi-finals by Banner Ladies 1-13 0-10.

Schedule of games: Round 1 vs Doora/Barefield on Sunday August 9th at 12:00 in Páirc Naomh Mhuire Quilty Round 2 vs Éire Óg on Sunday August 16th in Ennis Round 3 vs Kilmihil on Sunday August 23rd in Páirc Naomh Mhuire, Quilty Championship power ranking: 8 David O’Brien (manager): “I was involved with Clare for the National League and my plan was to take a complete break once I left but I got talking to Martina Moloney and I said I’d give it a go with Kilmurry Ibrickane, that’s as organic as it was, there was a couple of calls, I said I’d give it a chance, that was in the middle of March and I’m here since”.

“Being involved with Clare teams does help, a good cohort of that minor team (2022 All-Ireland Minor C champions) are still playing away, you’d plenty of them from the club and county scene or at least you think you do”.

“There is a hunger there in Kilmurry Ibrickane and a fierce passion, that is in them always, they have great passion and hunger, they are a very passionate club, you can see it with the men’s team and they are very well supported”.

“We do have a tough start against

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

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into action this weekend St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield’s Eabha O’Driscoll and (right) Louise Woods is an injury doubt for Banner Ladies

Teresa Collins of Burren Gaels and (inset) Liscannor captain, Roisin Considine Burren Eye Photography

Burren Eye Photography

Doora/Barefield, it is in Quilty which is the good thing about it. It will be a tough one, Doora/Barefield are like ourselves, they have good numbers, they have been building up the last couple of years and they have a good spread in age profile”.

“Everyone knows in a group of four it is critical to win the first game, every team is going to try to win the first game”.

DOORA/BAREFIELD Management: Mark Reidy (manager), Eugene Moynihan (selector), Seán Rouine (coach), Fiona Tuohy (FLO) Captain: Hannah Doyle Vice Captain: Shauna Moloney & Aoibhinn O’Loughlin Key Player: Eabha O’Driscoll One to watch: Fresh blood: Amy Reynolds, Sophie Leahy, Sarah Barry, Matilda Barry Departures Gate: Amy Lenihan (travelling).

Treatment table: N/A Titles won: 0 Last season’s run: Knocked out in the quarter-finals by Fergus Rovers 0-13 2-6.

Schedule of games: Round 1 vs Kilmurry Ibrickane on Sunday August 9th at 12:00 in Páirc Naomh Mhuire Quilty Round 2 vs Kilmihil on Sunday August 16th in Gurteen Round 3 vs Éire Óg on Sunday August 23rd in Ennis Championship power ranking: 7 Mark Reidy (manager): “The league was a mixed bag for us, we had aspirations to do better. For the championship, we’re in a very tough group, within that you have the last two county champions so we know we’ve a very tough task in front of us, we’d still be hoping at the very minimum to get into the play-offs”.

“When I spoke to you two years ago I had the same idea that there is a great bunch of players in Doora/Barefield.

They are very committed to the team, we’ve fifty sessions done so far, it hasn’t been full numbers always but there has been a great commitment from the girls, they are a great bunch but even with the commitment given we have to take it one game at a time”.

“There’s no point in trying to avoid the best teams and hoping somebody else will beat the previous champions, if you’re good enough you will have to beat them”.

GROUP 2 BANNER LADIES Management: JJ O’Dea (manager), Orla Kilkenny (coach), Dorothy Meenaghan (selector) Captain: Aoife Keane Key Player: Niamh O’Dea One to watch: Eimear Kelly Fresh blood: Grainne Nolan, Eimear Kelly, Tara Moroney, Departures Gate: N/A Treatment table: Louise Woods (back), Caoimhe Cahill (collarbone), Grainne Burke (ACL) Titles won: 14 (2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) Last season’s run: Beaten in the county final by Kilmihil Schedule of games: Round 1 vs Fergus Rovers on Sunday August 9th at 14:00 in Ennis Round 2 vs Liscannor on Sunday August 16th in Liscannor

Round 3 vs Burren Gaels on Sunday August 23rd in Glenn Cíosóg, Carron Championship power ranking: 8 JJ O’Dea (manager): “We knew the day was coming where the pack would catch up with us, we were ahead for a long time but our team has moved on and now we’re blending youth. We’ll always be there or thereabouts, we’re a bit like Kilrush or Doonbeg in the men’s now. We provide football for clubs and do our best to compete at the highest level.

“Other teams have bridged the gap, the pitch has levelled out, we were doing things when others weren’t, we were pushing up on opposition kickouts and had fast movement. Cian (O’Dea) was our coach and he was a dinger, we rose to another standard when he was coaching us, when he was with the Clare footballers he brought that level to us. Orla Kilkenny came down then, she’s teaching in Kilrush and is a former camogie player with Galway, she brought another voice and we’ll continue to be there or thereabouts. We’ll go out and play football, we enjoy it and we love it, that is what it’s about.

“The aim for any team is to get out of the group but the first round is the game to nail and to try get a good start, you start as you tend to go on, we’ll be down a few, the first round is coming a bit early with injuries and everything”.

“We’re a club of camogie players technically, we’re like the nomads, we’ve no fish to bode”.

FERGUS ROVERS Management: Barry Keating (manager), Jim Marrinan (selector), Paddy Griffin (selector), Patricia Meaney (selector), Joan Leahy (selector) Captain: Shauna Melican Key Player: Louise Griffin One to watch: Aoibhin Keane Fresh blood: Aoibhin Keane, Zoey Warren, Chloe Donnelly.

Departures Gate: Alanna Hanrahan (emigrated) Treatment table: Abby Doyle (hamstring), Louise Griffin (hamstring) Titles won: 9 (1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2000) Last season’s run: Exited in semi-finals, losing 1-9 to 0-5 to eventual winners Kilmihil. Lost out in Senior B final to Kilmurry Ibrickane Schedule of games: Round 1 vs Banner Ladies on Sunday August 9th at 14:00 in Ennis Round 2 vs Burren Gaels on Sunday August 16th in Páirc na Muintire, Lissycasey Round 3 vs Liscannor on Sunday August 23rd in Páirc na Muinitre, Lissycasey Championship power ranking: 7 Barry Keating (manager): “The objective like anyone else is progression, we made the semi-finals last year so we’re hoping to go one step further, like every team you don’t know where you are yet because the league was so far away and we were playing without our county players. Over the last few weeks we’ve had girls away and on holidays so we’re not sure of our full deck but we’re confident of going one step further”.

“We think we’re closing the gap with the perceived powerhouses but you don’t really know how close until the first round when we’re coming up against a seasoned team like the Banner, that will set the bar to see how far we’ve

progressed, they have given us a lesson over the last two years so we’ll see how far we’ve improved”.

“There’s no doubt about the Banner’s experience but we have a couple of girls who have been there a while, our team is augmented with a lot of youth and we’re trying to mirror that at adult level, the young girls don’t see fear and they wouldn’t be star struck over playing the Banner, Kilmihil or Kilmurry Ibrickane.

