‘Wishes of dead ignored by Diocese’
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
FAITH HAS been tested for a Clare politician who said mass-goers will have to consider leaving money in their will to the Diocese of Killaloe if the wishes of the dead are to be ignored.
Following con rmation from the HSE that they intend to re-apply for planning permission to construct a €25m community hospital on the grounds of St Flannan’s College, a project that the Bishop of the Killaloe Diocese has been rmly behind, MEP Michael McNamara (IND) has taken aim at Bishop of Killaloe Fintan Monahan and the Diocese. It comes a er Charlotte
McNamara in 1955 bequeathed the lands in question to St Flannan’s College.
Speaking to e Clare Echo, MEP McNamara stated, “ e Bishop himself if he is determined to make a few bob for whatever reason, the Church have plenty of land beside Cahercalla that they could use.
“ ere are questions of legality but leaving them aside, as a regular mass-goer you hear the occasional encouragement to leave money in your will for the church but why would you do that if they are going to ignore your wishes.”
TRIUMPHANT TULLA
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
CLARECASTLE’S new post office opening is “massive” for Clarecastle, while a local politician admits the Government is beginning to wake up to challenges of rural Ireland.
The new Post Office opened on Tuesday, maintaining the service has been heralded as a big win for the village.
After generations, the Clarecastle post office has moved from Main Street where it was operated by
the Barry family to Church View and its new home of Kane’s Centra.
Eighteen months ago, the Kanes acquired Centra from the Deasy family who had led the thriving business for over two decades.
The store took on a new dimension with the addition of
a post office to the front of the shop. Elaina Fitzgerald Kane who alongside her husband Myles own Kane’s Centra, said their rural background had them well aware the importance of the post office to local communities. “It was flagged to us that there was a change coming that the
office has it has been known for over a quarter of a century in Clarecastle and such a central part in the hub of the community was closing. We are really mindful coming from a rural background as to how important post offices are from a social perspective, the logistics and everyday things people need in terms of fulfilling their lives and the notion that it may not continue in our community was something we couldn’t bear.
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The UL President’s Access Scholars Awards Ceremony took place recently in Plassey House, celebrating the achievements of Access students in the University of Limerick. Six students, including Emmett Gamble Harhen from Lahinch, Co Clare were presented with the President’s Access Scholars Award, which was awarded on merit by President Professor Shane Kilcommins; (inset) Emmet with his parents John and Melissa and Carenza Costello
Health Minister MacNeill to visit and
will see ‘reality of living
in Clare’
by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
HEALTH MINISTER, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG) is to visit Clare on Monday.
A programme for the visit is currently being finalised, with a focus on giving the Minister an overview of healthcare delivery across the county, including rural areas.
She is expected to visit West and North Clare to try gauge a clearer picture of the commutes faced by patients trying to access emergency care.
Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) said it is important that Minister Carroll MacNeill sees the county’s healthcare situation “at first hand” during the visit. “It’s important that the Minister sees the reality of living in Clare, particularly in west and north Clare where distances and access are real issues. I’ll be bringing her through those areas so she can see at first hand the long journeys people have to make to access hospital care. You only get a proper sense of that by travelling the county and meeting people on the ground”.
Friends of Ennis Hospital had also extended an invitation for the Minister to visit Co Clare and are expected to meet with her this Monday.
Deputy Cooney said the visit will include discussions on a number of key issues, including hospital capacity and ambulance services. “We’ll be having open and honest discussions about what’s needed. The development of a Model 4 hospital in Limerick will be part of that, but there also needs to be strong investment in services here in Clare, particularly at Ennis Hospital and in our ambulance provision.”
“This is an important opportunity to ensure the Minister hears directly from people in Clare and sees clearly where the gaps are. That has to be the starting point for delivering improvements,” he added.
Report from first North Munster Open p24
Photo by Don Moloney
Miltown man first to undergo robotic assisted surgery at St John’s hospital
by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie
A PROMINENT Miltown Malbay man became the first patient to undergo a new robotic assisted surgery programme at St John’s Hospital.
Barry Kelly, a well-known gaelic football referee from Miltown Malbay on January 28 became the first patient to undergo a robotic-assisted procedure at St John’s Hospital when consultant colorectal and general surgeon Prof Christina Fleming carried out a robotic inguinal hernia repair.
St John’s is now the first model two hospital in Ireland to offer robotic-assisted procedures to public patients. The programme was made possible through the activities of the Mid-Western Hospitals Development Trust and the financial support of the JP McManus Pro-Am 2022.
Twelve cases have had procedures to date with the first successfully completed in January.
On top of his role as a referee, Barry also manages deliveries at Aldi’s store in Ennistymon which meant a shorter recovery time was a key consideration in his de-
cision making. He recalled, “When I first met Christina, she explained to me the various options we had for surgery and ran me through the risks and complications. She recommended the robot as possibly the best way forward and I said: ‘We might as well have a go’. But once she said I would be the first one done in St John’s, I said ‘we’ll definitely have a go so’. The Clare lads like to get in first”. Barry continued, “This is the world we are living in now with robotics and tech-
nology. It’s the way forward. The main benefit for me was I was out quicker. I was actually home on the same day. That’s how good it is. Another big plus for me was that meant a bed was freed up for someone else.”
Miltown Malbay’s Kellys are one of Clare’s great sporting families and one of the toughest you will find. Barry’s brothers Gordon and Graham both represented the Clare senior footballers. Their sister Diane who now resides in Wexford is also a
former Clare ladies football star who lined out on All-Ireland final day. His niece, Abi is an Ireland U-18 rugby international representing her country in the Six Nations and also a promising ladies footballer.
Within three weeks of surgery, Barry was back on the sideline as a linesman and back refereeing within six weeks.
Emer Martin, Chief Executive Officer, St John’s Hospital, said: “We’re delighted to be the first hospital in Ireland to introduce the Versius system. The first operations with the new robot were completed on January 28th. From the clinicians to the various healthcare partners involved, everyone has been very supportive of this initiative. It has been very beneficial for our surgical team, collaborating with colleagues in the Mid West health region to deliver on this great project together. We are very grateful to Mr JP McManus and the Mid-Western Hospitals Development Trust for their generous support, without whom this wouldn’t have happened”.
No injuries after school bus fire
by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
KILKEE students have avoided injury after the bus on which they were travelling caught fire last Thursday morning in Tipperary.
In what were frightening scenes for the West Clare teenagers from St Joseph’s Kilkee Community College, the bus on which they were travelling for their school tour caught fire but fortunately all passengers had been removed from the vehicle in time.
No students were harmed with the bus driver credited for acting swiftly to get all passengers off the vehicle before the fire started at the back of the bus, shortly after 8am. Emergency services attended the scene of the incident on the Dublin-bound carriageway of the M7 between the Roscrea and Borris-in-Ossory junctions 21 and 22. Both sides of the M7 motorway were closed to traffic for a period on Thursday morning causing major delays but access has since been reopened.
Principal of Kilkee Community College, Agnes Hehir confirmed to The Clare Echo that there were no injuries as have An Garda Síochána. Students were heading on a school tour to Emerald Park in Co Meath and were able to arrive after being picked up by another bus.
Ms Hehir told The Clare Echo, “We are delighted to report that all students, the bus driver and staff are safe and nobody was injured. We would like to thank all services involved for dealing with the incident promptly and organising alternative transport to continue the trip. Students arrived to Emerald Park and are enjoying their day out as planned”.
l Prof Christina Fleming, Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon, reunites Barry Kelly with the Versius robotic surgery system at St John’s Hospital Limerick Photo by Arthur Ellis
ABBEY COURT, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE
SLAVEEN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE
COURT, CUSACK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE
27 DROMARD, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE
65 GALLOWS HILL, ENNIS, CO. CLARE 24 SHANACLOON, SHANBALLA, ENNIS, CO. CLARE
CAPPAHARD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE
ANNAGORE MILL HOUSE, SOOREENY, SIXMILEBRIDGE CLARE
1 PARNELL GROVE, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE
26 THE WILLOWS, OAKLEIGH WOOD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE
GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE
Accountant says Lisdoon man who sexually abused schoolboy in 1980s is ‘honest & tax compliant’
by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie
A judge has remanded in custody a Lisdoonvarna retailer pending sentence for the sexual abuse of a primary school-boy in the 1980s.
At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford has ordered that Noel Jordan (59) of Jordan’s Mace, Main Street, Lisdoonvarna be remanded in custody arising from the ‘sustained’ indecent assaults on Seán Collins on dates over a six year period between February 1980 to February 1986.
Mr Collins aged seven at the start of the offending in February 1980 and Mr Jordan was aged 14 and the abuse continued until February 1986 when Mr Collins was about to turn 13 and Mr Jordan was 19.
The two lived on the same street in the north Clare town of Lisdoonvarna and Mr Jordan pleaded guilty on a full facts basis to six separate charges of indecent assaults on Mr Collins at various locations including Lisdoonvarna National School, in the garden of the Collins home, at the rear of Jordan’s Mace, at The Community Centre otherwise known as The Pavilion, at Jordan’s Mace Store and at Ardeamish, Lisdoonvarna.
Judge Comerford said that ‘great harm’ was done by Mr Jordan to Mr Collins and the offending “was sustained over a number of years and involved threats”.
Judge Comerford said that Mr
Jordan - now a registered sex offender - was significantly older than Seán Collins “and had power and authority that came from someone who was older”.
Judge Comerford said that Mr Jordan’s guilty pleas “are accepting that there will be a punishment and no matter what weight is given to various factors this is a sentence that will have to be an immediate custodial sentence”.
In his victim impact statement, Mr Collins said: “I have beaten the devil. I couldn’t care less about Noel Jordan, now it is his time to cry.”
“I do not identify as a victim, I identify as a survivor. I do not wish to elicit sympathy or pity from anyone, I assume the justice system is fully aware of the impact of being sexually abused as a child has on a person’s life.
“46 years it has taken me to get to this stage and I feel a sense of
achievement that I succeeded in bringing what happened in the darkness out into the light.”
“I picture this as being the day I walk up to the terrified seven year version of myself who has been crying out to be noticed and heard.
“I am going to put my arms around him and tell him ‘you don’t need to be afraid or carry the pain anymore’. ‘I’ve got you from now on in, I’m going to protect you’.”
Mr Collins recalled as a young child he found the courage to tell his late mother about Mr Jordan’s abuse “and she dismissed me, the subject was never mentioned again in our house”.
In evidence, investigating Garda, Det Garda Niamh O’Malley told the court that after one indecent assault carried out by Mr Jordan on Seán Collins “he had a distinct memory of feeling like a dirty dog”.
Det Garda O’Malley said at the time of the offending, Noel Jordan told Seán Collins that he better not tell anyone or his parents would die.
Det Garda O’Malley said that Collins told her that when he told his mother of the abuse at the time she responded ‘No, that never happened’ and she said if it did happen ‘it was Seán who instigated it’.
Det O’Malley said that Mr Collins was ‘devastated’ when he wasn’t believed by his mother.
Det O’Malley said that Mr Collins was unable to attend the sentencing hearing as he could not physically
be able to sit in the same room as Mr Jordan.
In the witness box, Mr Jordan apologised to Seán Collins.
He said: “I would like to apologise to Seán for all the harm and hurt I have caused him.
