The Clare Echo 10/04/25 by The Clare Echo

Post oﬀice in Lahinch is saved

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

POST office services will remain in Lahinch for the future following confirmation of a last-minute reprieve.

Lahinch’s post office on Main Street was due to close on Friday but it will continue to operate on an interim basis until the new post office is fitted out at the Spar store on Rue D’Arzon.

Robert Kavanagh will succeed Clare county councillor Shane Talty (FF) as the postmaster in Lahinch.

Meanwhile, an SOS (save our seat) cam-

paign has been mobilised in Lahinch to keep the bench outside The Coffee Hatch.

A groundswell of support is emerging on the Promenade to keep the popular bench with a petition amassing over 700 signatures.

An objection to the presence of the bench was made to Clare County Council at the end of March prompting the local authority to launch an investigation.

Cahercalla Community Care celebrates 30 years

CAHERCALLA Community Care is celebrating 30 years as a community-led, not-forprofit organisation.

The Clare Echo is helping Cahercalla Community Care celebrate this significant milestone with a bumper 16-page feature, containing interviews with key people who played a significant role through the years at Cahercalla along with current members of staff, residents and family members.

Fr Harry Bohan, one of the original Board members who facilitated the transfer of the hos-

pital from St John of Gods into community ownership, speaks to The Clare Echo about the inspirational fundraising effort which made the purchase possible, while current Chairperson of the Board, Dr Michael Harty tells The Clare Echo about the importance of public support for the Ennis hospital.

l Activities supervisor Aidan McMahon shares a smile with Cora Margey as Cahercalla Community Care celebrates its 30th Anniversary this month

Photo by John O’Neill

NEWSDESK

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It’s my ball

St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld’s Tom McDonald holds onto the ball from two Coroﬁn opponents during their third round willwego.com Cusack Cup win

Plans lodged for construction of 74 houses in Sixmilebridge

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

PLANS for seventy four houses in Sixmilebridge have been lodged with Clare County Council.

The large development is earmarked for a vacant site along the R471 route, close to the Shannon Road housing estate in Clare’s third biggest settlement.

Datcha Construction Limited have applied for planning permission for a development consisting of seventy four residential units. These are comprised of six detached houses, forty semi-detached houses and twenty eighty terrace houses. Also included in the plans are ancillary surface car parking, vehicular and pedestrian access to the proposed development, and connection to existing public water supply.

This new development comes after Datcha was already granted planning permission for thirty one houses in August 2024, despite opposition from local residents who stated that the Bridge is “at or above capacity” and raised concerns about the level of trafﬁc the development could cause.

A number of community amenities are included in the plans for the development such as a community seating space with benches and a natural play area for children with balance logs, play boulders, an embankment slide, balance stilts and a play mound. Environmental amenities are also featured in the plans with buffer planting and native hedgerow screening proposed to give potential residents privacy.

Designated pedestrian and cycle paths are planned throughout the development. A speed limit of 30km/h has been suggested for the development when completed. The site entrance will be accessed by a proposed

new junction to be built on the Shannon Road. The site is designated as part of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area and is well connected by road and rail to surrounding large settlements such as Shannon, Limerick and Ennis.

Limerick based Architects Arnold Leahy state in the application that “The proposed development is focused on the creation of a high-quality, residential environment in terms of overall design and layout, a mixture of tenure types and unit sizes, and the provision of high quality landscaped public open spaces”. The proposed development would be well connected to local amenities in Sixmilebridge such as the Bridge Kids Creche, Bridge United soccer pitch plus Sixmilebridge’s GAA facilities at O’Garney Park and Cappa Lodge. In terms of environmental impact, the development is expected to be minimal. The proposed greenﬁeld site is located close to a number of sites in agricultural use.

Water issues were raised by Uisce Éireann in response to Datcha’s recent development plans. The state water provider noted that the applicant must “enter into a connection agreement with Uisce Éireann” in order to “provide adequate water and wastewater facilities”.

In order to reduce pollution from run-off at this site, OBB consulting engineers state that “In the context of the proposed development, it is proposed that all surface water run-off will go through a two-stage treatment train via permeable paving, rain gardens, tree pits, and swales before discharging at a controlled rate into the receiving systems”.

Clare County Council is due to make a decision on the proposed development before May 5th 2025. Submissions and objections to the proposed development can be issued until April 14th.

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

‘Talking about ﬁgures isn’t helpful in Ennis parking debate’ according to Council

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CAR PARKING and whether there is an adequate or insufficient amount of spaces in the county prompted another divergence of opinions at the latest sitting of the Ennis Municipal District.

At the March meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) submitted a motion requesting detail on the amount of spaces lost due to public realm works on O’Connell Street, the redevelopment of Ennis Community College and the de Valera library.

He received support from Cllr Pat Daly (FF) and Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle but was met with backlash from Acting Director of Service, Seán Lenihan along with sitting members of the Ennis 2040 DAC, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) and Cllr Mary Howard (FG) who said they never encountered difficulties trying to source a space in the county town.

Speaking on Tuesday

at the April meeting, Cllr O’Callaghan noted that he was not provided with the figure on the amount of spaces lost and asked that it be circulated.

“I gave a detailed response the last day,” Lenihan replied. He said Cllr O’Callaghan referenced a 2008 report citing a shortage of 1000 spaces, “in my response I mentioned the report as historical, I did some research after the fact, some of the findings in the Buchanan Report were based on projected population growth, projected housing growth and projected car ownership, that is where

the figure of 8000 car spaces came from”.

Lenihan outlined, “The level of projected growth did not occur therefore the level of car parking was significantly less”. He said, “I’m not going to change my mind, we’re not going to refer to a historical report, we’ve much more recent data, the report said there was an adequate level of parking, it said it is neither possible or desirable to have a space for every car owner”. The engineer said he had answered O’Callaghan’s motion “in so far as I can” but did not provide a figure on the amount of spaces lost.

He continued, “We compare very favourably with other large towns, none of us are of the mind that the need for the car won’t be there into the future but we have to plan to manage for what we have and encourage less use of single car journeys”.

The Miltown Malbay native said, “Everyone of us want to maximise the business and revenue that the town can avail of, talking about figures and exact figures isn’t helpful in this scenario, I deem the parking that we have as adequate, you disagree which is fine, we need to signpost it better into the future”.

A baffled Cllr O’Callaghan responded, “I’m at a loss, that is not what I asked, I simply asked how many spaces have been taken. We know the realm works are ongoing, there was spaces on O’Connell St, there were car spaces in front of the Community College, the same for the library, I’ve asked a simple question, I can’t understand why it can’t be answered”.

struggle to find parking in Ennis

Exclusive

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NEW POLL has found that almost 80 percent of Clare Echo readers struggle to ﬁnd a parking spot in Ennis.

Amid ongoing debate elected members of the Ennis Municipal District and senior ofﬁcials in Clare County Council regarding the provision of parking in Ennis, The Clare Echo polled its readers to ascertain their views. The poll was completed by just under 500 online readers.

An overwhelming 78% said they frequently struggle to get a parking space in Ennis. 15% said it was ‘hit and miss’ when it comes to trying to source a space while 7% said there was loads of spaces when they try to park.

Debates have become commonplace at the Ennis MD whenever parking spaces gets an airing. Acting Director of Service for Economic Development with the Council, Seán Lenihan said he has never had any difﬁcult sourcing a parking space in Ennis town in the past thirty years. “I’m driving around Ennis for 30 years, I’ve never been inside the

door of either of the multi-storey car parks, you might not get outside the shop but I’ve always found a parking spot in all my time driving”. Similar views have previously been expressed by the Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), “I never have a problem parking in Ennis”. Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said the view that Ennis has a shortage of parking is “complete bunkum”. Cllr Pat Daly (FF) stated, “parking in Ennis is at a premium, until we can provide parking for business owners and staff there will always be a shortage of car parking spaces”. Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) has ﬂagged the economic impact of a shortage of spaces, claiming €8 per hour is the consequence of each lost parking space in the town centre.

Parking at glór

Clare Credit Unions Celebrate National Cultivate Week as they continue to increase their presence in the Agri Lending Market

Damien Browne Agri Financial Advisor St Francis Credit Union-

Traditionally, Clare Credit Unions are associated with the personal lending market, however with a defined Credit Union farm friendly finance offering that is now available to our farming community, this has seen a significant growth in our Agri Loans and presence in the

Agri Lending Market.

The Clare Credit Unions are members of the National Farm Finance brand known as ‘Cultivate’.

This is a collaborative Credit Union lending platform, that is now available in over 50 Credit Unions spread over 175 office locations across the country.

Cultivate Farm Finance offers flexible unsecured loans up to €75,000 with a competitive interest rate of just 6.55% (Apr 6.75%).

These loans are not asset-backed, therefore no requirement for any collateral against the loan such as property or land. The repayments can be spread over a maximum of ten years and can be tailored to meet your cash flow requirements.

The Cultivate Farm Finance brand was launched in mid-2018 and since then Over €16.5 MILLION in loans have been issued by Clare Credit Unions to local farmers throughout County Clare.

Robert Troy, Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, this week launched National Cultivate Week which takes place from 7–13 April. This event brings together credit unions and their members to celebrate Irish farmers and the vital role they play in sustaining local communities and the wider economy. Cultivate loans are built around the realities of farm life: flexibility, speed, and a real personal service. Credit unions across the country will mark the week by highlighting supports available through Cultivate loans and showcase the strong relationship between credit unions and the agricultural community.

We continue to believe that farmers value ‘face-to-face’ engagement

Borrow

when dealing with financial matters which is very much the ethos of the Credit Union movement. Clare Credit Unions are rooted in the communities and have a total of 15 offices spread throughout Co Clare.

‘For further information on the ‘Cultivate’ – Credit Union Farm Finance offering, you can contact Siobhan Durack at Derg Credit Union, Sharon Foley or Paul Morgan at Ennistymon & District Credit Union, Claire Neylon at Kilrush Credit Union or Damien Browne at St Francis Credit Union’. Clare Credit Unions proudly supporting the Farming Community. Credit Unions are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

lSharon Foley, Damien Browne, Claire Neylon and Siobhan Durack

l Minister of State Robert Troy TD, Joe Healy Chairperson of Collaborative Finance and Therese Conway, CEO of Collaborative Finance at the launch of National Cultivate Week.

Death of Kilbaha woman again highlights poor emergency response times in West Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A TRAGIC DEATH in West Clare has again highlighted serious concerns with emergency response times.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) has raised serious concerns following the death of Kilbaha woman Shona Crotty on Tuesday April 1st. A mother of one aged in her forties Shona had to be airlifted to hospital while waiting for an ambulance following a serious medical emergency.

At the end of March, a woman was waiting for nearly four hours on the side of the road for an ambulance to transport her to University Hospital Limerick.

Cllr McInerney has questioned why the Kilkee Fire Brigade was not deployed to assist in the recent Loop Head incident seeing as they have medically trained personnel and a defibrillator on their rig. She is calling for a review of emergency protocols and for paramedics or ambulances to be stationed at every fire station in rural areas to improve response times.

“The fire brigade provides an incredible service, with highly trained personnel who could have been on-site much faster,” the Doonbeg woman said. “I understand that ambulance crews are stretched across the county, but we need to ensure that the closest available resources—

wheth er ambulance or fire service—are deployed immediately”.

She continued, “This is not good enough. We cannot continue to accept these delays as normal. People in West Clare deserve the same standard of emergency care as those in urban areas. I am calling for an immediate review of how emergency resources are prioritised and for the restoration of A&E services in Ennis to reduce transport times once a patient receives onsite treatment”.

A member of the Regional Health Forum, Cllr McInerney is calling on the HSE, the Minister for Health, and the National Ambulance Service to intervene immediately to address these unacceptable delays and ensure rural communi-

ties are not left vulnerable in lifeor-death situations. “I am demanding answers and action. How many more tragedies must occur before

changes are made? I want the HSE and the Minister for Health to outline exactly what steps they are taking to improve emergency response

times in West Clare and ensure that no family has to suffer due to systemic failures in our health service”.

lSERIOUS PROBLEM: Ambulances Universty Hospital Limerick [inset image: Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF)]

Clare volunteers assist in search for missing Kerry farmer

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

VOLUNTEERS from Clare have assisted in the search for missing Kerry farmer, Michael Gaine.

Clare Civil Defence volunteers were in Kerry as part of the search for the fifty six year old who was last seen on March 20th in Kenmare where he purchased credit for his phone from a local Centra store.

The Kerry man is described as being a larger than life character who stands at approximately 5ft 10, of stocky build with brown/grey hair and a bushy beard. He was last seen wearing an orange woolly hat, black fleece, blue jeans and black boots. A number of his cattle were recently sold at an auction.

Gardaí, assisted by members of the Defence Forces and the Civil Defence have carried out enquiries in the locality as part of ongoing efforts to locate Michael. On Friday, fourteen Clare Civil Defence volunteers travelled from Ennis to Kenmare to assist in the search efforts.

Clare Civil Defence Officer Steven Hayes told The Clare Echo, “They were given an area by An Garda Siochána and the search manager and then conducted a land search and a line search through the areas that they were given. They were supported then by drones and were given separate areas. They also went into cover and helped the teams that were going through brush and the bad land”.

Difficult conditions have hampered the search due to its rural location and vast search area. “Conditions would be on the extreme end, difficult conditions to travel, it’s vast. The land down there would be measured in kilometres, it’s that big. It’s a really, really vast area”, Steven explained.

Gardaí have stated that after being spotted at the Centra store “Michael then left in his bronze coloured RAV4 registration 152 KY 366. This vehicle was found parked in Michael Gaine’s farmyard, just off the N71 at Carrig East”.

“We didn’t meet too many locals as such”, Steven said. “We were given a job to do and we went to do it. There was a lot of hope the day we were down there in trying to locate him”, the Civil Defence Officer concluded.

The search for Mr Gaine is continuing to be led by a number of state and voluntary bodies as well as locals in the vicinity.

Renewed appeal launched on 20th anniversary of Emer O’Loughlin’s murder

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A RENEWED appeal for information into the death of Ennistymon woman Emer O’Loughlin has been made, twenty years on from her murder in North Clare.

Gardaí are urging the public who may have any piece of information which they feel might be relevant to this investigation to make contact with them.

On April 8 2005, remains were discovered in a mobile home close to where Emer O’Loughlin (23) lived with her boyfriend at Ballybornagh, Tubber.

The mobile, which belonged to a John Griffin, had been completely destroyed by fire. Human remains discovered inside were later identified as being Emer’s.

Five years later, on May 19 2010, Gardaí exhumed her remains, which were removed to University Hospital Galway where forensic tests were conducted. The tests indicated that Emer had died a violent death, and as a result the investigation was upgraded to that of murder.

Emer’s death shook the county. Her badly burned remains took days to identify, and though Gort Gardai made appeals for information regarding a male suspect, the man in question has never been found.

Gardaí are hopeful the public can assist with efforts to trace John Griffin, formerly of the Mervue area in Galway. The last confirmed sighting of him was in Inis Mór in 2005.

Gardaí believe John Griffin may have information that will assist them and are eager to interview him.

This is the 20th year since Emer’s death and her family are still struggling to come to terms with her loss and are asking for your assistance in order to bring them closure.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Gardaí appealed to people with information to come forward. “Gardaí may have spoken to you previously and due to the passage of time, you may now feel better placed to assist with the investigation. Have you seen or spoken to John Griffin, also

known as ‘Fozzie’, at the time or in the intervening years? Do you know the current whereabouts of John Griffin? Be assured you will be treated with sensitivity and compassion by the investigation team. Investigating Gardaí believe that John Griffin is still alive and at the time of his disappearance, he was assisted by a person or persons unknown in leaving the island of Inis Mór.

“Gardaí have never received a Missing Person report in respect of John Griffin. Extensive searches were conducted along the coastline following the find-

ing of his clothing, however he has never been sighted nor has his body ever been recovered”. John Griffin is described as 180cm in height (5ft 11inches), and now 57 years of age. He is of a slight build and bald on the top of his head. He often sported a beard, which was shaved off on occasion. He has a distinctive Egyptian ‘Eye of Horus’ tattoo on his throat area. He speaks with a local accent.

Anyone with information can contact Gort Garda Station on 091 636400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Bunratty & Craggaunowen expect 15,000 Easter visitors

More than 15,000 people are expected to pass through the gates of Craggaunowen and Bunratty Castle & Folk Park this Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.

A comprehensive programme of visitor programmes will be held at the Clare visitor attractions with family-friendly activities and entertainment for all ages.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park’s Easter events will be held on Friday, April 18, Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

The public is invited to step back in time with reenactors from Clan Life and Tercio Irlanda, who will bring 16th-century Gaelic Ireland to life through engaging displays and talks on the era’s chieftains, warriors, and culture.

The traditional skills of the past will also be on display. Visitors will be able to witness the art of traditional Irish ironworking with live blacksmith demonstrations, showcasing the history and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

At 2.00 p.m. daily, the Bean an Tí will showcase the art and traditions behind Irish baking as the aroma of freshly baked griddle bread ﬁlls the interior of the Golden Vale Farmhouse.

Along with getting the opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny and Chick, there will be plenty of children’s entertainment throughout the visitor attraction, as well as live traditional Irish music.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is calling all young designers aged twelve and under to showcase their creativity using recycled or upcycled materials in the Easter Bonnet Competition. The judges, Lady Longbottom and Madame Bloomers, will announce the winning bonnets and hats on the village street at 2.30 p.m.

The Wobbly Circus will keep visitors entertained outside the Tea Rooms with a show-

case of ﬁre-juggling, unicycling and circus skills, while Garry Rossiter will be combining juggling, comedy, audience participation and danger through knife juggling, ﬁre eating and stilt walking.

Guests can hop on the Bunratty Express and travel through the Folk Park past the elegant Georgian design of Bunratty House and the reconstructed Ardcroney Church, and through the Fairy Trail, woodland trails and paddocks, with their vast array of indigenous Irish animal species from Kerry Bog Ponies to Irish Red Deer and Bunratty’s resident Irish Wolfhounds Rian and Mide. The 10-minute train ride departs from the Red Barn, located behind Mac’s Pub, from 10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.

A fun and interactive Clue Trail, designed for younger visitors and their families, will lead participants through the folk park’s scenic woodland trails. Along the way, they will meet lively characters such as Mike the Seanchaí, the School Master, and the Village Policeman, all while uncovering fascinating stories from Ireland’s past.

See www.bunrattycastle.ie and www.craggaunowen.ie for Easter Event 2025 ticket details. Early booking is advised.

‘They are producing fairy story stuﬀ’ - Lenihan

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

“FAIRY STORY STUFF” is all planners are good for according to Clare folklorist Eddie Lenihan.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Lenihan voiced his scepticism on the potential reopening of the Crusheen rail stop and the money it could generate.

Born in Brosna, Co. Kerry Eddie has lived in Crusheen for the majority of his life, amassing a massive collection of folklore in the oral tradition. He is also an expert in railway history and published ‘In the Tracks of the West Clare Railway’ in 1990. The seanchaí says there are lessons to be learned from the history of railways in the county.

He said, “I think I am the only person who ever walked the West Clare Railway since it closed, all 58 miles of it. I certainly saw the mistakes that were made by the council and the NRA, they never

questions finer details of reopening Crusheen rail stop

foresaw things like walkways and cycleways and they allowed things to be built on the railway line.

“It should be possible to have not a station, a halt.

A halt is all we need. That’s what they did for the West Clare Railway in its final years when the diesel rail cars came in. In fairness to CIE they gave it every chance. They opened seven new halts and that’s all they need to do to accommodate people.

It would be a pity that the railway station couldn’t take advantage of that”, the storyteller continued.

Originally built in the 1860s, Crusheen railway station closed in 1976 for passenger traffic and in the 1990s for freight traffic. The rail stop has been the subject of a socio-economic report by Repucon Consulting which in September detailed that there is an estimated market of 1,700 commuters and students currently living in the catchment of the

station and an estimated economic value to the local economy of €25million arising from associated employment opportunities.

Hopes to reopen the rail stop have received a further boost with Clare County Council including it in a submission for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

Eddie welcomed the idea of its reopening but was sceptical of the development’s finer details. The author praised the bus service in Crusheen as an alternative.

“We have a bus service here that is excellent, the number 51 passes every hour, there’s a lot of places that would envy us. You can go from here to Cork and never get off the bus. The train would pass here five times a day, is that enough? I use the bus all the time. Any of the people that I see backing the railway, I never see them at the bus stop so I mean what are we talking about? Who is the

public transport for because a railway station is a big investment”.

He said there was a decline

nities, he flagged. “As you know we have a Crusheen here that there seems to be no planning whatsoever in,

in Crusheen despite the construction of numerous housing developments which have come with no ame-

estate after estate after estate and no facilities only for the GAA and their field. The school is squeezed into

a little corner with no room to expand. Obviously there was no planning, none whatsoever. The Harry Bohan houses that were built here forty years ago when there was nothing here, only a little crossroads. I think it has to do with the motorway, it has finally become just a passing through place, it’s near Shannon, Limerick, Galway, it’s a convenient stop. Nobody knows each other anymore and nobody needs to”.

Lenihan said that he would like to see the rail stop reopened but maintained that it must be handled carefully and looked after. “They talk about opening the railway station, you know the way planners talk and they produce beautiful brochures like the thing there in Ennis. These are produced by companies that are hired to show you a beautiful advertisement, fairy story stuff, a fairy story now in the worst sense”.

Eddie Lenihan

Be a Tourist in your Own County Clare on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, 2025

On Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, the “Be a Tourist in Your Own County Clare” event takes place.

Clare County Council’s Tourism Department is encouraging you to enjoy it as a tourist would. Get out and explore parts of Clare you don’t know so well, such as the scenery, forests, beaches, lakes, attractions, dining experiences, and more.

Watch some of the world’s smartest sheepdogs in action at Caherconnell Fort in the Burren.

Go full Willy Wonka at Wilde Irish Chocolates in East Clare and have the family build their own personalised chocolate bars.

Head underground for a spectacular cave tour at the Aillwee Burren Experience or Doolin Cave.

See Clare from the water on an amazing short cruise on Lough Derg or beneath the Cliffs of Moher.

Have a hoot with an owl at the Birds of Prey Centre at Aillwee Burren Experience, or meet the animals at Moher Farm.

Rediscover the Cliffs of Moher Experience (early morning or late afternoon).

Climb to the top of the Loop Head Lighthouse for breathtaking views.

Head to Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre – a botanical wonder.

Enjoy Bunratty Castle and Folk Park – a real family favourite.

Meet the fluffy Flying Alpaca in West Clare – curious, and full of charm.

Enjoy a family swim in the Lahinch Leisure Centre.

Discover the fascination of aviation at Shannon Aviation Museum.

Enjoy the Taste the Atlantic –Salmon Experience at the Burren Smokehouse.

Visit Irish Seed Savers FREE: Explore the organic gardens and heritage orchards.

Drop into the Burren Visitor Centre for Burren insights.

Visit Clare Museum in Ennis –FREE with 6,000 years of local history to explore.

Go on a Photo Walk in Ballyvaughan – quick tips, take lovely pics.

Make and paint your own pottery at Charm Bee, enjoy a guided walk of Quin, check in on The Music Makers of West Clare and more.

“Be a Tourist in your Own County Clare”

50% OFF DISCOUNTS to Clare’s Top Attractions for ONE WEEKEND ONLY!

On Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, 2025, we encourage you to become a tourist in your own County Clare and explore the parts of the County you are not so familiar withthe hidden gems and captivating attractions that make Clare a mustvisit destination. For this WEEKEND ONLY, take advantage of the BIG DISCOUNTS to Clare’s Top Attractions with our ‘Be a Tourist’ vouchers and promo codes.

ESSENTIAL TO KNOW:

Check offers online as some are valid only on specific dates and may require online bookings. See www.VisitClare.ie/wow.

One voucher per party suffices, but certain attractions require bookings with promo codes. For full details on date-specific availability, booking requirements, and promo codes, visit www.VisitClare.ie/wow. Please follow all instructions closely.

The

WEEKEND

SUMMARY OFFERS

on Saturday & Sunday, April 12 and 13

Get ready for a weekend of wow—enjoy free and half-price entry to top Clare attractions! Go behind the scenes at a chocolate factory, cruise across Lough Derg or beneath the Cliffs of Moher, meet owls and alpacas, wander through historic castles and folk parks, climb a lighthouse, explore caves and walled gardens, watch skilled sheepdogs in action, and more.

50% OFF Aillwee Burren Experience

50% OFF Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

50% OFF The Burren Visitor Centre

50% OFF Caherconnell Fort and Sheepdog Demonstrations

DEAL Charm Bee Studio & Cafe - Paint Pottery + Lunch

FREE Clare Museum

50% OFF Cliffs of Moher Experience (early morning/late afternoon)

50% OFF Doolin Cave

50% OFF Doolin Ferry Cliffs of Moher Cruise

50% OFF The Flying Alpaca

FREE Irish Seed Savers

50% OFF Killaloe River Cruises

50% OFF Lahinch Leisure Centre Swimming Pool

50% OFF Loop Head Lighthouse

50% OFF Moher Hill Open Farm

50% OFF The Music Makers of West Clare

50% OFF Postcard Perfect Photowalk

Quin Guided Walk

50% OFF Shannon Aviation Museum Tour

50% OFF Taste the Atlantic - The Salmon Experience

50% OFF Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre

50% OFF Wilde Irish Chocolates

Required. Bring Voucher.

