The Clare Echo 06/11/25

‘Golf

in Clare will cost twice

NFL in Croker’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WEST Clare will require an investment of more than €10m to be ready for the Irish Open and Walker Cup next year, a county councillor has claimed.

County Clare is the fairway to heaven next September with Trump Doonbeg the setting for the Irish

Open and Lahinch Golf Club hosting the Walker Cup.

O cials from Clare County Council are being urged to make a strong case for improving the county’s infrastructure when they meet with o cials from the Department of Transport.

Cllr

Michael Shannon (FF) has

calculated that an investment greater than €10m must be secured.

“My eyebrows were raised when I heard €10m was paid out to bring the NFL to Dublin, we’re talking double that gure because of the physical de cit we have”. e Irish Open next year will be held at the golf resort owned by US President Donald Trump (pictured), marking a return of the event to Clare a er it was hosted by Lahinch Golf Club in 2019.

Full story p6

‘First time State has acknowledged Emer was killed by someone’

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

FAMILY members of Emer O’Loughlin have said her inquest is the first time the State has acknowledged she was killed by someone else.

On Wednesday, an inquest jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing in the death of art student Emer O’Loughlin (23) whose charred remains were discovered in a burnt out mobile home 20 years ago near Tubber. In the long running Garda investigation into Ms O’Loughlin’s death, Gardaí are seeking to

speak to the owner of the burnt out mobile home, John Griffin (58) formerly of Mervue, Galway to assist with their inquiries and his whereabouts remain unknown.

Speaking following the inquest, Emer’s sister Pam said the family were “absolutely delighted with the verdict”. The Ennistymon woman said, “It is the first time that the State has acknowledged that Emer O’Laughlin was killed by someone else”.

 St Joseph’s Tulla students Aoibhinn Rodgers, Sophie Meaney and Grace O’Connell during rehearsals for ‘The Winner Takes It All’ which begins next Wednesday in Tulla

Photo by John O’Neill

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Mountshannon lion was actually a ‘friendly mouse’

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

KILLALOE GARDAÍ have solved the mystery of a reported ‘lion-like’ animal in the woods of East Clare.

Reported sightings and footage of a potential lion emerged last week with reports made to Gardaí.

However, once on the scene in Woodpark Forest Park in Mountshannon, any trace of the lion was gone and garda investigators were unable to confirm whether the identity of the animal was in fact a lion. They reported that “enquiries were carried out” accordingly.

Gardaí in Killaloe have since confirmed that the so-called lion was in fact a Newfoundland dog named ‘Mouse’ whose coat and tail had been shaved to resemble that of a lion. “The recent video of a lion-like animal roaming around the woods in East Clare is in fact the very friendly Mouse, a Newfoundland dog who is delighted with his recent viral video clip”.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) told The Clare Echo, “Like many people, I was amused and intrigued by the reported sighting of a lion in Mountshannon. The guards

have now discovered that the ‘lion’ is in fact a beautiful Newfoundland dog, with a very snazzy haircut, named ‘Mouse’. Hats off to the guards for clearing all of this up - I think this is one of the humorous stories that will go down in the lore of our county”.

The video was captured by a passing truck driver who had been hauling timber. It shows Mouse walking into the woods and disappearing.

Forest manager John O’Reilly said that harvesters working on the site had spotted the “lion” before, but only from a distance and assumed it

was a deer. “I’m not saying for certain that it is a lion, but it does look to have a mane and a long tail. Some people even think that someone might have shaved their dog as a joke,” O’Reilly remarked at the time, a comment which turned out to be true.

“At a time when AI imagery and confusion as to whether online content is real or fake is so rampant, it fell on the guards in Killaloe Station to investigate and to establish the true facts,” Deputy Crowe explained.

Mickey Guilfoyle, Robert Clancy and Brian Pyne supporting Clare during the Oscar Traynor (Munster region) quarter-final vs Kerry in Frank Healy Park

Photo by Joe Buckley

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Scariff’s Anthony among contenders for powerful European Commission job

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SCARIFF’s Anthony Whelan is among the leading contenders for one of the most powerful jobs in the European Commission.

Anthony has emerged as one of the front-runners to become Director General for Competition which is the most senior permanent role in the Competition Commission, under the commissioner herself, Teresa Ribera.

Regarded as one of the European Union’s most powerful arms, the Competition Commission is responsible for policy and enforcement including imposing the controversial €13bn Apple tax decision on Ireland last September.

Frenchman Olivier Guersent officially retired from the post at the end of July. He recommended that his successor should “resist all the self-serving nonsense of the CEOs of large firms when they whisper to the ears of prime ministers,” that, for example, they would be “a lot more competitive with a lot less competition.”

An EU civil servant since 1995, Anthony was first working as legal secretary in the chambers of the Irish Ad-

vocate General Nial Fennelly at the Court of Justice of the EU in Luxemburg but since 2000 he has climbed through the ranks of senior roles in the European Commission in Brussels. In 2006, he led the legal service of the Commission in their high-profile case involving Microsoft in 2006, where the tech giant was fined a record €500 million over competition breaches.

At present, he is one of two deputy directors in the Competition Commission, having recently joined from the cabinet of EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen where he most recently served as a senior economic advisor. He began working for von der Leyen in late 2019 as a digital advisor before she formally entered office.

Born in Moynoe in Scariff, he attended Dooglaun NS in Killanena which closed in 1974 before moving to Scariff NS when his mother Brid Whelan transferred to the teaching staff there. He attended the Cistercian College in Roscrea before studying Law at Trinity College for four years in the late 1980s. He taught public law in the Law School of Trinity College as the youngest ever

lecturer in the famed college. He qualified as a barrister at Kings Inns. His father Jackie owned Leyland Garage in Scariff for many years which is now the site of Tom Collins Engineering. In 2024, he served as Chief of Staff for the European Commission President for three months during her

campaign to secure a second term. “You see a lot as an advisor in her Cabinet but when you’re the Head of the Cabinet you see everything or you are meant to see everything, to have some steer on it, it was a quite enough period because it was an electoral period, it made it a bit easier than if

we were in full production,” Whelan recalled of the role. Speaking on Scariff Bay Community Radio in May on their award winning ‘Democracy In Action’ series, Anthony outlined that his working days were generally from 8am to 8pm. “The President lives in the office, she has an apartment just

beside, when she is not back in Germany she works at the weekend and we help out let’s say”. On working with von der Leyen, he commented, “She is very focused, one good thing about any leader is she works harder than any of us, she leads by example in that sense, it is a hard example to follow”.

Based in Brussels, “when weather permits” he cycles to work. “If I was on public transport I would be reading emails all the way home so the bike is obligatory headspace”. He has completed ten marathons including Paris, Rotterdam, Seville and he ran in New York City for Clare Crusaders. He said “the view of Lough Derg” is among the items he misses the most from Co Clare.

According to a report by Euractiv, Anthony is one of four candidates in the hunt for the top job alongside Guillaume Loriot, head of the Commission’s energy department Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director General of the Commission’s Reform and Investment Task Force, Céline Gauer and Guillaume Loriot who is currently Deputy DG in the Competition sector.

Cooney’s modular wastewater plan to expedite rural housing approved by Cabinet

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A PROPOSAL originally presented to the Oireachtas by Clare TD Joe Cooney (FG) to install modular wastewater systems in rural towns and villages has now been adopted by the Government.

Under plans brought to Cabinet by Minister for Housing James Browne (FF), Uisce Éireann is being directed to progress the use of modular units that can be used for new developments or be bolted on to existing wastewater plants to increase capacity and enable the construction of more homes.

The move forms part of a wider policy shift aimed at quickening the pace of housing delivery in areas where development has been stalled by poor wastewater infrastructure.

Deputy Cooney said the decision was proof that local innovation can shape national policy. “This is about delivery and common sense. Working with my former colleagues on Clare County Council, we successfully managed to incorporate the potential for modular wastewater treatment systems in the Clare County Development Plan. When elected as a TD, I made a commitment to bring the proposal to the national stage.

When a proposal first raised in Clare becomes national policy, it shows that practical ideas can make a real difference”.

In May, Deputy Cooney first proposed the plan to the Dáil during Leaders Questions when he called on the Government to embrace modular certified treatment systems as a rapid and practical solution for rural communities where traditional wastewater projects can take years to complete. He said the decision marked an important breakthrough for rural housing. “This is a clear and positive step forward. Modular systems can be delivered in a matter of months, to EPA standards, and will help unlock thousands of homes across the country”.

Chief executives of the Housing Agency and the Land Development Agency supported Deputy Cooney’s proposal at a meeting of the Oireachtas Housing Committee in July, saying modular systems could help unlock smaller housing projects nationwide.

Under the new plans, Uisce Éireann will oversee compliance with the regulations in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency and will also sign agreements to take ownership of the infrastructure when completed. This means it won’t be

long before it must take over any local wastewater scheme delivered to the specified standard by a developer and operate it.

Developers will finance the delivery of the new treatment systems, while Uisce Éireann will be responsible for their operation and maintenance.

Deputy Cooney said the decision would give confidence to builders and communities who have been waiting, in some cases for years, to progress developments which have stalled in villages including Broadford, Carrigaholt, Kilmihil, Doolin, Spanish Point, Cooraclare, Kilkishen and Ruan.

He said he would now urge the Minister, Uisce Éireann and the Environmental Protection Agency to work with companies that manufacture modular units to develop a standardised certification process. To ensure the system can be introduced quickly, he said builders should be able to use approved units “off the shelf” rather than having each planning application and each unit assessed separately by multiple agencies.

Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG)

Photo by Ruth Griffin

Anthony Whelan

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Required West Clare investment in advance of Irish Open will top NFL €10m spend

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

OFFICIALS from Clare County Council are due to meet with staff from the Department of Transport as they put forward the case for improving the infrastructure of West Clare in advance of the Irish Open and Walker Cup.

Trump Doonbeg hosts The

Senior engineer Cyril Feeney said Council officials will be engaging with event organisers, local stakeholders and government departments “in the coming months to ensure the targeted infrastructure investments are made to deliver these world class events”.

Speaking at the Octo-

Irish Open from September 10th to 13th next year while this is preceded by the fifty first Walker Cup at Lahinch Golf Club to be held on September 5th and 6th.

Senior officials in the local authority are understood to have made a special request for additional funding in advance of the major golfing tournaments coming to Clare. Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) called on the Council to secure funding “for physical infrastructure improvements to roads, footpaths, lighting, signage and all other ancillaries to ensure Clare’s unique and beautiful image is portrayed around the world during the Irish Open in Doonbeg next September”.

ber meeting of the Council, Cllr Shannon stressed, “We have a huge effort to make between now and Sept for our physical infrastructure to make sure we have a successful Irish Open”. He stated, “My eyebrows were raised when I heard €10m was paid out to bring the NFL to Dublin, we’re talking double that figure because of the physical deficit we have”. Shannon added that it would require a community effort, “West Clare is such a beautiful place that we need to portray that to the world, we’ve two chances to get it right for the Walker Cup, Irish Open and Ryder Cup”.

On Wednesday, Uisce Éireann were due to commence

works on relaying a new line to guarantee the water supply to Doonbeg won’t be disrupted during The Irish Open. Feeney told the meeting a delegation from the Council were meeting with the Department of Transport officials in November. “It is our foremost on our agenda. Physical infrastructure is one element, we’re conscious of trying to do an event in the village of Doonbeg,” he said. “We are conscious of the TV audience but we also know social media has nearly eclipsed the television audience”.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) commented, “it is a real opportunity, there will be a lot of eyes on our county and this is an opportunity to sell it, let’s make the Government wake up a small bit”.

Lahinch successfully hosting the 2019 Irish Open offers a wealth of experience, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) noted. “We need to move now to look for infrastructure developments to ensure we have legacy to live on beyond this. If people have a very good experience from visiting West Clare there is no reason that they may decide to locate themselves in West Clare”.

Funding from Central Government and Fáilte Ireland must be set aside for Doonbeg and Lahinch, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) stressed. “The golf is a wonderful opportunity to showcase West Clare and the county. Don’t forget the arteries from East Clare to West Clare and the rest of the county also needs investment like the R352 and Active Travel for rural areas,” remarked Cllr Conor Ryan (FG).

Huge decrease in fireworks offences in Clare

FIREWORKS offences have decreased in Co Clare over the past two years writes Páriac McMahon

Data shows that Clare had 102 fireworks offences over the past 20 years, but only 2 last year and 4 in 2023

Since firework laws were tightened in the mid-2000s, there have been 4,193 fireworks offences recorded across Ireland, with 102 recorded in Co. Clare.

There has been a massive decrease in firework-related offences over the past fifteen years in the county’s Garda division, with only two last year compared to 13 in 2010.

Most of the offences in Clare are recorded between October and December

according to CSO data, with the spike in offences coinciding with Halloween. Limerick Garda Division had the highest number of fireworks offences over the past 20 years, with 336 offences. Dublin West (278) and Donegal (263) had the second and third highest number of offences, and there were 230 firework offences across the three divisions in Cork. Across Dublin, 1,021 offences related to fireworks were recorded from 2004 to Q2 2025around a quarter of the total. Ireland has some of the strictest laws around fireworks in the world, and data shows that there has been a massive decrease in people using fireworks

since 2010 when the number of offences peaked at 461.

Nearly all fireworks are illegal to sell or possess without a licence.

F1 category fireworks are the least dangerous, and can be bought and used by the general public without a licence. These include party poppers, ground spinners, Christmas crackers and some sparklers. All other fireworks are illegal, and those caught could be arrested, and end up with hefty fines or even prison sentences. As well as being illegal, fireworks can also have a negative impact on the environment, according to Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie.

He explained that fireworks can affect air and water quality, cause land pollution, and harm the wellbeing of animals. “Fireworks release chemicals, fine particles and heavy metals into the air, producing gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides,” he said. “These substances can stick around long after the display ends, and can lead to poor air quality and respiratory irritation. The metal compounds that create the colours that give fireworks their strange appeal can also contaminate soil and waterways once they settle,” Kelly added.

Trump Doonbeg

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Mayor Murphy ‘baffled’ by failure to nominate Carey to Seanad

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MAYOR OF Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) has said he is still “bafed” by Fine Gael’s decision not to nominate Leonara Carey (FG) to the Seanad.

In February, Clarecastle woman Leonora contested the Seanad election for the Labour Panel where she polled 51,000 rst preferences (4.4%). She was eliminated on the twel h count.

is was the second election contested by Leonora in the space of three months. Her General Election attempt was her rst run for public o ce, here she 5,251 rst preference votes.

An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin (FF) is allowed nominate eleven people to the Seanad, six of which were Fianna Fáil members and ve were from Fine Gael.

Fiery Fianna Fáil AGM could be on the cards as members left ‘hurt’ over Presidential election

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DISCONTENT within Fianna Fáil is expected to come to the surface in Co Clare this week for the AGM of the party’s branch.

Hotel Woodstock will host the Fianna Fáil Clare Chomairle Dáilcheantair (CDC) AGM this Friday. Members are likely to use the forum to voice their dissatisfaction with the party’s disastrous Presidential Election campaign which Cllr Shane Talty (FF) has described as “a calamity from start to nish”.

Former publican Darragh McAllister was elected as Chair of the Clare CDC for Fianna Fáil last July succeeding Newmarket-on-Fergus dairy farmer Mike Enright who had been in situ since 2016.

Cillian Murphy who was a Fianna Fáil councillor from 2019 to 2024 was elected PRO at this AGM but le the party to become parliamentary assistant to Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) in January. Secretary Garrett Greene has also departed his role.

e Clare Echo understands that McAllister is among a host of o cers not seeking re-election. Tom Costelloe (joint treasurer) and Gerry Kelly (assistant secretary) are also believed to be keen to bow out from their positions. Liam Hayes (youth o cer), Mary Crawford (vice chairperson), Louise Roche McNamara (womens/equality o cer) and Geraldine Lambert (membership o cer) are all keen to stay on as o cers, according to party insiders. Support is said to be strong among certain sections of the party for Enright to return to the Chair.

An appetite for more party meetings has been voiced by elected members of Clare County Council.

Speaking to e Clare Echo, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) outlined, “ ere is need for a new o cer board to the CDC, you need change and for meetings to be organised. I’d like if this AGM produced a new slate of o cers and a new sense of direction for the CDC in Clare”. She maintained the Comairle Ceanntairs within the county were “operating well”.

On the prospect of Enright returning to the fold, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) stated, “I haven’t heard moves on people going in or out but I’ve always classed Mike Enright as a great Fianna Fáil man, a great friend of mine and a great help. He is a true gentleman and a true Fianna Fáil man to the backbone”.

Relevance of the structure was questioned by Cllr Talty. “It is di cult to see how the Cumann and CDC structure is relevant today but we need ideas on how it could be more relevant and active. On the ground, particularly older Fianna Fáil members experienced a level of hurt on the day of voting for the Presidential election, the level of hurt they had going into the polling booth, they felt they didn’t have an option on the ballot paper and they had voted for y to seventy years. ey found it upsetting and borderline hurtful, that level of hurt needs to be acknowledged and a price will have to be paid over time”. For extended article and analysis visit clareecho.ie/subscribe.

Fine Gael headquarters opting not to nominate Carey to the Seanad is part of the identity problem within the party according to Cllr Paul Murphy (FG). He told e Clare Echo, “We need to look to South Munster, we’ve gone a bit too Dublin centric for my liking, it does sound parochial but I go back to the selection of the Taoiseach’s nominees for Seanad, Fine Gael got to choose a few of those and I have to say my party colleague Leonora Carey performed admirably in the General Election and was overlooked for a nomination for the Seanad, I was ba ed by that.

“ ere was two councillors put forward and two of the Fine Gael picks came from Donegal, I don’t think we’ll win two seats in Donegal but we could win a second seat in Clare. A lot of grassroots Fine Gael is in Munster, it is the old traditional farming vote, a lot of the

core farming community are Fine Gael voters, we need to wake up and realise that”.

A quali ed occupational therapist, Leonoara was a member of the Fine Gael Executive Council for a decade, serving as Chairperson for two years. For ten years, she was a member of the Fine Gael Executive Council, she served as Chairperson for two years. Leonora is a qualied occupational therapist (OT) by profession, with over 25 years’ clinical experience and 17 years as an OT manager.

Her father Donal (FG) was rst elected to the Dáil in 1982, he retained the seat for ve subsequent campaigns until he lost out in 2002. Five years later, his son and Leonora’s brother Joe (FG) was elected and was a TD for four terms until announcing his retirement from politics on medical grounds in August 2024.