Fingers crossed we’ll give a good account of ourselves”.

BURREN GAELS Management: Neil Hawes (manager), Seanie Healy (selector), Mairead Healy (FLO) Captain: Shannon McCormack Key Player: Teresa Collins One to watch: Mairead O’Shea Fresh blood: Mairead O’Shea, Aisling Nagle, Sarah Hawes, Grace Whelan, Annie Hynes Departures Gate: Lizzie Roche, Sally King, Alva McGann all in Australia Treatment table: Norah O’Dwyer (muscular), Titles won: 0 Last season’s run: Eliminated in the quarter-finals by Banner Ladies 4-5 1-13 Schedule of games: Round 1 vs Liscannor on Sunday August 9th at 14:00 in Glenn Cíosóg, Carron Round 2 vs Fergus Rovers on Sunday August 16th in Páirc na Muintire, Lissycasey Round 3 vs Banner Ladies on Sunday August 23rd in Glenn Cíosóg, Carron Championship power ranking: 6 Neil Hawes (manager): “At this stage all we’re looking at is the first game, like everyone else. We know the importance of getting a good start so it is all about round one. It’s been a long summer waiting for the championship to start, while you’d be playing challenge games, everyone is keen to get started and we’re looking for a big performance, the girls have trained very well”.

“We’re starting off with a North Clare derby. Liscannor were very impressive last year, winning the intermediate, it will be a fifty fifty game even though we’re at home, it will be a tough challenge, I hope it will be a great advertisement for North Clare football, we’re looking forward to a really good game, we’ll need a bit of luck”.

“Every day you go out you learn something, the key is to take it one step at a time, that is what we have focused on, we haven’t spoken too much on last year, it is a new year and we’re getting everyone working together”.

LISCANNOR Management: Tony Roche (manager), Gearoid Curtin (coach), Alan Flaherty (selector), Lourda Healy (FLO), Laura Foley (physio) Captain: Roisin Considine Key Player: Roisin Considine One to watch: Ella Healy Fresh blood: Aisling Nagle, Departures Gate: Áine Marrinan (J1) Treatment table: Eimear Considine (knee) TITLES WON: 0 Last season’s run: Promoted from intermediate, beat West Clare Gaels 0-10 2-2 in the final.

Schedule of games: Round 1 vs Burren Gaels on Sunday August 9th at 14:00 in Glenn Cíosóg,

Chloe Moloney will be central to how Kilmurry Ibrickane fare; (below) Áine Slattery in action for Fergus Rovers Burren Eye Photography

Carron Round 2 vs Banner Ladies on Sunday August 16th in Liscannor Round 3 vs Fergus Rovers on Sunday August 23rd in Páirc na Muintire, Lissycasey Championship power ranking: 4 Tony Roche (manager): “It’s going to be a huge step-up for us but that is what we’ve been looking for, we want to be at the top table and our task is to try stay at it”.

“It was a huge lift to win the intermediate championship last year in the middle of the summer with the deaths we had in North Clare in tragic circumstances. We are hopeful we can build on that run for this year”.

“We want to stay in the fight, our target setting out is always to try reach the final but we have to be realistic and say staying in the senior championship is going to be our biggest goal”.

“It’s a North Clare derby to start for us, I wonder who did the fixtures, I’d liked to have been in the room when that was done because we’re kicking off with a mouth-watering tie, they have had some battles down through the years and this will be no different”.

“The new rules are a different factor for the club championship this year, we got no chance to try them out in the league.

There is an added incentive this year to perform to your best”.

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Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

ST JOSEPH’S MILTOWN VS DOONBEG SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 1 ROUND 1 St Joseph’s Miltown 1-21 Doonbeg 2-12 Venue: Páirc Naomh Mhuire, Quilty Referee: Eoin Keane (Corofin) COMPILED BY GEARÓID HOWLEY

STORY OF THE GAME ST JOSEPH’S MILTOWN: Frees for: 15 (6/9) Wides: 7 (5/2) Spread of scorers: 6 Scores from play: 1-13 Top scorer: Cian Mahony (0-11, 3tp, 2tpf, 1f) Yellow Card: N/A Black Card: Ralph Whelehan (22) Red Card: N/A Own kickouts won: 16/19 (84%)

DOONBEG: Frees for: 12 (6/6) Wides: 11 (4/7) Spread of scorers: 9 Scores from play: 2-8 Top scorer(s): Kian Conway (1-0), Brian Behan (1-0), Darragh Burns (0-3, 1tp) Yellow Cards: Shane Bermingham (13), Ger White (47) Black Card: N/A Red Card: N/A Own kickouts won: 17/23 (74%)

Seán O’Brien, St Joseph’s Miltown senior football manager “It’s good to get points on the board on the first day out. I’m happy with how we played, I was happy with how we played in the first half as well, the ball just didn’t break our way. We got going there in the second half and made the most of it to get the two points.”

“It’s as tough as it gets now against the two most recent teams to win it out. We’re happy with how we’re going too, we’ve made some positive steps and today was just another step on the road”.

Brian Shanahan, Doonbeg senior football manager: “It was a game of two halves really. The first half we were very good. We won the first half, they won the second half, so basically their shots went over the bar and ours didn’t. That was the story of the game really.

They got five two-pointers, three of them were kind of given away from indiscipline, but there’s a lot to build on for the next game”.

“We went in at half-time three points up, two and a half minutes into the second half we were two points down. They scored five points there in the first two minutes and that’s ultimately where the damage was done.

We know the two-pointers are massive scores and, to be fair, he [Mahony] had his shooting boots on. When a forward is on form, he’s on form. We didn’t help ourselves standing off him.”

“I don’t think they were six points better than us. Our shot selection was poor basically. We had nine very bad misses in the second half and there were easily two of those that were goal chances. A six-point loss wasn’t a fair reflection on the game, I don’t think”.

Sport

“We have a free crack at Éire Óg now next, the result is irrelevant whether we win or lose. Ultimately it’ll come down to the last game with Cratloe with three teams coming out of our group. We’ll just try and improve things for Éire Óg. There’ll be no pressure, it doesn’t make a difference whether we win, lose or draw. It’ll come down to that last game”.

Cian Mahony was in fine form for St Joseph’s Miltown Photo by Gerard O’Neill

ÉIRE ÓG VS CRATLOE

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 1 ROUND 1

Éire Óg 1-17 Cratloe 0-4 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Referee: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones) COMPILED BY PÁRAIC MCMAHON

STORY OF THE GAME ÉIRE ÓG Frees for: 6 (1/5) Wides: 6 (3/3) Spread of scorers: 9 Scores from play: 1-14 Top scorer: Mark McInerney (0-6 3f) Yellow Cards: Darren O’Brien (33), Ronan Lanigan (61).

