The Clare Echo 11/06/26

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Jun 31, 11, 2024 2026 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct

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JUMPING FOR JOY Trump

yet to RSVP for Irish Open

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Nnabuike Nneji and Jack Ryan celebrate for Avenue Utd during Saturday’s victory over Newmarket Celtic in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup final

Photo by Joe Buckley

Thursday, June 11, 2026

THE CLARE ECHO

Exploring the Ara Islands & Do n olin

...and the best of Ennisytym on & Lahinch

Exploring the Aran Islands, Doolin, Ennistymon and Lahinch

P. 24-35

DOONBEG is braced to have up to 75,000 visitors for The Irish Open in September but the attendance of one high-profile guest has yet to be confirmed.

US President, Donald Trump known around these parts as the West Clare hotelier has yet to indicate if he will be in Doonbeg for The Irish Open.

Trump has previously said it would be “an honour” to be at his resort for one of the biggest sporting events to take place in

West Clare.

General Manager of Trump Doonbeg, Joe Russell said on the potential attendance of the US President, “We do know he wants to come but the way the world is, you never know what’s going to happen. But we have not received any confirmation yet”.

Championship Director with the DP World Tour, Paul Gillmon detailed they are expecting up to 75,000 in Doonbeg for The Irish Open. “I’m anticipating as strong of attendance as we’ve had in the past few years”.

More on P.16

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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Exploring the Aran Islands and Doolin

GRADUATION DAY

P. 24-35

NEWSDESK

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kieran@clareecho.ie or ross@clareecho.ie Unit 9, The Mall, Clare Road Business Centre, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021 This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice.

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Shannon Acupuncture College has been training Students for a Part time Course in Medical Acupuncture Since 2004 in Shannon.

A Big Congratulations to the students that graduated this year. L - R Sinead Cleary, Xiaolan Qian, Tina Ni Chonghaile, Megan Carty, Mary Walsh, Sang Man, Deputy Mayor Clare Colleran, Dr. Anastasia Storublevtsela, Niamh Hallisey, Angie Lee, Dr. John O’Bourke, John Cooke, Kerry Bryne, Mary Healy, Pia O’Bourke.

Cllrs GAAplus criticism

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

THE placing of GAA matches behind a paywall was labelled “a disgrace” by a Clare cllr during the June meeting of elected representatives at council headquarters.

Cllr. Patrick O’Gorman (FF) made the claim when speaking in support of a motion calling on the Minister for Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD (FG) and the Minister of State for Sport, Charlie McConalogue TD (FF) to increase free-to-air coverage of Gaelic Games on TV. Cllrs. Pat Daly (FF), Michael Begley (IND) and John Crowe (FG) put forward a motion calling on the ministers to “utilise the public service broadcasting finances to facilitate, in providing more extensive live coverage of Gaelic games and better value for the customer especially older people, emigrants and those who can’t afford to attend live games”.

Ennis representative and former Chairman of Éire Óg GAA, Cllr Pat Daly gave examples of recent games of high importance that were locked behind a paywall, preventing members of the public from seeing them for free.

“RTÉ is a large organisation catering for TV audiences in this country. The ordinary grassroots GAA supporters such as elderly people depend on RTÉ to provide coverage of these matches. Vital games in the hurling championship were not shown.

People pay their TV licences

regularly and are asked to tune in to a different channel and pay 10 or 12 euro to see a game. The full package of provincial games should be shown live,” explained Daly.

Clonlara man Cllr Michael Begley was next up to speak on the issue. The former Mayor of Clare stated that “There is no reason why there shouldn’t be negotiations between the GAA and RTÉ that will result in a better programme of matches free of charge for the entire country.

People who have no interest in going to games might be influenced to if they are exposed to it and their children might take up playing GAA,” Begley concluded.

Cratloe native Cllr Patrick O’Gorman (FF) was strongest in his criticism during the discussion and spoke from personal experience of the difficulty in accessing games for elderly people.

“When GAAGO was started up first, we were all of the opinion it was a great idea for people who had moved to Australia or America. We didn’t ever think it would come to the extent that you could be shut out when you had given your life as a volunteer to the GAA. Whether we like it or not there’s elderly people out there who have no Wi-Fi. My mother wanted to sit down and watch Clare and Tipperary to pass away two hours and only for I was there to turn on the radio she wouldn’t have even been able to hear it. I think it’s a disgrace and a person that’s given their life as a volunteer shouldn’t be shut out,” he said.

Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) followed suit, calling the discussion “a very important motion”.

“The GAA and the game itself is done on a voluntary basis in every parish in the country. The players themselves are voluntary. We have a lot to be grateful for with those volunteers who give up a lot. The GAA and RTÉ, they’re both successful and big organisations. The playing season for the championship at the minute is just too fast and we have a long summer,” he stated.

Well-known Clare supporter and former Cathaoirleach Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) defended the GAA during the discussion, highlighting the crucial role it plays in communities across the country. The Sixmilebridge man explained that pay-walling was a result of the significant costs of maintaining facilities and the actual coverage of games.

“Whether you agree with the paywall or not, it costs huge money for these facilities now lads. People give out about the GAA and they say this and that, it is the core for a lot of towns and villages. The issue here is the paywall. There’s a lot more that goes into it nowadays than one or two cameras,” O’Callaghan added.

Cllr Pat Daly thanked his contemporaries for their support and contributions when summing up, adding, “More should be done so that these matches can be shown in future”.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, June 11, 2026

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Clare Cúl Camp coach in Africa Official 2027 Ryder Cup campsite launched forced to cancel July mission

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A COUNTY Clare man who staged the first ever GAA Cúl Camp in Africa in April has been forced to cancel a scheduled 10-person strong humanitarian mission to Uganda next month due to the current Ebola outbreak.

Next month, New Quay man, John Conroy was due to lead the 10-strong group of volunteers to Uganda.

During their time there, the group was due to volunteer at Hospice Jinja, a facility established to assist with palliative care; coach gaelic football at Nile Óg Cusack’s GAA club and also assist children with special needs and mainstream children in a primary school with an enrolment of 1200 children.

Only in April, Mr Conroy hosted the first ever Cúl Camp this week in Africa with children from Walukuba West Primary School in Jinja, eastern Uganda, taking part.

The GAA Cúl Camp

lGOALS: GAA coach John Conroy set up the first Cúl Camp in Uganda in April

attracted 125 students from the school which is situated just a few kilometres from the source of the iconic River Nile where eight local Gaelic Football coaches and headmaster led the sessions.

However, in a Facebook post on Thursday, Mr Conroy said: “It is with great disappointment that we have had to make the difficult decision not to travel to Uganda this Summer due to the current Ebola outbreak."

He said: “While we were looking forward to

sharing our time, skills, and friendship with our partners in Uganda, the health and safety of everyone involved must remain our top priority."

Mr Conroy said that all fundraising money continues to go towards three different projects in education, health and sports development.

The projects are the construction of 10 teachers homes, toilets, wash area and a secure wall; support the day to day running of Hospice Jinja and support Nile Og Cusacks GAA Club.

Mr Conroy, who is a

PE teacher, founded the Nile Óg Cusacks GAA Club in Jinga in July 2024 after introducing GAA to a class of deaf children at Walukuba West School.

The construction of the 10 teachers houses began early April and all construction costs are paid by Irish donors with all works being done by employing local trades people .

The accommodation homes are built on the grounds of Walukuba West Primary School with an enrolment of 1,200 students.

Mr Conroy said: “Last Summer on the grounds of the school we constructed a dormitory for 80 girls. The school is also where Nile Og Cusacks are based and where we train and play our GAA games.”

He said: “The reason for building the homes is to provide a safe environment for the teachers. In Africa teachers are often poorly paid, struggle to pay for transport costs and in some cases require a second job.”

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

RYDER Cup Europe today announced details of the Official Campsite for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland.

Located in the Mountwilliam area of Adare, the Official Campsite is adjacent to the fifth fairway of the host venue, offering ticket holders an unrivalled location with direct access to the course via its own designated entrance.

It means fans will have only a short walk to the course as they prepare to watch Europe take on the United States in the 100th anniversary staging of golf’s greatest team contest.

As well as the superb setting, there will also be a true festival atmosphere in the campsite, with a full range of entertainment on offer in addition to many food and beverage outlets alongside bathroom and showering facilities.

The Official Campsite is being operated by Pink Moon, the same company that runs

lGLAMPSITE: Adare Manor are offering the ultimate glamping experience in 2027 camping at Electric Picnic, one of Ireland’s leading arts and music festivals.

A wide range of options are available to fans, both in terms of the duration of the stay and the actual camping facilities themselves.

All accommodation is pre-erected and must be pre-booked. Full details are available via the official website: https://officialrydercupcampsite.com.

Average prices are €151 per person per night for a seven night stay and €176 per person per night for a five night stay, and it is expected that between 6,000 and 7,000 people will utilise the Campsite on a daily basis during Ryder Cup week.

Official Campsite bookings will be available on a first come first served basis from 2pm BST this Thursday, June 11, but only to fans who have already purchased their tickets via official Ryder Cup platforms.

A further Campsite allocation will be made available in due course.

Richard Atkinson, the European Tour Group’s Chief Ryder Cup Officer, said: “This is the first time we have had an Official Campsite for fans at a Ryder Cup, and not only will it offer a unique chance to stay right next to the venue, I am sure the opportunity to walk to the course and back every day will be additionally appealing."

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Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Delight as future of Post Office field secured

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

THE ‘Hands Off Ennis Post Office Field Campaign’ has welcomed the adoption of a development plan variation protecting the Post Office Field.

PRO of the cam‑ paign, cllr. Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) wel‑ comed the develop‑ ment ahead of the June sitting of the local authority.

The Clarecastle councillor wel‑ comed the conclu‑ sion of a statutory process known as a variation of the Clare County De‑ velopment Plan, which was finalised at the June 2026 County Council Meeting.

A key outcome of the variation is that previous Council and Ennis 2040 proposals to spend

over €5 million on intrusive ‘hard’ de‑ velopment within the Post Office Field will not proceed.

Speaking on be‑ half of the cam‑ paign, Guilfoyle stated “The Hands Off Ennis Post Of‑ fice Field Campaign was established to prevent building on the Field and to secure its future as a protected nature reserve. This result proves that people power can bring about real change”, he added.

“This represents a significant step to‑ wards ensuring the Post Office Field remains protected as a vital natural space in the heart of Ennis. The cam‑ paign thanks the public, the County Councillors, and Council officials who engaged with the Variation con‑ sultation process.

lThe group outside Council HQ this week

"As a result of a strong, clear, and united communi‑ ty voice, the Chief Executive’s final report for coun‑ cillors reflects the widespread support for preventing any development on the Field”.

Long‑time neigh‑ bour of the Post Office Field and long-standing En‑ nis resident, Mr Donal Duggan, extended “sincere thanks to every‑

one over the last three decades who has supported the effort of residents, community groups, environmental ad‑ vocates, and Ennis County Councillors who sought an end to the neglect of the Field and stood together to protect this unique green space”.

Duggan paid trib‑ ute to campaigners who had passed on before they could see its success.

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Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Way finally clear for €1.6bn Ennis data centre following High Court decision

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THE High Court has dismissed an application by opponents of a €1.6 billion data centre for the outskirts of Ennis for leave to appeal against the High Court clearing all legal hurdles faced by the project in that court.

This follows Mr Justice Richard Humphreys dismissing the leave to appeal application by opponents of the data centre, Colin Doyle, Friends of the Irish Environment CLG, Futureproof Clare, Martin Knox and Christine Sharp.

In his 16 page written ruling, Mr Justice Humphreys dismissed the leave for appeal application after stating that further delay imposes un-compensatable financial prejudice and delay on the backers of the data centre, Art Data Centres Ltd, In April 2024, An Coimiúsin Pleanala (ACP) granted planning permission to Art Data Centres Ltd comprising six data halls covering 145 acres or 1.3m sq ft on lands adjacent to

the Tulla Rd on the eastern outskirts of Ennis near Junction 13 on the M18 motorway connecting Galway to Limerick.

Mr Justice Humphreys said that such prejudice needs to be viewed as particularly significant where the project has been delayed by two years already since May 30th 2024 due to these failed High Court proceedings.

Mr Justice Humphreys stated that no meaningful public interest has been identified in the leave to appeal application and it is not in the public interest that an appeal be launched on the basis of a tendentious mischaracterisation of the trial judgment and/or a reprogramming of a party’s case by the introduction of new, un-pleaded points.

Mr Justice Humphreys stated that the project has already undergone significant scrutiny at council planner level, council management, inspector, commission and High Court level through two modules.

Mr Justice Humphreys commented that “there is

lFUTURE: An artist's impression of the data centre which will be on the outskirts of Ennis on the Tulla Road

something inherently implausible from the outset about an argument that seeks to condemn a planning permission as non-climate-consistent, when the developer has gone out of their way to structure the project so as to purchase energy from renewable sources to offset the energy directly used for the devel-

opment”.

He said that it is no doubt frustrating for the applicants for the leave to appeal “to have their climate arguments cut off at the knees by that response, but ultimately they need to save their forensic protests for a case where a less responsible development has been consented”.

In dismissing the application, Mr Justice Humphreys stated that it is unfortunate that the applicants having attempted 'litigation-by-snippet' against ACP at the substantive stage, now try exactly the same flawed and inappropriate tactic against the court.

He said that they seized on the phrase “powered

from renewables” in the judgment, wrench that out of context and demand that this be read as erroneously meaning powered directly from renewables, which is not a reasonable reading as would be obvious to a neutral reader of the entire text.

A spokeswoman for Art Data Centres Ltd said previously that the total investment is expected to exceed €1.6 billion across three phases, creating significant economic activity in Ennis, County Clare and the wider region.

She said: “The project will generate substantial employment during both the construction phase and the long‑term operational life of the facility - up to 1,200 in construction, thousands more in support jobs and services, up to a thousand permanent jobs and the under-pinning of thousands more in digital industries.

Gay man's McDonald's 'queer' claim dismissed

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A STATE workplace watchdog has dismissed a discrimination claim by a gay man against the franchise operator of McDonald’s in Clare after finding that a McDonald’s security guard did not refer to a man as ‘queer’.

In his discrimination complaint, McDonald’s customer, Paul Cronin alleged that a lNOT LOVING IT: 'Queer' McDonald’s security guard claimed dimissed by WRC had referred to him as ‘queer’ Cronin was in the McDonalds to buy a cup of coffee. on January 24th 2025.

He said that this was all beHowever, at the Workplace Relations Commission cause he felt that Mr Edwards (WRC), Adjudicator, Pat had allegedly sided with anBrady found that the word other customer at least some 'queer' was not used and has twenty minutes earlier in redismissed Mr Cronin’s dis- lation to the very trivial issue crimination complaint under of the loudness of a person making a phone call. the Equal Status Act. In Mr Cronin’s complaint Mr Brady said that Mr Edwards not only denied that he he alleged that a securiused the word but said that ty guard referred to him as he was not even familiar with ‘queer’.

Mr Cronin said the inciits use in this context.

Mr Brady said that the ev- dent caused him huge disidence does suggest that Mr tress and anxiety. He alleged Cronin approached Mr Ed- that the guard said to him ‘I wards somewhat confronta- am not talking to you, you are tionally on the day where Mr a queer.’

In response to questions in cross examination Mr Cronin said that it was reasonable to assume that the security man knew that he was gay ‘as it is easy for people to do so,’ as he ‘came across as gay.’

Mr Cronin confirmed that he sought a settlement of €500 to resolve the matter which he thought was reasonable and this later rose to €1,000.

The Security Guard, Alfred Edwards told the hearing that he did not know Mr Cronin or that he was homosexual and was not familiar with the word ‘queer’ as a descriptor of a homosexual person. He denied using the word to Mr Cronin.

On behalf of Aarval, Robert Laffan of Harrison O’Dowd Solicitors said that there is absolutely no substance to the allegation that the Security Guard discriminated against Mr Cronin.

Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Adopted County plan can be 'catalyst for regeneration'

by Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

In a significant step to accelerate housing supply, the elected members of Clare County Council have adopted a variation to the Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029.

A total of 257 acres (104ha) of new land has been zoned for housing with a further 358 acres (145ha) of land moved from Strategic Residential Reserve to Residential Zoned land.

This additional residential zoning is spread across 134 parcels of land in 30 of the county’s larger towns and villages.

An additional 158 acres (64 hectares) have also been identified as Village Growth Area lands in 20 smaller towns and villages across the county.

The council has also identified just over 360 acres (146ha) Long Term Strategic and Sustainable Sites for future plans.

The variation to the County Development Plan also includes the incorporation of Ennis 2040, An Economic and Spatial Strategy,

HOUSING HIKE: A proposed 257 acres of residential zoned land is on the Council's radar

the first statutory recognition of the strategy since it was published in 2021.

Plans for the Abbey Street Carpark and Harvey’s Quay Carpark, previously paused by the Council, are omitted from the Ennis 2040 Strategy under the variation.

Similarly, plans relating to the Post Office Field in the Ennis 2040 Strategy, which were under review, are also omitted.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr Paul Murphy said, “The zoning of this additional land is important for accelerating the delivery of housing in the county."

