The Clare Echo 10/07/25

Transport plan causes tension at fi ery Ennis MD sitting PUTTING IN PINK

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

UNPRECEDENTED scenes at a ery meeting of the Ennis Municipal District saw one senior o cial in Clare County Council threaten to clear the public gallery while councillors accussed the Mayor of bringing the meeting “into disrepute” by not allowing a vote. Four of the thirteen motions at Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis MD focused on the dra Ennis local transport plan. e public gallery at the headquarters of the County Council, as tensions rose during the meeting, business people and local residents aired their view from the oor where they were rebuked and warned they would be cleared from the gallery.

aspects of the transport plan including the proposed one-way system on the Mill Rd were not allowed with Cllr Mary Howard (FG) coming under re from her colleagues in her rst meeting as Mauor for not allowing a vote. “I want clarity from a higher authority, you’re bringing the meeting into disrepute by not allowing a vote,” Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF)

disrepute vote,” stated.

Mauor

A petition with 730 signatures opposing the Mill Rd system was presented to the top table.

Calls to have a vote to remove

Paused Ennis 2040 projects included in the dra will be removed, senior executive engineer Eamon O’Dea conrmed.

Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF)

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Kilrush Golf Club Lady Captain, Clare Pyne perfects her putting before the Play in Pink fundraiser which takes place in Kilrush Golf Club this coming Tuesday

Photo by John Sheridan

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opening of An tÁrd Apartments

Kilrush golfers swing behind Play in Pink for cancer research

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

KILRUSH GOLF club will be lit up in pink like never before as golfers hit the fairways in colourful gear.

For the first time, a Play in Pink day will be held at the West Clare course to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Institute which is enabling a comprehensive research programme at the University of Galway.

On Tuesday, Kilrush Golf Club will host its inaugural ‘Play in Pink’ day. Teams of three can partake in the action at €20 per head, the cost will include green fees for the day. Bookings can be made on kilrushgolfclub.com in advance for the open modified team of three scramble.

Currently one in seven Irish women will be diagnosed with breast cancer before they turn seventy five years of age. There are 3,507 cases of breast cancer diagnosed annually.

Money raised from the Play in Pink fundraiser in Kilrush will go towards funding the research programmes backed by the NBCRI to continue to impact the outcomes for those who develop cancer in the future. Over €779,000 was raised nationwide last year from Play in Pink fundraisers in golf clubs across the country.

Lady Captain at Kilrush Golf

Club, Clare Pyne told The Clare Echo one of her aims since assuming the role earlier this year was to hold a Play in Pink fundraiser and that it is hoped will become an annual event. “Kilrush Golf Club is the friendliest golf club in the West of Ireland, it is an honour for me to be Lady Captain. My main wish when becoming Lady Captain was to hold a Play in Pink Day which we’re holding this Tuesday”. She continued, “It is to raise funds for this worthy cause, we’re hoping it will become

able day for all participants”. A native of Kilmihil, Clare’s family have been one of the thousands to be impacted by cancer. “It has touched so many people, no family is without somebody having cancer. I’ve two sisters, one battled breast cancer and other the lord took her with ovarian cancer”. Her own husband died suddenly eleven years ago and in recent years Clare relocated from Cooraclare to Ennis. Golfing has been a big part of her life. “I find golfing a

an annual event. As you may know, this day is to commemorate our family, friends and golfing buddies who have suffered with breast cancer and all other types relating to this unfortunate disease. Some of them have passed, may they rest in peace, others have overcome it and are enjoying life and golfing again. We are hoping our event will be a successful and enjoy-

great therapeutic, enjoyable sport, I was never a person for sport growing up but golf has become very important for me and I’ve made many friends because of it”.

Trying to draw a big crowd to Kilrush Golf Club on Tuesday is the immediate focus for Clare and then attention will divert to the Lady Captain’s Day on August 16th.

Resident Pauline Downes showing Pat Kelly, Mayor Mary Howard, Catherine Ryan, SVP and Tom Tiernan, President St Benedicts Housing Conference SVP around her appartment at the official opening of St Benedict’s Housing Scheme , An tÁrd Apartments, Clonroad, Ennis on Wednesday

Photo by Eamon Ward

Golfers in Kilrush Golf Club get into the spirit of things ahead of Tuesday’s Play in Pink fundraiser Photo by John Sheridan

Former Ryanair pilot charged in connection with €10m drugs seizure to apply for bail in High Court on Thursday

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A former Ryanair pilot who is charged in connection with the possession of more than €10m worth of drugs is to make an application for bail in the High Court tomorrow, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court today, Brendan O’Mara (62) of An Tulach, Summerhill, Meelick, Co Clare, was making his h court appearance concerning the Garda seizure of an estimated €10m in cannabis at Mr Mara’s south east Clare home on May 7th.

Mr O’Mara was today appearing in court via video-link from a booth at Limerick prison a er a judge refused Mr O’Mara bail at a special sitting of Ennis District Court on May 10th following Garda objections.

Judge Alec Gabbett asked if there was any news on DPP directions and Sgt Frank O’Grady said that DPP directions are still outstanding.

Judge Gabbett said: “Time is moving on here. I appreciate there are Forensic Science Ireland certs but he has

been in custody since the 10th of May - two months in custody - and we need to start getting directions here.”

Solicitor for Mr O’Mara, Ted McCarthy said: “ e bail hearing for Mr O’Mara has been xed specially before the High Court for tomorrow a ernoon.”

Judge Gabbett told Mr O’Mara if does secure High Court bail he must turn up to court in person on July 23rd.

From the video-link booth, Mr O’Mara said: “Take care. Hope to see you on the 23rd.”

Mr O’Mara faces two charges - possessing cannabis for sale or supply, and possessing cannabis, on May 7th.

At the contested bail hearing on May 10th, Gardaí told the court Mr O’Mara made no reply to the charges a er caution, and that “further, and more serious charges” may be brought against him in respect of the case where Gardai seized an estimated 502 kg in cannabis.

Sergeant Rob Sheehy of the Limerick Divisional

Drugs Unit, said he was objecting to bail because of the “strength and nature of the evidence” as well as the high value of the drugs.

He told the court that the Garda investigation was in its “infancy”, but he said gardai believed that “it stretches to a number of countries and there are a number of persons that need to be established”.

He claimed Mr O’Mara was also a ight risk, due to his “aeronautical knowledge”, that he has a number of pilots licenses, and has links to the USA.

Applying for bail on May 10th, solicitor Tara Godfrey, said the accused has “three pilots licences including a helicopter licence, a UK pilot licence and a EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) licence”, and he would “hand over” his licences to the State and not leave the country.

“His Ryanair crew card is being returned to his former employers,” Ms Godfrey said.

Ms Godfrey said a sister of Mr O’Mara was in the court and had pledged to act as

an independent bail surety for the accused for up to €177,000.

Appealing for the court not to hold the accused in custody Ms Godfrey said Mr

O’Mara “has o ered up all the means he could to leave this country” and has signicant ties here.

She said: “He enjoys the presumption of innocence.”

Judge Gabbett remanded Mr O’Mara in custody to re-appear at Ennis District Court on July 23rd.

FORMER RYANAIR PILOT: Brendan O’Mara (left)

‘Doonbeg was the centre of Murt McInerney’s universe and he was at the heart of it’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FOR Murt McInerney Doonbeg was the centre of the universe but he too was a central pillar in the community for generations.

Doonbeg and Clare flags were flying at halfmast on the approach to the Long Village this week following Murt’s death on Sunday.

A leading member of the community, he left his stamp on countless organisations within the West Clare village during his lifetime, a trait that has been both admired and taken on by his loving children.

He was deeply involved in the community throughout his lifetime, giving time and energy to a host of causes such as the West Clare Drama Festival and local drama group, Doonbeg Community Development, Doonbeg Hall Committee, Doonbeg GAA, Parish Pastoral Council, and the local church Our Lady Assumed into Heaven Church, where he was a constant and committed presence.

Speaking at Wednesday’s funeral mass, Murt’s son Pádraig quipped, “I know I’m not the natural selection to speak about an incredible man who lived an extraordinary life especially when my siblings Rita and Francis have been known to run towards a microphone not away from it”.

Pádraig added, “My father loved telling stories, he had impeccable timing, he loved his politics and his faith, he died on a Sunday which was the same day as Brendan Daly”. Murt had been a lifetime member of Fianna Fáil and was immensely proud to see his daughter Rita top the poll in the Kilrush LEA during last year’s local elections, he was a vital part of her campaign team.

Planning was a skill of Murt’s and its why “he had his funeral planned to detail, we received the first draft of this production of March 2022 via email,” Pádraig outlined. No eulogy was among the requests but his son pointed out it would be one of the few times he managed to go against his father’s wishes and not get in trouble for it.

According to Murt, Doonbeg’s success as a community lay in the fact

that it had people fortunate enough to go to college who returned, they along with local farmers and “the odd dreamer” dedicated their lives to improving the village in every sense possible.

He continued, “Doonbeg was the centre of his universe. He was a teacher for over forty years, his passion for the English language and faith had far-reaching impact to those who met him”.

It was forty years ago

Among his first interactions with Murt was in 1976 in the very church that the funeral was taking place for its official opening, “Since then I have encountered Murt on many occasions, both as fellow teacher when teaching religion in Kilrush but through his involvement in many aspects of community life”.

“For me this church is a symbol because it was Murt’s pride and joy, he was instrumental in its building

when Cissie McMahon asked first class in Doonbeg about the jobs their parents did, Pádraig was often reminded he said his father Murt had 28. This of course was linked to his involvement in many organisations and his part in helping to set up the Doonbeg Drama Festival in 1962 “to be a beacon of light during the dark winter nights”. He added, “I refer to my father’s generation as the greatest generation which they truly are”.

At his wedding, Pádraig likened his father to Bono, “they were both on a mission to God and way over exposed to media,” he quipped.

Within their Mountrives, Murt and Betty “created one of most loving and inspiring homes one could wish for, they could be our greatest critics and showed love at the same time”. He added, “Our parents were enormously proud of their grandchildren, we suspect he held on for Catherine’s wedding even though it was to a Cooraclare man and also to see Oran graduate as a doctor”.

Fr Gerry Kenny told the mass he always enjoyed looking at a notice in the sitting room of Murt’s house which read, ‘God couldn’t be everywhere so he made grandparents’.

and care, it is a symbol and testament to Murt’s work and community service, this parish of Doonbeg in several spheres of community life, his service to wider world of education, drama, politics, sport, marriage support and wider church. Murt lived an engaged life to the fullest, his care and shepherding of family was paramount, his sense of duty to all who called on him was never tiring,” Fr Kenny noted.

As he spoke Fr Kenny became emotional when recalling the “last few weeks” had been difficult for Murt but remained struck by his determination in building up service and community.

Captain Mikey Moriarty, an aide de comp of An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin (FF) was present for the funeral while the 26th Battalion provided a guard of honour.

His loss is deeply regretted by his children Francis, Áine, Michael, Catherine, Pádraig and Rita; his grandchildren Darragh, Ross, Maeve, Mark & Alana; Oran & Eva; Joshua & Oisín; Míchéal, Jane & Ronán; and Harrison; daughters-in-law Dianne, Martina & Sandra; sonsin-law Dara & Paddy, Rita’s partner Karl. Sadly missed by his relatives, friends and neighbour.

Ennis man who killed school teacher jailed for �ive years and two months for drug dealing

THE convicted killer of a County Clare school teacher has been jailed for ve years and two months for drug dealing.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford imposed a 62 month prison term as part of a number of concurrent sentences on Harry Dinan (44) formerly of Oakwood Drive, Ennis for having in his possession a total of €50,106 of cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply at locations in Ennis on November 14th 2022.

e drug dealing sentence is two months more than the ve years in jail Mr Dinan initially received at Ennis Circuit Court in 2010 for the manslaughter of Lissycasey school teacher, Brian Casey (26) on December 26th 2009.

at court heard that in an unprovoked assault, Mr Dinan struck Mr Casey “a haymaker” on St Stephen’s night in O’Connell Square, Ennis and the blow broke

Mr Casey’s jaw in two places. e Lissycasey man hit the ground with the back of his head and Mr Casey never regained consciousness and died two days later.

e DPP appealed the undue leniency of the sentence and the Court of Criminal Appeal increased Mr Dinan’s prison term by two years.

Coincidentally, the jailing of Mr Dinan for drug dealing at Ennis Circuit Court follows Lissycasey GAA only last weekend honouring the memory of Brian Casey and other deceased members of the club’s 2007 Clare Senior Football Championship-winning team with the unveiling of a memorial plaque at the club grounds.

Detective Garda Aoife O’Malley told Ennis Circuit Court that the Drugs Unit of the Clare Garda Division had targeted Harry Dinan and witnessed him attend a secluded area of Ballybeg Woods on the western outskirts of Ennis on November 14th 2022.

Det O’Malley said that after Mr Dinan exited from the woods, an unmarked Garda

senger window of Mr Dinan’s car and it was later found to be cannabis worth €4,970.

car gave chase and whilst driving at high speed, a package was thrown from the pas-

Det Garda O’Malley said that Mr Dinan’s car eventually came to a stop at a

roundabout at Ennis national School as school had just nished and tra c was heavy.

Det Garda O’Malley said that Mr Dinan’s ex-partner and then ve year old son were in the car at the time.

Det Garda O’Malley said that Mr Dinan was arrested and Gardai recovered a tick-list from a note on Mr Dinan’s phone which showed that he was owed €16,215 for drugs.

She said that a search of his home found drug dealing paraphernalia including baggies and scales and money totalling €2,365 including €500 that was found on Mr Dinan earlier.

Det Garda O’Malley said that the drugs recovered from Ballybeg Woods totalled €18,882 which was subject to the 62 month prison term for the Section 15 (a) drugs o ence being drugs valued in excess of €13,000.

She said that the value of all the drugs removed from Mr Dinan’s house, car and the location in Ballybeg

Woods totalled €46,606 in cannabis and €3,500 in cocaine resulting in the overall total of €50,106.

Det Garda O’Malley said that the accused has 82 previous convictions including 54 for road tra c o ences. She said that Dinan has six previous convictions for the sale and supply of drugs and is a father of three.

Counsel for Mr Dinan, Patrick Whyms BL (instructed by solicitor, Tara Godfrey) said that his client has no trappings of wealth and was dealing drugs to feed his cocaine addiction.

He said that Mr Dinan is quite entrepreneurial and was in the process of setting up a ‘bouncy castle’ business at the time of his arrest. Judge Comerford said that there was no evidence that Mr Dinan was involved at high levels in a criminal operation but he wasn’t at the lowest level.

Doolin ice-cream shop given closure order after discovering rodent droppings

RODENT droppings were found in an ice-cream shop in Doolin, pausing their ser-

vices for five days.

Doolin Ice-Cream was issued a closure order from June 25th to 30th after being deemed “a grave and

immediate danger to public health” during inspections. The Health Service Executive Officer reported a significant number of ro-

dent droppings in the store and shed, such as in a box containing smoothie cup lids, on shelves containing bottles and wafer cones, and beside a freezer. Other observations included damaged cup lids due to gnawing by rodents, the absence of rodent proofing and pest control plans, a build-up of rubble, and a lack of sanitisation.

The shop, located on Fisher Street, Doolin, and owned by Seán O’Connor, immediately closed under the FSAI Act 1998, which is issued in locations deemed to have “grave and immediate danger to public health” or where an Improvement Order is not complied with. The reasons given for its closure were a lack of prevention

of contamination, cleaning and sanitisation, and pest control procedures.

The closure order explained, “Rodents can transmit harmful pathogen to foodstuffs, food contact materials, food contact surfaces, equipment and packaging through their droppings and urine.”

Closure orders are served where there is a non-compliance with food legislation and are lifted when an order of contrary effect is sent by a Court or there is further written direction by the Health Service

Executive.

Chief Executive of the FSAI, Mr Greg Dempsey, said, “Every food business has a legal responsibility to ensure the food they produce is safe to eat. Failures like poor hygiene, pest activity, and improper storage are basic errors that can have severe consequences to public health. Food safety isn’t optional, it’s essential.”

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

Harry Dinan

Death threats and attacks on service station staff in Ennis

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

A SHOP assistant at a petrol station in Ennis has reported being the subject of death threats, physical attacks and abuse on a daily basis.

e employee of a busy service station on the Clare Road in Ennis, who wishes to remain anony-

ises is robbed “every single day” and while sta members receive “death threats most days”.

ey said that the individuals responsible are “always the same people”, ranging from “three-yearolds to 60-year-olds”. Incidents they spoke about included people driving o without paying, egg-

mous due to safety concerns, admitted to e Clare Echo that numerous complaints have been led to local gardai over the continuing anti-social behaviour.

e employee told e Clare Echo that the prem-

ing, death threats, and shopli ing. ey said, “ ey just come in with gear bags and ll it up.”

e employee said this behaviour has escalated since they began their employment, despite initially calling Gardaí two

to three times a week. ey explained, “It’s de nitely gotten worse, especially with kids… Somebody needs to step in for them because otherwise this is literally going to be their whole life.”

“I’ve genuinely seen parents teach their kids how to rob in that shop. It’s insanity.”