‘Getting Wiggy with it’ - O’Callaghan among those to receive spoiled vote in Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A CLARE councillor was among those to receive a vote in the Presidential election.

Almost 13 percent of voters opted to spoil their ballot in the Irish Presidential election which has resulted in Catherine Connolly (IND) becoming the tenth President of the country.

Within Co Clare, a total of 4,766 votes were spoiled which was 10.6 percent and a 90 percent increase on the 449 spoiled votes in the last Presidential election.

On the spoiled ballots in Clare, Maria Steen’s name regularly appeared, she was unsuccessful in securing the necessary twenty Oireachtas nominations to appear on the ballot. Bosco, Enoch Burke, Michael Flatley, Bob Geldof, Gerry Hutch and Scooby Doo also cropped up on ballots in the county.

Photographs of Fianna Fáil politicians also featured on the spoiled votes including that of former Defence Minister, Willie O’Dea (FF), ex Taoiseach Charlie Haughey (FF) and Kilmurry’s very own, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF).

Speaking to e Clare Echo, Cllr O’Callaghan commented, “Never did I think I would see my picture on an Irish Presidential Ballot paper, the photo that was selected was rather attering, if I do say so myself.

“It’s one thing to go out and get 1,200 number ones, another to nd 800,000 and I think Bertie Ahern or Billy Kelleher would have done just that. e reality of last Friday though is that just under 214,000 people spoilt their vote and over 104,000 people voted for Jim Gavin who had pulled out of the election. at is close to 320,000 people who consciously went into a polling booth to express their anger and frustration, mainly at a lack of choice,” he added.

Fellow Killaloe Municipal District elected member, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) said the quantity of spoiled votes was alarming. “A disturbing gure was three Dublin constituencies had more spoiled votes than votes for Heather Humphreys, she hadn’t an easy election, the media rooted up the stu as they did for all candidates”.

Labelling it as “a historic spoiled voted percentage,” Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) suggested a process “outside of party politics to allow for more diversity” on the ballot.

Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) believed an opportunity was “wasted” by those who decided not to vote for a candidate on the ballot.

“It was a wasted opportunity if the youth came in, voted and spoiled their vote, that is very disappoint-

ing. We’re always trying to encourage people to have a say. Housing, work, education, car insurance are the issues prominent to young people, they need to have their say too. Anything that discourages voting is a shame”. He continued, “I’ve been doing tallies with the party for years, I’ve never seen anything like 200,017 deciding to spoil their vote, there is responsibility to be taken, the candidates were so limited so the people were annoyed, Catherine Connolly won and she will make a ne President, people were aggrieved that they had no choice, that was orchestrated by the main parties, the Government parties, Sinn Féin didn’t put up a candidate either, they are a party looking to be in Government, they should have elded a candidate”.

SEANAD ELECTION: Mayor Murphy

Owen Ryan tenders resignation with The Clare Champion after eighteen years

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LONG-serving journalist with e Clare Champion, Owen Ryan is to leave the publication.

e Clare Echo understands that Owen submitted his letter of resignation to e Champion late last week and will nish up with the weekly newspaper later this month.

Crusheen native Owen has worked with e Clare Champion since November 2007, serving as its Shannon correspondent along with covering news and occasionally sport. Prior to this he worked with e Limerick Leader,

e Galway Independent, e Limerick Independent and e Avondhu.

He is the author of ‘Fight of My Life’, a book which features some of Ireland’s nest boxers over the last sixty years revealing the ght which de ned their career and life.

During his eighteen year career with e Champion, Owen has won top prizes at the Headline Mental Health media awards. He is leaving the world of media to take up a new post with e Department of Transport in Shannon.

Returning to Clare a er stints with a handful of other regional titles was never part of a

grand plan, he admitted, “It wasn’t a great plan, there wasn’t really any plan, it was the way things worked out, it was nice to work in my own county”. Publishing his rst book stands out among his highlights in the media. “It was great to be around for certain things, seeing Zelensky for the rst time when he came to Shannon Airport, it was great to come across something

like that, Clare winning the All-Ireland in 2013 and reporting on that was very enjoyable. Covering elections has always been enjoyable, it has been an interesting time from when I started, Fianna Fáil were so dominant to a much more fractured political system now”. Over the course of his almost two decades working in the media, he has observed an ocean of change.

“ e media landscape in general has declined dramatically over the years and we are seeing the e ect of it across society. e standard of politics across the world because of the rise of social media and decline of traditional media, it has become much more coarse, much more negative, it is far more polarised too, that is down to what has happened with legacy media, the rise of social media has fuelled

it, as a society things are in a bad place and a lot of it is down to what has happened the media in the last twenty years”.

He was very young when gripped with an appetite of consuming books. “I would have always been very interested in politics and sport, from a very young age I was devouring newspapers especially about sport rst of all, I’d have read everything I could, even as a child from a

young age I took an interest in politics and society. I can remember as a teenager being struck by some of the things happening in Eastern Europe at the time, I started to think journalism could be a very positive force in the world, it sounds very grand for someone working in e Clare Champion”. He told e Clare Echo, “Journalism is de nitely very important. A lot of the problems we have in society today are because the media isn’t as strong as it once was, social media has lled that gap in quite a negative way and it is being used a lot of the time by bad actors to promote certain views”. Social media also plays a part in journalists leaving the industry, he felt. “It all comes back to social media, that is the reason that there aren’t as many journalists because the media has been hallowed out because of the rise of social media, it is self-ful lling”. For the extended interview with Owen visit clareecho.ie/subscribe.

Kilrush Credit Union win sustainability award

In celebration of Earth Day 2025, Kilrush Credit Union launched ‘Trees for Free’, a community initiative encouraging local sustainability and biodiversity. Thanks to a generous local source, they were able to access native sycamore ‘helicopter’ seedlings and share them with members and community groups across their common bond.

For their hard work on this initiative, they were given the Social Dividend Impact: Sustainability Award at the All-Ireland Credit Union Awards 2025, which celebrates the positive differences that credit unions make in their communities.

They distributed 30 sycamore trees, gifting them to members, community groups, and community gardens.

Some trees were planted by families, others by local volunteers, all united by the simple idea of doing something small but meaningful for the environment. Staff also took part in the planting at the community gardens, reinforcing the hands-on, collaborative spirit behind the project. By keeping the initiative local, they reduced the environmental impact linked with commercial sourcing and ensured that ev-

ery tree planted was truly part of our community effort.

Beyond its environmental benefits, supporting biodiversity, improving air quality, and promoting carbon capture, the initiative helped spark environmental awareness and educa-

tion. For many of the children who took part, planting a tree became a lasting lesson in how small actions can make a big difference. The project reminded everyone all that sustainability starts locally with community, care, and shared responsibility.

“We’re thrilled that our local sustainability project was recognised among entries from across the country,” commented Kilrush Credit Union.

“Winning the Social Dividend Impact: Sustainability Award is a proud moment for our team. It highlights what can be achieved when a community comes together for a greener future.”

They thanked all who took part. “Your enthusiasm and support made ‘Trees for Free’ a success,” they said.

“Together, we’re growing something that will last for generations.”

18 YEARS: Owen Ryan (centre) speaking with Scariff Bay Community Radio’s Paul Bugler and Tom Hanley.

Photo by: Joe Buckley

Shannon Shamrock housing development appealed

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

BUNRATTY residents say housing should not be built on the old Shannon Shamrock Hotel site to protect the integrity of the area as a tourism location.

Two appeals have been submitted asking for the phased delivery of 58 residential units, a 470sqm convenience store, and six retail/o ce units to be denied.

In September, the Clare County Council conditionally granted a seven-year planning permission for the demolition of the existing Bunratty hotel that has been vacant for 16 years.

ere have been several concerns relating to the tourism of Bunratty. One appellant, the Bunratty Local Development Association, feels that the Clare County Council has lost a signi cant opportunity in integrating with the Castle and creating a connection between the two sites through a tourism-related development. e protected site of Bunratty Castle “seems to have been ignored in the site layout”, they claim.

“ e approach to the design of any development should be sensitive and re ective of the nature of the area,” the other appellant, Mike Fitzpatrick, said. Instead of complimenting its neighbour of Bunratty Castle, Fitzpatrick calls the proposed housing units “a typical suburban housing estate” and thinks that its development is “inappropriate for such a critical site at the

heart of a major tourism hub”.

Fitzpatrick said in his appeal that the development would exceed the housing allocation for Bunratty in the County Development Plan. e

Bunratty targets outlined in the plan aim to tackle the 66 population increase from 2023-2029 and

well-founded decision to grant permission could have been made without this critical issue being addressed,” said Fitzpatrick.

With no secondary school in Bunratty and the nearest primary school, Clonmoney National School, being 3.4km away from the

horse?”

“Surely, if the planning authority are anxious to see a major housing developed in Bunratty, the council should rst take proactive measures towards the provision of a primary school.”

ere was also some disagree-

states that a 41-house increase is required, 12 of which should be located in Brown eld and 29 in Greeneld. Fitzpatrick claimed, “the total allocation of housing for Bunratty has been exhausted,” especially taking into account the housing developments that have been approved or are already underway.

“It is di cult to see how a

site, e Bunratty Local Development Association worries that no assessment has been made of the likely impact on local educational facilities. Leahy Planning Ltd explained on behalf of the appellant that a 40-minute walk is inappropriate for a primary school and asked, “Is this not very much a case of putting the cart before the

ment in the reference to the development’s “mixed use”. In the Development Plan, it explains, “on lands that have been zones ‘mixed-use’ in our near town or village centres, a diverse range of day and evening uses is encouraged, and overconcentration of any one use will not normally be permitted.”

However, Leahy Planning Ltd

claim that mixed-use zoning was never intended to facilitate a primarily housing development and that the planning permissions “directly contradicts” the description of mixed-use.

“It can be considered a mixeduse development only by stretching the meaning of such a term beyond breaking point,” commented Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick said that the development is inconsistent with the development plan objectives and wrote, “ e Planning Report makes little e ort to speci cally address these issues other than say that it accepts that the development meets the criteria of the development plan with very little indication or jurisdiction as to why.”

Originally seeking permission for 67 residential units, the applicant, Crescent House Limited, the granted 58 units were to comprise of 12 two-bedroom units, 42 threebedroom units, and four four-bedroom units. A bat house, car and bicycle parking, signage, public lighting, and two ESB sub-stations were also to be constructed.

A total of 35 submissions have been received by the Clare County Council objecting to this development. Complaints have been pouring in all year from locals who highlighted their visual impact and noise concerns, while some worried that the development may negatively impact the setting of Bunratty Castle.

Two decades on, inquest rules Emer O’Loughlin was unlawfully killed

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

AN INQUEST jury has returned a verdict of unlawful killing in the death of art student Emer O’Loughlin (23) whose charred remains were discovered in a burnt-out mobile home 20 years ago near Tubber.

Clare County Coroner, Isobel O’Dea read out the verdict at Kilrush courthouse on Wednesday November 5.

In the long running Garda investigation into Ms O’Loughlin’s death, Gardaí are seeking to speak to the owner of the burnt out mobile home, John Griffin (58) formerly of Mervue, Galway to assist with their inquiries and his whereabouts remain unknown.

After the inquest, Pam O’Loughlin made a fresh appeal to those who have information around her sister’s death and the person of interest in the case. “People know where he is and they communicate with him and I would appeal to people to come forward even anonymously to let the Garda know where he might be and that is the only way this is going to move forward”.

She said that the family is “absolutely delighted with the verdict”. Pam stated, “It is the first time that

the State has acknowledged that Emer O’Laughlin was killed by someone else”.

She said, “Until now we have had ‘suspicious death’ and this is the first time we have had it confirmed that Emer was killed by someone else. It was what we came here today for”. She added, “The Garda investigation will continue and that won’t be affected by this whatsoever. This was more for our family and a personal thing for our family to get the acknowledgement that after 20 years of everything being wishy washy and not having a definite cause of death and it is now confirmed she was killed by someone else”.

Ms O’Loughlin’s extensively fire damaged remains were found in the burnt-out mobile home at an area known as the New Line, Ballybornagh, Tubber on April 8 2005.

One of the first on the scene of the afternoon on April 8 2005, Cronan Forde of Carron told the inquest that he saw Ms O’Loughlin’s skull “a foot or two” from her body.

Ms O’Dea told the jury that retired deputy State pathologist, Dr Michael Curtis in his post mortem conclusions was not able to provide an anatomical cause of death but in his evidence agreed that the injuries “were consistent

with deliberate violence committed by a third party”.

Ms O’Dea also pointed to evidence in Dr Curtis’s post mortem that found that there was no evidence of soot in Emer O’Loughlin’s lungs or carbon monoxide indicating that she had died before the fire.

In his post mortem carried out the following day at University Hospital Galway (UHG), Dr Curtis concluded that the cause of death was undetermined.

He said that Ms O’Loughlin’s remains “were extensively carbonised and destroyed” and that the distal upper limbs and lower limbs were absent while the skull had detached.

He said that the extreme degree of heat destruction made large parts of the body unavailable for examination.

Det Garda John Keating of Gort Garda Station gave evidence of being at the scene in 2005.

At the conclusion of his evidence, Pam O’Loughlin asked Det Garda Keating with all of the knowledge he knew about the case, did the circumstances of Emer’s death point to the involvement of another person.

In response, Det Garda Keating said that notwithstanding two post mortems were unable to provide a

cause of death, “I believe the circumstances of the death are connected to the actions of a third party”.

Earlier in evidence, Det Garda Keating said that Emer had lived with her boyfriend, Shane Bowe at their mobile home at New Line, Tubber since May 2004.

He said that on April 8 2005, Emer had a day off from her college in Galway as it was closed to mark the funeral of John Paul II and Mr Bowe went to work in Lisdoonvarna.

He said that Mr Bowe last saw Emer at 10am that morning and advised her to call to neighbour, John Griffin to get her mobile phone charged as they were having problems with power in their own mobile home.

Det Garda Keating said that Mr Bowe later died in 2018.

Under questioning from Ms O’Dea Det Garda Keating said that no evidence of accelerant was found at the scene.

The inquest also heard evidence via Zoom from Dr Laureen Buckley, a forensic anthropologist, who carried out a second post-mortem examination after Ms O’Loughlin’s remains were exhumed in May 2010.

County Clare continues to promote conversation about menopause

MENOPAUSE is something nearly half the world will go through, yet it’s still not talked about enough.

It’s a natural part of life, usu-

life change, it’s easier when we talk about it, support each other, and share what helps. Whether it’s chatting with a friend, joining a local group, or just being

lMENOPAUSE: Pictured at the recent ‘Living Well Through the

ally happening between 45 and 55, but for many, it can feel confusing, isolating, or even a bit scary.

Hot flushes, sleep issues, mood changes, and shifts in heart or bone health are just some of the symptoms that can show up.

But every woman’s experience is different, some barely notice it, while others face real challenges.

At the recent ‘Living Well Through the Menopause and Beyond’ event, held in glór, Ennis, on October 18 as part of World Menopause Day 2025, a clear message was shared by all speakers - what matters most is knowing you’re not alone.

Menopause isn’t an illness, it’s a transition. And like any big

open about how you’re feeling, every conversation helps break the silence.

One attendee on the day said that “I am only at the beginning of my menopause journey and learned so much on the day. I have already followed up on some of the links provided and shared with friends.

It was also great to be in the company of so many and not feel alone in this journey”.

Many community groups in Clare are making space for conversations that are full of hope, honesty, laughter, support and connection—because menopause is nothing to hide, and everything to talk about. If you interested in finding out more about community activity, please follow Healthy Clare on Social Media.

Ennis Tennis & Badminton Club raises

for Breast Cancer Ireland

ENNIS TENNIS & Badminton Club hosted its first ever “Smash Cancer” tennisathon and badminton blitz in aid of Breast Cancer Ireland on Saturday, November 1. The event proved a great success, raising over €6,300 for the charity.

Myriam Riand kicked off the day with an incredible five hours of nonstop tennis. The team event continued throughout the afternoon, with over 60 members taking part. One of the highlights was the Fastest Serve competition. Jeremy Ah Chong recorded a speed of 161 km/h, Sarah reached 113 km/h, while juniors Finn Gleeson and Maeve hit 100 km/h and 79 k Flanagan m/h respectively — future champions in the mak-

ing. The Winner Stays On match saw James O’Connell triumph over his father Dan with a decisive winning smash. Meanwhile, the badminton courts were busy with junior and senior blitzes, and table tennis proved popular throughout the day.

The club expressed its gratitude for the strong support and sponsorship from local businesses. Special thanks

were extended to Justin Gleeson from People and Place, Copy Stop for printing, Tale Security, Jim Casey Trophies, Kathy Howe, and the Ennis Tennis & Badminton Club committee. The raffle was also a major success, thanks to generous prize donations from local businesses including Pat Hough Racket Sports, The Lahinch Coast Ho-

tel, Hotel Doolin, The Armada Hotel, Fiddle + Bow Hotel Doolin, No Forty One Bar & Restaurant, Ennis Veterinary Clinic, Coffee Rush Drive Thru, AerCap Shannon, Tennis Ireland, Anne-Marie Darcy, Rob Dunne, The Wine Buff Ennis, Donie O’Keeffe Champion Meats, Manix Ennis, and Danny Comerford.

A big thank you was also given to all club members who donated online, organised raffle prizes, bought tickets, baked cakes and buns, and came along to play and support such an important cause.

The Smash Cancer Committee members were Clara Malone, Karen Mullen, Myriam Riand, Sue Gavin, Edel Malone, Sinead Moloney, and Katja Wittmer.

lFUNDRAISER: Clara Malone pictured with members of Ennis Tennis and Badminton Club at the “Smash Cancer” event [inset image: Finn Gleeson, Jeremy Ah Chong, Maeve Flanagan and Sarah McSwiney]

Photo by: Kathy Howe

Menopause and Beyond’ event held at glór on the 18th of October; Shanelle Waring, Clare County Council, Age Friendly Programme Manager, Christine Gurnett, Senior Dietician, HSE, Ann Reynolds, Clare County Council, Director of Services: People/Culture,Corporate/Governance, ICT & Digital, Samantha McCarthy, Clare County Council Healthy Clare Coordinator, Cllr. Mary Howard, Mayor of Ennis, Dr. Máire Finn, Ennis Medical Centric Health, Claire Flynn, Mental Health Ireland and Murieann Lohan, Physiotherapist

November remembrance and winter garden care

NOVEMBER is the month of All Souls and we remember our lovely ones.