“I sincerely regret it all. My faith is keeping me going. This weighed heavily on me all my life.”
He said: “I wish I could turn back the clock but I can’t.”
Asked by his counsel, Colm Smyth SC about coming to terms with his sexuality, Mr Jordan said that he only came out as a gay man to his mother - who turns 90 next month - a few weeks ago and to his sisters three or four years ago.
Mr Jordan said that he assisted charities at community events like Strictly Come Dancing and has dressed up as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and a Heart.
Asked by Mr Smyth did he realise the harm he was causing to Seán Collins, Mr Jordan said: “I didn’t know what was happening…I did not know what sex was - I did not know intercourse was.”
Accountant to the Jordan family for the past 40 years, Jim Halpin gave character evidence to say that “I have always found Noel Jordan to be honest and totally tax compliant”. Mr Halpin confirmed that he was aware of the nature of the charges before the court.
Sister of Noel Jordan, Deirdre Jordan told the court that “Noel is a
very caring person and does everything for everyone else”.
“We know Noel did wrong but I mean he was young at the time. It doesn’t excuse it but it is a fact of it.”
“The times we were growing up then were totally different,” noting that “sex education was never taught to us”.
Ms Jordan said: “I would say Noel didn’t really know what he was doing. It is a factor that he was very young.”
She said: “We didn’t know anything about it at the time....We all played together in the back yard. None of us knew anything was happening.
“If Seán was here today I would say ‘Seán, sorry for what happened to you’ and all my family would say that to him.”
Mr Smyth said that Mr Jordan has offered the sum of €20,000 to Mr Collins as a token of his remorse and counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that Mr Collins does not wish to accept the €20,000.
Mr Smyth said that Mr Jordan had entered an early guilty plea and apart from the offending before the court has led a blameless life.
Ms Comerford said that Mr Collins is happy to be named and wishes to be named in any reporting of the case. Judge Comerford remanded Mr Jordan in custody for sentencing later this month.
l Noel Jordan at Ennis Courthouse
‘A hot potato getting cold’ - Cllrs frustrated over lack of lighting improvements
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
PUBLIC LIGHTING in North and West Clare has been described as a hot potato election item which has since gone cold. Elected members of the West Clare Municipal District made repeated attempts to increase the amount of public lighting across the county.
At the most recent sitting of the West Clare MD, three motions were tabled by councillors.
Cllr Dinny Gould (IND) sought a review of the public lighting outside Kilmurry McMahon parish saying the “current lighting is not adequate”. Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) called for improved lighting across West Clare and Cllr Shane Talty (FF) requested a streetlight along the bridge in Inagh “for the safety of pedestrians”.
Senior executive engineer Alan Kennelly in response to Cllr Gould advised that the roads and transporation department of the Council advise “that for road and traffic safety reasons, new public lighting columns are not provided outside of speed-restricted areas where the maximum speed limit applies. Kilmurry McMahon church is located along a regional road (R485), so additional public lighting is not feasible”.
Cllr Gould stated, “there are a lot of funerals there in the winter, I’d like them to put in a couple of lights to which Kennelly replied, “I wouldn’t hold my breath”. Michael McNamara, senior executive engineer in the transportation department of the Council passed the buck back to the West Clare MD office. “The public lighting section does not possess a budget for the installation of new lighting units. Any new
lighting would have to be funded through West Clare MD funds.”
Cllr Shannon noted. “We do require an extra five to seven lights. We get lots of complaints, three of us have lighting motions in so we have to recognise there is a deficit, we have long winters and we need lighting”.
McNamara also didn’t provide a spark for Cllr Talty’s request in Inagh. He stated, “The installation of a lighting unit at this loca-
tion has previously been assessed, with existing lighting units upgraded to maximise coverage on the bridge. The addition of a lighting unit would require significant accommodation works to extend a power source and to construct an externally clad base for the unit. Funding to permit any of the works would have to be provided through West Clare MD”.
Safety for pedestrians needs to be considered, Cllr Talty flagged. “There are two pubs at the junction of a national road and the village links backs over the bridge to the shop, community centre, the church and the GAA field, there is also a new housing development”.
Inagh is a village “in two segments,” observed Cllr Joe Killeen (FF).
Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) criticised the council by saying, “We’ve diverted to roads and now to the Municipal District, is the Council working together or not? People have to feel they are getting value for money regardless if they live in an urban or rural part of the county”.
An outlay is needed in the budget this year and in 2027, Cllr Shannon added, “We need action, this is a hot potato since we got elected” to which Cllr Talty quipped, “it is a hot potato that has been getting cold”.
‘A great Buzz’ around Fanore
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
FANORE is experiencing a turnaround in fortunes with “a great buzz” evident among the North Clare village.
An increase in trade and visitors has been recorded in Fanore according to locals, this follows a small growth in the food and hospitality options available.
Works are to be completed in advance of the tourism season on the installation of a lower level step at access to Fanore beach “to enable easier access to the popular beach”.
Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) requested the installation of the step and said the commitment to carry out works coincided with a turn in the fortunes of the village. “Fanore was really struggling,” he recalled. “I commend the work done in upgrading the toilets over the last couple of years, the dune restoration, works outside the school, linking the beach back to the centre of Fanore where O’Donoghues is”.
He added, “it is great to see O’Donoghues open, Café Fanore is open and run by a local person, the same for the local shop, there’s a great buzz around Fanore”. Continued improvements have been welcomed locally by the likes of Tom Lyons who have also sought better access to the beach, he was described by Cllr Garrihy as “a gentleman”.
Garrihy’s motion was seconded by Cllr Joe Killeen (FF).
l STAB IN THE DARK: Cllr Dinny Gould appeals for public lighting in Kilmurry McMahon parish Photo by Don Moloney
Council seek further info on 4.3km water pipeline
by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie
FURTHER information has been requested by Clare County Council to plans by The Armada Hotel to construct a 4.3km water pipeline and two wastewater pumping stations.
Estimated to be in the region of €1.5m, the plans from Armada Hotel Holdings Ltd have received strong support in Spanish Point and Miltown Malbay but backlash within Quilty.
This week, Clare County Council informed the applicant it was seeking further information to decide on the plans.
Armada Hotel Holdings Ltd lodged plans in March for the development of a primary wastewater pumping station at Armada House, a secondary wastewater pumping station at the Armada Hotel and a rising main wastewater pipe stretching 4.3km in length located within the L6224, the R482 and N67 in the townlands of Leagard South,
Dough, Annagh, Caherrush, Emlagh and Quilty West. The development will consist of the decommissioning and removal of the existing wastewater treatment units.
Senior executive planner Gareth Ruane in his ruling this week ordered that further information or revised plans be submitted to the Council to allow for a decision to be reached on the application.
Ruane’s ruling covers four different areas. The first asks for the submission of a water framework directive assessment “which assesses the assimilative capacity of the receiving waters to accept the proposed additional load on the Kilmurry Ibrickane watewater treatment plant together with an assessment of the impacts the additional load would have on the plant and the receiving environment should UV disinfection be removed and licenced standards for nitrogen changed in line with the licence review currently under
consideration by the Environmental Protection Agency”.
Proposed variations to the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 which provides for additional lands to be zoned for residential development in both Quilty and Mullagh, must be noted by the developer, particularly assessment and potential impacts on water quality of wastewater treatment capacity.
With the development to remain in private ownership, the planner has ordered that proposals for the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of all aspects including the water main be out-
lined and how potential issues such as blockages or breakages along the main would be managed.
Bealaclugga Bridge was also flagged by the Council, as proposed works within the road “build up over” the bridge and all water crossing points are along the route of the main.
A construction method statement is to be submitted “which is informed by comprehensive site investigation which demonstrates that the proposal would not have adverse impacts on the capacity and performance of the bridge and culvert structures”.
A traffic management plan for the installation of the 4.3km water pipeline must be included in revised plans, the Council instructed.
Technical specifications of the proposed road reinstatement works have been requested where any trenching is proposed.
Regarding the protection of adjacent amenities and land, the planning authority noted “that it is proposed to install a vent stack in close proximity to the proposed connection to the existing sewer network in Quilty. On the basis of the available information, it is unclear whether this would result in significant malodour issues for adjacent residents and land uses. Therefore you are requested to submit further information which specifically addresses this issue.
“In the instance where malodour may be a significant issue revised proposals should be submitted which adequately resolve this issue”.
Residents from neighbouring parishes have been split on the plans with elected members of the West Clare Municipal District also divided.
l Armada Hotel in Spanish Point
€1.93m for airport safety
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
SHANNON Airport has been granted €1.93m in funding under the Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.
In February, Shannon Airport’s inclusion in the programme was confirmed with the scope altered to allow airports with up to three million passengers avail of the funding. This allocation forms part of the 2026 Capital Funding Allocation. €8m in total was announced by Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien as part of the Regional Airports Programme.
Funding is to go towards airport safety and security infrastructure according to management of Shannon Airport. Capital projects set to benefit include the upgrade of the airfield security perimeter fence and the replacement of fire tender for airport fire service.
CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll said, “We warmly welcome today’s confirmation of €1.93 million in capital funding for Shannon Airport in the first year of the Regional Airports Programme running from 2026 to 2030. This funding will support continued investment in essential airport safety and security infrastructure”.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) labelled it is “a very positive investment for Shannon Airport and the people of Clare. Backing Shannon Airport is about backing the people of Clare. It is about making sure our communities are well connected and that local businesses can grow and attract investment”.
Crowe who is the party’s spokesperson on aviation and Chair of the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group added, “This funding will deliver practical upgrades, including improvements to the airfield security perimeter and the replacement of a fire tender. These
are essential works that strengthen safety and improve the overall standard of the airport. I have consistently made the case for increased investment in Shannon, and it is important to see that recognised in this funding.”
He stated, “A stronger, more attractive Shannon Airport puts us in a better position to grow routes, bring in more visitors and support jobs across Clare. “Shannon is central to the Mid-West and investment like this helps ensure it continues to compete and deliver for the region. This is about steady, practical investment that improves the airport and, in turn, improves what it can offer to the people of Clare”.
Junior Minister, Timmy Dooley (FF) said the funding recognised Shannon’s regional and national importance. “This news is really positive because it allows for the funding that the airport normally gets from passenger charges, to use that money instead to develop new routes and attract more passengers on existing routes”.
Knock received the biggest allocation of €2.83m followed by Kerry (€2.77m), Shannon (€1.93m), and Donegal (€367,000).
lSAFE INVESTMENT: Shannon Airport
Layout of Frances Street ‘will be addressed’ as Kilrush Chamber & West Clare MD hold meetings
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
PLANS to improve Frances Street in Kilrush are in the offing while the Kilrush town centre first plan is at draft stage.
Meetings have been held between senior staff in the West Clare Municipal District and the Kilrush Chamber of Commerce with discussions centering on an overall plan for Frances Street.
Senior executive officer in the West Clare MD, John O’Malley has met with representatives of the Kilrush Chamber. “We have started meeting with the Chamber who have ramped up in recent times,” he stated.
In January, a public meeting took place as part of efforts to renew the Kilrush Chamber and West Clare Business Association.
In a proposal before the West Clare MD, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) asked that the feasibility of introducing designated loading bays on Frances Street be examined “in order to facilitate the safe and efficient delivery of goods to businesses operating in the area”.