One incident that was reported included an alleged assault which took place on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, con rmed by Gardaí to have occurred at 3:30pm. e employee told e Clare Echo that two families walked into the shop with sticks and started “whacking each other”.

“ ey smashed one of our shelves and started hitting each other with that. ey went outside and crashed their cars into each other.” Whilst waiting for Gardaí to arrive at the scene, the sta locked themselves in the back of the shop for an hour and watched the cameras, “just in case anyone actually did get badly hurt”.

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Another incident they spoke of involved two youths aged in their late teens,waiting for sta to nish their shi s at 10pm every evening. ey said, “ ey brought loads of their friends, they egged my car, they threw a full can of Red Bull at me one day, and tried to punch me one day.” ese boys come back to the shop every day, “Not so much during the day, but the night shi ”. ey said, “ e shop reports everything. Once we report it, there isn’t anything more we can do except wait for the guards to do something.” However, the sta do receive training to prepare for those situations. e employee said, “I’m so used to it now, I literally don’t even bat an eyelid anymore.” ey said that these people come by so o en that they now know them all by name, and that Gardaí are aware.

West’s awake with Willie Clancy Festival

James Kearney enjoys the music at Willie Clancy week in Miltown Malbay

Rural Clare

By Michael Fitzgerald

‘We’ve already missed a generation & if we miss another I don’t know how food will be produced’

YOUNG people must be given an incentive if farming in rural Ireland is to continue says Caroline Lynch, a member of IFA’s family and social a airs committee. Caroline Lynch runs Ross House, a mid-size farm in Bridgetown with her father Patrick. e picturesque suckler to beef nishing farm is situated just across from counties Tipperary and Limerick across the River Shannon. She covers a range of topics in her work with the IFA ranging from agricultural education, farm safety, pensions and social affairs. She says there’s a huge number of issues facing farmers in Clare and beyond currently.

“In Clare, we’re dealing with TB on farms and it’s a really tough situation. It’s the most stressful situation on any farm. Generation renewal is a huge thing. We really have to get our act together on how to keep young people on the farm who can earn a living. We also need to look a er the older generation so that they can feel comfortable passing on the farm and so that they can live o it as well”.

to get back to that”. e mass emigration of young people from Ireland to countries like Canada and Australia is already having a detrimental impact on the livelihoods of Irish farms, something which Caroline says will only get worse unless something is done soon.

“I think we’ve already missed a generation and if we miss another one, I don’t know how food is going to be produced”.

Established in 1962, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is the European Union’s (EU) agricultural policy to ensure a stable supply of a ordable and safe food, support farmers, and promote sustainable rural development. She felt it has lost its purpose. “I think this CAP is so important. If we don’t do this and do it properly this time we’ll miss another generation. It’s going to be very worrying. We all need food to be produced. Farmers produce food. at’s what the CAP was based on. But now CAP has been split in so many ways that it has lost its purpose and we really need

“A lot of young people want to go and travel and absolutely go and travel, widen your views, see the world. I think it’s a brilliant opportunity but if they don’t have something to come back to, they’re not going to come back. ere’s young people that would love to stay in this country but between housing and rents, it’s very hard to rent a place at this stage. You can’t get planning, planning is becoming more di cult so people don’t see a future. If you want to go home and farm and you can’t even build a house on the farm, you’re not going to stay around”, the Bridgetown native added.

e impacts of this decline are being felt across the country and Clare is no exception.

70,000 people le Ireland between April 2023 and 2024 according to the most recent statistics from the Central Statistics O ce with 11,000 heading for Australia alone. is is just 10,000 o the highs of 80,000 people a year leaving experienced in the years 2012 and 2013 (CSO). e trend is something Caroline is keen to see reversed.

“If we don’t sort out and keep people in rural Ireland, especially on the west coast of Ireland, the place is just going to disintegrate. In East Clare we’re lucky enough that we have slightly larger farms. In West Clare, I think the biggest problem is that you have smaller holdings and a lot of time they’re scattered so you’re split in what you can do”.

ere are a number of incentives that could help to encourage more young people into farming but Caroline highlights the importance of Agri Aware at youth level. e IFA o shoot is responsible for bridging the gap between urban and rural Ireland through youth education.

“When I was younger most people were only a generation from farming and had a good idea of how farming worked, how food was produced, what a potato looked like, how an egg was created and how milk was produced. at’s gone. People are a bit away from it and children don’t understand it so it’s a huge, huge role and Agri Aware covers that”, Caroline explains.

“ e IFA is involved as well, and especially in making submissions to the Department of Education on how to promote sustainable food production and that’s very important,” she added.

From Kilmaley to Perth: Liam on running a successful contracting business abroad

LIAM O’Connor is part of the over 100,000 Irish people who call Australia home.

In 2012, he left Kilmaley for Australia, just one of the 80,000 people who emigrated from Ireland that year.

“I was looking for new opportunities, things were quiet here at the time. Everyone else was gone so I said I’d go and have a look...I started off working on building sites and driving machines,” Liam told The Clare Echo Kilmaley’s Liam now runs O’Connor Contracting, a machinery and contracting business based in Perth. The Western Australia capital city is home to more than 16,000 Irish emigrants. Liam started his business a year after he landed in Australia, specialising in all kinds of

machinery, working his way up from small machines to a wide variety of trucks and 50 tonne CAT excavators. The machines are mainly used in roadworks and mining operations with some costing as much as $500,000.

back. It depends on the mines and the Chinese markets and what they want. If they have a big demand for stuff, Australia is busy because it’s got a lot of resources, a lot of the work depends on that, at the minute that’s booming”.

He says that while the southern hemisphere is full of opportunities, it’s still hard work. O’Connor said that the perception of Australia that most Irish people have is untrue. “next thing you realise you have to work. That’s not suiting everyone”. O’Connor says that the cost of living and lack of opportunities is what’s driving the current high rates of emigration. The Australian bubble can’t last forever though, he warns. “There’s definitely going to be a wind

Clare people such as Liam have been a constant part of Australian history. In 1842, Edward Burton Gleeson established the town of Clare, close to Adelaide in South Australia, naming his home house Inchiquin and serving as the town’s first mayor. Today, the area is a popular wine region and offers many hiking trails for tourists.

Despite the huge success of his business in Australia, Liam still plans to return home to Kilmaley one day. He regularly returns to his family’s farm in Derrynacarra which he continues to run with his father, managing his business abroad online when he is based in Clare.

Pictured is Liam O’Connor

Caroline Lynch

Kilfenora community rallies to save Linnane’s Pub

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

COMMUNITY EFFORTS are underway in Kilfenora to attempt to acquire Linnane’s Pub and renovate it as a community-owned, not-for-pro t centre, a living space for traditional Irish music, cultural events, and connection.

Linanne’s Pub was for decades at the heart of Kilfenora serving as a place where stories were shared with music owing freely as generations came together. Since the doors closed within the last three years, a vital space for community and culture has gone quiet.

A group of local musicians, neighbours, and volunteers believe that shouldn’t be the end of the story. ey want to buy, renovate, and reopen Linnane’s as a community-owned, not-forpro t centre, a living space for traditional Irish music, cultural events, and connection. “ e vision is to purchase and re-open Linnane’s pub in Kilfenora as a community-driven social enterprise that safeguards the musical tradition, promotes local culture and fosters sustainable community initiatives,” a group spokesperson explained.

“ e pub will be the heart of traditional music activities, while the adjacent property and land will support broader community projects including a kindergarten, community garden, social housing and a farmers’ market. Our mission is to create a vibrant, multi-purpose community hub while preserving and celebrating Kilfenora’s priceless musical heritage. is isn’t just about saving a building. It’s about pre-

serving heritage, upli ing local talent, and revitalising our village and culture in a way that’s inclusive, creative, and rooted in community”.

Aspirations of the plan is to develop a traditional, non-ampli ed live music venue for sessions, concerts, workshops and festivals, a rental space upstairs for music teaching and community use. Local restaurants could be aided with its use for occasional small-scale catering while the outdoor courtyard has scope for community events and market days. €350,000 is required to purchase the premises with a deposit of €35,000. e total estimate including legal costs and building upgrades is €500,000. As of Wednesday evening, over €6,100 has been raised.

Further details on the campaign are available on kilfenoracorner.com.

Ennistymon youth group awarded almost

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

A NATURE-based youth group in Ennistymon is among nine innovative organisations to be awarded almost €60,000 each in funding.

Nature-based youth group Wild Earth has been provided €58,250 for their environmental innovation and social inclusion. Lee Badley, co-founder of Wild Earth, which has two current employees, said that the group focuses on “resilience building and supporting well-being in young people” and will use the money on sta salaries and children’s activities.

Although based in Ennistymon, they use all the “natural spaces” and “beautiful surrounds” that the area has to o er. Wild Earth avails of ecotherapists, local skill sharers, local artisans, and storytellers, and takes part in physical activities such as bouldering and martial arts.

Rethink Ireland, an organisation that provides business support and cash grants to various Irish charities and social enterprises, announced the awardees of its Impact Fund for Munster 2024 on July 1. Each awardee will receive a cash grant of up to €59,000 and wraparound business support to aid projects leading a green transition

and sustainable development in Munster.

It is Wild Earth’s rst time receiving funding from Rethink Ireland, as they usually rely on benefactors. ey are “very relieved and quite happy our community can now avail of this wonderful funding”, which will allow them to continue giving free access to families and vulnerable young people in the community.

Awarded projects fall into two areas: Environmental innovation and social inclusion.

Rethink Ireland’s Pádraic Vallely said, “We know this will create a lasting positive impact for Munster’s environment and its people.” Wild Earth just so happens to t into both categories. Bradley explained that their free service and lack of exclusivity bring social inclusion, and that nature immersion and sustainability are part of their day-to-day, bringing environmental innovation.

“Our young people are stewards for the environment just because of the environment we provide for them.”

Wild Earth began in 2022 as a response to “school refusal and withdrawal”. e group facilitates 15-30 children yearly with the help of their “seanóirs”, the word they use for their “community elders”. Many of the

€60,000

children at Wild Earth are neurodivergent, or are experiencing anxiety or depression, and might “fall through the cracks of the system.”

“Some child in school might be struggling and they might need to take a break, and they come to Wild Earth for a little while... It might just be a temporary thing for some, and for some it might be a longer journey at Wild Earth.”

Bradley said that it is “imperative” that sustainable projects are supported. She explained that young people’s connection to nature is vital due to its e ect on their con dence, self-worth, and respect for their natural surroundings. She added, “We’re noticing that a lot of the eco-anxiety that’s presenting in young people, it’s an issue.”

“If groups like ours are able to continue to expose young people in a really impactful and bene cial and e ective way, they can then become the future people who will care for the environment and this planet.”

Other awardees include Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, AsIAm, Cork International Film Festival, Living Woodlands, New Wave Wild Adventure erapy, e GAFF, e Toy Library, and the University of Limerick Foundation.

SATURDAY, JULY 12TH

SUNDAY, JULY 13TH 2025

Enjoy a weekend filled with tradition, talent, and timeless heritage at our Culture and Crafts Fair taking place on the 12th & 13th of July from 10am to 4pm.

COMMUNITY HUB: Linnane’s Pub

Better Ennis warns against being ‘stuck in the past’

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

BETTER ENNIS have said the county town will remain “stuck in the past” if changes as outlined in the dra Ennis local transport plan are not endorsed.

A robust defence of many of the proposals outlined in the dra Ennis local transport plan has been made by independent community group, Better Ennis. ey said the proposals will make the town a much healthier and attractive place to live and work. e group advocates for healthier town centres, active and public transport for all ages and abilities.

Gearóid Mahon (pictured) of Better Ennis noted, “ e proposed transport plan has drawn much attention in recent weeks. It is a crucial plan for the future of Ennis and should be given due attention by those living in the town and those living outside it and commuting in. We believe a comfortable, stress-free walking environment, a safe cycling network and quality public transport will have a transformative positive impact on how people get around Ennis.”

He con rmed that a formal submission to the local transport plan has been made by Better Ennis. ey have urged constructive engagement on the plan and an acknowledgement that tra c congestion must be tackled to encourage people to live in the town.

According to Better Ennis, resistance to change in the town is hindering progress. ey point to how other places both in Ireland are changing with the times and embracing modern transport and active, healthy mobility. e group urges people to keep a positive open mind and one that looks to the future, “because staying stuck in tra c means staying stuck in the past”.

Síle Ginnane of Better Ennis stated, “we have seen just how good public realm can attract people to a street and most people now realise the positive impact of pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street has on the town. It is much more accessible and safer for people using wheelchairs, mobility aids and for families with children. It is wonderful to see new businesses open on our lovely Parnell Street. However, a town needs people living in its centre to survive and thrive. We

Cllrs reel as Howard shoots down vote on transport plan

need to ensure that the streets are attractive places, so people will want to live in town and restore town centre buildings as places to live or work”.

Surveys cannot be used to plan for future infrastructure in the town, Better Ennis warned. “It is not wise to rely on current behaviours and trends when trying to build the future. In Ennis, we have a road network, not a cycling or adequate pedestrian network.

“It stands to reason that we don’t see the volume of cyclists or walkers that we would expect if we had a properly connected and developed active transport network. Most people are not comfortable sharing road space with vehicles, while walking or cycling and a safe segregated space needs to be provided,” Gearóid, a senior data scientist commented.

Meanwhile, a three-page submission to the dra Ennis local transport plan has been made by the Clare Green Party ahead of Friday’s (July 11th) deadline.

Bridget Ginnity (GP), the Ennis area representative for the party stressed the need for “genuine consultation” to allow all stakeholders “discuss and resolve all issues that arise so that we move to a healthier and more pleasant town and minimise any disadvantages that might arise”.

Creating a town “where trafc is reduced, streets are vibrant and businesses thrive,” is the focus of the plan Bridget said. “Ennis is a medieval town, so it was built in a time without cars, when people walked everywhere or at best had a donkey and cart. at means it is ideal for getting about on foot, and using bikes and public transport for longer distances”.

Ginnity agreed with the concerns raised about the proposal to make the Mill Road one way. “ ere are possible solutions that provide pedestrians and cyclists with a safe and convenient route and yet tra c is not brought onto currently quiet streets.”

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CALLS to have a vote seeking commitments for the Ennis transport plan were denied at a fiery meeting of the Ennis Municipal District leading to accusations of bringing the local authority into disrepute.

In her first sitting in the hot seat as Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) came under fire from her colleagues for not allowing a vote and had to plead with a packed public gallery from engaging in debate during Tuesday’s meeting.

Four of the 13 motions tabled were in relation to the draft Ennis local transport plan. It was a proposal from Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) demanding removal “of any plans to reduce two lane access/exit from existing roundabouts and to retain current existing free flowing roundabouts, and existing two way traffic flows on the circulation route” which led to the call for a vote.

His ask put more simply was to keep the Mill Rd as is and not have a one-way system along with maintaining the current arrangement at the roundabout between Ennis Hospital and McDonald’s on the Gort Rd. The circulation route included Carmody Street, Mill Road, Clare Rd, Clonroad, Lifford Road and Highfield Park. Senior executive engineer, Eamon O’Dea stated “significant analysis” was re-

quired to respond to the motion” and that “it would not be appropriate to respond to the notice of motion until all the public submissions are received” by the revised closing date of (July 11).

Concerns from the public led to the motion, Cllr O’Callaghan told the meeting. “We have spoken at length on Mill Rd, the proposed reconfiguration of traffic flow will reduce capacity and increase congestion”. He remined the top table, “The Council’s online portal crashed due to the high volume of feedback from the public”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) commented, “We need to stop putting the cart before the horse, there will be a day in years to come when people are using one line for walking, cycling and maybe even flying with a flying car. We can do a pedestrian crossing without reducing car usage, there’s a feeling out there that there is an anti-car push”.

Such proposals can be implemented in cities like Cork, Limerick or Dublin “with big bridges” but not Ennis, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) argued.“We’re growing for the future but put the money in a ring-road around the town, there’s a road to nowhere to go from Gort Rd to the Tulla Rd, put the money into that and leave the small roads alone”.

Traffic is getting worse in Ennis, Cllr Pat Daly (FF)

warned, “every road is bottle neck, I’d love to see a double lane system all around the town particularly at Maid of Erin, it would alleviate a lot of the problems”.

Speaking in support of the motion, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) admitted he had “serious concerns about the situation of taking away two-way traffic on Mill Rd, “Somebody spoke about anti-car agenda. I cycle, I’m an avid cyclist out the country, there’s a big difference to cycling to clear my head as opposed to cycling in the town, they

need to be protected also, the minority do deserve a voice as well, it can be frightening. I do cycle through town, to be on a bike when traffic is passing very close to you it can be very scary. We are a democratic nation, people have the right to choice and if they want to cycle they deserve to do so safely, we need a consensus, our people deserve to be able to cycle to school, hurling, football or rugby training”. Senior engineer, Seán Lenihan told Cllr O’Callaghan the online system didn’t crash and rather it

Flynn says Ennis transport

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A FORMER two-time Mayor of Ennis has launched a strong criticism of the dra Ennis local transport plan describing it as “anti-car” while warning Clare County Council could undermine public con dence in its planning system.

Johnny Flynn resigned from his membership of Fine Gael last May and had announced in a Clare Echo exclusive last February that he would not be seeking re-election to Clare County Council.