Some like to bring nice arrangement to the grave side and, or have a nice plaque with a beautiful poem. We have a lovely selection available of pots ready to choose from.

We can fill and replenish your own also with plants of your choice.

There is a wide range to choose from.

Solar powered candles are becoming very popular, so pop into to see our full range. Its time to keep the path way and drive way clear of moss and leaves they can be slippery and dangerous so path clear is one product you can use. Even sweeping daily will help just be mindful with leaves, they are not good to

walk on when wet. Its time to start feeding the birds and with a range of food and feeder available we are offering special offers on some food and feeders; 2 peanuts for €5.00 and 3 fat balls for €4.00 and feeders for €2.00

so come in and take advantage while stock lasts and let’s help our feathery friend.

Looking for something as a gift we have lovely animated bird feeders they are beautifully hand made and the birds will love them. Bird bath also now in stock and would make a lovely feature in anyone garden so nice to watch the having a wash too.

We are taking booking now for our wreath making class for businesses, homes or community centres to do groups demos and then watch as people create their own fabulous piece. Contact us here in Blossoms on the go or call 0863405236 for more information.

Happy Gardening

Housing focus of Chief Daly will see Council try sell parcels of land to private developers

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HOUSING delivery and activation is the big focus of Clare County Council’s new Chief Executive but no extra staff have yet been allocated to the housing unit of the local authority.

Ratified as the Chief Executive of Clare County Council in April, Tuamgraney’s Daly engaged in a listening exercise since taking on the role in May before announcing structural changes to the organisation in September.

For his most in-depth interview since taking on the role, the former senior planner was joined by Council Head of Communications, Claire Gallagher when fielding questions from The Clare Echo.

to the Council have been in place since the beginning of October. They include a newly established Housing Delivery, Infrastructure Provision and Land Activation Directorate. This will include a dedi-

cated Housing Activation Unit.

As was evident in his first meeting at the top table in June, housing is top of his agenda.

Clare County Council is doing a lot when it comes to housing but it can do more was his viewpoint, “we’ve targets to 2026 which we will exceed, our targets are over 800 for social and affordable housing, we are on target to deliver approximately 1,200 so there is a lot of positive things happening in that space. We already have a housing stock of over 3,000 units in the ownership of the local authority.

“In addition Clare has been one of the most successful counties in the vacant homes refurbishment grants so Clare has successfully processed

433 applications in the last couple of years which is 433 homes that will be refurbished across the county,

that is a grant award to those of approximately €26m”.

Efforts to “do more” will see the Council pivot to try activate private housing and co-operative housing rather than just social and affordable which is it statutorily obliged to provide.

To do this, housing delivery infrastructure provision activation directorate has been created.

“I’m bringing three already very strong teams within Clare County Council, the housing capital team, the general capital team and the vacant homes/derelict sites team in under one directorate and one director to give a really targeted focused approach on housing and infrastructure delivery because the infrastructure delivery whether it is roads or whatever it is also impacts on housing”.

cel on to a builder and then they are paying it back as they build houses, we don’t have all the answers on this yet but what we’re trying to do is look at national and international best practice.”

Increasing the amount of housing stock in Clare will do a lot more than put roofs over heads, Gordon stressed.

“Why I’m putting so much emphasis on housing, obviously it is a na-

ambitions.

“Ideally in time we would have a housing activation plan for each parish in the county, in the same way we’ve had community plans for each of these but they have tended not to focus on the housing elements.

“Because there has been such excellent work done by the local authority and communities over the last ten years, we’ve wonderful communities

“We said we needed to focus more on rural development and we’ve done, when we needed to focus more on tourism development we’ve done that and done it successfully. Now we’re saying with those building blocks and in a situation where we have a new programme for Government, a revised National Planning Framework, an updated National Development Plan and they are all pointing towards this national priority.

to do that.

“We have built up a lot of expertise and knowledge in that area, I want to use some of that to see how we can unlock private housing because that is critical, the social and affordable housing needs must continue to be met but equally we need all forms of housing in Co Clare. That includes private housing, housing for elderly people, housing for single persons and housing the broadest space.

“All the national supports are there and are pointed towards addressing this issue so we have to as much as we can deal with issues in our control.

This housing activation unit “will be new, it will need staffing and it will take time to get it embedded,” he said.

There are “key elements” to the directorate which include dealing with all key agencies that impact on housing delivery and infrastructure, utilising rural and community development officers to determine the housing need in communities across Clare and engaging the building sector by hosting housing summits.

Provision of serviced sites and selling parcels of land to private developers are among the ways the amount of private housing can be accelerated in Clare, he believed.

among belocal aubigthis and Chief

“Some of the larger local authorities in bigger urban areas have done this for social housing, we’re servicing it and taking the risk out of it and maybe selling a par-

“It does mirror a lot of what we did during the economic crisis, we had a real strong focus on job creation. Housing needs that focus now.”

tional priority and people need homes but it is awfully underestimated the enabler that housing is, if you have issues with town regeneration, housing is an enabler to get more people living in town centres, that will drive footfall to drive businesses which will retain people.”

He added, “we talk to the companies who want to invest in Co Clare and they will talk about housing first and that they are happy to invest in Clare, there is a sense that if the region and county can get on top of housing and housing supply that could have a competitive advantage in terms of attracting more inward investment”.

No extra staff have been drafted in to match their enhanced housing

who have invested so much in a voluntary effort developing their communities and resilience that these are really attractive places to live in and the missing ingredient is housing and people so when people are living there they find that most of what they want is there and what might not be there will come if there are more people”.

Putting a deadline for each parish and area to have their own housing activiation plan “is difficult,” he admitted.

“We provide 1000 services, we have all sorts of other functions, all of those will keep happening but in terms of additionality, this is where there is a need and this is something Clare County Council have done very well in the past.

“For targets of completion of plans, number of units, the next key step for me is making sure we have the structures in place in order to do this, it will take a bit of time to do that, even when Government when it sets up a housing activation office or infrastructure division it takes time, at least we know where the priorities are and we have a clear sense of direction how to get there, it will take time but these issues won’t be resolved overnight”.

When asked how the County Council will secure more funding to build more houses, he stated, “That is why I’m making the distinction.

“We already have a social and affordable housing building programme, that will continue and that very well established and successful pillar is there, that funding comes from Central Government.

“The fact we’ve such an existing excellent housing delivery team and that they are ahead of their targets from Government, their targets for 2026 are 833 units but we’re projected to do in excess of 1100 given our pipeline, other local authorities may not be meeting their targets so they are under pressure

“In terms of funding that we may not be doing actual capital works ourselves but sometimes the activation piece is more a human resource element, engaging with people and trying to unblock things, sometimes it might be just a simple measure.

“If somebody wants to build five, six or ten houses, there may be a strip of land that they don’t own, maybe we own it and can help them get in there. It is problem solving and having someone their whose job is that and that the planning authority and department are there separately to do their job which is to assess planning applications, it is an unblocking.

“In any situation where you have urgency, it does mirror a lot of what we did during the economic crisis, we had a real strong focus on job creation. Housing needs that focus now, it will need some more resources but equally it is open to the Council if it wishes to borrow money or activate some sitesthis”.

Pain of Ennis public realm works will be ‘worth the inconvenience’

by Páraic McMahon

ENNIS’ long-running public realm works “will be worth the inconvenience” according to the Chief Executive of Clare County Council who said the benefits will be visible “for decades to come”.

October 23rd 2023 marked the start of the €11.5m public realm works in Ennis. It has been one of the biggest infrastructure projects undertaken in the town. The main

construction phase of the works will finish on November 26th 2025.

With the county town decked out with fencing and barriers over the past two years, it has become its own jungle of sorts with businesses of Ennis feeling the brunt of the drop in footfall such is the accessibility difficulties encountered by the public in navigating through the town. When asked by The Clare Echo if Clare County Council as an organisation finds it difficult to look itself in the

mirror given the length of time the public realm works have taken and the subsequent struggles faced by businesses, Chief Executive Gordon Daly acknowledged that the project has caused pain. He stated, “It is always challenging when any local authority takes on major public realm works. t has been done in Limerick and other major cities, we acknowledge there is pain and challenges for local businesses, that occurs and we have done

everything we can to mitigate that but hopefully we’re very near the finishing line.

“I think everybody will agree the quality of what has been done is top class and we will see it will be worth the inconvenience and we will see the benefits of it for decades to come, we are very much focused on trying to use the opportunity of this transformative public realm project to do a reset and really try strongly promote Ennis as a key destination

when these works are completed. We are very appreciative of the patience of the local business community on this, we look forward to working in partnership with them in terms of how we can harness all the benefits of it into the future”.

Executive of Clare County Council Gordon Daly

Council Chief confirms Ennis

2040 review focused on giving ‘certainty

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PUBLIC consultation will be ramped up as part of a review of the Ennis 2040 plan while the Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Ennis 2040 DAC is likely to remain in the post for the foreseeable future.

At the beginning of this year, Padraic McElwee was moved from his role as Head of Enterprise with Clare County Council to become COO of the Ennis 2040 DAC following Kevin Corrigan’s resignation in December and

& clarity’

quest of Minister for Housing and Local Government, James Browne (FF) for Clare County Council to complete a variation of its County Development Plan to bring in more zoned lands for housing in Ennis and the county will lead to greater clarity for Ennis 2040.

He told The Clare Echo, “I have to bring forward a variation process to the County Development Plan for councillors and that is provided in legislation, I’ve reflected on the need to bring certainty and clarity to some of the key

subsequent departure in January.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Gordon Daly was tight-lipped when questioned by The Clare Echo on how long McElwee’s interim status would last for.

“I don’t want to get into individual staffing matters”.

In March, two of the most contentious aspects of the Ennis 2040 plan, proposals to build on the public car parks of Abbey Street and Harvey’s Quay were paused. Following his appointment as Chief Executive, Daly announced there would be a review of the Ennis 2040 strategy.

On whether McElwee would continue in the post for the duration of the review, Daly stated, “Padraic is currently in the post and remains so while we are doing this review. I don’t want to talk about individuals”.

Daly explained that the re-

issues in Ennis, what I intend doing is using that variation process and using the opportunity because we have to do it anyway, to bring forward certainty and clarity on those sites within the Ennis 2040 plan that need a final decision, that will mean effectively as part of the variation we will review the Ennis 2040 plan and the Ennis section of the Clare County Development Plan are intrinsically linked. The Ennis 2040 plan isn’t a statutory plan, the Ennis Town plan in the County Development Plan is so opportunity and transformative sites are also referenced in that plan so it is the County Development Plan which will be varied”.

Statutory elements of the Ennis 2040 plan “particularly those relating to opportunity sites” will be reviewed, the Chief Executive confirmed. “Any changes, clarity or cer-

tainty needed will be brought in by way of variation of the Development Plan, that is particularly important because it is a role that councillors have as a planning authority so it will be their decision to adopt those changes or not, it allows a full public consultation, a statutory public consultation where there has to be a Chief Executive’s report prepared, certain timelines for considering decisions and then the fixed position of the local authority for the remainder of years. It will be a change, those sites were put in the last County Development Plan in-line with the 2040 Plan but obviously it is four or five years on, that is why we have structures within the planning process which allow variation and things to be reconsidered, that will happen, we will also use that process for the Ennis Local Transport Plan which would be ordinarily a non-statutory plan so we will use the opportunity of a statutory variation of the County Development Plan to also bring that into the County Development Plan as a component to get certainty on it and also allow for a final round of public consultation where it has to be adopted by the councillors, it is respecting their role and mandate as the planning authority”.

An ongoing review of the Ennis 2040 will continue “over the coming months,” he said. “To make the distinction between the Ennis 2040 Plan, the Ennis 2040 DAC, they are linked but they are separate, a key part of the DAC is to deliver on the projects in the Ennis 2040 Plan, it makes a lot of sense that if we are reviewing the Ennis 2040 Plan and the Town Plan that we also in tandem do a strategic review of the future direction of the Ennis 2040 DAC, this is timely anyway, it is only good business practice four of five years into the making of the Ennis 2040 Plan and the establishment of the Ennis 2040 DAC to actually do a review. I agreed this in conjunction with the Board and the Chairperson, they have given myself the time to reflect on this and this is how we will go forward, that will be done over the coming months, it will give certainty and clarity then as to the future process and direction of Ennis 2040 DAC and what projects it will be working on, it will be linked to certainty in terms of a revised Ennis development plan”.

Search for Considine’s successor as CEO underway but no imminent appointment announcement

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MARY CONSIDINE’s successor as CEO of the Shannon Airport Group is tipped to be an external candidate and is likely to not be appointed until the first quarter of next year.

In August, the Lissycasey woman confirmed that she was stepping down as CEO after six years at the helm. Mary’s tenure saw Shannon Airport in 2024 record a fifteen-year high in passenger numbers at 2.1m. She has since replaced Cooraclare’s Jim Meade as CEO of Iarnród Éireann.

Typically, the Shannon Airport Group takes between six to seven months to complete such a process. The appointment will mark the fourth CEO of the company since its foundation over a decade ago.

A spokesperson for the Shannon Airport Group confirmed to The Clare Echo that “the recruitment process for a new Chief Executive of The Shannon Airport Group is currently underway. It is a key priority for the Board to ensure the Group has the right leadership in place to guide it into the next chapter of its development”.

There is no scheduled timeline on when Considine’s successor will

be announced, the spokesperson stated. “The process is underway, and at this stage, we are not in a position to confirm the timing of the announcement”.

Officials were also staying tightlipped on the amount of applicants for the post. “At this stage, we are not in a position to confirm the number of applicants or the timing of the announcement. However, we are committed to a thorough and rigorous selection process and will provide updates at the appropriate time”.

According to the 2024 annual report for the Shannon Airport Group, the CEO is paid a base salary of €190,000. The 2023 report detailed that Ms Considine also received €47,500 in pension contributions and €11,140 in health benefits.

Since September, Ray O’Driscoll has served as Interim Chief Executive Officer. He had been Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer. He joined the Shannon Airport Group in 2014 as Managing Director of Shannon Commercial Enterprises.

When questioned by The Clare Echo on whether he see himself continuing in a permanent capacity as CEO, he stated, “that is not for

me to decide”. He said that he was “enjoying” the role over the past two months, “I’m not used to it but it is fun”.

According to industry sources, Cork based O’Driscoll is not expected to seek the role on a permanent basis.

From May 2016 to March 2019, Matthew Thomas served as CEO. He joined from Vantage Group where he was Chief Commercial Officer leading the €4bn privatisation of LaGuardia Airport and left to become Ports of Jersey CEO in July of that year.

Aviation veteran, Neil Pakey was the first CEO of the Shannon Group, he was appointed five months after it gained independence from the DAA in May 2013 and announced his departure in December 2015.

There was a period of seven months between Thomas’ exit and the appointment of Considine and similarly a seven month window following Pakey’s departure and the announcement of Thomas as his successor. Based on this timeframe, the next CEO is not likely to be in situ until February or March of next year.

Shannon Airport Group shortlisted as Public Enterprise of the Year

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON AIRPORT Group has been shortlisted for the country’s longest-running business awards.

Recognised in the Public Enterprise of the Year category, the Shannon Airport Group is the only Clare representative on the shortlist for the Business & Finance Awards in association with KPMG.

Now celebrating its 51st anniversary, the Business & Finance Awards are Ireland’s longest-running and most prestigious business recognition programme, honouring excellence, leadership, and innovation across Irish and international business.

For its significant contribution to regional development, connectivity and economic growth in the MidWest, the Shannon Airport Group has made the national shortlist. Ironically, the Shannon Airport Group will compete with Iarnród Éireann for the accolade. Former CEO, Mary Considine has since

taken over from Jim Meade as CEO of the national railway network operator.

A total of five companies are nominated in this category. Bord na Móna, Eirgrid, Iarnród Éireann capital investments and the Western Development Commission are also shortlisted.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday December 11th in The Convention Centre, Dublin. The gala evening will welcome over 1,000 global business, political and social leaders to celebrate outstanding achievement, leadership, and innovation across Irish and international business.

This year’s awards recorded a 29.5 percent increase in submissions, the highest number in over a decade.

lSEARCHING: Mary Considine

Photo by: Brian Arthur

l SHORTLIST: Conal Henry, Chair the Shannon Airport Group, Minister Jack Chambers and Mary Considine, CEO the Shannon Airport Group Photo by: Arthur Ellis

TÚS maith leath na hoibre - Donnellan graduates with first-class honours

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BROADFORD’s Paddy

Donnellan has graduated with a first-class honours degree in Process and Engineering Management from the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS).

A member of Brian Lohan’s Clare senior hurling panel since 2021, Paddy became the only Broadford hurler to win an All-Ireland SHC last year. He credited the close-knit culture of TUS with aiding his academic and sporting development. “For me, TUS was a brilliant experience. There was a very friendly spirit on campus. The lecturers all know your name and that really meant a lot. There’s a real community feeling here and I’m delighted to be graduating with my degree in Engineer ing”.

During his time at the Moylish campus, Paddy was an integral member of the university’s hurling setup and captained TUS Midwest in the Fitzgibbon Cup.

“Hurling-wise, the standout moment for me was playing in a Freshers’ final, it was a fantastic experience. I made so many friends here and got the chance to play with lads from other counties, something I wouldn’t have had anywhere else. That team spirit at TUS really mirrors what you need on the pitch”.

l GRADUATES: Clare and Broadford hurler, Paddy Donnellan [inset image: Brianna Lorenz with President of TUS, Professor Vincent Cunnane]

Tulla students take on Abba

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

STUDENTS from St Joseph’s Tulla will take on Abba in a new production heading to East Clare next week.

Abba will be celebrated in Tulla when St Joseph’s Tulla students perform ‘The Winner Takes It All’ for three nights.

Running from November 12th to 14th with a 19:30 start each night.

Teacher Aisling Mulhern told The Clare Echo, “Audiences can expect incredible singing, energetic choreography, and an atmosphere that will have everyone tapping their feet and singing along”.

Tickets cost €15 with a reduced rate on the opening night with entry for U18s available for €8 and €12 for adults.

graduat ing was Lisdoonvarna’s Brianna Lorenz, she performed a celebratory jig with TUS President, Professor Vincent Cunnane after receiving her parchment for a degree in Graphic Design.

Professor Cunnane stated, “Paddy and Brianna represent the energy, pride and community spirit of our

students. Whether on the hurling field, in the design studio, or walking across the graduation stage, they are the embodiment of what TUS stands for — talent, teamwork and ambition. We wish them all the very best on their next chapter whether that is in employment or further education”.