The proposed variation

comes on the back of the establishment of a new Housing Activation Office within Clare County Council, the purpose of which is to work with all landowners, the house building industry, communities and other stakeholders to accelerate housing delivery in the county.

Clare County Council Chief Executive Gordon Daly said, “Increasing housing activation is not just about building homes, it is a catalyst for regenerating our towns, tackling rural depopulation, and fostering economic development across County Clare."

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Fine Gael councillors admit to potential 'political murder' in calls to make hi-vis jackets mandatory

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PEDESTRIANS and cyclists should be made wear hi-vis jackets or vests “in the interest of public safety,” according to a former Leas Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council.

Fine Gael’s representatives in East Clare have admitted to having near-misses with pedestrians on the byways of the county with the local authority’s newest member remarking that he could have been up for “a political murder” after nearly colliding with a Fianna Fáil stalwart in his locality.

Clare County Council have written to the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien (FF) after a motion from Cllr Pat Burke (FG) was adopted seeking the introduction of “legislation making it mandatory for pedestrians and cyclists to wear hi-vis Jackets/vests in the interest of public safety”.

Speaking at a sitting of the County Council, Cllr Burke admitted, “I had a personal close one” with his near collision serving as the inspiration for his proposal.

“People out walking and cycling, they don’t think it is as dark as it is, they are out walking and not wearing a hi-vis, it is amazing and I don’t have stats but it is amazing there isn’t more fatalities and accidents

from people not wearing a hi-vis jacket”.

Walkers and cyclists can lose track of time, the Whitegate representative felt. “When clocks change people think you can go off for a walk and by the time they get back, it is nearly dark”.

While traversing East Clare, Cllr Burke said he had a near-miss with a pedestrian. “I had a very close shave with a woman in black clothes and no hi-vis on a bad bend”.

He continued, “it baffles me how people will go out in the evenings walking without a hi-vis”.

Campaigns are run by the Road Safety Authority and they need to add the importance of hi-vis jackets to their list, Cllr Burke said.

“You will see a light on a fine summer’s day before you see anything else, the RSA run campaigns on drink and drug driving, they should also run campaigns on this”.

Near-misses are far too common on country roads, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) argued.

“If you’re living on the country roads in winter evenings, there’s always near misses, every winter without fail I did a video from Knockalkisheen where people were walking from Meelick, it is was a death trap and I encouraged people to wearthe hi-vis, I was told that jackets were in the camp but that

He felt the “in-between twilight stage” was “particularly dangerous” on the roads, “It is the dusk sunset when you can see but can’t see perfectly, I was over confident but not anymore”.

BE SEEN: Cllr Burke called for mandatory hi visiblity clothing to be worn by pedstrians and cyclists at night

they weren’t mandatory”.

He added, “This is all about public safety and I don’t want to ram down anyone’s neck what anyone should or should not wear”.

Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) quipped that he was almost at risk of being caught for “political murder” with a

member of an opposing party.

“I remember a near-miss with a good neighbour, a Fianna Fáil man who was perfectly camouflaged, I didn’t get to move the car until I saw the whites of his eyes, it would have been considered a political murder”.

“I’d hate to see what would happen with a bad neighbour,” responded Mayor of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG).

Finance should be set aside by the Council to instigate a campaign where the public are encouraged to wear reflective bands on their shoulder or waist, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) suggested and that this be made available to publicans.

“People are sometimes too cool to wear reflective jackets, the Council could lead on this. It is something simple could be produced quite easily and might save lives”.

Advising the meeting that his daughter even puts the hi-vis on her dog, Cllr Dinny Gould (IND) felt the message needed to be pushed in schools.

“It should be brought to schools, children go on and forget about them on their bikes, if it was brought to schools and local councillors went to schools and maybe spend their GMA it could save the life of a child and it would be well spent”.

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Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Historic Quin manor could be transformed into five-star hotel

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

PLANS to transform a ruined 18th century manor into a 19-room hotel have been lodged with Clare County Council.

Mr Kevin Quinn has submitted plans for a new hotel at the site.

The manor was built in 1760 and was formerly a small hotel business, now acting as a protected structure.

Atlantis Developments then acquired the property with €25 million plan for a five star complex before going bust.

The new plans project a major development of the derelict house, aiming to carry out “Internal refurbishment to existing protected structure of main house and structural alterations to main house, to stabilize existing structure and exclude rainwater ingress”.

Construction of a two

DEVELOPMENT PLANS: Ballykilty Manor has scope to be developed into a new hotel with plans lodged with Clare County Council

storey extension to the current property is also planned in order to balance the new front elevation of the proposed development.

A new function room, café building and walled garden are also included in the plans.

A new car park with 63

spaces is also planned for the development, along with a “Photo-voltaic Panel array area, waste water treatment plant and a new service road running to the rear of the walled garden”.

The manor is one of a number of historic

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buildings in the Quin area, alongside Knappogue Castle, Quin Castle and Quin Abbey.

An Economic Impact Analysis Statement is included with the application that states that the proposed development “can deliver significant economic and

community benefits”, to the surrounding area.

The statement predicts that the project will generate employment for 10 to 15 full time staff, as well as generating roughly €292,000 in annual room revenue.

The statement also highlights the spin-off benefits associated with a sizeable investment such as this, pointing out that “With new employment, underemployed locals might move to better-paying jobs or get more hours.

The overall wage level in the community can rise slightly due to the injection of hotel-related payroll.

Households experiencing this uplift might have more ability to save or invest in their homes”.

Owing to the historical nature of the site, an archaeological assessment was carried out as part of the planning process. The majority of test trenching conducted at the property uncovered nothing of note, except for a “mortar-lined hollow sealed beneath a field boundary east of the main complex”.

Archaeological analysis indicated that the majority of the proposed development would be able to proceed as planned except for construction of a services building as this “will negatively impact the mortar lined hollow”.

The analysis recom-

mends the potential relocation of the services building, something which the planning department are likely to pick up on and potentially halt the development over.

Negative results from a bat survey carried out on site also has the potential to cause headaches for developers.

The survey by Bat Eco Services Ltd found that the proposed main renovations may “result in the loss of a lesser horseshoe bat maternity roost and potential loss of the maternity roost of brown long-eared bat and satellite roosts for

Natterer’s bat and soprano pipistrelles”.

Future renovation of the site’s stables, pump house and removal of trees was also not recommended due to the potential impacts on lesser horseshoe bats and their roosts.

Clare County Council is due to make a decision on the development by the 28th of July.

Members of the public can issue submissions up until July 7th.

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12

Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

'You're not alone!' Cancer survivor reeps benefits from Relay for Life

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

CLARE Relay for Life takes place this Saturday at Tim Smythe Park in the Fairgreen, raising vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society.

Committee member Lorraine White says the organisation and its supports were a massive benefit to her during her cancer journey.

First diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, Lorraine found treatment during lockdown to be a lonely and isolating experience before attending a tree planting ceremony by the organisation in 2021.

“I felt very alone during that time.

Once I turned up to the planting of the trees ceremony, I felt I wasn’t alone. I felt that this was going to be my community going forward.

From then on, I came along to the Relay for Life as a survivor and two years ago then I joined the committee”, Lorraine explains.

The Ruan woman says the sense of cohesion and community was hugely beneficial to her. “All of a sudden you’re not alone. Although your friends and your family are around you and supporting you, it's only those who have gone through

it that can fully understand it. If someone mentions a particular kind of treatment you’re going through, a certain kind of chemotherapy, losing your hair, you’re talking in our language”, she continues.

Relay for Life is the biggest cancer fundraising initiative across the world. It sees communities across the globe coming together to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and stand shoulder to shoulder with those facing cancer.

The solidarity shown helps to raise awareness of the services provided by the Irish Cancer Society locally and nationally.

In the 24 hour event, teams join together to walk through the day and night. Members of teams take it in turns to walk a designated distance or time, with someone from the team being on the move at all times.

The initiative has a number of services available to both survivors and cancer patients at every stage of their diagnosis, as Lorraine points out. “We have nurses that you can speak to, councillors, therapy, reflexologies, massages, lymphatic

lSUPPORT FOR LIFE: Relay for Life raises vital funds for the Irish Cancer Society while survivors like Lorraine White (inset) get support

drainage, everything that’s associated with recovery after treatment”, she highlights.

Mental as well as physical health is key to a successful recovery from cancer, something which Lorraine stresses.

“It’s such a benefit opening ceremony for the purple t-shirts (cancer survivors) starts at 2pm and it’s a celebration of life. Your family and friends come along and that’s how they can support you, through donations or setting up a stall or doing a bit of music”.

Lorraine is focusing on doing

the photography and videography at this year’s Relay, helping to raise awareness and the Irish Cancer Society’s profile on social media. She says the event takes a lot of organisation but the level of engagement from the local community has been amazing.

“It just seems to be getting bigger and bigger. Yesterday I went into a local florist for a purple ribbon and when they heard it was for the Cancer Society, they made a donation straightaway”.

The breast cancer survivor is full of encouragement for those facing

a diagnosis, asking patients to “Be ok about it.

You’re not alone, these are your people”. A biking enthusiast, Lorraine reached out to the biking community for last year’s Relay asking for 10 or 15 bikes to do a lap of the Fairgreen.

“When I went down to the Maxol garage that morning to meet the bikers, there were almost 100 there.

I nearly fell off the bike with shock.

I was very emotional because these people came out for me.

This year there’s over 200 bikes coming. That causes conversation and creates awareness”, she adds.

With over €11,000 raised so far, Clare Relay for Life organisers are encouraging people to continue making donations as well as turn up for the 24 hour event on Saturday where they can enjoy live music, entertainment and activities.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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News

13

From small workshop to Jewellery Shop of the Year

by Amy Copley news@clareecho.ie

MAUREEN Harrison built an Ennis institution three decades ago when she first opened her shop Seoidín in O’Connell Street.

For the past 30 years, Seoidín has been turning heads with their trendy yet timeless jewellery.

Seoidín are one of the most distinguishable jewellery brands in the country and have expanded to their brand nationwide, with Seoidín Eile and With Orla on Abbey Street in Ennis, along with shops in Limerick City and in Skerries, County Dublin.

From humble beginnings, Seoidín initially opened as a small gift and pottery shop, “I couldn't afford to specialise in jewellery straight away, even though that was my background, so I had to build things slowly,” Maureen tells The Clare Echo on Saturday, as celebrated the milestone with family, friends and staff.

Slowly but surely Seoidín expanded into jewellery and began to create the unique pieces that we know and love today.

Maureen revealed, “A lot of the time, if I brought in a particular jewellery brand, another shop would stock it too. That made me realise I needed to create something that nobody else could copy. That's really how my own brand started. I began designing my own jewellery collection, and it was the making of Seoidín. If I hadn't done that, I don't think we would have survived”.

For Seoidín ensuring their jewellery is made at the highest quality possible is everything and something they aim to never cut corners on.

Maureen tells The Clare Echo, “Even though costs have gone up, especially the price of gold, I don't want to lower the quality of what we make.

I don't want to produce cheaper pieces just to keep prices down. I want our jewellery to last 20 or 40 years if people want it to. Quality is really important to me.”

Over COVID, a time of uncertainty for many businesses, Seoidín decided it was time for a rebrand. Maureen speaks fondly of her son, who decided to take on the task of giving Seoidín a new lease of life.

“I trusted him and let him take the lead. I didn't know that side of marketing at all. Since then, we've been building Seoidín as a brand, and it's been one of the best things we've ever done.”

Since rebranding, Seoidín has grown and thrived as a brand exponentially, even winning awards along the way, such as Jewellery Shop of the Year 2025. This has allowed them to thrive in a climate that has been extremely difficult for businesses. Maureen claims her success is mostly owed to her rebrand.

“I think we've been very lucky, but I also think the rebranding made a huge difference.

“We haven't changed who we are, but we've become more contemporary and more visible.

People see us now as a modern Irish jewellery brand rather than simply a nice jewellery shop.”

While Seoidín are always looking towards the future to see what they can do next, Maureen reflects fondly over the past 30 years, saying that she has “genuinely enjoyed it every day”.

Reflecting on her journey, she added, “I don't really feel like I'm working because business comes very naturally to me. I love trying new things and I love taking on challenges.”

l CELEBRATION: (clockwise from top left) Sarai Silba, Caroline Carvacho, Munique Camardo; Maureen Harrison, owner and husband Flan Harrison; Shauna Slattery, Aoibhe O’Leary, Rachel Cassidy; Alannah Marsh with Zara Jain; Siobhan Kelly and Chiara Sheehan; Maureen celebrates at her shopfront with past and present staff members; (inset top) staff from The Old Ground Hotel were on hand to serve customers with treats & drinks on the day Photos by Tom Micks

14

Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Ennis News

'Our job is done' - Save Ennis Town to stand down SAVE ENNIS TOWN, one of the most vocal opponents to controversial aspects to the Ennis 2040 economic and spatial strategy is to stand down.

Founded in May 2023 to fight against plans from Ennis 2040 to build on the car parks of Abbey Street and Parnell Street (Harvey’s Quay), Save Ennis Town has announced this week it is to stand down.

It follows Clare County Council adopting a variation to the County Development Plan which removes the contentious proposals.

Chairman of Save Ennis Town, Gearoid Mannion confirmed to The Clare Echo that the vote helped the voluntary community group achieve their aims over the past three years.

Over the past three years, clashes between Save Ennis Town, En-

nis 2040 DAC and Clare County Council were frequent but eased considerably following the decision to pause the strategy in March 2025.

Silent marches, public demonstrations attended by 200 people plus and the submission of a petition containing 3,700 signatures were all organised by Save Ennis Town as part of their efforts.

Mannion told The Clare Echo, “The people and businesses of the town and surrounding areas were against this proposed development from the outset. Thousands signed a petition to stop the buildings going ahead, followed by a silent march to the Council offices on New Road and a public rally in O’Connell Square”.

He added, “Then, at the local elections in 2024, the public voiced their objections at the ballot box

lSTANDING DOWN: The Community group have achieved their aims

when the majority of councillors elected for the Ennis Municipal District were strongly opposed to

that aspect of the Ennis 2040 plans.”

“After three long years of fighting to save these important river-side

civic spaces, and having achieved that aim, we are delighted to say our job is done and we’re standing down from the public stage.

We would like to thank the thousands of people in Ennis and beyond who supported our campaign, the public representatives and the local media.

We would also like to thank the current County Council Executive, the CEO of Ennis 2040 and the elected members for their role in resolving this issue,” he concluded.

Prominent members of Save Ennis Town included, John O’Connor, Bridget Ginnitty, Hilary Tonge, Cora Hahessy, Michelle O’Connell, Teresa McGrath, Edel Cassidy, Johnny Flynn and Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF).

Ennis Cllrs spend €40k of annual GMA funds

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS cllrs. have spent almost €40,000 as of April 2026 in General Municipal Allocations throughout the Ennis area.

The figures were declared at an April sitting of Ennis LEA by representatives of the three largest national parties.

Established under the Local Government Reform Act 2014, General Municipal Allocations (GMA) are a form of discretionary funding that is provided to municipal districts in order to support community groups and local infrastructure. As of April

2026, Ennis cllrs have spent €39,750 of their €343,000 allocation for 2026.

The use of these funds by Ennis representatives were a source of frequent friction in the runup to the 2024 local elections with the current Mayor of Ennis, cllr Mary Howard (FG) alleging the decision to grant funding to any particular organisation was a political one. “ To me it is almost like a poisoned chalice, who do you support and who do you not, we’re buying votes now”, the Ennis woman said.

Clarecastle representative cllr. Tommy Guilfoyle (SF)

is the Ennis LEA’s biggest spender so far, handing out €14,250 to various community organisations in the greater county town area.

Among his biggest contributions were €2000 to the Abbey Hall in his native Clarecastle and €1500 each to the Clare County Show and Clarecastle soccer club Manus Celtic FC. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council cllr. Paul Murphy (FG) has spent the least as of April, allocating €500 to the “Improving my wellbeing” campaign for teenagers in Clare.

Ennis-based cllr.

l Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle

Photo by Chris Copley

Tom O’Callaghan (FF) is the town’s next highest spender, supplying €10,000 with Doora-Barefield GAA and Clarecastle Tidy Towns net-

ting €2000 each. CBS Primary school, Ennis Community Games, the Michael Cusack Centre, the Clarecastle Regatta and Ennis Trad Festival were all awarded €1000 each.

O’Callaghan’s party colleague cllr. Pat Daly isn’t far behind, having spent €8000 in GMAs so far in 2026. Éire Óg GAA were the biggest beneficiaries of Daly’s allocations, receiving €3500.

Cllr. Clare Colleran Molloy handed out €3500 in the first four months of 2026, giving €1000 each to musical groups such as Ennis Musical Society, Doora-Barefield Comhaltas and Piping Hell/ Piping Heaven.

Despite her strong stance

towards GMAs in 2024, Ennis Trad Festival and Piping Hell/Piping Heaven were awarded a further €1000 each by Mayor of Clare Mary Howard. Hermitage native cllr. Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) was responsible for The Banner GAA receiving €1000 in funding while Ennis Educate Together were given €500 for school trips for the Elm and Hazel classes.