Alan Kennelly, senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD outlined, “The Kilrush Town Centre First plan is currently at draft stage, having recently invited public observations and submissions”.
The plan is a ten-year strategy aimed at revitalising Kilrush by tackling vacancy, enhancing public spaces, and boosting economic activity.
He added, “The layout of the town centre and Frances Street will be addressed by the plan and may be altered in the medium-term”.
Kennelly explained “Loading bays are provided to allow commercial goods ve-
hicles to make deliveries to business premises.
Loading bays can only be used by vehicles which are categorised as a goods vehicle and are taxed commercially. A commercial goods vehicle can park free of charge in a loading bay for up to 30 minutes.
The hours of operation of the loading bay would be displayed on an information plate. Private vehicles cannot park in loading bays during the hours of operation.
Outside the hours of operation of the loading bay, the prevailing parking regime would apply. I believe that the Road Traffic Acts and as-
sociated regulations may be used to designate a loading bay, but as Kilrush has parking bye-laws these might have to be amended”.
He added, “West Clare MD can look at providing designated loading bays if required. Obviously, every business wouldn’t get its own bay, and there is a consequent loss of parking spaces during the hours of operation of the bay, but if we knew the number of loading bays requested we could work with the businesses affected”.
Speaking at a meeting of the West Clare MD, Cllr McInerney commented, “Frances Street is a very busy street but it is very wide, there are particular days when it is hard to get parking and it is on those days when problems arise with deliveries”.
She said, “One company that was delivering to shops got a ticket because of where they were parked, it would allow for more certainty on where the areas are and provide better transport links
in terms of how they move around the town for themselves”.
Seconding the proposal, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) recalled that Kilrush Town Council had previously reviewed parking bye laws. He said “The one outside the bank was mainly for the army collecting money of a Friday,” he acknowledged. Director of Service, Carmel Kirby suggested, “if it is an existing loading bay maybe it just needs some painting up.”
lPLANNING STAGE: Francis Street to be improved
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
Festival of Finn brings streets to life in Corofin
FINN-TASTIC DAY OUT: There was magic in the air and colour on the streets of Corofin last weekend as the North Clare village celebrated their annual Festival of Finn
Photos by Tom Micks
Shannon Airport welcomes eight search unit recruits
by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
Shannon Airport has welcomed eight new members to its Airport Search Unit (ASU) team as it prepares for a busy summer season.
The new ASU officers recently completed a comprehensive four week training programme covering the operation of Shannon Airport’s three dimensional screening system, cabin baggage search techniques, manual handling, sunflower hidden disability awareness and more. The programme was delivered in house, combining theory and hands on, practical experience, with certification completed by the Irish Aviation Authority.
Hailing from County Clare and neighbouring counties Limerick, Tipperary and Cork, the recruits bring with them a wide range of customer service experience from retail and hospitality, as well as from other roles within the airport, including ground handling.
The recruits received their official certificates at an event welcoming them to the Shannon Airport team. Speaking at the event, Pat O’Brien, Chief Officer of Shannon Airport Police, Fire Service and
Security, said: “Our ASU officers play a vital role at Shannon, both from a security and a customer experience perspective. They are often the first point of contact for passengers and are a key part of
how well our airport operates. I want to congratulate today’s newly certified officers and thank them, along with Jean Moloney, Deputy Chief Security Officer, and our instructors Richard Chute and Julia Shortt, for the commitment and professionalism shown throughout the training programme.”
Screening Supervisor and instructor Richard Chute added: “It’s an intense four weeks, but this group did exceptionally well. The role really suits people from all walks of life who enjoy working with others and helping passengers feel at ease. The new officers have already worked really well together, and we’re looking forward to seeing them out on the floor now as part of the wider ASU team.”
Plans for Shannon town flood relief are welcomed
by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
SHANNON Community Partnership welcomes the recent announcement that plans for flood relief works in Shannon are progressing towards the planning application stage.
This development represents an important step forward in addressing long-standing concerns around flood risk in the area. Effective flood protection is critical for safeguarding homes, businesses, and community infrastructure across Shannon.
A spokesperson for Shannon Community Partnership said that it will be important for the planning process to fully reflect the needs and wellbeing of local residents.
In particular, the Partnership encourages that opportunities to enhance community amenities are actively considered as part of the project, including the potential integration of a greenway, which would provide significant recreational, health, and connectivity benefits for the town.
The Partnership also highlighted the importance of protecting existing community assets and amenities, including well-used recreational routes such as the Shannon parkrun. “These spaces play a vital role in community life and should be preserved and, where possible, enhanced through any development.”
A statement said, “Shannon Community Partnership looks forward to reviewing the full details of the planning application once submitted and to engaging constructively with all stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome for the town”.
Limerick burglars caused €47,380 to Wolfe Tones
by Gordon Deegan
news@clareecho.ie
The GAA club of All-Ireland winning hurling player and manager, Brian Lohan suffered cumulative losses of €47,380 arising from a burglary committed by three Limerick men in July 2024, a court has heard.
At a sentencing hearing of the three concerning 105 separate guilty pleas before Ennis Circuit Court, Det Garda Aoife O’Malley said that the costs of the burglary of Wolfe Tones GAA club in Shannon from July 9th 2024 totals €47,380.
In the case, Eddie Carey (31), Owen Casey (28) and Tyreke Casey Curtin (25) carried out the burglary and the Wolfe Tones burglary was one of seven burglaries the three pleaded guilty to on one day alone on July 9th 2024.
The other burglaries took place at Oran Tan, Castle Street, Oranmore; Gala Chinese, Castle Street, Oranmore; Hair Symphony, Clarinbridge; News and Views Bridge St, Gort, Daybreak, Crusheen and Poppy Seed Café, Clarinbridge. In evidence, Det Garda O’Malley said that during the 2.18am Wolfe Tones burglary significant damage was caused by the removal of the club safe which resulted in €16,000 damage to the bar counter at the club.
Det O’Malley said that the club safe cost €7,000 to replace and she said that the safe was recovered on July 15th from Croom and was completely burned out.
Det O’Malley said that €12,380 in cash was removed from the safe while the cost of the temporary closure of the clubhouse for
a number of days was put at €12,000.
Det O’Malley said that Eoin Casey lost the tip of a baby finger as the burglars placed the stolen safe into the back of their vehicle at the main entrance to the clubhouse.
Det O‘Malley said that Mr Casey’s blood spilled onto the steps outside the main entrance of the club and in an effort to get rid of any DNA evidence Eddie Carey poured fuel onto the steps and then set it alight.
CCTV footage of Mr Carey setting the fuel on fire was played to the court and Det O’Malley said that despite the fire, Gardai were able to retrieve DNA evidence of Mr Casey from the scene. Twelve separate victim impact statements were read out to the court by counsel for the State, Sarah Jane
Comerford BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) arising from the trio’s crime spree at locations in Galway, Clare and Limerick starting in October 2023 to January 2025.
In the victim impact statement provided by Wolfe Tones, club Cathaoirleach, Gearóid de Buitléir along Amanda ni hÓgáin and Jake Ó Breasláin stated that the “clubhouse and bar facility that was targeted is a vital source of income for the club”.
They said that “to arrive and witness the scale of damage caused has left a lasting sense of shock, anger and upset amongst those individuals and across the wider club community.”
They said that the club has been forced to put in place a professional security response service and “this
represents an ongoing and indefinite cost that did not previously exist. These are funds that would otherwise have been invested in our underage teams and community initiative”.
They state that “in real terms, this incident has diverted resources away from young people in our community - away from coaching, equipment and development - and into covering costs arising from criminal damage.”
They state that Wolfe Tones na Sionna GAA Club “is a source of pride in Shannon…this incident has caused genuine distress and disappointment among members, families and supporters”.
Ms Comerford said that the three accused were involved in theft, unauthorised taking, residential
burglaries and commercial burglaries and handling of vehicles from October 2023 to January 6th 2025.
Det Garda O’Malley said that during the period of offending, Mr Carey asked a family member to set up a public TikTok account called ‘Munster Crime Gang’ where images and videos of stolen vehicles were uploaded to. In the case, Tyreke Casey Curtin (25) of Caisleán na hAbhann, Castletroy, Limerick has pleaded guilty to 23 offences which is in addition to the combined 82 guilty pleas entered into by Mr Carey and Owen Casey. Mr Carey (31) of De Vere Court, John Carew Park, Limerick has pleaded guilty to 42 offences and Owen Casey (28) of Salvia Court, Keyes Park, Southill, Limerick has pleaded guilty to 40
l Stephen Murphy, Keith Byrne, Andrew Martin, Cliona O’Rourke, Richard Chute, Shannon Airport screening supervisor and instructor Jean Moloney, Deputy Chief Security Officer of Shannon Airport Pat O’Brien, Chief Officer of Shannon Airport Police, Fire Service and Security Julia Shortt, Shannon
Newmarket-on-fergus Show rains supreme
Jessica Byrnes Ballyneety Gem Champion Ridden Horse of the Show: 1. Harry Scanlans Bluefield Dissertation: Reserve Champion: Lindsey O’Brien Show Pony / Working Hunter Champions Intermediate Champion: Alana Glynn, Castletaylor Honeysuckle Intermediate Reserve Champion, Jessica McAuliffe, Questionmark Show Hunter Champion: Ella Moran, Scalacre Eclipse Reserve Show Hunter: Aoife Flynn, Beautiful Affair Working Hunter Champion: Roisin Cahill, Robux Trixie Reserve Working Hunter Champion: Mollie Russell, Miss Serena Royale Mini Champion: Donal Frawley, Ard Betsi Reserve Mini Champion: Enzo Roca Houlihan, Bronheulog Gold Dust Starter Stakes Champion: Tarka Johnston, My Brown Eyed Girl Reserve Starter Stakes Champion: Cormac Hogan, My Ferrari Connemara Champion: Lauren Kerins, Lankhill Lad Reserve Connemara Champion: Izzy Stapleton, Prince Supreme Champion: Lauren Kerins, Lankhill Lad Reserve Supreme: Roisin Cahill, Robux Trixie Local Working Hunter Champion: Clodagh Mc Donagh, Kilshanny Annie Reserve Local Champion: Ella Touhy, Hillbrook Blossom Cattle Showing Classes Commercial Beef Classes: Class 1. Best Female Calf born on / after 1st Jan 2025: 1. Jack & Declan O’Meara, Birr, Co Offaly: 2. The Hannon Family, Croagh, Co Limerick 3. Pat & Michael Roseingrave, Crusheen, Co Clare Class 2. Best Male calf born o/ after1st Jan 2026: 1. Pat & Michael Roseingrave, Crusheen, Co Clare: 2. Cian O’Leary Ralahine, Newmarket on Fergus 3. John Hogan, Kevinstown, Nenagh, Co Tipperary Class 3. Best Male/ Female born after 01/09/2025: 1. . Pat & Michael Roseingrave, Crusheen, Co Clare 2. Devitt Family, Mallow, Co Cork: 3. The Hannon Family, Croagh, Co Limerick Class4. Best Beef animal with Calf’s mouth: 1. Aron Gravin, Broadford, Co Kildare 2. William R Gubbins, Kilfinane, Co Limerick 3. O’Dowd Family, Elphin, Co Roscommon; Class 4a – Best Beef animal with Calf’s mouth – Heifers 1. William R Gubbins, Kilfinane, Co
Cian Galvin and students bringing ‘gaeilge-only’ blitz to Cusack Park
by Amy Copley news@clareecho.ie
TY students from Ennis are aiming to pass the tradition of the GAA down to the next generation.