Since his exit from politics, Flynn has been actively involved with Save Ennis Town who have opposed some aspects of the Ennis 2040 strategy, most notably plans to build on the riverside car parks of Abbey Street and Parnell Street.

In a submission to the dra Ennis local transport plan, Johnny said it constituted a “very serious and detrimental transport public policy due to the fact in the main the proposals within the LTP are those that wish to transform transport in and

around the market provincial town of Ennis by private vehicles as the lowest priority with cycling and cycleways given priority”.

According to the civil engineer, “ is detrimental prioritisation of cycling will result in wasteful use of scarce public funds and disruptive roadworks when we know from page 226 of the May 2021 published Ennis 2040 Strategy that only 2% of trips in Ennis are bicycles and have observed little use of existing cycleways developed in and around Ennis over the last decade”.

He welcomed the fruition of work which will have the Ennis Town Bus service which will operate two routes for 18 hours daily once running by year end. Documents which in uenced the formulation of the transport plan “appear to have been developed at the wishes of a Green Party and its Ministers within the previous government,” he claimed. Such “pro cycling documents” are “more appropriate to a city setting and not a provincial market town like Ennis where we know 77% of customers travel in by car. I believe there is a distinct anti car approach driving the proposals in the LTP.”

Cycle priority proposals within the plan “are at odds with previous tra c, parking and transportation reports commissioned by the former Ennis Town Council and Clare County Council,” the

Photo by Eamon Ward

 An artist’s impression of the proposed one-way Ennis, Cllr Mary Howard (FG); Cllr Tom O’Callaghan

system and (inset from top); Mayor of (FF) and Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF)

was turned off by the Council. “The system didn’t crash, it was turned off inadvertently at midnight on the wrong day, the last day of submission was open for paper submissions, it didn’t crash, it was turned off”.

“We cannot take a vote on the motion,” the Mayor stated. Cllr Guilfoyle referred to Section 34 of Standing Orders in the Local Governmetn Act.

“This is democracy,” O’Callaghan added and Lenihan asked what they were voting on. “We’re here for a vote on the motion, I am asking for a vote to be taken,” O’Callaghan said.

Director of Service, Carmel Kirby said the motion had been responded to and that it was not in line with standing orders to take a vote on the motion. “Incorrect. Section 34, the motion shall be put to a vote subject to right of reply. It has been proposed and seconded,” Cllr

Guilfoyle replied.

Interjecting from the public gallery, business man Michael Barry said, “take the vote, listen to the people”. Director Kirby thanked the people in the gallery for their views but reminded them, “ye don’t have a right to speak” prompting Barry to reply, “We have a right”.

Councillors cannot vote on a draft, Kirby stated.

Mayor Howard added, “We cannot finalise it because it is out for public consultation. Every voice needs to be heard”.

“This is the motion, it has been presented to the floor and seconded. I am calling for a vote,” Cllr O’Callaghan responded. He was reminded by the Mayor that consultation is ongoing, “It cannot be done under our rules”. Speaking from the gallery the Mayor was told by Barry “you’re in breach of the section 34”.

Clarification was sought by Cllr Guilfoyle, “Section 34 says we can if proposed or seconded, there’s no rule to stop the vote,” he flagged. Cllr O’Callaghan added, “I support the motion, I’m asking colleagues to vote on the motion”.

“Vote” came the cry from several members of the public gallery.

Cllr O’Callaghan was then told by Cllr Howard, “You’re being disorderly, I’m in this job 17 years, we have rules”.

Cllr O’Callaghan then asked, “Are you in support of stopping what has been proposed? Yes or no”. There was no answer provided by the Mayor with Cllr Guilfoyle informing the meeting, “I vote in favour of motion number nine”. Cllr Howard asked him, “How can you vote on something which has there to consider and he said he voted on the sentiment of the motion.

Attempting to bring order to the meeting, Cllr Howard said, “With respect, I’m chairing the meeting and disallowing the vote. We have nothing in front of us to vote on”.

“I want clarity from a higher authority, you’re bringing meeting into disrepute by not allowing a vote,” Cllr Guilfoyle stated.

Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) told the Mayor, “you should have let a vote on it”. She added, “I know my colleague from the union will be on point so ye better be on point”.

Not allowing the vote was disappointing and “very disrespectful to the people of Ennis. People have to be number one priority,” said Cllr O’Callaghan.

plan is ‘anti-car’

Tulla Rd resident stated.

Parking and tra c ow statements which the transport plan are based on are from “skewed 2023 parking and tra c gures which were heavily inuenced by e ective closure of Ennis by and during Covid as against the actual transport pre-COVID gures for the town,” Flynn claimed.

Commitments to develop or acquire sites to provide a minimum of 100 o -street car parking spaces within two years were made in the 2017 report. e Council had also said it would engage with the private sector and examine a number of models with a view to achieving a target of 500 additional o street car parking spaces in the next ve years. Flynn agged that in the region of 250 public car parking spaces “have been removed by the Council with various works over the last decade and have not been replaced”.

On the subject of pedestrianisa-

tion, he said a non-statutory survey carried out by the Council is referred to but no record of 150 submissions seeking for the reopening of O’Connell Street. Essential investment agged by Flynn includes the construction of “the promised” multi-storey car park by the Temple Gate, construction of 550 park and ride parking spaces, a Quin Rd connection to the M18, a connection from Gort Rd to Roslevan Shopping Centre but not through Oakleigh Woods, a Quin Rd to N85 connection at Skehanagh, a connection between the Quin Rd and Clonroad, an upgrade solution for the junction at Shanaway Rd, a connection between Lahinch Rd and Gort Rd plus a pedestrian footbridge at Drehidnagower Bridge. He asked that references to Ennis 2040 projects on Abbey St, Parnell St and the Post O ce eld be removed from the plan along with removal of plans to reduce two lane access/exit from existing roundabouts and the proposed one-way plan for Mill Rd.

Clare County Council refuses permission for Moyasta wind farm over local concerns

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THE HEN Harrier has helped put paid to contentious plans for a three turbine wind farm reaching almost 500 ft in height 1km south of the west Clare village of Moyasta located on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Over 200 objections by mainly west Clare locals were lodged against the plan by Adare-based renewable energy firm, Greensource for the 492 ft high turbines on lands across a number of town lands at Moanmore Lower, Moanmore South, Tullabrack, Tullabrack East and Gower South, Kilrush.

Greensource subsidiary, Moanmore Lower Green Energy Ltd had entered legal agreement with five local landowners as part of its wind-farm plan.

A planning statement lodged with the application stated that the proposed development “contributes to supplying the national demand for renewable energy, which in the context of the ongoing climate emergency is an urgent Irish national priority”.

However, those to express concerns over the proposal included Government TDs, Cathal Crowe TD (FF) and Joe Cooney TD (FG).

In an objection, Deputy Crowe told Clare County Council that he wishes to strongly object to the wind-farm on the basis due to devaluation of property/properties in the area; the size of the wind turbines; the proximity from houses; excessive noise pollution, shadow flickering, negative impact on tourism and too many wind farms in the area and west Clare already.

Deputy Joe Cooney told the council that he had “significant concerns” over the scheme stat-

ing that the turbines would be so prominent as to have a very negative impact on the open coastal and rural landscape.

Members of Clare Co Council to object included Cllr Ian Lynch (Ind), Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) and Cllr Michael Shannon (FF).

The chair of Moyasta National School, Caroline Bradley also objected on behalf of the school’s Board of Management.

Ms Bradley stated that “we are concerned for the health and safety of our school community as we are located only 600 metres from the proposed development”.

Now, the council has refused planning permission on four separate grounds after a 65 page planner’s report into the case.

In its decision, the Council refused planning permission having regard to the site’s close proximity to known breeding pairs of Hen Harrier, the potential habitat disturbance arising from the proposed development, the declining population of this bird species in the area and the limited long-term post-consent hen harrier monitoring data information available with regard to existing wind farms in the area.

The Council stated that on the basis of the available information, it cannot be concluded that the proposed development would not result in no significant environmental effects with specific reference to the Hen harrier.

The local authority also refused planning permission having regard to the scale and height of the proposed turbines, the location of the site in the open landscape and the existing wind farms in the vicinity of the site.

As a result, the Council found

lENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS: Wind farm

that the proposed development would seriously injure the amenities of residential properties in the vicinity due to noise and disturbance and that the proposed turbines would be visually overbearing on existing properties and thus depreciate the value of property in the vicinity.

The Council also refused planning permission to the scheme as it would give rise to an ad hoc and piecemeal proliferation of wind turbines at this location, which would negatively alter the character of this rural landscape.

The planning authority also stated that on the basis of the information submitted with the application, the Council considers that the proposed development would constitute an unacceptable risk of pollution of watercourses in the area.

Ennis RFC plans major upgrade of Drumbiggle grounds

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS RFC have submitted plans for major renovations at their grounds in Drumbiggle. The club has issued a planning application to reposition the existing pitch and make the switch to synthetic grass.

The Ennis sports club celebrated its centenary in 2023 and is the largest rugby club in Clare due to its wide catchment area. Currently, the club only has one pitch of their own and rents a second pitch in Lee’s Road. Ennis RFC’s application lists a number of proposed major upgrades to their grounds including a widened entrance, two way traffic capability and additional parking.

The club’s pitch is to be augmented by the addition of new dugouts, new netting and “New boundary treatment to part of site with ball retrieval gates”. Upgraded floodlighting, three new padel courts and a men’s shed have also been proposed as part of the application. Clare’s other rugby clubs, Scarriff and Kilrush, have also recently begun works at their

grounds with Scarriff being granted permission for a padel facility and Kilrush lodging plans for floodlighting and a walking track. Ennis also have plans to refurbish their current clubhouse at the site.

Fellow Ennis outfit P. Coleman & Associates Engineers have issued a support statement as part of the application. They stated that “The proposal involves the reconfiguration and enhancement of a long-established sports facility, aligning with the Council’s objectives to promote active living, sustainable community infrastructure, and improved access to recreation and amenity within urban settlements”.

Bus parking, EV charging stations, and accessible parking will be included as part of the planned 74 additional parking spaces. The proposed Men’s Shed will be made up of existing storage containers and the relocation of an ancillary storage shed. The support statement explains that this will help the club by “continuing its support role in connection with the operation and upkeep of club facilities”.

P. Coleman cited many national and county plans in their support statement, highlighting Ennis’ role as a ‘key town’ under the Southern RSES. They stated that the proposed development would be in line with National Planning Framework objectives. These aim to “Ensure the creation of attractive, liveable, well-designed, high-quality urban places that are home to diverse and integrated communities that enjoy a high quality of life and well-being”.

Ennis’ role as a Key Town under the Southern RSES ensures it must “Support the Healthy Ireland Framework and seek to create healthy and attractive places to live, work, visit and invest by promoting age-friendly, healthy and active communities and improved health outcomes through the built environment”. This is something an upgraded Ennis RFC would be able to do, argues P. Coleman.

Clare County Council will make a decision on the proposed development by the 24th of August. Submissions can be made up until August 8.

From echinacea to lavender: tips, deals, and advice to make the most of your July garden

AS WE enjoy July and all the lovely colour in our gardens something to think about is planting some perennials that will flower right into Autumn.

Here are the names of a few:

Echinacea Coneflower, Rudbeckia Black eyed susan, Leucanthemum, Shasta Daisy , Monarda Bee Balm, Salvia, Astilbe and lots of Lavender.

With so much to choose from the colour can continue right into late autumn.

Lupins are showing great colour and once you keep the old stems and cut new shoots will continue to grow, just like the fox glove, another lovely

tall perennial.

With all the growth over the last few weeks the weeds are also growing well so to help keep them at a minimum consider mulching the beds with Bark Chip this helps keep in moisture too.

There is lots to keep us busy in the garden. I’m finding myself starting deadheading flowers next I jump to weeds and then i find myself feeding plants. Having done so much jumping the day goes by so fast.

Watering is so important even when it rains don’t take it for granted that plants have

taken in enough to continue to check and yes the rain set the plant back by messing up the flowers but a regular feed will help with long flowering.

There are lots of special offers in store throughout July. At the moment we are selling 3 perenni als for €20.

Water features are reduced to clear so weather it traditional or contemporary some nice pieces available summer bedding on special offer and herbs so pop in to avail of these deals.

Happy gardening and continue to enjoy time in the garden.

Madden Furniture to close after 49 years in Ennis

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PROMINENT Ennis business Madden Furniture is to close its doors this month a er nearly ve decades in operation.

Since 1977, the Madden family have been retailing furniture, so furnishings and accessories to customers all over Ireland as a leading family business in the county and region.

Madden Furniture has been regarded as one of the leading retailers of interior furnishings in the Mid-West.

In 2020, Madden Furniture received the coveted Business All-Stars Accreditation. is weekend, the Madden family announced that the

store would be closing at the end of July. “A er 49 incredible years suppling furniture to our community, the time has come for us to say goodbye. We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thank you for your unwavering support throughout the years. It has truly been a privilege to be a part of your homes and lives”.

A farewell closing down sale runs from Tuesday (July 8th) at 11am until 7pm on Friday (July 11th). “We encourage you to bring your vans, cars, and trailers for collections. We’d love for you to stop by, reminisce, and share in this bittersweet moment as we wrap up our journey together. Please be patient with our outstanding

team as it will be busy. We will miss you all dearly and cherish the memories we have created together. Please bring in any outstanding Gi Vouchers and don’t worry all existing orders will be ful lled,” Manager and Director of Madden Furniture, Aoife Madden said. Opening hours will revert to normal from next weekend.

Located in what was the famous Paddy Cons dance hall on Station Rd in Ennis, Madden Furniture opened a refurbished store in September 2011 when the ribbon was cut by the late Seán Mahon. Since then, the Ennis primary care centre opened across the road in December 2022.

road leading to Knockanean NS

Council take wide berth on request to widen

including the classi cation of road (local or regional), tra c volumes and accident records”.

Maher family raise €4200 for Milford Care Centre

WORKS to widen the road on the approach to Knockanean National School will cost in excess of €450,000, a senior engineer in the Ennis Municipal District has agged.

At the end of June, the nal day of Knockanean NS was marked as it embarks on a temporary new chapter from September where it will be based on the grounds of St Flannan’s College while a new school is built.

Knockanean NS in June 2020 received the green light from Clare County Council for a long-awaited redevelopment which has an estimated price tag of €6m. is will see the construction of eight new classrooms, the retention and integration of a four classrooom block built in 2011. School enrolments will be limited to 297 pupils as a planning condition, this can only be amended with another planning permission.

In a proposal before the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) stressed, “Now that the development of a new National School at Knockanean has begun, it is imperative that Ennis M.D. seek funding for the widening of the road leading up to the school”.

Acting senior executive engineer, Paddy Tiernan advised, “ ere are several local roads and regional within the county of Clare where road alignment and road widening is warranted”. He said the Council must prioritse roads “in most need of intervention” when applying to the Department of Transport or the NTA for project speci c, road improvement funding. Tiernan explained, “it is necessary for Clare County Council to prioritise those roads that are in most need of intervention. Prioritisation is based on a county-wide basis with numerous criteria considered

He outlined that the L-4106 leading to Knockanean NS is classi ed as a local road “with relatively low tra c volumes. Hence it is di cult for Ennis MD to prioritise the widening of this road over other projects”.

According to a cost estimate by the Council’s transportation department, road widening in the vicinity of the school on the Gaurus approach would cost €450,000 and this excluded land acquisition. “Furthermore, during the planning consultation process a proposal was made by representatives from Knockanean National School/Department of Education that they would acquire the necessary lands to facilitate road widening on the approach to the school. We are led to believe the school subsequently failed in their e orts to secure this land,” Tiernan stated.

As part of the development of Knockanean NS, a Special Development Contribution has been conditioned. “ e purpose of same is facilitate the provision of tra c signage, road resurfacing and road marking in the immediate vicinity of the school. It does not include for any widening works to the roads on the approach,” the engineer explained.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Daly noted “several motions have gone on this previously. It is great that Knockanean is getting a new national school. is request to widen the road is ongoing since I came in here twenty six years ago, land acquisition is required and funding will be required for this, the sooner the better it happens”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A TOTAL of €4,200 was raised for Milford Care Centre in the annual Ann Maher memorial fundraiser dance.

Members of the Maher family in Kilmaley presented a cheque to the value of €4,200 to Milford Care Centre following the Ann Maher memorial fundraising dance which took place at e Kilmaley Inn at the end of April.

Ann’s husband Michael told e Clare Echo, “We are thrilled with the amount which was raised and we can’t thanks everyone enough for the support which we received. e monies raised came from the dance which was held in the Kilmaley Inn, the ra e and the collecting of the plastic bottles in Cusack Park. anks everyone for your continued support for our yearly event in the memory of Ann”.

Prizes won in the ra e included tickets for the Munster hurling nal, a hurley from Inagh based MacCoda hurleys, vouchers for e Sherwood Inn, Hotel Woodstock and O’Sullivan & Hansbury Motors. Hampers for Ballycasey Pharmacy, Turnpike Fruit & Veg, Value Centre and Kilkenny Shop were also won along with dinner and admission to Limerick Greyhound Stadium.