Sports clubs in Clare have been the biggest beneficiaries of GMAs in the first four months of this year Éire Óg, The Banner, Doora-Barefield, Clarecastle Ladies GAA clubs, Manus FC, Hermitage FC and Ennis Town FC.

'Vital' campaign to donate blood Clare County Council and the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) have teamed up for the first time to launch a vital blood donation campaign this June.

The initiative arrives at a critical time, as hospital blood supplies urgently need to be replenished following a significant drop in stocks over the consecutive May and June Bank Holiday weekends. Organisers are appealing for donors of all blood types to come forward.

The donation drive will take place across two locations in Ennis next week: Ennis West County Hotel, Monday, 15th June & Tuesday, 16th June, 3:50 pm – 8:10 pm; and Clare Coun-

ty Council (Civic Room, Buttermarket Building), Wednesday, 17th June, 3:10 pm – 6:20 pm. Attendance is by appointment. Members of the public can secure their slot by calling 1800 222 111.

The collaborative drive coincides with World Blood Donor Day on Sunday, 14th June, a global event dedicated to thanking voluntary donors for their life-saving contributions.

Organisers are extending a particularly warm welcome to first-time donors. The entire process takes approximately one hour out of your day—but for a patient in need, it could mean a lifetime.

15

Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Scariff 'Migrant Voices' explores cultures of Clare for World Refugee Week

by Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

WORLD Refugee Week takes place from 1521 June this year with Clare Local Authority Integration Team coming together with Cuimhneamh an Chláir to present an innovative event at The Edna O’ Brien Library in Scariff on Tue 16 June 11am1pm.

‘Migrant Voices – Every Voice Matters’ is a public conversation co-hosted by Paula Carroll and John Lillis of Cuimhneamh an Chláir with migrant community members living in the East Clare area.

The interview is an exploration of the array of cultures, lifestyles, stories, folklore, music and more represented by some of the newly arrived denizens of East Clare.

Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua, Pakistan,

Mauritius and Ukraine are just some of the countries whose cultures we will hear about.

Carroll and Lillis have been working with groups from the new communities over the last few months, listening to stories, swapping music, recording interviews.

They have been aided in this by Fiona Cahill, Integration Support Worker Clare County Council in reaching out and identifying individuals with interesting stories.

Cuimhneamh an Chláir project manager, Paula Carroll says: “It’s been amazing working with Fiona Cahill of the Local Authority Integration Team in the last few months.

Through her we’ve had the opportunity to sit down and swap stories with people from all around the globe, who are living, working

and adding their energy to the communities of Scariff and other East Clare villages.

Cuimhneamh an Chláir is all about gathering oral histories of the people who make Co. Clare what it is.

We are always thinking about what picture of Clare our archive will paint for people listening in 100 years’ time.

That picture would not be complete without these minority voices being represented.

“Ireland has a long history of outward migration, so we’re really looking forward to inviting local people into the library on 16 June to listen to these stories and to share their own stories of migration too.” continues Carroll.

Integration support worker, Fiona Cahill adds: “It was interesting collaborating with Cuimhneamh an Chláir to record such diverse oral

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ESB’s latest high power electric vehicle (EV) charging hub, has been officially launched by Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment at Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty Co. Clare.

The strategic location ensures those living locally, commuting and those visiting the mid-west and Wild Atlantic Way have access to high power chargers capable of delivering up to up to 220km of range in as little as ten minutes.

This latest hub is ESB’s 8th hub in the region and follows the recent openings of ESB High Power EV Charging Hubs in Shannon, Cas-

news@clareecho.ie

Drop off any household electrical item with a plug, cable or a battery including:

Computer Equipment & Home Entertainment Devices

Timmy charges up in Bunratty

by Michael Fitzgerald

SAT 13 JUNE, 10AM-4PM Large Electrical Appliances

ELECTRIC AVENUE: Timmy Dooley, Fianna Fáil TD, charges up at the new charging point in Bunratty

tletroy and Ennis Road in Co. Limerick and Collooney in Co. Sligo.

Timmy Dooley TD, Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, said: “Expanding and enhancing EV charging infrastructure is key to accelerating electric vehicle uptake in Ireland. The opening of this charging hub improves accessibility and convenience, ensuring more people in the mid-west will be supported to make the transition to cleaner transport while contributing to achieving our climate targets.”

Ballycar rail �looding still a wash out

Kilrush, The Mart th Recycle Your Batteries for Barretstown – And Never Bin a Battery!

histories of these new communities, and it was particularly lovely to see people’s faces lighting up as they shared memories of their home countries.

“Storytelling is an incredibly powerful way to foster understanding between people, build connections, and forge meaningful relations and create opportunities for greater integration within the wider community”.

‘Migrant Voices – Every Voice Matters’ is a free event and all are welcome.

It takes place in the Edna O’ Brien Library, Scariff, Tue 16 June 11am – 1pm.

Authorised by Clare Co Co

CONTINUAL flooding of the Limerick to Galway railway line at Ballycar was one of the main issues discussed by Clare cllrs at the June sitting of Clare County Council.

Cllr David Griffin (FF) put forward a motion that “Clare County Council request an update from the Department of Transport on the Ballycar Railway flood alleviation works” at the meeting.

Flooding at the stretch of the rail line in East Clare is a longstanding issue for commuters with continual flooding caused by bad weather as well as a network of disappearing springs and streams caused by the perforation of the limestone landscape.

There are fears that the problem could become worse in years to come as according to Clare County Council’s five-year Climate Action Plan published in 2024, flooding is an emerging risk for the region.

A new drainage scheme costing between 16 and 17 million to fix the issue was proposed in 2020 but no work on this has been completed due to conflicts over who should fund the project.

Speaking on the motion, Cllr.

Griffin called the problem “One of the most consistent causes of rail disruption in the west of Ire-

CHUGGING DOWN:Flooding on rail line causes chaos

land.

In 2024 the issue caused the stoppage of the train from Ennis to Limerick. The railway was two metres below water level. We’ve kicked it around in this chamber and it’s been raised in the Dáil as well. I know it’s between Irish rail and the OPW and Clare County Council are an external stakeholder in this”, he added.

Killaloe LEA representative cllr Pat Hayes (FF) also spoke of the importance of the issue at both a county and national level, while lamenting the lack of progress on the issue.

The East Clare native noted “It’s not a flood on a road. When it’s not happening it’s not an issue there’s 800,000 people a year using this service from Galway to Limerick at the minute”.

Sixmilebridge cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) was quick to thank his own MD for their work on managing flooding at the railway,

as well as highlighting the longstanding nature of the issue.

“Cllr Pat McMahon brought this up on numerous occasions before he retired. Passengers on the line have grown from 109,000 to 800,000, we could be caught again. The longer you leave it the greater the financial pressure to get to it."

In summation, cllr Griffin thanked the elected representatives who spoke and added “I know I’m not the first person to bring it up. It's been a problem for decades before me.

The minister did commit to it when he was down, I just wonder are we doing everything on our side that we possibly can?”

Senior Executive Officer for Land Activation, Derelict Sites and Property, Carmel Greene, acknowledged the concerns of the above cllrs, explaining that she had “convened the stakeholders from the first day to find the solution.

I’m convening a meeting then of all the relevant agencies.

What’s required here is a fund by the government to alleviate the issue”, she added.

16

Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Trump yet to confirm Irish Open attendance

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has yet to confirm if he will be in attendance for The Irish Open at his Doonbeg resort this September.

Organisers have admitted that the presence of the US President would cause a lot of disruption for the European Tour event in West Clare.

Speaking in Doonbeg on Tuesday morning, General Manager of Trump International Golf Links Ireland, Joe Russell when asked on whether the seventy nine year old businessman would be at the resort, stated, “I suppose the main question is President Trump. We have no confirmation of that yet.

“We do know he wants to come but the way the world is, you never know what's going to happen. But we have not received any confirmation yet, Russell outlined.

Championship Director with the DP World Tour, Paul Gillmon acknowledged the attendance of Trump in Doonbeg would cause disruptions.

“We've planned for all scenarios. If he comes, which is a big if, Joe and his team have been working with the local authorities.

It will be disruptive but that goes with the territory. We will just wait and see how things evolve”.

Operating profits at the five star resort continue to soar. Latest accounts which were filed in January show that operating profits increased by nine percent to €2.23m in 2024.

Latest consolidated accounts for TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd that operates the golf resort show that revenues rose by seven percent from €16.12m to €17.3m.

In their directors report, Joe Russell and Eric Trump stated that Trump Ireland continues to receive significant international recognition, including being named Top 5 Resorts in Europe in Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2025.

They also stated that the staging of the 2026 Amgen Irish Open at the course this coming September will further enhance the global profile of the business.

lIt is not known if President Trump will be attending The Irish Open at his Doonbeg resort

Irish 'heatwave' sparks concerns about lack of facilities on strands

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

LACK of toilet facilities and appropriate lifeguards during the recent heatwave were highlighted at the June meeting of Clare County Council.

Elected representatives from North and West Clare discussed a number of faults exposed in the county’s tourist regions that were caused by the unexpected spell of fine weather.

Although he quipped that the three days of sunshine enjoyed by the Banner county might be the full extent of our summer, Cllr. Shane Talty (FF) put forward a motion calling for “Clare County Council to put in place contingency plans to open toilets and have seven-day lifeguard cover at coastal locations in the event of fine weather”.

The Ennistymon native highlighted that “Our short heat wave highlighted whether we can have flexibility and the ability to react.

We have to have some kind of a system in place or some way of building in flexibility that when we see weather events, we know what we’re going to bring.

We were a day late before we were up and running and able to react”.

“Lifeguards were putting their hands up and not being taken up on it.

Fantastic facilities are available but if they’re not open it makes for a really, really poor visitor experience when these rare and rather wonderful weather events occur”, he continued.

Unsurprisingly, the motion proved popular with elected repre-

lMAKING WAVES: Lifeguards and public toilet facilities need to be more readily available on local beaches during warmer weather (Lahinch Lifeguard station pictured above)

sentatives from the county’s main tourist areas, such as the Ennistymon and Kilrush municipal districts.

Cllr. Joe Garrihy (FG) spoke in support of the motion, recognising the need for a timely response by the local authority in the event of

unexpected warm weather.

The Lisdoonvarna man stated that there was “great work being done by our teams across coastal communities” during the heatwave but stressed that the council must have “the capacity to respond to these kinds of events, no matter

what they are. That will require a variety of skill sets”.

“During fine weather there’s going to be a desire for people to go to the beaches and it’s about keeping them safe.

We have a dedicated surfing community and a lifeguard can’t be ev-

erywhere at once even if he is there.

It’s a recognition of the changing times”, the cllr added, in relation to the latter half of the motion.

Corofin representative cllr. Joe Kileen (FF) discussed the high level of correspondence received by cllrs last month, saying “We got burned with emails from people at White Strand and Fanore to open facilities. That weather came as a great surprise.

Flexibility needs to be built in with a number of people being taken on for a temporary basis for the summer”, the North Clare native added.

Cllr. Michael Shannon (FF) also stressed the importance of flexibility and readiness to adapt to demanding weather conditions.

“It’s very important when we have such beautiful beaches in West Clare. We had similar motions back in Liscannor.

You spoke about facilities earlier, it's just about trying to be adaptable and have as many facilities as possible open for people and making sure that services that should be there are there”, the Quilty man outlined.

Concluding, cllr Talty stated that he wished to thank “local experts” throughout the county who stepped in when lifeguards could not be found to protect increased numbers of beach-goers.

“Thankfully, a lot of their actions have been useful in recent times”, the Fianna Fáil representative added.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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Columnists

17

Thought for the week: hidden place where God sees you Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY

T

HERE is a quiet exhaustion many people carry that nobody else can see.

The exhaustion of trying to matter. Trying to be enough. Trying to survive. Trying to keep going. Trying to wake up and face another day when the weight of everything already feels heavy.

And perhaps this is where many of us begin. Not with strength. Not with certainty. But with trying.

Because the work of trying begins almost immediately after we open our eyes each morning.

Trying to love. Trying to heal. Trying to hope. Trying to listen. Trying to care. Trying to forgive. Trying to survive. Trying to be okay. Trying to keep going. Trying to stay open.

Trying to hold on. Trying to believe.

Trying to exist. And perhaps we do not say this enough, Trying is holy too.

Because life is not easy. The news is grim. Our situations are difficult. The world often feels out of control and out of peace. Wars.

Violence. Division. Greed. Hatred.

Racism. Suffering. Communities torn apart. People grieving quietly.

Private battles nobody else sees.

Yet somehow, despite all this, people keep trying. “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9). And maybe that matters more than we realize.

THE QUIET QUESTION BENEATH EVERYTHING Beneath all this trying there is often another question, “Do I still matter if nobody notices me?”

And the Gospel answers with breathtaking tenderness, Yes. You matter. Infinitely.

Not because you are impressive.

Not because you are visible. Not because people celebrate you. You matter because you are loved. Jesus loves us as He loves Himself.

He died for us. Rose again for us.

And sent the Holy Spirit to remain with us in weakness, wandering, exhaustion and grief. Thank You, Lord. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.” (John 15:9).

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” (1 John 3:1). “Neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God.” (Romans 8:38–39). The Cross of Jesus forever destroys the lie that our worth must be earned.

THE QUIET ADDICTIONS OF THE HUMAN HEART The desire to be honored is one of the hardest chains to break because it disguises itself beautifully as virtue. We want to be respected. Recognised. Appreciated. Admired. Praised. Preferred.

Chosen. Remembered.

Perhaps one of the deepest addictions of the human heart is not power. Not wealth. Not pleasure.

But preference. To be chosen first.

To be remembered first. To be loved more. And when that does not happen, something inside us quietly aches. Not all wounds come from hatred. Some wounds come from watching someone else receive what we secretly desired.

Someone else gets chosen.

Someone else is admired. Someone else receives the affection.

And comparison whispers, “Why not me?” But a heart enslaved to preference can never rest. It counts. Measures. Compares.

Keeps score. Holy people slowly stop counting. “Love does not envy… it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4). “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3).

Because love no longer depends upon comparison.

LIVING FOR GOD The desire to be praised can quietly become stronger than the desire to be holy. Praise feels warm. It comforts insecurity. Feeds the ego. Makes us feel seen.

But if applause becomes how we measure our worth, silence eventually destroys our peace.

True freedom begins when we stop performing for crowds and start living for an audience of One and that One is God. Because visibility is not validation. Recognition is not love. Human approval changes constantly. God’s love does not.

The world says, Build your image.

Collect as many Followers as you can. Protect your reputation.

Make your name great. Make sure people notice. Christ whispers, “Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25).

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26). “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

(John 3:30). The holiest people are often the quietest. They continue loving. Continue serving. Continue showing up. Continue trying. Even when nobody notices.

THE HIDDEN PLACE There is something deeply Franciscan about hiddenness. Saint Francis, whose 800th anniversary we celebrate this year, did not spend his life trying to become unforgettable to people. He spent his life becoming transparent enough for Christ to be seen through him.

He understood, Transformation rarely begins on a stage. It begins in hidden places. On your knees.

In silence. In ordinary moments.

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” (Matthew 6:6). “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10). Because silence removes the audience. And finally we meet ourselves honestly.

Our fears. Our exhaustion. Our insecurities. Our need to matter.

But there too we encounter God. Already seeing. Already knowing.

Already loving. We live in a culture obsessed with spectacular things. Visibility. Platforms. Followers. Success. But heaven measures differently. There are people quietly changing the world every day. The exhausted parent. The caregiver. The grieving friend. The lonely person choosing kindness.

The person battling depression while still showing compassion.

The worker remaining honest. The person quietly showing up again today.

“Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

(Matthew 6:4). “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Hiddenness is not insignificance.

Hiddenness is intimacy. Because fruit always grows underground before breaking through the surface.

OUR WORK IS TO KEEP TRYING Sometimes there is little we can do about wars. Or greed. Or hatred. Or injustice. But there is still work entrusted to us. Trying to create reconciliation. Trying to create healing. Trying to create peace. Trying to create compassion. Trying to create community.

Trying to love. Trying to forgive.

Trying to bless. Trying to remain human. Trying to remain open.

Trying to keep going. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9). “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

(Romans 12:21). Perhaps our work is this, to drag the Kingdom of God’s love kicking and screaming into our realities. One small act at a time.

EVERY PERSON MATTERS You will never look into the eyes of someone who does not matter to God. Not the grieving. Not the lonely. Not the refugee. Not the forgotten. Not the wounded. Every person carries infinite dignity.

Because every person is deeply loved. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

(Matthew 25:40). “Love your neighbour as yourself.” (Mark 12:31).

We are neighbours on this tiny little planet. Trying. Struggling. Hoping.

Grieving. Longing to be loved. So be kind. Because compassion changes things.

BEGIN THE DAY WITH LOVE Perhaps this is why where we begin matters. Before the noise.

Before the headlines. Before the demands. Begin with God. Begin with gratitude. Begin with prayer.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8). Grace still abounds. Mercies are still new this morning. “His mercies are new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:22–23). Prayers are still being heard. Jesus is still interceding.