Clare hurler and secondary school teacher, Cian Galvin’s Future Leaders TY class in Ennis Community College and Ghaelcholáiste an Chláir are gearing up to facilitate a blitz through Irish for all Gaelscoil’s in County Clare on May 12 in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chísóg. The blitz includes two of our cherished Irish traditions, GAA and Gaelige.
In speaking with The Clare Echo, Galvin ex-
plains to us what the Future Leaders is, “The Future Leaders Program is a TY initiative, it’s
for all TY students and the whole idea is that they organise a series of events throughout the
ond event, the first being in December, “it was an indoor hurling tournament with the sixth class from the Gaelscoil (Ennis) and it was a huge success.”
Galvin and his class plan on an even bigger success with the coming blitz, “we have bigger and better plans now for the blitz in Cusack Park, so hopefully it’ll be a hit.”
tance of Irish in GAA sports. Chloe remarks, “it’s an Irish sport so it’s good have some of the language in it as well.”
The two Ennis natives share a passion for GAA with Chloe playing Camoige for Eire Óg and Roxanne, Ladies Football with The Banner, this is a passion which the Future Leaders class was able to help foster.
never played or watched matches, I was more of a soccer person but after I did the GAA Future Leaders I started watching some matches on the TV, so it was great.”
year, and it’s all about promoting GAA in the school and the county.”
This is the class’s sec-
A factor that is of immense importance for not only teachers, but also students is that these events are ran as Gaelige.
Gaelcolaiste students, Chloe and Roxanne, speak on the impor-
However, the class is not just for GAA players, Mounir Boushaib an Ennis Community College student, expressed his little experience in GAA before joining Mr Galvins’s Future Leaders Class, “Before this I
The Future Leaders strive to make the GAA something that everyone can be involved in. the preparation of this blitz enables every student to be able to contribute in some way, with more experienced players coaching and refereeing the games and students with less experience can score count, organise and plan other events to go with the blitz.
HSE to re-apply for contentious €25m hospital at Flannan’s
by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is set to re-ignite a planning controversy by re-applying for planning permission for a €25m community hospital for Catholic Churchowned green space at St Flannan’s College in Ennis.
Last December, An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) refused planning permission to the HSE for the 100 bed hospital at the end of a three year plus long planning battle dating back to August 2022.
The planning application had the Board of Management and teaching staff at St Flannan’s College at loggerheads with the local Catholic diocese and Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan who had agreed to sell the diocesan-owned school green space to the HSE for the hospital development.
Celebrated Clare All-Ireland winning hurlers amongst St Flannan’s College staff, 2024 All Ireland hurling winning captain, Tony Kelly, double All-Ireland winner with Clare from the 1990s and hurling pundit, Jamesie O’Connor and key member of the 2013 Clare All-Ireland winning team, Brendan Bugler appended their names to a 75 strong group staff objection to the planned hospital.
However, in a statement today, the HSE confirmed it intends to re-apply for planning permission for a hospital on the same site.
It stated that “the HSE and its design team has been reviewing the decision of An Coimisiún Pleanála of December 8th 2025 and in particular the reasons and considerations behind the decision to refuse as set out”.
It stated that the HSE has also been in discussions with the landowner, the Diocese of Killaloe.
It said that it “currently intends to reapply for planning permission to develop a community nursing unit on the same site once it has fully reviewed the technical issues arising and is satisfied that a new planning permission application can resolve the concerns raised”.
It stated that “a final decision on this matter is not expected until Q3 2026”.
The planning commission refused planning permission to the HSE last December over the inability of existing Uisce Eireann waste water infrastructure in Ennis to accommodate the hospital.
In its refusal, the Commission stated that it was not satisfied that the HSE has clearly demonstrated that the proposed arrangements for wastewater disposal from the proposed development, including the manner of the connection to Uisce Éireann infrastructure, are adequate to cater satisfactorily for the proposed development.
A HSE spokesman said that the HSE remains committed to increasing the number of community nursing home beds in the MidWest. He said that an ESRI report published in November 2025 projected that the population in the MidWest aged 65 and over will grow by 59% between 2022 and 2040 and the population aged 85 and over will increase by 158% over the same timeframe.
He said that the study projected that the number of long-stay residential beds for older people in the region will need to increase by up to 2,200 beds (private and public beds) to meet demand.
In its appeal to ACP over Clare Co Council decision to grant planning permission in April 2023, St Flannan’s College Board of Management told the Council that “other suitable sites, which do not cut across existing intensive use by a large proportion of the youth of the area must be available”.
The board of management stated that “it surely cannot be the case that the provision of proper healthcare and the provision of sporting facilities for the youth of the area must be placed in conflict.”
In their objection, the St Flannan’s College staff told the Council that the hospital proposal “will have a seriously negative impact on the student population of St Flannan’s College”. They stated that “St Flannan’s College is the only school in the town with the potential to expand if needed. We believe that it would be incredibly short sighted were the lands to be taken away from any future development.”
l The Future Leaders group from Gaelcholaiste an Chláir and Ennis Community College andd (inset) Cian Galvin Photo by Tom Micks
Big win for Clarecastle to keep post office in village
CLARECASTLE’S new post office opened on Tuesday, maintaining the service has been heralded as a big win for the village, writes Páraic McMahon
After generations, the post office has moved from Main Street where it was operated by the Barry family to Church View and its new home of Kane’s Centra.
Eighteen months ago, the Kanes acquired Centra from the Deasy family who had led the thriving business for over two decades. The store took on a new dimension with the addition of a post office to the front of the shop.
Elaina Fitzgerald Kane who alongside her husband Myles own Kane’s Centra, said their rural background had them well aware the importance of the post office to local communities. “It was flagged to us that there was a change coming that the post office has it has been known for over a quarter of a century in Clarecastle and such a central part in the hub of the community was closing. We are really mindful coming from a rural background as to how important post offices are from a social perspective, the logistics and everyday things people need in terms of fulfilling their lives and the notion that it may not continue in our community was something we couldn’t bear.
“A lot of people locally helped us in getting to this point, I’m delighted to have An Post Clarecastle as part of Centra Clarecastle, we’ve always been serving the community since we arrived so this is just a little bit more. As you can see from the people queuing up, it is all ages.
“It is brilliant to be able to retain it, to open it and it is something you would love to see mirrored across other communities in the country”.
According to Elaina, who is Director of Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Spa in Adare, they made an investment in the region of €100,000 to get the post office operational. “It is sizable but if you want to be part of the community sometimes these are the things you have to do. We are here with a long-term focus, it is with that in mind, we didn’t have to stop and think about it, we just knew it had to happen and the support has made it easier.
“You need support in so many ways, from a financial perspective, from your team, the operations of it, the sense of local community. You need it from An Post, from Centra, a lot of people come together and great local political will to keep it in the community which has been critical in getting us to this point. We’ve opened today, we still have a nice bit to do but you have to open the door, get a feel for what is happening and take it from there”.
There is a staff of 30 for the Centra store in Clarecastle between full and part-time employees, she said.
Chairperson of Clarecastle Tidy Town’s and the Clarecastle/Ballyea Heritage & Wildlife Group, Christy Leyden paid tribute to Gerry McMahon who retired as postmaster last week, “It is absolutely critical for the village that we have our post office.
“The traditional post office from the Barry family has been there forever and it is really sad to see the door closing there. I was there to see Gerry closing the door on Friday, Gerry has given outstanding service as have the Barry fam-
ily to the people of Clarecastle for nearly 100 years. It is great to see it kept, we’re delighted to see it here, it is crucial for any village to hold the post office”.
Christy told The Clare Echo, “The post office is massive for us, they are queuing up to get in this morning, we wish Myles and the Kane family all the best, it is great they have it”.
Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) was among those centrally involved in keeping a post office in Clarecastle. “This is massive, I’m absolutely thrilled. As a public representative, I’m very conscious of our infrastructure that we provide,
my family are Lissycasey-based and they lost their post office in 2018...they seem to think this was saving money but the end result was that it was shutting down a community service.
“Because of lobbying from myself and others, consistently over the last number of years we’ve been able to get support from the Government, this is a typical example of us reopening post offices, this is a good news story for the area”.
Gerry McMahon’s role was also acknowledged by Cllr O’Callaghan, “he gave fantastic service for 35 years as postmaster, it was very emotional and I felt it, when you are dealing with
people you become friends and family, you’re part of the community. I’m delighted for Myles and Elaina, they have made a big investment, it is now creating a lovely centre in our village. He added, “Let’s look at opening post offices, we now have good news. We have Sixmilebridge opening a new post office with a new operator got and in Carrigaholt. Good things are coming and thankfully Government are beginning to wake up”.
l Members of the Kane family alongside local councillors Tommy Guilfoyle (SF), Tom O’Callaghan (FF) and TD Cathal Crowe (FF) officially opening the post office in Clarecastle at their Centra store; (below) they are pictured outside alongside staff members and (right) the post office in operation
Photos by Tom Micks
Events in Portumna ahead of National Famine Commemoration
by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie
A programme of events will take place ahead of the 2026 National Famine Commemoration taking place in Portumna. Taking place at the site of the former Portuma Workhouse on Sunday, May 17, the State event will be hosted by the Dept of Culture, Communications and Sport in partnership with the Office of Public Works, will be broadcast live on RTÉ News Channel, RTÉ.ie and RTÉ Player starting at midday. It will include a wreath-laying, along with musical performances and a tree-planting ceremony.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) will deliver the keynote address. The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan (FG), will also speak, along with local representatives.
Opened in 1852 and regarded as one of the most complete surviving
complexes of its kind, the Portumna Workhouse has become a hub for lectures, exhibitions and cultural events. This will be the first time the National Famine Commemoration has been held in County Galway since it was established in 2008. In advance of the commemoration, Galway County Council and the Irish Workhouse Centre have announced a programme of events. The programme begins on Saturday, May 9, with a one-day conference
from 9am to 5pm bringing together leading historians and researchers to examine how the Great Famine has been remembered and understood.
Titled Reflecting on the Great Famine: A Commemoration Conference, the free event runs from 9am to 5pm at the Irish Workhouse Centre. It will explore themes including public memory, the arts, music, philanthropy and the Poor Law system, along with a panel discussion on the famine’s
lasting legacy.
Over the following days, the focus shifts to community engagement, education and cultural reflection. Events include the launch of a new exhibition, Our Famine Stories, featuring experiences from across Galway and the diaspora in Minnesota, alongside a publication on famine-era Killimor.
Further events will continue after the national commemoration, including theatre, music and exhibitions running into late May and June.
A free bus service will operate from 9th to 15th May, connecting Maigh Cuillin, Galway City, Oranmore, Athenry and Loughrea to Portumna. Further information on the service is available on Eventbrite.
All events are free and booking is not required. For further information please contact the Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna at irishworkhousecentre.ie.
Lough Graney Group set for one-night stand
by Amy Copley news@clareecho.ie
THE Lough Graney Group are back for one night only after an over 30-year hiatus. The band will perform in Canny’s Bar, Killanena on Saturday the 9th of May. The group was founded in 1978 by Pakie Brady and for the near twenty years that followed the band dominated the music scene in County Clare.