Black Cards: N/A Red Cards: David McNamara (50) Own kickouts won: 9 from 11 (81%)

CRATLOE Frees for: 11 (5/6) Wides: 7 (3/4) Spread of scorers: 3 Scores from play: 0-4 Top scorer: Ryan Harkin (0-2) Yellow Cards: Tommy Rooney (26), Diarmuid Ryan (43), Black Cards: N/A Red Cards: N/A Own kickouts won: 16 from 21 (76%)

Shane Daniels, Éire Óg senior football manager: “Every day you go out you try work on a couple of things, we worked on a couple today. It was a test, Cratloe battled hard, they didn’t get the scores on the board, they were missing a couple of players but every game you go out in Clare in the senior football championship you get tested, we were happy with aspects of what we were working on and disappointed with aspects too”.

“We’ve lots to work on, we’re getting some young fellas into the team, we have to try integrate them in. Can we do our transition better when we’re moving the ball, can we do it faster, we have loads to work on. We asked for a bit of honesty and workrate from the lads and in fairness this group always do that”.

“Every day you go you you’re hoping you don’t get injuries, we can get injuries when we’re training for football next week, we’re trying to build a panel so if guys do pick up injuries we have guys to come in. Danny Lyne started today, his first start and he is only out of minor, I thought he did quite well, worked really hard and got a point on the board, he will be a super footballer as he goes on, so we’re just hoping to keep building”.

“Jack Joyce is a super footballer, he could be playing the next game, that is just the way it is, we’re trying to build a squad and do the right thing, we’re trying to get competition for places and that is one thing we have, we had an inter-county footballer coming off the bench, we

had Jack Joyce too, Jarlath Collins a super footballer, we brought on another young fella David Loftus who has a big future too”.

Colm Collins, Cratloe senior football manager: “We knew we were in trouble but I didn’t think it would be as comprehensive as that. Fair play to Éire Óg, they were very clinical, every chance and turnover they punished us so credit to them, a good win for them but we have to regroup and try our best to put in a performance the next day”.

“I knew we were in trouble, we were down five starting players, you don’t replace five starting players too easily. With the format of the championship now, if a fella gets injured now he could miss the whole thing, we’ll see how we go, hopefully we’ll have a few back in two weeks time and put in a better performance”.

“We must win from now on, there’s no messing about it, concentration now is our next game against Miltown and putting in a good performance, that is it and that is all we can do”.

Seán Collins of Cratloe is tackled by Éire Óg’s Darren O’Brien Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

ENNISTYMON VS ST JOSEPH’S DOORA/BAREFIELD

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COMPILED BY PÁRAIC MCMAHON

Declan Downes, Ennistymon senior football manager: “Most teams find themselves in the situation going into the first round where they are not entirely sure where they are, you’re coming in off a big gap from league to championship and all you’re going off is challenge games and in-house work so it is hard to gauge where you are, all you’re trying to do is hammer home the principles of what your play is and see if you can get a performance on the day, we got that today”.

“There is no doubt about it and I’ll keep saying it we have players that can play on the front-foot, we’ve depth, guys came off the bench and had a big impact, we have

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TUS Clare SFC Group 2 Round 1 Kildysart 0-15 Kilmihil 1-6 Venue: Páirc Cuar an Chláir, Cooraclare COMPILED BY Referee: Barry Keating (Lissycasey) SEAMUS HAYES

TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 2 ROUND 1 Ennistymon 2-13 St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 1-11 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis

KILDYSART VS KILMIHIL

guys trying to fight their way into the team which is all positive, it is great to see. We know how we want to play and we’re hoping we will get stronger each week and build as we go on”.

Donagh Vaughan, St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield senior football manager: “We’re disappointed but in all fairness in the second half Ennistymon got a grip on the game, that was ultimately the difference”.

“This year has been different for us and it has been more getting lads back on the field than having them there, it is what it is, we have to regroup and go for Kildysart”.

Josh Vaughan leaps into the air to field the ball for Ennistymon Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Niall Ginnane, Kildysart senior football manager: “It’s huge to get two points in the bag, that’s what we needed” “We should have dealt with the goal, we had wides in the first half, just our workrate lacked a bit”.

“We spoke at half time. We knew Kilmihil were hungry, no one wants to be losing a first round. They were hungrier than us in the first half.

“In the second thirty our lads showed the hunger and we chased in packs and didn’t give Kilmihil an inch, that’s what we want and that’s what wins championships”.

“The focus now is round two and we are looking ahead to St Joseph’s in two weeks time. We have our work done for this evening but there is plenty to improve on for the next outing”.

Seán Johnston, Kilmihil senior football selector:

“We needed to push on in the third quarter having gone in with the lead. We knew they were going to come with huge intensity in the second half when we were two points up. Kildysart have a lot of strong runners and we knew they would come through”.

“We didn’t take our chances when we got them and its bitterly disappointing. Our backs were outstanding in the first half. We missed a couple of frees in that half and probably could have been a bit more up at the break”.

“We can’t fault our boys, they gave everything they had. Everyone knows we lost a few players during the winter. We got three or four young lads who made their debuts this evening and we are happy with them”.

“It is what it is now and we just have to dust ourselves off and get ready for two weeks time”.

STORY OF THE GAME

STORY OF THE GAME ENNISTYMON: Frees for: 12 (6/6) Wides: 7 (0/7) Spread of scorers: 8 Scores from play: 2-8 Top scorer: Cillian Rouine (1-2) Yellow Cards: Brendy Rouine (41), Black Cards: N/A Red Cards: N/A Own kickouts won: 11 from 15 (73%)

ST JOSEPH’S DOORA/BAREFIELD Frees for: 13 (6/7) Wides: 5 (3/2) Spread of scorers: 3 Scores from play: 1-8 Top scorer: Joe Rafferty (1-2 1TP) & Tom Curran (0-5 3f) Yellow Cards: Cian McDonough (4), Odhran O’Connell (39), Black Cards: N/A Red Cards: N/A Own kickouts won: 15 from 22 (68%)

PLAYER OF THE WEEK Caoilfhionn O’Dea gets away from Páraic O’Dwyer Photo by Burren Eye Photography

O’DEA DELIVERS FOR BRICKS TO WIN PLAYER OF THE WEEK SHOWING no signs of rustiness, Caoilfhionn O’Dea led from the off to be named Martin Daly Autos/The Clare Echo player of the week.

Kilmurry Ibrickane played some of the best football in round one of the Clare SFC as they defeated St Breckans 4-14 0-17.

To the fore for Enda Coughlan’s men was Caoilfhionn O’Dea at centre forward. He scored 2-1 with goals off either foot to the bottom and top corners of the net while he knitted the play together very well as Kilmurry Ibrickane tore the Spa defence apart on several occasions.

Making O’Dea’s display all the more impressive was it served as his first competitive outing since February. The Mullagh attacker hasn’t lined out properly since on as a substitute in the second round of the National Football League for Clare in February, he suffered a hamstring injury in the aftermath which sidelined him for over five months.