The Holy Spirit is still working. God is still waiting. Ready to embrace.

Ready to strengthen. Ready to walk with you.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the week, do one hidden act of love every day.

Stay peaceful when someone else is chosen. Celebrate someone else sincerely. Pray secretly. Serve quietly. Reach out to someone

struggling. Spend time in silence.

And ask yourself, “Would I still do this if nobody ever knew?” Because some of the most beautiful things are seen only by heaven.

Keep trying. Keep loving. Keep showing up. Keep being gentle.

Keep being compassionate. Keep going. “Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Let me leave you with a prayer I wrote about Hidden Faithfulness - “Lord Jesus, Thank You for loving us when we are tired. When we are trying.

When we are struggling. Deliver us from the exhausting need to be admired. Deliver us from the desire to be praised. Deliver us from the desire to be preferred.

Teach us hiddenness. Teach us quiet faithfulness. Teach us compassion. Help us remain gentle in hard times. Help us love when nobody notices. Help us continue trying when we feel like quitting.

Give us eyes to see people as You see them. Make our hearts tender again. And when we feel unseen, remind us softly, that being loved

by You is enough. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9). May we become people of hidden faithfulness.

People of compassion. People who quietly carry Your love into wounded places. Not great in the eyes of the world. But faithful in the eyes of heaven. Amen.”

CLARE RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO HAVE THEIR SAY IN A COMMUNITY SAFETY SURVEY The Clare Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) is encouraging everyone across County Clare to have their say by taking part in the Community Safety Survey, open until 24 June.

We recognise that the experiences and perceptions of safety for many in our communities have changed in recent years, and it is more important than ever to hear directly from you.

The survey aims to gather the views and experiences of those who live, work, and spend time in County Clare, and will directly inform the development of the Clare Local Community Safety Plan.

This plan will set out practical, community-driven actions to strengthen safety, wellbeing, and quality of life across the county.

The Clare LCSP is encouraging as many people as possible to participate and have their say on what community safety means to them.

•

Open now until the 24th of June 2026

•

Takes just 10–15 minutes

•

The survey is anonymous & confidential

Whether you live, work, or spend time in Clare, your experiences matter. Your feedback will directly shape the new Local Community Safety Plan, ensuring it reflects the real priorities, concerns, and aspirations of communities across the county while driving practical improvements where they are needed most.

Clare Community Safety Survey Have your say on Community Safety in Clare

To take the survey go to: www.clarecoco.ie/lcsp Alternatively, scan the QR code here for quick access to the survey.

Paper copies of the survey will also be available in all libraries across Clare or contact the LCSP on lcsp@clarecoco.ie or telephone (065) 6846460.

Let’s work together to make Clare a safer, stronger place for everyone.

Scan this code with your phone (camera) to complete the survey

18

Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

North Clare News

'One squad car covering Kilrush to Kinvara'

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

"THE crime was never as high” in parts of Clare one cllr has claimed, due to a lack of Garda presence and Gardaí being pulled from their stations in North and West Clare to cover at Shannon Airport.

Cllr. Dinny Gould (IND) was speaking at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council where cllrs from across the county stressed the importance of increasing Garda numbers throughout Clare. Cllr Gould stated that a Garda presence was needed for the summer especially in Kilrush or Kilkee.

The 9 cllrs of the Ennistymon and Kilrush municipal

lSAFETY FIRST: The seaside town of Kilkee needs Garda presence during the summer months

districts were united in a motion put before the council where they called on the Garda commissioner and lo-

cal management to “increase the Garda numbers throughout the county and to ensure that each area of the county

is fully resourced in its own right”.

Cllrs continually stressed the importance of a local Garda presence throughout West Clare as well as expressing their disappointment with the current amalgamation of the Clare and Tipperary Garda divisions and the fact that guards from West and North Clare are continually being pulled into Shannon airport.

Cllr. Shane Talty (FF) highlighted the need for a greater police presence in Clare.

“There are about 90 less members in Clare on active service than there would have been 10 years ago in comparison with popula-

tion. We want to see some of those recruits coming out of Templemore coming out to Clare. One Saturday night in May we were left with a situation with one squad car covering Kilrush to Kinvarra while others were taken into Shannon.” the Ennistymon man added.

Doonbeg native Cllr. Rita McInereny (FF) stated that Guards in Clare “cannot be expected to do more with less resources”.

Cllr. Ian Lynch (IND) warned of the potential strain on existing Garda numbers in West Clare due to increased strain from the influx of tourists and police members being pulled into Shannon Airport. "It’s some-

thing that we can’t let go on for the summer as we see an influx of tourists into West and North Clare.”

As of December 2025, there are 298 Gardaí stationed in Co Clare. The 3.5 percent increase on 2024 figures saw the contingent of Gardaí increase from 58 to 71 in Shannon, 10 to 13 in Crusheen at the protective service unit but numbers dropped in Ennis from 114 to 110 and in Kilrush from 39 to 38.

Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) highlighted the seriousness of this issue amongst the county’s electorate, revealing that “Nine cllrs have been contacted in regards to these serious concerns."

Businessman to demolish €1m Lahinch home and build one more than double in size

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council has given the green light to well-known Co Clare businessman, Brian Crowley to demolish a four bedroomed home on a property he and his wife purchased for €1m in the seaside resort of Lahinch last Summer and construct a new home more than double in size.

This follows Council planners concluding that the plans by Brian Crowley and his wife, Susan Crowley for their planned six bedroomed home at Thalassa at Seapark overlooking Lahinch beach “would not have adverse impacts on the visual or residential amenities of the area”.

Last Summer, former EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist and founder of healthcare recruitment group, TTM Healthcare, Mr Crowley and his wife Susan purchased Thalassa for €1.005m.

During an online auction which lasted 1hr and seven minutes last June where bidding started at €650,000, the Crowleys beat off bids from five other bidders to purchase the property for €1.005m.

The online brochure for the property - built in 1971 - stated that “situated on an elevated site with uninterrupted panoramic views overlooking Lahinch Beach, 'Thalassa' is a home in one of the most sought after locations along

the west coast of Ireland”.

An entry on the Residential Price Property Register confirms that the €1.005 million sale went through on August 13th last.

The new home will be more than double the size in floor space than Thalassa with gross floor space of the new home at 314 sq m compared to the 126 sq m for Thalassa.

Mr Crowley represented Ireland in boxing at under-age level and in 2024 TTM Healthcare generated revenues of €144.26m in 2024 as pre-tax profits increased by 8pc to €12.46m. TTM has offices at the Ballymaley Business Park outside Ennis.

In the Council planner’s report recommending a grant of permission, it concluded that “the dwelling currently on the site is not considered to be of sufficient architectural merit to warrant its retention”.

The planners’ report states that there were extensive pre-planning consultations before the application was lodged and the design of the house was altered during this process which included a site visit.

The report states that “the alterations related to the reduction of the height and scale of the proposal, the inclusion of a mix of renders and the proposed finished floor levels”.

In documentation lodged with the plans, chartered architect, Paul Keating outlined the justification

for demolishing Thalassa.

He told Council planners in an email that “the existing house is in a poor state of repair and is unviable as a refurbishment option and as a result we are proposing to demolish the existing house and construct a new build”.

Mr Keating of JE Keating and Associates Architects has told the planners that “in our approach we are acutely aware of the sensitivity of the site and its location in a settled housing estate”.

Mr Keating said that the design approach shows “however we have respected the pattern of development as well as the proximity of the adjoining neighbours”.

Mr Keating told the council that “we will submit a structural report from a qualified engineer stating the degraded nature of the existing structure which will need to be demolished as the clients want to build a Nzeb (Nearly zero energy building) standard compliant energy efficient home”.

Mr Keating pointed out that Thalassa is not a protected structure or within an Architectural Heritage Conservation Area.

lPRIME LOCATION: The property is on an elevated site overlooking Lahinch beach and is to be replaced with a new six bedroomed home

19

Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Shannon News

Scarcity of parking for Shannon town Shannon residents 'needs a makeover'

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON RESIDENTS are not served with a sufficient amount of parking spaces at housing estates across the town, county councillors have stressed.

In a proposal before the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) requested for consideration on “providing community car parking spaces in the older areas of Shannon Town where these houses were developed before widespread car ownership”.

Additional parking has been provided in Cluain Airne, acting senior executive engineer Caimin Dillon flagged. “Other suitable locations in Shannon will be assessed with a view to the provision of additional parking subject to funding”.

lSufficent parking needs to be available in Shannon

Lack of parking has been raised in all corners of the county, Cllr O’Gorman highlighted. More needs to be done to make life easier for owners of electric vehicles, Cllr O’Gorman felt.

He said councillors are ending up using their General Municipal Allocation (GMA) to fund the provision of more spaces instead of the Council giving the funds.

EV charging points and car parking spaces “are badly needed” in Shannon, Cllr

Tony Mulcahy (FG) stressed.

He added, “We need to look at more group parking and more charging points”.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr John Crowe (FG) told the meeting that a recently constructed estate featured on television where chargers were brought across the road “but they were ordered to take them down because they were illegal, a lot has to be done to sort them out."

This issue will only grow, Cllr James Ryan (SF) predicted “because of the way housing is you have people who have cars but nowhere to go so there will be more pressure to get spaces”.

Discussions could be held with ESB to put in charging points in private estates.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON town “needs a makeover” so far as its landscaping is concerned with “impactful” designs to be finalised.

Work is needed on the ground of the Airport Town and improvements won’t be visible for two years, Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) has said.

Senior officials in the Shannon Municipal District are “working proactively with a professional landscape artist, Shannon Tidy Towns and industry partners to establish impactful landscaping in Shannon”.

At the latest sitting of the Shannon MD, Cllr Mulcahy sought details on what parts of the town would be landscaped in the coming weeks.

Suzie Clifford, senior

lTLC: Shannon town is in desperate need of a makeover

executive officer with the Shannon MD confirmed they are in discussions.

“The Shannon MD will commence work on the main junction on Bóthar Mór and then commence work on Drumgeely Road,” she outlined.

Cllr Mulcahy stated, “The town needs a makeover, it will take a long period of time to deliver on this, it is

like the flowers and meadows which take time to grow, another year or two we’ll see it”.

Also voicing his support, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) commented, “I went to visit the Tidy Towns recently with their tunnel and flowers, it will bring an awful lot of colour to the town when they are rolled out”.

Shannon Springs praised for energy saving changes

by Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

SHANNON Springs Hotel demonstrates how hotels can transition to low-energy, low-carbon operations, while maintaining guest comfort and service quality.

Co-owner/director at Shannon Springs Hotel, John Gavin MIHI spoke about the project, hailing the support received by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI).

He said, "Through this project, we have significantly reduced our energy demand and carbon emmissons while strengthening the long-term resilience of our business.

The support from the SEAI EXEED programme was instrumental in enabling a structured, data-driven approach to achieving meaningful savings."

Congratuations to the Shannon Springs team on their comprehensive energy upgrade project.

The team received their certification in May 2026. lHIGH ENERGY: The Shannon Springs team receiving their certification (L-R) Patrick Donoghue – SEAI, Lisa Glynn – SSH, Timmy McCarthy – Watt Footprint, John Gavin – SSH, Colm Martin – SEAI, Dermot Kelly – SSH, Marie Cleary – SSH, Heather O’Reilly Duff – Watt Footprint, Paul Mahon – Watt Footprint

20 20

Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Gort & South Galway Gort & South Galway

Thursday, JUNE 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Creative Places Tuam's new chapter puts art at the heart of the community

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Creative Places Tuam has secured Arts Council fund‑ ing for 2026 and 2027, pav‑ ing the way for a new phase of the community‑led arts programme under local leadership.

The initiative, which sup‑ ports artists, funds commu‑ nity projects and promotes cultural activity in Tuam and surrounding areas, will become fully locally based from 2027.

Governance will transfer from Create, the national agency for collaborative arts, to Galway County Council's Arts Office.

The move follows five years of development under Create, which has managed the programme since 2020.

Since its establishment, Creative Places Tuam has delivered artist residencies, community commissions, creative exchanges, devel‑ opment days, public events, publications, short films and original music projects, strengthening links between Tuam’s creative community and the wider arts sector.

Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Con‑ neally welcomed the contin‑ ued investment by the Arts Council in Creative Places Tuam.

“This programme shows the strength of partnership between national and local government in supporting artists and communities.

The shift to locally led governance is an important milestone and reflects our commitment to placing arts

lCREATIVE FLAIR: Community projects will reep the benefits of the Arts Council funding

and culture at the heart of community development across the county”.

Director of Services for Tuam Municipal District Michael Owens said the pro‑

gramme had helped to build confidence and creative en‑ gagement in the town.

New initiatives will in‑ clude monthly one‑to‑one mentoring sessions known as Soundboard 121, the Graft Series for networking and knowledge exchange, and Loop Sessions, informal cre‑ ative meet‑ups.

Galway County Arts Offi‑ cer Sharon O’Grady said the programme would continue to support both artists and communities.

“This next phase of the locally led Creative Places Tuam will support artists to develop their practice while enabling communities to shape and participate in their cultural life.

With the support of the local community, we were empowered to take the lead on this next stage of the pro‑ gramme.”

'Dedicated' Gort woman honoured Hospice Hero

by Michael Fitzgerald

news@clareecho.ie

A GORT woman has been honoured for her long‑stand‑ ing commitment to Sunflower Days fundraising in Galway City Hospice.

Rita Molloy received the award from Hospice Sunflow‑ er Days Ambassador, Miriam O’Callaghan, at a special cer‑ emony in St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 last week to coincide with the Hos‑ pice Sunflower Days 2026 cam‑ paign launch.

The Gort woman was hon‑ oured along with 12 others from all across the country with the title of Hospice Hero at the event.

Rita was recognised for her long‑standing commitment to organising Sunflower Day volunteers in Gort for Galway Hospice every year. Hospice Sunflower Days collections take place on Friday 12th June and Saturday 13th June 2026 around Galway City & County.

On these days, volunteers sell items including Sunflower pins, pens, trolley tokens and teddies.

Speaking at the event, Mary Nash, CEO of Galway Hospice, commented “We are proud to recognise Rita’s dedication and the difference she has made to Galway Hospice over many years.

Volunteers like Rita are at the heart of our community. We are encouraging people across Galway to join her this June to raise vital funds for the hospice — helping ensure our care is there for patients and families when they need it most. Every little donation really does make a big difference”.

“I am delighted to get in‑ volved once again with Hospice Sunflower Days.

This is a very worthy cause and with all funds raised locally staying in the local area, it real‑ ly offers a great opportunity for people to make a difference for their local hospice or specialist palliative homecare service”, Miriam O’Callaghan added.

lHONOURED: Rita Molloy with Hospice Sunflower Days Ambassador, Mirian O'Callaghan

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

Healthy Clare

Support journalism in Clare by subscribing to www.clareecho.ie/subscribe

21

Clare men asked to take one small step for their health this Men’s Health Week MEN across County Clare are being encouraged to take one small but powerful step towards improving their health and wellbeing as part of Men’s Health Week 2026, which runs from June 15 to 21.

With a strong local focus and a practical message, this year’s campaign highlights how simple, achievable actions can make a lasting difference.

Co-ordinated by Clare County Council through its Health and Wellbeing programme, Men’s Health Week in Clare is delivered in partnership with the HSE, Mental Health Ireland, the Men’s Development Network, Clare Sports Partnership, Clare FM and a wide range of local community groups.

Together, they have developed a week-long schedule of events, supports and conversations designed to meet men where they are and encourage participation in a positive, accessible way.

At the heart of this year’s initiative is the County Clare ‘One Small Step’ Pledge, which invites men to commit to a single action that will benefit their health.

The step can be as simple as going for a daily walk, booking a long-overdue check-up, reaching out to a friend, or taking time to rest and reset. Importantly, the pledge can also be made by a family member or friend on someone’s behalf, with their permission—recognising the important role others play in supporting men to prioritise their wellbeing.

Participants will also be entered into a prize draw, adding an extra incentive to get involved.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy, said the initiative is about making health feel manageable for everyone.

“Men’s Health Week reminds us that looking after our health doesn’t have to be complicated,” he said.

“Small steps such as walking more, getting a check-up, talking to someone or taking time to switch off can make a real difference.”

l Launching Men’s Health Week 2026 at Tim Smythe Park in Ennis are (L-R) Cillian Keane (Mental Health Ireland), Mary McMahon (HSE), Cllr Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Joan Tarmey, Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator (Clare County Council), Pat Sexton (Clare Sports Partnership) and Jamie Fitzgibbon (Active Ennis Leisure)

This message is echoed by health professionals involved in the campaign. Mary McMahon, Senior Health Promotion and Improvement Officer with HSE Mid-West, highlighted the importance of starting conversations around health.

“Men’s Health Week is an opportunity to open up those important discussions.

Small, realistic changes are often the most sustainable, and we hope this programme encourages men to take positive steps for both their physical and mental wellbeing,” she said.

A key feature of the week locally is the Clare FM ‘Morning Focus’ series, which will broadcast a number of dedicated interviews exploring men’s health topics in an honest and practical way.

Expert guests will discuss areas including mental wellbeing, stress management, healthy eating, physical activity and the value of staying connected within communities.