The group formed by “playing in a session in a pub, the usual thing, and people getting together, and then from there, the band was formed.”
From being booked out a year in advance for pub gigs and wedding performances, the band’s popularity grew. The three group members, Pakie Brady, on accordion, Joe Noonan on drums, and Pat O’Neil on vocals and guitar, want to give their audience a night to remember. “We’re just looking forward to having a good weekend at the one-night stand and playing music. That’s what it is all about.”
The band speaks fondly of their supporters and relish over being remembered all these years later, “a lot of people that we played weddings for, they
still remember us and that is fantastic”.
The band’s tight-knit friendship remains all these years later, confessing “we’re all still friends and we have never had an argument”. They revealed “we never practiced, we were performing while practicing and getting paid”, they laughed.
Reiterated consistently was the fun that they had performing “back in the 80s, everybody had a great time, it was a free world”.
“We had a very busy time, but it was a fun time. We enjoyed it,” they told The Clare Echo. The group hope to relive these memories through the music on Saturday night, although, “the fingers are getting a bit stiff from old age.”
106 affordable homes planned for Athenry
by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
Galway County Council, in association with Highgate Properties Limited, has announced the delivery of 106 affordable homes at the Fearann na hEascrach development in Athenry.
The homes, located on the Raheen Road near the town’s train station and local amenities, are being delivered under the Government’s Delivering Homes, Building Communities policy.
The scheme will be completed in three phases. The first phase, now nearing completion, includes 33 homes made up of 32 three-bedroom houses and one four-bedroom unit.
A further 48 homes in the second phase are due in the second quarter of 2027, with 25 more to follow in the third phase in the third quarter of that year.
Applications for the affordable homes will be accepted through an online portal, which will open on Thursday, 21 May at 10am.
l An artist’s impresseion of the planned development
The application window will remain open until 11 June.
An information evening for interested applicants will take place at the Raheen Woods Hotel on Thursday, 14 May at 7pm.
David Collins, Cathaoirleach of
the County of Galway, said it was “a very positive day for the community of Athenry and the surrounding areas.”
“I want to pay tribute to the staff of Galway County Council’s Housing Section for their con-
tinued work with councillors to identify housing need, progress projects and support families.
That partnership is central to the real progress we are making under Delivering Homes, Building Communities” he said.
Chief Executive of Galway County Council Liam Conneally said the development shows “what can be achieved through strong partnership between local authorities, Government, the construction sector and local communities”.
“I want to acknowledge the ongoing support of the Government and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. That backing has enabled us to deliver significant investment in affordable housing,” he added.
Damien Mitchell, Director of Services with responsibility for Housing, said Galway County Council is “committed to leading housing delivery through a strong programme that meets community needs and supports social and economic progress across the
county.”
“These homes form part of our wider commitment to delivering housing that meets the needs of our communities,” he said.
Fergal O’Mahony, CEO of Highgate Properties Limited said he wished to thank Liam Conneally and his team for their leadership and engagement in progressing the development.
“Our financial partners have also played a key role. Their trust, professionalism and continued support have helped turn this vision into reality. I also want to thank the staff and subcontractors across Highgate Group for their ongoing commitment,” he said.
Further information on the Fearann na hEascrach scheme, including the Scheme of Priority, application details and required documentation, is available at www.galway.ie/affordable.
Thought for the week: Where is your heart today?
Spreading the word of positivity
RONAN SCULLY
“LET us run with perseverance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1–2).
Some words never leave us. They return in quiet moments, in struggle, in grief, in temptation, ‘Keep your eyes on the goal.’
Simple words. But they carry the weight of a lifetime of faith. Because our life journey is not a short sprint. It is a long and often weary road, a holy marathon I like to call it, through joy and sorrow, light and darkness, peace and confusion, consolation and dryness of soul. In every season, the greatest danger is not exhaustion. It is distraction. It is not stopping the race, but forgetting why we are running. We begin with sincerity. We begin with love. We begin with prayer and trust. But then life presses in. The diagnosis comes. The grief arrives. The relationship breaks. The child drifts. The loneliness deepens. The financial pressure weighs heavy. The prayer seems unanswered. And almost without noticing, our gaze shifts. From Christ… to the storm. When our eyes leave Him, we begin to sink.
JESUS IS THE GOAL
St. Paul writes: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Je-
sus.” (Philippians 3:14). But what is the goal? It is not success. Not comfort. Not recognition. Not control. Not possessions. The prize is Jesus Himself. To know Him. To love Him. To belong to Him. Everything else passes. Everything else fades. Everything else eventually lets us down. But Jesus remains. There is a restlessness in every human heart that no created thing can satisfy. We chase, we achieve, yet something still aches within. That ache is not emptiness. It is longing. It is the soul remembering its true home. We do not simply need answers. We need Jesus.
WHAT IS PULLING YOUR EYES AWAY?
“Lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely…” (Hebrews 12:1). Not everything that distracts us is obviously sinful. Some things are simply heavy. Busyness. Noise. Anxiety. Comparison. Pride. Worry about tomorrow. Old wounds. Unforgiveness. Constant distraction. We were not made to carry these weights while running toward God. And often the enemy does not need to destroy us. He only needs to distract us. Because a distracted heart is a drifting heart. So we must ask honestly, what is stealing my gaze from Jesus? Whatever it is, it is too heavy for the journey.
“BE ONLY ALL FOR JESUS”
Saint Mother Teresa lived with a simplicity that still pierces the soul. She often repeated these words to me when I journeyed some years with her and her Missionaries of Charity, “Dear Ronan, Be only all
for Jesus.”
Not partly. Not occasionally. Not when it is convenient.
“Be Only All For Jesus”. Imagine a life like that. Every action, every suffering, every joy, every hidden moment offered to Him. My work — only all for Jesus. My suffering — only all for Jesus. My joy - only all for Jesus. My service — only all for Jesus. My silence — only all for Jesus. My life’s journey - only all for Jesus. This is holiness, not perfection, but total belonging. And strangely, it is here that freedom begins, because the heart finally stops trying to belong everywhere else.
GET UP AGAIN
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7). Maybe today you feel tired. Or unworthy. Or distant. Or ashamed. Or spiritually dry. Listen carefully, falling is not the end. Staying down is. The saints were not people who never failed. They were people who kept returning to God. Again. And again. And again. Jesus does not stand over you in anger. He stands beside you in mercy. “Take courage… do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27). Get up. Even slowly. Even weakly. Just get up. Because the race is not finished yet and Christ
is still waiting ahead. THE QUESTION THAT MATTERS
If today were your last day, what would it reveal you truly lived for? Success? Comfort? Approval? Control? Or Christ? “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21). One day everything else will fall away. Only Jesus will remain. So the only question that matters is this, “where is your heart today?”
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
As your thought for the week, take a few quiet moments each day. No noise. No scrolling. Just silence before God. And ask: “Lord, where have my eyes drifted and where is my heart today?” Then: Read Hebrews 12:1–3 slowly each day. Lay down one distraction that weakens your focus on Christ. Offer one hidden sacrifice: “Be Only all for Jesus”. Perform one act of quiet love for someone in need. Reach out to someone who is struggling or alone. Small acts. Faithful hearts.
Fixed eyes.
Let me leave you with a prayer I wrote recently about keeping my eyes and heart fixed on Jesus, “Lord Jesus,Too often I take my eyes and heart off You. I look at the storm. I look at my fears. I look at my failures. I look at my wounds. I look at the opinions of others. I look everywhere but at You. And I begin to sink. Forgive me. Teach me again to fix my eyes on You. You who never took Your eyes off me. You who carried the Cross with my name in Your Heart. You who loved me all the way to Calvary. You who stayed. Take away every weight that keeps me from running freely. Take my pride. Take my fear. Take my distractions. Take my divided heart. Take everything that is not of You. Make me only all for You. Help me to love as You love. Help me to serve as You serve. Help me to see You in the poor, the lonely, the forgotten, and the suffering. Let my faith become compassion. Let my prayer become kindness. Let my love become action. When I grow tired, strengthen me. When I fall, lift me. When I doubt, remind me. When I suffer, stay close. When I am tempted to give up, whisper again: “Come.”
And when the race feels long, help me remember, You are the goal. May I live for Your voice alone. May I seek Your face above all else. May I one day hear You say: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Jesus, keep my eyes and heart fixed on You. Always. Amen.”
The Get SunSmart! Children’s Art Competition is now open
Why we need to be SunSmart in Ireland
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Ireland with over 11,000 cases diagnosed annually. The number of people being diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland is rising. Skin cancer is largely preventable by protecting skin from the sun’s UV (Ultra Violet) rays and not using sunbeds.
Protect yourself and your children by being SunSmart as part of your daily routine, especially from April to September even when it’s cloudy in Ireland. Follow the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5 S’s:
n Slip on clothing
n Slop on sunscreen
n Slap on a widebrimmed hat
n Seek shade
n Slide on sunglasses
As well as the 5 S’s it is important to remember
n Do not deliberately try to get a suntan. Remember tanned skin is damaged skin
n Avoid getting a sunburn
n Never use a sunbed
UV exposure is cumulative — every unprotected exposure your skin is exposed to increases your risk of skin damage and skin cancer so we all need to protect our skin to reduce our risk of skin cancer, whether at home or abroad.
Remember: No sunscreen can provide 100% protection, it should be used alongside other protective measures such as clothing and shade.
Children’s skin is more sensitive — sunburn in childhood increases lifetime skin cancer risk.
Use clothing, hat, sunscreen, and shade for children when outdoors. Encourage lifelong SunSmart habits from a young age.
If you work outdoors (such as a farmer or a construction worker) you are exposed to two to three times more UV radiation from the sun than people
who work indoors, putting you at higher risk of developing skin cancer. Make sure to protect your skin from the sun while getting the health benefits of being active outdoors –enjoy being out in the sun, just remember to be SunSmart!
SunBeds
SunBeds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Using a sunbed can also cause skin to age more quickly leading to brown spots, wrinkles, loss of skin firmness and leathery skin. The risk of melanoma skin cancer is increased by 75 per cent when sunbed use starts before the age of 35 years.
Remember there is no safe limit of exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds. It is never safe to use a sunbed. Providing a sunbed service, or the hire or sale of a sunbed to anyone under the age of 18 is a breach of the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014.
Get SunSmart! Children’s Art Competition
Healthy Ireland in collaboration with the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) are calling on all pre-school and primary school chil-
dren, depending on their age category to either colour-in our SunSmart images below or draw their own SunSmart Superhero Squad using the SunSmart 5S’s for inspiration!
For more information visit www.gov.ie/en/ healthy-ireland/publications/get-sunsmart-childrens-art-competition-2025/ or contact HSE Cancer Prevention Officer Bernadette Mullins on bernadettem.mullins@hse.ie.
What is the Get SunSmart! Children’s Art Competition
HSE NCCP are asking children to be creative and learn how to enjoy the sun safely by either:
n Colouring in the Healthy Ireland SunSmart 5S’s picture (Preschool and Junior Infants to First Class) or
n Drawing their own SunSmart Superhero Squad, using the Healthy Ireland SunSmart
5S’s for inspiration (Second to Fourth Class and Fifth to Sixth Class)
How do I enter?