KILDYSART Frees For: 13 (8/5) Wides: 10 (6/4) Top scorer: Diarmuid O’Donnell (0-5 3f) Scores from play: 0-9 Spread of scorers: 7 Yellow Cards: N/A Black Cards: N/A Red Cards: N/A Own kickouts won: 8 out of 11 (73%)

KILMIHIL Frees For: 12 (8/4 Wides: 4 (2/2) Scores from play: 1-4 Spread of scorers: 4 Yellow Cards: John Finnucane (26); Dan Keating (40); Dylan Downes Rigney (48) Black Cards: N/A Red Cards: N/A Own kickouts won: 22 out of 25 (88%)

LISSYCASEY VS COROFIN

TUS Clare SFC Group 3 Round 1 Lissycasey 1-15 Corofin 1-11 Venue: Clarecastle Referee: Gary Twomey (Ennistymon)

David Considine, Lissycasey senior football manager: “From the offset when a draw is made you’re targeting your first game, we’ve been targeting it for a few months and even during the league you’re looking towards the first round of championship. We have the points on the board but that only half tells the story of the last hour and a half, we were lucky in a way to come out with a victory based on the fifteen minute period where they wrestled control completely back off us and really put us to the pin of our collar”.

“The stats will tell a lot but that fifteen minute period we might have won one out of eight but when we lost breaking ball they seemed to score, so it is one thing losing breaking ball but giving away chances straight after is another thing”.

“We kicked some lovely scores and even still we left some behind, some of the scores were lovely, there was more aspects where simpler options like the faster option of putting it over faster in the move instead of trying to walk it in every time, the video will tell more on Tuesday night and where we can have a better look and idea on what did happen at stages early in the second

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

COMPILED BY PÁRAIC MCMAHON half when we seemed to be on top possession wise but not scoring”.

Peadar O’Brien, Corofin senior football manager: “We found it difficult to get to the pace in the first half, we couldn’t live with them, we couldn’t get a hand on them, the two pointers are a major game-changer, we went from eight down to only three minutes later being within two points, we found it difficult and the couple of injuries didn’t help us but everyone has them. We found it difficult to get to the pace of the game in the first half particularly”.

“There is a bit of a difference playing Cusack Cup versus Garry Cup, I know it is not taken majorly serious in either case but at the same time there is a difference in pace and you can see the quality Lissycasey have especially with their forward players, they are really good footballers, technically they are good footballers and good scorers, they have four or five forwards capable of scoring on any given day. We were putting fires out all over the place, it wasn’t that anyone was doing serious damage but they were all doing a bit of damage, it all adds up”.

STORY OF THE GAME LISSYCASEY Frees for: 8 (3/5) Wides: 6 (3/3) Spread of scorers: 6 Scores from play: 1-12 Top scorer: Daire Culligan (1-6 2f) Yellow Cards: N/A Black Cards: N/A Red Cards: N/A Own kickouts won: 9 from 16 (56%)

COROFIN Frees for: 12 (6/6) Wides: 6 (4/2) Spread of scorers: 5 Scores from play: 1-7 Top scorer: Jamie Malone (0-5 2TP 1f) Yellow Cards: Fionn Clancy (35), Kevin Keane (38), Black Cards: Jamie Malone (61) Red Cards: N/A Own kickouts won: 10 from 22 (45%)

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Darren Hickey of Kilmurry Ibrickane and St Breckans’ Páraic O’Dwyer watch as the ball flies by Photo by Burren Eye Photography

KILMURRY IBRICKANE VS ST BRECKANS TUS CLARE SFC GROUP 3 ROUND 1:

Kilmurry Ibrickane 4-12 St Breckans 0-17 Venue: Hennessy Memorial Park, Miltown Malbay Referee: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones)

COMPILED BY PÁRAIC MCMAHON

STORY OF THE GAME KILMURRY IBRICKANE Frees for: 10 (6/4) Wides: 5 (2/3) Spread of scorers: 9 Scores from play: 4-11 Top scorer: Caoilfhionn O’Dea (2-1) Yellow Card: Cillian Darcy (28) Black Card: Darren Hickey (56) Own kickouts won: 11 from 16 (69%)

ST BRECKANS: Frees for: 13 (7/6) Wides: 4 (3/1) Spread of scorers: 4 Scores from play: 0-7 Top scorer: Jamie Stack (0-7 3TPf 1f) Yellow Card: Colm O’Brien (34), Padraig Kelly (49 & 58) Red Card: Padraig Kelly (58) Own kickouts won: 12 from 22 (55%)

Favourites Clondegad, Cooraclare, Kilrush Shamrocks & Banner all begin with first round wins

Enda Coughlan, Kilmurry Ibrickane senior football manager: “We’re delighted to get the win, it was all about this game and it is all we concentrated on, it is good to get two points on the board but two weeks time we have to go again and see what we can do, we got a clipping off Lissycasey in the league so we know we have a lot to work on. We had some good patches, I thought we played some great football and I thought we played some awful stuff, it is trying to get that for sixty minutes is the key going forward”.

“For the first fifteen or twenty minutes I thought we played unbelievable stuff, the new game they got two pointers and we went from 1-8 0-2 up to 1-8 0-9 in the blink of an eye and they had all the momentum. Luckily enough Caoilfhionn (O’Dea) got a second goal which gave us a bit of a cushion at half time, we got a goal after half time then. Ultimately I thought we were sloppy but we saw it out, there was a strong wind there and we played really well against it in the first half, we’re happy to get the two points and we’ve plenty to work on”.

“We haven’t seen a lot of him (Caoilfhionn) but that is what he can do, he is an exceptional player but he hasn’t much played since February, we had to pull him for a finish because he was struggling, we had to take him for a finish and that is the longest he has played since February so hopefully it will stand to him, he will be sore for a few days but he is a quality player and we need him. It looks like we unfortunately picked up a bad injury with Diarmuid King, it looks like it is his knee and I’ve done enough of them to know but I don’t want to say until we get a scan but it didn’t look good and he doesn’t go down easy”.

“We have plenty to work on, we conceded 0-17 which is a lot to concede so we’ve to work on that, in the new game I think you will concede scores no matter what you do at the back, not conceding any goals was massive, we got four goals and that was the different ultimately between the two teams”.

Patrick O’Neill, St Breckans senior football manager: “In the first half they did awful damage, they got through us very easily, we weren’t set up on the low block too great, we were very slow to wheel around, we weren’t tracking runners, a full year on and Dermot Coughlan is still causing problems for us”.

“We were a lot slower from our half-forwards and full-forwards that could go back, we weren’t getting back there fast enough, we were closing up angles that didn’t need closing up, we needed to work around the middle more. It is very hard to take positives from it, there wasn’t much positives to take away from it but if you take away the silly goals and three of them came from our errors, that was as clear as day, if you eliminate them we were kicking more points than them but it is disappointing, there’s answers there but trying to correct them is another thing”.

“We have exceptional players, Jamie Stack is an unbelievable two point kicker, Padraig Kelly did well tonight, I don’t think we created enough going forward, we created off the loop but I don’t know did much ball go into our full-forward line at all, it was non-existent at times, when you’re playing the likes of Kilmurry Ibrickane you have to take every opportunity, we didn’t and we dropped a lot short even with the wind, we got a good few two pointers with thw wind but we left a lot short too. We can’t dwell on it now, it’s only two weeks before we have to go play Corofin, that is a massive game, we’ll regroup, two weeks can do a lot, it wasn’t two long ago that Kilmurry Ibrickane beat St Breckans in the first round of the championship and we went all the way to to a county final, we’re a long way off that at the moment though, a bit more soul-searching Páraic”.