The radio series provides an accessible way for listeners across the county to engage with the campaign from home, at work or on the move, reinforcing the central message that small steps matter.

There are also a number of in-person opportunities for men to connect and access supports.

A Connect Café will take place at De Valera Library in Ennis on Thursday, June 18

from 10.30am to 12 noon.

This relaxed, welcoming event offers tea, coffee and conversation in an informal setting, along with the opportunity to view the Men’s Network Exhibition, which

MEN’S

showcases the importance of community involvement and peer support in men’s lives.

Free health screening will also be available at Kilrush Mart on Wednesday, June 24 from 11am to 2pm, where men can avail of blood pressure, pulse and diabetes checks. The service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and aims to make preventative healthcare more accessible in familiar, local settings.

Joan Tarmey, Clare Healthy Ireland Co-ordinator with Clare County Council, noted the collaborative nature of the initiative.

“Partnership is key to the success of Men’s Health Week,” she said. “By working together, we can reach men in different settings and encourage positive conversations that make a real impact. The addition of digital messaging in GP waiting rooms and hotels is a novel approach, helping us reach people in places where they already are.”

Throughout the week,

SMALL STEPS

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health tips, advice and event updates will be shared across social media, Clare FM and digital screens located in GP waiting rooms and hotels across the county, ensuring the message reaches as wide an audience as possible.

Jason Murphy, Director of Services with Clare County Council, reinforced the simple but important call to action at the core of the campaign.

“The message is clear—we are encouraging men to take one positive step. The pledge, events and discussions are all designed to support men to engage with their health in a positive and practical way,” he said.

Men, along with their families and friends, are encouraged to take part, support one another and engage with the range of supports and information available during the week.

To take the ‘One Small Step’ Pledge, explore the full programme of events or find out more, visit www.clarecoco.ie/menshealth

THIS WEEK? EAT HEALTHIER

DRINK MORE WATER

SLEEP MORE

GET A HEALTH CHECK

Find Out More at Clarecoco.ie/menshealth Clare Champion

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22

Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Cleaning Clean Ennis retains midtable position in IBAL litter table up for summer

By Erika Sanger news@clareecho.ie

The latest litter survey by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) shows Ennis again deemed ‘Clean’, falling slightly to 19th from 15th in the ranking of 40 cities and towns.

Sligo again topped the IBAL ranking, with Limerick City Centre the only area branded ‘littered’.

The An Taisce report on Ennis stated: Former IBAL winner Ennis has dipped somewhat in the IBAL ranking, with just five sites out of ten surveyed getting the top litter grade.

O’Connell Street, particularly towards the recently enhanced O’Connell Square, was looking very well and

very much deserved the top litter grade.

Place St. Paul De Fenouillet / Clare Museum was a welcoming and attractive environment for visitors to Ennis.Abbey Street Car Park is more than a car park, seating and planted areas make for a place to relax.

A vacant site on Bank Place has suffered from abuse and neglect and will only deteriorate if not addressed. There were heavy litter levels at the ‘unmanned’ services area for Tyre / Water at Certa, Tulla Road.

No town or city occupied the “seriously littered” or “litter blackspot” categories at the foot of the IBAL table.

Overall litter levels were on a par with last year, with 27 towns deemed clean.

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Cork Northside

32 on the Galway Innerlitter City - Ballybane CLEAN SWEEP: Ennis place has slipped latest survey 33

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Sligo finished of Norms had at any time in theBallymun pared to previous years.

Cleaner than ahead European 35 Dublin City Centre Monaghan and Leixlip, last 25 years,” com“The job’s not done, but 1 Sligo with Waterford – again mented IBAL’s 36 ConorTallaght across the country, local 2 Monaghan 37 Limerick City South - Galvone Ireland’s cleanest city – Horgan. authorities appear to 3 spot.

Leixlip in 4th Once again, 38 the study haveInner upped Dublin North City their game."

4 the Waterford City “As peak season showed a low number 39 Portlaoise Despite DRS, bottles Ballinasloe for T5 tourist visitors apof very heavily littered and cans are not disapT5 Carrick Shannon proaches, weon have fewer sites among theLittered 500-plus pearing from our streets. littered areas than we’ve sites surveyed comPlastic bottle and can T5 Gorey 40

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litter was found in 19% and 22% respectively of sites surveyed - the highest levels since the Deposit Return Scheme was introduced.

“If we had hoped that the DRS would see this litter disappear from our streets, it’s not happening,” says Conor Horgan. “15c or 25c does not appear enough to incentivise some people to return a bottle or can.

That said, by reducing this litter by 50%-plus, the scheme’s impact on overall cleanliness levels is beyond dispute.”

The prevalence of coffee cups was at its highest level since 2023, making it one of the main sources of litter on our streets, behind sweet papers, fast food wrappers, plastic bags and

cigarette butts. “Talk of a ‘latte levy’ has all but vanished, yet coffee cup litter clearly has not."

The study also revealed a significant increase in cigarette butt litter compared to 2025.

IBAL warns that butts are not only unsightly, but are a toxic single-use plastic that can contaminate the marine and land environment.

An Taisce receives funding from the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (through the Circular Economy Fund) to support the undertaking of IBAL surveys.

Thursday, June 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Exploring the Aran Islands & Doolin

...and the best of Ennisytymon & Lahinch

24

Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

INIS MÓR IN FOCUS

Tourist for a day: exploring the wild horizons of Inis Mór LIKE a lot of people living in Ireland for their whole lives, I haven’t had the opportunity to explore some of the beautiful places along the Wild Atlantic Way that are usually seen as tourist attractions.

But recently I was lucky enough to be a tourist for a day on Inis Mór when the O’Brien family from Doolin Ferry invited some of The Clare Echo team on their state-of-the-art ferry for a trip to the islands.

We arrived at the ferry port that morning in Doolin and hopped on the 11am sailing.

The crossing to Inis Mór was quick and smooth—just under 40 minutes. Doolin Ferries are well known for their reliable service, and the new boat made the scenic journey even more enjoyable. We were exceptionally lucky with the weather; the sky was cloudless, the sea calm, and the panoramic views stretched across the water to the other Aran Islands and the dramatic coastlines beyond.

First Stop: Kilronan Village Disembarking at Kilronan, the island’s main hub, we headed straight to the tourist office to map out our limited hours. The universal recommendation for getting around efficiently was to rent e-bikes, which proved to be an absolute game-changer. Aran Bike Hire, located just a short

walk from the pier, generously provided us with e-bikes to help us cover as much ground as possible.

Lunch and Pub Stops Before hitting the trails, we stopped for a quick bite at Tigh Joe Mac, a cosy pub overlooking the harbour, where standard comfort food like toasties and soup provided the perfect pre-cycle fuel. Tigh Joe Watty’s further up the road is another fantastic, traditional option known for its warm atmosphere and great island hospitality.

Retail and Ancient Forts After lunch, we took a brief stroll through Kilronan, browsing the traditional knitwear at the Aran Sweater Market and Carraig Donn.

From there, we powered up our e-bikes and headed inland toward Dún Eochla, a circular stone fort perched on the island’s highest point.

While you have to walk the final stretch, the rewarding summit offers views reaching all the way back to the Clare coastline.

Continuing further west, we pushed on to Dún Aonghasa (Dun Aengus), the island’s most famous magnificent cliff-edge fortress.

Perched precariously over a 100-metre drop into the churning Atlantic, walking through its ancient stone semi-circles is an unforgettable, breathtaking experience.

Coastal Sights and Artisan Treats On the return loop, we cycled along the coast, stopping at the natural seal colony where grey seals can often be seen lounging on the rocks at low tide. Right nearby, we cooled off by the spectacular Blue Flag beach at Cill Mhuirbhig, a stunning stretch of white sand and clear turquoise water that looks like it belongs in the Mediterranean rather than the west of Ireland.

Just up from the beach, and particularly for those with a bit more time on your hands, it’s worth making a visit to Aran Goat Cheese whether you’re a foodie or not.

This family-run farm shop and visitor centre is a great place to see the residents, feed the goats some snacks, and pick up their artisan cheeses—ranging from soft dillisk pearls to hard goat cheese—alongside local honey and chutneys. It also happens to be the only designated toilet stop between the port and the fort!

Before heading back to the pier, we made one final stop at the Man of Aran Fudge Shop. Tomás, who runs the business alongside his nephew, treats visitors to over 15 flavours of handmade fudge, ensuring we didn’t board the ferry empty-handed.

Back to the Mainland Sailing back to Doolin as the sun began to dip, it was clear we had only scratched

l Kilronan village and (top right) visitors are treated to scenic views at every turn on Inis Mór; (above) the Sweater Shop and (right) the famous views at Dún Aonghasa

the surface of what the island has to offer. Inis Mór is packed with heritage and wild landscapes that truly deserve an extended stay.

Top Tips for Your Trip: n Take the early ferry to

make the most of your day (or better yet, stay a night!). n Rent e-bikes—they’re the easiest way to get around. n Don’t miss Dún Aonghasa, the most famous fort

(we’ll be back for it). n Try the fudge. Seriously. n Bring a windbreaker and suncream—even on a sunny day, the Atlantic breeze is no joke.

Farmhouse flavours and family fun at Aran Goat Cheese LOCATED on the island, Aran Goat Cheese is a family-run farm crafting a distinct variety of artisan cheeses from their own herd.

Visitors can explore a diverse range of options, including soft pearls, dillisk pearls, a Greek-style goat cheese, and a robust hard goat cheese.

All cheeses are available directly from the Farm Shop and Visitor Centre, which also stocks a curated selection of quality local produce, including balsamic vinegars, honey, jams, chutneys, chocolates, and soft drinks.

Notably for cyclists, walkers and tour groups, the centre also provides the only designated toilet stop situated between the port and the fort.

The farm offers an interactive experience for all ages, allowing visitors to see the goats up close and feed them snacks.

For further details on products and farm visits, see aranislandgoatscheeseandfoodtours.com.

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INIS MÓR IN FOCUS

Family at core of Inis Mór icon Tí Watty’s

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

GRACE Flaherty is looking forward to another busy season this summer at Tí Joe Watty.

The pub and restaurant is located just a short walk from the pier in Kilronan village at the cross-roads that lead to Dún Aengus and the famous Seal Colony observation and offers great food, traditional music and a lively atmosphere, attracting visitors each year from across Ireland and around the world.

Since taking over the establishment in 2009, Grace has transitioned from a culinary role to overseeing a large staff, while her husband PJ handles the finances and marketing. Originally from Ballyconneely in Connemara, she “married-in” to the island of Inis Mór in 1981 and his lived on the largest of the Aran Islands ever since.

Family is the core of the popular establishment, as Grace points out “My background is as a qualified chef but now I manage front of house because we have a bigger staff, we’ve about 20 staff

l Padraig O’Flaithearta, PJ Flaherty, Linda Purl, Patrick Duffy and Grace Flaherty at Tí Joe Watty’s; (inset) Tí Joe Watty is an iconic location on the island

so that all takes a bit of work”.

“My daughter does a lot of work on the floor, two of my sons play music and the three of them sing here. The kids are always involved”, she continues. Tí Joe Watty is well known for its music,

catering for a range of styles including trad, country, folk and blues. The pub takes immense pride in being recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 pubs in Ireland for traditional music.

For the summer ahead,

Grace jokes that she is “looking forward to a bit of weather” as well as the large number of tourists that flock to the island. “We have a lot of groups booked so we’re just looking forward to getting on with that.

Tourism patterns on the island have continued to evolve, but Inis Mór remains a popular destination for visitors seeking scenery, heritage and outdoor activities.

In terms of a visitor profile, Grace explains “There are a lot of French people we find, maybe that’s because they’re not travelling elsewhere.

People come and walk as well, we find there’s a lot of interest in walking groups on the island as well”, she adds.

Although the island is famous for its historic profile, new developments in recent

years have helped to enhance visitor experience and continue to bring business to Ti Joe Watty’s. Grace highlighted the island’s diving academy as a particularly positive addition to local tourism. “We have the diving academy here now which is a very positive thing”, she mentions.

“There’s still the bicycles, the pony and trap and the buses”, for people looking to get around the largest of the three islands, Grace adds. Despite the challenges that can come with running a business that depends on tourists, Grace says she enjoys the job and loves meeting new people each tourist season.

For Grace and her family, another summer at Tí Joe Watty’s means continuing the tradition of hospitality that’s part of the Aran Islands experience, offering visitors a warm welcome, good food and music long into the evening.

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INIS MÓR IN FOCUS INIS MÓR IN FOCUS

29 29 Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO 29

A different view of Inis Mór and true A different perspective of Inis Mór with genuine A different view of Inis Mór and true hospitality at Ard Éinne House island hospitality at Ard Éinne House B&B hospitality at Ard Éinne House INIS Mór native Clodagh Ghoill is ON THE of InisNí overlookINIS Mórsouth nativeside Clodagh NíMór Ghoill is the the owner Ard beach, Éinne sits House B&B, the pering theof sandy ArdB&B, Éinnethe House owner of Ard Éinne House person makes the business and B&B, owned

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special, Clodagh notes, “Where we’re located, over theinbusiness business inpart 2008.

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took over the business in 2008. Since then, occassions!) they have continued the tradition of family occassions!)

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It’s ideal for out an itinerary time on the island. views the beach.

300 part ofand the overlooking island,forit’s it’syour very scenic.

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Visitors can can avail avail of of taxi taxi services services or or rent rent Visitors ranged by staff member Clodagh notes bicycles for all will arbicycles foratransport, transport, all of ofaswhich which will be be ar“there are challenges at as all” with connecranged by no staff member as Clodagh notes Visitors can avail of taxi services ornotes rent ranged by aa staff member Clodagh tivity to any part of the “It’swill anbe ideal “there are no challenges at with connecbicycles for transport, all island. ofall” which ar“there are no challenges at all” with connecbase for hiking and We’re located tivity toby any part of thecycling. island. ranged a part staffof member as Clodagh notes tivity to any the island. in“It’s the an prehistoric andfor area, ideal base hiking and cycling. “there are no challenges at all”monastic with “It’s an ideal base forCeltic hiking and conneccycling.

Teaghlach is beWe’re located in the the prehistoric, Celtic monasmonastivity to anyÉinne, part of(St theEnda’s island.Church) We’re located in prehistoric, Celtic side us,anand hike to the tic area, so St Enda’s Church is us, and “It’s basealso for the hiking and cycling. tic area, soideal Stthere’s Enda’s Church is beside beside us,Dún and Dúchathair (BlackFort) is awhich must, there’s also the the hike to the the which BlackCeltic Fort which is We’re located inhike the prehistoric, monasthere’s also to Black Fort is Túr atic must, you’ve also channel Bheanain area,also so Stvisit Enda’s ChurchChapel isBheanáin, beside us, and ayou’ve must, you’ve alsoTeampeall channel Chapel Bheanain Mháirtin, isTúr also aBlack lot ofFort cliff walks in our locality locality and Túr Mháirtín, there’s lots of there’s also there theand hike to the which is in our Mháirtín, there’s lots of around our area.

One can spend a full day excliff walks around our area.

There’s a full acliff must, you’ve also channel Chapel Bheanain walks around our area. There’s a full day day ploring at ourat end of the without even of exploring atand ourTúr end ofisland the island island without in our locality Mháirtín, there’swithout lots of of exploring our end of the going past the main village of Kilronan. ” even going past the main village of Kilronan. ”” cliff walks around our area.

There’s a full day even going past the main village of Kilronan.

Depending on your time on the without island, of Depending exploring aton ouryour end of the on island time the island, everything is Clodagh recomeven going past the mainand village of Kilronan. ” everything is accessible accessible and Clodagh recommends three full full days to time reallyon explore everyDepending ondays yourto the island, mends three really explore everyis accessible thing to “There’s aa lot everything andMór.

Clodagh recomthing there there is is to see see in in Inis Inis Mór.

“There’s lot to explore”. explore”. mends three full days to really explore everyto Visitors with Booking. thing there can is to book see in online Inis Mór.

“There’s a lot Visitors can book online with Booking. com however Clodagh Clodagh notes notes that that the the best best to explore”. com however Ard Éinne value is achieved by contacting directly Visitors can book online with Booking. value is achieved by contacting directly by by directly. phone or email. email.Clodagh notes that the best com however phone or value is achieved by contacting directly by phone or email.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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INIS MÓR IN FOCUS

Self-catering at Killeany a ‘home away from home’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FROM a lifetime at sea to now heading up a new enterprise in Killeany on Inishmor, Pat Fitzpatrick is allowing visitors experience the Aran Islands as a home away from home.

Members of the Fitzpatrick family have for generations led businesses of different guises in Killeany with the latest twist seeing Pat and his wife Ann run Tigh Fitz self-catering apartments.

2026 will mark the first full year that Tigh Fitz has functioned as self-catering apartments but the walls have plenty of history, the building previously serving as a pub, shop and B&B. Born and bred in Killeaney, Pat is married to Ann, a native of Galway City. He quipped, “Ann is a blow-in, she’s been here 40 years but you need to be on the islands for at least 50 years not to be considered a blow-in,” he remarked. “You never lose that tag,” she conceded.