Step 1: Using the SunSmart 5 S’s as inspiration
Step 2: Depending on your age either;
• Colour in the SunSmart 5s poster or
• Design your own SunSmart Superhero using the
SunSmart 5S’s for inspiration.
Step 3: Submit your SunSmart Artwork by the Closing date 5pm on 22nd May 2026 by;
Asking a parent, guardian or teacher to take a photo of your picture and email it to healthyireland@health. gov.ie.
Or Post your picture to: Healthy Ireland SunSmart, NCCP Cancer Prevention Function, National Cancer Control Programme, King’s Inns
House, 200 Parnell Street, Dublin 1, DO1
A3Y8
Prizes Include; OPW Family Heritage CardFREE admission for 12 months for 2 Adults and 3 Children, a family day pass for Dublin Zoo for 2 adults and up to 4 children; National Book Token worth €20; 10 lucky runner-up prizes in each category who will receive a Healthy Ireland SunSmart goodie bag.
Dooley
Keep 2026 Fire Free
highlights energy
career
path - ‘Clare is well placed to benefit from Ireland’s offshore ambitions’
by Stuart Holly
Clare TD and Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Timmy Dooley, has detailed a new resource that he claims will help people in Clare explore training and employment opportunities in renewable energy.
The Offshore Renewable Energy career chart, launched by the government earlier this week (Tuesday 5th May 2026), sets out clear pathways into careers in offshore wind and wider renewable energy.
Minister Dooley said he has been working closely with Minister for Higher Education James Lawless on developing the skills pipeline needed to support Ireland’s
offshore renewable energy ambitions.
“This is one of Ireland’s fastest growing sectors and the career opportunities are significant once people are equipped with the information about the training and qualifications needed.
“Clare is well placed to benefit from Ireland’s offshore renewable energy ambitions. From our coastline to key infrastructure like the Shannon Estuary, there is real potential here for job creation and long term economic activity linked to offshore wind,” Minister Dooley explained.
“As Minister of State with responsibility in this area, I have been working with Minister Lawless and colleagues across Government to ensure we are building the
workforce needed to deliver on our offshore energy plans.
“This new career chart gives people a clear picture of how they can be part of that.
Whether you are a student, considering a career change, or looking to upskill, it shows the routes available and the opportunities ahead.”
The Offshore Renewable Energy career chart will form part of the national Skills Box developed by Education and Training Boards Ireland, which is already available in schools, training centres and Intreo offices across the country.
Minister Dooley said the focus on skills is critical if Ireland is to meet its offshore wind targets and ensure local communities benefit.
“Ireland has set very ambitious targets for offshore
wind, and delivering on those targets will require a strong pipeline of skilled workers across a range of roles, from engineering and construction to marine operations and project management.
“If we want to deliver major offshore energy projects in the years ahead, we need to make sure the skills are in place now. That work is underway, and this resource is a practical step in connecting people to those opportunities.”
l Clare TD Timmy Dooley (FF), who serves as Minister of State for the Environment
news@clareecho.ie
Profits increase three fold at major Shannon employer as AAG workforce increases to 724
by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie
PRE-TAX profits at the one of the largest employers in Shannon, the Atlantic Aviation Group increased more than threefold to €3.12m in 2024 after the firm clinched several contracts with blue-chip multinational airlines.
New accounts filed by Atlantic Aviation Group and subsidiaries show that the group business in 2024 was boosted by dividend income of €1.92m from a UK based defence subsidiary, AAG Defence Services Limited located at the largest RAF base in the UK, RAF Brize Norton.
Group revenues in 2024 increased by three percent from €101m to €103.9m and directors state “that the medium-term outlook for the Group remains extremely bright, with further anticipated growth in 2025 and 2026, through several strategic growth initiatives, across both the groups civil and defence business segments”.
Numbers employed increased from 703 to 724 in 2024 as staff costs rose from €44.5m to €47.99m.
The dividend income of €1.92m from AAG Defence Services Lim-
with directors stating that the future of the company is “extremely bright”
ited followed dividend income of €1.03m from the subsidiary in 2023.
On the services it provides at RAF Brize
Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competitions. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form panels for the areas set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.
• Assistant Planner
Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 21st May 2026.
• Executive Planner
Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 21st May 2026.
• Executive Quantity Surveyor
Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 21st May 2026.
Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.
Only applications completed online will be accepted. Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.
Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.
Norton, the AAG website states “our committed and flexible team of engineers and management are based in RAF Brize Norton in a 24,000m2, three-bay facility designed to optimise the maintenance of aircraft”.
The group in 2024 generated €91.1m of revenues in Ireland and €12.79m in the UK.
The figures show that €95.5m of business arose from repair and overhaul while €8.3m came from equipment hire, line maintenance and other revenue.
The group’s operating profits doubled to €4m and interest costs of €461,296 reduced profits to €3.62m. The group recorded post tax profits of €3.12m after incurring a corporation tax charge of €501,666. The group paid out dividends of €1.76m in 2024.
On the group performance, the directors state that the attraction of experienced technical talent following a successful international
recruitment campaign together with the addition of several new multi-year nose to tail contracts, with blue chip multinational airlines, across all nine lines, “resulted in a substantial improvement to overall group performance and profitability in 2024”.
The directors state that “whilst the civil segment of the business experienced significant year on year growth in both revenue and profitability, the group’s defence business was adversely impacted by the cessation of a number of non-recurring revenue streams, but remained profitable in 2024, and continues to trade profitably in 2025”.
The directors also state that the ninth line of
heavy base maintenance in Shannon successfully commenced operations in Q4 2024, 3 months ahead of schedule, resulting in the addition of a further 50 highly qualified technical roles in the Mid-West.
The directors state that whilst the group has been successful in its endeavours to recruit substantial technical talent into the business, they “are acutely aware of the shortage of tech-
nical talent that persists in the broader aviation industry, and welcomes the recent Government announcement of the expansion of apprenticeship opportunities for aircraft mechanics in Ireland, with the number of training places set to double from 79 in 2024 to 160 from September 2025”.
The directors state that they “remain highly confident that the group will continue its growth
trajectory in a sustainable controlled manner, as it continues to expand its base maintenance product offering, whilst diversifying into component maintenance and strengthening its training academy”.
The profit for 2024 takes account of combined non-cash net depreciation and amortisation costs of €2m. Pay to directors totalled €301,270.
l Atlantic Aviation Group, based at Shannon Airport, has seen group revenues in 2024 increase by three per cent from €101m to €103.9m,
Kilaspuglinane, Lahinch, Co. Clare, V95H928
PERCHED on an elevated site with uninterrupted views of Lahinch and Liscannor Bay, this impressive five-bedroom home offers a rare opportunity to enjoy the very best of coastal and countryside living. The property combines high-quality finishes throughout with a setting that captures the natural beauty of the Wild Atlantic coastline, all within close proximity to the Cliffs of Moher, Liscannor, and Lahinch.
Accessed through wrought iron electric gates, a meandering driveway lined with cherry blossom trees and post-and-rail
fencing leads to the main residence. The south-facing front aspect enjoys expansive views across Lahinch and Liscannor, best appreciated from the large tiled balcony that connects to the main entrance and ground floor accommodation.
Inside, a spacious entrance hall features a bespoke oak split staircase, setting the tone for the rest of the home. Two generous reception rooms and a formal dining room are positioned to the front, all taking full advantage of the surrounding views. The remainder of the ground floor includes a well-appointed
€1,200,000
kitchen and dining area, games room, utility, guest wc, and two bedrooms, one of which benefits from a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite.
Upstairs, there are three additional bedrooms and a main bathroom, with the master bedroom featuring a fully fitted walk-in wardrobe and en-suite. The property extends over three floors, including a basement level divided into two sections, each with its own separate front aspect entrance.
Externally, the grounds provide ample space to both the front and rear, with a mix of tar-
mac and cobble lock finishes, complemented by mature trees, shrubs, and established landscaping.
The property is surrounded by 7 acres of good quality land, divided into 3 paddocks, two of which are to the front of the property with approximately 60 meters of road frontage with the remaining paddock to the rear of the property.
Carrownakilly Quay, Ballycuggaran, Ogonnelloe, Killaloe Co. Clare
€1,500 per month
Quinn Property Management are delighted to present this beautifully finished 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom property to the rental market, ideally located in Carrownakilly, just outside the charming lakeside town of Killaloe.
Set in a scenic rural location close to the waterfront, this property offers stunning surroundings with an abundance of nearby walks and outdoor amenities. It is also just a short drive from Ballina Village and Killaloe, both of which offer a wide range of shops, cafés, and local services.
The ground floor accommodation comprises a welcoming entrance hallway, a bright and modern living space, an open-plan kitchen/dining area, and a downstairs bathroom.
Upstairs, the property features two spacious double bedrooms, a single bedroom, and a main family bathroom. The master bedroom also benefits from an en-suite.
The property is fully furnished throughout and benefits from gas central heating. Ample on-site parking is available.
Please note this property is located in a rural setting, and interested applicants should satisfy themselves regarding broadband availability and quality.
Lakil House,
Inaugural North Munster champions crowned
THE inaugural North Munster Open singles tournament saw 12 people rise to the top to be crowned champions at Ennis Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club on Monday.
Sponsored by Ennis & Limerick Orthondic Practice, almost 150 competitors from clubs acoss Ireland came to compete in seven grades from Novice (Band 7) to the most competitive amatuer level, Band 1.
There was a large crowd in attendance on finals day on Monday who were treated to amazing tennis from the first match to last, with seven Ennis club members featuring in finals.
Cíarán O'Brien from Ennis put on an incredible performance to bring Crosshaven's Eoin Moynihan to three sets in the MS1 final. Eoin, who will represent the Irish Over 30 team in Japan this year, defeated Cíarán 1-6 6-4 6-4. An equally entertaining Ladies section saw Laura Amy Durkan of Hillview Sports Club in Clonmel defeating Christina Costello of Nenagh Tennis Club in the final. Speaking after the event, Ennis Tennis Club Captain Dervilla Moloney congratulated the com-
petitors and gave heartfelt thanks for the event sponsor Ennis Orthodontic Practice.
"I would like to thank Jeeves from Ennis and Limerick Orthodontic Practice for his most generous sponsorship of the tournament, which would not have been possible otherwise.
"Thank you so much to all volunteers for all your help, support and contribution. We have just ran a very successful Inaugural Singles Tournment that was not possible without the efforts of all involved. All of you have now brought ELTBC to a new standard that other clubs wish to aspire to," she added.
Excess food prepared for the tournament was donated to Clare Haven Services of Ennis,. ONE POINT SLAM
Ennis Tennis Club raised a significant sum of money for Cahercalla Community Hospice through a 'one-point slam' charity event which tournament sponsor Dr Jeeves kindly offered to match. With 64 contestants battling it out for honours, Killian Horgan was crowned champion and won a cash prize.
l (far right, above) One-point slam winner Killian Horgan with tournament organisers Stuart Holly, Susan Harnett and Dervilla Moloney, along with sponsor Jeeves Kochhar; (below left) MS4 winner Cian Murphy with runner-up Hamza Celik and Dr Jeeves; (inset) WS5 finalists Alison Kubov & Niamh Barry, and MS7 winner Shane Egan with runner up Colm Moore; (below right) WS6 winner Edel Malone with runner up Tara
Photos by Mikey Reid and Kathy
l Tournament sponsor Dr Jeeves with WS1 winner Laura Durkan and runner-up Christina Costello; (below) Lorcan Beirne and Mark Rogers embrace after their contest and (bottom) MS3 finalists Justin Gleeson and Jeremy Ah Chong
l MS1 winner Eoin Moynihan with Dr Jeeves and runner-up Cíarán O'Brien; (left) Jack Arra goes through a range of emotions and (inset left) committee members Dervilla Moloney and Siobhán O'Donovan having the craic
Clare have ‘a lot of soul searching to do’ admits Lohan
by Seamus Hayes
CLARE’s senior hurlers have a lot of “soul searching” to do in the wake of their biggest defeat in seven years, manager Brian Lohan has admitted. Disappointment was etched all over Lohan’s face when he came out to speak to the media following Sunday’s fifteen point loss to Limerick. “It’s very disappointing, disappointing for ourselves and all our supporters as well”.