More than 3,800 graduates have recently been conferred across the university’s Moylish and Athlone campuses.

“Don’t miss this spectacular night of music, joy, and nostalgia. Secure your tickets today at www.sjt.ie and experience the show that proves when it comes to great music, truly The Winner Takes It All,” Aisling added.

North Clare

As part of their production, St Joseph’s Tulla students will perform a host of Abba hits. “From the heart-wrenching ballad The Winner Takes It All to the irresistible dance rhythms of VoulezVous, this show promises to transport audiences through the magic of one of the world’s most beloved pop groups,” she said.

Contractors ‘won’t go near’ collapsing road in Fahanlunaghtamore

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CONTRACTORS “won’t go near” a North Clare road which is at risk of collapse.

Fahalunaghtamore may not be among the most well-known or easily pronounced places in Co Clare but it came up for discussion at a recent sitting of the West Clare Municipal District.

Located between Miltown Malbay and Inagh, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) asked that the road at Fahanlunaghtamore “be re-enforced or embanked to avoid a collapse into the property on the west side of the road”.

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD, Tony Neville confirmed that an initial inspection has taken place at the location. “Further investigation will be necessary to determine the most appropriate solution. It is envisaged significant works may be required at the junction of the privately owned driveway with the public road”.

Speaking on the matter, Cllr Talty flagged it was “a vulnerable section of road, the road is higher than the land”. He said, “The sidewalls were once a line of stake and fence but are now lying over ninety degrees and about to collapse, contractors won’t go near it, the minute they start working on the field they will draw the road on top of themselves”.

According to Cllr Talty, a plan is needed to embank and reinforce the road. He confirmed that the landowner has report-

ed the issue.

His proposal was seconded by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) while Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) quipped that he was hoping to hear Cllr Talty’s pronounciation of the townland. “The Faha races were famous there once upon a time,” Talty replied.

lCONTRACTORS: Road in Fahanlunaghtamore

lMAMMA MIA: Aishling White, Conor Clune and Leah Broomhead

Sat Nav blamed for leading visitors astray & causing accidents in West Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

INCREASED signage on the roads of West Clare is needed to counteract satellite navigation systems sending visitors to the county astray according to local councillors.

Visitors to West Clare via the Tarbert to Killimer ferry are among those taking the wrong routes when landing in Co Clare, elected members of the West Clare Municipal District have said.

In a proposal before the West Clare MD, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) asked the local authority to “review signage on our local roads prioritising; churches, graveyards, next town and historical monuments”.

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD, Alan Kennelly agged, “With the advent of satellite navigation readily available in cars and on phones, road signs are perhaps as not as important as they once were. However, it must be acknowledged that not everyone uses satellite navigation. When in unfamiliar territory I nd myself con rming that my satellite navigation has me on the correct route by referencing road signs. So, road signs still

Contributors

have an important role”.

Kennelly explained, “Road signs are erected in accordance with the Tra c Signs Manual which is a national document. If there are areas where an additional sign is required on the local or regional road network, if the councillor lets me know I will have a sign or signs erected.

Speaking at a meeting of the West Clare MD, Cllr Shannon commented, “the Sat Nav works ne on national and regional roads but going into local roads it is getting more challenging”.

He continued, “the majority of people on holidays looks for signs and their Sat Nav. It is a crazy situation with people going up the wrong way from the ferry a er they get o ”. e addition of a couple of signs “won’t break the bank,” the Mullagh man maintained.

Supporting the motion, Cllr

Rita McInerney (FF) outlined, “Signage and the Sat Nav is a bit of an issue”.

She highlighted a recent accident in Kilkee a German family su er “a serious accident” in Kilkee a er turning the wrong way in a campervan which led to the air ambulance and paramedics getting called.

Talty’s

of Lissycasey win two in a row

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ONE of West Clare’s busiest stores has received a national retail award for the second year running.

Talty’s Mace in Lissycasey for the second successive year was presented with the Checkout National Grocery Retail Award 2025 for Excellence in Fresh Food Retailing in a convenience store.

Cathal Talty accepted the award at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin recently. The National Grocery Retail Awards highlight best in class performance in retailing and honour those who help Ireland’s pioneering stores and retail out- lets achieve

set them apart from their competitors.

Paying tribute to the Talty family and all the team in Talty’s MACE Lissycasey, MACE Sales Director Keith Crawford said, “To be acknowledged with this prestigious award two years in a row is a phenomenal achievement and testament to the excellence of the Talty family and their team in Talty’s MACE Lissycasey. This award is a tribute to the great work they do in providing a wonderful service to their customers and they are great champions for the MACE brand. Well done to all”.

LIFE SAVING SUPPORT

Bank of Ireland has installed a new defrillator at the Kilrush branch.

The Kilrush device is the 19th of 22 defibrillators being installed in total this year as part of Bank of Ireland’s defibrillator branch-installation programme, with the remainder on track to be completed by the end of 2025.

The new defibrillator is located beside the external ATM on the front wall of the Kilrush branch, ensuring it is available to the community at all times.

considerably.

Opened by Máire and TJ Talty in 1974, the store’s long partnership with MACE goes back to the time of the Mangan Brothers, since then they have strived to expand and invest in the store to keep up with modern day customer needs. From the early days they provided hardware, animal feed and fertiliser to the rural customers but over the years have expanded considerably.

WINNER: Kieth Hicks and Cathal Talty

Retro black forest trifle

INGREDIENTS

n6 egg yolks

n50g caster sugar

n50g plain flour

n450ml whole milk

n150g dark chocolate

n425g tin black cherries

in light syrup

n400g fresh cherries

n4 tbsp Kirsch or cherry liqueur

n300ml double cream

n300ml 50% less fat

crème fraîche

n1 pack of chocolate

sponge cake

METHOD

Step 1: Put 6 egg yolks, 50g caster sugar and 50g plain flour in a large bowl and whisk until smooth.

Step 2: Pour 450ml whole milk into a large pan and put over a medium-low heat. Heat until just

steaming, then remove from the heat and carefully pour over the egg yolk mixture, whisking continuously until fully combined.

Step 3: Pour everything back into the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook gently for about 10 mins until the custard thickens and holds its shape on the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Remove the pan from the heat. Finely chop 100g dark chocolate and add to the hot custard, stirring until melted and smooth. Cover the top of the custard with a disc of nonstick baking paper to stop a skin from forming and set aside to cool completely.

Step 5: Drain a 425g tin

black cherries in light syrup, reserving 4 tbsp of the syrup. Halve and stone the cherries and put in a bowl. Halve and stone 350g fresh cherries and mix into the bowl with the tinned cherries (if fresh cherries are unavailable, you can use extra tinned cherries or frozen cherries instead. If frozen, defrost according to pack instructions before using). Mix the reserved syrup with 4 tbsp Kirsch, or other cherry liqueur in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 6: Put 300ml double cream and 300ml 50% less fat crème fraîche into a large bowl and whip to soft peaks. Remove the baking paper cover from the chocolate

custard and stir a large spoonful of the whipped cream into the custard to loosen the texture.

Step 7: Cover the sponge cakes with half of the mixed cherries, then spread over half of the chocolate custard and half of the whipped cream. Repeat with a second layer of the remaining sponge cakes, syrup, cherries, custard and finishing with the cream.

Step 8: Grate (or shave with a veg peeler or wide flat knife) 50g dark chocolate over the top, then decorate with 12 whole fresh cherries. Cover the top loosely with clingfilm and chill for at least 1 hr, or for up to 3 days, before serving.

Enjoy!

Pictured recently at the launch at the Kilrush branchare (l/r): Hilda Dolan – (Bank of Ireland, Senior Bank Manager, Co. Clare), Karen Marrinan, Cllr. Denny Gould, Georgina O’Shea (Bank of Ireland, Senior Customer & Service Adviser), Cllr. Ian Lynch, Michelle O Loughlin, Declan McMahon, Cllr. Gabriel Keating, Anne Blake, and Cllr. Michael Shannon

Ennis woman named LIDL

Carer of the Year 2025

ROISIN Mulqueen Howard from Tulla Road, Ennis has been named the Clare Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025. The Lidl Family Carer of the Year Awards celebrate those whose dedication and compassion make a difference in the lives of the people they care for. They also serve as a reminder that behind every person receiving care is someone providing it, often quietly and without rest, recognition or access to vital supports and services which should be provided by the State.

Roisin cares full time for her daughter Taylor (16), who was diagnosed with nonketotic hyperglycinemia, a rare, life-limiting metabolic disease, at just eight weeks old. Taylor is non-verbal, PEG fed and needs 24-hour care. She can walk short distances but tires easily and also has severe learn- ing difficulties that make communication very challenging.

Through every difficulty, Roisin has remained patient, gentle

Flash floods hit Ennis during evening rush-hour

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LOCALISED FLASH flooding occurred across Ennis Town on Thursday evening.

A combination of torrential rain, already saturated ground conditions and blocked gullies led to sudden flash floods shortly before 5pm in the county town impacting on businesses, home owners and motorists in rush hour traffic.

Areas which were particularly impacted included the Turnpike, Carmody Street and the Kilrush Rd/Market junction in Ennis. A large section of The Temple Gate car park was also covered in water. Crews from the Ennis Municipal District were alerted to the flooding and acted to relieve some of the pressure.

Mark Dunphy of WeathÉire told The Clare Echo localised flooding in Ennis followed torrential rainfall from a squall line, a narrow but intense band of thunderstorms that formed ahead of a cold front moving northeast across Clare. He added that the system brought heavy rain and briefly strong winds to the wider Ennis area between 4.40pm and 4.50pm. “The intense nature of the downpour over a short period of time likely over-

whelmed gullies and drains, many of which were blocked by fallen leaves,” Dunphy stated.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for Clare County Council remarked, “unprecedented rainfall occurred in Ennis during a short time frame”. The Council calculated that an approximate 10mm of rain fell within an hour “coinciding with rush hour traffic”. The spokesperson outlined, “Rainfall events of this scale at this time of year can be especially problematic due to fallen leaves.

“To offset this Ennis Municipal District engages the services of an additional road sweeper to assist with the removal of leaves and clearing of drains during the autumn months. This additional sweeper has been active for the past four weeks, supplementing the work of our two existing road sweepers. A routine maintenance schedule is in place for clearing gullies and other drainage infrastructure. Despite these measures, the combination of heavy rainfall and fallen leaves led to some localised spot flooding in Ennis,” the spokesperson added. “The majority of the flooding was short-lived and receded very quickly,” the statement continued.

and completely devoted. Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy with Family Carers Ireland, said: “Family carers are the silent supporters of so many households across Ireland. They juggle multiple responsibilities, often at great personal cost, driven by love. Too often, their work takes place behind closed doors, unseen, unsupported and unacknowledged. These awards are about visibility and respect for the vital work that they do. Roisin represents the compassion and resilience we see every day among family carers in every town and village. By recognising them, we are shining a light on all those who quietly care, who continue to give, and who deserve to know that their efforts are valued and understood.”

ENNIS GRADUATE

NOTES

Clare Roots Society

The next meeting of the Clar Roots society will take place on Thursday, November 20th at 7:30pm in the Clare Education Centre, Kilrush Road, Ennis (V95 F782). The talk,

A Ray of Sunshine: Festive Fundraiser

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

An Evening of Festive Food and Fashion is being organised by a Clare charity to help raise funds for children’s education in Kenya. The Ray of Sunshine Foundation is holding the fundraising event in glór this November, featuring Celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon. Comperéd by Clare FM’s Colum McGrath, the acclaimed chef will bring his kitchen magic to Clare with a live cooking experience filled with festive Christmas food, and fashion by Pamela Scott, who will show off the glitz and glam of her Christmas clothing collection.

The Ray of Sunshine Foundation is a Clarebased charity that builds schools, rescue centres, and health facilities in the poor areas of Mombasa, Kenya, to enhance education, healthcare, and living conditions. The foundation and its 50 volunteers hope to empower children and give them a chance to escape the poverty trap.

Kevin Dundon is an ambassador for the charity and has travelled with volunteers to Mombasa to help build projects. In 2020, he was instrumental in setting up a cookery academy where students can learn the trade. All funds raised by this event will go toward their building programs, their rescue home for girls to provide counselling and facilities, and their child sponsorship program.

The foundation’s Director and Clarecastle-native, Olive Halpin, has been travelling to Kenya since 2008. These journeys first began when Lisseycasey’s Father Martin Keane, who had been living in Kenya for 40 years at the time, asked Olive to assist him in helping the community. She explained, “I saw the poverty, I saw the community that needed help, I saw the children that were hungry.” She now goes every year with the foundation ahead of their builds to get construction preparations ready.

The Ray of Sunshine’s next trip is at the beginning of January. They will work together to construct new classrooms as part of their 2025 project, which focuses on building new educational and healthcare facilities to provide children with the tools they need to succeed.

A ‘Monster Draw’ will also take place during the glór event. With an overnight stay in the Intercontinental Hotel in Dublin, a two-night bed & breakfast stay and evening meal in Clontarf Castle, a Sculpted by Aimee gift set, and some Collins Jewellery on offer, Olive advises audience members to bring cash for these “fantastic” prizes.

Tickets for the event on noveber 19 will cost €30 and can be bought online: https://glor.ie/ events/the-ray-of-sunshine- foundation-presents-an-evening-of-festive-food-fashion/.

“The Irish Jacobite Army 1689–91,” will be delivered by Dr. Harman Murtagh, former senior lecturer at Athlone Institute of Technology and past president of the Military Histo-

ry Society of Ireland. Dr. Murtagh is the author of several books, including The Irish Jacobite Army (Four Courts Press, 2024). All are welcome.

Ennis

lCARER OF THE YEAR: Pictured from left to right are Roisin Mulqueen Howard, Clare Lidl Family Carer of the Year 2025; her daughter Taylor; husband John Howard; and Julius Wais, Lidl Store Manager

l Enya Ghilardi from Shanaway Road in Ennis, recently graduated from NUIG BSc Economics & Financial Maths

Gort & South Galway

€312k investment for Christmas lights programme

by

A €312,000 investment has been con rmed for the Christmas lights programme for Galway City.

Elected members of Galway City Council approved an increase in budget for the Christmas Lights from €175,000 to €275,000 to allow for repairs to the existing lights and the purchase of additional pieces. is increased money stems from the decision of Galway City councillors to increase commercial rates.

A spokesperson for Galway City Council con rmed to e Clare Echo, “ e total cost for the Christmas lights in 2026 is coming in at a nal gure of €312,000”. is will include the extension of the Spanish Arch display, a new signature lighting piece at the Claddagh Basin, a contemporary Christmas tree installation at the Salthill roundabout, new lighting at the Small Crane along with repairs and upgrades across the city.

Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Mike Cubbard (IND) stated, “Galway’s Christmas lights are a source of joy and pride for our community, and this year we’re going bigger, bolder, and brighter. is investment reects our commitment to supporting local businesses, celebrating our unique identity, and creating a fes-

tive atmosphere that welcomes everyone from lifelong Galwegians to rst-time visitors. I want to thank

my fellow councillors for backing this vision and helping light up Galway in a way that truly re ects

the spirit of the season”.

Chief Executive of Galway City, Leonard Cleary stated that “Galway’s Christmas lights are more than decoration—they’re a symbol of community, celebration, and economic vitality. is year’s expanded programme is a direct reinvestment in our city centre and neighbourhoods, supporting footfall, local pride, and the magic that makes Galway so special during the festive season”.

A programme of activities and events will be funded over the Christmas holidays and the New Year and will include the family friendly New Years countdown event in the City Centre programmed by Night-Time Economy O cer, Kate Howard.

clude promotional materials, social media spotlights on local businesses, and festive events to drive engagement and community spirit in partnership with business groups in the city.

In addition, Galway City Council will sponsor the ‘Best Dressed Business’ competition in cooperation with Galway Chamber and Gaillimh le Gaeilge. Local businesses across all sectors are invited to decorate their windows and shopfronts with festive, creative displays that capture the magic of Christmas in Galway. Participants are encouraged to include Irish language elements to celebrate our bilingual city. Public voting will take place online, giving the community a chance to choose their favourite display and support local creativity. Winners will receive promotional features, prizes, and recognition for their contribution to Galway’s Christmas charm. is competition is designed to boost footfall, encourage community participation, and showcase the ingenuity of Galway’s busi-

To complement the lighting enhancements, Galway City Council will also launch a ‘Shop Local, Shine Bright’ campaign, encouraging residents and visitors to support Galway’s independent retailers, cafés, and service providers throughout the Christmas period. e campaign will in-

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

THE CENTRE for Environmental Living & Training (CELT) has announced a monthlong series of one-day workshops this November, focusing on sustainability, traditional cra s, and nature restoration. e events will take place primarily at the Slieve Aughty Centre, Kylebrack, Loughrea, Co. Galway.

Kicking o the series on Saturday, November 8, environmental consultant Féidhlim Harty will lead Pond Creation and Water Management, an in-depth exploration of natural water management, wetland ecology, and biodiversity enhancement as part of CELT’s Biodiversity Action Plan.

On Saturday, November 15, Steve Bass from Hedgerows Ireland will deliver Introduction to Hedge Laying, teaching traditional skills vital for maintaining healthy hedgerows and supporting Irish biodiversity. e same day, in Ballinlough, Kate and Alan Burrows of Westcountry Willows will host e

to encourage ness community.

CELT announces November series of sustainable living and craft workshops in Galway

Living Willow Journey, a hands-on introduction to willow growing and cra ing.

A festive selection of creative workshops follows on Sunday, November 30, including:

One Day Stone Carving Workshop with CELT tutor Tommy, introducing fundamental carving techniques.

Doll Making Workshop with Laura, teaching the creation of natural Waldorf-style dolls.

Needle Felting Workshop with Kate Hayes, where participants will cra festive decorations from local wool.

Handmade Chocolate with a Wild Twist with forager Olwyn Williams, featuring wild-foraged ingredients in homemade chocolate treats.

To round o the season, CELT will join the Christmas Cra Market at the Slieve Aughty Centre on Saturday, December 14 (12–5 PM), where tutors and local makers will showcase sustainable, handmade gi s. All workshops have limited spaces and include lunch. Booking and full details are available at www.celtnet.org/events.

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: Gort Chrismas lights 2024 [cut out: Mayor of Galway City Cllr Mike Cubbard (IND)]

‘Hold Me Close’ Clare builds a more breastfeeding friendly community

THE ‘WE’RE Breastfeeding Friendly Clare’ campaign relaunched on October 3 during National Breastfeeding Week 2025, reaffirming Clare County Council’s commitment to creating inclusive, family-friendly spaces.