Killaloe to host Munster rugby open training session Ethan Coughlan

by Páraic McMahon

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Clondegad’s Eoin Kennedy gets away from Wolfe Tones’ Jason McAuley Photo by Ruthie Griffin

Sport

MUNSTER rugby men’s team are to train in East Clare later this month.

An open training session will bring the Munster squad to Killaloe on August 21st. Prior to this, they will be in Thurles RFC on August 7th and Newcastle West RFC on Thursday 14th.

Sessions will also be held in Cork, Waterford and Kerry later in the season with further details to be confirmed.

Ballina/Killaloe RFC is expected to bring a strong Clare crowd for the visit of Clayton McMillan’s squad.

Supporters will have the chance to watch the team training before meeting players and coaches afterwards for selfies and autographs.

Connecting with supporters at open training sessions in Ennis RFC, Rockwell College and Castleisland RFC were big highlights of last year’s pre-season training programme.

New players and coaches have all joined the squad with Munster’s Ireland internationals returning towards the end of August.

Munster Rugby Head of Rugby Development Colm McMahon said, “This is a brilliant initiative and one we’re really excited about as it gives us the chance to bring the men’s squad out to communities right across the province. Our clubs play such an important role in the game here in Munster, and these sessions are a great way for young players, families and supporters to meet the squad, watch training and feel part of the wider Munster Rugby community. The players and staff love getting out to clubs and connecting with people around the province, so we’re really looking forward to visiting each county during the season.”

Timings for the other open training sessions in Newcastle West RFC and Ballina/Killaloe RFC will be confirmed shortly

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Hurling stakes are heightened with survival on the line

by Páraic McMahon STAKES are high as the second round of the TUS Clare SHC takes place this weekend.

Quarter-final places can be achieved by some clubs if they secure back to back wins while successive defeats will leave a number of sides bracing themselves for a relegation battle.

Ballyea will be battling for their championship lives when they face off with Clonlara in the unique setting of Páirc Michael Ui hEithir in Cratloe on Sunday afternoon in what is likely to be one of games of the weekend.

They met in last year’s quarter-final when Ballyea won 2-13 0-16.

Robbie Hogan’s side need to get a result following their first round defeat to Inagh/Kilnamona. It won’t be easy against a Clonlara side with the ability and aspirations to be one of the last teams standing.

Elsewhere in Group 1, Páirc na Gael in Ruan hosts Inagh/Kilnamona and St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield. Inamona’s impressive ten point win over Ballyea needs to be backed up for them to try edge towards the knockout stages.

Doora/Barefield were unlucky not to pick up a draw with Clonlara a fortnight ago. They were level heading into additional time but conceded four points without reply. Damien Kennedy’s side will have taken belief from their showing as they gear up for Inamona.

Mark Rodgers will be a huge loss for Scariff as they bid to revive their Clare SHC bid in Cusack Park on Saturday (16:00). The Clare Cup finalists need to win otherwise they are facing an early championship exit. The task is made more difficult by the fact they are up against county champions Éire Óg.

Pace and power of Éire Óg’s attack saw them raid for four goals in their twelve point win over Crusheen.

Manager Gerry O’Connor has said they’ve put a strong emphasis on feeding such danger men with quality ball.

Broadford gave their chances of making the knockout stages a big lift when overcoming Scariff a fortnight ago. Now they must back it up and try defeat Crusheen to be within touching distance of a quarter-final when they face off on Sunday at 14:00 in Cusack Park.

Crusheen’s championship rides on this weekend, a second loss is likely to put them out of the reckoning for the Canon Hamilton so they will be bringing everything they can to the table.

Having been the high-flying team of the year, O’Callaghans Mills’ momentum came crashing down with a ten point defeat to Feakle. The Mills were unbeaten prior to this but headed into the game with a number of players far from full fitness which hurt their cause. They bid to bounce back this Saturday (18:00) in O’Gar-

Clonlara’s Aidan Moriarty tries to hook Cian Kirby of Ballyea Photo by Gerard O’Neill

ney Park, Sixmilebridge.

Injuries were hurtful to Cratloe’s opening outing in the Clare SFC where they without Cathal McInerney, Podge Collins, David Collins, Rian Considine and Tadhg Lohan.

Considine is expected to feature this weekend with McInerney and Lohan out of the equation. Alan Neville’s side ended up having to settle for a draw so they chase their first win in nearby Sixmilebridge.

Feakle can move further ahead from all their Group 3 opponents if they can put together two wins on the bounce when they meet Clooney/Quin on Sunday (15:30) in Dr Daly Park, Tulla. Shane McGrath excelled in their facile win over O’Callaghans Mills but the East Clare once again demonstrated their ability to get the most out of themselves.

Last year’s finalists Clooney/Quin will target collecting a first win in a

repeat of their quarter-final of 2025.

Fergal Lynch’s side will have taken plenty of learnings from their round one draw that they will aim to put into practice.

In Group 4, either Kilmaley or Wolfe Tones will be on course for a quarter-final berth when they clash in Clarecastle on Saturday (14:00).

Kilmaley were dominant in their five point win over Newmarket-on-Fergus a fortnight ago and will only improve as they wait on absent and injured players to return to the fold.

Wolfe Tones delivered one of the strongest showings in round one to overturn neighbours Sixmilebridge.

Well drilled by coach Alan Cunningham, they brought plenty of energy in attack and raided for goals, they will face a different test this weekend but will rightly fancy their chances.

Neighbours Newmarket-on-Fergus and Sixmilebridge fight for championship survival to kick off the action on Saturday (13:00) in Dr Daly Park, Tulla. Newmarket-on-Fergus never led in their 1-22 1-17 defeat to Kilmaley in round one, the need to have a greater scoring spread has been flagged as they chase a first championship win since 2023.

A chance to knock out their rivals and reignite their own campaign will whet the appetite for Sixmilebridge.

John O’Meara’s side had a poor start to proceedings in round one which proved costly when losing 2-21 3-16 to Wolfe Tones.

Charming Ciara lands Fahy Ennis Golf sweepstake for Tulla’s Duggan Club earns

by Michael Maher CHARMING CIARA produced a dominant display to win the €3000 Martin Fahy Memorial in Galway on Saturday.

Landing the feature for Tulla trainer Donal Duggan and her owners Tom and Ciara Kelly, Charming Ciara brought the momentum from her impressive semi-final in the previous week to the feature event. With a flawless front-running performance, there was no stopping her even though Deadly Ace was installed as the 5/4 favourite.

Drawn in trap four, Charming Ciara was electric at traprise and immediately asserted on the run-up, posting an identical 3.32 sectional to the one that saw her land her semi-final assignment.