Booking Required. Bring Voucher.

By Phone Essential.

Required. Bring Voucher.

Online Essential. Get Code.

Book by Phone or Get Online Code

Booking Required. Bring Voucher.

Booking Online Essential. Get Code.

Booking Required. Bring Voucher.

Friday 11th only. Bring Voucher.

Booking Online Essential. Get Code.

Booking By Phone Essential.

Booking Online Essential. Get Code.

Booking Required. Bring Voucher.

Monday 14th. Booking Online or by Phone Essential. Get Code.

Important: Get your vouchers and promo codes at www.VisitClare.ie/wow

Check this website for vital offer details and booking conditions.

‘Save our seat’ campaign Council publish 264

Tobin Report on Cliffs of Moher coastal walk

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AFTER MUCH anticipation, Clare County Council published the 246page report charting the future management plan for the Cliffs of Moher Walk.

On Wednesday, the Council published Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk Management Plan. The Tobin report recommends the local authority become the management organisation for the future management and development of the coastal trail from Doolin to Hags Head, a trail that showcases the world-renowned Cliffs of Moher.

A leaked draft of the report has caused consternation among landowners in North Clare with the mention of a compulsory purchase order raising tensions in the locality. “It is not the intention of Clare County Council to wield this option over landowners,” Director of Tourism with the Council, Siobhán McNulty stated.

Consultant Tobin prepared the report on behalf of the Council and in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development, Fáilte Ireland and Clare Local Development Company (CLDC).

The report was commissioned in 2023 and took two years to be published, it reviewed visitor infrastructure relating to visitor numbers as well as the management of the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.

The report found that, in general, visitors do not differentiate between the Council-owned Cliffs of Moher Experience located centrally along the coastal walk, and the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk managed by the CLDC. It also examined the financial model for payments to landowners and reviewed land ownership, and considered existing agreements, signage, access, maintenance and repair programmes.

The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk functions as a popular trail that is accessed not only at the Cliffs of Moher Experience, but at other locations outwards from the centre.

It forms part of the Burren Way, which is a 114km National Waymarked Trail from Corofin to Lahinch. The Burren Way is one of 24 such National Waymarked Trails in Ireland. Consequently, the trail is frequently accessed at Doolin to the north, and at Hags Head to the south.

The final report assessed and proposed recommendations on how best the “off road” section of the trail can interface seamlessly with the “beginning and end” of the coastal walk and in the villages along the proposed route. Sustainable transport, health & safety, ancillary infrastructure, marketing, international and national best practice examples, as well as an environmental assessment were also discussed with key stakeholders and recommendations included in the report.

The report has proposed options for securing operational control of lands, that new models for payments to landowners be put in place and that the

Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk be removed from the Walks Scheme.

Welcoming the publication of the report Deputy Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Alan Farrell, said, “The final report provides recommendations about the future visitor management, safety, maintenance and upgrade of the walk as well as parking, biodiversity and marketing. Its proposed management model would see Clare County Council become the trail management organisation for the future Coastal Walk”.

Clare County Council Director of Service Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty, said, “The report recommends Clare County Council, as the trail management organisation, utilise its resources to manage, operate, market and maintain the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.

The report also recommends that the management of the walk be overseen by a dedicated board of expertise under a new model proposed in the report”.

Highlighting the importance of continuing to work with landowners in considering some of the proposals around a new model for access to the walk, management of the land and new model of payment, Ms McNulty said, “The Council recognises the landowners are key stakeholders in the Coastal Walk and in line with a commitment that the landowners should be among the first to receive the final document, a copy of the final report was sent ahead of publication today.

While a leaked draft report has been circulating for some time, Clare County Council was not in a position to issue the final report until it was signed off by the partners. I would like to thank the landowners for their patience in awaiting the report and I acknowledge the tension resulting from the leaked earlier draft.

Much of the focus of the leak was on the use of CPO. It is not the intention of Clare County Council to wield this option over landowners,” she added.

“With the report published Clare County Council looks forward to working with the landowners, our partners and the local community to develop the walk in a sustainable manner that protects the environment, showcases the most visited natural attraction in Ireland and benefits the North Clare community for generations to come,” she said.

Chair of the Clare County Council Tourism SPC, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said, “I welcome that the final report is now published so that we can begin working towards a mutually beneficial plan for the future management of the world-renowned Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.

“The future of the trail must be developed to the benefit of the local community, landowners, visitors and the local economy”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ACAMPAIGN to save a bench outside a Lahinch commercial premises is garnering momentum with over 700 signatures to a petition pleading for it to be retained.

An objection to the presence of the bench outside The Coffee Hatch at the Promenande in Lahinch was made to Clare County Council at the end of March prompting the local authority to investigate the matter.

Licences for off-street furniture were previously granted by the Council to The Edge for four benches, three of these have been removed by the restaurant but one has since been utilised by The Coffee Hatch. Now open for four years, The Coffee Hatch is run by Carmel Connaire and has a total of eleven part-time staff.

Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said all businesses in Lahinch must be given the same treatment. He told The Clare Echo, “A complaint was made to the County Council by a neighbouring business. I’ve no objection to the presence of the bench if it can be regularised and I believe they have the option to apply for a licence for the bench, it is important that all businesses receive equitable treatment and consideration be given to businesses paying rates to provide seating indoors and outdoors”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Carmel said he was “really disappointed” to learn of the complaint. “I look at the group of sea swimmers, I know they set up their own petition to keep the bench because to them it is really important, there are maybe

200 sea swimmers anything from ten to twenty of them gather here after a swim, it is vital for them, a lot of them won’t buy a coffee, sixty percent will buy a coffee and the forty percent will have the chat, it is where they know, you can hear the laughing a mile away and it is a lovely space to be in”. She recalled, “I was contacted by the County Council ten days ago and they said there was an objection made about the presence of the bench, it was made by a local representative on be-

half of a business that there was no permission for it to be there. We’ve been using the bench since COVID, I spoke with the Council, they said they were acting on the complaint”.

As of Wednesday evening, over 700 signatures have been secured for their petition to keep the bench, this documentation will be presented to the County Council. “I did a little petition asking people if they’d like to retain it, I was willing to take it away when the Council asked me, I wanted

Post office service

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LAHINCH’s post office network has been saved with a new arrangement to come into being in the coming months.

Friday (April 11th) was due to be the closing date for the post office in Lahinch, this has been starved off with a new arrangement agreed to preserve the future of the service in the North-West Clare coastal town.

Spar’s store located on Rue D’Arzon also known as Back Lane will become the new home of the post office in Lahinch. Robert Kennedy will take over as the postmaster in Lahinch in the coming months with a post office to be fitted out in the store.

Current post office services will continue on an interim basis at the post office on Main Street in Lahinch until the fit out is complete. Outgoing postmaster, Shane Talty told The Clare Echo, “I’m happy to work with An Post and Robert to support a smooth transition which sees the service remain within the community. Thanks once again to my committed staff and customers for their continued support”. He will continue to run the Ennistymon post office.

Talty tendered his resignation in October for the contract of the post office in Lahinch. “This has been a difficult decision and one not taken lightly. The Post Office alongside our family home on the main street has been operated by three generations of our family

Christine McInerney, Breege Vaughan and Carmel Connaire seated at the bench outside The Coffee Hatch

gains momentum in Lahinch

to get feedback on it, I got 700 signatures to keep the bench, I ran out of paper in the first hour, I had 140 signatures in the first hour. I kept coming out with A4 sheets of paper, it is full and it is across every sector of the community here, business people, loads of people have signed it, they have come specifically to sign it, people love the space, there is no loitering or messing, I clean the place every morning”.

Discussions are ongoing between Carmel and the Council, she has asked to retain the bench and it is expected an application for a licence will be made.

Carmel continued, “There was already street furniture there since COVID, the licence was given for four benches which were belonging to The Edge which was when Alan Clancy was running it, they had the permission and I had the unit here in the corner, they had four street benches, they got permission to put them out during COVID, the bench that is there is the last one belonging to the four, the rest were taken away”. She said the benches were granted a licence but for a different business.

Living in Lahinch for the past thirty three years, the Galway native described The Coffee Hatch as “a family run business” with both her daughters working weekends.

Lahinch’s bench is “a space for the community rather than a space for a business,” according to Carmel.

“It has evolved in the last couple of years, people talk to me about turning the corner at 7am and seeing people sitting there with their coffee before they go

about their business, there is a lot of people that live alone who come here in the morning, there’s people with personal issues that they are dealing with that come here in the morning, we’re very aware of them and it is their space to connect, it is a fluid space so you don’t have to purchase

opening hours of 7am is “not really commercially viable in Lahinch but because of the amount of people coming to us and felt they needed the space before they went to work or going into an office all day or working remotely, we’ve a lot of people around here working remotely and this

“It is really diﬀicult to sit as a group in Lahinch in an open space and enjoy the view and the space

something to sit down and have a chat at the bench.

“You don’t have to sit down, you can stand and have a laugh and a chat, it is the centrepoint of the community and it has become so across all sectors of the community.

“I came down here on Friday evening at 9pm to sort the stock for Saturday and there was two older ladies sitting with their dogs having an ice-cream and two young girls about thirteen years of age they spotted the dogs and when I came back out they were all having a chat around the bench, those people didn’t know each other.

“It is really difficult to sit as a group in Lahinch in an open space and enjoy the view and the space”. She admitted that their

has been an outlet for them before they went off to do whatever editing or computer work in their own office.

“It evolved and it started getting busier and busier, we’ve a huge array of workers, teachers, people working remotely, older people, young people, it is a huge cross-generational space”.

Although the wall of the prom isn’t too far away from her premises, Carmel said the bench offers a comfortable place for people to sit and engage with each other. “Because it is round, it is safe because the barrier is there, people are tired so they want to sit, sometimes the prom wall is cold”.

Clare County Council were contacted for comment prior to the publication of this article.

saved in Lahinch

for over seventy years,” he said at the time. He added, “as business volumes declined, so has the revenue to run the service. In recent weeks A Post have withdrawn mail sorting services from both Lahinch and Ennistymon post offices. The combined lost income means I can no longer continue to operate the Lahinch office and sustain the financial losses associated. I had long flagged with A Post that the removal of mail sorting services would inevitably end the viability of the counter services in Lahinch, but they continued with this policy knowing it would close the office”.

A spokesperson for An Post confirmed there will be “full services” in the new post office in Lahinch when it opens

There are currently 31 post offices operational in Co Clare.

How to planning your hanging baskets

APRIL has come to us with sunshine and lots of colour to brighten up things in the garden and in the pots.

Summer bedding and summer trailing plant are available at the garden centr. One of the main questions I get each year is how many plants should I use for my baskets. When planting baskets the main thing to consider hw much room do your plants have to expand. So for a 14” basket I use 4 plants and I use a filler for extra colour and sometimes I add a centre piece to them like a geranium or even a Bidens. But of course, you can squeeze more in but you aren’t leaving the room for growth.

Mixed baskets are very popular and you don’t necessarily need to put in trailer.

Choosing what to grow can be confusing but a few things to consider are do you want a centre piece with a bit of height, do you want trailing, are you going with a theme or one type of colour. Hopefully these pointers will help you when filling your containers and hanging baskets.

There is lots of gardening going on at the moment and lots of rockers getting new life put in to them.

The Outing, QuareClare & Limerick Pride shortlisted for EuroPride 2028

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A JOINT bid from organisations in Clare and Limerick has been shortlisted alongside Manchester Pride to host EuroPride 2028.

QuareClare, The Outing and Limerick Pride have submitted a joint application to host EuroPride 2028. The European Pride Organisers Association announced that this submission has been shortlisted alongside Manchester Pride in their bid to host EuroPride 2028. The host location will be announced later this year.

This joint bid has been submitted by The Outing Queer Arts Collective & Festival, QuareClare, and Limerick LGBTQ+ Pride, with the support of Fáilte Ireland, Blacknight, Visit Clare, Goudie Talent, and The George.

Attracting over 100,000 people annually from around the world, EuroPride is hosted by a different European city each year. The event has previously been held in London, Thessaloniki, Cologne, Warsaw, Rome, Oslo, Madrid, and Zurich. This year’s event takes place over nine days this June in Lisbon, Portugal.

Speaking on behalf of the

Clare/Limerick EuroPride bid, Eddie McGuinness, CoChair of The Outing, described the pan-European event as “a unique opportunity for our international LGBTQIA+ family to immerse themselves in the richness of Irish culture, heritage, and community spirit.”

“Ten years on since the marriage equality referendum, when Ireland was the first country to legalise same-sex marriage in a popular vote, Ireland continues to break new boundaries. Hosting EuroPride 2028 in Ireland for the very first time would be an extraordinary milestone,” he explained.

“Though our island may be small, it is filled with love, diversity, inclusion, and acceptance,” he added. “With the breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way as our backdrop, we would create a truly oneof-a-kind EuroPride experience—celebrating our vibrant community against the stunning landscape of the west of Ireland”.

He stated, “Securing this bid would not only mark a historic achievement for the LGBTQIA+ community in Ireland but also extend ‘Pride in Our Community’ across the region, from Derry to

Kerry. The potential to host EuroPride 2028 could be transformative for tourism in the Mid-West, showcasing our vibrant culture to an international audience. Should our bid be successful, our goal will be to paint the Wild Atlantic Way pink during 2028”.

Karen Ronan, General Manager of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, which has worked to attract business and sports tourism to the Shannon Region over the past two decades, said, “We are delighted to support this bid to host EuroPride in the Mid-West Region in three years’ time.”

“The value of hosting an international event of this scale cannot be overstated from an economic, cultural, or social perspective,” she added. “Bringing EuroPride here would not only celebrate our diverse community but also showcase the Mid-West’s unique culture and warmth to over 100,000 visitors from around the world”.

countries to centre their LGBTQIA+ communities in European consciousness. I look forward to seeing their ambitions in their full bid later this year.”

Some of the most popular plants at the minute are Aduja repens a lovely ground cover perennial with a blue flower. Saxifraga is a lovely red or white flowering perennial one of the most popular is Aubrieta is has a lovely spreading habit and can overhang on the edge of rockery it comes in shades of purple and red.

The following ones I love because they are great to self seed and give back extra plants; Aquilegia commonly known as grannies bonnet, America known as seathrift and poppies. They come in a selection of colours and they are stunning .

Heather are ideal for the rockery area and are great for slopes and will spraed and give great colour.

We have a lovely selection of standard Trees at the moment so if you have a small garden these are ideal. The cherry blossoms and weeping willows are fantastic and ideal even standard roses are lovely when in flower. So on that note I will just leave you with this tip to keep your plants watered while we are enjoying this dry spell of weather. Happy Gardening everone.

Join the Tidy Towns volunteers and help keep Ennis beautiful

SPRING has arrived, and each spring you notice groups of people out and about wearing highvis vests carrying bags and litterpickers!

These are your local Tidy Towns volunteers and they are in every town and village in Ireland.

Ennis Tidy Towns is in existence for over 40 years, each week from March till September we meetup and litter-pick, paint, weed and plant different areas within the town. We are always looking for volunteers and everyone is welcome along.

Currently our volunteers are from Ireland, USA, Canada, South Africa, Albania, Lithuania, Ukraine, Poland, Palestine, Jordan and Nigeria.

Many of our volunteers bring along their children and we also run different projects throughout

the year for children - this past year they planted sunflowers and donated their plants to older members in our community, we also had a Christmas decoration making workshop, where the children (and adults) created all sorts of beautiful decorations from items that would otherwise be put in the bin! These decorations were then used to decorate different Christmas trees including the one at St Columba’s Church here in Ennis.

So if you would like to give your town an hour we would love to have you join us, all you need is a smile we provide the rest!

We meet each Monday at the Abbey St Carpark at 6.45pm (if the Monday is a bank holiday we meet on the Tuesday at 6.45pm)

Our meetups only last an hour and you are not obligated to join us each week.

Thought for the weekBuilding bridges of healing

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN

SCULLY

REPENTANCE and forgiveness are two cornerstone principles of our faith. They shape how we live our lives and relate to God and others.

When I was young and growing up, my Nana Scully encouraged me to write apology notes to anyone I offended, mostly my teachers and football or hurling managers. I was a rebellious and insubordinate youth a lot of the time, so I had to write a lot of apology notes. Almost every recipient of a note was gracious and forgiving. Thus went the cycle of repentance and forgiveness. I hated the practice of atonement then, but as I’ve grown older, and as I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve come to see just how vital this cycle is to the human condition.

C.S. Lewis once wrote: “Every one says repentance and forgiveness is a lovely idea,

until they have something to repent or someone to forgive.”

We’ve all been hurt in some way by someone else. Or perhaps, we did the hurting. Either way, these experiences can leave us wounded and oftentimes drowning in a cycle of bitterness, hate and resentment.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, let’s ask ourselves: Is there anyone I need to forgive? Am I harbouring any grudges? Have I bitterness of resentment in my heart towards any person? Have I ever tried asking God to help me forgive those who have hurt me so deeply? What bridges of healing do I need to build? Forgiving others doesn’t mean we have to forget, condone or excuse what they have done. Some hurts we will carry with us always, but if we decide to forgive, we will not let those hurts fester within us. We will free ourselves of being weighed down by resentment, bitterness, the desire for revenge, those things that can eat away at us and enslave us.

Pop-up gaeltacht this weekend at the Lahinch trad festival/ Beidh preab-Ghaeltacht

ag Féile Thraididúnta an leachta

JOIN myself and other Gaeilge lovers at Flanagan’s Pub in Lahinch this Saturday at midday for a chat agus cúpla amhrán i nGaeilge! So, whether you’re a cainteoir dúchais (native speaker), líofa (ﬂuent), as cleachtadh (rusty), or only have cúpla focal (a few words), there will be a céad míle fáilte romhat to the comhrá conversation/chat), spraoi (fun) agus craic (craic)! The fun event is in aisce (free) and all you have to do is bring your grá (love) for the teanga (language)! Or just éist (listen) as the language ﬂows freely. Saturday/Dé Sathairn, 12ú Aibreán/April, 12pm, In aisce / Free of charge More informatio/Tuilleadh eolais www.lahinchtradfestival.ie

l Amhráin agus cómhrá ag Tigh Flanagan sa Leacht ag

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

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

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

meán-lae an Dé Sathairn beag seo

lEnnis Tidy Towns volunteers

Regional News

North Clare

Lidl lodge appeal with An Bord Pleanála over Council refusing Ennistymon store

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

LIDL have lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála after they were refused planning permission for a store in Ennistymon.

The German supermarket giant had applied for planning permission for a two-storey food store on the Lahinch Road in January but were refused by Clare County Council on the grounds of traffic and competition concerns.

Clare County Council highlighted “an existing deficiency in the road network serving the area”, which contributed to their decision to refuse. The planning department believed that the development would cause increased congestion in the town, due to perceived faults “in the structural condition of roads and footpaths in the vicinity of Blake’s Corner”. Lack of pedestrian linkage from the town was also a fac-

tor in their refusal.

MKO planning consultants disagreed with this however and noted examples of traffic flow that already exist in the town. They stated that “HGVs currently traverse through Blake’s Corner as evidenced by the results of the traffic counts recorded at this junction. OGV type 1 and 2 (which includes HGV) as well as buses were recorded utilising the junction throughout the period of traffic counts”.

“While some of the traffic will arrive from the east through the Blake’s corner junction, it is expected that traffic from the eastbound direction will still be substantial, for example there are two quarries located to the west of the site which will not utilise the Blake’s corner junction”, it continues.

MKO have also appealed against the potential lack of pedestrian access to the site which caused Lidl to be refused planning permission.

In their appeal, they suggested that “there is safe and convenient pedestrian linkage to the local residential area of Ardnaculla and its environs. The proposed Part 8 scheme

will provide upgraded pedestrian facilities within this area and the bridge area to further enhance the pedestrian options for access to this site”.

The applicants have also questioned Clare County Council’s concerns in relation to consumer competition in the town. The planning department was

concerned about the impact the development could have on Ennistymon, which already features Super Valu and Aldi stores. The planning department stated in their report that “the assessment does not consider the potential impact of the proposed development on the vitality and viability of other settlements in the catchment area, included but not limited to Miltown Malbay”.

MKO has countered this however by highlighting the Council’s objectives such as “to support service towns as important centres for the provision and retail services” and “to encourage the provision of good quality convenience outlets capable of supporting a main food shopping trip”. The Lidl planned for Ennistymon would help to fulfil these objectives, they argue.

An Bord Pleanála has eighteen weeks to make a decision on the appeal.

‘Does the word honour mean anything’ - Council criticised for failing to fulﬁll Liscannor land agreement

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NORTH CLARE councillor has questioned the local authority on whether they know the meaning of the word honour while voicing criticism of the failure to follow through on a land agreement in Liscannor.

In a proposal before the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) requested Clare County Council “to honour the agreement given by signed contract on October 2013, to provide a stone wall, internal fencing and maintenance of water levels i.e. flooding that occurs on lands adjacent to the 478 route at Sandfield, Liscannor”.

The Clare Echo understands that the landowner was paid €31,800 by the local authority after the land agreement was signed in October 2013 for the 0.782 acres. The signed agreement was for the Council to

widen the road and take over it as use as a public roadway and to erect a new stonewall along the new boundary line

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD, Tony Neville outlined that the Council previously applied to An Bord Pleanála “for substitute consent for the project at Ballyellery, Liscannor. This was granted but included consent only for the roadworks already undertaken”.

He stated, “Any agreement in place with the landowner will be honoured by Clare County Council but is subject to the substitute consent granted and approval of impending Planning Applications. A further Part 8 planning application, including associated environmental assessments is required to complete any outstanding works. This process is ongoing. A subsequent application for funding, either via Active Travel or other sources will

be necessary. Ideally, this section of the R478 could be considered as part of a future footpath and cycleway link between Lahinch, Liscannor and Doolin”.

Cllr Slattery told the meeting, “I have no conflict of interest even though the landowner is related to me, other councillors have brought it up also”. He said he “tried my best until 2018 with former Director Anne Haugh” to deliver on this.

“Do Clare County Council honour anything, this is going on since 2013, we’re now into 2025, the word honour means a lot to people, the landowner gave away frontage on the road, there was no CPO”.

He continued, “The farmer is left with walls that are not complete, the cattle come up on the road because temporary fencing was put down two metres from where the boundary should be going, he was good to give it for a small fee, I don’t think anyone would give the frontage for

the amount of money received and yet Clare County Council won’t honour what they said they would do it”.

Flooding is now occurring at the site, Cllr Slattery flagged. “It is an absolute disgrace,” he remarked.

“How long is a piece of string,” he said when referencing efforts to bring this to a resolution since 2013.

Motions were tabled on the matter in October 2020, September 2021 and May 2024, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) recalled. A previous reply “acknowledged that a court case happened,” he said. When the matter was raised last year, councillors were told a Part 8 application was required, “we know what is required, is this a project on someone’s desk,” he asked.

“We have consultants on board to deal with the environmental aspect of it, that is the complication, ye have answered it yourself it is not

straight forward,” Neville replied. Cllr Talty pointed out that consultants had been on board since 2021 and he reiterated his question on whether it was on the desk of any Council employee. “It’s on my desk and it will be moving on,” the senior engineer responded.

Active Travel is a viable consideration for the project, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) believed. “If I was the farmer I’d be really worried, we need to put a footpath into it,” he said. “It is a fantastic amenity. We’ve every confidence in the Ennistymon office to sort this out,” he added.

Cllr Slattery told the meeting, “we’re getting a lot of criticism over this not being complete”. He added, “the Council is on notice that if any cattle or sheep are killed or any person that he will hold the Council responsible”.

lLIDL: artists rendering of proposed location of LIDL in Ennistymon

West Clare

‘People need to put their hand in their pocket we need more hotels’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

STRONGER EFFORTS need to be made to keep tourists in Clare for overnight stays while a former Deputy Mayor of Clare has said it is up to the business community to “put their hand in their pockets” and build more hotels in the county.

West Clare councillors want the area to have its own launch of the Cliff Coast Destination and Experience Development Plan (CCDEDP) while also stressing the need to encourage tourists to prolong their stay in the county.

In February, the CCDEDP was officially launched at Ballygarry Estate Hotel and Spa in Tralee but councillors in West Clare are keen that the plan also have a formal unveiling in Clare with a proposal requesting same tabled by Cllr Michael Shannon (FF).

The CCDEDP is a five year sustainable tourism development plan for West Clare and North Kerry. It has been de-

Killaloe

veloped through a programme of research and consultation incorporating the views of visitors, the tourism industry, local community and a programme of international benchmarking. The objective of the CCDEDP is to achieve growth in revenue to return to 2019 levels of tourism income by 2026. In addition, the aim is to ensure the region has the capacity to achieve up to 5% ahead of that target.