Led by Healthy Clare in partnership with HSE MidWest and supported by Healthy Ireland, the initiative encourages businesses, organisations, and community spaces to welcome and support breastfeeding families.

Since the relaunch, two new breastfeeding rooms have been established in local HSE health centres. These

dedicated spaces are more than just rooms; they’re a message that families matter, and that breastfeeding is valued, visible, and supported. Designed to support mums to drop in and breastfeed in comfort, the rooms are situated in Ennis Health Centre on Bindon Street and the new Primary Care building on Station Road. Both are open to the public from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Assistant Director of Public Health Nursing, Louise O’Neill, stated, “We are proud as a HSE organisation to prominently display Breast feeding positive signage and provide a dedicat-

ed breastfeeding room, to create a welcoming environment for breastfeeding mums in Ennis”.

Fiona Smyth and Aoife O’Toole attended the

opening of the breastfeeding room in Ennis Health Centre on Bindon Street. As breastfeeding mums they welcomed having access to space like this, which they described as “fantastic.” They explained that having such rooms available so close to town helps to “reduce anxiety that mums can sometimes feel when looking for space and it also gives babies a chance to rest in a quiet space, which at times is all they need.”

Since the relaunch of the ‘We’re Breastfeeding Friendly’ booklet, at Clare Libraries on October 3, groups such as Tulla Courthouse Community Centre have signed up to be recognised as breastfeeding friendly spaces. Chairperson of Tulla Courthouse Community Centre, Siobán Mulcahy, said “At Tulla Courthouse, we want everyone to feel welcome and sup-

Lung Cancer –

ported. We’re proud to be a breastfeeding friendly space, where parents can feed their babies comfortably and without hesitation. By supporting families in this way, we’re helping to build a kinder, more inclusive community in Tulla”.   Now, we’re calling on every business and community group in Clare to follow that lead. Signing up is simple, but the impact is lasting. Participants receive a literacyproofed booklet in plain English and a window sticker or poster to proudly display their support. Let’s build a county where breastfeeding is not only accepted but celebrated. Be part of the movement and sign up today. To request a booklet email: samccarthy@clarecoco.ie. To join the campaign, visit: https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/ breastfeedingfriendlyclare

a common and serious cancer in Ireland

LUNG cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in Ireland.

Lung cancer can affect anyone at any age but is more common in people aged 50 and older and in people who smoke.

About 8 out of every 10 cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking but people who do not smoke can get lung cancer too.

Reduce your risk of lung cancer

Tobacco increases the risk of lung cancer for you and the people around you.

The best form of defence is not to start smoking. Quitting tobacco products reduces cancer risk. Give yourself the best chance of quitting for good with free HSE support – contact Quit Mid West on 065 6865841 for free HSE support from your local Stop Smoking Advisor or visit www.quit.ie

Radon is a radioactive gas found in the environment. It has no colour, taste or smell.

It can increase the risk of lung cancer in people exposed to high levels of radon over long periods of time. The risk from radon is even higher for people who smoke, so it is even more important to think about quitting smoking if you live in a moderate or high radon area.

Visit www.radon.ie for information on how to check radon levels and how to reduce your exposure to radon.

Workplaces: Some workplaces involve exposure to cancer-causing substances like, asbestos, arsenic and silica.

Follow your workplace health and safety instructions to help reduce the risk of your exposure to cancer causing substances in your workplace.

Air pollution: Exposure to air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer. The increased risk for each individual person is small. It is difficult to avoid air pollution altogether.

You don’t need to avoid going outside. We can all play a part in reducing air pollution. For example, choosing to walk or cycle instead of driving can help reduce pollution, and is a great way to keep active.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): If you have COPD you are at a higher risk of lung cancer compared to people who do not have COPD.

Family History of lung cancer: You are at higher risk of lung cancer if you have a close relative, such as a parent, brother or sister, who has had lung cancer. Know the signs and symptoms.

For more information, visit: www.hse.ie/preventcancer www.hse.ie/checkthatcough

lBREASTFEEDING:Pictured at the new Baby room in Clare Heath Centre, Harmony Row were Mums Fiona Smyth and Aoife O’Toole with Samantha McCarthy: Healthy Ireland Coordinator for Clare with Clare County Council, Louise O Neill: HSE Assistant Director Public Health Nursing, Niamh Keane HSE Clinical Lead Health and wellbeing Mid West Gobnait Murphy PHN Lactation Consultant Clare.

Photo by Eamon Ward

Annual Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Forum 2025 to take place in county Clare

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

THE BURREN and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark will host the Annual Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Forum 2025 later this month, bringing together experts, policymakers, and community leaders to the heart of County Clare.

This year’s forum, themed “Natural Capital Unpackaged: How UNESCO Global Geoparks Can Play a Role,” will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, November 26–27, at the scenic Hotel Doolin, overlooking the Cliffs of Moher and surrounded by the unique limestone landscapes of the Burren.

The event will highlight the critical role of natural capital in sustainable development, environmental policy, and community-led conservation, while showcasing Clare’s rich geological heri-

tage and thriving local economy. As a living example of sustainable stewardship, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark demonstrates how local communities, businesses, and agencies can work together to protect Ireland’s natural treasures while fostering economic and cultural growth.The Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark will host the Annual Irish UNESCO Global Geoparks Forum 2025 later this month..

The event will feature keynote addresses from Dr. Catherine Farrell, Assistant Professor at Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin, who will introduce natural capital approaches, and Professor Stephen Hynes, Professor of Economics at University of Galway, who will discuss marine natural capital accounting from an Irish perspective. Matthew Hornsby, Assistant Principal Officer in the Department of

Climate, Energy & the Environment, will also speak on the use of natural capital as an environmental policy tool and the contribution of Geoparks.

The forum will be officially opened by Cllr Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, alongside David Bruck, Irish Ambassador of the National Delegation to UNESCO, Dr. Koen Verbruggen, Director

18 month construction window for Tulla Rd Active Travel scheme

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CONSTRUCTION of the Active Travel scheme on the Tulla Rd in Ennis is expected to last eighteen months.

Work had been due to commence in the summer time but got underway on Tuesday last (October 28th), thirty two months after funding was first secured.

The Clare Echo in September reported that staff within the Ennis Municipal District had identified a contractor and were earmarking an October start for the scheme. At a briefing of the Ennis MD in April, elected members were told that local authority engineers were hoping to “be on ground this summer”.

Senior engineer Seán Lenihan had said the contract was for a “twelve-month window” but a spokesperson for Clare County Council has now detailed that “construction is expected to continue for approximately eighteen months”.

A seven-phase construction plan has been outlined, the first of which is expected to last for twelve weeks. It is broken down as follows, Phase 1: Gort Na mBláth to Hillcrest. Phase 2: Millbank to Gort na Bláth. Phase 3: Elm Wood to Millbank. Phase 4: Newpark Rd to Elm Wood. Phase 5: Knockaderry Grove to Newpark Road. Phase 6: Cloverhill to Knockaderry Grove. Phase 7: St Senans Rd to Cloverhill.

€1.8m in funding for the project was granted for the project in February 2023. An addi-

tional €1.5m was received in January of this year. Local authority sources have flagged that the overall Active Travel scheme will cost in the region of €5m. The scheme will provide a continuous 2.2km primary cycle route and enhanced walking and wheeling facilities, incorporating new and upgraded bus stops to improve connectivity between St Senan’s Road and Hillcrest Junction.

Existing pedestrian crossings will be upgraded and new crossings will be introduced at key locations while also implementing traffic calming measures such as junction tightening and a raised table at Ballymacahill Junction. The scheme includes one-way segregated cycle tracks on both sides of the road, with shared-use paths in areas where space is limited.

Temporary traffic lights will form part of the traffic management plan that will be in place for the duration of the works. Works will take place weekdays from 8am to 6pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm but works impacting road operation will take place from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays, allowing for free flow of school and standard work traffic.

Any night-time working and Temporary Traffic Management shall only take place with prior approval, and the contractor will ensure alternative access to all properties and maintain 24-hour emergency access at all times.

of Geological Survey Ireland, and Dr.

A highlight of the event will be the Gala Dinner at

Hotel Doolin, featuring the renowned ‘30 Mile Menu’ of local food, including ‘GEOfood’ produced within and around the UNESCO Global Geopark.

On Thursday, November 27, a field excursion will depart from Hotel Doolin, offering participants the opportunity to visit key Geopark sites and businesses with a focus on sustainable development, geoheritage, and natural capital. The itinerary includes stops at Doolin Pier, Ballyrean, Fanore Beach, Lisdoonvarna, and the Kilfenora Burren Centre.

lGEO-PARK FORUM: The Burren National Park

O’Brien seeks action on road safety in East Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A FORMER MAYOR of Clare has said he won’t sit back any longer and accept unsafe conditions on the roads of East Clare.

Frustration has reached fever pitch for Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) who has hit out at Clare County Council for encouraging people to visit the county but not yet providing safe facilities. He claimed that responsibility has also been abdicated by the Government in failing to put in a place a replacement for the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) for the past eighteen months.

Traffic speed was flagged as “a huge concern” in Killaloe by Cllr O’Brien when he tabled a motion before the Killaloe Municipal District seeking the installation of raised platforms on the pedestrian crossings at New Line Killaloe and at Abbey Street Killaloe. “Both crossings on the New Line are on a regional road and serve St. Anne’s Community College, the crossing on Abbey Street serves both primary schools and two shopping centres”.

Senior executive engineer, Declan Flanagan outlined that Clare County Council have discussed “changes in traffic flow” with An Garda Síochána following the opening of the Killaloe Bypass. This has led to reduced traffic volumes “driving directly through Killaloe but also increases on some other routes within the Town”.

Council officials are reviewing traffic flow “to assess the changes in modal traffic”, he explained. Traffic counters were in place until the middle of September at locations including Royal Parade and near Shantraud Woods. “This data will be processed and reviewed where changes of driver behaviour has occurred. We do see merit for the introduction of Raised Crossings on the L-4001 formerly the old R-463 at New Line where students frequently use the crossings to attend school, with many using the crossings at lunch time. Our Technical team will be drafting plans for these crossings later this year in conjunction with An Garda Síochána and our elected members,” Flanagan added.

Speaking at the Killaloe MD, Cllr O’Brien reminded the top table he had “an identical motion twelve months ago and nothing has happened since. We come in here every two months and one of us has a motion on speeding. There was a lady knocked down at a pedestrian crossing and a couple of weeks ago and it brought me back to the motion, we can have all the surveys and data collected but if we’re not going to do anything about it then

it is worthless”.

Lack of Garda resources sees speeding go unpunished, he flagged. “We’ve a situation in towns and villages where An Garda Síochána haven’t the numbers and told us they can’t guarantee that they can police this matter”.

He added, “Traffic volumes may decrease but speed increases I’ve noticed, the reduced traffic volume has increased the speeds”.

Less cars are in Newtown but “speed has increased,” Cllr O’Brien highlighted. “The area serves a secondary school, a girls primary school, boys primary school, two shopping centres, a housing estate, they are highly populated areas”.

Reflection is needed within the local authority, he said. “As a county and full Council we’re encouraging people to come and visit us, we’re investing in infrastructure, I’ve a huge problem when not providing safe facilities for people in our own communities”.

He continued, “When we canvassed at election in 2024, ever yone of us got it at the door in every community about speeding. I

won’t sit back any longer and accept we need surveys and data, I can see it with my eyes, I walk the roads and the streets, I can see it, I really want this job done and the job in Bridgetown done”.

Turning his criticism towards the Government, the former Mayor of Clare commented, “I know I’m a member of Government party, I could have raised this at Joint Policing Committee which has been replaced and the replacement won’t be up and running till 2026 at the earliest, there is an abdication of responsibility to look after the vulnerable in our communities whether they be vulnerable people going to the shop, to collect pension or vulnerable road users”.

A submission to the Local Authorities Members Association (LAMA) has been made by Cllr O’Brien, he informed colleagues. “One of the submissions I made to the forum for local government, we can all make submissions but through LAMA I asked that the Municipal Districts be funded directly from national government and that we have discretion”.

lROAD SAFETY: Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF)

Photo by:Eamon Ward

Arts & Culture

Inis artists show new work in Scariff Exhibition

by Lisa Mullaly

lisa@clareecho.ie

A NEW collection of work from the Clarebased Inis Artists group is currently on display in Scariff.

Presented by Clare County Council’s Arts Office and held by the Edna O’Brien Library in Scarriff, the ‘Through our Artists’ Eyes’ exhibition opened on Monday November 3 and will run until Saturday November 29.

The exhibition of work represents a fusion of traditional and modern art in a wide range of media and original styles.

Founded over 20

years ago, the Inis Artists group currently comprises of twelve

Clare Winners at Oireachtas na Samhna 2025 Performing Arts Competitions

by Lisa Mullaly

lisa@clareecho.ie

14 CLARE COMPETITORS

have taken home prizes from the Oireachtas na Samhna 2025, held in Belfast from October 29 – November 2 2025. “Congratulations to the winners and everyone who took part in the Oireachtas na Samhna 2025 Performing Art Competitions. Oireachtas na Samhna is an expression of the best, most positive and most exciting parts of our culture, our language and our arts,” said Máirín Nic Dhonnchadha, CEO of An tOireachtas.

This year’s programme included 65 performing arts competitions for various age groups, along with music and singing sessions, exhibitions, seminars, plays, clubs, and discussion events. 10,000 people attended from across the country. Events were broadcast on TG4, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, Raidió Fáilte, Raidió Rí-Rá, Raidió na Life and BBC Gaeilge.

Oireachtas na Samhna is the annual national arts and culture festival organised by An tOireachtas, showcasing the best of sean-nós performing arts, competitions, music, singing, exhibitions, seminars, drama and fringe events.

Clare Winners Children’s Competitions

lBethan Marsh: 2nd place in Violin competition

lKate Breathnach: 1st place in tin whistle competition

lBrónagh Ní Ghríofa & Raghnaid Ní Ghríofa: 2nd place in duet competition

lCroíadh Ní Loideáin: 2nd

lWINNER: Sean De Brún 2nd Place Sean-Nós dancing competition

place in Sean-Nós dancing competition (Competition A)

lJack Reeves: 2nd place in Sean-Nós dancing competition (Competition B)

lAoibhe Nic Dhomhnaill: 2nd place in Sean-Nós dancing competition (Competition C)

lHeidi de Brún: 2nd place in Sean-Nós dancing competition (Competition D)

lThea Ní hAirmhí: 1st place in Sean-Nós dancing competition (Competition E)

lJames Ó Dubháin: 2nd place in Sean-Nós dancing competition (Competition F)

lOisín Bolton: 1st place in Sean-Nós dancing competition (Competition F)

Adult Competitions

lColm De Brún & Liam De Brún: 1st place Duet compeition

lSean De Brún: 2nd Place

Sean-Nós dancing competition

talented local artists who meet regularly to organise exhibitions and events throughout the west of Ireland and to highlight their members’ work.

So far this year, Inis Artists have exhibited their work in St John’s Art Centre, Listowel; Clare Museum, Ennis; the Bank of Ireland, Limerick; Roots Restaurant, Kilcolgan; Fermoy Library and Cashel Library. They have also continued to hold smaller displays in local cafés and restaurants in Bunratty, Barefield, and Tulla. The Shannon Town Centre

shopping centre also features a permanent display of the members’ work which is updated seasonally.

Earlier this year, some members of the group produced a special art exhibition in conjunction with the county biodiversity officer to help focus on the lesser horseshoe bat.

This collection has been shown in Ennis, Shannon, Kilrush and Kilkee libraries and will be on display inside Scariff library at the same time as their new gallery exhibition.

Clare’s own Sharon Shannon shines on The 2 Johnnies Late Night Lock In

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

County Clare’s beloved trad legend Sharon Shannon brought her trademark sound to The 2 Johnnies Late Night Lock

formed her hit song “Galway Girl” alongside “Jean’s Reel”, a set that had both the studio audience and the hosts; Johnny B O’Brien and

For fans back home in Clare, the moment was another proud reminder of Shannon’s enduring influence on Ireland’s music scene. Born and raised

In this week, treating audiences to a rousing performance that celebrated the best of Irish traditional music.

Joined by longtime collaborator Alan Connor, Shannon per-

The White Horse Guitar Club bring their new album to Glór

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CORK-BASED eleven-man band The White Horse Guitar Club are set to perform at Glór Theatre in Ennis on Saturday, November 15.

The group’s second studio album, Sos Beag, was released in early October. Recorded in the pub where the band first came together in 2012, the album blends original songs with reinterpretations of beloved tracks, reflecting the band’s philosophy of music as a means of connection. Founding member Joe Philpott describes the album as “an attempt to make space for the quieter truths.”

Over the past decade, The White Horse Guitar Club has built a reputation for communal, moving performances, drawing audiences from intimate theatres to large festival stages. Their cover of Townes Van Zandt’s If I Needed You has been viewed over 1.7 million times on YouTube, while their rendition of Buddy and Julie Miller’s Wide River To Cross has also received widespread acclaim. BBC presenter Cerys Matthews describes them as “a band that is taking Ireland, and the rest of the world, by storm.”

Johnny “Smacks” McMahon up on their feet. The appearance aired on Thursday, 30 October 2025, as part of the RTÉ series that mixes comedy, chat and live Irish entertainment.

near Corofin, she has long been a global ambassador for Clare’s rich musical heritage, bringing the sound of the west to stages from Doolin to Dublin and far beyond.

lINIS ARTISTS: ‘Night of the Comet’ by Marta Czajor

lLOCK-IN: Sharon Shannon on The Two Johnnies Late Night Lock in

Thought for the week: The Importance of Remembering

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

NOVEMBER has arrived wrapped in quiet mystery, a month steeped in memory and meaning.

e days grow shorter, the air cools, and the natural world begins its slow surrender to winter.

Yet beneath the stillness of falling leaves and fading light, a sacred whisper calls us to remember, to pause, to slow down, to be still, to grieve, to pray, to give thanks, and to hope.

is is the month we honour the Saints and the Holy Souls, those who have walked before us, those who now rest in God’s eternal love, and those we still miss with an ache that never fully leaves us and that no words can ll.

November is our Act of Remembrance Month, a time to bless graves, light candles, whisper names we still love aloud, and believe, with faith that transcends tears, that love is stronger than death.

Earlier today, I stood on the promenade in Salthill and was struck by the horizon, how it appears to be an end, but of course it is my vision that is limited, not the reality of what lies beyond.