Ann died in March 2008 and was Chairperson of Kilmaley Camogie Club at the time, a role she held for many years. She was well-known by every voluntary group within the parish of Kilmaley and epitomised the traits of a true volunteer. She is deeply missed by her loving family and friends.

‘The garden where the praties grow’ opens at

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

glór

A DOCUMENTARY, entitled “The garden where the praties grow” which explores the cultural significance and history of potatoes or “praties” in Ireland, will be screened in glór on Tuesday July 15.

Through traditional Irish music, viewers will discover how the potato, once a staple of daily life, became a symbol of both hardship and hope, resonating deeply within the Irish identity.

Filmed over three days in the original founders’ building at Seed Savers, Co. Clare, the documentary captures the raw energy of live performances by some of Ireland’s finest musicians collectively known as ‘Potatoes with Everything’ including Mick O Brien pipes and whistles, Karan Casey vocals, Michelle Mulcahy harp, Carl Corcoran piano, vocals, Colm O Donnell flute, vocals, Fergal Scahill fiddle, guitar, Tommy Hayes percussion, guitar, Róisín Chambers sean-nós, Siobhan Butler dance and Pat Quinn guitar, vocals, (Audio of the title available below) Each performance was recorded and filmed live, bringing to life the music, song and dance central to Irish folklore and tradition.

Interwoven throughout these performances are interviews with organic growers and experts in biodiversity and sustainability, offering a broader perspective on the cultural and historical impact of the potato on the Irish psyche.

Filmed and directed by Anthony Hughes The Garden Where the Praties Grow is the vision of renowned Irish musician and producer Tommy Hayes, whose deep understanding of Irish traditional music and cultural heritage brought this unique project to life.

CLOSING DOWN: Madden Furniture

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Ennis

Shannon selected as one of 19 towns in Ireland for Creative Places Programme

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

SHANNON has been selected as one of 19 towns nationwide to be developed through the Creative Places Programme.

Established in 2019, Creative Places/Cumas Ceantar is a programme of sustained arts investment enabling people to create and run vibrant, accessible and stimulating arts programmes in their own local area.

In 2021 Shannon was one of the research and development towns, and over the last number of years, with the support of Clare Arts Office, has seen the emergence of a new dynamic around creativity in the community.

Led by local community groups such as Shannon Community Partnership and Shannon Tidy Towns, the town has come together to create and reinvent cultural activities and events such as the Clare Mela and Culture Night.

This funding allocation will enable the appointment of a Creative Place coordinator to work with the local community to explore, plan and deliver creative projects over a three-year term.

Representatives of community

groups in Shannon have expressed that with this funding they hope to further develop cultural events within the town and create continuous cultural activities for members of the community to engage with.

Siobhan Boyd, Chairperson of the Shannon Community Partnership explained that in the lead up to the announcement of Shannon’s success in the Creative Places forum, the organisation was speaking with a number of other local groups to find out what projects they feel should be prioritised with the new funding.

“We’ve been speaking to a number of local artists and a number of other community groups and organisations in the lead-up to the announcement. So we’ve been speaking to some groups like Heritage Partnerships and the Shannon Age Friendly Forum and we’ve been trying to speak to migrant groups to see, well, what do the people of the town feel is needed.” explained Siobhan. “And a few things that came up was to do more, like the eir boxes that have already been started around the town, to do more of those, to decorate more of those eir boxes, to do community mosaic projects, community graffiti projects, and be able to involve collabo-

ration, be it the Shannon Tidy Town, or the Shannon House and all, the youth of the town, to get them involved, be it through the schools or through some of the organisations like their youth partnerships.”

Siobhan also highlighted that it is a priority to ensure that the whole of the community within Sannon is represented in further projects funded by the Creative Places Programme.

“At the last task force meeting we did identify that we’re missing a lot of the migrant groups and the foreign nationals that are living in Shannon. And we have a huge community. We have such a diverse culture. So we’re going to try and reach those people, and say, we’re looking for you all as part of our community and we’d love to have your input.”

Clare Arts Officer, Siobhán Mulcahy explains, “We are delighted for the people of Shannon, that their hard work, enthusiasm and embracing of creativity in developing their community has been recognized at national level. The enthusiasm, dedication and investment by local groups and individuals came through the application very strongly and we look forward to supporting their endeavours going forward.”

Blue Stars shining in Newmarket-on-Fergus

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SPORTING inclusion programme in Newmarket-on-Fergus is going from strength to strength. =

Established in September 2022, the Blue Stars programme run by volunteers from Newmarket-on-Fergus GAA club has made a stirring impact on the community through its focus on fun, skill acquisition and inclusion.

Bi-weekly training sessions are held for primary school children with additional needs in the Blue Stars programme. Each session focuses on developing core ball-handling skills, building confidence, and most importantly having fun.

Ciara Deans, Aoife Crimmins and Esther McMahon are responsible for running

the initiative which offers children who may not typically be able to participate in mainstream team sports an opportunity to enjoy Gaelic Games in a tailored, safe, and supportive environment. Typically welcoming between six to eight children per session, the Blue Stars creates a space where every child is given the attention and encouragement they need. The programme is entirely child-centred, with safety and enjoyment at its core. All coaches involved are Garda vetted, hold up-todate coaching qualifications, and have completed child protection and additional training to ensure best practices are followed.

On Wednesday last, the most recent block of the Blue Stars programme concluded. It was a high-energy ses-

sion that saw the group take over the club’s AstroTurf and hurling pitch at Fr Murphy Memorial Park for an action-packed obstacle course. Children tackled haybales, leapt through hoops, and raced through stations.

To top off the day, Evan Crimmins and Dara McInerney who were part of the Clare minor hurling panel to contest the All-Ireland final presented the Blue Stars with medals to mark their completion of the latest block. The duo were unable to escape safe as they came out the wrong side of a water balloon fight.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, organiser Aoife Crimmins explained, “This initiative is a testament to the broader vision of the Newmarket-on-Fergus GAA Club, which has placed

community at the heart of its development strategy. As part of a thriving club that boasts nearly 800 members, the Blue Stars programme not only fosters individual growth but also promotes the ethos of inclusion within the GAA family”.

A defender with the club’s senior camogie side, Aoife added, “The success of the Blue Stars is yet another example of how local GAA clubs are evolving to serve all members of their communities. It’s not just about sport, it’s about belonging, support, and celebrating every child’s unique abilities”.

Blue Stars will return for its next block of activities in the autumn following a summer break with new volunteers encouraged to contact Newmarket-on-Fergus GAA club.

lCREATIVE PLACES: Fidget Feet at the Clare Mela at Shannon Town Park, June

lSPORTING INCLUSION: Blue Stars participants with Clare minor hurlers Dara McInerney and Evan Crimmins and organisers Ciara Deans, Aoife Crimmins and Esther McMahon.

Photo by: Joe Buckley Shannon

North Clare

New 48 space car park opens in Ennistymon

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NEW public car park with 48 additional spaces has opened in Ennistymon.

On Wednesday, the car park in Monastery Lane, Ennistymon opened to the public. The new car park provides an additional 48 spaces for residents, visitors and businesses in the heart of the North Clare town, it will be open 24 hours a day across the seven days of the week.

The Clare Echo understands that an official event to mark the opening of the car park will take place later this month.

Discussions on the purchase of the land to be used as a car park were first raised in December 2019 by Cllr Shane Talty (FF) to then Director of Economic Development with Clare County Council, Liam Conneally.

In 2022, planning permission was granted for the delivery of an on-street car park on the site. Since planning was secured, efforts to

rehouse bats located around Monastery Lane delayed the project, the stumbling blocks had been criticised by county councillors.

Demolition works for the car park commenced in the final quarter of 2024. In recent months the County Council hired a consultant

“to maximise efficiency” with the project to try accelerate its delivery and increase the amount of parking spaces. The amount of spaces provided then increased from 42 to 48.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) who

Four Clare SPAR stores receive top accolade for retail excellence

FOUR Clare SPAR stores were honoured at the 2025 SPAR 365 Standards Customer Care Programme for achieving exceptional standards in retailing.

This year’s SPAR 365 Awards, held in association with independent bodies Solution Management Associates (SMA) and Lloyds Register Quality Assurance LRQA, recognise those SPAR stores who have excelled during the year across all areas of store.

The Clare stores who received a SPAR 365 Retailing Standards Award are:

lMegan White, White’s SPAR Lisdoonvarna

lBarry & Linda O’Keeffe, O’Keeffe’s SPAR Ennis Road, Ennistymon

lRobert Kennedy, Kennedy’s SPAR Lahinch

lThomas Healy, Healy’s SPAR Turnpike Road, Ennis

In winning these awards, the SPAR stores were independently assessed across a range of criteria including customer service through

bility in towns and villages across the county”.

Director of Services for Social Development with the Council, Jason Murphy stated, “The delivery of this car park reflects Clare County Council’s continued investment in North Clare. Ennistymon is an important hub and market town in North Clare and this car park will improve accessibility for locals and visitors alike. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the new car park has on the town”.

had stressed the importance of having the car park ready during the summer season welcomed its opening. “This is a very welcome development for Ennistymon. The new car park will help ease congestion in the town centre and support local businesses by making it easier

SMA as well as a robust Food Safety and Hygiene audit conducted by LRQA. These exemplary SPAR retailers received their award in recognition of their com-

mitment to implementing Best practice store standards throughout their store, thereby providing an excellent customer experience to their local community.

for people to access shops, services, and amenities. I commend the Council and everyone involved for delivering this important project”.

Officials within the Council say the addition of a car park is part its “ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure and accessi-

Cllr Talty said, it was “great to finally see the new carpark off Monastery Lane opened to the public, right in the heart of the retail core of the town. This has been a project over five years in the making so I’m delighted to see it completed”. He acknowledged the support of local authority staff “past and present” for delivering on the project. “There’s lots more to do in Ennistymon and throughout North Clare, but it is good to acknowledge a positive step”.

Dare to Abseil for a Cause: MS Ireland invites thrill-seekers to take on the Burren’s Cliffs

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

A CLIFF abseiling challenge in the Burren will take place later this month to raise essential funds for MS Ireland, the national organisation supporting people living with Multiple Sclerosis.

The event will see participants scale down a high vertical cliff in the heart of Burren National Park under the guidance of expert instructors. Open to anyone aged 14 and over, the challenge aims to raise much-needed funds to support services such as physiotherapy, community care, and Ireland’s only dedicated MS respite centre.

“This is more than just a thrilling experience,” said Melanie Cunningham, Fundraising Manager at MS Ireland. “It’s a chance to make a real difference to the thousands of people who rely on our services every year.”

The day will start with a safety briefing and practice session on flat ground to ensure participants are fully prepared before taking on the main descent. Organisers say the event is suitable for beginners

and that “the hardest part is going over the edge – after that, it’s all downhill with spectacular views.”

The Burren, a UNESCO Global Geopark, offers a striking backdrop with its limestone cliffs and rich biodiversity, making it a unique location for a charity challenge.

Participants are asked to raise a minimum of €250, with all proceeds going directly to MS Ireland. The organisation supports over 11,000 people living with MS in Ireland through vital services and advocacy work.

To sign up or find out more, scan the QR code below:

lRETAIL EXCELLENCE: Pictured at the recent SPAR 365 Standards Customer Care Programme for achieving exceptional standards in retailing, held in Killashee Hotel, in Naas in Co Kildare, were Alan Doolaghty SPAR ROA, Belkiz Mihai and Joanna Klucznik; White’s SPAR Lisdoonvarna.

lPARKING SPACES: New public car park in Ennistymon

lGAA: The late PJ Kelly

Emigration of Scariff famine orphan girls to be remembered during Harbour Festival

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FAMINE ORPHAN girls from Scariff are among the gripping stories of people and place that will be told at the upcoming Scariff Harbour Festival.

An historical and cultural recognition of how the village and its hinterland evolved, the trials and tribulations of its inhabitants and the story of the local church building with its striking stain-glassed windows will be put under the microscope by local historians.

A two-hour, leisurely walk through the centuries will highlight the period between 1825-1855 and address the relaxation of the Penal Laws and the arrival and consequences of Catholic Emancipation. It will also reference the local iron works and the importance of the grain and flour mills in the lives and survival of the people. On the town trail from the church to the docks, mention will also be given to the much earlier Battle of Scariff.

Led by Micheál Pearl and his brother Martin, it follows a very successful and well-attended Famine Walk and Workhouse Tour at last year’s festival. “This walk is also an emotional journey though times past in Scariff and the east Clare area. In preparation, we were conscious of the lives of our own ancestors, what our people endured and we will relive them through story, re-enactment, music and song,” Micheál said.

Separately, in this the 200th Anniversary year of the Sacred Heart Church, Micheál and Martin will outline the history of the church, the famous stain-glassed windows and the inspiration behind their designs. Created by Richard King from the famous Harry Clarke Studios in Dublin, there are four sets of two beautiful windows, gifted by James Reeves of New York, in memory of his parents who lived in Waterpark, Scariff.

During the overall renovation of the church in the year 2000, extensive restoration and relocation of the windows to their present position occurred. They now display the intricate tracery and glass work with its striking colours to maximum effect. The windows mainly include images of the Irish saints: St. Caimin, St. Flannan, St Colman, St Brigid, St. Augustine as well as St. Clare & St. Anthony of Padua.

Dr. Jane Halloran-Ryan, a Tulla-based genealogist, history tutor at Mary Immaculate College and Chair of Clare Roots Society, will complete the history brief for the 2025 festival. She will give an illustrated talk in the Edna O’Brien Library where she will remember the Famine Orphan Girls from Scariff. These brave and heroic teenagers travelled under the supervision of Dr. Charles Strutt on board the Thomas Arbuthnot Ship across the high seas to Australia on an emigration scheme in 1849/50 and many settled in the Yass region, south-west of Sydney.

Eleven Scariff girls between the ages of

thirteen and sixteen were among the 100 plus mainly west of Ireland girls, who dared to imagine a life other than the poverty and desolation of post famine Clare. Scariff family names, such as Davies, White, Ryan, Farrell, Hickey, Considine, McNamara, Lister, Roughan and Gorman feature in a book called ‘A Decent Set of Girls’ by Australian academics, Dr. Richard Reid & Cheryl Mongan. Jane will focus on two of those girls, Mary Anne Roughan and Bridget Davies, who had relatives in Australia at the time of their emigration.

In addition, Jane will provide free individual genealogy sessions on both Saturday and Sunday at the Community Co-op for people interested in pursuing their own family history. These will be especially helpful, not only for starters, but also for people who may be facing search blocks along the way. Information on and access to relevant websites will be available. Pre-booking is required for genealogy sessions - see festival programme on www.scariff.ie.

The 119th Co Clare Show returns on Sunday July 13 2025

THE 119th Co Clare Show will take place on Sunday July 13 2025 at the Showgrounds in Ennis – V95 KR90.

The show has a long history synomous with the date of the August 15 when the President of Ireland attended along with the Army Showjumping team and the Mounted Gardaí. However, the show had to move from August 15 due to the RDS Dublin Horse Show being on the previous week and also Millstreet international Show the following week.

We the Committee, have established the Sunday of July 2 as the permanent date for the show.

The show kicks off at 9.00am with Showjumping which has 18 competitions, followed by the Working Hunter and Show Ponies which have 27 classes.

We also have the Horse showing section as well as Mares and Foals, which has 18 horses – judging beginning at 11.00am, Cattle section with judging beginning at 12.00pm which has 33 classes across different breeds of cattle. Our ever popular Dog show commences at 1.30pm with 18 classes for all types of dogs and we then have 4 Donkey classes We also cater for all aspects of Home Produce, photography, Horticulture, Craft Work, Paintings and Children’s Section – a total of 118 classes which take place in our Indoor.

Trade stands are also visible on the grounds. We have Cars, Tack Shop, Sweet shops, Tractors and machinery, Vintage vehicles which are always a great attraction. We also cater for the children with Bungee jumping, Hurdy Gurdys, Hanging Tough. The ever popular Pet Farm is retuning this year which has all different types of animals.

The Tug of War will also commence around 3.00pm or thereabouts. There will also be some food stalls, with crepes, teas, coffee, Ice Cream etc. There will also be a Fortune Teller on the grounds who will assist many!

Presently, the grounds are being put in perfect condition with a lot of preparation work in progress.

We would like to thank all our sponsors, the Municipal District, Local Co. Councillors, the government grant which we received through the Irish Shows Association and all our local businesses all over Co Clare. Without this support, our show would not happen. We would also like to thank our very good Community Employment Personal who have worked to ensure that the grounds are in pristine condition.

For show day, we have over 65 stewards who help out on Show day – these stewards are all Volunteers and have given up their time to ensure we have a successful show.

Hopefully, the weather will oblige and everyone will have a good and enjoyable day.

lSCARIFF HARBOUR FESTIVAL: Genealogist, Dr Jane Halloran-Ryan

Record entries for anti-litter poster competition

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

COUNTY HALL was transformed into a hub of creativity and environmental awareness as students from across Galway gathered for the announcement of winners in Galway County Council’s annual Anti-Litter Poster Competition.

A record 1,524 entries were submitted by students eager to highlight the importance of litter prevention and environmental responsibility.