Moving from the sea to self-catering has not just been a big change for Pat but also his wife Ann. She noted, “It is completely different to my life married to a fisher-

man, you lived two lives really, one as a single mother and another as a married woman.

I reared our four children, they were young when he was gone but my sisters-inlaw were very good to me”.

Their children have since spread their wings. Thomas is living in Galway although is building a house on the island, Conor is in New Jersey, David is based in Paris and their beloved Shauna sadly died in 2011.

Apart from his time at sea, Pat has lived nowhere else only Killeaney where the Fitzpatrick family have supported local enterprise for over 100 years. “My grandfather had the business there, there was a pub and a shop in his time, the Crown had him in court at one stage, it was titled ‘the Crown versus Pat Fitzpatrick’ in court”.

It started with Pat Fitzpatrick running the pub and shop, his son and Pat’s father Thomas ran the pub until he retired in the 1970s with his daughter and Pat’s sister Penny building an extension, adding a B&B element.

“She had a B&B and the pub business for 45 years.

The pub closed 10 years ago

l The spectacular sunset view from Tigh Fitz

and three years ago she put it up for sale. I was still fishing at the time but Brexit ruined the fishing industry so I got out of that and managed to convince my wife Ann that we should buy the B&B, which we did”. In 2021, the property went on the market with an asking price of €700,000.

Named after his grandfather, Pat pointed out that his wife Ann also shares the same name as his grandfather’s wife, “We have the headstones already in the graveyard, we just need to change the dates, it will save our children an awful lot of

money,” he quipped.

Pub closures have been prompted by a change in drinking habits, he observed.

“If you look around, thousands of pubs have closed down, the drinking part isn’t as busy especially if you’re not doing food, the amount of pubs that have closed is ridiculous. Every village used to have a load of pubs, they are down to half that number and less. People are drinking wine at home when long ago nobody drank at home”.

Following a €1.2m investment, Tigh Fitz was restored over two years into stylish guest apartments consist-

ing of two three-bedrooms, one two-bedroom and two one-bedrooms. In total, 24 people can be accommodated at the one time.

Converting from a B&B to Air BnB has led to kitchens, dining rooms and en-suites in all of the apartments. “We have five kitchens whereas if it was a B&B it we would be one kitchen for the lot, every place has its own entrance so people staying in different apartments are not meeting in the hallway”.

Inishmor has witnessed a slight increase in the amount of year-round visitors, Pat said.

“We’re seeing a trickle all year round, there isn’t as many on the ferries in the winter but there’s still a few.

Years ago, the season started on the Whit Weekend and stopped at the end of August but now largely because the ferry service is much better, we have people coming twelve months of the year but it wasn’t there back then”.

Tourism’s growth has also been visible on the Aran Islands over the last two decades, he felt. “Fishing kept this island alive, tourism is a new thing now for us, right

it’s been here for around 20 years but if you go back far enough it is still new.

“Fishing was the main income stream by a long mile here, unfortunately it is hard to get people to do dirty work with their hands nowadays, everybody wants to do a job tapping at the keyboard”.

He stopped fishing in 2023 when he decommissioned his boat, the third of which he had during his lifetime.

Though fishing holds a special place in his heart, he has moved on to pastures new, “It’s not so much I miss it, I made the decision when put out of it that part of my life was over, I got on with something else. If you were to ask me do I prefer fishing to tourism then yes I prefer fishing, but I was getting too old to keep doing it”.

When the question is put to Ann, has it been a big change to have Pat back with her full-time in Killeany, he interjects with a laugh, “she’s loving every minute” and Ann adds. “it’s a huge change, you go from someone being gone half of your life, it is a change, it’s a new way of life at this stage of our lives but we’re happy”.

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Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

INIS MÓR IN FOCUS

Aran Sweater Market celebrates the enduring appeal of Irish knitwear LOCATED in the heart of Kilronan on Inis Mór, Aran Sweater Market has become a familiar stop for the thousands of visitors who travel to the Aran Islands each year.

Welcoming tourists from Ireland and around the world, the store forms part of the wider island experience, celebrating the craftsmanship and heritage associated with one of Ireland’s most iconic garments.

The Aran sweater remains instantly recognisable for its intricate stitching patterns and timeless style. Inspired by traditional Irish knitwear, classic cable, honeycomb and diamond designs continue to symbolise craftsmanship, heritage and a strong connection to life on the Atlantic coast.

For many visitors exploring Inis Mór, discovering the story behind the Aran sweater is an important part of their trip. Aran Sweater Market offers a wide collection of

knitwear, Irish gifts and contemporary styles that reflect

both the enduring popularity of traditional craftsmanship

and the evolution of Irish design.

Situated within the island’s vibrant village centre, the store provides a warm and welcoming experience for visitors discovering the culture, scenery and character of the Aran Islands. Whether searching for a meaningful keepsake or simply experiencing a piece of Irish tradition, tourists continue to make Aran Sweater Market

part of their journey to Inis Mór.

As interest in Irish heritage, craftsmanship and sustainable fashion continues to grow internationally, the enduring appeal of the Aran sweater remains as strong as ever, connecting visitors with a timeless tradition closely associated with the west of Ireland.

Tigh Joe Mac’s serving as hub for locals & visitors

ALMOST two years after taking over one of the island’s oldest pubs, the Judge family have turned it into a lively hub.

Originally from Louth, Colleen Judge moved to Inis Mór over 15 years ago with her family. Colleen notes that since Covid, there are noticeably less people going out to pubs to socialise.

When Tigh Joe Macs became available, Colleen along with her mother Clodagh and dad John, decided to take the leap and take over the business with the simple motivation of bringing life to the island.

The pub itself has been a fixture on the island for decades. “Local legend Steve Kilmartin had it for 40 years’’, Colleen explains. Since taking over in November 2024, the Judge family have found support in the locals of Inis Mór and visitors to the island.

“The place is thriving and thanks to local support and tourism, we have been able to provide a small food menu and hire more staff which has been brilliant for us,” Colleen said. “We’ve been really trying by scheduling different events and music which seems to be working and we are so grateful for all the support.”

l The Judge family behind the bar at Tig Joe Mac’s Colleen views the pub as playing an essential role on the island, both socially and culturally. “Living on a small island, the pubs are an integral part of the community and one of the main places for people to socialise,” Colleen says. “We get people walking in the doors from all walks of life, tourists wanting to try a creamy pint of Guinness and warm themselves by the open fire before they get the ferry, as well as locals who have come in to catch up with friends and family.”

The Judge family have found themselves naturally at home in a role that’s about far more than serving drinks.

“It's been a really great ex-

perience so far and being islanders ourselves, we're loving the experience.”

The most important member of the Tigh Joe Mac team is Colleen's dog and pub mascot Stormy. Colleen says he has fitted into the publican lifestyle better than anyone else in the family.

“Every good pub has a dog.”

If you’re planning a visit to the island, make sure to stop in and see Colleen and her family at the pub. There’s a warm welcome waiting. Even better – the hostel upstairs is the perfect spot to stay if you’re coming to visit, just above Tigh Joe Mac. (@kilronanhostel / kilronanhostel@gmail.com)

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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INIS MÓR IN FOCUS

INIS MÓR

DUBLIN

G A LWAY

KILLARNEY

WELCOME TO ARAN INVITING YOU TO STEP INTO THE WARMTH OF IRELAND’S HERITAGE OUR MARKETS ARE MORE THAN PLACES TO SHOP - THEY ARE DOORWAYS TO TRADITION, CRAFTSMANSHIP, AND CULTURE. WWW.ARAN.COM

VISIT OUR STORE ON INIS MÓR

Natural Wool

Made in Ireland

Authentic Aran

30

INIS MÓR & INIS OIRR

Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Top things to do with the kids in Inis Oírr 1. Fun ways to get around To get around, you can rent a bike or hop on a pony and trap. There are two bike rental shops near the pier, and kids will love the freedom of riding along, with very few cars to bother them. You can rent a child seat or buggy for little ones or a tag along to an adult bike. Another great option is a pony and trap ride with an island guide who’ll share the history and sites of interest, as you meander along the charming narrow roads. Alternatively, for families with a pram or buggy, the island’s small size makes it perfect for exploring on foot.

2. Visit the Plassey Shipwreck A visit to Inis Oirr isn’t complete without seeing the iconic Plassey Shipwreck, which featured in the opening credits of Father Ted tv series.

Stranded on the rocks since 1960, the shipwreck is a captivating sight and a great spot for imaginative play. Kids will love the adventure of discovering this real-life shipwreck, and to learn about the heroic efforts of the islanders who managed to save everyone on board. Photographs and information about the historic event line the walls of Tigh Ned pub, opposite the pier, if you want to learn more.

3. See the Lighthouse Next on the list is the Lighthouse, located on the island’s eastern shore, standing tall at 34 metres in height and still in operation. It’s a bit of a trek for younger kids so depending on everyone’s energy levels, you might be content to just admire it from a distance.

It’s generally closed to the public, but you can wander around the grounds and pose for photos with the striking black and white horizontal striped building in the background.

4. Explore the Castle Perched on a hill overlooking the harbour, O’Brien’s Castle offers a glimpse into the island’s medieval past.

The short hike up to the cas-

tle is manageable for kids and it’s the perfect spot for a family photo with stunning views over the island. The castle ruins are perfect for a game of hide and seek or for climbing the crumbling walls (pictured). We strongly recommend checking out Wanderly Wagons Tours – it’s a great experience and one of the best ways to get around!

5. The Sunken Church The Sunken Church (Teampall Chaomháin or St.Cavan’s Church) is a 10th century ruin located opposite the airstrip on Inis Oírr. This revered site became completely

Man of Aran Fudge: A sweet island success story

WHAT started as a small kitchen experiment on Inis Oírr has evolved into one of the most recognized handmade food brands on the Aran Islands, crafting rich, creamy fudge using Irish ingredients.

Man of Aran Fudge was founded over 30 years ago by Tomás Póil, an island farmer looking to diversify his income, who decided to recreate a cherished childhood memory: his grandmother’s homemade fudge recipe.

Today, the operation spans the islands. Tomás makes fudge on Inis Mór, while his nephew Eoghan, who joined the business over 10 years ago, manages the Inis Oírr side and oversees their online store.

Over the years, the business has expanded its menu to offer more than 30 distinct flavours. In addition to their island bases, the family travels to the mainland during peak seasons, trading at Eyre Square and the Spanish Arch in Galway through the summer, as well as maintaining a stall at the Galway Christmas Market.

l Tomás Póil of Man of Aran Fudge and (inset) Fintan Póil at the market in Galway While the core recipe remains consistent, the product line occasionally evolves through unexpected inspiration. “We stick to what people love,” says Tomás.

“And sometimes customers give us ideas. One of our flavours actually came from my son. He mixed banana and chocolate together as a kid, made us taste it, and we thought, ‘Why not?’”

It remains a local product in the truest sense, produced entirely on the islands by islanders. “There aren’t many things made on the island that tourists can take away with them,” Tomás notes. “Aside from cheese, some crafts, and this.”

For Tomás, the longevity of the business has allowed him to witness generations returning to his stalls. “We have people who first tasted our fudge as children on a holiday to the islands,” he says. “Now they’re coming back as adults, sometimes with children of their own.”

He recalls a young woman who visited his stall recently as a testament to that lasting connection. “A young woman came to me this morning,” Tomás says. “She was 21, and she remembered her Mam bringing her to the market when she was six or seven. She’s been buying fudge ever since.

That’s a great feeling.”

submerged under sand over hundreds of years until the locals excavated it. According to legend, anyone who can fit through the narrow east window of the Sunken Church is assured a place in heaven so see how many in the family manage to squeeze through!

6. Time for Lunch When it’s time to refuel, Inis Oirr offers a variety of family-friendly dining options that are sure to please everyone. The Seaweed Café does delicious pizzas, paninis and home-baked treats, with a choice of both indoor and outdoor seating. Flaherty’s

bar, at Inis Oírr Hotel has a great menu and hungry kids will be distracted by the colourful flags on the ceiling and paraphernalia on the walls while waiting for their food! Local pubs, Tigh Ruairí and Tigh Ned are also known for their delicious food. Café Úna and Teach an Tae are great spots for some time out on your day of adventure.

7. Bug Hunt The hedgerows on Inis Oírr are filled with lots of colourful wildflowers teeming with tiny creatures just waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s spotting a caterpillar or an unusually patterned moth or butterfly, bug hunting is a fun and educational way to connect with the environment.

8. Playground and Pitch For some active fun, head to the island’s playground and pitch. The playground is a great spot for kids to burn off some energy, while the pitch is perfect for a family game of football or frisbee. It’s a wonderful way to meet other families from near and far.

9. Hit the Beach The beautiful sandy beach beside the harbour, Trá Inis Oírr, is ideal for children to

paddle and play. Bring a picnic, build sandcastles and enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear water. Or just relax and unwind as you soak up the stunning surroundings.

10. Cliffs of Moher Cruise A Cliffs of Moher boat tour with Doolin Ferry is a fun thing to do for all the family. Kids will love sailing past the Harry Potter Cave and the giant sea stack and keeping an eye out for the puffins and other seabirds who call it home during nesting season.

If they’re lucky, they might even spot a dolpin splashing nearby. The entertaining onboard commentary provides lots of interesting facts and folklore about the Cliffs and is available to download in a range of languages to cater for people from near and far.

Doolin Ferry sails to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher from March to mid-November. This is the fastest way to reach the Aran Islands – just a short 15 minute boat ride to Inis Oír from Doolin. Check tour options and book online at www. doolinferry.com

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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INIS OIRR IN FOCUS

Best view of the castle from Éalú Aran offers break from comfort of Wanderly Wagon the stress of everyday life The logistics of island tourism require constant adaptation, a challenge the family behind Wanderly Wagon has successfully met for more than four decades on Inis Oírr.

What started over 40 years ago as a traditional pony and trap service has grown into a highly efficient, professional transport operation, designed to give visitors a comprehensive look at the smallest of the Aran Islands without sacrificing comfort.

Bríd Seoighe, director of Wanderly Wagon, explains that the business was born out of her father’s desire to share the island with larger groups.

“Because of the limited space in the original pony trap, he could only take four or five people at a time,” Bríd says. “He knew he needed to expand to accommodate more visitors. That led to the creation of the iconic wagon pulled by a tractor, which could take 15 people and operated for many years.”

Three years ago, the business modernised again to

meet modern travel expectations.

“We upgraded to two 16-seater mini-buses,” Bríd explains. “It allows for much better interaction on the tour, making the trip more personal for customers who really enjoy spending time with our family members and local drivers.”

This adaptability is crucial now that tourism has become the island’s primary economic driver. “Tourism is a huge lifeline here,” Bríd notes.

“Our season used to be restricted to June, July, and August. Now, it runs right from March until the end of October.”

While the tour takes in the island’s broader culture, a

major focal point is the ascent to O’Brien’s Castle, the 14th-century fortress that dominates the skyline.

“There’s a huge amount of history and culture on the island, from the shipwreck to the old cemetery,” Bríd says. “But we always make sure to go right up to the castle, which is the highest point of the island.

Bringing people up there to experience that history and the incredible views is just huge for us.”

The streamlined transit setup is particularly beneficial for day-trippers trying to maximize a tight holiday schedule along the Wild Atlantic Way. “A lot of tourists visiting the west of Ireland only have a week or ten days to see everything,” says Bríd. “Our tours mean they can land on the island by 10:30 AM, see the main historical sites like the castle and the wreck, and be comfortably back on the ferry to Doolin by 2pm.”

A YOUNG Inis Oírr native is inviting people to step on to the island and slow down. Áine Seoighe the founder of Éalú Aran offers bilingual immersive cultural and wellness experiences on the Aran Islands.

A break from the stresses of everyday life through yoga,breathwork, sauna, sea swims, Irish language, crafts, history, and nature, offered in unforgettable day trips, retreats, and bespoke escapes. Áine offers a wide selection of retreats from: day long to overnight retreats, private group and self-guided islands escapes. It’s for anyone craving space to slow down, switch off from the noise, and reconnect with themselves. Áine offers yoga and cultural retreats with the uniqueness of being fully immersed in the island of Inis Oírr.

The island gives people the much needed disconnect from day-to-day life, “it gives people the opportunity to step away from the constant doing of everyday life.” Áine speaks to us about the importance of Gaeilge and how it naturally forms part of her retreats. Rather than teaching Gaeilge in the structured way many of us experienced at school, she weaves it gently throughout the experience in a fun, supportive, and relaxed way.

“Learning through movement helps people listen and get out of their own heads. They begin to pick up words naturally. Running these experiences on the island without the Irish language wouldn't feel gen-

uine to me. The language, the land and the community are all connected.”

More information on the wide variety of retreats can be found on www.ealuaran.com.

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DOOLIN IN FOCUS

Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Making summer memories THERE’S something special about summer in Clare. Long evenings, sea air, family gatherings and those spontaneous days out that become treasured memories. While visitors travel from around the world to experience our coastline, many of us are lucky enough to have it right on our doorstep.