Head of Tourism in Clare County Council, Deirdre O’Shea explained that the plan “aims to create a sustainable tourism destination by extending the tourism season and spreading business across all parts of the region over the next five years. The Implementation Group meetings are well underway with key stakeholders from Clare County Council, Kerry County Council, Irish Hotels Federation, LEADER, and local tourism businesses and networks. The next implementation group meeting will take

place in Vandeleur Walled Gardens and Visitor Centre to showcase West Clare”.

More tourists need to visit West Clare, Cllr Shannon maintained. He referenced the success opening Loop Head Lighthouse, “it is about investing in it. The Peninsula is a different world in itself, the environment and landscape is different”. He continued, “The roads are under serious pressure, we need to encourage people to stay an extra night in Clare. Anyone active in tourism industry from here (Ennistymon) to Miltown Malbay are very professional, we’ve good hotels. They are all paying top rates, they have fantastic facilities and we want to support them”.

Getting the final plan produced “wasn’t an easy journey,” Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) recalled. “There was a lot of heated meetings, it was very Kerry centric initially, I’m amazed at the changes we managed to get in”.

Outdoor showers considered for Cappa & White Strand Doonbeg

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CALLS HAVE been made for the provision of “environmentally friendly outdoor showers” at Cappa and White Strand (Doonbeg).

In a proposal before the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) encouraged the local authority to “identify suitable locations at Cappa Pier and White Strand, Doonbeg along with costings, for environmentally friendly outdoor showers”.

Senior executive ofﬁcer in the West Clare MD, John O’Malley acknowledged, “There has been a noticeable increase in the number of swimmers and dippers using locations such as Cappa and White Strand, Doonbeg in recent years. There have been some improvements to these areas with works carried out at the public facilities in Cappa and foot showers in the White Strand”.

O’Malley advised, “There is a longer-term plan around the Cappa Enhancement Strategy which includes

future improvements to facilities but in the shorter term the MD are currently assessing the possibility of installing environmentally friendly outdoor showers at this location. Seasonal temporary facilities are provided at White Strand, Doonbeg. The provision of additional environmentally friendly outdoor showers at this location are also being considered”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) recalled that he worked with Council ofﬁcials on a funding application to upgrade Cappa but the potential of an outdoor shower has “split” swimmers with sixty percent for and forty percent against.

Also growing in popularity is the use of sauna services before or after people go for a swim in Clare, Cllr McInerney said, “I do it myself a lot in Kilkee”. “People in the wellness space are organising yoga and hikes around the sauna element, if you have the facilities there to shower off for a yoga session or coming back from a hike, shower off and then go for a sauna”.

has ‘real chance’ to market itself as gateway to East Clare & the county

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN EAST CLARE greenway is “well behind schedule” with elected members worried about how quiet the project has gone.

Waterways Ireland, together with Limerick City and County Council and Clare County Council are working to develop the Limerick to Scarrif greenway. The proposed greenway has been identified as a signature project in the Shannon Tourism Masterplan and would provide a gateway to and from the heart of Limerick City to Lough Derg.

Subject to the selection of the preferred route, the proposed greenway would link Limerick City to Scariff with connections to nearby villages and towns such as Clonlara, O’Briensbridge, Killaloe, Ogonelloe and Tuamgraney. The contract for the design of the greenway was signed in June 2021.

It is anticipated to cover a distance of 43km, the project is funded under the TII Greenways funding scheme. A steering group for the project exists and comprises of Waterways Ireland, Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

An update on the progress of the greenway was sought by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) at the Killaloe Municipal District’s March meeting. He said, “Given the potential economic, tourism, and environmental benefits of the project, I am for clarity on the following issues, the current status of feasibility studies, planning, and public consultation, any funding secured or pending applications for the project, the anticipated timeline for the next phases of development and how engagement with local landowners and communities along the proposed route is progressing”.

In a response from a senior engineer with Waterways Ireland provided to the meeting, councillors were informed, “the Preferred Route corridor reports for the Greenway have been completed and reviewed by the project steering group. As part of the TII Project Guidelines a TII Peer Review of the final documentation is required. The Peer review for this project has been completed and additional information identified as part of the review is currently being addressed and discussed with the TII to meet all necessary requirements, this documentation includes additional ecological and corridor assessments.

“Upon agreement of the final documentation with the TII Peer review team, Waterways Ireland will be holding a series of public consultation evenings to display the Preferred Route corridor. These public consultations will be advertised locally when finalised. Once the public consultation of the Preferred Route Corridor is complete, the project will progress to the detailed design and environmental evaluation phase. This phase will include more detailed consultation with impacted landowners,” the response added.

Senior planner and Killaloe MD coordinator, Brian McCarthy suggested inviting a representative of Waterways Ireland to address the May meeting of the Killaloe MD. Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Hayes noted it had been a full twelve months since Waterways Ireland addressed them. “It is gone very quiet,” he remarked. “They have some idea about a preferred route, a lot of people are asking what will happen, €300,000 is going into it so we’re wondering what is happening”.

Works are behind schedule, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) claimed, “I believe following their attendance here

and public consultation in Clonlara, a preferred route was supposed to be out in May or June of 2024, we’re well behind the schedule, there is a lot of uncertainty for landowners, clarity needs to be given to people and ourselves as to what the plan is”. Reports on the preferred route corridor exist somewhere but elected representatives in East Clare have yet to see them, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) flagged. He asked for a definition of peer review, “it is a new one” he observed ,”we’ll have to google the meaning of peer review”. He said, “this was a hot topic before last local election, it has gone to ground since”.

Kilkee has experienced issues with toilets not opening on busy weekends, Cllr Lynch ﬂagged. “They weren’t open for St Patrick’s weekend,” Cllr McInerney noted. “The main ones were,” O’Malley replied but the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD said the toilets at the pier in Kilkee remained shut. “We are working on a solution to have ones in Cappa open all year around,” O’Malley said, he added, “at the pier in Kilkee we’ve just got extra staff and it will be open”.

Ninth Killanena tractor run to take to East Clare roads

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

KILLANENA’s much-loved tractor run takes place this Sunday.

Now in its ninth year, the event will see a convoy of tractors, trucks, vintage cars and motorbikes taking to the roads in support of a fantastic local cause.

This year, the Tractor Run Committee will support the development of new community facilities at Killanena GAA Grounds.

Registration opens at 11:00 a.m. at Canny’s Bar, with engines set to roar into action at 12:30 p.m. The scenic route will take participants on a tour around Lough Graney, before returning to Canny’s for a monster auction featuring a fantastic range of prizes. A food truck and live DJ will also be on site, keeping the energy high and stomachs full throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Over the years, the Killanena Tractor Run has raised vital funds for a wide range of causes across the county. All are welcome to take part or watch from the sidelines. All donations are welcome, with proceeds going directly to the development of community facilities at Killanena GAA Grounds.

East Clare

lOUTDOOR SHOWERS: Whitestrand

lEAST CLARE GREENWAY: Lough Derg Way

Newmarket on Fergus mum running London marathon despite MS

A MOTHER from Newmarket on Fergus is running the London marathon this month despite suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) which has left her right leg not fully functioning.

Peggy Lynch, 45, began having MS symptoms after the birth of her eldest child in 2012. “I lost the sight in one eye overnight,” she explains. “It took a few more years of tests before I had a definitive diagnosis.”

MS is a life-long, incurable disease of the central nervous system. The immune system mistakenly attacks the covers of the body’s nerves, and this can cause a range of debilitating symptoms, including cognitive issues, fatigue, mobility problems, bladder and bowel issues, and pain.

Peggy says training for the 26mile race has been a challenge, but she has strategies in place to help. “Unfortunately, I have difficulties with my legs at times,” she says. “This time round training my right leg isn’t fully functioning. But it’s mind over matter, lots of Pilates and physio and making peace with slower, shorter miles all play a part.

“My diagnosis doesn’t define me, but it can make things very difficult. I have spasms, neural pain, vison issues and difficulty walking. I think many people who know me would be surprised by the level of chronic pain and mobility issues I manage.”

Peggy is running in aid of MSUK, who help people with multiple sclerosis live healthier, happier lives, to help raise vital funds to support their work. “I’ve been

very impressed with the work they do,” she says. “I’m so excited to be doing the London marathon for them – I’m a little disappointed I’m not arriving at it with better functionality, but my family will be there to support and cheer me on.”

If you’d like to support Peggy, sacn the QR code.

Shannon Community Partnership Hosts Upcoming Network Meeting

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

The Shannon Community Partnership is set to host its next Shannon Community Network Meeting on Wednesday, April 16, at Hope Café, Smithstown, Shannon. Doors will open at 6:30 PM for tea and coffee, with the meeting beginning promptly at 7:00 PM.

The event aims to bring together individuals and organisations from across Shannon to collaborate on key initiatives that will shape the town’s future. Building on the success of last year’s meetings, this session will focus on

forming ‘Task Groups’ to address local priorities and drive impactful community projects. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with proposed Task Groups in areas such as Arts, Culture & Heritage, Health, Wellness, Sports & Recreation, Environment & Sustainability, Roads & Infrastructure, Learning & Education, and Local Economy, Enterprise & Tourism, as well as Community, Housing & Residential/Neighbourhoods.

Chairperson Siobhan Boyd expressed her enthusiasm for the event: “The Shannon Community Network meeting is a chance for us all to come together and

Cusack named Cregg’s employee of the year

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON’s Gary Cusack has been named employee of the year by recruitment company Cregg.

At a company day held at The Strand Hotel in Friday, Gary was proudly presented with the award. He was voted as employee of the year by his peers and colleagues across the business. Cusack is a recruitment consultant with the company.

A spokesperson for Cregg explained, “This award is a true testament to Gary’s dedication, positive mindset, and the high regard in which he’s held by the entire team. His work ethic and team spirit shine through every day and this recognition couldn’t be more well deserved”.

From Carraig Hill in Shannon, Gary is a past pupil of St Caimin’s Community School in Shannon. He is an active member of Wolfe Tones GAA club where he is a dual player and he also lines out between the posts for Shannon Town

Utd. Cregg has ofﬁces in Shannon, Galway, Cork, Limerick, Dublin, Roscommon, and Kilkenny with a workforce in the region of thirty. The company is founded by Tulla’s Ed-

mund Jennings with employees including Oliver McMahon of Newmarket-on-Fergus as Head of Finance and Operations with former Clare hurling goalkeeper, Donal Tuohy a recruitment consultant.

Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group re-established with Crowe as Chair

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

take action on the issues that matter most to our town. We encourage everyone with an interest in Shannon’s development to join us.”

This meeting presents a vital opportunity for the people of Shannon to share their perspectives and actively contribute to shaping the future of their town. Whether you represent a local group, organisation, or are simply a resident passionate about community development, your voice is important. For more information or media inquiries, please contact chair@ shannoncp.ie.

TDs and Senators from the constituencies of Clare, Galway-East, Limerick City, Limerick County and Tipperary North have banded together to re-establish the cross-party Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group.

The Group’s aim is to advance the cause of Shannon Airport and advance policy areas that support and enhance Shannon Airport.

A priority of the Group will be to seek continued State funding under the Regional Airports Programme and to also support the development of new routes in commercial aviation and cargo traffic in and out of the airport.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) will chair the group. In the next few weeks, the re-established group hopes to have an on-site meeting with Mary Considine and her management team at Shannon Airport. 18 politicians attended the group’s first meeting.

The terms of reference of the Group are to maintain a degree of familiarity with the business and activities of Shannon Airport, to routinely meet with the Chief Executive of The Shannon Airport Group and/or members of the board of The Shannon Airport Group and/or senior management of The Shannon Airport Group, to be advocates for increased business at Shannon Airport, to promote, at all opportunities, the use of Shannon Airport for inbound / outbound commercial passenger flights and cargo activities, including new route development and to lobby for policies that promote the aviation sector in Shannon, further the cause of Shannon Airport and promote balanced regional development in both Dáil Éireann and Seanad Éireann.

Former Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) was one of the central figures involved in the creation of the group and served as its first Chairperson.

lMS MARATHON RUNNER: Peggy Lynch

lCREGG’S: Gary Cusack

New project transforms Ballinasloe town centre site

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A LANDMARK building in Ballinasloe is set to be transformed to include a new community facility as part of a 16-unit residential housing development in the centre of the East Galway town.

Galway County Council has signed contracts with Clare company Custy Construction Ltd and OBFA Architects for the delivery of the scheme, which is being financed under the Government’s Housing For All programme and directly by the Local Authority.

Work on the Dunlo Hill development includes the renovation and extension of the existing terraced buildings and the conversion of the currently derelict “Dooley’s Pub” from a public house to include a community facility.

The residential housing development comprises 10 two-storey one-bed dwell-

ings, 2 two-storey two-bed dwellings, 1 single-storey one-bed apartment, 1 duplex one-bed apartment, and 2 duplex two-bed apartments (16 no. units in total). The project is scheduled for completion by July 2026.

Councillor Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said “This is a milestone scheme for Galway County Council and the town of Ballinasloe that will bring about the transformation of a derelict site into a vibrant new community space and residential development. With sixteen modern residential units and a restored community facility, this initiative marks a significant step forward in revitalising the town centre while meeting the housing needs of our community”.

Councillor Michael Connolly (FF), Cathaoirleach of the Ballinasloe Municipal District, commented, “The Elected Members are fully supportive of this develop-

ment as it will inject new life into the Dunlo Hill area of the town by bringing back into use the terraced homes and public house that have been lying vacant for several years. I want to commend the staff of the Galway County Council’s Housing Department for their vision in delivering this badly needed scheme, which will deliver modern housing and revitalise the heart of the town for generations to come”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, explained that the Dunlo Hill development will have a lasting positive impact on Ballinasloe. “The existing buildings at Dunlo Hill have not been in use for some time and have fallen into a state of disrepair,” he explained. “Their renovation, along with the ongoing maintenance of their historic features, ensures their survival into the future and marks a significant local authority-delivered regenera-

tion project for the town”.

Michael Owens, Director of Services for Housing with Galway County Council, explained that the initial construction phase of the development includes the partial demolition of outbuildings and sheds to the rear courtyard areas, and the construction of a new single storey extension to the rear of Dooley’s Pub. He noted that the existing rear courtyard area would be adapted to create a new pedestrian route through the development that will open the project towards the community, while renewable energy design measures will be implemented in the new community facility and housing units.

“The project seeks to bring back to life existing houses which have been unoccupied for a considerable length of time and have fallen into a derelict state,” he added. “The retention of Dooley’s Pub to include a communi-

Water quality protection comes to the surface at Salthill workshop

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE JUNIOR MINISTER, Timmy Dooley (FF) met with volunteers, sea swimmers, local and national authorities at a workshop and field trip on coastal water quality protection in Salthill.

Environmental group Coastwatch held the workshop recently where Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine Timmy Dooley TD (FF) listened to key outcomes, took questions from the floor and addressed the delegates.

Fiona Holland, Senior Engineer, Galway City Council, welcomed participants to the event in the Hardiman Hotel, which was preceded in the morning by a field trip to Salthill shore and seagrass bed, led by coastal ecologists and geomorphologists.

The event was the final of three such workshops organised by Coastwatch as part of a Horizon Europe

project called More4Nature. The EU project aims to bring about transformative change in environmental protection by including informed citizens and communities as key actors in collaborative environmental law compliance assurance with authorities. In this case the focus is on water quality which needs to be restored and protected.

Authorities present included Galway City Council, MARA, Marine Institute, the Naval Service, EPA, National Parks and Wildlife Service, and An Fóram Uisce (the National Water Forum).

Building upon workshops held in Dublin and Dún Laoghaire in January and February, topics covered in Galway included best practise access to information, so that citizens can support compliance assurance, gaps in the water pollution incident detection- reportingaction- follow up- chain, and how citizen science monitoring and reporting can be used to help protect Ireland’s water and precious

coastal habitats like seagrass meadows.

Karin Dubsky, Coastwatch coordinator said, “We were delighted that so many different authorities and stakeholders in the coastal zone participated so actively. A special thank you to Galway City Council for their support in hosting this event. Now we can’t wait to get cracking on the ideas and proposals to see actual results on the ground, including some citizen monitoring networks piloted around special features or pollution sources”. Twenty one participants gathered in the Blackrock bathing shelters for the field trip. After a brief introduction, they entered the fascinating Blackrock beach, led by Kevin Lynch and Juan Yanez from University of Galway, Marie Louise Heffernan, Aster Environmental Consultants, Karin Dubsky, Coastwatch and Paula Kearney, Galway City Council.

Moving swiftly over mudflats where lugworm were trying to reorganise their

burrows after the choppy weather and downpours, the group reached the water’s edge where Juan Yanez found a healthy blade of washed-up seagrass. Although the choppy water made it impossible to see into the seagrass meadow this time, spirits remained high.

Paula Kearney, Biodiversity Officer, Galway City Council said, “Kevin and Karin regaled the group with stories of spider crabs shedding their shells and taking refuge in the rich seagrass beds just offshore. Their vivid descriptions— and the passion of the local swimmers who’ve mapped and adopted the meadow—left no doubt that this hidden refuge and vital habitat is bursting with life. As direct follow up on the workshop, Galway city council, University of Galway, Coastwatchers and Salthill swimmers hope to also launch a pilot Salthill citizen monitoring and protection network around the precious seagrass beds”.

ty space will help strengthen the place of this project within the Ballinasloe community,” concluded Mr. Owens.

Stephanie Kelly-Taylor, B.Sc (Arch) M.Arch, OBFA Architects, commented, “OBFA has been designing new homes throughout Ireland for local authorities and housing bodies for 12

years. The design team particularly enjoy a project like Dunlo Hill, which combines adaptive re-use, town centre living, and a mixed-use occupancy. Dooley’s Pub is a beloved Ballinasloe landmark, and the design team was delighted to incorporate part of it for future community and cultural use”.

Galway artist brings unseen works to Kinvara

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

GALWAY based painter and sculptor Joe McCaul will be bringing a selection of unseen works to KAVA Courthouse in Kinvara in an exhibition entitled “Unﬁltered”.

Speaking about the inspiration behind this showcase Joe said; “As time has passed and age has created a huge awareness of my mortality, I feel the necessity to be honest with myself, through showing this work.”

The selected paintings are a powerful and emotional response to happenings that have taken place in Ireland throughout his lifetime. The scale of the paintings is large and imposing, adding to the impact of each story.

This exhibition is searching and heart-felt in its execution. From the artist who created the harrowing “Potato People, the story of the Irish Famine in clay”, Joe McCaul has shown yet again, he does not shy away from difﬁcult and disturbing subjects.

A smaller exhibition, titled

“Where we live…in paint” shows some of Joe’s landscape paintings, and raku ﬁred ﬁgurative sculptures in Siar Café, Kinvara.

“Unﬁltered” showing in KAVA Courthouse Kinvara, opening Wednesday 16 April- Sunday 27 April, 11-5pm.

lUNFILTERED: Joe McCaul

l TOWN CENTRE: Pictured outside Dooley’s Pub in Ballinasloe (left to right) Ciaran O’Brien (OBFA Architects); Dermot Custy (Custy Construction Ltd.); Ballinasloe MD Cathaoirleach Cllr. Michael Connolly; Cathaoirleach Martina Kinane; Alan Brogan (Galway County Council); and Michael Owens (Director of Services for Housing, Galway County Council).

Photo by: Gerry Stronge

A new era for Temple Gate as Dermot Kelly and John Gavin take over with ambitious plans

by Mia Holly news@clareecho.ie

DERMOT Kelly and John Gavin, co-owners of the award-nominated Shannon Springs Hotel, are ushering in a new era for the Temple Gate Hotel, which was previously run by the Madden family. The duo took ownership on September 21, 2024, and already have ambitious plans to elevate the hotel to the same high standards they’ve set at their successful Shannon Springs property.

With their experience in the hospitality sector, Kelly and Gavin are determined to bring Temple Gate into a new era, with a focus on significant upgrades and improvements. They are committed to investing in the property to ensure it reaches the same level of quality as their four-star Shannon Springs Hotel. As John Gavin explains, “We will be investing in the property, particularly bringing the rooms and ground floor to the same standard we have in Shannon, and we’ll be working on it continuously.”

The first steps to elevate the Temple Gate have already begun. The

hotel is undergoing a refresh with a painter currently working through the rooms to give them a fresh look.

John Gavin says, “That will just give the rooms a fresh look until we get around to the other work.”

Additionally, the pair is installing air conditioning in every room, a feature they added during the 2021 refurbishment of Shannon Springs.

With approximately seventy rooms, this upgrade is expected to improve guest comfort significantly.

As part of their vision for a new era at Temple Gate, Kelly and Gavin are also working to diversify the hotel’s client base. Dermot Kelly explained, “We are trying to increase footfall, especially during the offpeak season, by targeting the corporate market. This helps reduce reliance on the tourist trade, which peaks from May to September.”

Although they have already started on the plans to improve the property Kelly and Gavin will make sure to recognise the legacy the Maddens created within their future plans.

“It [The Temple Gate Hotel] has built up tradition over the years, you know the Maddens were in business with it for 28 years, so we’re

just going to pick that up and bring that forward and grow that over the next number of years.”

Community Engagement

Community engagement is another key goal for the new owners. Temple Gate is already making strides in this area, with the hotel involved in sponsoring local initiatives like the Ennis Book Club Festival, the Clare Camogie Minor team, and the Ennis Track Fun Run, which saw over 400 participants. Similarly, Shannon Springs has a long history of supporting local groups and societies, a practice Kelly and Gavin are keen to continue at Temple Gate.

Kelly notes, “It’s all part of growing community engagement. We’ve always been heavily involved in various clubs and societies, and we’ll keep doing that here.”

To further solidify their ties with the community, The Temple Gate will be supporting local news by sponsoring The Clare Echo’s Ennis news page.

lNEW ERA: Owners Dermot Kelly & John Gavin with Stuart Holly editor of The Clare Echo outside The Temple Gate Hotel

Photos by: Tom Micks

Cahercalla:

by Lisa Mullaly

At Cahercalla, the philosophy is simple: “The residents don’t live in our workplace, we work in their home,” says Corina McCarthy, the Director of Nurs-

This commitment to respect and care ensures that Cahercalla remains a place where residents feel valued, safe, and at home. It is this core principle that shapes every decision and interaction within the facility.

Cahercalla is a nursing home where residents are treated like family, and the staff are dedicated to providing the best possible care. Corina has been with Cahercalla for eight years and has witnessed the facility grow and evolve to meet the needs of the

Corina’s path to leadership at Cahercalla was an unexpected one. A mother of five, she had been out of the workforce for several years, focusing on raising her children. When a phone call sparked her curiosity about a position at Cahercalla, she agreed to come for an interview with the late Rose Collins, the Director of Nursing at the time. Little

did she know, that visit would forever change her professional life. “The minute I walked in the door, there’s an atmosphere here I can’t even describe. You’re sucked in before you even have the interview,” Corina recalls. After the interview, Rose shook her hand and said, “You will do my job yet.”

Corina laughed, thinking she would never be able to take on such a role. Yet, years later, she did.

Corina worked her way up from staff nurse to Clinical Nurse Manager, Assistant Director of Nursing, and then as the person in charge, the Director of Nursing.

Corina didn’t start her nursing career right after school. Instead, she went back to college as a mature student.

With the support of her husband, she completed her nursing degree at University of Limerick in 2006 and later earned a Higher Diploma in Gerontology in 2022 from NUIG.

While she initially considered pediatric or theatre nursing, her first placement in elderly care sparked a passion for working with older people. "I’d found my

Where community comes ﬁrst

happy place," she says.

At Cahercalla, the residents are at the center of everything. Corina encourages staff to treat residents as if they were their own family members.

“The voice of our residents is the foundation of the care we give,” she explains.

The facility holds a monthly residents’ forum, where issues or concerns are directly addressed by management.

Cahercalla’s staff work closely with residents, forming relationships that go beyond their job descriptions.

The facility now has a 25-bed rehabilitation unit for people recov-

“

From nursing staff to housekeeping, catering, and administration, everyone is involved in caring for the residents. “Nothing is too much for the staff,” Corina notes.

Over the years, Cahercalla has expanded its services to meet the changing needs of the community.

After the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the team at Cahercalla worked to ensure the facility’s future by introducing new services such as 10 egress beds in partnership with the HSE.

They also added a memory care unit to help families care for loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s, offering respite services.

The voice of our residents is the foundation of the care we give

deep commitment to the residents creates a family atmosphere where caregivers become the residents' extended family. In the darkest days of the pandemic, when residents were cut off from their families, the staff became their primary source of connection and support.

ering from illnesses like strokes.

“It’s a service that helps people recover in a comfortable, home-like setting,” Corina explains.

The rehab unit has been well-received, and Cahercalla’s staff are dedicated to helping residents regain their independence.

When reflecting on what makes Cahercalla exceptional, Corina is quick to emphasize the importance of the staff.

It is the dedication, compassion, and long tenure of the team that sets the facility apart. “We have staff who have been here for over 30 years. People come here, and they stay here,” she shares. This

Corina’s vision is clear: to continue to build on the existing services and adapt to the needs of the community. Cahercalla has already transitioned from being purely a long-term care facility to offering a variety of services, including respite care and rehabilitation.