“We just didn’t do anything like we wanted to do. We were very ponderous on the ball, our touch was very poor for long periods in the first half”, the manager added.
Lohan continued, “We didn’t want to perform that way. Every one of these games is a must win game and there is no real excuse from ourselves from a hunger perspective. The only positive from the performance is that we are not out of the competition and we have a chance to go back at it. We now go to Thurles to play Tipperary”.
The Clare boss was honest in his assessment when he said “I don’t think we have had a performance as poor as that. We have to look at that and we have a lot of soul searching to do now over the next while and see if we can turn it around”
Asked if it was the most disappointing performance during his
seven seasons as manager he said “the first half probably was”.
Shane O’Donnell left Cusack Park in a sling, most likely from the damage of a hit by Diarmaid Byrnes on him in the first half. “We will have to look at it back,” the 2024 All-Ireland winning manager said when asked about the challenge. Mistakes were too plentiful from the Clare hurlers, he said. “Numerous players failed to control the ball first time, failed to get it to hand, dropped ball numerous times in the first half, didn’t get the return and failed to get the scores we could have got. We missed a lot, missed an awful lot of goal chances. We have loads of areas to work on”.
Not for the first time, the two-time All-Ireland winner voiced his annoyance with the black card. “The black card rule is a very funny rule. There are a couple of counties in Munster that have never got a black card, that’s five we have got now. Obviously I am not a fan of the black card, the penalty is very severe for the crime. Five times we have got black cards. Tipperary have never got a back card, Limerick have got one, Waterford zero, Cork maybe one. It’s a difficult rule for us”.
“The Munster championship is tough, that’s what it is”, he stated when asked how Clare will bounce back.
Anxious wait for Clare minors following third defeat
by Páraic McMahon
AN INABILITY to get on ball in the middle third of the pitch hindered Clare’s minor hurlers from clawing back against Cork while falling to their third loss in four games.
Ger O’Connell’s side lost by ten points to Cork on Friday evening. They now need Cork and Tipperary to overcome Limerick and Waterford in the final round of games to try claim a spot in the preliminary quarter-finals of the All-Ireland championship.
It will be an anxious week for Clare as they wait to see how Friday’s games go in the final round.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, O’Connell admitted there was
a strong level of disappointment with their latest showing.
“We just said in the dressing room, that we still have to finish this year out and just respect the jersey and who we’re playing for. That’s our commitment to everything we do.
“We’re just really disappointed with that performance, the better team won. We were dominated in the middle of the field on second ball and Cork got off 40 shots compared to our 20-odd, so you were always on the back foot. But, look, the boys kept going and that’s all you can ask,” he said.
Trailing by two points at half time, Clare fell further behind when Tadhg McCarthy goaled. “We just couldn’t get enough ball in the middle of
the field to try and counter or turn the tide. You need to win hard ball there, but in fairness to Cork, they were hungry, they’re a good side, physical and fast. In fairness, our boys, from our end they’ve given us everything and that’s all you can ask for you. They kept going, even though Cork had the chances to make it more, so I suppose ten points probably flatters us as well”.
Regardless of whether their year is over or not, Clonlara’s O’Connell felt the experience of four inter-county games would stand to the minors of 2026. “You see at U20s now and senior level, there’s a lot of players who would have gone through Celtic Challenge or wouldn’t have been on minor
teams, that have gone on. That’s the message, it is part of their development and the boys taking what they’ve learned up to this point and making themselves better players – taking the hardships and the disappointments and driving themselves on, that’s all you can do.
“They’ve done everything we have asked them and that’s all we can do. It’s hard to take, we all want to win these games, but the bigger picture is these boys have all represented Clare and they’ve done it admirably. We’re just proud of them as a group and, look, if we are out, we’re out and we’ll see what way the results go,” he added.
SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT
Barry Nash keeps a tight grip on Tony Kelly
Photo by Ruth Griffin
Clare minor hurling manager, Ger O’Connell
Photo by Ruth Griffin
SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT
Hayes hearty as minors claim silverware
By Páraic McMahon
CLARE claimed the Daryl Darcy Cup for the second time in three seasons with manager Joe Hayes maintaining that securing silverware has been just reward for their efforts this season.
On Monday, Clare travel to Tralee with the winner of this tie versus Kerry advancing to the Munster final to take on a flying Cork side.
There’s more of a bounce in the Clare step for this trip following their 2-8 0-8 win over Waterford which also saw them win the Daryl Darcy Cup.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, minor manager Joe Hayes was a delighted figure and said the team showed “a big improvement in a number of areas”, when accounting for Waterford.
“We had 13 shots in the first half but just scored three points, that was the thing that disappointed us most. There was a big improvement in our kickouts, big improvement in how we dealt
with their kickouts and in the second half there was huge composure from the boys and great leadership from the likes of Shane (Cahill, the team captain), he scored 0-3, went wherever he was asked to go. He started wing back, went to centre back, went to midfield and Thomas Dillon to get two goals, they were excellent,” Hayes outlined.
Substitutes “made a huge difference,” Joe maintained. “Ryan Brody wasn’t on the match day squad the first two days, he went back to the Clare 16s a couple of weeks ago. I went to watch him and he moved up the rank. He came on today, won frees, took on his man, won every ball that was sent to him”.
Hayes said he was “delighted for Zak (O’Shea), he was below standards last week, he knows that himself, he came on today and was outstanding . Michael Normoyle, back after injury is a hugely important player for us and you could see what
we have been missing the last few weeks without him”.
The manager also had a word of praise for “the boys that don’t get a game, it’s very tough on them and the boys that don’t get to tog out. It is the worst thing in the world having to name twenty four every Saturday before the game on Monday as you feel you are letting ten or eleven players down. Look they are a good bunch of lads, and we are happy tonight”.
Concluding, the former Clare goalkeeper stated, “it’s great to have silverware now, this competition is hugely important to ourselves, Limerick, Tipp and Waterford. We were very disappointed when we lost the final last year”, He went on to mention the Darcy family and the parents of Daryl in whose memory the cup was presented “His parents go to a lot of the games. He is still talked about up in his club Shannon Rovers and we are proud to lift the cup this evening”.
Cleary ruled out for Tailteann Cup opener
By Páraic McMahon
CLARE’s senior footballers will be without their most experienced player for Saturday’s Tailteann Cup opener.
Former captain Eoin Cleary, a member of the senior side since 2014 has been ruled out after tearing his hamstring in the Munster semi-final defeat to Kerry.
Eoin was carried off with thirty four minutes played a fortnight ago during Clare’s 2-19 1-14 loss to the All-Ireland champions in Cusack Park. The Limerick based Garda was in huge discomfort leaving the field with concerns following the game that the severity of the injury could even hinder his involvement with St Joseph’s Miltown in the Clare SFC.
While the severity of the injury is not as bad as first feared, it is likely to keep the Miltown Malbay native sidelined for at least Clare’s guaranteed two outings
in the Tailteann Cup.
He joins his first-cousin Dermot Coughlan on the treatment table. A groin injury has kept the Kilmurry Ibrickane out of action since March, missing Clare’s league defeats to Wexford or Sligo and he had not recovered in time to be considered for the Munster semi-final against Kerry.
Manager Paul Madden confirmed to The Clare Echo they have to plan without the influential Cleary for Saturday’s Tailteann Cup tie with Offaly. “It is a hamstring injury and he will be out for some time, he is not available for us this weekend. We are only focused on the Offaly game and we are not concerned on what happens after that”. He said it “will be some time” before Eoin is back in the reckoning for selection.
Cleary’s absence is of course a huge loss for Clare, not alone for his experience but the thirty two year old has continued
to be one of the county’s most consistent performers. Throughout Clare’s Division 3 Allianz National Football League campaign, the two-time All Star nominee was one of the side’s standout forwards and hit a tally of 1-32 in their seven games. In June 2014, Eoin made his championship debut for the Clare senior footballers, replacing his good friend Jamie Malone on sixty one minutes when the Colm Collins managed side recorded a 2-8 apiece draw with Waterford in the Munster SFC quarter-final. Six years later, Cleary was appointed as Clare senior football captain in January 2020, holding the role until Colm Collins’ departure at the end of the 2023 campaign. He took a year out from county commitments in 2024 when he went travelling in Sydney, New York, Portugal and spent the summer footballing in Chicago with Wolfe Tones.
Ladies Cup victory ‘means everything’ for Tulla Utd
By Seamus Hayes
TULLA United’s victory in Saturday’s Clare ladies soccer cup final “means everything for the club”.
That’s according to team manager Colm Perrill who was speaking after his charges had claimed the crown, winning in a penalty shootout over holders Moher Celtic.
“We have such a mixture of young and old and today was just about the younger ones coming through. I am delighted for those involved, we have had such a tough long season”, the manager said.
He continued, “it took us a while to get going and to finish like this. I am so proud of the girls and the way they played, so proud of the club and the way they supported us. It’s a great day for Tulla”.
The manager was
particularly proud of “the way the girls support each other, it’s a huge part of the club’s ethos, supporting each other. We are giving them an opportunity to play all the way through from schoolgirls right up to adult and we are so proud”.
While stating that the win was “a great team effort”, he agreed that goalkeeper Ava O’Donovan “was exceptional. She is a typical keeper, she is brilliant and we saw that today as she made outstanding saves. She saved us”.
Asked as to what the future holds for the team he said “the plan is to keep this team and support adult ladies soccer in Clare and try and get more and more of our young players through. We want to give them the opportunity to play all the way up from academy to adult. That’s the plan and
hopefully the league will get stronger. The majority are from the area and they have played from under 10 upwards. They have formed great friendships”, he said. The team will be back in action soon as they compete in the FAI cup. “We haven’t thought too much about that yet. We will celebrate this success first”, he concluded
Eoin Cleary
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
John Mc wins high scoring men’s competition in Ennis
by Seamus Hayes
JOHN McNamara (44) with 45 points won the men’s 17 hole stableford 3T’s competition at Ennis last week.
The senior men’s outing to Loughrea last week was won by Gerry O’ Brien, John McEntee, Matt Flynn and Michael Cusack with 103 points. They had two to spare over Tommy Timpson, John Lillis, Neil Cremin, and Jimmy Kearns with third place filled by Flan Lyons, Noel Pilkington, Tom Woulfe and Seán Fitzpatrick with 98 points. They were followed by Cyril Lyons, Ollie O Loughlin, Declan Hanley and Frank Cullinan with 95 points and they were one ahead of Pat G McInerney, Michael Cummins, P. J. Garry and Michael Clancy.