This summer, why not see Clare from a different perspective? Whether it’s a trip to the Aran Islands, a Cliffs of Moher Cruise, or both, Doolin Ferry offers unforgettable experiences for all ages. Explore the unique charm, history and beauty of the Aran Islands, where quiet roads, stunning scenery and a warm welcome await.

Or step aboard one of our cruises and witness the majestic Cliffs of Moher from sea level - a view that never fails to impress, no matter how many times you’ve

CLARE’S BEST

DAYTRIPS

seen them from land.

For many local families, a day with Doolin Ferry has become a summer tradition. For others, it’s an opportunity to rediscover what makes this corner of Ireland so remarkable. Bring the children, invite the grandparents, gather friends, or simply take some time for yourself.

Whether you're exploring Inis Oírr for the first time, cycling across Inis Mór, or standing in awe beneath the Cliffs of Moher, every journey offers a chance to slow down, reconnect and appreciate the beauty on our doorstep.

The best adventures don’t always require travelling far. Sometimes they’re the simple days spent together that everyone remembers most.

Book online at www.doolinferry.com

ISLANDS + CLIFFS

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ARAN ISLAN

Daily Departures from Doolin Pier

BOOK YOUR TRIP NOW! www.doolinferry.com

CLIFFS CRUI

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Fast, Smooth Crossings

Dogs Allowed

Snack Bar

Cliffs Guide

Three decades of hospitality at Doolin’s Village Crafts shop THE Fitzgerald family has successfully mastered an evolving tourism market for over 30 years in North Clare. In the centre of Doolin, the family-run Village Crafts Shop has quietly grown into a longstanding fixture of the local landscape, offering visitors a thoughtfully curated collection of authentic Irish goods alongside a traditional welcome Owned and operated by Maeve Fitzgerald, the business is rooted in family tradition.

“We started it up 30 years ago,” Maeve says.

“It’s a family-run shop.” Working alongside her daughter and her husband—who still occasionally steps in to manage the till despite being retired—Maeve has built an enterprise that serves global tourists while remaining true to its community foundations.

The shop began as a grocery store near the family home before the Fitzgeralds identified an opportunity to pivot on a derelict site in the heart of the village. “There was two small cottages on it, derelict, and we knocked them and we built a summer grocery shop down here for tourists in the summer,” Maeve recalls. “Then it just got harder to run a grocery shop, and we decided maybe there’d be an opening for a craft shop.”

That decision proved correct, and today the shop is well-known for its extensive inventory of high-quality Irish merchandise.

“We have everything that the tourists could look for,” Maeve explains. “We have souvenirs, sweaters, knits, lovely hand-knit baby wear, Guinness products… we’d be one of the only people in this area that would have them, other than the Cliffs of Moher.”

Beyond the retail offering, it is a dedicated and recurring customer base that has secured the shop’s longevity. “We welcome a lot

of tourists into the shop from all countries,” says Maeve. “We find now that people who were here 15, 20 years ago, they’re coming back again… and they send their friends.”

As the busy summer season gets underway, the doors are open daily from 10am to 7pm. For Maeve, the appeal of the locality relies entirely on the collaborative spirit of its inhabitants. “Doolin itself has a great name… and what made that great name was the people of Doolin and the business people of Doolin,” she concludes. “It’s an Irish welcome we wanted, and that’s really the basis.”

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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ENNISTYMON & LAHINCH

Beyond the á la carte: how Barrtrá Seafood Restaurant redifines coastal dining in Lahinch LAHINCH is famously vibrant during the summer season, home to arguably Ireland’s busiest beach where families, surfers, golfers and groups of weekenders cross paths for their dose of Atlantic action. Yet, just a short distance from the bustle lies a distinct culinary sanctuary that has quietly sustained the area’s food scene for nearly four decades.

Barrtrá Seafood Restaurant has been a fixture of the local landscape since 1988. Originally opened by Paul and Theresa O'Brien in their family home, the business has evolved through the generations. Today, it is run by their son, Ruben O’Brien, who stepped into the kitchen full-time 10 years ago and formally took the reins in 2016.

While the restaurant maintains its family heritage, the dining experience at Barrtrá is decidedly modern. Moving away from standard formats, the establishment has found its true identity through a dynamic, five-course surprise tasting menu.

"We used to do à la carte, but we started the surprise menu around 2012 or 2013 before I took over. Now, it’s pretty much all that we do," Ruben O’Brien explains.

This element of the unexpected acts as a major draw for diners. Rather than navigating a traditional menu, guests trust the kitchen team to build an evening of food discovery.

"The waiting staff go down and check if anyone has any allergies, and then they choose between a seafood option, a meat option, or a vegetarian option," says Ruben. "Diners can let us know to include things as much as they want to exclude things.

If they order seafood and really like oysters, they can let us know that and we can try to include them."

FRESH The strategy ensures that while the meal remains a surprise, it is aligned with the guest's palate. This tailored flexibility has earned Barrtrá a large following, with Ruben noting, "We’ve a really good reputation with vegetarian and vegan diners who come

l Barrtrá Seafood Restaurant offers a unique experience using fresh, local ingredients, some of which are foraged or picked in the family garden; (inset) Lynn & Ruben

back because we make sure those options are always different, always varied."

Seafood items like fresh halibut, turbot, and oysters are dictated by what is landed daily, while to complement the proteins, the team steps outside the back door.

"We grow a lot of our own vegetables in the garden as well, like herbs and salad leaves," Ruben says. "We also do some foraging down on the shore, collecting seaweed, and going into the woods for wild garlic."

The result is a culinary style that Ruben classifies simply as "contemporary Irish cuisine" served in an unpretentious, homely atmosphere which also caters for small weddings and family occasions.

This sense of retreat makes it the perfect foil to the high-tempo energy of the town centre. "In the summertime, it is very hustle-bustle

around Lahinch," Ruben reflects. "Then just out to Barrtrá, it’s a very relaxing environment, very chilled out. It’s a nice, quiet retreat."

That balance has made Barrtrá an essential partner to Lahinch’s wider hospitality sector. While international tourists and avid golfers flock to the dining room, a steady stream of recommendations comes from neighboring accommodations like Vaughan Lodge and Trump International Doonbeg, alongside a dedicated core of local regulars.

To cater to this demand, Barrtrá operates as a yearround asset to the community, brief seasonal breaks in November, January, and February notwithstanding. As the peak season arrives, the restaurant expands to ensure both afternoon visitors and evening diners are accommodated.

For July and August, Barrtrá moves to full-day service, 12:309pm, Wednesday through Saturday, and closing slightly earlier at 7pm on Sundays. For those looking to visit Barrtrá in June, doors open for evening service at 5:30pm.

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Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

ENNISTYMON & LAHINCH Lahinch solidifying global Historic businesses ready for 30th chapter status in surfing scene

LAHINCH Surf Shop is the oldest dedicated surf shop in Ireland, catering to all your surfing equipment, accessories and surfing needs.

Originally established by Tom Buckley and his wife Rosemary in 1989, their daughter Eileesh (pictured) now runs the successful business on the promenade since Tom’s passing 13 years ago.

The Lahinch native says that the surfing scene has continued to expand over the last number of years.

“It's gotten a lot bigger. The local club has over 100 kids getting coached on a Sunday morning for six weeks in the autumn once a week. We also deal a lot with the surf lifesaving community and the water safety crowd,” she explains.

The local surfing community continues to benefit from international visitors to the area, something which Eileesh and her business have picked up on as it helps to raise their profile through social media exposure.

“Yesterday, two different Americans came in saying they had their own gear with them. One of them was from Florida and the other guy was from Virginia, which would have much warmer water temperatures than here. It has to be good waves before they'll brave the colder temperatures”, she notes.

While the business and wider surfing community continue to grow, operating in Lahinch does not come without challenges. The beach recently lost its blue flag status due to wastewater treatment issues and Eileesh says it's hard to know what effect this will have on the area going forward.

“We've all known that there's been an issue because the council tests the water once a week. There's a lot of runoff and we don't have a proper treatment plant for Lahinch and Ennistymon. There is a plan to build a brand new one, but apparently that's been held up. That does need to be addressed pretty quickly because the population has grown considerably”, the business owner explains.

Eileesh praises the cafés, bars and surf schools whose staff hours are the beating heart of the town and she notes that parking charges, particularly for workers in the town, could be reviewed to help alleviate staffing issues for retailers. “Nowhere else along the coast of the country, to the best of my knowledge, charges parking up to 7pm in the evening and through the winter,” Eileesh points out.

Lahinch Surf Shop is continuing to thrive despite these challenges however as Eileesh and the surf community look forward to another busy summer ahead.

The shop has become popular with world famous international surfers in recent years, including Italian Olympian Leonardo Fioravanti, with one of his surfboards now hanging on the shop’s wall.

Eileesh explains the connection, saying “His dad supplies a lot of our surfboards that we sell. The dad has told us if anyone wants to buy it, it’s €1,200. Leo doesn’t know that he said that”, she jokes.

THE Lahinch Bookshop will celebrate 30 years in business next year.

Established in 1997,owners Dervilla Evans & Feargal Ó Dúlaing “cannot believe” that the shop which sits right in the centre of the village is approaching such a big milestone.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, they reflected, “We are delighted how the shop as grown over the years. Its success is due to the wonderful support from local & county customers and of course, from all our other visitors to Lahinch.

“We have been blessed with excellent staff over the years, with our current team of, Anne, Patricia (Trish) and Marie carrying out trojan work.”

They also moved to pay tribute to their “wonderful neighbours”, saying that they “strengthen the marvellous community spirit amongst all businesses in Lahinch.”

Events including The Lahinch Trad Festival, The Irish Open, the filming of Smother and the upcoming Walker Cup shows off Lahinch on a national and global scale, they noted, and since their shop opened in 1997, the couple note, “Many other businesses have opened since which increases the choice and variety for all our visitors”.

“We are delighted to have established links with many local schools, including Scoil Mhuire. Rockmount National School & St. Joseph’s National School. Our young readers are thrilled when we bring an author to visit them, and the children love get-

l Children’s author Alex Dunne visiting Lahinch Bookshop ting a tour of our shop.”

They added, “Lahinch is a prime example of where you can experience four seasons in one day. We try and cater of all these seasons, holding a wide range of books, children’s toys and games, bucket & spades, colouring books & cards.

“Pick up some of our Children’s Recommended Reading lists, for all ages.”

A website of its own is on Lahinch Bookshop’s “bucket list” but in the meantime, you can check out the website of their sister shop, The Ennis Bookshop at www.ennisbookshop.ie for online purchases.

Sign up to their e-mail list and be the first to hear about our offers, new titles and upcoming events - and a chance to win a €25.00 voucher!

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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ENNISTYMON & LAHINCH

US golfers drive Lahinch Coast Hotel towards another successful season

THE four-star, 144-bedroom Lahinch Coast Hotel is well into its busy season, welcoming an influx of visitors to the coast.

Having undergone a series of upgrades over the last number of years—particularly during the winter periods—the hotel is now in full swing as guests arrive to explore the area.

There is also celebration among the staff this year.

Liam St. George was promoted to Hotel Manager at the start of 2026.

Under his leadership, alongside a superb management team, the hotel has recently been awarded an Employer Excellence Award

by Fáilte Ireland for 2026, as well as winning an award by Great Place to Work in the medium business category for 2026.

The accolades arrive at a time when the hospitality sector is navigating a demanding economic climate.

l John and Bríd O’Meara, co-owners of Lahinch Coast Hotel, and (right) manager Liam St. George

However, co-owners John and Bríd O’Meara express gratitude for the steady loyalty of both local and international travellers.

“Despite the difficult ongoing business challenges that face the hospitality industry currently, with significantly increased energy and

operational costs, we are grateful that international visitor numbers for 2026 are remaining steady,” John and Bríd stated.

The American market, in particular, remains a strong driver for local tourism. “US golfers in particular are evi-

dently still keen to visit and experience golf at Lahinch Championship Golf Course and Trump International at Doonbeg,” the co-owners noted.

Coastal Gateway for Families and Couples Boasting a superb location in the coastal village of Lahinch, the hotel features 144 bedrooms—including family suites—a leisure centre, and a swimming pool. This mix attracts a steady balance of domestic holidaymakers and overseas tourists.

In fact, shifting economic factors are subtly reshaping Irish travel habits. “In some cases, the economic uneasiness has possibly persuaded even more Irish couples and families to holiday in Ireland this year,” observe John and Bríd. “We are proud to have so many families and couples returning to stay over the years—we certainly enjoy welcoming them back.

The Clare coastline is a wonderful draw and a very popular destination to explore.”

That dedication to comfort was highlighted last October when the hotel was chosen as the winner of Georgina Campbell’s Family Friendly Hotel of the Year. The property continues to build on that reputation, offering plenty of fairy fun and children’s activities across the hotel and the surrounding area.

Looking ahead, the team is gearing up for a landmark month for local sports. This September, Lahinch Golf Club will play host to the prestigious Walker Cup. “The excitement is very much building for the prestigious Walker Cup this

Mrs Redhead Photography

September at Lahinch Golf Club,” say John and Bríd.

“We have been busy behind the scenes on the details with the organizers and it’s set to be a very exciting event for the area.”

The amateur showcase is just one part of a major month for the county. The Amgen Irish Open is also being hosted at Trump International Golf Club in Doonbeg this September, setting

the stage for an incredible golfing month across County Clare’s finest links courses.

Now offering sale on selected dates for weekend and midweek Breaks For information about Lahinch Coast Hotel, please visit wwwlahinchcoasthotel.ie or call 065-7081100

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ENNISTYMON & LAHINCH

Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

8 things to do in Ennistymon & Lahinch Known for its surf, golf, dramatic scenery, and welcoming atmosphere, Lahinch is the perfect stop on your Wild Atlantic Way journey, for a day trip or a few days’ break from Ennis and beyond. Its adjoining town of Ennistymon has in recent years emerged as one of North Clare’s true gems, a bustling centre of music, food and culture. Here are some ways to make the most of your visit to Lahinch & Ennistymon.

1. Hit the Beach The sprawling beach in Lahinch is the town’s centrepiece. Wide and sandy with Atlantic waves rolling in, it's ideal for sunbathing, beach games, sandcastle building or simply soaking in the sea air.

2. Catch a Wave Lahinch is one of Ireland’s top surf destinations. Whether you're a seasoned pro or trying it for the first time, the beach’s consistent swells make it a great place to ride the waves. Surfboards and wetsuits are easy to find (Lahinch Surf Shop!), and conditions suit beginners and experts alike.

3. Stroll the Promenade Not in the mood for water? Enjoy a walk along Lahinch’s seaside promenade. Having undergone upgrades in recent years, it’s perfect for a morning coffee walk, people-watching, or catching the sunset over Liscannor Bay. 4. Fall in Love The Falls of Ennistymon are one of the most distinctive natural attractions in County Clare, located in the heart of the town where the Inagh River cascades over a series of limestone steps and rapids before continuing toward the coast. Unlike a single dramatic waterfall, the falls consist of a broad succession of rushing waters that create a striking

and constantly changing spectacle, particularly after rainfall. Easily viewed from bridges and riverside walkways, they offer visitors a chance to enjoy the beauty of Clare’s landscape without needing to venture far from the town centre. The combination of the tumbling water, historic stone buildings, and picturesque surroundings gives Ennistymon a unique charm that appeals to photographers, nature lovers, and casual sightseers alike.

5. Take a Day Trip to the Cliffs of Moher You’re just a short drive (or a longer scenic walk) from one of Ireland’s most iconic sights.

The Cliffs of Moher tower above the sea, with panoramic views stretching to the Aran Islands. Perfect for a half-day outing, especially in the early morning or late evening when it’s quieter.

6. The Playground It might not seem like the most inspiring advice, but that playground in Lahinch is a bit of a social hotspot! Conveniently and crucially located beside public toilets, it has helped thousands of exasperated Clare parents pass an hour or two with their little ones on a Sunday afternoon. Grab a coffee, and let the little ones run riot.

7. Food, drink & culture Ennistymon’s food scene has earned a strong reputation for combining high-quality local produce with a welcoming small-town atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a range of food experiences, from cosy cafés and artisan bakeries to traditional pubs and specialist food retailers, many of which showcase the

best of County Clare’s agricultural heritage.

Popular local favourites include everything from The Market House, a family-run butcher shop, gourmet deli, and food hall in the heart of the town; to health food store Aloe Tree Café, known for its relaxed atmosphere, coffees, hot drinks, smoothies and great advice.

8. Tee Off by the Sea Lahinch is home to one of the world’s top links golf courses—so bring your clubs if you’re a fan of the sport. Prefer something less competitive? There's also a relaxed pitch-and-putt course that makes for an easy-going afternoon activity.

9. Enjoy the Water (Without a Board) Surfing isn’t the only way to enjoy the Atlantic. Try sea swimming, kayaking or even stand-up paddleboarding in the bay. The river estuary also offers calm water for paddling and family-friendly exploring.

10. Refuel with Local Bites Lahinch has plenty of casual food options to keep you going. From classic fish and chips to gooey toasties, fresh pastries, and hearty soups, you’ll never be short on refuelling options. Sit in or take it to the beach, it’s up to you.

Quality & community choice at The Aloe Tree

THIS August marks a milestone for Ennistymon’s wellness hub, The Aloe Tree, as it approaches its 12th year in business.