Posters addressed a range of themes, including the value of maintaining a clean and litter-free county, the detrimental impact of litter on Galway’s scenic landscape, the importance of using public bins correctly, and the need to bring waste home to reduce pollution.

Top honours in the Primary Schools category went to Ellen Troake and Dorothy Niland of Ballindereen National School. In the Secondary Schools category, Gloria Piwinska of Coláiste Bhaile Chláir was named overall winner.

Councillor Martina Kinane (FF), the outgoing Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “The competition winners are representative of the talents of the hundreds of people who entered. The high standard made it very difficult for the judges to select the best entries as each entrant created their very own personal work of art which also reflected their attitude towards littering”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “The Poster Competition is part of our ongoing Anti-Litter programme to encourage everybody to be part of the drive to make our County Litter Free as it is everyone’s responsibility to keep Galway clean in our everyday activities. Galway County Council recognises the important role our schools play in delivering environmental awareness messages, and I want to thank everyone who takes part in our many environmental and litter awareness initiatives. Litter across our County is a scourge and can be avoided by people taking personal re-

lANTI-LITTER

sponsibility”.

Kieran Coyne, Acting Director of Services for Rural & Community Development, Integration and Environment, stated, “The competition provided the entrants with a great opportunity to develop their learning experiences by showing their creativity through language and art and increasing their awareness and responsibility for the environment”.

“Galway County Council is delighted with the response to the Anti-Litter Poster Competition. We plan to run the competition again in 2026 and to continue with our efforts to make Galway Litter Free,” added Mr. Coyne.

The full list of winners Anti-Litter Poster Competition winners is as follows:

NATIONAL SCHOOLS

l Junior Infants: (1st) Gearóid Conroy, Ballyconneely NS; (2nd) Annie Ní Dhálaigh, SN Inis Meáin; (3rd) Dualtagh Mac Sweeney, Kiltiernan NS; (Highly Commended - HC) Fiadh Moran, Carnaun NS, Athenry. l Senior Infants: (1st)

by: Ray Ryan

Meghan Lyons, Cahergal NS; (2nd) Evan O’Flynn, Craughwell NS; (3rd) Daithí Finnerty, Kiltormer NS; (HC) Donagh Keighery, St. Feichins NS, Abbey, Loughrea. l 1st Class: (1st) Rían Ó Gríofa and Páidí Ó Máille, SN Tír an Fhia; (2nd) Keelagh Hyland, St Brendan’s NS Portumna; (3rd) Muireann Waldron, Ballinlass NS, Dunmore (HC) Cillian Mayock, Newtown NS, Abbeyknockmoy. l 2nd Class: (1st) Emily Ní Chonfhaola, Scoil Éinne, An Spidéal; (2nd) Libby Walsh O’Toole, Glinsk NS; (3rd) Lauren Trautt, Scoil Íosa Oranmore; (HC) Shauna Cahill, Kilglass NS, Ahascragh.

l 3rd Class: (1st) Honor Duggan, Scoil Éinne, An Spidéal; (2nd) Holly Joyce, Scoil Chuimín & Caitríona, Oughterard; (3rd) Eloise Dugon, Carnmore NS; (HC) Axel Higgins, Brierhill NS.

l 4th Class: (1st) Iarla Keane, Ballyglass NS, Ardrahan; (2nd) Caitlin Mulkerrins, St Thomas’ NS, Peterswell; (3rd) Greta Barrett, Gaelscoil Riabhach, Baile Locha Riach; (HC) Natalia Zimorska,

Clonberne NS.

l 5th Class: (1st) Abbie Furey, Annagh Hill NS; (2nd) Clóda Bell, Scoil Sailearna, Indreabhán; (3rd) Robyn Coady-Feeney, Maree NS; (HC) Lucy Giblin, Scoil Sheamais Naofa, Bearna.

l 6th Class: (1st) Sanuli Omaya Galmangoda Guruge, Kilcooley NS; (2nd) Keeva McLoughlin, Claddaghduff NS; (3rd) Kaori Sulpice Inaba, Collinamuck NS; (HC) Isabella McDonagh, Monivea NS.

l Overall winner of ‘Primary Schools’ category: Ellen Troake and Dorothy Niland of Ballindereen NS.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

l 1st Year: (1st) Ava Wall, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir; (2nd) Dáire Hawkins, Seamount College, Kinvara; (3rd) Anvi Yadav, St Brigid’s College, Loughrea; (HC) Kealan Francis, St Brigid’s College, Loughrea.

l 2nd Year: (1st) Tess Kavanagh, Clifden Community School; (2nd) Asmaa Al Jomaa, Ard Mhuire Ballinasloe; (3rd) Abbie O’Driscoll, Seamount College, Kinvara; (HC) David Balcerzak, St Killian’s College, New Inn.

l 3rd Year: (1st) Eileen Heanue, Clifden Community School; (2nd) Niamh Walsh, Clifden Community School.

l 4th Year/TY: (1st) Eva Nic Giolla Mháirtín, Coláiste an Eachréidh, Baile Átha an Rí; (2nd) Áine Goodwin, Coláiste an Eachréidh, Baile Átha an Rí; (3rd) Martin Woods, Coláiste Ghobnait, Inis Oírr; (HC) Grace Tyrell, Coláiste Ghobnait, Inis Oírr.

l Overall winner of ‘Secondary Schools’ category: Gloria Piwinska, Coláiste Bhaile Chláir

SPECIAL AWARDSTHEME WINNERS

l Roadside Litter Winner: Iarla Keane, Ballyglass NS.

l Beach Litter Winner: Clóda Bell, Scoil Sailearna, Indreabhán

l Stop Littering Now Winner: Abbie O’Donnell, Seamount College, Kinvara.

l Keep Galway Litter Free Winner: Tess Kavanagh, Clifden Community School.

l Anti-Dog Fouling Winner: Martin Woods, Coláiste Ghobnait, Inis Oírr.

Gort & South Galway

Kinvara musicians join Dublin Harpist Claire Roche for an evening of music and song at Thoor Ballylee

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

KINVARA-based duo Eileen Fleming and Frank Hall will join Dublin Harpist Claire Roche for ‘An Evening of Music and Song” at Thoor Ballylee on Saturday July 19. Claire will present a collection of favourite Irish songs, her setting of some of W.B Yeats poems sung her her accompaniment and some of her original songs celebrating themes of love and nature

Eileen and Frank play and sing music from Ireland, Appalachia, and Mexico, on harp, fiddle, banjo & guitar. Their repertoire ranges from mountainy tunes and country songs to traditional Irish harp pieces

and Latin dances.

The concert is hosted by Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society, a dedicated group of individuals who work to maintain and protect this iconic site and its rich literary history. The Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society is a non-profit organization that oversees the conservation, management, and cultural programming of the tower and surrounding property.

The Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society aims to energize local and international supporters who care about literature and heritage, to foster a collaborative approach among the culture, tourism, business and academic communities, in order to deliver a world class cultural centre.

Clifden becomes 2nd Galway library to roll out ‘My Open Library’ initiative

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLIFDEN Library has become the second branch library in County Galway to roll out the My Open Library (MOL) initiative, dramatically increasing public access to services with extended self-service hours.

Ballinasloe Library has had the service in operation since 2020. It allows registered users to access the library from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week, 365 days a year, even outside of regular staffed times. As a result, weekly access hours have almost tripled, rising from 34.5 to 98. Located in the centre of Clifden, the library now offers a wide range of self-service functions during unstaffed hours, including borrowing and returning books, using computers and Wi-Fi, printing and scanning documents, and accessing study space.

The MOL programme is part of a national strategy to modernise public libraries, promote digital inclusion, and foster community engagement. It is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of the Gaeltacht, in partnership with local authorities.

At the launch event, attended by local representatives, library staff, and community members, Cllr. Martina Kinane (FF), outgoing Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, remarked, “The opening of My Open Library in Clifden marks a major milestone in our commitment to providing inclusive, accessible, and modern library services. It empowers our community with greater flexibility and fosters a culture of learning and connection”.

Eileen Ruane, Director of Services at Galway County Council, added, “This project reflects our dedication to innovation and community development. We are proud to bring this service to Clifden and look forward to seeing it thrive”.

POSTER: Councillor Martina Kinane, the Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Dorothy Niland and Ellen Troake, Ballindereen NS, overall winners in the National Schools anti-Litter competition. Back L-R Brendan de Courcy MacDonnell, Ballindereen NS and Mark Molloy, Assistant Environmental Awareness Officer, Galway County Council.

Photo

What if I am exactly where I am meant to be?

AT THE clinic, people present using the words “I am stuck” or say “I am not where I am meant to be”.

In life we often feel so overwhelmed that the small tasks become impossible or like we are always moving and getting nowhere, a sense of stagnation or a feeling of being emotionally suffocated. It is hard to escape. Being trapped in a situation can make us question our identity or worth. How did I get here and how can I get out of this situation?

When we face challenges in life we tend to spend time wondering how to get out of it or trying to figure out how everything will work out. We find ourselves in a situation that we had not planned or not envisioned in our lives.

“There is always another way” It is perhaps that we can look at a situation in another way. Is

life teaching me a lesson? Is there something that I need to learn like patience, self-love or to learn to love? Is there something in life that I need to let go of or something that I need to take on? Is there a better version of me that I must become?

Change is never easy- but it is life changing. Change can lead to strength and deeper compassion. During the process of change we can look at our life priorities, make new paths in life, build new skills and help build a new growth mindset.

Perhaps, there is another way to evolve and there is another way. What if we could believe that we are exactly where we are meant to be in life. That everything that is working out. We can look back on life and see that things that happened in life lead to other opportunities like losing a job to starting a business. Life is not without hard times

Thought for the week: In memory of Br. Kevin Crowley

Spreading

THIS week, the streets of Dublin and Ireland feel a little colder. A little quieter. A little more hollow.

We have lost a giant, not one who towered in power or prestige, but one who knelt so low that the poorest of the poor could see the face of God in him.

Brother Kevin Crowley, Capuchin and Franciscan friar and founder of the Capuchin Day Centre, has returned to the God he served with wild tenderness and uncompromising mercy.

He died aged 90, but his life was not measured in years, it was measured in bowls of soup, in bandaged wounds, in restored dignity. It was measured in the broken hearts he welcomed, the lonely hands he held, the forgotten abused and abandoned people he refused to forget. He was, as some have said, a saint of the streets, but more than that, he was a

the word of positivity

prophet of mercy, a walking Beatitude, a Saint like Mother Teresa, a living rebuke to all the ways society fails the most vulnerable.

In a time of division and border walls, Brother Kevin built a house with no walls, no locks, and no judgment.

At the Capuchin Day Centre, affectionately known as “The House of Bread” you didn’t need credentials. You didn’t need a story. You didn’t need to explain your suffering. You just needed to be hungry, thirsty, homeless, abandoned, abused, lost. And that was enough.

No theology degree needed. No vetting process. No passport, Just the simple, radical truth: “You are a child of God.”

That’s what he told Pope Francis when they met in 2018. And it wasn’t a slogan, it was the foundation of everything he did.

Brother Kevin didn’t just serve the poorest of the poor, he honoured them. Not with patronising handouts, but with solidarity, with eye contact, with respect, with loving care. He saw in each person,

and it can be uncomfortable, but life is not happening to us, it is happening for us. What if everything falls apart so that even better things can happen. Learning to trust is a wonderful way to allow ourselves to be exactly where we are in life.

It is my passion at Clare Wellness Clinic to support clients in the navigation of life’s challenges using tools such as mindfulness and positive psychology, kinesiology, emotional self-regulation and many more.

Appointments are available Wednesday to Saturday from 9-6 and late evenings by request, “Out of this situation only good can come and I am safe”

“When we change the way, we look at things, the things we look at change”.

Buail isteach chugainn ag Páirc Oidhreachta Bhun Raite and deireadh seachtaine seo/ Step back in time and use cúpla focal at Bunratty Folk Park this weekend

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

addict, refugee, abused, abandoned, rough sleeper, broken soul, the unshakable image of Christ. This wasn’t charity. It was Eucharist.

As for the thought for the week, please pray the following prayer poem for Br. Kevin Crowley and for all our loved ones gone before us.

“Somewhere in the early morning of eternity you are running free on the Fields of Heaven. Loosed from the difficulties and bonds of earth; unchained from all that bound you here. The years together were way too brief, yet who is to measure time? Or how long is long enough. You brought Joy, Energy, Friendship, Love, Compassion, Food, Water, Care, A Meal, A Drink, Competitiveness, Brilliance, Team Play, Fun, Success, Passion and whispered Hope, To those who loved you most, your family, fraternity, friends, the homeless, the refugee, the abandoned. We love you and miss you so much but we know you are looking after us all and bringing our prayers to heaven to Our Lord.

BEIDH MÍLE fáilte romhaibh bualadh isteach ag Páirc Oihreachta Bhun Raite agus cúpla focal Gaeilge a labhairt liom fhéin agus le Muintir na Páirce.

You will be most welcome to join myself and the Folk Park team and use your Irish as you travel back to a time when the people of Clare and Ireland were predominantly Irish-speaking folk.

l BUNRATTY: Mé fhéin agus Péacóg Bhán ag Caisleán agus Páirc Oidhreachta Bhun Raite

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

lSIONNA – Siúlóid Dúlra/Nature Walk, Dé Domhnaigh, 11am, Community Room (Gaeilge le Chéile ar Facebook)

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

l LUIMNEACH – 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 de mairt i gcaifé ‘AnGáirdín’, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

“Ours is a story still in the making” - celebrating 50 years of citizens information

IN 2025, we proudly celebrate 50 years of the Citizens Information Network, a service that has consistently empowered the people of Ireland with access to clear, impartial, and vital information, advice, and advocacy.

A Vision Born from a Need

The journey began in the early 1970s when the National Social Service Council, working with local community groups, recognised a pressing need to bridge the widening gap between the public and the often-complex web of State services. Many people struggled—and continue to struggle—to understand their rights and entitlements, particularly with the growing shift toward digital platforms.

This vision took a significant step forward at the “Right to Know” conference in February 1974 in Dún Laoghaire, where Minister Frank Cluskey committed to funding a nationwide information network.

On July 8, 1975, the first 25 Citizens Information Centres were officially registered. By the end of that year, the network had expanded to 33, and by 1979, it had grown to 83 centres nationwide.

The Network Today Now, the Citizens Information Network comprises:

l8 Regional Citizens Information Service companies, serving geo-

graphical areas across the country:

qNorth Munster, South Munster, North Munster, North Dublin, Dublin South, North Connacht & Ulster, North Leinster, South Connacht and South Leinster.

lThe Citizens Information Phone Service (CIPS), based in Cork, which offers nationwide support.

With 14 physical offices in Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford, and 90 offices nationally, the network continues to offer face-toface assistance on a wide range of topics.

In 2024 alone, Citizens Information nationwide handled 767,068 queries:

qNorth Munster CIS dealt with 105,611 queries across its offices.

What People Ask About 45% of all queries are related to social welfare.

Other major areas include employment, housing, education, health, and migration.

The Human Impact

Behind every number is a story, and here are just a few comments from those who have benefited from contacting our service:

l“My wife and I were very relieved to get the info we needed to plan our retirement with regards to our pension entitlements”

l“As a migrant, I’ve used the ser-

vice since I was an asylum seeker. I was never ignored or discriminated against.”

l“Thank you for your help the letter to recover unpaid wages owed to me so I could move on and get back on my feet with a new job.”

l“I am a single mum and I have been dealing with multiple crises over a long period of time. This office has helped me step by step to slowly rebuild a life for myself and my daughter.”

Adapting to Change

Over the decades, the Citizens Information service has evolved to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society. One of the most significant challenges today is digital access.

“Some of the people we help are struggling to navigate the digital world,” said Deirdre Power, Development Manager at the Ennis Citizens Information Centre. “A lot has gone online and some people are struggling to get online even just to fill out forms.”

To meet this growing demand, the service now offers dedicated digital support. The service has also shifted its approach in response to broader changes in resources and demand. Deirdre explained that during COVID Citizens Information moved from dealing with peo-

ple in person to over the phone and that the company continues to offer a callback phone service.

The service in Co Clare has moved from a ‘drop-in’ model and to an appointment based service.

“We’ve moved from a drop-in service to an appointment-based service at the start of 2025, largely because of lack of resources from a staffing perspective. Rather than people waiting a long time in the office, we give them an appointment time. This is working quite well” said Deirdre.

A Commitment to Every Person

Deirdre has worked with the Citizens Information service since 2020. Reflecting on her team and their daily work, she shared:

“We are very much there for every person in society. We get such a wide variety of people coming through our door. And whatever their query is, we endeavour to help them as best we possibly can.

I’m very lucky with the team of people that I have in the services and care. They strive to help every person that comes through the door. And oftentimes, people come through our door in difficult circumstances. Hopefully we make it a little bit easier for them by the time they’re leaving.”

What We Do

Our services include:

lInformation on rights, entitlements, and responsibilities

lHelp understanding and completing applications for:

qSocial welfare payments

qMedical cards

qWorkplace Relations Commission (WRC) complaints

q Residential Tenancy Board (RTB) issues

lHousing support, including information on social housing and HAP

lRepresentation at Social Welfare Appeals Office, RTB, WRC, and more

Looking Forward

As we reflect on this milestone, we remember the dedicated people who built this service in across North Munster over the last 50 years and the countless individuals who have walked through our doors seeking help. Their trust drives us forward.