Elsewhere, the field converged approaching the opening bend and inevitable crowding ensued, allowing the daughter of Grangeview Ten and Marlay Star to establish a commanding seven-length advantage entering the back straight. From there, it proved little more than a procession. Maintaining a relentless gallop throughout, Charming Ciara powered around the bottom

two bends before stretching further clear in the closing stages to record a hugely impressive tenand-a-half-length victory over Pierview Big Rob, who stayed on to claim second. Stopping the clock in a career-best 29.21.20s, it was a performance worthy of bringing the curtain down on this year’s Martin Fahy Memorial, which was very kindly sponsored by the Fahy family.

The final of the Horan Family Sweepstake Syndicate 525 also featured on the card and it was Brickhill Dolly that came with a devastating late charge to land the €1,200 first prize and shed her maiden tag in style.

Installed as the 6/4 joint favourites after their respective semi-final victories, Kiltartan Chosen and Magical Eloise headed the market for the decider, and it was the former that made the early running. Breaking smartly from trap two, the Albert Mullins-trained runner disputed the lead with Poppys Oreo in five before asserting around the opening bend to seize control as he bid for a third career success.

Magical Eloise, meanwhile, quickly overcame a tardy start, displaying tremendous pace

to work her way into contention. Brickhill Dolly owned by Clare natives John Collins and Albert Long was also making eye-catching progress along the inside and the daughter of Grangeview Ten and Twentylittletoes soon found herself in a menacing position approaching the bottom two bends. Although Kiltartan Chosen still held the aces at this stage, he was becoming something of a sitting duck as both Magical Eloise and Brickhill Dolly loomed large entering the final bend.

Brickhill Dolly had shaped like a greyhound capable of making her presence felt throughout the competition despite arriving in search of a first career success, and the 3/1 chance duly delivered. Turning the screw brilliantly upon straightening for home, she powered up the Galway hill to cross the line four lengths clear of the gallant Kiltartan Chosen, who lost little in defeat after another tremendous effort.

Ozark Magic stayed on well to fill the podium places. The winning time of 29.11 .20s was a fitting conclusion to another terrific renewal of the Horan Family Syndicate 525.

Parteen’s Joe Collins recorded a fine double at Limerick recently with kennel companions Shanakyle Turbo and Shanakyle Valley, Turbo a son of Ballymac Cashout and Moment in Life landed his fourth career success in 29.82 and Valley a son of Malachi and Aarons Sensation notched career win number twelve in 29.69.

Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Myles Cummins and Breda Casey recently had two winners as litter brothers Snuggie Bobby and Snuggie Benny graced the winners enclosure, sons of Ballymac Cashout and Slaneyside goldi, Bobby made it career win number eleven with his 29.26 effort and Benny notched his fourteenth career success in 29.04.

There was an impressive first career win for Knappogue Carrie in 29.05, a son of Ballymac Cashout and Blueview carrie he is owned by Tulla’s Donie Duggan.

There was further success for Tulla, as the Donnacha McNamara owned Aqua Camellia recorded her fourth career success in 30.14, she is a homebred daughter of Dromana Bucko and Rockalong Aqua.

sustainability certification

ENNIS Golf Club has achieved GEO Certified, the internationally recognised standard for sustainable golf.

The certification acknowledges the club’s ongoing work in protecting nature, responsibly managing resources, supporting the local community and taking practical action to reduce its environmental impact.

The award followed a detailed review of the management of both the course and clubhouse, including biodiversity, water and energy use, waste reduction, responsible purchasing, community engagement and long-term planning.

It also recognises the combined efforts of the club’s members, volunteers, course and clubhouse staff, and management.

GEO Certified is independently assured by GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, an international not-for-profit organisation that helps golf clubs assess, improve and communicate their sustainability performance.

The President of Ennis Golf Club described the certification as an important milestone rather than a finishing line.

“It recognises the many practical improvements already made and gives us a clear framework for continuing to protect our course, reduce our environmental footprint and serve our members and the wider community. We are especially proud that this has been a club-wide effort.”

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Sport

Paddy completes a clean sweep in Woodstock

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS native Paddy Meehan is celebrating a major golf achievement this week.

In winning the Woodstock captain’s (Pat Barry) prize at the weekend he completed a remarkable clean sweep of ‘majors’ at the club this season.

Paddy’s one stroke win over John O’Connor followed his victories in the lady captain’s prize to the men and the president’s prize.

A club stalwart who has been a club member since its foundation has represented the club at all levels over the years.

The twelve handicapper returned a score of 102 to win by one from John O’Connor (16) who, in turn, was one stroke ahead of Ross Darmody (4) with P.J. Carmody (13) in fourth place with 108.

Sean Myatt (1) won the gross with 73 for 18 holes.

The captain’s prize to the ladies was won by Eilis Neville (20) with 38 points from Niamh O’Regan (12) with 37, with third spot

filled by Hannah O’Brien (25) with 36 points.

The ladies open day at Woodstock was won

by Chaye Kelly (9), Aileen Beary (Ballykisteen) (19), Claire Ryan (Ballykisteen) (20) and Orla O’Donovan (Ballykisteen) (24) with 100 points.

In the men’s section the winning team comprised Ollie McNamara (25), Michael O’Brien (20), John O’Donovan (21) and Liam McInerney (22), all Woodstock, with 111 points.

The August Bank Holiday Monday Florida scramble was won by Ross Kenny, Ollie McNamara, Vinny McInerney and Eamon Fortune. The AMR open singles continues on this Thursday while the Brian Pyne Tiles August medal will be played for this weekend.

Kilrush Golf Club: Captain Brian Scanlan’s prize was played for at Kilrush on Saturday when Donncadh Nagle emerged as the winner with 135. He had four to spare over Seamus O’Doherty with Ian Dillon, also with 139, in third place.

The West Clare Dry Cleaners ladies 18 hole competition was won by Mary O’Neill (43) with 41 points.

Lahinch Golf Club: Captain John Gleeson’s prize was played for at Lahinch over the Bank holiday weekend. Following the qualifying rounds on Friday and Saturday the leaders played off over 9 holes on Sunday.

Peter Cloonan with a total of 64 points emerged as the winner adding 21 points in the play off to the 43 he scored for 18 holes.

He won by two from Noel Connellsan who was followed by Brian Day, also with 62.

The presentation of prizes took place at the captain’s dinner in the clubhouse on Sunday night.

Ennis Golf Club: Captain Noel Pilkington’s prize was played for at Ennis at the weekend when Senan Ryan emerged as the winner with 94. He had half a shot to spare over Michael Sullivan who had 94.5.

Alan Butler won the gross with 73 from Ronan

Paddy Meehan and Pat Barry

Herbert with 74.

The captain’s prize to the ladies was an 18 hole singles strokeplay which was won by Claire Ruane (25) with 67 nett. She won by a stroke from Una O’Reilly (33) with third place filled by Mary Gardner (37) with 69.

Noel Pyne had a hole in one at the 7th while playing in the captain’s prize.