November o en feels like that, a horizon between what is seen and what is unseen.

It reminds me that those we have loved and lost are not beyond that horizon, they are simply further along the road of light.

I believe that the dead are not distant. ey are nearer to us than we can imagine.

eir love, once human, has now taken on something divine, something sacred, tender, vast, encompassing.

As John O’Donohue once wrote: “When we lose someone to death, we lose their physical image, but they slip out of visible form into invisible presence.”

As we enter into November, I o en think about how remembering is not merely an act of the mind, it is an act of love.

Thought for the Week

As your thought for the week, nd a quiet corner, perhaps a windowsill, a table or a little shelf

altar in your house.

Place a candle there. A photograph. A ower. A prayer. Pause each evening. Whisper the names of those you love who have died. Tell them what they meant to you.

ank God for their presence in your life.

en, in their honour, do one simple act of kindness, a phone call, a visit, a word of forgiveness, a smile o ered to someone struggling.

Let your remembering become love in action, for that is how we keep them alive, not just in memory, but in the way we live.

Let me leave you with one of my prayer poems about remembering, “Loving and Eternal God, In this month of remembrance, we bring before You all those we have loved and lost. Gather them gently into Your eternal light. Comfort those who grieve; heal what is broken in us by their absence.

Teach us to live with open hearts, to love without fear, to forgive without hesitation, and to remember with gratitude and hope.

Amen.

Your granny had Irish

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

‘’From Irish to English; Language Decline in West Clare” is the title of Dr. Síle Ní Choincheanainn’s talk that will take place this evening at 8pm at An Teach Ceoil in Kilrush.

We o en think of native Irish in Clare as a sad long lost treasure that was lost many generations ago, when

in fact it’s not that long ago at all that the beautiful sound of Gaeilge was to be heard in the towns and villages of North and West Clare.

Travel back to that time leis an Dr. Síle Ní Choincheanainn anocht i gCill Rois.

Imeachtaí/Events:

CILL ROIS – From Irish to English – Language Decline in West Clare leis an Dr. Síle Ní Choincheannain, Déardaoin, an 6ú Samhain, An Teach Ceoil, 8pm

SIONNA – Gaeilge le Chéile, Ionad Siopadóireacht Skycourt, 11am, chuile Dé Domhnaigh

CILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar

SIONNA – Siúlóid Dúlra/Nature Walk, Dé Domhnaigh, 11am, Community Room

LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN

GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach

CLARE FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM

CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Máirt ag Zest 11am, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), Dé hAoine The Market Bar 11am, agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook. com

LUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389. AN SCAIRBH – ‘Lón i nGaeilge’, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé ‘An Gáirdín’

Saving energy - saving money: low cost ways to keep the heat in your home

IT’S NOVEMBER already, time to get out the winter coat and, if your walls aren’t well insulated, it might be time to wrap your house up too. About a third of heating escapes through poorly insulated walls.

ere are three approaches to insulating the walls on existing homes – in the cavity, internally or externally. Each approach has pros and cons and the best approach depends on your house and your own situation.

e most common approach is cavity wall insulation. If your house has two walls with a small gap between them, insulating material is pumped into the gap from holes drilled on the external walls.

It’s simple, low cost and

e ective but obviously you need a cavity and it can’t be done if you have insulating slabs in the cavity or if the walls have already been pumped. If it’s not a runner, you look to internal or external insulation.

Internal wall insulation is where insulation boards are xed to the inside of external walls. It’s disruptive but you nally get the new decoration you’ve been putting o for years and it’s an opportunity to upgrade your wiring and such like.

In external wall insulation, insulating materials are xed to the outside surface of external walls. is gives e ective cover without gaps and gives your house a faceli at the same time. It is the most expensive approach though.

Wall insulation is completely free with no upfront cost if you are one of the many who qualify for the Warmer Homes Scheme (see the banner above). A sur-

veyor from the state agency SEAI decides what is needed and arranges the contractor for you, at no cost to you.

If you don’t qualify for the Warmer Homes Scheme,

you probably qualify for the Individual Home Energy Upgrade grant. e SEAI grant is between €800 and €1700 for cavity wall insulation, €2000 and €4500 for internal wall insulation and €3500 to €8000 for external wall insulation. is typically covers about 80% of the cost for a standard house so the net cost to you ranges from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand euro.

Depending on the contractor, you may have to pay the full cost upfront and then get the grant back about 2 months later.

Regardless of which grant you qualify for, a basic energy upgrade is well worth considering. e worse your wall insulation is now the more money you save, po-

tentially a third of your heating costs every year. Plus you have a cosier, healthier home and less carbon emissions. Apply online at https:// www.seai.ie/grants/ home-energy-grants . Contact Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) on 065 6866800 or pop in to Dunne’s walkway, Ennis, on Saturday November 8 12pm6pm help applying for the Warmer Homes Scheme. To apply on the spot, bring your eircode, PPSN and MPRN (from electricity bill) with you as well as proof you own your own home (such as insurance policy, LPT letter with utility bill (6 month) or mortgage statement). Why wait? Apply today and keep the heat in your home instead of your garden.

 Dr. Síle Ní Choincheanainn

Ennis native Fiona appointed CEO of Radio Kerry Group

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS woman Fiona Stack has been announced as the CEO of the Radio Kerry Group.

Currently General Manager of Radio Kerry, Fiona’s new role as CEO will see her responsible for Radio Kerry, Shannonside and Northern Sound radio stations.

She has been General Manager of Radio Kerry since 2005. Fiona was initially among the team of reporters which joined the successful commercial radio station during its early days in the 1990s as she started out her career in media.

In 1994, she was appointed ‘Head of News’ at the station. Her professionalism and sense of fairness has regularly been commented upon by those that have worked closely with her and in 1998 a further promotion followed when she became Assistant Programme Controller, second in command to then station manager Paul Sheehan.

A Public Relations graduate from the University of Limerick, Fiona left Radio

Kerry in November 2000 to become a Community Relations Specialist with Intel.

From here, she moved to Newstalk as Station Editor, holding the post for three years, during which Newstalk was named Radio Station of the Year at the PPI Radio Awards in 2004.

Radio Kerry welcomed her return as General Manager in 2005 and over the past two decades, the station has been named Local Radio Station of the Year on five occasions.

Her contribution to the industry was acknowledged

in 2012 when she received the Outstanding Achievement Award at the PPI Radio Awards, these have since been renamed as the IMRO Awards.

Stack is a Board member and former Chairperson of Learning Waves a training body for the radio sector, and a Board Member of Nurture Entrepreneurs a non-profit company established by Kerry businessman Jerry Kennelly to run Entrepreneurship Programmes in schools throughout Ireland.

Glenina Reflexology celebrates 20 years of healing in Clare

GLENINA Reflexology is a Reflexology practice run by Lorraine Hughes based in Ennis town.

Lorraine celebrates 20 years in business this November and remembers the day when she graduated with a Diploma in Reflexology.

She followed in the footsteps of her mother Lily who had trained in Reflexology just 1 year before her as she was retiring as a nurse. “We both have a passion for health and wellbeing and were drawn to Reflexology because it’s a safe and natural therapy that can restore and maintain the body’s natural balance and ability to heal itself” as Lorraine points out.

Reflexology is a holistic treatment that involves applying pressure to a number of reflex points in the feet that correspond to parts of the body through zones of energy or ‘meridian’ lines. These meridians circulate in the body in a similar way to the blood, nerve and lymphatic circuits. Reflexology can work on a number of ailments for all age groups and its simplicity and the genuine benefits that people are experiencing explains the renewed curiosity in it.

Reflecting on the past 20 years, Lorraine is overwhelmed by the positive impact her practice is having on clients. Poor sleep and fatigue are among the most common issues that reflexology is helping and many clients are also coming for pregnancy and fertility reflexology.

Reflexology detoxifies the body by releasing toxins and stimulating the lymphatic system which initiates healing. The lymphatic system is embedded in the immune and circulatory systems and cleanses nearly every cell in the body by removing toxins and metabolic

waste.

Its main role in the body is immune surveillance as it sends early warning signs in an attempt to prevent inflammation, infection and ultimately illness and reflexology plays a pivotal role in all of this.

As Lorraine qualified as a reflexologist in 2005, health insurance companies began the practice of reimbursing people for 50% of the cost of treatments. Check with your health insurance company to clarify your policy cover as it could mean that reflexology is an affordable self-care option for you.

To book a reflexology treatment - contact Lorraine at 087 6595417 or check out www. glenina-reflexology.ie for more details and a full price-list.

GENIUS JUNIORS GRAND OPENING

‘Genius Juniors’ a new children’s books and educational resources online retailer officially opened for business on Friday October 24.

Owner of the Abbey Street business, Christina McDonnell celebrated the launch with a halloween themed story event.

lRADIO KERRY GROUP: Fiona Stack new CEO of Radio Kerry Group

lChristina McDonnell with Genius Juniors staff members at the launch event

60 seconds with ... Aoibhín Garrihy and Sharon Connellan

Ahead of the Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025, e Clare Echo spoke to Aoibhín Garrihy and Sharon Connellan, co-founders of Beo

Fact File : Sharon Connellan

Name and position: Co-Founder

Lives: Ennis

Family: Married to John. ree children; Hanora (7), Leavon (6), and Isla (4)

Pets: A miniature hamster

Favourite thing about Clare: Having such a beautiful landscape right on our doorstep, and the people, heritage, and sense of community in Ennis.

Least favourite thing about Clare: at feeling of disconnect that comes with being rural.

One thing you would change about Clare: e weather

Name and position:

Co-Founder

Lives: Ennis

Family: Married to Harry. ree children; Sadie (8), Toby (6), and eo (5)

Pets: no pets

Favourite thing about Clare: Being able to support local products and work with local suppliers.

Least favourite thing about Clare: Dublin being such a big trek

One thing you would change about Clare: e weather weather… If we could put a roof over it, it would a great county!

1.What was your first job?

Aoibhín: Selling ferry tickets on Doolin Pier to the Aran Islands.

Sharon: I worked in a lovely jewellery shop called Concepts on O’Connell Street all through college.

2.Why did you start your own business?

Aoibhín: It was something that really evolved over time. It probably came at a time in our lives when we were ready to put down roots.

Sharon: It happened by accident. We were both doing different things: I was a primary school teacher and Aoibhín was doing lots of media. en we decided to work together and host an event.

3.What has been the biggest challenge in running your business?

Aoibhín: HR probably kept us awake the longest nights, but every day you get better.

Sharon: HR. We didn’t have experience in that, but I think it’s a great place to learn. You have to throw yourself into it. It’s really important to play to your strengths, but also to be very aware and recognise your weaknesses.

4.How do you stay motivated when business gets tough?

Aoibhín: Being in a partnership, sometimes you just need to vent. You need an ear that doesn’t say, “Stop being so negative”. It’s not negativity, it’s actually just a release.

Sharon: We have a lot of friends and other business owners that are nearly mentors to us. Especially in Clare and Ennis, there’s so many business owners that are just so generous with their time and they’re so helpful.

5.Do you have any secret talents?

Aoibhín: I can juggle. I learned it in acting school. It’s an absolutely useless skill that we never used a er college, but if I ever join the circus…

Sharon: I can play the piano.

6.If you could master any skill, what would it be?

Aoibhín: I’d love to surf actually, because of where we are. Sharon: I’d love to be able to sing con dently. I think it’s a gorgeous skill to have, to train your voice.

7.Who is your biggest inspiration in life?

Aoibhín: We recently heard Hagan speak at a LEO event. She talked about Adverse into Advantage, and the highs and lows of business… She was fantastic.

Sharon: Hagan. She was at the Palace only last week as the keynote speaker. We were both really blown away, hearing how she navigated being a mother and juggled that with business, and still grew at an enormous rate.

8.What would you advise to new business owners?

Aoibhín: Finding a level of contentment in what you do is so important. at sense of anxiety and that gut-wrenching Sunday night fear that people get in their careers can manifest then into disease.

Sharon: ere is no day o when you run your own business, so you really, really have to love what you do. ere has to be passion because if you don’t, you’re just going to be a slave to it and you’re not going to enjoy it.

9. What has been your proudest moment as a business owner so far?

Aoibhín: I think getting the doors open in Ennis. e Well was probably the biggest challenge because food and beverage was something that we had never done before, and so that felt massive

Sharon:

10.Where do you see yourself and your business in five years?

Aoibhín: We would love to see growth. Initially, we didn’t get any bank funding. It was all self-funded, so we’re still trying to pull ourselves up from all of that. Time will

tell a lot.

Sharon: Ennis was our biggest project and our proudest for sure. It nearly broke us. It felt so overwhelming. Still looking back, I wonder how did we do that.

11.What was your reaction to being nominated for three awards?

Aoibhín: ree awards is amazing. Social is one we’re really excited about because it’s something that we put a lot of energy into. It’s lovely for our team as well. We just couldn’t do this without them, and they’re going to join us on the night because they work so hard.

Sharon: We’re so delighted, especially to be nominated amongst our peers and other Clare businesses, that’s really special. We’re really looking forward to the night.

Pre-tax profits down 55% at Element Six

by Gordon Deegan

PRE-TAX profits at the Irish arm of industrial diamond manufacturer, Element Six more than halved to $5.58m (€4.79m) last year.

New accounts for the Shannon based Element Six Ltd show that profits declined as revenues reduced by 11 percent from $191.57m to $169.95m.

The directors state that “uncertainties in global markets and macro-headwinds particularly in the global automotive sector” resulted in the drop in revenues during

the year. They state that “investment in research and development, new technology and a focus on continuous improvement in production processes has helped the company to navigate these economic uncertainties and set the company on a solid financial platform to support future growth”. The company last year paid out dividends of $10m which followed a $10m dividend payout in 2023. Operating profits last year plummeted by 87 percent from $4.32m to $560,000 and the company benefited

from dividends received of $3.26m, interest received of $2.55m offset by finance expenses of $797,000 to result in the pre-tax profit of $5.58m.

The company recorded post tax profits of $4.86m after incurring a $723,000 corporation tax charge.

Numbers employed last year declined from 431 to 413 that included 190 agency workers.

The 223 directly employed workers made up of 107 in production, 67 in finance and administration, 27 in engineering and 22 in sales and marketing.

Total staff costs including the cost of agency workers last year reduced from $34.32m to $31.34m that included $27.77m in wages and salaries.

The profit last year takes account of non-cash depreciation and amortisation costs of $5.98m.

The company’s R&D spend last year totalled $6.94m compared to $8.6m in 2023.

The profit also took account of a $1.13m write down in stock offset by a $604,000 gain in foreign exchange gains.

Aggregate pay to directors

last year totalled $910,00 which is down from $1.25m paid out in 2023.

The principal activity of the company is the manufacture and sale of industrial diamond and related products.

Element Six Limited supplies products all over the world and the markets mainly served with industrial diamond and related products are the United States of America, China, Japan and all countries within the European Union.

The directors state that the principal risks and uncertainties include low-cost competition from Eastern European

and Asian suppliers, commodity price, global tariffs uncertainties, fluctuations impacting consumer demand and fluctuating currency exchange rates.

At the end of December last year, the firm had shareholder funds of $120.87m that included accumulated profits of $106.09m.

On the impact of the Trump tariffs, a note to the accounts signed on April 23rd states that effective 05 April 2025, the United States imposed a minimum 10% tariff on imports from all countries.

Aoibhín Garrihy

‘People should shop around for the right solicitor’

The Clare Echo speaks to MHP Sellors boss Stephen Keogh

Q: Tell us about your role.

As managing partner of MHP Sellors, Irish Law Firm of theYear 2025, my role entails two things. One is leading the rm in terms of our overall strategy and also leading the commercial team, which is advising business and companies in a whole range of di erent areas whether it’s buying and selling companies, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, commercial agreements, or employment law. I have a particular expertise in advising boards and companies in the whole area of employment and board regulations and director’s duties.

Q: Tell us about your route to becoming managing partner of MHP Sellors. I originally trained and worked with a commercial rm in Dublin called Eversheds Sutherland, an international law rm and then made a decision for quality of life to come back home and set up our life in Clonlara. From there

Name: Stephen Keogh

Age: 46

we started in a small rm in Limerick and grew through a strategic merger about 10 years ago which formed Sellors. Then three years ago we merged with Michael Houlihan and Partners which formed MHP Sellors. Many people will be aware of Michael Houlihan and Partners, long-established at 92 years in business in Co Clare so it was a real pleasure to be able to step into a role where I could lead that rm into the next phase of its life.

Q: What values do you try to instil in MHP Sellors?

There are a number of things that are really important to us, the number one thing is “Openness and Honesty”. We don’t keep secrets in our rm, we share everything and everyone is very open about the work they have on their desk, challenges they may have and then we work together to try to overcome anything that is in front of us.

Lives: Clonlara – a great village and great community

Family: Married to Pippa. We have four children, two in primary school and two in secondary school

Role: Managing Partner of MHP Sellors

Other commitments: Chairman of Truagh Clonlara Camogie Club; sits on Board of Charities

Reglator; Adjunct Professor of Law in the University of Limerick

About MHP Sellors: MHP Sellors is the leading law rm in the MidWest with more than 50 people working across their o ces in Ennis and Limerick. They provide expertise across all spectrums of law, including private client, residential property, Wills & Probate, family law, dispute resolution, commercial law and more.

Q: Should customers choose wisely when deciding on their solicitor?

Absolutely, people should shop around. Firstly, people should consider what is the actual area of expertise and is it particularly specialised? Does the rm that you’re talking to have that speciality?

A hugely important area of practice now is regulation and compliance and how we operate our systems in line with the Law Society regulations. We recently went through an audit process to assess our standards and we came out with 93 per cent and a gold award because of the processes we have in place to deal with our clients instructions.

Q: What do you enjoy most about what you do?

What I enjoy most is the people I work with. I really enjoy working with the team and knowing that they’re enjoying themselves and ful lled in their role. I also very must enjoy the sense that we are trying to create something together.

At MHP Sellors, we’re building a law rm for everybody in Clare and Limerick who can avail of it with the full level of expertise across the two counties. I take huge pride in the fact that it’s a secure business, and that it’s a really positive place and it’s providing employment across Clare and Limerick. It’s also very ful lling that the business gives back. We do an awful lot of charitable work in Clare and Limerick. We had people running the Dublin Marathon recently for charity, we as a rm came together and raised money for Cliona’s Foundation in September by doing a 5k funrun. That giving back element is really important.

Q: Is there any motto you live by?