We remain committed to a future where every person in Ireland has access to free, confidential, impartial, and high-quality information, advice, and advocacy—no matter their circumstances.

Need assistance?

lVisit www.citizensinformation.ie

lDrop into your local Citizens Information Centre in Clare, phone 0818 07 5260

lCall the national Citizens Information Phone Service: 0818 07 4000

Government fail to put full steam behind Ballycar & Crusheen rail works

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FRUSTRATION has been voiced by a Clare TD on the lack of focus placed on progressing flood relief works at Ballycar and on reopening Crusheen railway station, both of which are situated on the Ennis to Limerick rail line.

Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) has called on the Department of Transport to move swiftly to secure funding and designate a lead agency to progress vital flood relief works on the Ennis to Limerick rail line at Ballycar, and to

map to prevent flooding of the line and manage downstream impacts. What’s urgently needed is the political will to fund and deliver it”.

An estimate from 2020 detailed that the preferred solution would cost €16.7m including VAT but CEO of Iarnród Éireann Jim Meade admitted this figure is now closer to

accelerate progress on the proposed reopening of Crusheen railway station.

A long-awaited report compiled by RPS Consulting was undertaken for Iarnród Éireann and stakeholder representatives from Clare County Council, the Office of Public Works (OPW), the Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) and the National Parks & Wildlife Services (NPWS). This study recommends a new preferred option of a technically viable drainage scheme that would (prevent flooding of the railway occurring whilst also including any flood mitigation measures downstream that would be necessary either directly or indirectly with this option.

Deputy Cooney stated, “This report finally sets out a technically feasible solution to a problem that has plagued passengers and rail services for years. We now have a clear road-

Crusheen railway station was also a source of frustration for the O’Callaghans Mills native. Clare County Council has submitted a funding application under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) to support a broader community-led project in Crusheen that

includes preliminary work to advance the station’s reopening.

“Iarnród Éireann has already backed the council’s application, but unless the RRDF application is approved, this project won’t move past the starting line,” Cooney said. “There is strong community support for restoring rail services to Crusheen, and we should be doing everything possible to make that happen.”

A decision on the RRDF application is expected by September 2025. If successful, it will enable a prefeasibility study on local transport needs, including the potential reopening of the station. “I will continue to raise this at every level to ensure that Crusheen and Ballycar are not left behind. Investment in rural rail must match the ambition of our communities,” Cooney concluded.

€25m. He said the project would take two to three years to deliver once signed off on.

According to Deputy Cooney for the project to proceed, a government department must identify a funding source and appoint a responsible agency, as the proposed works fall outside railway property. “This project is shovel-ready, and it simply needs the green light. Each winter brings renewed risk of disruption. I’m calling on the Department of Transport to prioritise this scheme before further delays impact rail services and passengers in Clare. He added that the works should be viewed in the broader context of the Western Rail Corridor, “Securing reliable access into Limerick, and potentially to Shannon Airport, is critical to the long-term viability of the entire project”. Lack of progress on reopening the

lTransport: Irish railroads [second image: TD Joe Cooney (FG)]

Photo by: John Mangan

Irish Seed Savers give €115,000 to local economy

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN INJECTION of €115,000 to the local economy was given by the Irish Seed Savers Association in 2024.

Scariff based Irish Seed Savers welcomed Junior Minister for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer (FG) to their heritage orchard and seed gardens on Thursday last.

Chair of the Board Dermot Grogan and Executive Director Elaine Bradley were among the first to welcome the Junior Minister for what was his first visit to Scariff and the Seed Savers since his appointment at the end of January.

Rural development, sustainable jobs, social enterprise, just transitions, climate change, biodiversity loss and its impact on food systems were among the items discussed with Buttimer.

Last year, the Irish Seed Savers spent €115,000 directly in the local economy through trade with local businesses, with a further €540,000 of indirect spending through wages. In a small rural economy where it is estimated that each euro turns over approximately 1.8 times, ISSAs financial input effectively

doubles its initial contribution, fostering robust economic activity.

Executive Director Elaine Bradley explained, “ISSA is small local organisation operating nationally and internationally with a big mandate and impact. We are tasked with the conservation of

Ireland’s food crop heritage. Our work is written into the National Biodiversity Action Plan and contributes towards Ireland’s fulfilment of the UN International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture”.

She said that despite the national and

international dimension to its work, the Seed Savers remains rooted in rural Clare. “We are proud of our association with Scariff and East Clare where we act as vital economic and social anchor, adding to the wealth and vitality of the local community in a symbiotic relationship’ says Bradley. ‘We are the largest local employer in an area historically beset with unemployment, immigration and rural depopulation. As a social enterprise our focus is on the creation of sustainable jobs with career progression opportunities”.

Through the Seed Savers’ work with conservation, organics and farming for nature, it models the possibilities of sustainable food systems that are economically viable. “We are situated in the heart of a farming community and have nothing but respect for those doing their best to eke out a living, often on poor land with inhospitable conditions,” Elaine said.

Speaking in Scariff, the Junior Minister stated that he was able “to see firsthand the work and dedication of staff and volunteers that has enabled this inspiring project to grow. As a social enterprise they work to improve the lives of people, their core objectives achieve

social, societal and environmental impacts.

“I commend Irish Seed Savers for the crucial work they do in conserving and protecting Ireland’s food crop heritage for future generations, and for the role they have in educating in areas such as agro-ecology, biodiversity and regenerative farming techniques. Preserving heritage plants is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, food security, and cultural heritage. The seeds and heritage fruit trees securely contained here represent a link to the past, connecting us to our ancestors and their agricultural practices”.

He was joined by Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG), Cllr Pat Burke (FG), Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) and Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) in East Clare before attending a meeting with representatives from TFI Local Link Limerick Clare on bus stop infrastructure, responsive services and the continued Connecting Ireland roll out, Mayor of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) and Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) were also present for this engagement.

Green Clare

lEnviroment: Seed Savers Gardens

Arts & Culture

Visual artist captures Clare coastline in new exhibit

by LISA MULLALY lisa@clareecho.ie

VISUAL artist and designer Ailish Malone embraces her identity as a self-proclaimed “coastal wanderer” in her new exhibition, which celebrates the unique beauty of County Clare’s shoreline.

e exhibition entitled ‘Flowing….a legacy from stitch to shoreline’, will be hosted by Cultúrlann Sweeney Library Gallery, Kilkee in conjunction from July 7 to August 2, inclusive.

Created with layered acrylics, inks, glazes, and found objects on both stretched canvas and silk panels this collection combines realism and abstractism to depict landscape scenes from County Clare and the emotions they evoke in the artist.

Background

Art and design have always played an important role in Ailish Malone’s life. Her love for creativity rst emerged during her school years, where art and home economics were her favourite subjects, both o ering a way to express herself freely. While she initially chose a more traditional academic path and didn’t pursue formal art education, her creative spirit remained active through personal projects

over the years.

Later in life, while navigating the challenges of motherhood, separation, and personal loss, art became a vital outlet. It helped Ailish stay grounded during turbulent times and encouraged her to explore more intuitive and expressive forms of creativity. ese emotional periods deeply in uenced her artistic direction, leading her toward abstract art and the development of her own unique style.

“When I went back to art a er the long break, I wanted to do all

abstract,” she said. “I didn’t want to be con ned to painting a scene exactly as it is. I think because of what I’ve been through in my life, I didn’t want to follow rules… I just wanted to express myself without any limitations. And that’s what I did.”

A er turning 50, Ailish felt ready to fully embrace her creativity. With the support of her husband and daughters, she made the bold decision decision to take a career break from her job as a primary school special needs assistant and become a full-time visual artist and

Christopher Quinn unveils second solo exhibition ‘Ethereal’ at Clare Museum

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

FOLLOWING the success of his debut show ‘Colours in the Landscape’, Ennis native Christopher Quinn is back with his second solo exhibition, Ethereal, now on display at Clare Museum.

Hosted in conjunction with Clare Arts O ce, the exhibition opened on June 23 and will run until July 19.

is marks a ten-year journey into landscape photography for Christopher a er rst falling in love with the medium while living in the Canadian Rockies.

“I was always looking for the best way to capture the true essence of what I was seeing and feeling. I bought my rst camera back in spring 2015 while living abroad, little did I know then I would be hosting my second exhibition ten years later in my hometown,” he says.

Using hours of tutorials and testimonials, he was constantly learning and

trying to master di erent aspects of his cra . In this exhibition Christopher is experimenting with a new photography technique; Intentional Camera Movement. is technique involves using a slow shutter speed and moving the camera in various ways to produce unique, blurred, and streaked e ects.

‘Ethereal’ is something that resonates deeply with his approach to photography, calmness, serenity and less obtrusion.

“I think it really suits the type of photography that I do and that I enjoy looking at…I like kind of moody images, I like kind of imperialist work” e exhibition which opened on June 23 has already received positive responses from the public.

“People seem to really enjoy the images. And anyone I’ve met, I’ve been in and out occasionally with nothing but complimentary things to say. I have a visitors book on display, and people have been leaving some fantastic messages. It’s really inspiring.”

designer.

Since taking that leap, Ailish has hosted solo exhibitions, collaborated with other creatives, and experimented with a wide range of media. “I have manifested the most wonderful experiences into my life through my art practice,” she said.

In addition to painting, Ailish also designs textiles. Her 100% silk clothing collection created in her West Clare studio, features dresses, ka ans, skirts, and scarves, all printed with her original artwork. She is also an active member of the Design Bank in Miltown Malbay, an initiative founded by Aoife O’Maley to support and showcase local creatives in County Clare.

Exhibition Theme

Speaking about her upcoming exhibition and the inspiration behind her work Ailish explained that all of her art tells her story and this exhibition is a continuation of that story. is collection of work delves into her childhood and explores the legacy of her parents. Her art has been shaped by her father’s work as a sherman and her mother’s love of sewing and knitting expressed through colour and vibrant textiles.

“My art has evolved into this practice where I am using my love of the landscape inherited from my father and the love of colour and sewing from my mother, to create

my own art and designs.”

Ailish also shows the continued development of her artistic style by combining both abstractism and realism within the one exhibition. She balances working across both methods by using them to depict a speci c scene with two di erent outcomes. She uses realism to paint a landscape as she sees it, hoping to make it recognisable to the viewer. She then paints the same scene on a separate canvas in an abstract way to display the emotion she felt while looking at the landscape.

Love your landscape and see it

Ailish’s art is heavily inspired by the River Shannon, the Atlantic coastline and the strength and resilience she draws from these uid landscapes. She hopes that her work inspires viewers to appreciate the landscape around them and to celebrate the beauty of Clare’s coastline.

“I want to be able to inspire people to enjoy the landscape as much as possible. Where we live here in County Clare, I just think we are so blessed to live where we do. We have so much beauty on our doorstep.

It’s incredible, it really is incredible… Our landscape is unmatched to me.”

Mundy set to play South Galway Bay Music Festival

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

THE annual South Galway Bay Music festival will be back in Ballindereen this weekend with a full line-up of well known Irish musicians.

This Friday, the festival welcomes one of Ireland’s most beloved singer-songwriters, Mundy.

Ahead of his South Galway Bay Music Festival performance, The Clare Echo caught up with Mundy to talk about his musical journey and what’s next for the artist.

How do you prepare for a performance?

The best way I can prepare for a festival is I have a good set list that I think is going to work. You have to play the songs in the right order and make sure that the audience are going to leave on a high, you know. So, I try and keep it upbeat, throw in

a few cover versions that might work on the day.

What keeps you interested in playing music?

There’s nothing better than crowds singing your own songs back at you. There’s a magical energy that can happen between the crowd and the performers. And that’s kind of something that’s very addictive. There’s no better feeling than a crowd singing your songs back to you.

You are currently working on a new album, where do you find your inspiration for new music?

Well, there’s always ideas out there. If you keep your ears open, you’ll catch a one-liner somewhere. And you just have to keep yourself inspired and put it into good music. I don’t read as much as I should, but I’m a good listener and I’m always writing things down. If I hear phrases that are witty, I think; ‘right I have to write that down’. And that

phrase could end up in a song. What do you think of the new Irish musicians coming onto the scene?

Yeah, I think they’re really great new music. I just saw Amble, I saw them supporting Halsey, actually, in Boston. They were incredible. There’s lots of great stuff. You know, CMAT, I love her.

Irish folk music is a massive thing now, it seems to be going back to the roots. It seems to be digging from a richer source. Are there any of your songs that you particularly enjoy playing?

There’s a song that’s on my first album called ‘To You I Bestow’, which was for Romeo and Juliet soundtracks back in the day. I’ve kind of found a new way to play that song, and from what I gather from people I know who’ve heard me sing it, they’re like, ‘Jesus, you should re-record that version’.

CLARE COASTLINE: Ailish Malone

Clare politicians meet with young people to discuss priorities for Budget 2026

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

YOUNG people from across Ireland met with Clare politicians last week to present their priorities for Budget 2026 at the launch of SpunOut’s pre-budget submission, held at Buswells Hotel in Dublin.

SpunOut, Ireland’s national youth information and support platform, developed the submission in collaboration with its Youth Action Panel, a group of over 200 young people representing diverse backgrounds from around the country.

e submission re ects the lived experiences of young people in Ireland and highlights key issues such as mental health, youth work, the lack of third spaces, housing, climate action, transport, apprenticeships, and healthy relationships.

At the launch event, members of the Youth Action Panel met with Clare politicians, including Donna McGettigan (SF) TD, to discuss the outlined priorities.

Key proposals in the submission include:

€100 million for community-based and statutory youth mental health services

€70 million to train additional mental health professionals, including psychologists and nurses

€60 million for the development of six Youth Hubs across the country



€21.3 million to support youth work services

€135,000 annually over three years to pilot a programme focused on healthy relationships and gender norms

A new Action Plan for Apprenticeship 2026–2030



€4.1 billion investment in a ordable and cost-rental housing targeted at young people

€786 million to provide free public transport for all young adults

Youth Action Panel member Isobel Solan said the mental health funding proposal was a top priority:

“Young people across Ireland are facing a mental health crisis that demands urgent, compassionate action. Investing €100 million in youth mental health services is a lifeline bringing care into communities and creating spaces where young people can feel seen, supported, and heard.”

Another panel

member, Kacper Bogalecki, highlighted housing as a major concern:

“For a lot of young people, moving out of home is currently an una ordable dream.

We’re calling for a €4.1 billion investment in a ordable and cost-rental housing targeted speci cally at young people. is investment would grant young people throughout the country the opportunity to move out and gain the independence we desperately need.”

SpunOut Acting CEO Maria Towey said the organisation was pleased to launch the submission and support young people in engaging directly with policymakers:

“At SpunOut, we believe every young person in Ireland should be able to access the support they need,

whether that’s mental health care, a ordable housing, reliable transport, or inclusive spaces to connect. We also believe that young people are experts in their own experiences, and any attempt to create e ective, meaningful public policy must begin with listening to them.”

Towey noted that Budget 2026 represents an opportunity for the Government to demonstrate its commitment to young people, with clear action to match previous commitments made in the Programme for Government.

e event saw participation from young people travelling from counties including Kerry and Donegal, who met with elected representatives to advocate for these proposals.

Over 1,100 acres of forestry in Clare & Galway on the market for more than €5m

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

MORE than 1100 acres of forestry across Clare and Galway have gone up for sale for €5 million.

e sale is expected to draw huge interest from investors across the country.

e Project West Forestry covers nine sites across Clare and East Galway. Lisney Estate Agents are o ering the land for sale by private treaty with the price expected to rise above its €5 million asking price.

e largest parcel up for grabs is 88.9ha of land in Donoogan, close to Limerick City. A 44ha site is listed in Ballykelly, close to Broadford which is already extensively planted.

Another 44ha site is available in Lough Burke along with a 16ha in Lisdoonvarna. In Glenagross, buyers can avail of 40ha of forestry in the Cratloe hills. In the extreme east of the county, 37ha are available in Ballyknavin, close to the Limerick and Tipperary borders.

Clare’s median property prices increase by €20k over 12 months

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

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)

Closing date: 12 Noon Wednesday 5th September 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.

Lisney state that 90% of the land is covered by forestry with the remaining section being made up of open bog, lakeshore, roads and unplanted lands. In the sales description, Lisney outline “Sitka spruce is the dominant tree species, accounting for 75% of the forest cover. Ash makes up 9%, while the rest includes a mix of mostly hardwood species such as oak, alder, and sycamore”.

Ireland’s approach to forestry has drawn controversy in the past with many environmentalists criticising the lack of native species being planted in Ireland and the low ecological value of the sites.

Seven properties are located in Clare with the remaining two found in East Galway. e ash trees located on the lands are supported as part of the Reconstitution Scheme which deals with the ash dieback disease currently causing havoc with Irish ash trees across the country.

Approximately 18% of the Clare is covered by forestry according to research from Teagasc in 2023, clocking in at over 57,000 hectares. Ireland remains one of the lowest forested countries in Europe with only 11.6% of the country’s land area being made up of forestry. is is in sharp contrast to the vast majority of other EU countries with many boasting coverage of over 30% (EU 2020).