The Eleanor Tive cup and Munster cup qualifier was played last week when Audrey McEnery (39) was the winner with

55.

The qualifiers who will represent Ennis in the Eleanor Tivy cup at West Waterford on August 26 are Audrey McEnery, Maureen Lynch and Anne Kelly.

Representing Ennis in the Munster cup at Adare Manor on September 4 will be Rose Enrighrt, Mary T. McMahon and Bridie Hanrahan.

The ladies Mary McKenna cup team bowed out at the semi-final stage last week when they went

down to Cahir at Ennis.

Dromoland Golf Club: The weekend’s competition at Dromoland was a foursomes stableford event in association with Cahercalla community Care. It was sponsored by the Anderson Foundaton.

The winners with 47 points were Edward King and Brian Sheedy and they won from Ruairi Price and Deirdre Cooney who had a similar score. In third place, a point back on 46, were Cathy Casey and Siobhan Dyar.

Gort Golf Club: Scratch cup competitions were the attraction at Gort over the Bank holiday weekend.

In the senior competition sponsored by Ward & Burke the winner was Gavin Lally with 72 from Sean Myatt (3) 73 Woodstock while the nett was won by Joe Moran (3) with 71.

The Junior Scratch cup sponsored by Permanent TSB was won by Eanna Melville (7) with 73 from Chris Murphy (8) with 78 with third spot filled by Jack Losty (5) also with 78.

In the Intermediate

Scratch cup, sponsored

by Gillanes, the winner was Matthew O’Halloran (12) with 75 from David Kennedy (10) with 79 with third place filled by John Moylan (10) also with 79.

The minor scratch cup, sponsored by Hennelly’s, Gort was won by Alan Fogarty (18) with 84 from Michael Killeen (18) with 89 with Gerry Lally (17) in third place with 91.

Shannon Golf Club: A semi-open 2 step modified scramble was held by the ladies section at Shannon on Tuesday when the winners were Marlyn Kelly (29), Debbie Reddan (11) and Lisa O’Neill (32) with 74 points.

Máire McMahon (15) with 21 points won the July 9 hole stableford competition from Ailish Sheehan (22) who also had 21 points.

Next week’s competition is the August medal while the next presentation of prizes takes place on Tuesday August 11 at 8pm.

The Development classic take place on Friday and Saturday.

Ryder Cup quartet confirmed for star-studded Irish Open as weekend tickets sell out

by Páraic McMahon RYDER Cup stars Patrick Reed, Robert MacIntyre, Francesco Molinari, and Sepp Straka have been confirmed for the 2026 Amgen Irish Open, with the quartet set to tee it up at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel from September 10-13.

They will join an already stellar field that includes defending champion Rory McIlroy, two-time Major Champion and two-time Amgen Irish Open champion Jon Rahm, and Major Champions and former Amgen Irish Open winners Shane Lowry and Pádraig Harrington.

With weekend tickets now sold out, fans can still experience Ireland’s national open with General Admission tickets available for the Wednesday Pro-Am and Rounds One and Two on Thursday and Friday.

Former World Number One and Ryder Cup Europe Captain Luke Donald, alongside European Ryder Cup players Tyrrell Hatton, Rasmus Højgaard and Nicolai Højgaard are already part of the

confirmed line-up with Rasmus returning as a former Amgen Irish Open champion following his victory at Royal County Down in 2024.

Reed, the 2018 Masters Tournament champion, arrives in Ireland with significant momentum, currently leading the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World after recording two victories, a runner-up finish and a further two top-ten results during an impressive 2026 season. The American is a three-time Ryder Cup player and returns to the Amgen Irish Open having made his tournament debut at The K Club in 2025.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to the Amgen Irish Open and playing at Doonbeg for the first time. Ireland has such a rich golfing history and the fans always create an incredible atmosphere,” said Reed, a five-time DP World Tour winner.

MacIntyre was a key member of Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup teams in Rome in 2023 and New York in 2025, and has established himself among the leading names in the game. The Scot is currently

World Number 17 and a Rolex Series winner, having enjoyed success on both the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR. He has won three national opens – the Genesis Scottish Open, Italian Open and Canadian Open – and will be aiming to add another prestigious title to that collection when he returns to the Amgen Irish Open.

“The Amgen Irish Open is always a special tournament and I’m delighted to be returning.

The support from the Irish fans is among the best we experience anywhere in the world, and I’m looking forward to competing on the West Coast and hopefully giving them plenty to cheer about,” said MacIntyre.

Molinari, the 2018 Open Champion and a six-time DP World Tour winner, adds further pedigree to the field. The Italian was recently appointed Vice Captain for Europe’s Ryder Cup team by Captain Luke Donald, having played a key role in three European Ryder Cup victories as a player, including at Le Golf National in 2018 where he became the first European to win all five of his matches in a single

Ryder Cup. “I always enjoy coming back to Ireland,” said Molinari. “The Amgen Irish Open is a true test of golf and you have to adapt to whatever the conditions bring each day. I’m looking forward to a great week.”

Straka has continued to establish himself among the game’s leading international players, becoming the first Austrian to win on the PGA TOUR with victory at the 2022 Honda Classic before adding further victories to become a four-time winner on the circuit.

The Austrian, currently ranked World Number 26, will make his Amgen Irish Open debut at Doonbeg after representing Europe in the team’s victories in Rome and New York.

“I’m excited to play the Amgen Irish Open for the first time and experience Doonbeg. Ireland has such a proud golfing tradition and it’s always special to compete in front of passionate golf fans. I’m looking forward to the challenge of the course and being part of what promises to be a great week,” said Straka.

The Amgen Irish Open once

again assumes a key position on the DP World Tour’s Global Schedule as part of the Back 9, which encompasses nine of the Tour’s most historic tournaments and national opens.

It features an esteemed roll of honour of champions, including Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Harrington, Lowry, McIlroy, Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, Rahm and Sam Torrance.

Patrick Reed

36

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Thursday, Aug 6, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

To place a notice email kieran@clareecho.ie

MONTHS MIND

† Farrell, Brid Memories are a gift to treasure ours of you will last forever.

We the family of the late Brid Farrell wish to express our heartfelt thanks for the sympathy and support shown to us during our recent loss.Thank you to everyone who attended sent mass cards and helped us.Special thanks to neighbours Zoe and Melissa whose care was invaluable while awaiting the ambulance. Please accept this acknowledgement as our deepest gratitude.

Months mind mass for Brid Farrell will be held on the 10th August at 11am in the Ennis Cathedral.

Prayer THREE DAY NOVENA Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven.

Oh, Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.

Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother.

Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity.

(Mention your request here) There are none that can withstand your power.

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (say three times).

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (say three times). Amen SFC

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SIXMILEBRIDGE TD, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE Ahaclare Developments Ltd. intend to apply for permission for development at this site, Sixmilebridge TD, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.

The development will consist of the construction of 38 No. semi-detached houses (20 No. 3 bed & 18 No. 4 bed) and connection to public utilities together with ancillary site development works on lands previously granted planning permission (P22/459 & P24/60448 Refers).