There is absolutely no substitute for hard work. I stick by that one quite regularly. There’s no shortcuts in life. If you’re not working hard and something’s not happening for you, maybe you need to work a bit harder.

Q: What are your ambitions for MHP Sellors?

Very much to continue with our plans to fully integrate our Ennis and Limerick o ces. I think AI is front and centre for us so making sure we’ve got a really strong strategy behind AI in the next year or two is crucially important and then it’s about attracting talent and really good solicitors to join us.

 Right to Left: Derek Walsh (Partner), Stephen Keogh (Managing Partner), Dervla Beirne (Solicitor), and Ronan Hynes (Partner)

Think Local, Borrow Local: Why a Credit Union Could Be the Right Choice for You

WHEN it comes to managing your money or borrowing for life’s milestones, many people automatically think of banks. But there’s another option—right here in Clare—that puts members first: your local credit union.

Unlike banks, credit unions are not driven by shareholders or profit targets. Every decision we make is about supporting members, neighbours, and the communities we call home.

Many people assume you have to be a long-standing member to borrow, or that you need a certain amount of savings before a loan is even possible. The truth is, Clare Credit Unions make it simple: you can join and borrow on the same day, and the old requirement to have a percentage of savings before borrowing is not always the case. Loans are straightforward, transparent, and designed to suit your needs.

Another common myth is that credit unions only offer savings. While saving is a key part of what we do, credit unions today provide a range of services, including personal loans, online banking, and in some cases, current accounts and debit cards. This means more

options for managing your money conveniently, whether you prefer to do it in person, on your phone, or online.

What truly sets us apart is our local focus and personal service. Staff know their members and the communities we serve. Decisions are

faster, and support is tailored, not one-size-fits-all. Members benefit not only from competitive rates on loans but also from the knowledge

that their money helps strengthen local communities through sponsorships, local initiatives, and grassroots projects.

Credit unions are also accessible to everyone. You don’t need to have a long banking history. Our approach is simple: transparent, supportive, and community-driven. By choosing a Clare Credit Union, you’re not just accessing financial services—you’re joining a network that values you as a member, not a customer.

If you’ve never considered a credit union before, now is a great time to see what we offer. From hassle-free borrowing to friendly, local service, Credit Unions in Clare provide a different kind of financial experience—one built around people, not profit. Visit your local Credit Union or explore online to see how we can help you manage, borrow, and plan for life’s moments with confidence.

Clare Credit Unions—Derg, Ennistymon, Kilrush, and St. Francis—means no matter where you are in Clare, a friendly credit union is never far away. Visit our website: www.clarecreditunions.ie

l Members of Ennistymon Credit Union

Photo by Tom Micks

Know your employee rights

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

BEING an employee, it is important to know your rights so that your workplace can continue to be a safe environment.

Minimum wage

Since the beginning of this year, the national minimum wage for an adult employee is €13.50 per hour, but for younger employees, lower minimum hourly rates may apply.

Hours

In general, your maximum average working week cannot be more than 48 hours. is doesn’t mean you can’t work more than 48 hours in a week, but that your average weekly hours over 4 months should not exceed 48.

Breaks

You are entitled to take breaks while you are at work and have rest periods between working days or nights, however special rules apply to shop employees.

You have a right to a 15-minute break when you have worked more than four and a half hours, and a 30-minute break when you have worked more than six hours (which can include the rst 15-minute break). You are also entitled to a daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours per 24-hour period and to one period of 24 hour’s rest per week, following a daily rest period. As well as your right to take breaks, you also have a right to disconnect from work outside of normal working hours. is also applies to people working from home.

Holidays/Leave

Most employees are entitled to 4 weeks’ paid annual leave per leave year. However, your contract of employment may give you more annual leave than the statutory entitlement.

All full-time employees are entitled to 10 public holidays each year. To qualify for pay on a public holiday or a paid day o , part-time employees must have worked at least 40 hours in total during the ve weeks ending on the day before the public holiday.

If you must work on a public holiday, you are entitled to one of the following:

A paid day o on the public holiday

A paid day o within a month of the public holiday

An extra day’s annual leave

An extra day’s pay

You have a right to statutory sick pay, which is ve days of paid sick leave a year. Sick pay is paid by your employer at 70% of your normal pay up to a maximum of €110 a day.

You are entitled to certain statutory protective leave, which includes maternity leave, paternity leave, parental leave, parent’s leave, adoptive leave, carer’s leave, leave for medical care, health and safety leave, and domestic violence leave.

Discrimination

You have the right to be treated equally regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, religious belief, or member-

ship of the Traveller community. Discrimination during the recruitment process or in the workplace is unlawful.

Making a complaint

If you have a complaint about your employment rights, you should speak to your employer directly and try to sort the issue informally. If this doesn’t work, you can make a formal complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) using its online complaint form.

Depending on your complaint, you may have to take ‘pre-complaint steps’, such as gathering supporting documents and sending them to the WRC as part of the complaint.

You should make your complaint to the WRC within six months of the alleged incident, but this time limit can be extended by a further six months if there was a reasonable cause for the delay.

Your complaint can be dealt with by mediation or adjudication. Mediation is if both parties agree to mediation, then a mediator will help you reach a mutually acceptable agreement. With adjudication, there is a public hearing, and an adjudication o cer will make a formal judgment.

If you are unhappy with the WRC’s decision, you can appeal it to the Labour Court. In general, appeals should be made within 42 days. If you do not appeal the decision within 42 days, it becomes legally binding and can be enforced through the District Court.

Your guide to budgeting

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

TAKING the time to manage your money better can help you stay on top of your bills and save money each month. Achieve this by using a budget to plan where your money should be going (as well as where your money actually goes).

A budget is a plan that helps you manage your money. It’s the rst step to taking control of your nances and helps you gure out how much money you get, spend, and save. Making a budget takes a bit of e ort, but taking the time to do this is really worth the e ort.

Everyone can bene t from making a budget, not just people who are having trouble making ends meet.

A budget is especially important if you:

Want to make the most of your money.

Don’t know where your money is going.

Don’t save regularly

Have problems paying your bills or debts.

Feel like you’re not in control of your  nances.

Are planning for a major purchase or a life event.

Making a budget can help you feel better, less anxious and more in control of your money. It can also help you to have more money for things that are important to you.

Steps to take before you start

Step 1 - ink about your goals: Identify your shortterm and long-term goals.

Step 2 - Know where your money is going:

Tracking your money will help you gure out what comes in and what goes out of your pocket. Every euro you spend a ects your overall budget. With this knowledge, you can make decisions about future spending.

Step 3 -  ink about your needs and wants:

Once you know where your money is going, decide which things are your ‘needs’ and which are ‘wants’.   Needs are the essential items you need to live, such as paying for accommodation or electricity. Wants are everything else, or the things you could live without. Rank your non-essential expenses. Once you’ve gured out your needs and wants, you’re ready to start your budget.

How to make a budget

Use MAB’s ‘My Budget Tool’ to get a handle on how your money comes in and goes out. You can create a customised budget in a few simple steps. If you have several debts, you may prefer to use their ‘My Full Financial Picture Tool’, which includes information about each debt.

Tips to help you stick to your budget

Now that you have a budget, try to stick to it and review it from time to time.

To help you stick to your budget, try to:

Keep all your receipts and bills.

Be realistic about how much you need, a tight budget is harder to stick to.

Keep your spending as much as possible to what is in your budget.

Update your budget with any changes (increase or decrease in your wages, bill increases and so on).

Compare your budget to what you actually spend at the end of each month.

You should review your budget from time to time to see how it’s working in reality. If your spending o en varies from your budget, adjust the budget to make it more realistic. You can set a reminder to make sure you review your budget regularly. If you make it a habit, you are more likely to stay on track.

To use MAB’s budgeting tools, visit their website: www.mabs.ie

Mills showed their mettle with second half comeback, says Doyle

MUNSTER INTERM' CLUB HURLING QUARTER-FINAL

O'CALLAGHAN'S MILLS 1-19 ABBEYDORNEY 1-17

Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

O’CALLAGHAN’S MILLS

Frees For: 6 (5/1)

Wides: 14 (9/5)

Scores from Play: 1-18

Spread of Scorers: 9

Top Scorer: Sean Boyce (0-5)

Yellow Cards: None

Own Puck-Outs won: 23 from 27 (85%)

ABBEYDORNEY

Frees For: 12 (6/6) Wides: 9 (2/7)

Scores from Play: 1-12

Spread of Scorers: 6

Top Scorer: Michael O’Leary (0-8 5f)

Yellow Card: Michael Slattery (7)

Own Puck-Outs won: 20 from 33 (61%)

REFEREE: Kieran Guina (Limerick)

O’CALLAGHANS MILLS showed what they were about to claim their place in the Munster intermediate semi-final.

An eight point turnaround including an unanswered 1-5 on the trot saw the Mills down Kerry champions Abbeydorney to keep their season running.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Mills manager Seán Doyle admitted their first half showing was off their standards but praised the character

displayed in the second half. “It was a great show of character but it was the first half that let us down a little. It was strange as we weren’t doing things we should be doing and perhaps there was a tricky breeze there as well. But we pulled them in at half-time and just had a few words, no roaring and shouting, just to get back our focus

and start doing things better”.

Defensively he felt the Mills were strong over the hour. “I mean our backs were actually coping quite well but we missed 1-8 which was a lot compared to their [Abbeydorney’s] two wides but

look we regrouped for the second half and thankfully showed more of what we’re about”.

Doyle continued, “We knew that Abbeydorney were going to be strong today but even when things

Francie reaches his final destination with Abbeydorney

by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

HAVING CLOCKED up the miles to help Abbeydorney to win two Kerry senior hurling championships in a row, Francie O’Halloran reached his final destination with the side as they bowed out of the Munster club championship.

Ruan’s Francie led Abbeydorney to a first senior championship in fifty years in 2024 and they retained their title at the beginning of August. Their 0-23 0-17 win over the Pa Kelly coached Ballyduff was their last competitive outing prior to facing O’Callaghans Mills in Sunday’s Munster club quarterfinal.

O’Halloran felt their six week wait for a game became evident in the dying stages of Sunday’s quarterfinal. “Look, these guys haven’t played a real competitive game

since August so perhaps we ran out of gas a bit in the last seven or eight minutes and we got a goal that the Mills wouldn’t be happy with. Look, they’ve seven or eight weeks off now before they regroup and go again whoever is over them”.

For forty minutes of Sunday’s tie, Abbeydorney led and O’Halloran felt they lost their way as the game entered the crucial finish. “It’s disappointing. Fair play to the Mills and best of luck to them for the rest of the competition but we were in control and just lost our way a bit in the second half”.

He told The Clare Echo, “That twenty minute spell in the middle third of the game, we just didn’t get our shape right whereas they got that goal and some great scores that really united them and got their main players back into the game. The goal chance there at the end,

nine times out of ten that goes in and we probably go to extra-time but that’s what you play hurling for, these moments, and right now the players inside in that dressing room, I’m immensely proud of them.

“They’ve secured seven trophies out of a possible eight in the two years that I’ve been here and there’s much more in them too,” the former Roscommon manager added.

His two seasons with the Kerry champions has come to a close, he confirmed.

“I think this is my last game. I just can’t keep doing the driving I’ve done over the last two years as it was off the charts. Look, I’m really proud of them and all I can say is that we’ll just wait and see what happens in a few weeks time when we meet up”.

weren’t really going our way in the first half, at least we were creating the chances and making the runs. And also I thought their goalie pulled off a serious save when it hit the post and at that stage you think that It’s not going to be your day”. Big scores came at vital moments in the second half, he acknowledged. “The lads dug it out, Gary [Cooney] got three points on the left and another substitute Mark Pewter set up another point which helped put us five up and gave us a bit of comfort. “Look, they (Abbeydorney) were always going to hit back and they scored a well worked goal in injury-time but in the end, the lads just held on. We’re there now in a semi-final and that’s the most important thing. We’ve another two weeks training so we’ll take it from there”.

by Gerard

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Colm Cleary dives to try flick the sliotar from Niall O’Mahoney and (inset) Seán Boyce and Gary Cooney celebrate Photos by Gerard O'Neill

Photo

O'Neill

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TWENTY FIVE year old Eoghan Thynne was among the Clare debutants as they began their Oscar Traynor campaign on a winning note to make the semi-finals of the Munster region.

Clare needed extra time to record a 2-1 victory over Kerry on Sunday with midfielder Thynne one of four starting debutants in Denis Hynes’ side and as-ever threw his body into tackles and on several occasions won back possession in the middle of the park.

Losing Ayoub Aguerram to a red card on 11 minutes made matters difficult for the hosts in Frank Healy Park, Eoghan flagged. “It was a tough battle, going down to ten men early made it a slog but we

dug in. There was a good team spirit built after that and we dug it out, the subs made a big impact, Charlie Morrison had a great finish, a great win”.

Reflecting on his Oscar Traynor debut, the trainee solicitor told The Clare Echo, “It could have started a bit better with going down to ten men but it was brilliant to get the win. It is difficult with a brand-new team and we only started training this week, it is difficult and going down to ten to try keep the structure but for that first half in fairness Conor Finnucane did a fantastic job and he got a great goal in the second half, the subs made a massive difference too”.

Lining out for his county alongside players he is used to tackling each weekend was a different expe-

rience for the Avenue Utd midfielder. “Once you’re on the team everyone is getting behind the team. Myself and Scott Kirkland were midfield together. I never played with him before but he is a fantastic player, the two boys at centre back (Liam Buckley and Harvey Cullinan), Shane Cusack in goal a massive player to have in the team. It is a different dynamic but it is a great win to get, I’m exhausted after it”. Substitutes made a big impact to help Clare prevail in extra time, he felt. “In fairness it was a thankless job at times for Conor Finnucane but once we went level with ten men each the game opened up a bit more and Nathan gave Charlie a great ball so they won us the game coming off the bench, it is great to get that impact off the bench and at this level

Hynes' role as FAI Development Officer in Clare in jeopardy

CLARE is at risk of losing its Football Development Officer with the position in limbo, writes Páraic McMahon.

Appointed FAI Development Officer for Clare in May 2005, Denis Hynes has been one of the most influential figures in the game in the county.

He has played a central part in many players progressing to League of Ireland and to signing with clubs in England including Ennis’ Ben Lyne who recently signed with Manchester United. His future in the post is under threat amid cutbacks in the FAI. The role could be disbanded completely or altered so that the officer is covering multiple counties such as Clare, Limerick or Tipperary.

A two-time Oscar Traynor winning coach with Clare, Denis is among those working for the organisation who face an uncertain future. The FAI currently has a debt of €42m but paid public relations and corporate advisory firm Teneo €242,302 for services in 2024 which was almost €100,000 more than the projected spend at the beginning of the year, as reported by The Sunday Independent 100 members of FAI staff recently re-

ceived emails to say their positions were under threat. The FAI has a total workforce of 255. In August, the FAI stated they were planning a “transformation” to reduce the headcount of its staff. Reductions would apply to those classed in “football functions” where the figures are to drop from 170 to 117, personnel in “support functions” will drop from 85 to 78.

The Clare Echo understands that the necessity to retain Hynes’ position has been flagged with Clare TDs, Joe Cooney (FG) and Cathal Crowe (FF) as far back as August.

you will have that massive impact because they are lads that would be starting for their clubs, it is massive

Speaking to The Clare Echo, former Chairman of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL), Jim Madden who also served as an FAI Junior Council Delegate stressed the need for current officers of the CDSL and Clare Schoolsboys/ Schoolsgirls Soccer League (CSSL) to be proactive on the manner.

“It is very important that the leagues both the CSSL and CDSL contact their elected representative and the FAI to see what could be done to continue the job if the position was supported. Sport Ireland must have some additional money, it is seen as a very important role, we have a very active and developing girls section in the county. It is vital we continue the role,” he said.

While not ideal he said the prospect of Hynes covering multiple counties and not just Clare “would be better than nothing but it is a massive job to cover three counties, the amount of clubs in Limerick, Tipperary both North and South along with Clare the person would be run off their feet. If it is the only way we could get it done then we would have to support”.

Thynne embraces 'different dynamic' with Oscar Traynor debut

to have and it is straight knockout so it is a nice victory to get”.

A semi-final with Limerick District League awaits Clare on the weekend of November 22nd/23rd. “Limerick will be a very tough game, they are the best side in it so we’ll regroup and try get a couple more sessions in, more tactical stuff and hopefully don’t go down to ten men at the start of the next game”.

For the quarter-final, the threetime Premier Division winner with Avenue along with all the Clare players wore Newmarket Celtic’s away strip. He laughed at the suggestion that it was fulfilling a lifetime ambition to wear the jersey of his rivals. “I’ll be taking it off as quick as I can, we’ll have to wear an Avenue jersey the next day to make the Newmarket boys suffer”.

Home comforts for Clare clubs in Munster Junior Cup

CLARE’s three sides left in the Munster Junior Cup have all received home draws for the fourth round, writes Páraic McMahon

Bridge Utd, Fair Green Celtic and Newmarket Celtic have all secured home advantage for their last 32 games in the provincial competition. The games are to be played on November 15/16.

Mark Culbert’s Bridge Utd went the furthest of all Clare teams last season when losing to eventual winners Coachford AFC in the quarters. They will welcome Cork AUL outfit Grattan Utd to Sixmilebridge. Newmarket Celtic who reached the final in 2023 have been paired against Abbeyfeale Utd. The Limerick club won the Munster Champions Cup in 2016. Tipperary opponents BT Harps are heading to Ennis to take on Fair Green Celtic. Elsewhere, there is plenty of Clare interest. Ennis’ Steven McGann is joined by ex-Bridge Utd winger Leon Daly in the Pike Rovers side who are away to College Corinthians. Regional Utd who play Ballingarry AFC include Shannon duo Eoin Duff and Brian O’Connor along with Newmarket-on-Fergus netminder Rob Shier. Aisling Annacotty have a sprinkling of a Clare contingent with Shannon’s Jamie Halpin and former Tulla Utd players Isaac O’Sullivan and Arron Curtis forming part of their side who take on Ringmahon Rangers. Kilrush’s Jamie Griffin is part of the Coachford side looking to retain the title.

Seventh heaven for Ennis RFC men

by Dearbhla Parry

ENNIS RFC's adult men's first team scored seven tries on Sunday at home en route to a 43-14 win over Abbeyfeale.

In the Junior Division 2 clash, Ennis scored the first of seven tries not long after the whistle blew to indicate proceedings were underway. Following a five metre scrum on the Abbeyfeale line, Ennis went through the phases across the pitch for Dale Watson to score in the corner.