“We are only in our infancy with all these changes,” she says, acknowledging that while the services are still developing, the future looks promising. “We’ll tweak them and change them as we go along.”

Cahercalla’s future is focused on continuing to adapt and improve services for the community. The team is always looking for ways to better meet the needs of residents, whether it’s offering new care options or improving existing services.

As Cahercalla looks toward the future, it does so with a profound respect for its history.

In tribute to Rose Collins, a beloved figure who dedicated 40 years of service before her passing, a tea

room and a rose garden have been created in her memory.

Her legacy is embedded in the fabric of Cahercalla, inspiring the team to continue delivering compassionate care.

l HOMELY ATMOSPHERE: Director of Nursing Corina McCarthy

Photos by John O’Neill

The heart of care at Cahercalla

A community built on compassion

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

CAHERCALLA is more than just a nursing home—it is a community where compassionate care, and a strong sense of belonging create a warm and supportive environment for its residents.

Speaking to The Clare Echo about what makes Cahercalla unique, Kate Burke, Operations Manager emphasized that it is not just the high quality of medical care or the comfortable facilities, but the human connections and small daily acts of kindness that truly set the nursing home apart.

“What makes Cahercalla special is the genuine relationships and connections built here every day,” Kate explained. “It’s the little things, like a caregiver taking the time to share a story or someone bringing in homemade treats for residents, that create a sense of home.”

Coming from a background in hospitality, Kate reflected on how the principles of personalized service and attention to detail translate seamlessly into elder care. “In hospitality, you focus on temporary comfort,” Kate noted. “In healthcare, you have the privilege of making a lasting difference in someone’s life during their most vulnerable moments. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

The commitment to creating a home-like atmosphere at Cahercalla is evident in the actions of its staff Kate shared a heartfelt example of one Health Care Assistant who quietly purchases clothes for residents who no longer have family to provide for them. “It’s these small, meaningful gestures that make Cahercalla feel less like a facility and more like a home,” Kate said.

The leadership team at Cahercalla is also deeply involved in ensuring the highest standards of care.

“Our board of directors, led by Dr. Harty, is incredibly hands-on,” Kate explained. “They provide strategic guidance, listen to staff at every level, and ensure that residents’ needs are central to every decision we make.”

Listening to residents is an integral part of Cahercalla’s care philosophy. “We involve our residents in shaping life here through forums and everyday conversations,” Kate said. “Their voices guide everything, from activity planning to menu options. Some of our most popular programs, like music afternoons, came directly from their suggestions.”

Cahercalla continues to grow and evolve, re-

cently expanding its services through a 25-bed HSE-funded contract. “This expansion has allowed us to enhance our rehabilitation services while maintaining our close-knit community feel,” Kate explained. “The fact that new residents and staff integrate so seamlessly is a testament to the strong culture we’ve built.”

The facility’s environment has been carefully designed to foster comfort and connection. Kate described how the on-site café serves as a hub for residents and families, while outdoor spaces and common areas encourage interaction and reflection.

The culture among Cahercalla’s staff is a defining feature. “While clinical skills are essential, emotional connection is equally important,” Kate said. “Our training programs emphasize empathy and communication, empowering staff to form genuine bonds with residents. It’s this combination of professionalism and compassion that truly sets us apart.”

Looking to the future, Cahercalla remains committed to its vision of providing resident-centred care. “We’re continuously exploring ways to improve,” Kate said. “From integrating new technologies to creating intergenerational programs, we’re always looking for innovative ways to enhance care without losing the personal touch that defines us.”

Despite the challenges of operating in today’s healthcare landscape, Cahercalla’s guiding principle remains unchanged: to honour the whole person—their history, dignity, and individuality. “We don’t just measure success by clinical outcomes,” Kate explained. “It’s about the laughter in our common areas, the comfort of our residents, and the pride our staff take in their work.”

The many acts of kindness witnessed daily at Cahercalla reflect its core values. “Whether it’s an HCA buying clothes for a resident in need or a staff member spending extra time with someone feeling lonely, these moments remind us that care is about more than just clinical tasks,” Kate said. “It’s about making sure every resident feels seen, valued, and loved.”

In closing, Kate reflected on Cahercalla’s mission. “At its heart, Cahercalla is about combining professional expertise with human compassion,” Kate said. “It’s a place where residents truly belong, where staff find purpose, and where families can have confidence that their loved ones are living with dignity and joy. That’s the legacy we’re building, and it’s what we strive for every single day.”

Happy 30 Anniversary to Cahercalla Community th Hospital

Here’s to the past, present and future

l HELPING HAND: Residents bring joy to staff at Cahercalla says Kate (inset)

Photo by John O’Neill

Cahercalla’s memory care unit: a safe, homely place for residents living with dementia

by Lisa Mullaly

CAHERCALLA Nursing Home

has long been a trusted and respected facility in County Clare, offering compassionate care to residents and their families. One of its standout features is the Memory Care Unit, a dedicated space for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Originally opened three years ago, the Memory Care Unit underwent a refurbishment, reopening in May 2024, further enhancing its capabilities and ensuring that it remains a safe, comfortable, and supportive environ-

fresh air in a secure environment.

The unit also includes two ASI beds for respite care, providing much-needed support to the community. Residents participate in activities every day, with families encouraged to visit and take their loved ones out on outings, ensuring that residents continue to feel part of the outside world.

“One of the most common challenges we face is when residents get confused or ask to go home. In those moments, the best thing we can do is reassure them and make their environment as homely as possible,” Mairead explains. “We work hard to make it a home away from home for them.”

a warm, homely atmosphere for residents, where they can feel secure and supported at all times.

Complete with murals of Cusack Park, landscapes of the Burren and a tribute to the late Rose Collins, a past matron of Cahercalla Community Hospital the memory care unit was designed to help the residents reminisce and spark memories from life yars ago in Ennis and the Clare area.

In addition to the services provided by Cahercalla, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland plays a pivotal role in supporting people with dementia and their families in County Clare. The organization emphasizes the importance

ment for residents. Mairead McGlinchy, Clinical Nurse Manager at the unit, has been part of the Cahercalla team for 15 years. She has worked in various roles within the facility, including in the palliative care unit, before taking on her current position.

“I’ve always had an interest in memory care and working with Alzheimer’s and dementia residents,” Mairead says. “I enjoy working here because we have such good facilities, and the residents and their families are very supportive.”

The Memory Care Unit is equipped with 28 beds, offering a safe, enclosed space where residents can go outdoors and enjoy

Despite the challenges of working in memory care, Mairead finds great satisfaction in the role.

The staff in the unit are specially trained to manage the complexities of dementia care, ensuring that residents are treated with the utmost dignity and respect.

“It can be challenging, but we are trained to deal with all the challenges that come with working in that environment,” Mairead says.

The newly refurbished Memory Care Unit is a significant part of Cahercalla’s broader commitment to providing exceptional care for people living with dementia.

Mairead highlights that the team’s efforts have been key to creating

of early intervention and offers a wide range of services, including daycare and home care.

With its newly refurbished Memory Care Unit, Cahercalla remains at the forefront of dementia care in County Clare. Mairead and the dedicated staff continue to ensure that every resident feels valued, safe, and comfortable in their home. As they work with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and other community partners, Cahercalla is committed to adapting and improving its services to meet the evolving needs of people living with dementia.

l CARING TEAM: Staff at Cahercalla Community Hospital

Photo by John O’Neill

lisa@clareecho.ie

Mary reﬂects on ﬁve decades of nursing

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

AFTER nearly 50 years of working in Cahercalla, Nurse Mary McNamara will hang up her scrubs for the last time this month.

It’s a month of milestones for Mary who admits the hospital has been her life for 48 years, as Cahercalla Community Care celebrates 30 years.

In 1977, Ennistymon native Mary had just completed her training at Barringtons in Limerick. Having moved to the Turnpike Road in Ennis with her newlywed husband, she recounts, “I got married the month before and I walked up the road for an interview and I met Sister Eugenius out there. She interviewed me and said ‘can you start next week?’ Back then, Cahercalla was known as St John of Gods hospital and among other things, was a working maternity hospital. In the early 90s, with only two or three nuns left in Cahercalla, it was decided they would sell the hospital and return to their Order in Wexford.

“Fr Harry Bohan, Dr Frank Counihan and Brian MacMahon got together and decided we would open a community hospital so they raised funds with fundraisers of all descriptions.

“Dr Counihan worked here, he was the GP for the residents in the house. We didn’t know much about Fr Harry but everyone knew him. He was well known in the community. Brian McMahon may have been the solicitor here. They formed the Board of Management then and we were answerable to them. It ran very well.”

IMPACT

Amongst the people to have the biggest impact on Cahercalla include former Matron, Rose Collins. “Rose was Matron here since the early 2000s until, Lord have mercy on her, she passed away in 2021. She’d just retired in the middle of Covid and passed away in January. It was an awful time.”

Mother of three Mary developed a strong bond with Cooraclare native Rose over the years, having worked together since Rose’s arrival in 1980

‘People thought we were mad’

while Mary even looked after Rose’s children while on a career break in the ‘80s. She says that Rose, a gardening enthusiast, “dedicated her life to Cahercalla”.

“Rose was a nurse, and was eventually promoted to manager and then became matron in the 2000s.

“She was a lovely lady, very fair, very honest, and strict. If you did something wrong, she reprimanded you but she’d forgotten about it the next day and you were best friends again. She was very loyal and very good to the residents and she went around every day to see all the residents, she was a typical matron.

“She was very good and I looked up to her. She treated everyone equally. I think anyone who knew anything about Cahercalla knew that Rose was at the head, it was Rose you looked for if you came. Rose Collins was Cahercalla really for those two decades.”

Mary admits that Rose “carried out the work of five people or more” in everything she delivered at Cahercalla, including looking after admissions, discharged, relatives, complaints, ordering, staffing, meetings and “everything that happened within the hospital”. “Josephine Courtney was her assistant for a time and they worked together but in the end she was on her own, she did it all herself.”

Reflecting on her own 48 years in Cahercalla, Mary says that seeing residents enjoy their days in Cahercalla - whether it be through music, bingo, the visit of Clare’s All Ireland winners, or simply friendships - has been the most satisfying aspect of her work.

She adds, “I have enjoyed my time here. I’m retiring this month, it’s time now. The atmosphere is lovely, it’s a calm atmosphere and I loved coming to work. I’ll really miss it when I retire. It’s been my life really, apart from some activities like I play golf in Woodstock and Spanish Point, I’ll have more time to do that now.”

“I’ll miss it, my life has been Cahercalla. I’ve been here since early on and I’ve enjoyed coming to work every day but it’s time to retire sometime.”

As Cahercalla approaches its 30th anniversary of public ownership, we speak to its first chairman, Fr Harry Bohan

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

“I ASKED myself why couldn’t we win All-Irelands and why couldn’t we have our own hospital”.

When Fr. Harry Bohan ﬁrst became chairman of a committee tasked with transforming Cahercalla into a community hospital in 1990, he remembers “People thought we were mad”.

As Cahercalla approaches its 30th anniversary of public ownership, the Feakle man remembers the hospital’s early days. The hospital was initially opened in 1951 and was staffed by the Sisters of St. John of God before it began to encounter difﬁculties in the late 1980s.

“Through the 1980s, falling numbers of vocations put the sisters’ resources under stress and by 1989, they felt they could no longer run the hospital. Initially, the Midwest health board expressed an interest in using Cahercalla to provide services for the mentally ill.

The hospital staff weren’t happy with that and organised a meeting on Cahercalla’s future in September 1989” Fr. Harry recalls.

Fr. Harry remembers the huge crowd that attended that initial meeting which was chaired by solicitor Brian McMahon. Bishop Michael Harty had asked him to make an appearance on his behalf.

“It was a fairly heated meeting and there was a lot of talk. When it became obvious that no conclusion would be reached on the night, I just got up and asked the superior who was there for an opportunity for a small group to reﬂect on the hospital’s future.

The meeting selected Brian McMahon, Dr. Frank Couinahan and myself to look at the options”.

“This obviously was going to be a major undertaking for the group, the sisters and the community. We

had no money for example! No clear mandate either, so in January of 1990 we held a public meeting in the Queen’s in Ennis.

“It was agreed at that meeting that the people of Clare would purchase Cahercalla. From there progress was slow until November 1991, a contract was signed and a deposit of £20,000 was paid” he added.

In 1992, then Minister for Health Mary O’Rourke launched the Cahercalla Community Hospital appeal. The nuns agreed to stay on until 1996 to help with the transition to a community facility.

A purchase price of £1 million was arrived at and a board of management was established, including representatives from West Clare, North Clare and East Clare with Fr. Harry Bohan acting as chairman.

“I was asked to take on the role of chairman of the board, although I was slow enough to take it on, I was hugely involved in a lot of things at the time. I agreed to do so. Adopting the community hospital was in keeping with the ethos of the sisters of St. John of God.

“We ensured that their concerns for staff and long term staff would be honoured. We always said that the important people in Cahercalla were 1) The person in the bed 2) Their relations 3) The staff and up along then from there”.

Originally from Feakle, Fr. Harry served as Parish Priest for Sixmilebridge for a number of years and now lives in Shannon.

With a keen interest in hurling, he captained Maynooth during his time in the seminary and managed the great Clare team of the 70s. In a talented squad that featured AllStars and Feakle clubmates Seamus Durack and Ger Loughnane, Fr. Harry won two National Hurling League titles, although he still feels they could’ve won an All-Ireland.

“I couldn’t believe how Kilkenny Cork and Tipp could win All Irelands and we couldn’t.

“We missed out two All-Irelands, certainly on one. Jim Woods and myself and Matt Nugent were the selectors and I’d say we picked fourteen of the team in about a quarter of an hour.

“It took nearly two hours to pick number 15. I wanted Tom Crowe on it. In that ﬁnal in 1977, (against Kilkenny) Tom threw himself at a ball about 25 yards out and scored a goal. That goal won that league.

“Cahercalla was a huge project for us to take on and the hurling made a contribution to it. But I had it in my head, why couldn’t Clare win All Irelands. It was the very same thing, we can’t we run our own hospital. Why couldn’t we have our own houses?”.

Fr. Harry also masterminded the rural housing scheme, a project that aimed to stop the decline of rural villages by constructing houses for young people.

The scheme was a huge success in areas such as Feakle and Connolly and saw 2500 houses built from Cork to Cavan. “The two concepts I totally believed in were family and community”, concluded Fr. Harry.

A community hospital was ﬁnally established in Cahercalla in 1995 in a great year for Clare.

The home received a state of the art extension in 1997 that introduced social space and palliative care. Since then, the Ennis facility has come on leaps and bounds and saw much of this progress under Fr. Harry’s tenure and even had a role to play in his own health.

“I had a little operation there myself. We developed surgical services, outpatient services and hospice care as well. We extended the place 3 times and built new rooms. About 19 consultants got involved with us. We were pushing out the boat a fair bit there”, he laughs.

l FRIENDSHIP: Mary McNamara and (inset) former matron Rose Collins

Everyone is equal Residents Forum gives everyone a voice,

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

“I UNDERSTAND you’re a man who knows how to get things” is a famous line from the Shawshank Redemption, that comes to mind when chatting with Cahercalla resident Larry Gavin.

Cahercalla Residents Forum Chairperson, Larry quips, “I’m the go-to guy”.

The Cahercalla Residents Forum is a resident-led initiative that hosts monthly meetings to give its residents a voice and a direct line of communication with the hospital board of management.

Long-time Tulla resident and ‘goto guy’ Larry worked in Shannon as an air traffic controller for 40 years until his retirement in 2002.

Among his strongest memories on the job include being station manager on the day tragic events unfolded in America on 9/11. Having grown up in Westmeath and then Mayo prior to coming to Clare, Larry tells The Clare Echo, “I hope I’m accepted as a Clare man now”.

Accomplished accordionist Larry established a life and raised his four children in Tulla in 1976, living in the former home of 1914 All-Ireland winning captain Amby Power. Larry’s wife and carer Nuala sadly passed away two years ago.

A lively and sharp individual, he admits, “I was left to look after myself then because I’d had a stroke and I needed 24-hour care. My

family would have taken me in but I didn’t want to do that to them so I came here.”

Larry, who turns 81 this month and has eight grandchildren, tells The Clare Echo that the Residents Forum is a productive space for residents to continue improvements to services at Cahercalla.

“The senior management come and people from different areas and the residents discuss strictly confidential stuff, so they can air any grievances they have and I can get little things fixed up for them.

“If there’s anything major then it has to be pursued by the senior management and they have to directly face the music. Everyone is equal in there and it’s a good idea, it allows people to express their opinion about how they’re being treated, and you know it's good and people are well able to do that. Some people are a little bit shy, but we try to help them along.”

Up to 30 residents might attend meetings on busier occasions, which is open to residents, minders and visitors. For those who don’t wish to speak at a public meeting, Larry notes, “Apart from the meeting I’m the go-to guy and I do get people coming to me in confidence. They might be a bit shy to speak in public, but they can come to me.”

One achievement of the Forum was the introduction of resident trips into Ennis to visit Dunnes Stores, the Ladies Boutiques or a

couple of pints. Equine enthusiast Larry spends his free time reading history books and biographies, while he has an exten-

Heart of Cahercalla

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

AS CAHERCALLA Community Hospital celebrates its 30th anniversary, it reflects not only on the many advancements in healthcare and facilities but on the heart and soul of its success, the residents who call it home.

For three decades, Cahercalla has been a place where care goes beyond medical treatment. It's a community that thrives on compassion, connection, and a deep sense of belonging. However, the hospital would not be what it is today without the residents, whose unique stories and strong sense of community have helped shape the institution into a home rather than just a place of care.

The staff at Cahercalla pride themselves on providing not only the highest level of care but also fostering an environment where residents feel valued and involved. The hospital’s mission has always been to provide person-centered care, ensuring that each resident’s needs, preferences, and comfort are prioritized. Yet, it is the residents themselves, through their warmth, resilience, and shared experiences, who truly create the vibrant community that Cahercalla represents.

As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the individuals whose lives have intertwined with Cahercalla’s history, contributing to the fabric of this special place. Together, they have made Cahercalla a true community—one that is more than just a healthcare

facility but a supportive, compassionate home where everyone has a place, a voice, and a sense of belonging.

One such resident is Gerry, who has lived at Cahercalla for the past eight years and serves as a welcome ambassador for the hospital.

“I think the place is fabulous and the staff is outstanding,” Gerry shares. “The managers are amazing, keeping everyone afloat.”

Gerry's words reflect the sentiment of many who have made Cahercalla their home. For him, the hospital is more than just a place of care, it’s a community. “I’ve been here 8 years now and I’m very comfortable here,” Gerry says. “I love that I get to chat with the staff, and I’ve gotten to know all the residents so well. They are like family now. We’re all one big family.”

The close-knit, family-like atmosphere is a hallmark of Cahercalla. Gerry speaks warmly of the staff, emphasiSing their unwavering support. “If you need something, the staff are always there for you. If you need to talk or express yourself, they’ll be there. If you’re down, they always bring you back up.” Gerry’s connection with Cahercalla extends beyond the staff. He shares a special bond with his own family, who regularly visit. “My family comes in and visits me, and they think it’s a good place,” he says. “My mother is here also. She has dementia, so that’s a bonus for me—that I can visit her.” It’s clear that the hospital's dedication to family extends to the

l MAN WITH A PLAN: Larry

here in Cahercalla says its chairman Larry Gavin...

sive collection of music books which he is in the process of handing over the Clare Libraries.

Larry is highly compli-

mentary of the food at Cahercalla and visits the O’Gorman café in the hospital twice daily, where he often meets the board of management who he stresses are “very pleasant

and down to earth people”. “They’re very open-minded, easy to contact and easy to speak to.”

“I’m very pleased with the treatment I’m getting here. It’s a very good establishment, the staff are excellent, really excellent. Everyone knows everyone else. It’s a homely institution, you can have whatever you want, tea, coffee anytime of the day or night. The food is excellent,” adds Larry.

Asked if he is a popular chairperson, Larry quips, “I don’t know, I don’t see anyone looking to sack me anyway!”

Speaking about the importance of facilities like Cahercalla Community Hospital and why they should be supported, Larry adds, “I’d worry seriously if they ever lose a place like Cahercalla becauseit’s not my job to stand up for the people of West Clare but - there are times when people need this. I needed this badly because my wife died suddenly, she was my complete carer so where do I go? This was the only place I could get into and it was great to have it.

“If you take someone from Loophead or that area, if they get a stroke like I did, where are they going to go after the stroke was dealt with in the hospital?

“It’s so vitally important that younger people in County Clare realize how important this place is and unfortunately places like this cost a lot of money to run.”

lies in its residents

involved in the activities at Cahercalla, especially Bingo, which he enjoys for the fun and friendly competition it brings. “I go to nearly all of the activ-

ities, but Bingo is the best one because there’s a prize if you win,” he laughs.

Gerry’s presence at Cahercalla is felt throughout the community. “There is no resident in this nursing home that doesn’t know Gerry,” Caroline, the activities manager at Cahercalla Community Hospital, says. “He delivers the newspapers to all the floors and is a huge part of Cahercalla.” Gerry enjoys greeting everyone with a smile, taking the time to say, “Good morning, good afternoon, and if I can, good night to them. That makes my day happy.”

And it’s not just Gerry’s positive attitude that makes him a beloved member of Cahercalla’s community; it’s his appreciation for the staff and their efforts. “I’d like to thank Corina McCarthy and all the staff for all the years I have been here. They have given me great encouragement. They lift me up every time I’m down.”

Gavin is chair of the Cahercalla Residents Forum Photo by John O’Neill

residents’ families as well, creating an environment where loved ones can come together.

addition to family connections, Gerry is also deeply

l RELATIONSHIPS: Gerry with Director of Nursing Corina McCarthy

Photo by John O’Neill

‘Human nature at its best’

Family of resident lauds exceptional care provided at Cahercalla

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

MICHAEL O’Sullivan has been a resident of Cahercalla Community Care for more than twoand-a-half years.

The Ballynacally bachelor has farmed from the family home for his entire life and having never needed hospital treatment previously in 77 years, Michael – better known as Miko – unfortunately suffered a brain heomorage more than three years ago.

His dedicated sister Mary Gibson resides in Rathfarnham, and now takes a familiar journey to Cahercalla once a fortnight. In making the trip, she comes from Dublin to Ennis by train or bus to visit her older brother Miko, now

aged 80.

“My brother has been a resident in Cahercalla since August 2021. I vividly recall my first visit there two days after his admission,” Mary tells The Clare Echo

She explains that she is grateful that Miko has numerous friends and neighbours who regularly visit, each of them commending the homely atmosphere at the Ennis care facility.

“From the moment I arrived and every visit since, I encountered a lovely, unique welcome. Cahercalla is where my brother and all his visitors have experienced human nature at its best,” Mary explains.

“The staff are highly professional and conscientious in all aspects

of their duties. They are dedicated to giving person-centred attention, treating everybody with dignity and respect.”

Noting that the care given at Cahercalla Community Care by staff is “not easy work”, Mary added, “I love them to bits and they’re my friends now.

“Cahercalla Community Hospital have been an integral part of my brother’s recovery from a brain heomorage as he had never been to hospital before in his 77 years.

“We as a family are indebted to the wonderful staff of Cahercalla for all their kindness to us.”

Caroline’s vision for activities at Cahercalla

CAHERCALLA Community Care has a long-standing history of providing a high level of individualised care to all of its residents, writes Lisa Mullaly

As part of their commitment to the highest level of care, Cahercalla recognises the importance of social engagement and makes a conscious effort to ensure every person under their care has access to daily activities.

“It’s very important for cognitive decline that residents, their brain is stimulated, their hands, their mobility, everything, it’s very very important for them and as I said with social interaction to make sure that they have that,” explains Caroline McMahon, Activities Manager with Cahercalla Community Care.

Although she has only worked in Cahercall for four years, Caroline brings with her 24 years of healthcare experience. Caroline’s role is to design and manage programs that meet the diverse social and emotional needs of the residents, ensuring they lead fulﬁlling and engaging lives.

Cahercalla Community Hospital is home to a wide variety of residents — some there for long-term care, others in need of dementia care, and some with challenging behavior. Each resident comes with unique needs, and Caroline’s role is to ensure those needs are met.

"I meet the social needs of the residents," Caroline explains. "I’ll design a programme that meets all of their speciﬁc needs. As you can imagine, the residents that we deal with here might be residents that just come in for nursing care as part of their retirement, dementia care, we would have people here with challenging behaviour, so it’s just about ﬁnding that balance."

HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) has played a pivotal role in encouraging continuous improvements in activity programs across nursing homes. Caroline acknowledges the increased focus on activity provision in HIQA’s inspection process, which ensures that residents are not only physically cared for but also receive the mental stimulation and social interaction they need.

The hospital runs a daily programme where residents can choose to participate in group activities or enjoy more one-on-one interactions based on their preferences. Caroline and her team strive to offer something for everyone.