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 I, James Collery, am applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Errina, Clonlara, Co Clare V94 677F: Retention Permission for revised site boundary as outlined which deviates from that previously granted permission (Planning Ref 15/195) to rear of property together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYOGAN, BAREFIELD, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Eoin Garrihy & Grainne Burke intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house & incorporate an existing derelict stone building into the proposed dwelling, a garage along with a new entrance, 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 COUNTY COUNCIL SKEHANAGH, CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Niall Dunne intends to apply to the planning authority for retention permission for a concrete raft foundation as constructed in the North side of the site and a sunroom extension on the Southwest side of existing dwelling house and using the existing raft foundation, permission to construct a granny flat along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL Diarmuid Healy + Orla Murphy seek permission for the renovation and adaptation of the existing dwelling, Marine House, Strand Line, Kilkee, Co. Clare, including the demolition of a single storey lean-to, reinstatement of external openings, replacement of windows as part of a thermal upgrade, provision of one new off-street parking space to the front garden and all necessary ancillary works and site services.

The proposed development includes work to the exterior of a structure located within an Architectural Conservation Area. 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 CO COUNCIL BALLYKELLY, BROADFORD, CO CLARE Permission is sought to construct a dwelling house, domestic garage, vehicular entrance, wastewater treatment system, bored well including all associated site works and services at above address. Applicant: Natalie O’Regan ‘’The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL I, Una Mollin, intend to apply for permission for development at Island, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare.

The development will consist of amendments to previously granted planning application reference no.

P24/60294. The proposed amendments will consist of 1) minor changes to window sizes / locations on house and garage; 2) minor changes to ridge heights; 3; addition of chimney / flue on western elevation; 4) minor relocation of garage; 5) change of use of garage to garage & home office.

These changes relate to previously granted planning application (P24/60294) which consisted of the construction of a new single dwelling, separate garage, new entrance, driveway, new hedge at boundary, new septic tank, wastewater treatment system and percolation area, soakaways, bored well and all associated site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

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

CLARE CO COUNCIL CARROWDUFF, LISCANNOR, CO CLARE V95 H5C1 Take notice that Gabi O’Brien and Chris Lee intend to apply for permission to retain 1. the change of use of the garage granted under reference P13/246 to a music studio/ home office; 2. The link connecting the garage to the main house; 3. The storage shed built to the rear of the garage & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO COUNCIL CHURCH ST., ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE Take notice that Michael McCarthy intends to apply for permission to develop the Building known as G. Hayes’s, which is a protected structure, RPS No 927, for use as a three bedroomed apartment and to extend the building to provide 2 new apartments with a common entrance area, connect to services & 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.

Planning

LOCH DONNELL VIEW, CLOHANINCHY, QUILTY, CO. CLARE V95 F9X9 Take notice that Mary Seymour intends to apply for permission to extend the existing dwelling, alter the roadside boundary wall & retain the dwelling for use as air bnb & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO COUNCIL KNOCKNAGRAIGUE WEST, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE Take notice that Eddie Walsh and John Grant t/a Tombstone Airsoft (Clare) intend to apply for permission to develop an Outdoor Tactical Airsoft Area with Storage Container, Parking Area, Registration/ Reception Shed & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

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

38 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

Quiz

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

The Clare Echo Quiz

Which of these car companies operates in the Shannon Free Zone?

Jaguar Land Rover Maserati Lexus Which Clare hurling manager taught in Shannon as a principal for a number of years?

Brian Lohan Davy Fitz Ger Loughnane Shannon College of Hotel Management became affiliated with which university in 2015?

UL NUIG TUS St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School was the first comprehensive school in Ireland. In what year did it open?

1970 1966 1965 What was the population of Shannon as per the 2022 Census?

10,337 10,417 10,256

In what year did Shannon bus manufacturers GAC Ireland close their doors?

1994 2005 1986

Movies to see this week

Shannon is twinned with which French town?

Guingamp Vichy Bastogne Which of these Clare hurlers plays for Wolfe Tones?

Ryan Taylor Aron Shanagher Mark Rodgers Which of these villages is closest to Shannon?

Bunratty Newmarket-on-Fergus Sixmilebridge

Scan here to see what’s on

Which of these broadcasters is from Shannon?

Pat Kenny Claire Byrne Rachael English

ANSWERS 1986 Guingamp Aron Shanagher Bunratty Rachael English

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Jaguar Land Rover Ger Loughnane NUIG 1966 10,256

Spot the Difference

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

Previous Answers . Sliotar missing . O’Neills missing on shorts (right) . Darragh’s sock different colour . Crest missing (left)

. Logo missing on top (far right) . Logo missing on top (mid left) . Logo missing on top (right)

Los Bongos Locos bang the drum at the Festival of Fun Kilmihil Photo by Gerard O’Neill

39

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Aug 6, 2026

PUZZLE

46

PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, JULY 15 2021

THIS THISWEEKS WEEKS PUZZLES PUZZLES Aug JULY06 15

SUDOKU 8

9

7

5 5

6

4

7

4

1

9

2

1

8

2

How to play

ANSWERS 6

8

9

3

2

4

9

3

7

6

5

1

8

7

9

6

2

9

1

7

8

4

2

8

5

3

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1 6

4

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2

7 3

7 8 1 9 5 6 4

3 1 2 4 8 5 6

5

4

2 7

5 9

8

3

6

1

4

2

3

7

9

Sunny

5

Shiny

1

Shining

8

Sheen

6

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

Rosy

7

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

9

HOW TO PLAY

Radiant

3

Lucent

7

4

2

1/1

Lambent

6

1/1

Golden

4

6

How to play

9

Gloss

7

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

Glitter

4

Glisten

8

Gleam

5

9

8

5

Effulgent

1

6

Dazzle

4

Bright

2

Blaze

2

3

Vivid

1

Beam

7

WORD SEARCH

4/20/2021

) 5( t af ) 5(

) 7 ( sll a ) 9( r e v o c

) 7 ( li at % c o c

) 6( s d e 4/20/2021

1/1)

The Clare Echo Crossword 1

2

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8

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6

16

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21

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ACROSS

) 4, ) 7( s % ) 5( r ) 9( n )7

1 Formal headgear (3,3) 4 Go aboard (6) 8 Concerning (5) 9 Violent whirling windstorm (7) 10 Popular cheese (7) 11 Lifeless (5) 12 Uncivilised person (9) 17 Light purple colour (5) 19 Collection of books (7) 21 Marine animal (3,4) 22 Shoulder-wrap (5) 23 Main meal (6) 24 Slow down (6)

DOWN

) 7( mr ot s- d n

1 Roof of straw or reeds (6) 2 Adage (7) 3 Performed (5) 5 Gin and vermouth cocktail (7) 6 Hard stone (5) 7 Intricate (6) 9 Heavy waterproof cover (9) 13 Lie back (7) 14 North American falls (7) 15 Shut (6) 16 Rode a bike (6) 18 Gain knowledge (5) 20 Moisten with hot fat (5)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS 42

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