PROP-

ERTY prices in Clare have increased by €20,000 over the last twelve months. €295,000 is the average asking price for a property in Co Clare which represents an increase of €20,000 within a year. Prices for three-bed and four-bed semi-detached homes fell for the second quarter of this year but remain higher than the same timeframe in 2024.

In the latest MyHome Property Price Report which analyses the second quarter of 2025, there were 288 properties for sale in Co Clare which is a difference of plus 18 percent when compared with the same time in 2024.

Asking prices for a three-bed semi-detached house in the county fell by €7,500 over the quarter to €275,000. This means that prices in the segment have risen by €26,000 compared to this time last year, the report which was completed in association with Bank of Ireland outlined. Meanwhile, the asking price for a fourbed semi-detached house in Clare fell by €5,000 over the quarter to €295,000. This price is up by €20,500 compared to this time last year.

The average time for a property to go sale agreed in the county after being placed up for sale now stands at just over three months.

Author of the report, Conall MacCoille who is Chief Economist at Bank of Ireland noted the competition for housing remains “fierce”. He explained, “Uncertainty following President Trump’s announcement of ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs hasn’t been sufficient to dent Ireland’s housing market. The average mortgage approval in May was up 6.7% on the year, while the typical residential transaction is being settled 7.5% above the original asking price. Meanwhile, one in six properties is sold by 20% or more over asking price, indicating that competition for homes remains fierce”.

Conall added, “Another factor at play is loosening of the Central Bank mortgage lending rules. The average first-time-buyer borrowed 3.4 times’ their income in 2024, up from a 3.2x multiple in 2022. This change has pushed up house prices by €15,000 to €20,000. That said, the process of rising leverage may be coming to an end. The proportion of first-time buyers taking out a mortgage with a 3.5-4x loanto-income (LTI) multiple is now steady, at just under 50%. If so, Irish house price inflation is more likely to return to mid-single digit territory”.

Some improvements in home completions is likely in 2025, he said but flagged that attention needs to focus on “difficult problems surrounding build costs and the viability of apartment development in Ireland over the medium-term”. He said that newly introduced rent controls would likely serve to eliminate the two-tier rental market, as RTB figures from end-2024 show new tenants were paying on average €240 per month in rent more than those in existing tenancies.

Joanne Geary, Managing Director of MyHome, said, “The volatile geo-political climate in which we are living is particularly unhelpful for the economy. It is promising that, to date, the threat of US-EU tariffs does not appear to have had a major negative effect on the market, but it remains to be seen what the coming months will bring. As ever, we need to focus on what we can actually control, which means continuing efforts to significantly increase our national stock of properties, and urban apartments in particular”.

BUDGET 2026: TD Donna McGettigan (SF)

Quinn Property Management are delighted to bring to the rental market a spacious and fully furnished two-bedroom apartment located in the heart of Ennis Town Centre, within walking distance of all local amenities.

The apartment comprises two double bedrooms, a main bathroom, and an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area. Heating is provided by electric storage heaters. This bright and well-maintained property offers generous accommodation throughout and is ideally positioned with easy access to the M17 and M18 motorways, providing excellent connectivity to Limerick, Shannon, and Galway.

This is a superb central location offering both convenience and comfort. Viewing is highly recommended.

We are requesting expressions of interest by email only. To register your interest in this property, please fill in your details in the Contact Seller box on the right of this ad in order to receive an application form.

Quinn Property Management

Tel: (065) 6824343

PSL 001044

SET on a riverside landscaped side of approximately 0.5 acres, just a short distance to Ennis Town Centre (via fully lit footpath) this exquisite 6 bedroom detached family home is a must view to truly appreciate its outstanding layout, quality finishes, split level design and an abundance of features that are expressed throughout.

The main entrance hallway with its feature stairs to first floor landing, gives access to the formal dining, main reception, kitchen dining, ground floor bedroom and wc with further connection to the basement from this level via connecting hallway.

The formal dining finished in ceramic tile flooring connects to the open plan fitted kitchen with modern wall and base units with further connectivity to the utility and further connecting doors from the dining space to the raised balcony, the formal main reception with further connectivity to the balcony, en-suite bedroom fully tiled ceiling to floor round off the ground floor accommodation.

DNG O’Sullivan Hurley

Tel: (065) 684 0200

PSL 002295

DNG O’ Sullivan Hurley are delighted to welcome for sale this truly magnificent, detached home set on a large 1.98acre site meticulously finished to the highest standards throughout. Situated within minutes’ drive from Connolly, Inagh or Kilmaley villages for access to all local shops, services and amenities along with being approximately a 15 minute drive from Ennis town centre and access to the M18 motorway, Ennistymon access to Lahinch along the west coast or indeed to Spanish Point and Milltown Malbay.

This is an ideal home to enjoy the benefits of countryside living in the highest quality surroundings yet being within easy access to main services and the Wild Atlantic Way. The property constructed in 2012 is complete to the highest standard which is evident throughout not least from the electric gated entrance with winding tarmac driveway with limestone bordered boundary walls throughout complete with limestone cill capping.

DNG O’Sullivan Hurley

Tel: (065) 684 0200

PSL 002295

Cloontabonniff, Kilmaley, Ennis, Co. Clare

Gort Road, Ballycorey, Ennis, Co. Clare

Mill House, Ennis, Co. Clare

57 BROOKVILLE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

ARDRUSH, ENNISTYMON, CO. CLARE

BALLYMALEY, BAREFIELD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE 1

LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

LOHAN'S TERM EXTENDED BY THREE YEARS

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

BRIAN LOHAN has been given a new three-year term as Clare senior hurling manager with delegates unanimously endorsing the extension of his tenure stating “we have had fantastic days under his leadership”.

Club delegates unanimously ratified the extension to Lohan’s tenure at the July meeting of the County Board held at Clare GAA headquarters in Clareabbey on Tuesday.

Chairman of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating proposed the ratification of the 2024 All-Ireland winning manager, this was seconded by Central Council delegate Robert Frost of O’Callaghans Mills. It will see the two-time All-Ireland

winner who was appointed in October 2019 continue at the helm up to 2028.

“We have been talking to Brian Lohan over the past few weeks and he has indicated that he is interested in staying on. I hope that I can speak for everyone here in saying that we are delighted he will. Looking at a new group coming through in the next few years and hopefully the senior players who have been there since 2013 will continue for at least a year or two more. Brian has indicated that he has the appetite”, Keating told the meeting before proposing a three year term.

"He will put together his management team and will report to us in terms of the year gone and who he will be bringing in

and hopefully he will have that at the next meeting."

Lohan’s outgoing management included Ken Ralph and Tommy Corbett as selectors along with coaches Brendan Bugler and Rory Gantley. Their future is unclear but both Ralph and Corbett were spectators in Dr Daly Park for the willwego.com Clare Cup final between Clonlara and Inagh/Kilnamona on Sunday.

Sixmilebridge delegate P.J. Fitzpatrick expressed delight to hear that Brian is staying on for three years. "We have had fantastic days under his leadership”

“Hard luck to the minors in last week’s All-Ireland final. Things didn’t go for them on the day.

I’m sure we will see them on the county under 20 and senior

teams in the future. Ger is interested in staying on”, Fitzpatrick said.

On the proposition of Kieran Macnamara of Killanena and seconded by Flan Mullane from Clonlara, Ger O’Connell was re-appointed as minor manager for 2026.

The chairman went on to tell the delegates that “Terence Fahy is interested in staying in the role again and from our point of view, he has done a very good job over the last few years with each of the groups that have come in to him.”

Bodyke’s Sean O’Halloran proposed the re-appointment of the Whitegate clubman which was seconded by board treasurer Brian Fitzpatrick and unanimously accepted by the meeting.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

 Michael Collins takes on Conor Rynne in the Clare Cup final Photo by Gerard O'Neill

 Ballyea's Gearoid O’Connell attempts to block Éire Óg's David McNamara Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Keane undecided on whether he has 'appetite' to continue as Clare's football manager

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

CLARE senior football

manager Peter Keane is to take time before considering if he will commit to the county for a second season.

Ex Kerry boss Keane was appointed in November and has informed senior o cials in Clare GAA that he needs further time to determine if he wishes to continue in the role.

Chairman of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating told the July meeting of the County Board that the Cahirsiveen native has the backing of the County Executive but Keane needs to see if he has the appetite for the post. Keane’s decision to hang

tough on committing to the Clare cause coincides with a vote to take place later this month by Munster GAA Chiefs to determine if the provincial championship is based on league status rather than the current structure which seeds the nalists from the previous year.

Speaking at the July meeting of the County Board, Chairman Keating told delegates meetings have been held with senior football manager Keane and U20 boss Maurice Walsh.

“We have had meetings with the senior and under 20 managements but haven’t nalised anything yet. Senior manager Peter

Keane hasn’t 100% committed yet. I think he will take on the role again next year and we will be pleased to re-appoint him. It will be subject to rati cation here,” Keating stated.

He continued, “Peter has to make sure he has the appetite for the job. He has a two hour plus journey each way to training a few times a week. It’s a tough ask and he wants to make sure his family is okay with it.

"He needs a week or ten days before everything is lined up. We hope to have everything nailed down regarding football managements over the next ten days and have everything ready for the next meeting in August.

"We want to get our senior management nailed down and then see who is available for the under 20”, he said.

No meeting has taken place with the Chairman and current minor football manager, Joe Hayes. “I didn’t get to meet Joe Hayes yet, I will be meeting him in the next few weeks and hopefully we will have his re-appointment at the next meeting,” he con rmed.

Keating told the meeting that he would have reports from outgoing team managers at the August sitting which he hinted could be a virtual meeting.

Clare LGFA in disarray as board meeting ends abruptly

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

THE July board meeting of the Clare Ladies football board at Hotel Woodstock on Tuesday night came to a sudden stop as matters were about to get underway.

A number of o cers including Chairperson eresa Roseingrave and stand in secretary Caroline McMahon le delegates without an explanation when departing the meeting room.

Kilmihil’s Monica Callinan had stood down as secretary of Clare LGFA in recent weeks.

It is understood that an e-mail had been sent to the executive in recent days on behalf of the Clare intermediate panel of players listing a number of areas they weren’t happy with this season. ese included the lack of an S&C coach, and issues with regard to meals for a er training and matches. It is believed that the email was signed on behalf of the players by team captain Caoimhe Harvey.

It is believed that in recent days a questionnaire was sent to members of the intermediate panel regarding the season gone but it seems that only players who hailed from senior clubs received the form.

A number of the players who were part of the panel were present at

Tuesday’s meeting which was also attended by a number of media representatives.

Players and delegates were reluctant to comment on happenings.

e o cers who had departed the meeting are understood to have held a meeting in another location in the hotel but they

did not return to where the delegate meeting was to take place. Amongst the items to be rati ed at the meeting was the board’s adult xture schedule for the season which is pencilled in to begin on August 10th.

 Kerryman Peter Keane is considering his future

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

 St Joseph’s Miltown captain Darragh McDonagh receives the O’Gorman Cup from Michael Neenan

 Clare LGFA Chairperson Theresa Roseingrave

Photo by James Downes

'MIXED EMOTIONS' IN 10-POINT CAMOGIE DEFEAT TO WATERFORD

MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP RD5

LIMERICK 0-24 CLARE 3-20

Venue: TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

LOSING by ten points to Waterford in the Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie quarter-final was a margin that didn’t do Clare justice, manager John Carmody maintained.

Despite producing their strongest showing of the year on the famed Croke Park turf, Clare exited the championship when they came out the wrong end of the 2-20 2-10 scoreline on Saturday.

For manager John Carmody the ten point gap was not an accurate reflection of the game with Clare leading on three different occasions in the first third of the quarter-final.

“I suppose it’s really mixed emotions right now. First and foremost I’m really proud of the girls as It was a fantastic battling display and we got some quality scores but I just think that a ten point margin doesn’t do us justice in the end.

“We were right there midway through the second half and I thought that Waterford got a couple of vital decisions around that time. Particularly Áine O’Loughlin, she got whipped down and still got the pass away to Andrea [O’Keef-

fe] who got hooked but we felt that Áine was fouled for a penalty. That would have put us a point ahead at the time and I just thought that around that same period, they got one or two soft frees that pushed the lead out to five or six and suddenly the game was gone from us,” he lamented.

Returning to the quarter-finals has to be the target for Clare camogie, he stressed.

“Regardless, I’m really proud of the girls. It was a fantastic display with huge work-rate and it’s still a very, very young team so the next step now is to get back to this stage again and try and close that gap even further and maybe even eliminate it”.

Annie Fitzgerald goaled just before half-time to make it 1-11 2-5 in favour of Waterford at the interval. “I was a big score for Waterford and really showed their experience. In fairness, it was a well worked goal and they took it well and it was a key score in the game as without it we would have gone in level at half-time,” Carmody outlined.

He continued, “We were still pleased at half-time as we felt that we’d every opportuni-

ty in the second half and I felt that we proved that point as entering into the final quarter, we were still there in the game and perhaps it was just that added bit of experience on the Waterford side that carried them through in the end. Niamh Rockett stormed into the game at that stage and Lorraine Bray from the mid dle of the field drove forward and got two brilliant scores. Look hat’s off to Waterford, they’re further down the line than us, they are real contenders for the All-Ireland and best wishes to them in the semi-final”.

Strength and conditioning has been identified as an area where Clare need to improve, “That takes years. I mean you look at the fantastic Cork team at the moment, you can see when they run out onto the field how conditioned they are. So that takes years and our building blocks have only been laid about three years really, part of it winning that Junior All-Ireland with a lot of those young players when

they were 18 and 19. They’ve committed hugely to Clare Camogie and when the senior team that were there broke up somewhat, we probably threw them in sooner than we had expected. And they’ve embraced it and are doing the right things. We’ve a good management team too so they’re well coached, their fitness levels are good and hopefully they can find another ten or fifteen per cent next year and progress it even further”.

Captain Áine O’Loughlin raided for two goals when leading by example in the quarter-final. “I’m delighted for Aine. Her form hadn’t been great up to this as she had picked up a back injury a few weeks ago and was struggling to get it completely right. I just rang her during the

week and just said ‘ forget about form, Saturday is the day for form and by God, did she perform. She was outstanding so I’m delighted for her.

“We need more Aine O’Loughlin’s and Clare Hehir’s but I think they’re there. We had a few girls out injured this year and they’ll come back into the fold now going forward. There’s a panel of 35 there and about 20 of them Under 21 as well so the key for Clare Camogie is to keep this group together and to grow, take this on further now and ultimately make sure that we are back here again in 12 months time”.

70 children do Clare proud at Community Games finals

ST FRANCIS Credit Union Clare Community Games were represented by 70 children from across the county in the National Finals in Watershed, Kilkenny.

They participated in Boys and Girls Swimming, Boys and Girls Gymnastics as well as Boys and Girls Squads, Quiz, Chess.

They had a very successful weekend coming first in six events, second in three, third in four and fourth in two.

Gold

Connall Bogue, Doora/Barefield – U10 Back Stroke

Conor Keogh, Newmarket-on-Fergus –U14 Butterfly

Fionn Carolan, Doora/Barefield – U16 Freestyle U13 Boys Squad

Newmarket-on-Fergus - Jack Hickey,

Tom Hickey, Adam O’Dea, Finn O’Malley, Niall Sheedy, Rob Sheedy U16 Boys Squad

Ennis St Johns - John Cleary, Sean Finn, Sam Liddane, Cillian Mc Cullagh

Chess U11 Shannon - Adam Amallah, Matas Burskys, Pearse Keohane, Eoghan O’Donnell, Alexsandr Paliichuki, Siraj Sahota, Aci Singh Saho Silver

Orla Blake, Doora/ Barefield - U16 Butterfly

Ivy O’Donoghue, Newmarket-on-Fergus – U10 Freestyle U13 Girls Squad

Shannon - Jessica Carly, Emily Glynn, Heidi Hughes, Alexandra Lith, Jenna Lyons, Alannah Tabb Bronze Charley Duggan, Ennis St John’s – U14 Back Stroke

Emily Glynn, Shannon – U12 Freestyle

Quiz - Inch/Kilmaley/Connolly - Millie Ancliff, Roisin Barry, Caoimhe Frawley, Cara Liddy, Mary Kate Lynch, Fiona Mc Guane

Chess U13, Ennis St John’s - Erickson Arackal, Joey Boland, Harry Dowling, Esheen Dumma, Klea Krasniqi, Antoni Rog, Anthony Whitfield 4th Place Medal

Bridget Moloney, Meelick/Coonagh –U15 Gymnastics

Rob Sheedy, Newmarket-on-Fergus –U12 Freestyle

Out of the 70 who participated in the National Finals they brought home forty-five medals a great achievement where the standard was very high in all competitions.

MUNSTER

Two teams from Clare played preliminary games in the Munster competitions last week. Ballynacally/Lissycasey U10 beat Drom Broadford 5.o7 to 2.08.