Last week’s senior ladies outing to Gort was won by Carmel Verling, Therese Lillis and Pat Leacy with 38.87 from Brid Cunnigham, Maureen Moloney and Judith Brassil with 40.94. In third place with 42.00 were Una O’Reilly, Eileen Holly and Ada McMahon. They were followed by Maureen Lynch, Anne Fealy and Irene Jordan with 42.89 with fifth spot filled by Anne Kelly, Marina Varden and Mary Kearns with 43.8
In the 17 hole stableford 3 T’s qualifier the overall winner was Sinéad O’Sullivan (40) with 40 points while the divisional winners were Rose Enright
(20) with 39 points, Louise Guilfoyle (38) with 39 points and Mary Curley (57) with 36 points.
The winner of the ladies 8 hole stableford competition was Audrey McEnery (20) with 19 points from Clare Ruane (12) with 18 points. The winners of the divisions were Carmel Verling (12) with 13 points, Maureen Lynch (17) with 18 points and Marian Irwin (21) with 15 points.
The Friday open singles, sponsored by Martin Ward was won by Gerry Daly (18) with 44 points from Declan Hanley (31) with 40 points with third spot filled by Dean Lee (19) with 38 points.
The ladies minor foursomes team was victorious against East Clare at Ennis on Saturday on a score of 3 to 1. In the next round of the competition they will meet Lahinch.
KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:
The Johnson’s Bar Spring series final took place at the weekend when the winner was Finbar McMahon (22) with 41 points. He had two to spare over Dominic Enright (10) with third place filled by Paul McGibney (19) with 38 points. The gross was won by Jack Foley.
The category winners were Neil Browne (7) with 36 points, Derek Garvey (12) with 37 points and Tom O’ Dea (44) with 36 points.
The nines were won by Michael Twomey and John
Stapleton.
The winner of the Golden Vale ladies 18 hole stableford competition was Mary Downes (29) with 36 points. The category winners were Anne Gallagher (13), Geraldine Burke (18) and Sheena Mahony (24), each with 35 points.
SPANISH POINT GOLF CLUB:
Aine Burke. with 37 points won the ladies 18 hole stableford competition at Spanish Point last week. She won by two from Christina Woodland with third place filled by Eileen Murrihy with 33 points.
EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:
Last week’s senior men’s competition at East Clare was won by John Collins, Ted Harrington and Mike Noonan from Jerry O’Brien, Pat Carey and Brian Torpey with third place filled by Donal Fleming, Ger Lenihan and Charlie Stuart.
The winners of the ladies Wednesday competition were Margaret Egan, Mary Farrell and Marie A. Kelly from Teresa Bradley, Amanda Dalton and Mary Jo Minogue.
Friday’s mixed scramble was won by Mary Jo Minogue, Jim Greene and John Nihill from Willie Roche, Mary Farrell and Colette Ward.
WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:
Eilis Neville and Marie McNamara defeated Mary Howard and Anne Kelly on the tie hole in the ladies Spring league final at Woodstock.
Last week’s ladies singles, an 18 hole stableford competition, was won by Siobhan Maher (26) with 36 points. In second place with 34 points was Mary McNamara (20)
This week’s winner was Eilis Neville (24) with 36 points with Mary McNamara (25) second with 35 points.
The ladies 9 hole scramble was won by Mary Mc Namara, Geraldine Lyons and Fiona Kelly with 24.7 from Deirdre Molyneaux, Imelda Duffy and Mary Holland with 26.9. Third place was filled by Chaye Kelly, Catherine Lyons and Orla Cullinane with 28.2.
John McGrath (13) won the weekly club singles with 39 points while Sean Myatt (1) won the gross with 37 points.
Category 1 was won by Aidan Mulcahy (8) with 38 points from Lucas Kelly (1) with a similar score. Eoin Collins (14) won category 2 with 37 points from Mike Liddy (12) who also had 37 points while category 3 was won by Mark O’Dwyer (24) with 34 points.
Winners in the 2’s competition were Johnny Clune (6th hole), Noel Mulcahy (11th hole) and Mike Liddy (14th hole).
Winners of the Forida scramble on Monday were Johnny and Cathal Clune, Kieran Dromey and Jarlath Fahy with 53.
This weekend’s competition will be a club singles.
The winners of this week’s
seniors outing which took place on Tuesday were Brian Keogh, Willie Thompson and Luke Duffy with 80 points.
DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:
Ryan Enright was the winner of the 18 hole singles stableford competition at Dromoland at the weekend with 45 points, four more than second placed Brendan Hughes. Alan O’Flanagan, also with 41 points was third while Paddy Ryan won the category for handicappers of 20 and over with 38 points. The gross was won by Jason Ryan with 37 points.
John O’Donnell with 20 points won the 9 hole stableford competition from Paul O’Brien with 16 and Alan O’Flanagan, also with 16.
Dorothea Madden with 41 points won the ladies 18 hole stableford competition from Suzanne McConway with 39 points with third spot filled by Dorothy Brennan with 36 points.
In the 9 hole competition, Jo Linnane won with 20 points from Mary Rogers with 19 with, Katrina O’Neill, also with 19 points.
SHANNON GOLF CLUB:
The Pro-Am qualifier at Shannon saw Michael Kearney (8) win category A with 39 points from Philip Purcell (7) with a similar score with Kevin Stanford, (4), also with 39 points, in third place.
Keith Dempsey (11) won category B with 39 points
from Peter Waldron (16) with 39 points and Gary Fitzgibbon (10), also with 39 points.
Category C was won by Anthony Tully (21) with 42 points from Jamie Cuddihy (27) with 39 points with Adam O’Connor (18) in third spot with 36 points.
John Dolan (+3) won the gross with 38 points. The senior scratch cup was won by Luke Grant (+1) with 145 from T.J. Ford (+2) with 146 with third spot filled by Edward Hickey (2) also with 146. Jack Whelan (1) won the nett with 144.
In the junior scratch cup the winner was Gerard Grant (3) with 153 from Gary Collins (6) with 154 with Adam Barry (4) in third place with 156. Blake Corbett (10) won the nett with 145.
The men’s 9 hole competition w won by Cathal McCormaic (8) with 19 points.
LAHINCH GOLF CLUB:
The social mixed golf at Lahinch is starting back this Friday, May 8 and will continue on subsequent Fridays. It is being held on the Castle Course for this year only due to preparations for the Walker Cup.
The format will be 12 hole scotch mixed foursomes stableford. Booking will open every Tuesday at 9.00am.
Bling Bling Mint has first win for Meehan
By Michael Maher
BLING BLING Mint owned by Newmarket-on-Fergus’ John Meehan recorded her first career success over the weekend.
On Saturday evening last at Limerick Greyhound Stadium, there was a first career success for the John Meehan from Newmarket on Fergus owned Bling Bling Mint, a daughter of Australian sire Koblenz and Antepost Arminta, her winning time was 28.95.
The Peter Russell from Shannon owned Noah and Jack claimed career win number one with a 29.01 performance, a son of Ballymac Cashout and Blueview Carrie he is trained by Donie Duggan of Tulla.
From Thursdays SIS Meeting the same team were in the winners enclosure with the ever consistent Petes Noah who recorded his fourteenth career success in 29.32, he is a son of Burgess Bucks and notimetotalk and Donie Duggan had
further training success with the Hot tub Syndicate owned Myoldsligogirl, who claimed her second career success in 29.22, she is a daughter of Signet Ace and Candanchu.
There was a sixth career success for Snuggie Dash who is owned by Myles Cummins from Newmarket-on-Fergus, a son of Jacob Tashadelek and Miles Girl his winning time was 29.37. Friday night’s Galway card featured the semi-finals of both The Greyhounds Make Great Pets A5 & The Galway Unraced Novice 525 Yards Stakes.
Petelles Honey was best away in the opening semi-final of the Galway Unraced N2 525 Stake and racing towards the opening bend she led from Grangeview Ike on her inner and Hanover Maryann on the wide outside. As the leaders reached the bend, Grangeview Ike moved off the inner and the resultant concertina effect saw the striped jacketed Hanover Maryann emerge at the head of
affairs entering the back straight with Knockdrum Sparky moving into second place towards the inner. Approaching the penultimate bend the Paddy and John Collins of Doora owned Knockdrum Sparky joined issue with the leader and tracking the better of the pair the son of Orchestrate and Highview Honour eased away in the straight to score by three and a half lengths in 29.55.
Saturday night’s card at the same venue featured the Final of the I.R.G.T. A4 Stake which went to Confused Kiely owned by Ger Manley of Cratloe the winning time was 29.09. Race five was an A6 event which went the way of Threebagsofmeat owned by Johnny Burke and Gerry Moloney of Ennis, the winning margin here was seven lengths in a time of 29.31. The trainer on form Donie Duggan of Tulla took race seven with Laois Lighting in a time of 29.29.
TULLA United’s victory in Saturday’s Clare ladies soccer cup final “means everything for the club”. Photo by Joe Buckley
PLANNING
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL UNIT 10A, PLACE DE PLOUZANE, KILRUSH TOWN CENTRE, KILRUSH, CO CLARE
Take notice that Erica Burke intends to apply for planning permission for change of use of vacant ground floor retail unit to a two bedroom apartment with alterations to elevations, internal changes along with all associated site works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the
application may be made in writing to the 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 BALLYBREEN, KILFENORA, CO CLARE
Take notice that Esme and Billy Wanstall intend to apply for planning permission to build a new dwellinghouse, install a waste water treatment unit and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the
offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL I, Marian Frawley, am applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Knockbrack Lower, Clonlara, Co Clare, V94R59D:
Demolition of existing detached dwelling owing to building condemnation and replacement with new sin-
gle storey dwelling, connection to necessary services together with all associated incidental ancillary and site works.
The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
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The Clare Echo Crossword
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a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.
1 Humorous verse form (8)
2 Direction indicator (5)
4 Cut in two (6)
5 Lag behind (5)
6 Game played on a lawn (7)
7 Sicilian volcano (4)
8 Vulgar, unrefined (6)
13 Relating to the home or family (8)
15 Mozart’s middle name (7)
17 Waylay (6)
18 Sea trip (6)
20 Legal right to property (5)
22 Doctrine accepted without question (5)
23 Slay (4)
The Clare Echo Quiz
What is the population of Sixmilebridge according to the 2022 Census?
3,334 2,832 2,146
What is the Irish name for Sixmilebridge? Lios Dúin Bhearna Droichead Abhann Ó gCearnaigh Baile Brigín
In what year was Crowes supermarket in Sixmilebridge established? 1984 1990 1973
In what year was the Sixmilebridge school structure built? 1934 1930 1936
When did the current Kilfinaghty Public Library in Sixmilebridge open? 2006 2003 2001
Which river flows through Sixmilebridge? O’Garney River River Fergus River Shannon
When did Sixmilebridge win their first Clare Senior Hurling Championship? 1940 1936 1941
Who began their hurling career at club level with Sixmilebridge? Brian Lohan Davy Fitzgerald Ger O’Loughlin
When did Gleeson’s Bar in Sixmilebridge open? 2023 2020 2025
When did the Cozy Cottage Café in Sixmilebridge open? 2009 2011 2012
By Lena Kandler
Spot the Difference
Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.
Last weeks Answers
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