"We do a daily programme. There are some residents here who mightn’t like to go in and join in on group activities, so we would go and meet them in their room. Whether it’s

doing an activity in their rooms with them or some might just want to sit and have a chat and a cup of tea or take them out on a walk around the garden."

Beyond the walls of the hospital, Caroline is committed to keeping residents connected to the outside world. Some residents enjoy outings to local towns for shopping or simply to people-watch, ensuring they feel like part of the wider community.

"There are some residents that might like to go into town, do a bit of shopping, maybe bring them for lunch, a hot chocolate. Some of them just love to people-watch and sit there, and it’s very important for them to feel that they are still part of the community."

The activities don’t stop at just socialising. Caroline emphasises the importance of mental and physical stimulation, particularly for residents experiencing cognitive decline. The hospital provides a variety of therapeutic programs such as the Imagination Gym, which challenges the mind, and Sonas, a sensory-based program speciﬁcally designed for dementia patients.

"[Sonas] offers a lot of stimulation because you are using your ﬁve senses. We do ‘Imag-

ination Gym’, again it’s a therapy for using the mind, that’s really good with dementia residents but it’s also good with just nursing care residents because it gets their mind thinking."

Residents have a full schedule of activities ranging from arts and crafts to baking classes. Volunteers regularly visit to entertain with live music and dance performances, ensuring there is never a dull moment.

"We celebrate everything that comes up; St Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day. There will be decorations and a party, and drinks. They love that, they love the interaction."

For Caroline and her team, the most rewarding aspect is seeing the joy these activities bring to the residents.

"They absolutely love the activities," Caroline reflects. "We have residents here that would tell their family, 'Don’t come between 2 and 3 because that’s when the activities go on,' and they’d want to stay in and have their activity rather than going out. To them, it’s become home away from home."

Caroline’s connection to the residents goes beyond her professional role. She and the activities team build deep, personal relationships with the residents, forging bonds that

go beyond the caregiver-patient dynamic. Caroline’s team, consisting of Aidan, Rebecca, and Laura, plays an integral part in making sure each resident is not only engaged but enjoys a sense of belonging. Together, they offer seven days of activities every week, from 10:30am until 4pm, ensuring there’s never a shortage of opportunities for fun and connection.

However, Caroline’s vision doesn’t stop there. She has set her sights on a signiﬁcant project: raising funds to build an activity room and secure a bus for the hospital. The activity room will serve as a multifunctional space, allowing residents to gather in one place, whether for baking, arts and crafts, sensory experiences, or even music and dancing.

"We are hoping to get an activity room built so that then we can bring all the residents together and they can all mix," Caroline says. "This room’s going to have everything that the residents can do. So we don’t have to go from room to room pulling trolleys, but the residents will be able to come in there and relax and enjoy that room for what it is."

"We are also trying to raise money at the minute to get an activity room and a bus, which would be a huge bonus for us here."

The residents of Cahercalla Community Care are already beneﬁting from outings like trips to Knock, where some residents experience new places and activities they never thought possible. "We went to Kilkee last year. Some of the residents had never been to the beach before in their life and they walked down along the sand into the water."

Despite the challenges of fundraising, Caroline is willing to go to great lengths to make these dreams a reality. As part of her effort, she’s planning a parachute jump, a feat she’s terriﬁed of, but one she’s willing to conquer for the sake of the residents.

"This year because they have said to me 'we are going to get you your activity room, we are going to get you your bus,' so I thought about what would be a good way to raise money. I decided that I would do a parachute jump, bear in mind I am afraid of my life of heights."

Caroline’s dedication to the residents is a testament to her deep love for the people she serves. To her, Cahercalla is not just a nursing home; it’s a place where residents ﬁnd their home, and where Caroline herself feels she has truly found her calling.

l VISITORS: Miko O’Sullivan with his sister Mary Gibson and friend Aidan Ryan

Photo by John O’Neill

l ACTIVITIES TEAM: Caroline (centre) with activities team members Aidan McMahon and Rebekah Crerand

Photo by John O’Neill

‘Funding of Cahercalla a constant challenge’

IT’S “A full-time, part-time job” for the Chairman of Cahercalla, Dr. Michael Harty.

The Kilmihil native says that acquiring funding for the large nursing home is a huge challenge.

“Cahercalla is funded primarily through the national treatment purchase fund (NTPF) and that is an arm of the HSE which is tasked with funding nursing homes in general throughout the country.

“Unfortunately, the funds that are available to the NTPF are significantly below what is required to run a nursing home on a day-to-day basis. Each year we have our funding reviewed and each year we get a lot less than we ask for so we are very stretched to meet everyone’s expectations in relation to pay and the services we provide so we emphasise the quality of the service we provide here”, Dr. Harty commented.

The NTPF are responsible for 32,000 nursing home beds in Ireland of which Cahercalla makes up 112. The Ennis nursing home has around 108 or 109 residents at any one time due to changeover of beds. Cahercalla is a community-owned facility that was bought in 1992 and officially opened in 1995 by Fr. Harry Bohan and the original board.

This group was able to raise substantial funds through charitable donations and purchased the building on behalf of the community. The facility is now run by a board of trustees with Dr. Michael Harty as Chairman and remains vested in the community.

Thirty years on, funding remains the most pressing issue for the nursing home. The Chairman stated that “Unfortunately we don’t have the same funding that the public nursing homes receive, they receive about 100 per cent more than we do so it’s a struggle for independent charitable and family-run nursing homes to survive. About 45 nursing homes have closed in the past three years because they

have trouble reaching the regulatory requirements of HIQA”, said Harty.

Funding difficulties have not stopped the excellent level of care that Cahercalla provides, however. As it celebrates 30 years of public ownership, it’s clear to see that the nursing home has come a long way since Fr. Harry Bohan’s tenure in 1995.

Dr. Harty praised the changes that Cahercalla has undertaken since that time. “Initially it was a long-stay residential nursing home and then it added a number of services. It was and still is supplying palliative care services to the Midwest via Milford Hospice in Limerick so we have three palliative care beds here. We have developed a memory care unit which opened last year specifically dedicated to people with memory loss and that has been a big addition to the services that we provide”.

Cahercalla also provides respite care for the Alzheimer’s Association of Ireland on a regular basis which allows carers a break for a couple of weeks at a time.

The facility has recently entered into a contract with the HSE to provide rehab services which allows patients to be discharged early from Limerick Regional Hospital and the County Hospital in Ennis. This allows patients to recuperate outside of the traditional acute hospital environment closer to home. This programme includes 25 beds which Dr. Harty says will help to ease pressure on beds in hospitals in Limerick and Clare.

The Kilmihil man served as an Independent TD from 2016 to 2020 before making the decision to leave politics. The doctor campaigned on the platform to “try and maintain the fabric of rural communities, we could all see rural communities losing their post offices and their Garda stations, in particular struggling to maintain their medical services, so it was a broad campaign to support the fabric and integrity of rural communities”.

The Cahercalla Chairman said he was left unsatisfied with his

experience in the Dáil however and made reference to the recent political discourse on the role of independents. “As an independent TD, unless you’re in a group which is controlling some element of the balance of power, it’s difficult to get your voice heard. I found it very frustrating coming from a medical background where you’re used to doing things and seeing things happen quickly. I was quite frustrated and I didn’t see a prospect of me having the capacity to promote those aims in as best as I did while I was there. Unless you’re in a position of influence it’s difficult to get your voice heard”, Harty added.

The former TD praised the benefits of the Fair Deal scheme which provides financial support for those in long-term nursing home care. Dr. Harty said that the scheme was a good idea as it means families no longer have to pay for 100 per cent of the care of relatives which eases the substantial financial burden. Harty also stated that the Fair Deal scheme has improved the standard of care residents receive across the board.

The Chairman said that he did learn from his short time in politics and that he has carried over skills from both his time in the Dáil and his work as a doctor to his current position.

“Somebody who has a knowledge of medicine and a knowledge of politics would have a certain expertise in bringing that to an institution like Cahercalla. I think it’s important for people who have had a career in caring to pay something back to the community on a voluntary basis.

“I have a problem saying no, I’m getting a little better at it but when I was asked to take on the Chairmanship I felt I had something to offer. Initially I was told it’s only a meeting once a month, it turns out to be a full-time parttime job”, he joked.

PICTURED: (l-r) the Board of Management William Cahir, Gabrielle Hanrahan, Dr Michael Harty, Dr Marie Connolly and Garech McGuinness

Photo by John O’Neill

Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

Friends of Cahercalla: A new way to make a diﬀerence

CAHERCALLA is dedicated to enhancing the lives of its residents through care, compassion, and connection. To further this mission, they are delighted to introduce Friends of Cahercalla, a new initiative that invites you to make a lasting impact in three simple ways: Donate Monthly/Quarterly/Annually, be a Friend to a Resident, and Spread the Word.

Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Donate

Your contributions, no matter how small, help to provide even better care and facilities for residents. Monthly/ Quarterly/Annual donations are the lifeblood of the initiative, funding vital resources, upgrading equipment, and creating enriching programs that improve the quality of life for everyone at Cahercalla.

Why Give?

• Your generosity directly supports residents’ care and well-being.

• Recurring donations provide sustainable funding for ongoing improvements.

• Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Setting up your donation is simple. Visit https://cahercalla.enthuse.com/ cf/68eb/fundraiser to start giving today.

2. Be a Friend to a Resident

Sometimes, the greatest gift you can give is your time. Many residents deeply value personal connection, and your involvement can bring joy and companionship to their lives.

Ways to Participate:

• Write Letters: Become a pen pal and share kind words with a resident.

‘A

• Volunteer Your Time: Help with social activities such as art workshops, reading groups, or music sessions.

• Be Present: Offer companionship and meaningful conversation to a resident who would value a caring friend.

To learn more about volunteering opportunities, please visit www.cahercalla. ie or contact Cahercalla directly.

3. Spread the Word Advocacy is a powerful way to support Cahercalla’s mission. By sharing the story of Friends of Cahercalla with your network, you can help us grow our community of supporters and amplify our impact. Whether through social media, conversations with friends, or community events, your voice matters.

How You Can Help:

• Share our mission with friends, family, and colleagues.

• Spread the word on social media or at local gatherings.

• Organize a small awareness event or fundraiser to support our work. Join Friends of Cahercalla Today

Becoming a Friend of Cahercalla is easy and deeply rewarding. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or advocate, your involvement will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP:

• Visit https://cahercalla.enthuse. com/cf/68eb/fundraiser to learn more and sign up.

• Call us at 065 6824388/065 6846140 for additional information.

Swing for Cahercalla this Easter

ENNIS Golf Club will play host to a fundraising event to celebrate 30 years of Cahercalla Community Care this Easter.

The golf club, located about 500 metres from the gates of Cahercalla Community Care, is offering a special discounted rate to visitors over a threeday period of €10 with all proceeds going to the local care facility.

Play any time over the three days of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend - or indeed all three days - for just €10 per person per round.

Cahercalla Community Care is a non-proﬁt organisation dedicated to providing nursing care to the community in Ennis and the greater County of Clare.

Cahercalla Community Care proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary, a milestone made possible by the generosity and dedication of the people of County Clare. It marks the moment when the community formally took ownership, establishing Ireland’s ﬁrst community-owned hospital.

sense of warmth in Cahercalla’

A WARM atmosphere is present throughout Cahercalla where Jincy Lesley works as Assistant Director Of Nursing (ADON).

The ADON says the Ennis nursing home’s staff are like a family.

Originally from India, Jincy came to Ireland in 2018 to pursue a masters in nursing which she then graduated the following year. She joined Cahercalla as a nurse in September 2022 having previously worked in a facility in Athlunkard, close to the north side of Limerick city. “I started as a staff nurse and after a year I got promoted to a senior staff nurse and then for a year I worked as a senior staff nurse but it was time for me to move to a CNM position and that’s when I applied for the interview here and that’s when I got selected.

After a month or so I think they found that there was some potential in me that they told me they wanted to promote me as an ADON and I did the interview and just clicked through. Since then I’ve worked here as an ADON”, she added.

In this role, Ms Lesley deals with everything clinical at the nursing home. She performs a wide range of duties in accordance with policies and procedures, including maintaining the staff and looking after their sicknesses and absences as well as doing the rosters and completing audits every quarter in accordance with HIQA guidelines. As ADON, she is also responsible for the admission of new residents to Cahercalla when there are spare beds available. The En-

nis home currently has space for over 100 full time residents as well as 25 HSE beds which are used for rehab services.

Jincy says that Cahercalla is different from other nursing homes however. “When I came to Cahercalla there was a sense of warmth and gratitude when you came here. It didn’t come to me as just a workplace instead I was a team member. We work like friends if one person is not doing something, there is somebody else to do it and we correlate with each other and get it completed rather than just going back behind each other”, she commented.

The ADON thanks her fabulous team for making Cahercalla such an enjoying and fulfilling place to work but its clear that the residents are what make her job special. “We always say it’s

their home and that we are coming to work in their home. We always believe that we always give the priority to the residents in Cahercalla and will work according to their wishes and their perspectives to see what do they want. We have a beautiful set of residents in Cahercalla. We have a dementia unit and I love to go in there every day just to have a chat even if it makes no sense. Everybody has their own perspective. Some people who come here don’t want to stay with someone, others even if they are given a single room they might say I would love to stay with somebody and that I could share with somebody. You can see that difference when residents are in a shared room they have a different rapport with each other. We always go with what they want rather than what we prefer”.

l TEAM: Jincy (right) with Director of Nursing Corina McCarthy and Operations Manager Kate Burke

Photo by John O’Neill

MAUREEN Hayward is a dedicated and passionate clinical nurse manager at Cahercalla, a position she has held for two decades.

Throughout her extensive career, Maureen’s commitment to providing exceptional care to her patients has remained unwavering, and her

Leading palliative care with compassion & dedication

deep connection to her work is evident in every aspect of her role.

Maureen has been a key figure in Cahercalla for the past 20 years, overseeing the care of residents in the Garden Wing of the ground floor of the hospital. As the clinical nurse manager for that unit, she is responsible for ensuring high standards of care across all aspects of patient treatment, from medica-

tion management and wound care to incident reporting and handling complaints. However, her role extends far beyond just managing the day-to-day operations of the unit. Maureen also plays a crucial part in supporting the wider hospital staff, working on a rotational basis to spend two days on the ward and two days focusing on the management side. Additionally, she oversees the entire facility on weekends, where Cahercalla is home to 112 residents.

tion. Maureen initially began her nursing career in Cahercalla as a staff nurse in 2004 before being promoted to manager in 2007. Over the years, she has witnessed significant changes in the facility, including the addition of new services such as rehabilitation and memory care units, as well as growing regulatory demands, particularly with the introduction of HIQA care standards.

“Standards have changed, legality has changed, rights for residents have changed, and it’s all about the resident now, and rightly so,” Maureen notes, reflecting on the growth and evolution of Cahercalla. “It has grown and developed. We provide a broader service, I would say.”

EMOTIONAL

“I’m very passionate about my job, I love my job,” Maureen says. Her love for nursing, particularly palliative care, drives her to provide holistic support to both patients and their families. She views her role not just as a caregiver but also as a source of comfort for those nearing the end of their life. “Palliative care happens everywhere, not just in our palliative care beds. In all nursing homes because people deteriorate with age,” she notes.

As the lead for palliative care at Cahercalla, Maureen’s focus is on ensuring that residents, regardless of their medical conditions, receive care that maintains their dignity, respects their wishes, and eases their pain. She leads a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care that spans physical, emotional, and spiritual support.

PAIN

Maureen explains, “The people we look after deserve the best care possible. We are here to manage their pain and their symptoms, but it’s a bigger thing, it’s holistic care.”

Her approach to palliative care is rooted in empathy and respect for the individual’s needs. Each resident’s care plan is tailored to their unique requirements, whether they are dealing with chronic illnesses, age-related deterioration, or terminal conditions. “It’s wider than just pain and symptoms, it’s looking at the bigger picture really,” she ex-

plains, emphasizing that the quality of life in the final stages is just as important as physical comfort.

“Palliative care... it’s not just about the physical care that you provide for people who are dying but it’s also the emotional support, the psychological support, you know the sitting down and listening, and holding their hand.”

Her work extends beyond managing physical symptoms; Maureen ensures that every resident’s holistic needs are addressed, including their emotional, spiritual, and social well-being.

RELIGIONS

This approach is particularly important in today’s multicultural society, where awareness of diverse religious practices is crucial for providing culturally sensitive care. “We are very multicultural now, and while we might not know about other religions, we need to find out about them so that we can know what to do and what not to do when people are dying,” she explains.

Maureen’s work also requires close collaboration with a wide range of professionals, from general practitioners and physiotherapists to the Milford home support team and social workers. The importance of a team approach cannot be overstated, especially in a facility like Cahercalla, where every aspect of a resident’s care must be coordinated. “It’s a big team –the nurses, the health assistants, the catering staff. No one person can do it all, it’s very much a team approach,” she states. Despite the challenges, Maureen continues to find fulfillment in her work. “There’s a very natural feeling about it, it’s a nice place to be,” she shares, emphasising the supportive and warm environment at Cahercalla. “It’s always been a very home-away-from-home environment, and it’s always been a very caring environment.”

Her longevity in the role is a testament to her dedication to the residents and the organisa-

Beyond the technical aspects of her job, Maureen is deeply committed to her personal and professional growth. She recalls a formative experience when her grandmother became unwell and Maureen had the opportunity to care for her. “I just love looking after people and looking out for relatives and loved ones as well because they are also going through that journey,” she says. “It’s just an area that I particularly like.”

Although Maureen is passionate about her job she acknowledges that this particular area of care can bring with it an emotional toll. It is in these moments that she leans on her fellow colleagues.

“You can have days when you would be very very sad and you would cry and that’s okay, you would hug and you would sit down as a group and you might just talk it through with your colleagues” she shares.

It’s essential, she adds, to have an outlet outside of work to help cope with the emotional weight of her role. “We all say you leave your troubles at the door,” she explains. “It’s also important that you don’t bring work home with you. And that only comes with life experience really.”

In her role, Maureen is constantly reminded of the importance of being empathetic, kind, and approachable. As she explains, “Even if you haven’t got time, showing that you have time is important. You could be as busy as anything on the ward, but if somebody sees that you are really busy and sees you rushing around, they are not going to ask you questions. Whereas if you smile and say, ‘Are you okay?’ it’s a small gesture but makes all the difference.”

For Maureen, nursing, and particularly palliative care, is more than just a job. It’s a calling — one that she approaches with care, compassion, and professionalism. Through her work, she not only provides essential care to residents in their final days but also offers emotional and psychological support to families navigating one of the most difficult moments of their lives.

“Any care to any resident is more than just physical care,” she reflects.

“It’s actively listening, making them feel that you have all the time in the world for that person.”

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

Major plans are in the pipeline

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

WHEN Sheryl Knowles

ﬁrst joined Cahercalla in October 2023, she began a dual role in accounts and fundraising.

Almost a year and a half later, her passion for volunteering and making a difference has only grown stronger. “I love it. I’d say it’s the ﬁrst job ever in my entire life that I felt that way about and I’ve worked for 35 years”, the long-time volunteer said.

Cahercalla Community Care is a charitable, not-for-proﬁt organisation that is part-funded by the HSE as well as public donations. This year marks 30 years since the home was handed over to public ownership in 1995. As a result, Cahercalla experiences signiﬁcant shortfalls in funding, meaning that constant efforts to bridge the gap are required. Despite these restrictions, the facility shows no signs of slowing down with big plans on the horizon.

“We’ve got a major fundraising campaign for to build an individual separate stand-alone activities room and also to purchase a mini bus for the residents. At the minute, just with pure lack of capacity within the building there’s no main area where we can get all the residents all together at one time. We’re always trying to

promote inclusivity so to have all residents to be able to gather at one place we would need a purpose built building.”

Originally from Northern Ireland, Sheryl Knowles ﬁrst came to Clare six years ago with 20 years’ experience in the social housing sector. While serving as Chair of the employer-supported volunteer committee in that job, she also worked as a volunteer for the Special Olympics in Belfast for over 12 years. Now living in Quin, she says she loves coming to work every day in Cahercalla.

“The most enjoyable aspect would have to be the interaction with residents and members of staff. There are ones that obviously you’d strike up more of a relationship with simply because you’re there with them but they’re all wonderful.

“I found that this job has provided me with the unique opportunity of combining my academic and professional qualiﬁcations within accounts and blending that in with the role of fundraising. I don’t plan on going anywhere, I plan on doing everything I possibly can to make it bigger and better ”, she said.

Fundraising is a constant obstacle for Cahercalla however. The large nursing home caters for over 100 residents and is in a constant battle to

provide the standard of care it strives to maintain, as well as adhering to HIQA guidelines.

“Fundraising for any charity at the minute is very difﬁcult. Long gone are the days where you had the bucket, you're not going to get that anymore because people just don’t have it. Everybody’s watching their own pennies and even just the cash, nobody really has cash anymore, everyone just taps for everything so your old methods of fundraising and your street collections don’t work anymore.

“You have to adapt. We’ve recently launched a new digital fundraising platform on our website so we put events up for that, we have ticketed events so it’s all managed through that whereas before that it was all phone calls or people calling in now it’s all done online”, she commented.

Despite these challenges, Cahercalla continues to provide an expert level of care to all residents and continues to go from strength to strength 30 years on from its public acquisition.

Lions Club holds a special place in heart of Cahercalla

by Michael Fitzgerald

news@clareecho.ie

CAHERCALLA has been helped along the way by numerous organisations in Clare but none more so than the Ennis Lions Club.

The charitable organisation first became involved with the Ennis community hospital in 2005.

Secretary of the Ennis branch Tom Carey says that the organisation is proud of the work it has done in raising money for Cahercalla. “If you speak to anyone around Ennis or Clare they’d have a story to tell you about Cahercalla, about loved ones that were looked after in there in their later years and months.

The Lions Club involvement goes back to the noughties. The first project would have been around 2005 and then it intensified later on in that decade so really since 2010 Cahercalla and the Lions club were working hand in hand”.

The biggest project undertaken by the Lions Club is the annual remembrance tree display in the mar-

ket each Christmas. “We run a project called the remembrance tree over the Christmas period. People put yellow ribbons on it, they write a name remembering a loved one or somebody who is away at Christmas. It has really become part of the Christmas scene in the town of Ennis” said Mr Carey. The project has raised over €100,000 for Cahercalla Community Hospital to date.

Some of this money was used in the treatment of those with memory issues in the hospital. “There’s a corridor in Cahercalla which has been decorated with scenes from rural Clare, from the Burren and from farming practice and things like that. It is particularly good for jogging people’s memory who are losing it through Alzheimer’s and dementia”, said Mr Carey.

The Ennis Lions Club has done enormous work for the benefit of Cahercalla and is just one of the many organisations that continues to make the Ennis hospital such a special place.

l ROLE: Sheryl Knowles

Photo by John O’Neill

best to Cahercalla Community Hospital

Edel Kearse: a story of career progression through Cahercalla

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

EDEL Kearse’s path to becoming a Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM) in Cahercalla Community Hospital is a testament to determination, resilience, and the power of supportive mentor ship. Starting her career in healthcare in 2005, Edel's journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to patient care, a passion for nurs ing, and the guidance of those who believed in her potential.

Edel’s story began in 2005 when she was just 17 years old. She had always been drawn to nursing, inspired in part by her father, who had long-term health issues and spent significant time in hospitals. At the time, Edel was pursuing a pre-nursing course and looking for work experience. Edel was fortunate to know the matron of Cahercalla Community Hospital at the time, Rose Collins, who took a chance on her and offered the opportunity to gain experience.

In November of that year, Edel secured a parttime job as a healthcare assistant at Cahercalla. Despite her passion for nursing, she faced challenges in pursuing her dream, leading her to take a more indirect route. “Through different obstacles in my life, it took me a bit longer, but I always knew I wanted to be a nurse,” she says.

Though she was one of the younger staff members when she started, Edel quickly felt a deep sense of belonging in the Cahercalla community. The hospital, then a close-knit family, became a place where Edel forged lasting relationships and received support from all corners of the facility. “There were so many mothers guiding me along the right path,” she recalls, reflecting on the kindness and mentorship she received.

In 2008, Edel took a break from working in Cahercalla to have her first daughter, which ex-

tended the timeline for her return to college. However, her connection to Cahercalla remained strong, and in 2016, she made the decision to return to college as a mature student to pursue nursing.

Leaving Cahercalla to focus on her studies was bittersweet for Edel. She had made life-long friends and built a sense of purpose within the hospital. But, as she says, “Once I made the break, I decided to venture in a different direction.”

However, her story with Cahercalla wasn’t over.

In 2020, Edel received a call from Rose, the matron who had mentored her years earlier. Rose, whom Edel describes as a motherly figure, informed her that there was an opening for a nurse at Cahercalla. “I could never refuse Rose,” Edel explains. “She was amazing. She’d ask you to do extra shifts, and you’d do it without hesitation.”

Edel returned to Cahercalla as a nurse, having completed her studies and earned her qualifications.