It set the tone for the first half as right from the resumption, Abbeyfeale kicked the ball out resulting in an Ennis scrum on the halfway line. Number eight Osgar

O'Gorman picked from the scrum and made ground before Cian Guilfoyle continued the advance towards the corner, passing back inside to scrum-half Calum Barrett who finished the move to score a try under the posts. The try was converted by Shane Punch, bringing the score to 12 – 0. Ennis kept the pressure on and blocked down an Abbeyfeale kick in the Ennis half soon after. Ground was made by Cormac Browne, Ben Benko, and Punch before Guilfoyle was stopped short of the line.

Ennis stole an ensuing Abbeyfeale line-out, which was followed by a number of pick-and-goes short of the Abbeyfeale line. Finally,

a Ben Benko carry took Ennis over the line for the try to give them a 17-0 lead.

Abbeyfeale bounced back to make sure the game didn't get away from them just yet, scoring through a quick tapand-go penalty from the Ennis 22 to bring the score back to 17 – 7.

The high-scoring first half continued with Ennis striking next. A penalty kick to the corner resulted in an Ennis maul being stopped short of the line but quick recycled ball ended up in the prolific hands of Guilfoyle who scored the bonus point try for Ennis.

Again, Abbeyfeale showed resistance to score their second converted try from a five metre penalty. The score was

22-14 as the players headed for the sheds.

Into the second half, Ennis scored their fifth try after a lineout in the Abbeyfeale 22. Brendan Keane cut through the centre to score under the posts, converted by Punch, giving Ennis a 29-14 cushion.

More pressure from Ennis continued and after some scrappy play, Stephen Dolan made a line break from the Ennis 22 into Abbeyfeale half, resulting in an Ennis penalty.

They kicked to the corner, with Abbeyfeale clearing, and continued to attack with breaks from Barrett, Dolan, and Keane. Barrett picked from the next ruck, offloaded to Keelan Butler who

broke the next tackle and ran through to score under the posts, converted by Punch for 36-14.

Caoimhin Enright picked up a stray Abbeyfeale pass on the halfway line running through to score Ennis’ seventh try, with Punch kicking his fourth conversion. The final score was 43-14, allowing Ennis to move up to third in the table with three wins from four. The team look forward to an away trip to leaders Waterpark next Sunday. Ennis: Ben Benko, Conor Morrissey, Jonathan O' Donoghue, Cormac Browne (Captain), Matty McNamara, Stephen Dolan, Dale Watson, Osgar O'Gorman, Calum Barrett, Shane Punch, Luke Kelly, Jack Dillon, Brendan Keane, Luke Fitzgerald, Cian Guilfoyle, Joey Keane, Ryan Murphy, Stephen Burke, Seán McDonagh, Keelan Butler, David Utuke, and Caoimhin Enright.

Fixtures: U14 Boys Friendly; Thursday November 6; 6pm in Drumbiggle U15 Boys Friendly; Thursday November 6;6pm in Drumbiggle U16 Girls Munster League: Ennis v Ballina/Killaloe; Saturday 8th November; 11am in Lees Road U18 Girls Munster League: Ennis v Shannon; Saturday 8th November; 11am in Drumbiggle U14 Girls Munster League: Ennis v Fethard; Saturday 8th November; 1pm in Drumbiggle Senior Women AIL: Galwegians v Ennis/Kilrush; Saturday 8th

l Eoghan Thynne keeps his eye on the ball Photo by Joe Buckley

l Hynes

Photo by Natasha Barton

Winter league gets underway at Woodstock Golf Club

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WOODSTOCK

GOLF CLUB:

Round 1 in the Ozone Health & Fitness Winter league at Woodstock was played at the weekend over 15 holes. The winners were Joe (8) and Pat Barry (9) with 58 points. In second place with 56 points were Barry McNamara (9) and Paudie O'Connell (10) with third place filled by Aidan (6) and Noel Mulcahy (9).

The league continues this week, over 15 holes, when the format will be modified team of 2 with two to score in the first 9 holes and one to score in the final six holes.

The winner of the club singles, also played over 15 holes, was Cathal Nagle (10) with 34 points from Pat Keane (10) with a similar score with third place filled by Frankie Slattery (17) with 33 points.

Winners in the 2’s competition were Sean Williams (4th hole) and Ronan Horgan (14th hole). There will be another singles competition this weekend.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

The Matthew Stephens sponsored team of three ladies competition at East Clare on Sun-

day was won by Siobhan Shanahan, Colette Ward, and Mary Farrell from Brid Hayes, Mary Brennan and Margaret MacNamara.

The ladies 9 hole competition was won by Connie McKenna with 20 points from Colette Ward with 15 points.

The ladies Wednesday competition was won by Connie McKenna, Ursula Hogan and Mary Farrell from Deirdre O'Neill, Liz McMahon and Phil Burke.

Paul Madden (14) won the men’s stroke competition on Sunday with 64 from Teddy O’Hanlon (11) with 65 with third place filled by Brendan McInerney (11) with 67. The gross was won by William O'Brien (4) with 72.

Birdie winners were Teddy O'Hanlon, Colm Kelly, Paul Madden, Martin McInerney and Jim Willis.

Last week’s senior men's competition was won by Brendan Magill, Jim Fahy and Paddy O'Brien from Tadhg Murphy, Michael Drew and Dominic Stuart with third place filled by Martin Quinn, Jackie McHugh and John Fielding.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

The men’s 9 hole stableford turkey competition at Dromoland at the weekend was won by

Joe Walsh with 39 points and he had one to spare over Denis Mulqueen with Seamus Cusack also with 38 points, in third place. John Greer won the gross with 38 points while Tony Cotgreave with 30 points won the category for handicappers of 20 and over.

The ladies 9 hole stableford competition was won by Libby Hickey with 18 points from Colette Colleran with Siobhan Doohan third followed by Katrina O’Neill and they also had 18 points.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB:

The men’s hampers competition, sponsored by Ryan’s Centra, took place in Ennis on Saturday and Sunday when John C McNamara (16) emerged as the winner with 41 points.

He won by one from Gerard O'Brien (11) with Michael Clancy (31) a point further back on 39 points. Fourth place was filled by Michael Irwin (27) with 36 points while the gross was won by Ronan Herbert with 34 points. Voucher winners were James Broderick (11) with 35 points, Ian Myatt (11) with 34 points, Martin Moran (5) with 34 points, Kieran O'Loughlin (15) with 34 points and Barry Larkin (12) with 33 points.

Cronin & Markham double up in curtailed Galway card

by Michael Maher

ENNIS’ Martin Cronin was in the winners enclosure twice after recording a double victory in Galway.

Saturday night’s Galway card was curtailed to three races following incessant rain deemed the track not fit for racing. The opening race was an A5 graded 525 yards contest and in the early strides Bosra Bono and Cragbrien Fire disputed the lead with Breaghmore Tilly in third. Turning down the back Cragbrien Fire took a definite advantage and at halfway the son of Ballymac Cashout and Fire Height Mai led Breaghmore Tilly by two lengths.

Beginning the turn for home Cragbrien Fire began to come back to his rivals and as his tank emptied the Martin Cronin and Robbie Markham of Ennis owned Cragbrien Fire lasted home by a head from Breaghmore Tilly in 30.31.

Owner Martin Cronin was back in the winners enclosure following the second contest, an A6 graded affair, this time in company with Jack Markham as Cragbrien Hero (Ballymac Cashout-Fire Height Mai) completed the kennel and litter double by half a length from Hollywell Gypsy in 30.47.

Friday night's feature contest at the same venue was the Join The Time Club A3 525 Yards Stake Final with Time Greyhound Nutrition also supporting several other races on the card.

In the opening semi-final of the race entries by text S7 Pierview Pearl was away very smartly in the centre of the track but her lead was short lived as the Brendan Browne, of Glasheen, Kilkee-owned Glasheen Eagle swept through on the leader's inside to take command. Tracking well around the bend Glasheen Eagle (Dromana Bucko & Glasheen Covid) set sail and went on to score by four lengths from Springwell Jax in 1940.

There was a quickfire double for Meelick’s Pat-

rick Cronin at Saturday in Limerick with Fergus Roise and Fergus Aoibh, homebred litter sisters by Coolavanny Calvin and Fergus Lady, they won their graded contests in 29.61 and 29.28 respectively.

From Thursday’s SIS meeting, the opening contest was won in 29.52 by Jacop Star for Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Myles Cummins, Breda Casey and the C-Star Syndicate, career win 6 for this son of Jacob Tashadelek and Miles Girl.

Race nine was won by Redbud for Tulla’s Michael and Donnacha McNamara, a son of Dromana Bucko and Rockalong Aqua, this was career win number five in 29.23.

A popular winner at Tralee was Tiermana Hunter who won his quarter final in the Timmy Ward Memorial in 28.81 for the Cooraclare and Kilmihil based Supping Away Syndicate, trained by Colm Fitzgerald from Tullabrack, this was career win eight for this son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Tiermana Jetty.

Miltown Malbay Coursing Club held its meeting at the Ballymackea stretch last weekend, there was great celebrations around Liscannor and Ennistymon after the success for Moher Princess in the All Age Bitch Stake, she is owned by the Ocean View Syndicate and trained by Declan and Terry McDonagh.

The All Age Dog and Oaks Trial Stakes were won by the Flynn Family from Tarbert. The Derby Trial Stake went to the Liscannor Runner Up – Lisahally for Pat Barret and Andre Cregan. The Paddy Hehir and Madge Sexton Memorial was won by Calling Bridie for the Good Man Syndicate which comprises of the youthful brigade of Tony Carrol, Eoin Chandler, Mary and Sarah McNamara and Annie Keane and is trained by their grand uncle Anthony Clohessy. The Arthur Family from Inagh were delighted with the performance of Legacy for Ever who impressed all to the claim the honor in the Working Members and Jimmy Marrinan Memorial Cup.

Last week’s senior ladies competition was won by Bernie Brooks, Mary McMahon and Ann McMahon from Judith Brassil, Margaret Flanagan, Brid Cunningham and Carmel Verling with third place filled by Eileen Corry, Una O'Reilly and Josephine Tone.

In the ladies October league 18 holes singles stableford competition, sponsored by Sheils Motor Group, the winner was Peg Hanrahan (17) with 35 points. Peggy Costello (23) was second with third place filled by Nuala Corry (25).

The overall winner of the 18 hole stableford league is Mary T. McMahon (13) with 95 points.

In the October league 9 hole singles stableford, sponsored by Helen Gallery Auctioneers/Valuers and Or na hOige Jewellery, the winner was Ethna Murphy (16) with 16 points from Fidelma Martin (20) with 15 points with third place filled by Audrey McEnery (20) with 13 points.

The overall winner of this league was Josephine Tone (17) with 44 points.

First league win for Cascaders

The Clare Cascaders Men’s basketball team finally got their much-needed first win of the BIDL season this weekend, bouncing back in style after a disappointing low-scoring defeat to Dundalk Ravens the previous week.

The Ennistymon-based side faced the in-form Ballina Braves, who came out firing with three early three-pointers to take the lead. However, Derry Duncan soon settled the Cascaders with two powerful drives to the basket, the first of his 13 points on the night.

Both teams put on a shooting clinic in the first quarter, with the Cascaders’ relentless man-to-man defence putting the Braves under pressure. Graham Sheehy lit up the court with a series of threes from both wings, keeping the Cascaders right in contention. At half time, there was nothing between the sides, with Ballina narrowly ahead 38–37.

The third quarter was a thrilling, endto-end affair, with the crowd on their feet as both teams traded baskets in spectacular fashion. On the defensive end, the

Cascaders’ effort was immense — Mattie Kinch and Conor Dillon dominated the boards, while Roma Byrne and Cian Fahy were powerhouses under the rim. Team captain Mickey Rouine led by example with his trademark presence under the boards, inspiring his teammates at both ends of the floor.

Point guard Ciaran Harrington controlled the tempo superbly, setting up key plays and keeping the Cascaders’ offence flowing, while new recruit Conor Kelleher made a fine impression in his first outing, adding energy and composure off the bench.

With six minutes remaining, the Cascaders looked in real trouble, trailing by nine. But up stepped Cillian Devitt, who held his nerve at the line, calmly sinking four crucial free throws to complete a stunning comeback and seal a memorable win for Clare basketball.

The victory marks the Cascaders’ first of the BIDL campaign, and they’ll be hoping to build on the momentum when they host the Shannon Jets on December 6th.

PLANNING NOTICES

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING PERMISSION FOR RETENTION FEIGHROE, CONNOLLY, CO.

CLARE

I, Tim Durkin, intend to apply to Clare County Council for permission for retention of a shipping container and lean-to shed structures constructed around the container, together with retention of existing site entrance, associated groundworks, soft landscaping including earthen berms for natural screening using a thin layer of topsoil removed from the site, and a small hardstanding area for the loading and unloading of horses, all at Feighroe, Connolly, Co. Clare.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, during public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by Clare County Council of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL COOLMEEN, KILMURRY MCMAHON, CO

CLARE

Take notice that Marie Haugh intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct an extension to the side of an existing derelict cottage along with alterations/renovations to this existing cottage, which will be used as 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 CRAGROE, TULLA CO. CLARE

Take Notice that I Sinead Conlon intend to apply to Clare County Council For Permission for the Construction of a Single Storey Dwellinghouse, Garage & Proprietary Waste Treatment Plant, Bored Well, Vehicular Entrance and driveway including all ancillary site works at 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 of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co.Clare during it’s public opening hours. A submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LAHINCH ROAD, ENNISTYMON, CO

CLARE.

Take notice that Anna and Paul Ralph intend to apply for planning permission to build a new dwelling house, create a new entrance onto public road, connect to public services and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on pay-

ment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

CALLURAGH WEST, ENNISTYMON, CO

CLARE.

Take notice that Michael Commane intends to apply for planning permission to extend and renovate the existing derelict dwelling, install a wastewater treatment system and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARROWKEEL, KILSHANNY, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Danielle Flaherty and Chris Healy intend to apply for planning permission to build a new dwelling house, install a wastewater treatment system and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL COASTAL VIEW HOUSE, CAHERMACLANCY,

DOOLIN, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Martin Mc Donagh Junior intends to apply for planning permission to retain 1. the alterations and extensions to the dwelling house, originally granted permission under reference P13/109, with part use for overnight guest accommodation, 2. the private ancillary residential unit and for permission to upgrade the existing wastewater treatment system all associated and ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL

LISCULLAUN, TULLA, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Darren Murphy intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

DERRYGEEHA, KILMURRY

MCMAHON, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Krzysztof Sznura & Bozena Czarnecka-Sznura intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new

dwelling house, granny flat and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage 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 CLOONMORE, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Jacqueline Coughlan & Stephen Griffin intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete 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 SHANNON FREE ZONE, SHANNON, CO. CLARE PPG SCM Ireland Limited intend to apply for planning permission at their site in Shannon Free Zone, Shannon, Co. Clare, Ireland V14 FX09. The application will consist of permission for the following developments

on the site, consisting of; Construction of a new 47m2 bunded modular extension including an underground bund, A new external covered solvent storage area and bund, New concrete yard, New access landing, ramp, steps & railings, Removal of an existing LPG tank, and All ancillary site development works and services to facilitate the development including drainage, and utility connections.

The proposed development site is controlled by an Industrial Emissions Licence (No. IEL P002003) authorised by the Environmental Protection Agency.

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.

AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT NO. 66.1 GAMING AND LOTTERIES ACT 1956 SECTION 15 APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 CHRISTOPHER MURPHY AS NOMINEE OF COALQUAY LEISURE LIMITED APPLICANT TAKE NOTICE that the above named Applicant of 21, Academy Street in the City of Cork, T12 CV02, will apply to the Court sitting at The Courthouse, Ennis, Co. Clare on the 10th day of December, 2025 at 10.30am for a certificate under Section 15 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956 (No.2 of 1956) authorising the issue of a licence permitting gaming at an amusement hall or funfair namely at property situate at Part of Ground Floor, Merchants Square, Curtins Lane, Parnell Complex, Parnell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 EC6D in the said court area, subject to such conditions as may be imposed in accordance with Section 15 (4) of the said Act. The number and kinds of games proposed to be carried on are as follows: • 40 Gaming Machines • The other forms of amusement to be provided are as follows: - 2 Video Games. The Applicant is not disqualified by Section 8 of the said Act from the promotion of gaming under Section 6 or Section 7 thereof. Dated this 23rd day of October 2025 Signed: Murphy and Condon Solicitor for the Applicant 69 Shandon Street, North Gate Bridge, Cork. TO: The District Court Clerk., The Courthouse, Lifford Road, Ennis, Co. Clare AND/ Corporate Affairs Department, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, County Clare. AND/ Chief Superintendent, An Garda Siochana, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Lifford, Ennis, Co. Clare AND/ The Chief Fire Officer, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

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Monahan (née Colleran), Nuala Ennis

QUINN, Patricia (Trish) Cratloe

Donohue (née Clancy), Hilda Quilty

Loftus, Anne Ennis

O’Rourke, Sr. Noreen Ennis

Prendeville, Paddy Kilrush

SKEHAN, BIRDIE (BRIDGET) Kilmore

Recent Deaths

Brennan (née Shanagher), Lily Ennis

O’Shea, Matthew (Matt) Kilkee

BYRNE, John Shannon

GLEESON, Tom Cratloe

Lamb, Cija Feakle

Lysaght, Pat Miltown Malbay

O’Loughlin (née McGrath), Mary Kilmurry McMahon

O’Loughlin (née McGrath), Mary O’Callaghans Mills

Cusack, Paul Killaloe

Laycock (née Conlan), Margaret Corofin

O’Sullivan (née Ewen), Clare Spanish Point

PELKA, Piotr Karol Shannon

The Clare Echo Crossword

Skating

The Clare Echo Quiz

1. What year did construction begin at Moneypoint?

2. Moneypoint’s towers are the tallest free-standing structures in Ireland. How tall are they?

In what year was the closure of Moneypoint announced?

What fuel powers the plant?

5. Which authority is in charge of the plant?

6. How much did construction of the plant cost?

7. The plant can clearly be seen from what other Irish county? Kerry Cork Galway

8. When is the plant expected to close?

9. At its peak, how much of Ireland’s electricity did Moneypoint produce?

10. What is the closest town to Moneypoint? Tarbert Kilkee Kilrush

ANSWERS

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Last weeks Answers

Fionn Hickey reacts to a breaking ball for O’Callaghans Mills

Photo by Gerard O’Neill