This means that Ballynacally/Lissycasey will be represented by U10 mixed, U12 and U14 girls in the Munster finals in Shannon this Saturday 12th July. Newmarket-on-Fergus Camogie also won the match against Kerry on a scoreline 1-6 to 2-2. They are also in a semifinal on Saturday. Clare will also have teams in Hurling, Rounders, Throwball Round, Skittles, Soccer and Tag Rugby. It is hoped we will have good results as Clare are hosting the Munster Games.

l Jennifer Daly collides with Orla Hickey; (right) referee Liz Dempsey ducks for cover as Aoife Anderson lets fly) and (below) manager John Carmody Photos by Gerard O'Neill

(above) 1st place in the U16 Freestyle Fionn Carolan of Doora Barefield and (left) the 1st placed U13 Newmarket on Fergus squad

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Morgan captures the Lady Captain's Prize in Woodstock Golf Club

by Seamus Hayes

WOODSTOCK GC:

THERE was a big turnout for lady captain Chaye Kelly’s prize at the weekend when Mary Morgan (31) captured the honours with 71 nett.

She won by two strokes from Mary McNamara (25) with third place filled by Siobhan Maher (26) who had 74. The nines were won by Edel Clune with 37 nett and Hannah O'Brien with 35 nett.

Other prize winners included Sarah Crowe 22 points (Junior girls) and Mary Sadlier 29pts (Guests).

The 9 hole stableford competition was won by Lorraine O’Sullivan with 20 points from Marie Mc Namara with 15 points.

Captain Chaye Kelly's prize to the men was won by Hugh McGrath (11) with 68, one ahead of Harry McEnery (11) with Denis McCarthy (14) in third place with 70. Cormac Walsh (1) won the gross with 71. The category winners were Rob Cantwell (8) with

71, Jamie Ivors (14) with 73 and Cathal Kelly (22) with 72.

The junior boys category was won by Sean Crowe (1) with 36 points.

Last week’s ladies 28 hole stableford competition was won by Chaye Kelly with 34 points and she had one to spare over Mags Nash.

Last week’s mixed scramble was won by Ross Kenny, Mags Nash and Michael Coughlan with 28.2 from Jarlath Fahy, Deirdre Molyneaux and Marie McNamara with 28.3.

Last week’s open singles was won by Aaron Landy (11) with 44 points and the gross was won by Callum Hayes (4) with 39.The category winners were Colin Ryan Shannon (7) with 40 points, Jamie Ivors (14) with 39 points and Andrew Mulligan (24), also with 39. Winners in the 2s competition were Jamie Ivors (4th hole) and Barry McNamara (11th hole).

DROMOLAND: Cathal Kilmartin won the men’s 18 hole competition at the weekend

with 40 points from Barry Nugent with a similar score. In third place with 39 was Adam Merriman.

Patrick Marnane with 35 points won the gross while the category for handicappers of 20 and over was won by Damien Morris with 39 points.

Shane O’Donnell won the 9 hole competition from Niall O’Connor.

In the senior men’s competition Bart O’Brien won category one from Billy O’Mahoney with George O’Carroll in third place while category B was won by Philip Hehir from Tim Kennelly with Pat Bergin in third place. Suzanne McConway won the ladies 18 stroke medal competition with 74 from Cora O’Toole who had a similar score. Dolores Fox was third with 75. Mairead Toomey won the gross with 88.

Sinéad Burke Keogh won the 9 hole competition with 22 points from Liz Skehan with 19 points and Colette Colleran with 18 points.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Last week’s senior ladies competition was

won by Margaret Flanagan, Maeve O'Grady and Martina Corbett with 52.8 Mary Kerins, Marie Connolly and Carmel Verling on 52.9.

The ladies competition last week was 18 holes v par for the Bogey cup sponsored by CoCo restaurant. The winner was Maureen Lynch (37) with +4, two ahead of Suzanne Deane (14) With Betty O’Reilly (36) one further back in third spot, Ann A. Gallery (11) won the gross with -4.

The overall winner in the 9 hole stableford was Marie Keane (21) with 19 points. The category winners were Mary Nagle (12) with 17 points, Margaret Flanagan (18) with 17 and Audrey McEnery (20) with 18 points.

There was a big entry for the senior men’s competition, a team of four outing, last Thursday when the winners were Steve Burns, Neil Cremin, Matt Flynn and John Devitt with 76 points. They won on a countback from Noel Pyne, Fintan McEvoy, Willie Moloney and Mi-

League 2 loan move for Cotter

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ Barry Cotter has signed a season-long loan deal with League Two side Notts County.

Wing-back Cotter departs League One outfit Barnsley temporarily and will spend this season down a division with Notts County.

Since joining Barnsley from Shamrock Rovers in January 2023, Barry has played 72 times in all competitions for the Tykes, 29 of which were starting appearances in the league. One outing included fulfilling a lifetime dream by facing Manchester United in Old Trafford in the third round of the Carabao Cup when they lost 7-0.

Martin Paterson who in June was appointed Notts County manager was assistant head coach to Cotter with Barnsley.

On getting to work with former Stoke striker Paterson again, Barry said, “I clicked with him straightaway. I love the way he works, the standards he sets and the demands he puts on

his players. He’s very honest and ambitious – and brings a lot of energy to his training sessions. He wants to play football that gets fans off their feet and hopefully I can help make that happen”.

Speaking about what he hopes to bring to the fold with the Magpies, Cotter outlined, “I’m not short of pace – I’m direct and love getting forward from wide positions, while never shying away from a tackle. I feel like I’ve had most of my joy on the right hand side but I can definitely be a threat on the left as well. I’m an honest, hard-working lad and I just want to do my best for the club”.

Reflecting on his career to date, the 26 year old stated, “It’s definitely been a rollercoaster but I’m grateful for every experience I’ve had up to now. From the outside looking in, it feels like I’m joining a club that’s heading in the right direction. Looking around the stadium, it feels like home already. I’ve met the lads this morning and it’s a great group, so it’s all very positive. Every sea-

son’s a big season. I just want to take what I’ve learned to this point and improve”.

His career began with Avenue Utd and Ennis Town FC before signing for Limerick FC in August 2015. He put pen to paper on a deal with Ipswich Town in January 2018 and made his debut under Mick McCarthy. After leaving Portman Road, he had an unsuccessful trial at Leyton Orient and also spent time training with Swedish side GAIS. Cotter moved to Dublin and signed with Shamrock Rovers in August 2021. The following summer, he linked up with St Patrick’s Athletic on loan with the move to Barnsley completed in January 2023.

chael Clancy. In third place on 75 points were Cyril Lyons, Joe O Brien, Jimmy Kearns and Frank Cullinan. Dean Lee (20) won the Friday open singles with 35 points.

The men’s competition at the weekend was for the Cahercalla cup, sponsored by Daly Mortgage Brokers.

John Coleman (18) was the winner with 67, one better than Liam McCannon (19) with 68 with third place filled by Kieran Fox (3) with 69.

Sean Myatt won the gross with 72 while the category winners were T.J. Scanlan (11) with 69, Roy Duggan (14) with 71, John O'Connor (20) with 69 and Eamon Kelly (23) with 68.

EAST CLARE: It was another busy week at East Clare golf club with a variety of competitions for men and ladies well supported.

Evelyn O’Brien (30) won the ladies 18 hole stableford competition with 43 points from Brid Gurnett (39) with 40

points with third place filled by Brid Hayes (18) with 34 points. Eileen Donnella won the gross. In the 9 hole qualifying competition Mary Dinan won with 23 points from Mary Bugler with 22 and Deirdre Tuohy with 20.

Warren Carway (20) won the men’s open stroke competition with 70 from Michael Rochford (5), also with 70 which was the same score returned by third placed Dermot Hayes (19).

Anthony Sweeney (1) won the gross with 71.

Tuesday’s men’s stableford competition off the yellow tees was won by Maxwell Davern (12) with 40 points. He had two to spare over John Duffy (12) with third spot fillled by Brian Lenihan (14) who also returned 38 points. The gross was won by Eoin Magill (6).

The ladies Wednesday competition was won by Margaret Lynch, Margaret Egan and Liz McMahon from Evelyn Skehan, Deirdre Tuohy and Teresa Bradley with third place filled by Brid Hayes, Eimear O' Hallo-

ran and Mary Brennan.

The weekly men’s competition was won by Tim Walsh, Jackie McHugh and Kevin Grimes from John Nihill, Kieran McNamara and Ger Shortt with third spot filled by Jim Willis, Tom Larkin and Jim Bradley. Ben Hynes, Mary Donoghue and Brendan Sweeney won the Friday mixed from Willie Roche, Noreen Skehan, Dominic Stuart and Steve Lynch with third place filled by Tadhg Murphy, Noreen Doyle and Eimear O' Halloran.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

The Kilrush ladies K and K Computing 18 hole stableford competition resulted in overall victory for Anne Marie Golden (46) with 41 points. Category 1 was won by Mary Lyons (17) with 32 points from Fiona Kinsella (11) with 31 points. Ailish Lorigan (21) with 33 points won category 2 from Joan O'Malley (23) with 31 points. Category 3 was won by Carmel O'Flaherty (48) with 34 points from Mary McCarthy (29) with 33 points.

Ballyea Jet in flying form for Noel Gavin

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

BALLYEA Jet was in flying form for owner Noel Gavin with Confused Kiely owned by Cratloe’s Ger Manley also recording a first place finish.

Friday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium had the A3 Greyhound & Petworld A3 525 as the top graded contest.

In the concluding A4 graded 550 yards contest Ard Roxy in the blue jacket trapped well but on the long run towards the opening bend the Ger Manley of Cratloe owned Confused Kiely really lengthen his stride and approaching the turn the son of Magical Bale and Lavan Fairy held a one length advantage over his rival. Tracking well between the opening two bends Confused Kiely extended his advantage to three lengths and as he approached the halfway mark he was beginning to take dead aim at the judge. Gradually, he extended the lead to five lengths rounding the crown of the home bend as Cragataska Black took up the chase behind Confused Kiely did come back slightly to his rivals late on by still prevailed by two and a half lengths at the line in 31.19.

Race seven looked a tightly graded S2 sprint contest and so it proved as following a very level break Say You Will, Heathlawn Best and Ballyea Jet all enjoyed a turn on the lead before the latter took command as they rounded the bend. Quickly opening up

a two length advantage the Noel Gavin of Ballyea owned Ballyea Jet set sail for home and despite keeping wide berth off the home bend the son of Jaytee Jet and Seekers Vision stayed on well to score by two and a half lengths over Say You Will for trainer Albert Mullins of Gort.

The opening contest of the Saturday night card at the same venue was an A7 graded 525 yards contest and from traps Clonfeigh Iris and Astro Kaevin were both away well and racing towards the opening bend it was Clonfeigh Iris that lead with the lead being over two lengths as they entered the back straight. Racing along the back Clonfeigh Iris led from Astro Kevin with Cloondarone Luna in third place but racing between the final two bends the leader began to come back to her rivals. Off the home bend the Damien and Garry Pepper of Feakle owned Astro Kevin (Droopys Roddick-Teecee Clipper) began to reel the leader in and he headed Clonfeigh Iris close home for a neck success in 29.93. In Race five Kates Princess and Sadbhs First were best away in this S8 graded sprint contest with the Sadbh Ward of Spanchill owned Sadbhs First showing good pace to lead by a length from Lissatouk Bailey as they rounded the opening bend. Tracking well between the bend Sadbhs First led by two lengths entering the home straight and the son of Airmount Nando and Jet Stream Debit maintained the advantage all the way to the line to score in 19.77.

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

KILLERK WEST, DARRAGH, CO CLARE. Take notice that Maria Gavin and Shane Harkin intend to apply for planning permission to build a new house, install a waste water treatment system, create a new entrance onto the public road and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

We, LPN Construction (Holding Ltd.), are applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Site no. 9, Dún na Coille, Mountivers, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare: Retention Permission for revised site boundary as previously granted (P18-519 and P23-60105 Refer) together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Colin Varley, am applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Clarisford, Killaloe, Co Clare V94 5P65: Retention Permission to retain minor modifications to the elevations of the building previously granted planning permission under Ref no. P21/212. Modifications include removal of two

number windows on the west elevation, removal of external double door on the north elevation, removal of skylight on the lower north facing roof, retention of two number velux windows on the upper north facing roof, removal of a window on the east elevation and retention for the continued use of the building for residential purposes together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Datcha Construction Ltd, are applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Bunratty West, Bunratty, Co Clare: Permission for amendments to the site layout as permitted (P19-939 and ABP309278-21 Refer) comprising the reconfiguration and removal of a portion of the pedestrian footpaths as previously permitted together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DROMELLIHY, CREE, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Ruth Ann Browne intends to apply for planning permission to build a new house, install a waste water treatment system, create a new entrance onto the public road and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

DOOLIN TLD, DOOLIN, CO CLARE

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

RUAN COMMONS, RUAN, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Nellie Kelly Lucas intends to apply for planning permission to build a new house, garage, connect to mains sewerage and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

QUAKERSTOWN, BOSTON, CO CLARE.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKSAGGART, BALLYNACALLY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Colette O’Grady intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a granny flat to the rear of an existing dwelling house along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of a prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TOORMORE, RUAN, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Usman Ali intends to apply to the planning authority for permission consequent on the grant of outline permission (Ref: P22/518) to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, wastewater treatment system and ancillary works on Site C 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 author-

ity, 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 GORTNAMUCK, BALLYNACALLY, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Laura Corbett intends to apply to Clare County Council for permission to (a) Retain Boundary wall as constructed on site, and (b) Retain metal clad sheeting to Roof of existing dwelling house, all at Gortnamuck, Ballynacally, Co. Clare. Previous Planning Ref. No. 21/1105

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, DERRYFADDA, CLONLARA, CO. CLARE Planning Permission is sought by Howard Caulfield for a two storey extension to and alterations / refurbishment of, an existing single storey cottage (including replacing the roof and adding velux rooflights), a new detached garage and a replacement waste water treatment system and all associated works at; Derryfadda, Clonlara, 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

KNOCKNAGARHOON, KILKEE, CO. CLARE

Take notice that P. Crotty intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect dwelling house, garage, foul sewer treatment plant and percolation area at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Barry, omas (Tom) Inagh

Barry, omas (Tom) Connolly

WOODS, Tony Clonlara

Conroy, Bernard Ennis

Houlihan, Deirdre Ennis

Howard, John Clare

Liddy, Séan Cooraclare

McInerney, Mortimer (Murt) Doonbeg

Recent Deaths

RYAN, Brendan Ardnacrusha

Hynes, Gerard (Gerry) Ennis

MOLONEY, Frank Quin

McMahon (née Farrell), Mary Newmarket-on-Fergus

PERKINS, EAMON Ballinruan

Crowley, Sr. Ann Ennis

Crowley, Sr. Ann Kilkee

Houlihan(née Callinan), Margaret

Coro n

Looney, Patrick Joseph (PJ) Kilmihil

McMahon, Michael Newmarket-on-Fergus

Whelan (née Clancy), Mary Ennis

Brennan, P.J. Lahinch

Lyons, Patrick (Paddy) Kilbaha

Slattery (née Gri n), Ann Miltown Malbay

The Clare Echo Quiz

1. The famous Miltown Massacre took place in what year?

2. Which former president of Ireland was born near Miltown? Eamon DeValera Patrick Hillery Michael D. Higgins

3. In what year was the Willie Clancy Summer School first held? 1965 1970 1973

4. In what year did St. Joseph’s last win the Jack Daly? 2020 2019 2024

5. What mountain is closest to Miltown? Slievecallan Moylussa Carrauntoohil

6. Willie Clancy famously played what instrument? Fiddle Bodhrán Uilleann Pipes

7. In what year did the Rineen ambush take place? 1919 1916 1920

8. What was the name of the unpopular landlord who evicted many people in Miltown during the Famine? Moroney Prendergast Boycott

9. What was the population of Miltown as per the 2022 census? 829 921 755

10. Clonbunny won the Clare Junior B championship last year. Who did they beat? Tulla Kilmaley Kilkee-Ballaha Uilleann Pipes 1920 Moroney 921

Kilkee-Ballaha

Spot the Difference

ANSWERS

Members of Civil Defence Clare at the launch of the new Civil Defence Boat at the River Fergus in Ennis

Photo by Paul Corey

WEEKS PUZZLES Mar 2nd

Aardvark

Aardvark

Anteater

Anteater

Babirusa

Babirusa

Bontebok

Bontebok

Bushbaby

Capybara

Bushbaby

Chipmunk

Capybara

Dormouse

Elephant

Chipmunk

Hedgehog

Dormouse

Kangaroo

Elephant

Kinkajou

Mandrill

Hedgehog

Marmoset

Kangaroo

Mongoose Pangolin

Kinkajou

Platypus

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1. Darling(10)

7. Conflagration(7)

8. Substantial(5)

10. Dog noise(4)

11. Catastrophe(8)

13. Servile follower(6)

15. Noon(6)

17. Opposite(8)

18. Winged insect(4)

21. Slack(5)

22. Large crustacean(7)

23. Branch of mathematics(10)

DOWN

1. More secure(5)

2. Merit(4)

3. Cancer or Capricorn(6)

4. Rapturous(8)

5. Akin(7)

6. Fiendish(10)

9. English county(10)

12. Worshipful(8)

14. Frankness(7)

16. Refuge(6)

19. Relating to sight(5)

20. Assist in a crime(4)

HOW

CROSSWORD