It wasn’t long before the management team approached Edel with an offer to become a Clinical Nurse Manager (CNM). Despite only being back in the role of a nurse for a short time, Edel took on the challenge. She had spent the next year and a half working as a nurse to the community hospital residents before transitioning to the new-

ly opened rehab ward in October 2023.

The rehab ward was a significant change for Edel, offering a fresh approach to patient care. Unlike the traditional care setting, the rehab ward focuses on rehabilitation, with a multidisciplinary team including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and a doctor on-site 24/7. “It’s a fantastic team,” Edel shares. “We see patients coming in after fractures or strokes, and watching them progress from not being able to walk to walking out the door is incredibly rewarding.”

The rehab ward serves patients who typically come from acute settings like University Hospital Limerick (UHL) rather than home, often following a significant medical event that has affected their independence. Edel’s role in helping patients adjust to a new way of life, whether managing diabetes, recovering from a stroke, or healing from fractures is deeply fulfilling.

“Normally patients come into us post fracture, stroke. They are usually a person that was maybe living independently and then different medical issues affects their lifestyle so they need to learn how to live with that or learn how to adapt.

Throughout her journey, Edel has been deeply influenced by the guidance of mentors like Rose

Collins, who passed away but left an indelible mark on Edel’s career.

“She was the type of person who would reprimand you if you were wrong, but would never hold anything against you. The next day, everything was back to normal,” Edel recalls fondly.

Edel's journey through Cahercalla has been marked by change, both in her role and in the hospital itself. Over the years, she has witnessed the transformation of the ward settings, the introduction of new policies, and the shift from paper-based records to digital systems. But one thing has remained constant; her dedication to the people in her care.

From her early days as a healthcare assistant to her current role as CNM in the rehab unit, Edel’s journey through Cahercalla Community Hospital has been defined by a relentless commitment to caring for others. Her own experiences with her father’s health challenges have given her a unique understanding of the importance of compassionate, personalised care.

“Growing up, I always wanted to be a nurse, and I’m lucky that I had the opportunity to pursue that,” Edel says. Now, as a mother to a 17-year-old daughter, she advises her to take her time in deciding on a career. Edel is grateful that she found her calling and has had the chance to make a real difference in the lives of those she cares for.

Cahercalla Community Hospital has not only been a place of employment for Ede, it’s been a home, a family, and a source of inspiration. With the support of mentors like Rose and the opportunity to grow within the organisation, Edel has thrived. Her journey is one of perseverance, compassion, and a constant desire to improve the lives of others, making her an integral part of the Cahercalla community and a role model for those following in her footsteps.

Student Council lobby councillors to help provide bus shelter at St Flannan’s College

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MEMBERS of the Student Council at St Flannan’s College have lobbied councillors in the Ennis Municipal District to assist with the construction of a bus shelter at the secondary school.

Following an approach by Student Council members, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) tabled a motion before the Ennis MD seeking support for the addition of a bus shelter at St Flannan’s College and to provide detail “on how to progress this very important issue”. Inside the grounds of the school has emerged as the most likely location for a bus shelter.

Acting senior engineer in the Ennis MD, Paddy Tiernan noted previous requests from students at St Flannan’s to both Clare County Council and the NTA to have a bus shelter at the existing bus drop off/ pick up location on College View. Responsibility lies with St Flannans’s College and the Department of Education, the senior engineer said. “Ennis MD’s position is that the responsibility for same should rest with the school/Department of Education. Our view is supported by the fact that this bus stop solely provides benefit to the school and not the general public. The bus stop is not an official stopping location for public buses and is not envisaged to become one”. This view was relayed to the school and a Department official at a meeting in November 2024.

Both the feasibility and practical-

ity of installing a bus shelter “within the existing road easement at this location” has been examined by the Ennis MD. Tiernan stated, “Our view is that whilst there is sufficient space to install a bus shelter at this location the existing footpath will be reduced to a less than desirable width, and, the likely configuration of the unit will result in the open face of the shelter being

exposed to the elements. Therefore it is our opinion that the only realistic alternative is to provide the bus shelter in an appropriately configured arrangement within the grounds of St Flannans College at a location close to the existing bus drop off/pick up location on College View. In order to progress this situation we would suggest that the school engages with the Plan-

ning Department of Clare County Council to discuss potential planning requirements given the sensitivities of the site and the designation of St Flannans College as a protected structure”.

Presence of Student Council members at meetings of Clare County Council has been a welcome development, Cllr Murphy said. “They’ve been calling on the

College

Tender process concludes

by Páraic

McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ long-awaited satellite haemodialysis unit will be up and running by the end of June next year, the HSE has stated following the conclusion of a tender process.

Back in July 2024, confirmation of the unit was first announced by ex CEO of UL Hospitals Group, Colette Cowan in July 2024. A start date of 2025 was envisaged as per correspondence last summer from UL Hospitals Group after a renal care provider was identified in May 2024.

Queries from Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) to the Regional Health Forum saw the HSE admit that the service would not be operational until the second quarter of 2026.

Officials in the HSE have confirmed this in correspondence to Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG). The HSE’s Mid-West Acute and Old-

er People Services department said that the HSE Board has approved the provision of the contracted unit.

Deputy Cooney told The Clare Echo, “The news will be welcomed by those in Clare who must travel to Limerick to receive treatment multiple times every week”.

He continued, “The HSE has informed me that the unit will be similar to the satellite centre already in place in the Fresenius Medical Care Centre in Limerick. The tender process for the contracted satellite haemodialysis unit in Ennis is now complete and the HSE has identified a supplier, with a view to commencing the service on or before June 2026.”

Council to get involved in helping to provide a bus shelter on St Flannan’s Drive, the school population is circa 1,300 pupils many of whom get bus services from the wider Municipal District area and beyond, it is a crucial form of transport, it is keeping people out of cars which is the policy we’re implementing and it great to see it, the lack of a bus shelter means students are facing all kinds of weather, rain, hail and snow you name it so they’re getting soaked in winter”.

According to Cllr Murphy, there are “a lot of blockages to getting this across the line, we need to go banging on the door of the Department because the Council and NTA probably quite rightly don’t see it as being their job. It is crucial, the numbers demand this”. He added, “This is my alma mater, students came to me so I want to support them”.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) suggested the school could do more to progress the shelter. “Nobody likes to see any child out in the elements, anything we can do to help them is worthwhile”.

A unified approach from Ennis MD councillors would strengthen the argument, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) said while proposing they write to the Department of Education. “There are so many children waiting outside, we all see them because they don’t put a coat on. They have come to us which is so important for young people to be asking for stuff”.

Ennis

lBUS SHELTER: St.Flannan’s

TY project to be explored for students to grow & sell vegetables in Ennis Market

by Páraic McMahon

TRANSITION YEAR in Ennis students could soon be growing their own vegetables and selling at the Ennis Market.

Seeds were planted at the Ennis Municipal District in a motion by Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF). He initiated support for the facilitation of a TY project in collaboration with Ennis Community College/Gaelcoláiste an Chlair where students will grow vegetables in a polytunnel belonging to the school, sell their produce at Ennis Market and donate the profits to a local charity of their choice.

Having discussed the matter with principal James O’Shaughnessy and teacher Conor O’Brien, “full support” has been expressed for the secondary schools for the venture, Cllr Guilfoyle said. “This project offers students a unique, hands-on learning experience in horticulture, business, entrepreneurship, and teamwork. It will guide them

through the full business cycle from planting and harvesting their produce to selling it at the Ennis Market and managing the financial and administrative aspects of their venture, including maintaining records and securing necessary licences. Additionally, the project has a bilingual dimension, fostering collaboration between Gaeilge and Béarla speakers to create a successful business”.

Support from the Ennis MD would include assisting with the granting of a market licence, ensuring the project aligns with the broader goal of re-energising the Ennis Market area and facilitating discussions with local businesses to ensure the project operates harmoniously within the market environment, Cllr Guilfoyle stated. The stall would operate for an agreed short period.

Acting Director of Service for Economic Development, Seán Lenihan said they would be “delighted to support and assist in this initiative in whatever way that we can. In the

first instance, we are happy to meet with the Teachers/Group Leaders to understand and agree what needs to be done. Moreover, I have consulted with my colleagues in the Local Enterprise Office and they are happy to facilitate student workshops focusing on the business skills required such as understanding costs, determining appropriate pricing, promotion, marketing and engaging with customers”.

Lenihan asked the teachers to contact the Ennis MD “to arrange a mutually suitable time to meet and progress this worthwhile initiative”.

Students need “opportunities to become entrepreneurs and to be in business,” Cllr Guilfoyle told a meeting of the Ennis MD. “There is many ways to become an entrepreneur. This allows the kids in our area to get an experience with business and with running a business if possible”.

Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) labelled the motion as “proactive” and “fantastic”. He noted that students from St Flannan’s College had attended recent meetings of Clare County Council. “It is great to have young people engaged, they can be tarred with a brush of being on gaming machine the whole time”.

Substantial money was raised for St Vincent de Paul by students in Ennis at Christmas, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) recalled. “The market for Ennis changed when Clare Marts opened,” she maintained referencing the selling of animals away from the heart of the town, “it changed the way the market was going to be for the rest of our lives”. She felt the motion was “a win win situation”. She re-

buked Cllr Guilfoyle for referring to Ennis Community College as ‘The Tech’.

Students growing their own vegetables “is a great iniaitive,” said Cllr Pat Daly (FF) when backing the proposal.

Pop up charities could be let use the Market building in Ennis, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) suggested. “It is a very well put together motion and it took me a while to read it. There’s so many initiatives within this school and other secondary schools in the area, the youth of today love pop-up areas, we have a beautiful building not utilised at the moment, maybe the Council could waive the insurance levy and let the schools in and these pop up charities”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) noted that the proposal was “initiative and addresses how the Council can help with school and community efforts”. Getting the local enterprise office involved “can help future entrepreneurs”.

Helping students understand how hard it is to make money would be worthwhile, Cllr Guilfoyle maintained. “I apologise for using the nickname of the school, when I went to school in Flannan’s, others went to the Christian Brothers and others went to this ‘other’ school which we called by the nickname back then,” he added.

paraic@clareecho.ie

Ennistymon Rivers Festival to take place two years on from devastating ﬁsh kill

by Páraic McMahon

TWO years on from an unprecedented and devasting fish kill in North Clare, the Ennistymon Rivers Festival will take place.

Last February, Uisce Éireann was fined €10,000 at Ennis District Court and ordered to pay €8,477 in costs following Inland Fisheries Ireland’s prosecution of the State-owned water utility company for chemical discharges to the Ballymacraven river in Ennistymon which resulted in the killing of an estimated 2,000 plus fish.

Uisce Éireann pleaded guilty to two water pollution charges in connection with a ‘fish kill’ that occurred downstream of its water treatment plant which serves a population of almost 7,000 people in the wider North Clare area, including Ennistymon, Lahinch, Kilfenora, Doolin,

Fanore and Ballyvaughan.

In a new venture to celebrate the positive steps undertaken to protect, restore and enhance the rivers that make the Ennistymon area of North Clare so special, a free family-friendly three day festival is planned for the May Bank Holiday weekend in Ennistymon.

The Ennistymon Rivers Festival is being held, exactly two years on from the devastating fish kill on the Ballymacraven River. Atlantic salmon, brown trout and eels of all age-classes washed up dead in what was labelled “the most significant fish kill” witnessed in the county. Two years on, the Ennistymon Rivers Festival, offers an opportunity to celebrate the enormous amount of positive work that has been undertaken by local volunteers on the Inagh and Ballymacraven rivers, reflecting the

importance the local community places on our natural environment.

Chairperson of the Restore Ballymacraven River Association, Kevin Nunan stated, “the Ennistymon Rivers Festival is really a celebration of the progress we’ve made in bringing the community together, and to map out the work still to be done over the next number of years. We’re very proud of the commitment of the local community to restore the Inagh and Ballymacraven rivers, and the work completed to date to protect local biodiversity and natural habitats within, and along, these local rivers. We are working to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come”.

Expert talks and workshops on many aspects of river restoration from salmon conservation to the vital role trees play in river bank

conservation and learning about river ecosystems are planned for the festival. Also included in the weekend is a guided bat-walk, guided kayaking tours and a major river restoration workshop for community groups and angling clubs.

Ruairí Ó Conchúir, Senior Community Water Officer, with the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO), and local to the area, noted “that the Ennistymon Rivers Festival offers an excellent example of a local community group stepping up to the mark and providing local leadership in river restoration and water quality awareness work. The work of LAWPRO is fully supportive of community groups playing such an active role in the local communities”.

Though all events are free, booking is required, as numbers are limited for several

events, including river kayaking. The Festival kicks off Friday afternoon (2nd May) with a River Restoration Workshop for community groups and angling clubs. The official launch will take place that evening, followed by the keynote event; an illustrated talk on ‘The Cur-

rent Status of Salmon in Ireland and Future Prospects’ by renowned international expert Dr. Philip McGinnity. This talk will give an overview of the national picture of Atlantic salmon in Ireland and will be followed by an excellent panel discussion.

l RIVER FESTIVAL: Community Event on the Ballymacraven River

Photo by: Ruairi Ó Conchúir

paraic@clareecho.ie

Putting women’s health and wellbeing needs ﬁrst this Maternal Mental Health Day

DURING the perinatal period, many women downplay their physical and mental health needs, but these will be very much to the fore this Maternal Mental Health Day, May 7, at a special awareness raising initiative in University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL).

Staff of the Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service at UMHL and members of the newly established Perinatal Mental Health Association Mid West will host a stand in the maternity hospital on the day to chat to women, guide them to valuable resources, and share self-care items.

“This initiative is about creating space for women,” said Pauline Walsh, Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Perinatal Mental Health

and Chairperson of the new Association. “The conversations we will have around accessing supports really help to reduce the stigma around perinatal mental health challenges.”

In addition, the event is an effort to shine a light on the often overlooked fundamental links between physical and mental health and well-being. “During the perinatal period, there is an understandable focus on physical health and wellbeing. We aim on May 7 to highlight mental health. Physical and mental health and wellbeing should be viewed on a par with each other.”

The Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service was established at UMHL in 2018. It’s a referral service for women who experience mental health difficulty in

pregnancy or up to the first year after birth. The multidisciplinary team includes a Consultant Psychiatrist and Psychiatric registrar, an Advanced Midwife Practitioner, 2 mental health midwives, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, 2 Clinical Nurse Specialists, an Occupational Therapist, a Social Worker, a Clinical Psychologist, an administrator and a part time art therapist. The team has an active caseload of about 265 women with the team receiving 20-25 new referrals each week.

The Perinatal Mental Health Association MidWest was formed by a group of volunteers and received charity status in 2024. The Association is a branch of Mental Health Ireland and aims to support women who experience mental health

difficulties in the Perinatal Period. Through fundraising the association aims to support activities which promote positive mental health during

this time e.g. funding coffee mornings, arts and craft materials, wellness packs, funding group activities that encourage connection. For more information, send an email to PerinatalMHA@mentalhealthireland.ie

Learn to recover with Mid West ARIES

MENTAL health recovery is unique for everyone. For some it may be a journey, for others it is a destination.

Recovery education can provide you with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration you need to thrive in your recovery.

Part of HSE Mid West Mental Health Services, Mid West ARIES is the recovery education service for the Mid West region, covering Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary.

It is their mission to provide an inspirational, inclusive and transformative educational programme on mental health and wellbeing in the community, in both Acute Psychiatric Units (Ennis and Limerick) and across the region’s day services.

Mike O’Neill, Mid West ARIES Manager explained, “We take a strengths-based, adultlearning approach. Our programme focuses on empowering learners to explore what they can do themselves to support their mental health recovery. The topics of our workshops and resources are created by people with lived experience, family members, mental health staff and our community partners. This is called co-production. As a result, we have a wide ranging programme with something for everyone with topics ranging from Anxiety and Depression, right through to Self-Care, Creativity and Journ-

aling.”

The service has received national recognition for excellence, having been twice shortlisted for the HSE Excellence Awards (2020 & 2023), winning the HSE Excellence Awards Sláintecare Category 2024, and securing the HRB Digital Mental Health Conference 2023 Implementation Award.

What to Expect from Mid West ARIES Workshops & Resources:

l Accessible learning opportunities: Online, in-person and self-paced.

l Meaningful content: Co-produced by people with lived experience, family members, and mental health professionals to provide relevant, more impactful learning.

l Interactive learning: Engaging discussions and shared experiences to provide those all important “light bulb” moments.

l Peer-to-peer learning: A supportive group where participants learn from one another in a safe and confidential environment.

l Experienced facilitators: Trained professionals guiding discussions in a safe and welcoming space.

l Resources & materials: Handouts and tools to support ongoing learning.

ARIES workshops are open to anyone over 18 interested in mental health and well-being. To start learning with ARIES go to their website: https://midwestaries.ie or email info@midwestaries.ie.

MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH DAY: (L-R) Maria Gibbons, Advanced Midwife Practitioner, SPMHS; Aideen Higgins, Senior Occupational Therapist, SPMHS; Pauline Walsh, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, SPMHS; and Dr Mas Mahady Mohamad, Perinatal Consultant Psychiatrist, SPMHS; at the information stand in UMHL for Maternal Mental Health Day on May 7

‘Ireland more than a location but an ecosystem for the extraordinary’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

IRELAND and the MidWest region is more than a location ,it is an ecosystem for the extraordinary, the CEO of the IDA has said.

A comment from IDA Ireland’s CEO, Michael Lohan, at a Shannon Chamber lunch in Dromoland Castle Hotel was most appropriate at a time when commentary is focused on the impact that US-imposed tariffs will have on our economy.

Stating that Ireland is more than a location but an ecosystem for extraordinary, defined by its people and place, stability and support, and its ecosystem and environment, he paid particular focus to the partnership approach, the business-friendly environment and the innovativeness of enterprise, which, he said, is the cornerstone of Ireland’s success in attracting and retaining investment.

In an address delivered the day before the much-heralded liberation day, Lohan did caution that the global race for impactful foreign direct investment has significantly intensified and that the year ahead will be turbulent for the global economy.

He cited the key enabling conditions that Ireland needs to focus on as relative cost competitiveness, planning, infrastructure delivery, talent development and innovation and its incentive offering, and that IDA’s strategy through to 2029 will target opportunities in the growth drivers of digitisation and AI, semiconductors, sustainability, and health.

Delivering good news to the regions, he said that IDA aims to create 75,000 jobs over that time, including delivering 550 regional invest-

ments, whilst simultaneously reducing IDA client carbon emissions by 35%, and upskilling 40,000 people.

Addressing the many companies and business groupings in the room, he emphasised the need for collaboration, stating that success in an intensely competitive landscape will require an enhanced focus on partnering impactfully with key stakeholders. “The collective strength that is evident in Ireland is not repeated across the globe. The real benefits will come from collective collaboration”.

In a fireside discussion with Fine Grain Property’s CEO, event sponsor, and director of Shannon Chamber, Colin MacDonald, Lohan responded to questions both from the moderator and from transition year students from five Clare schools whose attendance at the event was sponsored by Irish

Rail.

Responding to a question on tariffs he said they were counterproductive and negative for productivity and that it was critical that space be created for discussion post the tariffs’ announcement.

When questioned on the impact of delays in the Irish planning system he called on everyone in the room to urge those within their sphere of influence to think before they make an objection to a planning application. While accepting that opinion is valued and critical, he said that it must be timely and not stymie agility in the planning system and, when planning concerns critical national infrastructure, he said that everyone needs to play their part in ensuring that they are delivered in a timely fashion. With a pending shift in global trade, looking to the future he said that to compete on a global stage, Ire-

land will have to play to its strengths, stay nimble, and trust its ability and capability to influence.

Complementing Shannon on its unique ecosystem for business, he called for increased collaboration to bring additionality to the entire region. “Ireland is competing globally, not on a location-by-location basis,” he said.

Responding to this call, Shannon Chamber president Eoin Gavin said that it was the collective ambition of everyone attending the lunch to ensure that we continue to provide the infrastructure that will attract further investment in the areas set out in IDA’s strategy 2025 - 2029 and in the newly developing landscape of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability.

Gavin stated, “We are very much heartened by the fact that a key goal of IDA is to

deliver regional investments. This will bolster the 165,000 job numbers already delivered by IDA Ireland client companies in regional locations across the country. An increase on this level will be most welcome as the added benefit of FDI presence in an area is the sub-supply opportunities that open up for our indigenous base, determined by their ability to meet the stringent requirements of an FDI company at operational and compliance levels”.

He further stated that the chamber’s member-led networks. the Mid-West Lean Network and the Mid-West Sustainability Network, the CEO and HR Forums pro-

vide platforms for members to brainstorm and undertake initiatives that can enable Shannon and the region to play a meaningful role in Ireland maintaining its competitive edge.

“Industry will always be defined by the innovative strides it makes, and we want to ensure that Shannon’s notoriety for pioneering concepts and initiatives is maintained. As a Chamber, we champion collective contributions as we believe that the combined effort of collaboration or interaction is greater than the sum of the individual contributions,” the Sixmilebridge man added.

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.

• I.S Cyber Security Analyst (Grade VI)

• Senior Library Assistant

Closing date: 12 Noon Wednesday 30th April 2025. Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.

Only applications completed online will be accepted.

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

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

lCouncillor Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council and Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland (fourth left) pictured at the Shannon Chamber lunch in Dromoland Castle Hotel with (from left): Eoin Gavin, president, Mark Nolan, vice-president, and Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber; and Colin MacDonald, founder and CEO, Fine Grain Property. Photograph by Eamon Ward

Clar Cliath, Roslevan, Ennis, Co Clare V95 ATP9

ASKING PRICE: €795,000

SHERRY FitzGerald McMahon

are delighted to offer for sale this stunning 5/6-bedroom detached house, nestled on a generous standalone site off the prestigious An tSean Dun development. Built in 2007 and boasting an impressive 492 sq.m of living space (plus a built in garage area of 37sqm and a converted attic space of 89sqm) with a BER rating of B1, this property offers a harmonious blend of luxurious living and thoughtful design.

As you enter through the grand foyer-style entrance hall, you are immediately captivated by the inviting ambiance, highlighted by a feature Stanley solid fuel stove with a striking brick surround and a sweeping solid oak staircase that gracefully ascends to the first floor. The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen/living area, which features an exquisite solid cherrywood kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line integrated Neff appliances, a natural gas Stanley Range, and sumptuous brown/ gold marble countertops. A rear access door from the kitchen leads to the well-planned parking area, enhancing convenience for homeowners. The seamless flow of the ground floor continues with dou-

ble doors from the kitchen opening into the elegant dining room, which in turn provides access to the cozy living room. Here, recessed ceilings add a touch of sophistication, while the living room boasts a stylish natural gas fire, a recessed TV setup, and a carefully designed cinema effect surround sound system that runs throughout the entire house.

The ground floor is designed for both comfort and functionality, featuring a utility room with an additional staircase leading to the first floor. A versatile therapy room or ground floor bedroom shares a well-appointed Jack and Jill bathroom, while a dedicated office space with an en-suite offers the perfect setting for remote work. Completing the ground floor is a spacious internal garage that houses a 5-ton pellet bunker, ensuring the home is equipped for year-round comfort.

Ascend to the first floor, where you will find four beautifully appointed bedrooms, all featuring en-suite bathrooms. The landing is illuminated by a stunning tunnelled skylight, flooding the space with natural light. The master bedroom, a true retreat, includes a generous living area, a charm-

ing fireplace, and an expansive walk-in wardrobe that caters to all your storage needs. The second bedroom includes a large cedar wood balcony area, providing a serene outdoor space to unwind. The first floor also boasts a large games room, complete with a sauna—ideal for relaxation and entertainment. In addition there is a spacious TV den that could also be used as a 5th bedroom on the first floor serviced by the main bathroom.

An additional staircase grants access to the fully floored third floor, providing versatile usage options to suit your lifestyle.

Externally, the property is a sight to behold, with immaculate grounds featuring Sandstone quartz on the entrance walls and the façade of the house. A magnificent granite archway over the front door welcomes you into this luxurious residence. The property is bordered by a lush hedgerow and showcases neat lawns, complemented by an extensive Bankari decking area that extends from the dining room—perfect for al fresco dining and enjoying sunny afternoons.

Contact: Jason Pyne –Sherry FitzGerald McMahon –065-6867866 – www.sherryfitz.ie

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Arts & Culture

Clare author Gráinne O’Brien reﬂects on youth and heartbreak in her debut novel ‘Solo’

by LISA MULLALY

Sitting outside Meadows and Byrnes in Bunratty, with the castle looming in the distance, Gráinne O’Brien reflects on her youth. “This was my stomping ground, you know, trying to climb over the wall of the folk park late at night and whatever else we were at. Just sitting on walls basically,” she jokes, painting a picture of what Irish teenagers did to pass the time. This is something she wanted to explore in her debut novel Solo.

The book’s official launch took place last Friday, April 4, in Kenny’s Bookshop in Galway, where Gráinne has worked as a bookseller since July 2023.

The Clare author was joined by world-renowned author of The Spinning Heart and From a Low and Quiet Sea, Donal Ryan. Gráinne and Donal share a unique connection as Donal was a tutor during Gráinne’s time studying creative writing at the University of Limerick. Solo is a young adult novel written in verse that follows the life of teenager Daisy as she navigates the ups and downs of friendship, love,

and family. When her boyfriend suddenly breaks up with her, Daisy is left disconnected from her music, her one true love.

Inspired by elements of her own childhood growing up in Sixmilebridge, Gráinne wanted to create a realistic depiction of the life of an Irish teenage girl grappling with first heartbreak, an identity crisis, and the Leaving Certificate.

“I wanted to write something that just reflected that idea of life, just sitting on walls because it’s what we did, it’s how we entertained ourselves. And a family that really loves each other and cares about each other and has their problems.”

After working as a bookseller for 12 years, Gráinne saw a clear gap in the market for realistic YA novels that spoke to the everyday experiences of teenagers. She’s passionate about filling that void with stories that reflect real struggles, like heartbreak and identity crises— far from the dystopian tales dominating the genre.

“There’s this conversation about a golden age of books that should be focusing on the everyday things for teenagers rather than the dystopian genre, which Irish authors are doing more and more of, which is great. I think we are entering into this era of really realistic books because

l

DEBUT NOVEL: Author Gráinne O’Brien [inset image: front cover of Gráinne’s debut novel ‘Solo’]

they are calling out for them and as a bookseller I see that as well.”

While she supports the importance of social causes, Gráinne believes that books for teenagers should offer an escape, not a lecture. “In publishing at the moment, there is this big thing of ECO-YA and we have to get teenagers to take care of the planet but they didn’t break it, it’s not their problem. And

the world is in chaos or whatever but their boyfriends are still breaking up with them, and they are still going to discos and they should be allowed to.”

to be a better person to fix the world, as a teenager you think ‘No, I just want to worry about my cat or go sit on walls and smoke cigarettes or vapes or whatever.’”

Gráinne’s writing is not only aimed at young girls navigating the trials and tribulations of secondary school life; she is also deeply inspired by them.

“Teenage girl characters are where my focus is at the moment. I love them. They are just so dramatic and so complicated. Everything is the end of the world and they are right because it is, it’s their life and it’s so dismissed. It’s their whole world, whether it’s their boyfriend or their friends, that first friendship breakup is so painful to go through.”

“To be told that what you care about is not important, even by well-intentioned authors or teachers, to be constantly lectured that you have

East Clare Musical Society marks 20 years with reprise of ‘Joseph and his technicolour dreamcoat’

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

EAST Clare Musical Society will be celebrating their 20th anniversary with a reprise of the society’s inaugural production, ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’.

Musical Director Sarah King, who took over from Ruairí Maloney this year, credits the society’s success to its strong, committed members. “It’s all about the community,” she says. “Everyone is local, and we all come together to create something special.”

The society was founded in 2005 by Johnny O’Brien, who has since stepped away and passed the torch to the next generation. Johnny will return for the show to play the piano, a role he cherishes. Sarah reflects on the impact Johnny had on the group, saying, “He was always focused on handing over the

leadership to the next generation, and I’m proud to carry that legacy forward.”

This year’s *Joseph* production features a talented cast, many of whom have grown with the society. Rhys Mc Namara, who start ed in the society at age 11, now takes on the lead role of Joseph nine years later. “I started off in the kids’ chorus looking up to the adults, and now I am the lead. There’s this group of kids looking up to me, and it’s amazing to have this role in the 20-year anni versary show.”

First-time per former Hannah plays one of the narrators. “It’s been such a welcoming ex

perience,” she shares. “Everyone’s been so supportive, and it’s great to be part of such a high-standard production.”

Louise O’Callaghan, who is sharing the narrator role with Hannah, reflects on the experience fondly: “Rehearsals don’t feel like work; it’s just so much fun going to Sunday rehearsals every week.”

Louise praises the society’s dedication and teamwork, especially highlighting their amazing bproduction team . “Sarah Allen, our director and choreographer, creates such a visually stunning performance,

l20 YEARS: Rhys McNamara

by: Eoin O’Hagan

and I am just so proud to be part of the show,” she says.

Louise also recognises the incredible talent in the community, especially in the kids’ chorus. “The kids’ chorus is phenomenal. They bring so much energy, and they pick up the choreography so quickly. I can’t wait to see the cast in 10 years—if these kids keep going, it’s going to be amazing.”

The production is packed with energetic songs, dances, and colorful costumes that appeal to all ages. “It’s a show the whole family can enjoy,” says Hannah. “There’s no need to find a babysitter, just bring the kids along.”

As the East Clare Musical Society celebrates two decades of incredible performances, it’s clear that this year’s production is a testament to the society’s passion, talent, and deep-rooted community spirit.

of the poem relate to the musical term and inform what is happening.”

Gráinne made it clear that the story is a work of fiction, though she did take inspiration from her own life experiences as a teenager growing up in rural Ireland. It is these similarities between Gráinne’s own life and Daisy’s that Gráinne believes led her to tell this story.

“Daisy’s story was going to be told anyway but she kind of came to me, like she literally appeared fully formed. One day she was there, big long plait in her hair. She was originally holding a viola at some point—she changed to the recorder. I’m not really sure what happened there, it’s fine, I don’t ask. I think she kind of picked me because our stories are kind of similar, but everything else is fiction.”

As Daisy’s main interest and ambition revolve around music, Gráinne decided that a novel would be the most suitable medium to tell her story. Gráinne describes the style as a collection of poems that illustrate the events and emotions of the story through structure, sound, and metaphor.

“As you go through it, the musical terms are used to inform the poem. Where I could, I make the structure

Just over two years later, Solo has finally been released into the world. Gráinne is excited to hear the feedback and reaction to her work, particularly from her target audience and inspiration, the young girls who she hopes will relate to Daisy’s story.

“Now it just has to get out and see what the world makes of it. The teenagers especially. It’s all well and good adults reading it and liking it, but teenage girls, they’re tough, they are your biggest critics.”

Multi-media art exhibition explores healing and the psyche

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

Kildare-based visual artist

Ann Maria Healy will bring a multi-disciplinary exhibition to the Cash Shop in Gort this weekend.

The exhibition entitled ‘On the wing, between waves and currents’ explores methods of healing and the practice of holding opposing ideas within a similar space. Expressing itself through moving image and sculptural form it thinks through recurrence, dream states and narratives embedded within the human psyche.

The show’s main piece is a digital moving image art work based on a brain map created using animation software. Ann Maria teamed up with fellow artist Karl Burke who created the soundscape and composition for this central piece which has its foundations in a form of neurotherapy that is used to enhance meditation.

Physical prints and sculptures will compliment the moving image to further explore the ideas of colours, form and psychological space.

With a background in ﬁne arts, Ann Maria started experimenting with digital art while studying sculpture and time-based media in Galway.

Speaking to the Clare Echo Ann MAria explained “as technology has improved and become more accessible and access to animation software has become more accessible it’s been great to play around with it and try out new things. As an artist you have the freedom to play around with technology a bit more.”

The exhibition supported by the Arts Council of Ireland and Kildare County Council will take place in The Cash Shop, a community engaged contemporary visual arts hub in Gort established by artist Jim Ricks from April 12- June 7.

Photo

ENNIS-KILRUSH EARN PLACE IN AIL WITH IMPRESSIVE ENNISKILLEN WIN

ENERGIA AIL WOMEN'S PLAY-OFF

ENNIS-KILRUSH 24 (4T) ENNISKILLEN RFC 13 (1T)

Venue: Shay Murtagh Park, Mullingar

Compiled by Breifne Earley

Ennis-Kilrush will play in the All-Ireland League Women’s Division for the 2024/25 season after overcoming a powerful Enniskillen RFC side in a tense and fiercely competitive playoff at Shay Murtagh Park in Mullingar.

Despite being the younger and less physically imposing team, the Munster champions showed remarkable resilience and attacking precision, edging a game where momentum swung wildly across the 80 minutes. The loss means Enniskillen narrowly miss out on promotion, while Ennis-Kilrush replace Tullow RFC, who finished bottom of the AIL table this year.

The first half belonged to Ennis-Kilrush, with early tries from Orna Moynihan and Ciara Coughlan giving them a 10–0 advantage. Enniskillen responded before the break through Sophie Barrett’s try, converted by Sophie Meeke, cutting the defi-

cit to three at the interval. Enniskillen came out firing in the third quarter and enjoyed a dominant purple patch. Their forward pack laid the platform for sustained pressure, and Meeke knocked over two penalties to give the Ulster side a 13–10 lead. During this period, they defended heroically, withstanding several Ennis-Kilrush attacks with discipline and aggression.

However, Ennis-Kilrush's youth and composure shone through in the closing stages. Moynihan’s second try edged them ahead again before a crucial moment swung the tie. With just four points separating the sides, Enniskillen had an attacking scrum near the Clare side’s line. But a brilliant shove from the Ennis-Kilrush pack forced a turnover. A long kick downfield took a wicked bounce, and a chasing forward toe-poked it on, leading to a fumble by a covering

Enniskillen defender. That gave Ennis-Kilrush a scrum deep in opposition territory – a visit to the opponents 22 from which Saskia Morrissey sealed the result with a decisive try.

Emma Keane excellently converted both second half tries from tight angles to widen the gap, and ensure there would be no late comeback from the Ulster champions. There were standout displays from Moynihan, Morrissey, Lyndsay Clarke, and captain Micaela Glynn, all of whom played key roles in securing the win. Enniskillen, for all their physical dominance, lacked the attack-

LISSYCASEY & KILRUSH SHAMROCKS LEAD THE WAY IN CUSACK & GARRY CUPS

CUSACK & GARRY CUP ROUND-UP

SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

Eoghan Thynne palms the ball past Coroﬁn goalkeeper and into the back of net for St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld Photo by Gerard O'Neill

ing finesse to crack the Ennis-Kilrush defensive wall in key moments. They were also left to rue a near-miss when Clarke’s kick was blocked but rebounded kindly into the arms of an Ennis-Kilrush player during a tight phase late on.

The only sour note for the Clare side was injuries to Ellis O’Flaherty and Nell Walsh, though both were able to join the post-match celebrations.

Ennis-Kilrush: Orna Moynihan, Megan O’Connor, Saskia Morrissey, Emma Keane, Ellis O’Flaherty, Lyndsay Clarke, Aishling Browne, Annie Lynch, Aisling Heapes, Ciara Coughlan, Nell Walsh, Laura Cooney, Micaela Glynn (captain), Eileen Keane, and Caoilfhionn Morrissey.

Replacements: Meadbh O’Driscoll, Saoirse Reidy, Emily Anglim, Amy Flavin, Clodagh McMahon, Anastasia Balmefrezol, Aoibhinn O’Loughlin, Aoibhinn Begley, Emily Fanning, Saoirse Downes, and Róisín Dillon

U15 Boys North Munster Cup: Ennis 39 – 34 UL Bohemians

Ennis’ U15 team secured a ﬁve-point win in the last moments of the North Munster ﬁnal, winning the match against UL Bohemians with 39 – 34.

Ennis started well and went 3-0 up before UL Bohemians scored a try moments later.

However Ennis came storming back. Their pack created the platform for a drive over the line from Chris Rynne before a second try minutes later from Jake O’Donoghue (pictured), leaving it 15-7.

Late try sends Ennis RFC to North Munster Cup final

A yellow card for Ennis and pressure from UL Bohemians saw this see-saw tie bounce back in UL Bohs' favour with two tries for the Limerick side before smart play saw Oisín Egan ﬁnd Stephen O’Neill, sending him on his way to score a try for Ennis. By halftime, the score was 22-19.

After another yellow card for Ennis, UL Bohs responded with two second-half tries within minutes. However, great resilience from Ennis led to Rynne's second score of the day.

The pressure was back on when Ennis received a third yellow card. UL Bohemians extended the lead with another try while taking advantage of the extra man.

With time running out, the forwards showed great play, allowing Egan to set O’Donoghue up to run under the post for a try, which was converted. With only two minutes remaining, the score was level with 34-34. In the dying moments, Egan found O’Neill who attacked on the right and offloaded to Alex Pelczar on the wing. He passed the first defender, fended off the second, and finally sent Ennis into the final.

Additional Results:

U13 Boys North Munster Cup: Ennis 33 – 26 UL Bohemians

U14 Boys North Munster Cup: Shannon 40 – 10 Ennis

Youths glory for Tulla Utd

UTD have won the

Division

A penalty shootout victory over Bridge Utd at Frank

the East Clare side claim the Youths title for the ﬁrst time in their history in Saturday’s play-off.

Frankie O’Sullivan had put Tulla in front on sixty seven minutes but the Bridge forced extra time after nabbing an equaliser through an own goal before the ﬁnal whistle.

When it came to penalties, Tulla won 5-4 in what was a

the club.

Bridge Utd win over Newmarket blows Premier race wide open

BRIDGE UTD have blown the title race wide open in the Maloney Hardware Premier Division, writes Páraic McMahon. Mark Culbert’s side emerged from McDonough Memorial Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus with three points on Sunday morning after downing Newmarket Celtic. Jack O’Halloran got the all-important goal in the afternoon fixture as it finished 1-0. Newmarket Celtic still occupy top spot in the Premier Division but Bridge Utd are two points adrift with two extra games to play.

Avenue Utd are not out

of contention but they certainly dented Tulla Utd’s hopes for honours in the top flight. A 5-1 victory on Sunday morning saw Avenue move to within eight points of the league leaders but they only have eight games played compared to Bridge’s nine and Newmarket’s eleven.

Four games are down for decision on Wednesday evening. Lifford host Newmarket Celtic, Bridge Utd are away to Inch Crusaders, Avenue Utd welcome Kilkishen Celtic to Roslevan while Shannon Town Utd entertain Tulla Utd. All games commence at 18:30.

Jack O’Halloran scored the all-important goal for Bridge Utd.

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

TULLA

CDSL Youths Premier

for the ﬁrst time.

Healy Park saw

historic victory for

Photo by Joe Buckley

HURLING: LESSONS FROM THE LEAGUE

Championship is just a week away, and the early season National League silverware has been handed out. Clare were empty-handed in this regard but The Clare Echo’s Head of News & Sport, Páraic McMahon examines what can we learn from the league on the hurling and football front

LEAGUE CHAMPIONS in 2024 to relegation to the second tier following the 2025 campaign represents a dramatic turnaround in fortunes for Clare’s senior hurlers.

It’s not the be all and end all but there are plenty of lessons to be learned from Allianz National Hurling League so far as Clare are concerned.

In their six league outings, Clare won one game and lost five meaning they will drop down to Division 1B for 2026. Clare scored 3-123 and conceded 9-132 in their five games.

DON’T PRESS THE PANIC BUTTON:

First things first, league form can be an indicator or a guide but it is thrown out the window when it gets to the cut and thrust of championship. Clare’s supporters should remain faithful, even though plenty of worries emerged during the six encounters so far, the bear-pit that is the Munster championship is a different ball game and one in which Clare under Brian Lohan have proved to be quite efficient at emerging from, Clare’s ability to qualify for the All-Ireland series from the provincial round robin over the past three seasons gives reason to be confident.

RING RUSTY ELEMENT:

Celebrations were long parked by the time the league commenced for Clare on January 26th, their trip to the States having occurred a full month earlier. However, an element of rustiness remained a constant during Clare’s league run, this caused by such a high injury count (15 were injured for the first round) with players returning in dribs and drabs and taking a bit of time to readjust back to the pace of senior inter-county hurling. This is definitely a factor for some of the poor displays and results witnessed.

TRANSPARENCY IS KEY:

Most definitely it was an outing to forget when Cork ran riot in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg on March 9th. This was the first senior hurling tied played at the renamed county grounds. Detail provided by the County Board on the deal in place for the naming rights is scant. In an interview with The Clare Champion’s Owen Ryan where he was asked on the commercial nature and finances of the deal Clare GAA Chairman Kieran Keating stated “the people who need to know know”. Clare supporters who travel the length and breadth of the country supporting the county surely fit into that bracket but transparency only seems to apply when it suits the top brass. Keating did a tremendous job in driving the fundraisers to Win a House in Lahinch and Roslevan, do the people who supported such ventures not fit into the bracket as “people who need to know”. The Saffron and Blue strategic review put a big focus on good governance, transparency and accountability, Keating and Co would do well to remember that it also applies to them.

FRINGE PLAYERS DON’T GRAB THE CHANCE:

With a high rate of absentees for the first round where only three members of the All-Ireland winning first fifteen finished the game, there was plenty of opportunities given to non-established players to put themselves in the reckoning for championship. Sadly, very few did and it’s why management are likely to opt for the tried and trusted in the bulk of positions. In their defence, it can

be harder to make a breakthrough when the players surrounding you are also of the inexperienced variety.

WHO HAS PUT THEMSELVES IN CONTENTION:

Very few of the fringe players did manage to put themselves in the mix with Clare failing to produce the spirit that has been an almost ever-present during Brian Lohan’s six year tenure as manager. Cian Galvin at wing back was a bright spark for the opening three rounds of the league but missed out on the conclusion due to injury, while he has returned to training, the timing of his absence is a pity given that he was putting himself in contention. Overall it was a mixed run of games from Seán Rynne but the Inagh/Kilnamona man finished strong to have himself as a contender to see game-time and make a championship debut, in Salthill he seemed over-eager to offload the ball but as the league progressed he grew in confidence and as a potential option in the half-forward line.

WHO GOES WHERE IF THINGS GO WRONG:

One of the main concerns to emerge following Clare’s league campaign is the strategy or lack of it appears on what happens if things don’t go according to plan. Clare were without both Conor Cleary and John Conlon at different stages of the league, the two experienced men occupy the central roles in the Clare defence and it is abundantly clear that there is no alternative to the duo at full back or centre back respectively in the case that they are unavailable or not playing well. This is not a new issue and the failure to plan for the future in identifying long-term options in these positions is a worry.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:

With any role there can be perks and responsibilities. When it comes to inter-county management one such requirement is dealing with the media. Brian Lohan’s refusal to speak with the assembled media following Clare’s seven point loss to Galway was an example of neglecting such duties. The media has been utilised well by Lohan to get across messages and viewpoints on decision making, it may not be his favourite part of the job but it is particularly pertinent to answer questions on the bad days, the least Clare supporters deserve is to hear from their manager following a game.

ABILITY TO ADAPT:

Lohan and his management should be praised for their ability to adapt on certain issues, most notably the case of Jack O’Neill. The Clare U20 forward has emerged as one of the most promising young hurlers in the county, there’s high hopes for the Clooney/ Quin livewire. His positioning at wing-back for the Kilkenny and Galway games raised a lot of eyebrows as it appeared that one of the players to be moulded for a role in attack was wasted in a different guise. The experiment was done and management rightly didn’t persist with it, O’Neill had a blinder in attack versus Limerick and is certainly a player that can lead the Clare attack in years to come.

BRIGHT STARTS AND SWITCHING OFF:

For the first two outings, Clare started tremendously well. They went 0-9 0-2 ahead of

Kilkenny by the eleventh minute while they were 0-4 0-1 in front of Galway by the fifth minute. Slumps in the second quarter followed and proved costly while when it came to the Limerick game, Clare’s only win, it was more of a subdued start and a powerful finish which saw them over the line. Finding the consistent performance is essential when it comes to peaking for championship.

IRREPLACEABLE SOD:

Nobody could have put it better than David Fitzgerald following Clare’s victory over Limerick when he said Shane O’Donnell cannot be replaced. The Hurler of the Year is an incredible loss for the county as an appearance in the provincial campaign looks very unlikely. Not alone does Shane himself possess a huge attacking threat but his selfless approach which seems him bring his teammates into the game will be keenly missed. One thing is for sure, the 2025 championship will be a poorer one if the Ennis man doesn’t feature.

FORWARD FIRE POWER:

O’Donnell’s absence leaves a gaping hole in the Clare attack. It’s very unfortunate that Ian Galvin was unavailable for the entire duration of the league as the Clonlara man has plenty to offer when given the time and opportunity. Clare’s return of three goals in the league is very poor so big championship campaigns will be needed from Mark Rodgers and Aidan McCarthy to name but two to try provide a strong goal threat.

FORGOTTEN CHAMPIONS:

Cork claimed the National Hurling League title with a convincing victory over Tipperary on Sunday and will head to Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg on April 20th full of confidence and gusto. They are now the favourites to lift the Liam MacCarthy and their leading contenders tag is merited. Though we won’t complain up here, it seems to be quickly forgotten by those writing off Clare that Liam MacCarthy is indeed residing in the Banner County following while prior to the Rebels Clare were the league champions. The best way to counteract the short memories is by producing a performance and picking up a result on Sunday week.

CLARE PERFORM WHEN THEIR BACKS ARE TO THE WALL:

Written off following first round losses to Limerick (2024) and Tipperary (2023), Lohan’s Clare bounced back to not alone qualify from Munster but also reach the provincial final. When they need to give a response Clare’s cast of Tony Kelly, David McInerney, John Conlon, Cathal Malone and Co have not been found wanting. They have shown to be at their most dangerous when their backs are to the wall which is why the work they’ve done behind the scenes since the conclusion of the league will be fascinating to view on April 20th as Clare issue their response.

l (above) Seán Rynne has put his hand up for selection; (right) Brian Lohan is not a fan of media obligations and (below) Clare needs a Plan B if John Conlon misses time on the pitch

Photos by Gerard O'Neill / Ruth Grifﬁn

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

For the second year in a row, it came down to the final round to determine that Clare had been unsuccessful in their quest for promotion back to Division 2 of the Allianz National Football League.

Last year Clare’s destiny was confirmed an eleven point hammering away to Down while this time even a final round five point victory over Offaly was insufficient to push them back to the second tier.

Five defeats and two losses is how it panned out for Clare, a first round trip to Antrim proving incredibly costly coupled with a flat display against Sligo which meant even though Clare defeated Kildare and Offaly, it was the Leinster counties that took the coveted promotion spots.

FORTRESS CUSACK PARK:

A one hundred percent winning record at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg is arguably the highlight of Peter Keane’s first league campaign with Clare. Ensuring Cusack Park is a difficult venue to come to is essential for any Clare side hoping to progress and this has been achieved with wins recorded versus Leitrim, Fermanagh and Kildare.

ON THE ROAD STRUGGLES:

On the flipside, Clare under Keane have not been so keen when it comes to picking up away victories. A late rally saw them deservedly take the spoils in Portlaoise against Laois with some exceptional performances helping to steer Clare to victory, however it has taken them too long to get into games on the road and come championship the best case scenario is for two home fixtures meaning that this must be rectified.

SLOW REACTIONS:

Over the course of the league, a criticism that could be levelled at management is that they proved to be reactive rather than proactive. It took until the middle of March to nail down a midfield partner for Brian McNamara while it was only in the final round that Clare discovered who their best centre back was. Things falling into place is welcome but the pieces could have been assembled much sooner.

FINDING BEST SPOTS:

An integral piece to come together was the move of Cillian Rouine to centre back.

Utilising the attacking prowess of the Lahinch man was flagged in the player ratings for Clare Echo subscribers for the duration of the league. His showing against Offaly demonstrated that he is the man to wear number six for Clare, this is no criticism of Fionn Kelleher who had an admirable first campaign at senior level but the Doora/Barefield man should have been trialled in other spots such as a switch with Rouine in the corner.

Most pleasing about Rouine’s showing versus Offaly was how he demonstrated the impact of his

powerful runs from defence, an attribute that was not mentioned by the sensationalists in the media who caused a pile-on for the teacher in the wake of Ennistymon’s Clare SFC semi-final exit last season focusing on his decisions in their defensive approach.

ROBBING PETER TO PAY PAUL?

Emmet McMahon is one of Clare’s best shooters, he was double marked on many occasions in the league such is the threat he possesses off either boot. However, his move to midfield has steadied the ship and lessened the load on the shoulders of Brian McNamara but it has also deprived Clare of one of their top

marksman. How to proceed is a catch twenty two.

CONFIDENCE TO SHOOT:

Competition number one under Keane has seen Clare grow in confidence when it comes to backing themselves in front of goal, it is a welcome development in a game where players are almost afraid to take on the opportunity. The Caherciveen native hasn’t scorned players for having a go. There was certainly a wasteful element to Clare’s final round where they needed to win by ten points against Offaly and in the first half kicked eleven wides alone. Such shooting inefficiency cannot be repeated.

GRIFFIN GROWING:

One such player to grow in confidence has been Lissycasey’s Aaron Griffin who finished the league on a high note. He scored two goals against Offaly and is demonstrating himself as a potential marquee forward. When he delivers, Griffin underlines the importance of opposing defences needed to keep tabs on him as he can bring an electricity and a turn of pace that is very difficult to counteract. He finished the league as Clare’s top goal-scorer in the forward line.

TRUST THE PANEL: League debuts were earned by

FOOTBALL: LESSONS FROM THE LEAGUE

Fionn Kelleher, Eamon Tubridy, Evan Cahill, Seán McAllister and Darragh Burns but Clare kept their panel confined in a sense. Diarmuid O’Donnell kicked a vital for Clare away to Offaly last season but didn’t see a minute of action in the league, the same for Brendy Rouine who has overcome injury issues and impressed for his club in the Cusack Cup. Colm Walsh O’Loghlen was man of the match in the county final for Éire Óg as they won a third title in four seasons but has not been included in a matchday panel yet for Clare. Keane has handed out debuts but certainly could have cast a wider net amongst his panel throughout the course of the league.

BRIAN MC SHINES:

Rule changes have seen the introduction of the two pointer but they have also placed a big emphasis on fielding the ball which is where Brian McNamara excelled for Clare during the Allianz National Football League. The Cooraclare powerhouse dominated in the skies for Clare and is certainly resembling a young Gary Brennan with what he is bringing to the fold in the county colours.

A SCALP MUST BE TAKEN:

In truth, Clare are no further forward nor further back than after Mark Fitzgerald’s first league campaign concluded, the Tralee man had to rebuild a panel following the exits of thirteen members from the 2023 squad. Keane had no such construction work to undertake and was boosted by the returns of Eoin Cleary and Keelan Sexton. Clare finished third in Division 3 with ten points in 2024 and had the same return again in 2025. Key to Keane showing that Clare have progressed under his watch is to claim a scalp when it comes to championship. First and foremost, the objective of qualifying for a third successive Munster final must be achieved because anything less is a step backwards. Clare have an ambitious panel of players that want to compete in the All-Ireland series, that is where they need to go and that is where they need to take down a big gun in 2025.

BIGGER BANNER BACKING NEEDED:

Noticeably during the league, the standout attendance in Ennis at a Clare fixture was 2,176 for the final round versus Offaly. The number is far from what this panel of committed players deserve to be supporting them. They welcome Tipperary to Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg on April 19th and a much stronger Banner backing is required to help them in their endeavours.

l (above left) Cillian Rouine's move to centre back has proved fruitful; (right) Aaron Griffin has grown in confidence and (below) Emmet McMahon's move to midfield has steadied the ship, but at what cost?

Photos by Gerard O'Neill

Hayes pleased with start from Clare minors

HONESTY and workrate were set out as key attributes needed by Clare’s minor footballers when Joe Hayes and his management met the squad following their appointment in October, they received it in spades for their second half display when defeating Limerick by eight points on Monday.

Páirc Naomh Mhuire in Quilty was a sunny setting as ex-Clare goalkeeper Hayes began his managerial career at inter-county level. A somewhat sluggish opening half was followed by a clinical second half display from the hosts on their way to recording a 1-17 1-9 victory.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Hayes outlined, “We’re very happy, I’m just delighted with the boys, I think they really worked hard, their tackling and workrate in the second half was second to none, of course we’re happy to win

the first game but I’m just happier to win it the way we won it in that we outworked them in the second half”.

There’s more to come from Clare on the football side of things according to the Lissycasey native.

“That’s them in terms of honesty, there’s a bit more in terms of football, we left a bit behind us in the first half, that will come. We’ve another game against Waterford on Monday so we’ve to park this, we’ll start focusing on that as a management, the boys are in the gym on Wednesday and on the field on Thursday night to go through a few things, it is a quick turnaround. Clare aren’t gone forward tonight and Limerick aren’t knocked out tonight, there is a lot at stake next Monday night”.

So long as Clare continue to bring an honest approach they will be in a strong position, the former county netminder

Clare U20s defeated

MUNSTER U20 FOOTBALL CHAMP' PHASE 2 RD 2

TIPPERARY 2-18 CLARE 0-17

Venue: New Inn

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

TIPPERARY

Frees For: 8 (3/5)

Wides: 7 (1/6)

Scores from play: 2-13

Spread of scorers: 10

Top scorer: Daithí Hogan (1-3)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 17 out of 22 (77%)

maintained. “The whole thing that myself and management said when we came in was whatever about anything we wanted to make them honest, if you’re honest anything can happen, they’ve been exceptional. I know every minor manager will say that his team

are a great bunch of lads but they really are...but I will be telling them at our next session that Monday could be a different story and we could be sulking and giving out at each other, we have to keep our standards high and prepare as we have done”.

MUNSTER MINOR FOOTBALL CHAMP' ROUND 1

CLARE 1-17 LIMERICK 1-09

Venue: Páirc Naomh Mhuire, Quilty

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 18 (8/10)

Wides: 7 (4/3)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play:

Top scorer: Conor Burke (0-12 1TPF 1TP 7f)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 13 from 16 (81%)

REFEREE: Evan Horan (Kerry)

LIMERICK

Frees for: 13 (4/9)

Wides: 6 (2/4)

Spread of scorers: 4

Scores from play:

Top scorer: Ryan Sheehan (0-5 3f)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 9 from 23 (39%)

CLARE

Frees For: 9 (5/4)

Wides: 5 (3/2)

Scores from play: 0-16

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Daire Culligan & Seán McMahon (0-4) Own kickouts won: 12 out of 25 (48%)

Bookings: Seán McMahon (42)

REFEREE: Eoin Morrissey (Waterford)

'U20s must raise their levels'

MUNSTER U20 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2

Clare 2-18 WATERFORD 0-17

Venue: Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field, Dungarvan Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees For: 13 (6/7)

Wides: 9 (3/6)

Scores from Play: 1-11

Spread of Scorers: 9

Top Scorer: Fred Hegarty (1-7 7f 1’Pen)

Yellow Card: John Cahill (39)

Own Puck-Outs won: 15 from 27 (56%)

WATERFORD

Frees For: 14 (7/7)

Wides:11 (8/3)

Scores from Play: 0-10

Spread of Scorers: 6

Top Scorer: Mark Hartley (0-9 7f)

Yellow Cards: Conor Keane (7), Tony Browne (Mentor) (23)

Black Card: Fiacra Cooney (30)

Own Puck-Outs won: 17 from 29 (59%)

REFEREE: Conor Doyle (Tipperary)

CLARE’S U20 hurlers have to ‘raise their levels’ to pick up successive wins in the Munster championship.

Unbeaten in two outings, Clare have yet to set the world alight but are well poised with three points from a possible four following an opening round draw with Cork and an away victory by a margin of seven points against Cork.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Clare manager Terence Fahy pointed out that emerging from Dungarvan

with a win is not an easy task. “We finished the game strong and got a result in Dungarvan and delighted to get it. It was Waterford’s first game so this was always going to be a tough challenge."

Goals in either half, Fred Hegarty from the penalty spot and a clinical effort from James Organ in the second half were key scores, Fahy noted. “We got a few breaks and capitalised, James Organ got a great goal there to put some daylight between the teams. The goal before half-

time from Fred from a penalty in which he won himself was a massive score, I think the key score in the game because they [Waterford] lost a man for a black card and we also went in leading at the break against the run of play you would say based on the second quarter of the game”.

Each outing presents plenty of learnings, the St Joseph’s Secondary Schol, Tulla teacher flagged. “The beauty of the round robin is that you’re learning every day whether that’s lessons or where you are strong, you’re still learning. So the aim is to

constantly address any issues and effectively im-prove as you go”.

It’s back to O’Garney Park on Wednesday for Clare as they welcome Tipperary to Sixmilebridge for a 7pm start. Fahy is adamant an improvement is needed from his side as they face Brendan Cum-mins’ charges who lost to Tipperary in the opening round before bouncing back with an away win against Cork.

“We’ve a big challenge next against Tipperary who have rebooted strong since their opening loss so we’re looking forward to that. We’ll have to improve an awful lot. We got a result today and we got a result the last day but we have to improve a lot in our performances to keep get-ting results in this competition.

“Look, we’ve three points out of four so far but we’ve now got a two week window to try and raise our levels for Tipperary,” he concluded.

l Conor Burke holds onto possession

Photo by James Downes

l Darragh Killeen gets away from Tipperary's Jamie O'Keeffe Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Fred Hegarty

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

DUNDONALD links was a golf course I was not familiar with until I arrived there two weeks ago, but it is certainly a course I won't forget in a hurry.

I was blown away with the resort. We landed into the resort and parked up in the car park which is also surrounded by dozens of wooden pod lodgings and a brand newly opened stunning eco-friendly clubhouse.

The ground floor of the clubhouse is built in a beautiful yellow stone and its upper tier is completely finished with glass so you can see the panoramic surroundings of the course while you dine. The roof is covered fully in a meadow of grass and blends very well into the surrounding landscape. If I was blown away by the outside, the inside of the clubhouse was even more breath-taking. It was one of the highest quality finishes to any clubhouse I have ever entered. I first went into the locker room to a vast open space with a seated area by a log fire with a TV above. Behind this wall in the same

room sat another seating area with a sauna and steam room along with the shower facilities. Outside the lockeroom was a state-of-theart gym and beyond the gym you entered the pro shop which would be something you would expect to see in Adare or Augusta National. Upstairs the views of the golf course and surrounding landscape was amazing.

The golf course at Dundonald links is tough but fair. The starter gave us a 15-minute talk on the ﬁrst tee about the course and what holes to look out for and areas to make sure we avoided. When we mentioned we were playing Prestwick the following day, he gave us a history of The Open Championship and how Prestwick held the ﬁrst ever Open Championship.

A lot of the holes have wider easy-to-hit fairways but others are narrower where you have to make sure you keep your tee shots on the short grass. All the courses we played have several quirky features with cleverly located bunkers and slopes on greens you would only see in Augusta National. On one par three for instance any ball that goes over the green will ﬁlter into a deep bunker that you have

to enter with a ladder it is so deep. It.is situated about 30 yards from the back edge of the green and even though I am 6ft 4in tall you would struggle to see me inside of it. If you found this bunker you could be a while coming back out. And if you do manage to reach the green it is quite narrow and slopes from back to front where there are a further two pothole bunkers awaiting on the opposite side. Good distance control is important from the tee on this tricky par three. A common feature with most of the courses in this area is they are built adjacent to the railway tracks. Dundonald is no different the 13th and 16th holes run parallel within meters of the railway line so it's

Woodstock & Ennis to do battle

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WOODSTOCK GC:

On Sunday, the annual Costello cup ﬁxture, a scotch foursomes competition, between Woodstock and Ennis will take place at Ennis with tee times available between 9.30am and 11am.

Last week’s ladies competition was an 18 hole v par which was won by Louise Guilfoyle with 4 down.

In the men’s singles at the weekend the overall winner was Kevin J Burke (19) with 44 points while the gross was won by Darren Russell (4) with 31 points. The category 1 winner was John Dreelan (10) with 35 points from Paddy Meehan (10) with 34 points.

Category 2 was won by Chris O'Leary (18) with 41 points from Brian Logue (16) with 36 points while category 3 was won by Tony McGrath (31) with 36 points.

Winners in the 2’s competition were Joe Green, Colin Higgins and Niall Reynolds (all 8th hole) and Chris McGrath (6th Hole).

In the team of 4 modiﬁed better ball competition the winners were Jason (3) and Robbie Dormer (8), Paul (9) and Tony Coote (10 with 94 points

This weekend there will be a club singles and a

club fourball betterball.

EAST CLARE GC:

The ladies 18 hole stableford competition on Sunday was won by Geraldine Finnegan (28) with 39 points and she had one to spare over Maria Kennedy (35) with Siobhan Mulcahy (38) a point further back in third place. The gross was won by Siobhan Shanahan.

Last week’s ladies Wednesday competition was won by Deirdre Tuohy, Ursula Hogan and Connie McKenna from Margaret Lynch, Mary Healy and Jenny Ryan. Third place was ﬁlled by Brid Hayes, Mary Bugler and Hannah Guinnane along with Siobhan Mulcahy, Mary Collins and Mary Stillman.

Sunday’s men’s open singles was won by Flannan McMahon with 40 points on a countback from Michael Hayes. Eoin Magill won the gross. In the senior men’s competition last week the winners were Kieran McNamara, Tom Larkin and Dominic Stuart from Danny Minogue, John Fielding and Denis Corcoran with third spot ﬁlled by Pat Duggan, Eamon Goode and Jonathan Walsh.

Friday’s mixed scramble was won by Mary Hogan, Ailbe McDonnell and Brendan Moloney from Evelyn Skehan, Terry Coughlan and Mary Noonan with third spot ﬁlled by Mary

Farrell, Pat Duggan, Sean Jones.

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB:

Lahinch ladies club will hold their annual Play in Pink Invitational day in aid of Breast Cancer Research on Monday next, April 14 on both the Old and Castle courses.

The format on the Old Course is a team of 4 ladies only and the cost per team is €100. The format on the Castle Course is a mixed team of any combination and the cost per team is €60. A minimum of one member is required per team.

Traditionally club members have been very generous, supporting this cause in various ways such as sponsoring a tee box, donating money/rafﬂe prizes or buying tickets on the ‘iDonate’ platform.

The annual general meeting of the men’s club at Lahinch will take place in the Castle course clubhouse on April 18 at 4pm. The club annual general meeting will follow at 5p.m. in the main clubhouse.

DROMOLAND GC:

The weekend’s men’s singles stableford competition was won by Eamonn Power with 43 points from Edmund Crowe who had a similar score. Vincent Derham was third with 40 points followed by Darren Sherlock, also with 40 points while the gross was won by Shane O’Brien

with 36 points.

In the ladies 18 hole Easter egg competition the winner was Ann Fahy with 37 points. She was one ahead of Marie Meaney with Trish O’Brien third with 33 points followed by Mairead Bergin, also with 33 points, Mary Arthur won the 9 hole competition with 19 points from Siobhan Doohan with 16 points.

Gort Golf Club: Pat Corcoran (15) was the winner of the men’s 18 hole singles at Gort at the weekend with 30 points.

The category 1 winner was Jerry Leahy (12) with 36 points. David McAllen (15) won category 2 with 38 points, Brian Leahy (26) was the winner of category 3 with 35 points while the gross was won by Paul Brennan (scr,) with 34 points.

Friday’s open singles was won by Gerry Gynn (24) with 38 points while the category winners were Enda Cradock (2) with 35 points, Gerard Hannon (16) with 36 points and Len Baker (24) with 37 points.

In last week’s ladies singles stableford competition the category 1 winner was Bernie Diskin (18) with 29 points. Category 2 was won by Josie Collins (22) with 32 points, category 3 by Marion Mulvey Fahy (38) with 30 points and category 4 by Angela Fahey (43) with 37 points.

common to see a high-speed train rolling past you.

One of the things I like most about Dundonald is every hole is unique. The course designers did an incredible job in making each hole exciting from the tee shot all the way to the challenge of the severe undulating greens. The starter informed us the course design is known as an American Stadium Links Course because every hole is enclosed like a stadium by large banks that run along on both sides of the hole in order so you only get to see the hole you are playing. This clever design means you don't get any sneak peek at any other hole as you walk around. I can't offhand think of any weak

hole which indicates how good a course it truly is.

After nine holes there is a lovely halfway hut with a great outdoor space to eat and drink. They have a vast array of food offerings along with any drink you desire.

After our round we enjoyed a quick sauna before heading upstairs to sample some of the menu washed down with a Scottish ale. The food was exactly what you would want after a long day on the links. They have a classy red velvet pool table in the corner of the bar where you can win even more sterling from your golﬁng buddies.

In the peak season Dundonald Links is £245 a round however in the off-season they have an offer up to April for £199 for two rounds and an overnight stay at the course which includes breakfast. The on-site lodgings are fully self-service, ﬁnished with a kitchen and dining space. This deal is deﬁnitely well worth trying out in the near future should you desire to pop across to Scotland for a pre-season few rounds. I for one know I will be back here again next year to experience another great day out only 10 minutes from Prestwick Airport.

Brickhill Rosie records ﬁrst career triumph

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

A FIRST career success was recorded by Brickhill Rosie in Galway much to the delight of her Clare owners.

Last Saturday in Galway, Brickhill Rosie recorded her ﬁrst win for Clare's John Collins and Albert Long, a daughter of Ballymac Bolger and Twentylittletoes, in 29.67.

Paradise Gomez looks like a promising youngster for Miltown Malbay’s Sean Meade, a homebred daughter of Ice On Fire and Paradise Asia, she recorded her second win in a novice ﬁnal in an eyecatching 29.17.

Cloneyogan Sydney (trained by Tulla’s Doinie Duggan) is proving a solid performer for Siobhan Garrahy from Moy, a son of Droopys Sydney and Tiermana Rum, he recorded career win number 14 in 30.76 over the 550 yards trip.

Pat Hogan from Ballyalla was in the winners enclosure with Aulton Jim, a son of Ballymac Cashout and Jumeriah Genie, had a victory in 30.28 over the 550 yards trip.

On Thursday at Galway, the ﬁrst race, an A3 graded contest, was won by Lissatouk Dave for Cooraclare’s James McMahon, a son of Laughil Blake and Lissatouk Dolly, this was career win number 16 in 29.38.

Kilwest Beauty impressed for the Keating clan from Kilmihil and Ennis in a novice 350 yards sweepstake with a noteworthy 19.28 debut victory, a daughter of Ballymac Anton and Burgess Millie she is trained by Gerry Holihan.

In Heat four, Burnpark Shadow claimed the honours for Kilmihil’s Maria Browne with a 19.87 effort.

From Thursday’s meeting in Limerick, Snuggie Archie and Syd’s Star landed a double for Newmarket-on-Fergus Myles Cummins and Breda Casey, Archie a son of Paddys Magic and Miles girl recorded his 19th career win in 29.54 and and Syds Star notched career win 14 in 29.58, he is a son of Droopys Sydney and Annual Review.

There was also a double for Tulla trainer Donie Duggan, Washington Sky won his seventh race in 29.05 and Knoppugue Blue caught the eye with a 28.77 victory for her ninth win.

It was with much sadness that the news was received of the passing at Galway Clinic of John Keane, Hazel House, Ballybeg, Ennis and late of Lahinch Rd, Ennistymon and formerly of Kilcommon, Co Tipperary.

John was a passionate supporter of the Ennis/Clarecastle Coursing Club and represented the Club in the ICC. Reposing of his remains took place at the Cullinan & Nestor funeral home Ennistymon on Monday with removal to the Church of Our Lady and St Michael Ennistymon.

The celebration of John’s life, times and legacy took place on Tuesday morning followed by Private Cremation at Shannon Crematorium. Members of Ennis/ Clarecastle Coursing Club provided a guard of honour as his remains left the church, he is survived by his wife Marian, daughter Amanda, son Jack, son-in-law Neil and daughter-in-law Jennifer. grandchildren Ian, Dylan and Aoibh. sisters Nancy, Joan and Kathleen, nieces and nephews and extended family.

l Dundonald Links in Prestwick

Community Games artists paint a pretty picture

l The St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games Art competition winners attended a presentation at De Valera Library in Ennis on Tuesday. Pictured are (clockwise from top left) the U10 girls receiving their prizes with David Noble and President Cecelia O'Sullivan, including Doireann Frost, Cratloe, Sarah Kowslowska, Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry, Sadhbh Barry - Clarecastle- Ballyea, and Saorla Naughton - Feakle; Maurette Crowley Sec. Mary Phelan, Rob Stephen, David & Graham Meakins; Rob Stephen presenting prizes to the U8 Boys category winners Tadhg O’Callaghan, Ballynacally/ Lissycasey, Danyil Zaritskyi - Shannon, Paddy O’Connor - Crusheen/ Ballinruan/ Tubber and Rowan DwaneBallynacally/Lissycasey; winner Doireann Frost with her mum Maria; David Noble with the U12 Girls winners Emily Glynn – Shannon, Elsie O’Grady – Crusheen/Ballinruan/ Tubber, Eabha Fitzpatrick – Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry and Laoise Galvin – Doora/Barefield; Cecelia Jnr with Cecelia O'Sullivan Snr; Silver medalist at U12s Elsie O'Grady with mum Lizzie; U11 silver medalist Cillian McCarthy with his artwork and mum Sarah; 2nd placed in the U10 category was Conall Greene, pictured with mum Fionnuala; Jack Collins is all smiles with his piece alongside his mother Gillian

Photos by Tom Micks

CLARE CO. COUNCIL

FAHYMORE SOUTH, KILMORE.

Take notice that Sinead Millane intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a roofed dungstead, loose house with meal store and associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

SITES 9, 14 AND 15 LEAGARD SOUTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take Notice that Spanish Point Homes Ltd intends to apply to the Planning Authority for full Planning Permission to construct 3 no. detached houses with shared sewage treatment system, open space and 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 and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of

5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL BALLYSTEEN, LISCANNOR.

Take notice that Gerard Considine intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of an agricultural farm store replacing old storm damaged loose house and associated site works at the above address.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL POULBAUN, CARRON.

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

period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

A Natura Impact Statement will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy during office hours at the office of the relevant planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

We, ESB Telecoms Ltd, 27 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2, intend to apply for retention permission (Ref . No. 16651) and permission for development at ESB Telecoms Ltd Compound, ESB Cratloe 38kV Substation, Ballymorris, Shannon, Co. Clare.

The development will consist of retaining the existing 21.5 metre-high monopole telecommunications structure and to construct a 3.5-metre extension to the existing 21.5 metre-high monopole telecommunications structure (overall height to be 25-metre), carrying antennae and dishes, along with ancillary finial and all ancillary works.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a

decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE

COUNTY COUNCIL CLOGHAUN, LISDOONVARNA, CO CLARE

Take notice that Karen Browne and Peter Lawson intend to apply for permission to extend and refurbish the existing dwelling, demolishing the existing slatted shed to replace it with the new extension, install a wastewater treatment system, & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TIERGONEAN, DOOLIN, CO CLARE

Take notice that Sinead O Donovan and Eoin McGrath intend to apply for planning permission to construct a new dwelling, install a waste water treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making

a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, O’BRIEN’S BRIDGE

Planning Permission is sought by Catriona O’Donoghue and Paul Austin for extensions and alterations to their existing semi-detached house and for a replacement waste water treatment system at; Sandybank, O’Brien’s Bridge, Co. Clare. V94 K6W7

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISMORRIS, LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Donal Chambers and Claire O’Brien intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, wastewater treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The

planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, 47 WESTFIELDS, LIMERICK RD, ENNIS, CO CLARE

Take notice that Ruairi & Ettie McNamara are applying to Clare Co Council for planning permission to carry out alterations to an existing dwelling house. The works will consist of, an extension at first floor level to the southern elevation, as well as an extension at ground floor level along the eastern elevation to the rear of the property. 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 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, ROO EAST, ARDNACRUSHA,

Planning Permission is sought by Claire Vaughan for a two-storey detached house, a detached garage, a new site entrance, a waste water treatment system and all associated works at; Roo East, Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and 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.

HANSON, Tom Kilrush

Wilson, Richard (Dickie) Ennis

Conroy, Bridget “Dilly” Tubber

Gunning, Colm Scariff

Hayes, Gavin Sixmilebridge

McCarthy, Nora (Baby) Ennistymon

McCarthy (née Bawnie O’Shea),

Kathleen (Catherine) Mullagh

McNamara (née Daly), Vera Newmarket-on-Fergus

O’NEILL FCJ, Sr. Mary Kilkee

Recent Deaths

Hogan (née Ryan), Celia Inagh

O’Sullivan, Mary Quin

Haran, Michael Miltown Malbay

Keane, John Ennistymon

Keane, John Ennis

Moroney, William (Willie) Kilfenora

Carew, John (Seán)

Shannon

Conlon, John

Lissycasey

Browne(née Killeen), Maura Ennis

Carey, Anthony Ennis

Conneely(née Galvin), Elizabeth

Ennistymon

Crotty, Shona Kilbaha

Doran, Alan Shannon

Jones, Cyril Miltown Malbay

O’Connell, Joseph (Joe) Lahinch

Walsh (née Doyle), Pauline Crusheen

RUBBISH REMOVAL

The Clare Echo Quiz

1. Which Clare town began pioneering to have the first transatlantic commercial airport in the world?

Ennistymon

Shannon

Kilrush

2. Which year saw the first Transatlantic flight arrive in Shannon?

3. What is Shannon Airport internationally recognised for?

Having flights to many countries outside Europe

Being pioneers in improving the passenger’s airport experience

Having little to no customer relations

4. When did the mandatory Shannon stopover for Transatlantic flights stop?

5. Who was the taoiseach for the government that commissioned for the Airport in Shannon to be built?

Charles Haughey

Éamon de Valera

Jack Lynch

6. What was Shannon the first in the world to have in terms of customer experience?

A Duty-Free shopping experience

A children’s play area

7. When was Shannon’s famous collection of model aircrafts first opened?

8. What famous beverage was first made in Shannon Airport in 1942?

The Irish Coffee

The Baby Guinness

The Irish Lemonade

9. Which head of state recently stopped in Shannon for a brief meeting with Taoiseach Mícheál Martin?

Donald Trump

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Emmanuel Macron

10. Who is the CEO of Ryanair, Shannon’s most popular airline company?

JP McManus

Sean Quinn

Michael O’Leary

ANSWERS

Spot the Difference

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

Last weeks Answers

Pictured at Shannon Airport about to board the inaugural ﬂight to Madeira are Cranley family Hugh (9) with his parents Caroline and Eoin with First Ofﬁcer Augusto Ferrara (left) who is from Madeira and Base

Captain Justin Charbon

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Quiz by Paddy O’Reilly