To celebrate a dozen years of serving North Clare, owner Tessa Badenhorst is planning a series of giveaways on the shop’s social media channels.

However, the upcoming anniversary also serves as a timely reminder of the value of trusted, face-to-face health advice in an increasingly unregulated digital market.

With interest in health, fitness, and gym training surging — particularly among younger people — the demand for supplements, protein powders, and creatine has skyrocketed. Yet, navigating the options has never been more difficult.

“There’s a massive market out there right now, but it is heavily flooded with products full of binders, fillers, and artificial sweeteners,” Tessa explains. “It is frustrating for anyone trying to improve their health to realize that their protein bars contain synthetic, hard-to-digest ingredients, or that their supplements rely on low-absorption forms of vitamins.”

Unlike online-only busi-

nesses that frequently disappear within a year, brickand-mortar health food stores operate under strict regulatory guidelines.

The Aloe Tree counters the online trend by partnering exclusively with established, transparent brands, ensuring customers receive clean, effective products.

In a market dominated by aggressive online algorithms, Tessa emphasizes that the shop’s primary role is education, not just sales.

“We are always happy to help find the right product for our customers, but only if their body actually needs it,” Tessa says. “You’d be surprised how many times we listen to someone’s concerns and simply advise them that they just need to

drink more water.”

Locals are invited to call in for a transparent chat, browse the shelves, or simply enjoy a freshly made, organic smoothie in a pressure-free environment.

Beyond the shop floor, The Aloe Tree is currently backing an urgent campaign to stop an EU initiative aimed at drastically reducing the allowable levels of vitamins, minerals, and botanicals.

Tessa warns that the proposed changes represent a severe restriction on personal autonomy. “It is a ludicrous motion that will strip away our free choice to look after our own health, while driving up supplement prices yet again. This isn’t about safety; it stems from a distrust of consumers to make their own choices.”

If passed, maximum doses for daily essentials like Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, and Vitamin D could be slashed. The Aloe Tree is urging the public to support the campaign and protect their right to manage their own well-being.

Visit The Aloe Tree in Ennistymon for expert wellness advice, and follow their social media pages for details on their upcoming 12th birthday giveaways.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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Business & Recruitment

37

Shannon Airport serving as a gateway for soccer fans headed to World Cup

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Niall Kearns, Airport Director of Shannon Airport, said: “The FIFA World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and we’re delighted to be part of the journey for so many fans travelling to the United States.

“We’ve already had the pleasure of welcoming supporters transiting through Shannon on their way to the tournament, and it’s fantastic to see the excitement building. With US Preclearance and strong connectivity, we’re making it easier for fans to get there and start enjoying the experience”.

This year’s World Cup tournament features 48 countries competing across 104 matches in 16 host cities throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States, with millions of fans from around the world expected to travel over the coming weeks.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON AIRPORT is serving as a gateway for the FIFA World Cup. Action kicks off in the World Cup on Thursday night with Shannon Airport playing its part in sending football fans on their way.

There will be no Irish involvement in the World Cup but travelling supporters from Scotland, England and France are all flying from Shannon with direct flights to two host cities, Boston and New York/New Jersey.

Scotland will play two of its group stage matches at Boston Stadium, while England and France are scheduled to play group games in both Boston and New York/New Jersey Stadiums, making Shannon Airport a convenient departure point for fans heading stateside.

With five weekly Ryanair services from Edinburgh, twice weekly Aer Lingus flights from Paris and multiple daily connections from England to Shannon with both carriers, together with the added advantage of full US Preclearance, passengers can easily connect through Shannon Airport and arrive in the United States as domestic travellers.

l Scottish football fans pictured getting into the spirit of things at Shannon Duty Free after arriving from Edinburgh and connecting through Shannon Airport for their onward flight to Boston ahead of the FIFA World Cup in the United States

Doonbeg expects to welcome 75,000 for Irish Open

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CROWDS of between 70,000 to 75,000 are to descend on Doonbeg in September for The Irish Open, organisers have forecast.

Tee off is edging closer for the Irish Open which takes place from September 9-13th at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg.

County Clare will “be a festival of golf ” in September with Lahinch hosting The Walker Cup and Doonbeg serving as the setting for The Irish Open, General Manager of Trump International Golf Links Ireland, Joe Russell said.

He added, “For the resort, I think it's the result of years of improvement. We started our journey on the golf course, opened up in July 2002. We've been on this journey over the years, and you look at all the previous venues where The Irish Open has been held in the past, to see us now sitting at that podium as well is absolutely fantastic. I think it's great for the community and none of us would be sitting in this room

here this evening if not for the foresight of the people in the community in the late 1990s working through are the original developers and since then Trump.

I'm delighted for the community. It's really a testament to their great work. We are a huge contributor to the economic stimulus for the region, and they are a great support to our club. There’s engagement between ourselves and the community.

“For the wider region, as you know we have the Walker Cup in Lahinch the week prior.

So it will be really be a festival of golf for two, three weeks, and we're delighted,” Russell commented.

Championship Director with the DP World Tour, Paul Gillmon detailed they are expecting up to 75,000 in Doonbeg for The Irish Open.

“Tickets are still on sale and evolving on a week‑by‑week basis, but I anticipate this being up there with where we were at when we were at The K Club, anywhere between 70,000 and 75,000. How that breaks

out, Sunday we are sold out and Saturday gets close to that and pushes into the midweek as well. I'm anticipating as strong of attendance as we've had in the past few years”.

At a community meeting in February, Paul outlined that their aim was to have as little disruption as possible.

That remains their goal, he explained.

“I think the goal is always to create a positive impact. We don't hide away from the fact that disruption happens when you try and bring an event of this scale to a part of Ireland that perhaps isn't necessarily getting this kind of traffic and numbers of people.

“We continue to work with everyone in

the community to plan around that and make sure that we are creating positive impact with the left disruption and when there is disruption, we communicate what that disruption might be. It's still our goal to disrupt as minimally as possible but I think it's inevitable that there will be some impact to the local community”.

Adare locals were thrilled when presented with tickets for The Ryder Cup. In Doonbeg, locals will be invited to the Pro-Am on the Wednesday leading up to The Irish Open, Paul confirmed.

“We are hosting a community day on the Wednesday of the Pro‑Am day and with that there will be tickets for the local commu-

nity. We have a ton of other initiatives as well with the local schools, and again, the focus is to offset some of the disruption with a really positive impact for the local community”.

Locals have embraced the tournament already, Russell detailed. “I can't speak for the entire community, but I say this, based on the reaction which I'm having since the announcement, I think people are welcoming the disruption, you know, whatever shape that's going to take.

“People are very engaged through the local community. There's a subgroup which has been formed within the community to work with the DP World Tour, with Paul and Chris and with his team.

“Those engagements are very, very positive.

The situation as relates to President Trump, there's nothing we can do to control what's going on in the world.

“But one thing I can say to you is that since the Trump Organisation has taken over this resort, it's been an up-

ward trend, the people in the community who are benefitting, both socially and economically and every other way

from the resort, there's a very positive vibe here towards the Trump Organisation, and that's as much as we can control”.

NOTICE PUBLISHING COMMENCEMENT OF AUDIT CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL Notice is hereby given that the audit of the accounts of the above-named local government organisation for the financial year ended on the 31st day of December, 2025 will be commenced by Catherine Tuohy Local Government Auditor, on the 19th day of June 2026 In accordance with article 17 of the Local Government (Financial and Audit Procedures) Regulations 2014, objections to any matter or matters contained in the said several accounts will be considered by the Local Government Auditor during the audit.

Written notice of any proposed objection, setting out the relevant particulars and grounds on which it is to be made, should be sent to the above Local Government Auditor at Auditors Room, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, County Clare within ten days of the commencement of the audit.

The annual financial statement will be available during office hours for the inspection of all persons for a period of seven days before the commencement of the audit.

Dated this 8th day of June 2026.

Gordon Daly, Chief Executive.

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Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

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Sport

Cleary back in contention as Clare pass Faithful challenge

By Páraic McMahon

CLARE’S senior hurlers defeated Offaly as they continue preparations for the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

In a challenge match held on Tuesday evening, Clare emerged as convincing winners over Johnny Kelly’s side.

Exact details of the final score and the personnel used by both teams have been kept under wraps. Indeed, Clare were the only county competing in the All-Ireland quarter-finals not to have a representative in Blarney on Tuesday morning for the launch of the All-Ireland championships.

Three halves of twenty five minutes each were played in Tuesday’s game which saw Clare win well by the sounding of the final whistle in what sources described as “a mismatch for a finish”.

The Clare Echo has learned that Brian Lohan and his management went with a very strong side for the first fifty minutes and then used players battling for game-time for the final twenty five minutes whereas Offaly fielded their strongest side for the first twenty five and then emptied the bench from here on.

Conor Cleary started at full-back for Clare and is understood to be back as first-choice number three.

The Miltown Malbay native was harshly dropped for Clare’s fourth round win over Tipperary in the Munster SHC and received no game time in the sixteen point loss to Cork that sent the Banner crashing out of Munster.

In news that will lift the spirits of Clare supporters, Mark Rodgers is back in action for the county. The Scariff attacker had been out of action since a dreadful challenge from

Tipperary midfielder Willie Connors last month but is back in the shakeup and firmly expected to regain his place in the forward-line. He lined out at centre forward.

According to well-placed sources, Shane Meehan was one of the most impressive players in saffron and blue during the challenge game. The Banner GAA clubman featured at corner forward and was lively when in possession.

Captain Tony Kelly featured at midfield and was moving well over the course of an hour. Shane O’Donnell formed part of the attack and was positioned at corner forward for large stages of the game.

Introduced as a substitute during the game was John Conlon who holds the record number of championship appearances for the county and had started the last two outings at centre back.

Conor Cleary Photo by Ruth Griffin

Clare need to make ‘It’s not possible to be contesting All-Ireland it three from three & Munster finals every year’ – O’Connell against Dublin in quarter-finals

by Eoin Brennan

by Páraic McMahon DUBLIN stand in Clare’s way of reaching a fourth All-Ireland senior hurling semi-final in five years.

Provincial finals held over the weekend have determined the line-up for the All-Ireland SHC quarter-finals with Clare facing off with Dublin for the third time this year while Cork and Offaly will do battle.

GAA chiefs on Monday night confirmed the fixture details for the quarter-finals. FBD Semple Stadium will host both games but not as a double header. Clare versus Dublin takes place at 19:00 on Saturday June 20th with the meeting of Cork and Offaly on Sunday June 21st at 15:30, both games will be broadcast live on RTÉ.

All-Ireland quarter-finals have often been held as a double-header but Offaly’s first appearance at this stage in two decades factored with the strong Cork bandwagon has led to a high demand for that fixture in particular.

Clare and Dublin have already met twice this year with victory secured

by Brian Lohan’s charges

in both outings. They faced off in the first round of the Allianz National Hurling League with Clare winning 3-18 1-22 in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg on January 25th.

They later met in the Division 1B final in TUS Gaelic Grounds on April 5th, Clare running out 2-26 3-20 winners, having led 2-15 2-5 at half time.

It is the first championship meeting between the counties since June 2023 when Clare powered to a 5-26 2-17 win in the All-Ireland SHC quarter-finals in the Gaelic Grounds, Tony Kelly netting a hat-trick.

Last weekend, Dublin fell to a 4-29 4-15 defeat to Galway in the Leinster SHC final. It was the first provincial success for the Tribesman at the grade since 2018.

Should Clare and Cork emerge as the winners in the quarter-finals, then it will be Clare against Limerick and Cork versus Galway in the All-Ireland semi-finals. An Offaly shock over Cork would see them face Limerick and set up a Clare versus Galway semi-final.

LETTING the foot off the gas was a common theme for Clare’s minor hurlers according to manager Ger O’Connell.

Clare’s nine point loss to Limerick last Saturday in the All-Ireland quarter-finals brought the curtain down on their campaign for 2026.

Level heading into the final quarter at 0-12 apiece, Limerick powered ahead with Shane Waters and Rian Horgan scoring goals as the Treaty County scored an unanswered 2-3 with Clare failing to register a score for twenty four minutes.

O’Connell told The Clare Echo, “It was a great pity the way the game ended. Even going in at half-time, we felt that we had the chances to be a lot closer than we were to Limerick. We had three good goal chances and an outstanding save just before the break that would have made a huge difference.

“Overall though it’s hard to argue with Limerick’s scoring efficiency that was almost 80% whereas ours was just in the high thirties as at this stage of the championship you simply have to take your chances. We were still happy enough at halftime and just needed to up our scoring efficiency which we did.

Limerick got the first point to extend the gap to five but we tore into it and were really good and got back level which was fantastic.

“But we just couldn’t get ahead and then they sucker-punched us with the goal.

The most disappointing this for

us is that it just has seemed to be a trend in most of our games where we’ve gotten ourselves back into a game and then for whatever reason we just take out foot off the pedal and teams tend to do damage when we do drop off even a small bit,” he added.

Across their six championship games, Clare finished with four defeats. “Overall, when we look back over the entire campaign, we’ve used 31 players in championship which is great to get these lads playing in stadiums such as Semple Stadium, Cusack Park and Páirc Ui Rinn,” the Clonlara clubman stated.

All-Ireland finalists last season, O’Connell said it isn’t possible for the county to be winning provincial and national titles every year. “Unfortunately we were just a bit off this year but the players did everything we asked them to do and have done it to the best if their ability which is all you can ask. They’re a fantastic team to be around and involved with but the great thing is that this is a development system.

“I mean, I’d be the first to want to win a Munster or All-Ireland Minor Championship every year but look, that’s just not possible and every year you’ve a different group coming through with different strengths and it’s up to us as management to find a way to play that suits that particular group best. So we tried to do the best we could with them.

Obviously we were lucky to get out of Munster with the way the results fell for us but it was also great that these lads got to experience the All-Ireland series

Clare forward Max Sheehan holds onto the sliotar Photo by Gerard O’Neill

for themselves and also got to win against Dublin”.

Failing to score for the final twenty four minutes was inexcusable, he acknowledged.

“We’’re really disappointed with how it ended against Limerick because we were there-orthereabouts going into the last quarter but then not to score for twenty minutes is almost criminal”.

O’Connell concluded, “We really missed players like Ian O’Brien and Fionn Plunkett who just got inured at the wrong time for us but it just wasn’t to be for us this year and we wish the Celtic Challenge boys all the very best in their All-Ireland Final against Limerick on Saturday”.

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Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

All to play for as Cusack & Garry Cup enters defining final round

by Páraic McMahon FINAL ROUND clashes in the Cusack and Garry Cups leave a lot on the line with an abundance of permutations making matters both fascinating and confusing.

It’s a super Sunday so far as the club football leagues are concerned and while the championship is less than two months away, the stakes are pretty high with promotion, relegation and play-off places up for grabs.

All of the games in the Cusack Cup commence at 13:00 this Sunday.

As things stand, St Breckans are top of the table with five wins from six games, a win over Éire Óg would guarantee their spot in the Cusack Cup final. That task is made more difficult by the fact the Ennis club will be able to field their strongest team of the year with the return of their county contingent following Clare’s premature exit from the Tailteann Cup. The Townies need to win to ensure their status in the top tier.

Kilrush Shamrocks have already been relegated back to the Garry Cup after just one season in the Cu-

sack Cup. They welcome St Joseph’s Miltown to Captain Tubridy Park where a win for the Miltown side can see them claim a semi-final berth.

Most likely to join Kilrush in dropping down will be the losers of Ennistymon and St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield. Home advantage needs to stand to the Magpies, should they prevail they will relegate the Parish and claim first blood ahead of their upcoming meeting in the Clare SFC. A win for Doora/Barefield would send Ennistymon who won the Cusack Cup in 2023 down to the Garry Cup. If the teams draw and Breckans beat Éire Óg then Ennistymon could avoid the drop if their final scoring difference is better than the Ennis club.

Páirc Naomh Mhuire in Quilty will host an exciting tie between Kilmurry Ibrickane and Lissycasey, both sides who can qualify for the play-off stages. Lissycasey can even claim a spot in the final if they win and Éire Óg beat St Breckans, they could end up in the semi-finals even if they lose but provided Miltown don’t overcome Kilrush. A win for the Bricks would

Dermot Coughlan keeps the ball from Darren Keane Photo by Gerard O’Neill

seal a semi-final spot for them.

When it comes to the Garry Cup,

anything could happen when play commences at 15:00 on Sunday.

CLARE VS LIMERICK

Clare within touching distance of quarter-final

Clare 1-13 Limerick 0-11 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg, Ennis Referee: Andy Larkin (Cork)

by Eoin Brennan

Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship Group 2 Round 3

Andrea O’Keeffe charges forward for Clare Photo by Ruth Griffin

Conceivably, seven of the eight teams could still be in the shakeup for promotion, Naomh Eoin are mathematically unable to climb up to the top tier.

Four teams are tied on the top with seven points, Clondegad, Wolfe Tones, Cratloe and Doonbeg. The meeting of Cratloe and Doonbeg in South Clare will have a big bearing on what unfolds in the second tier with the loser more than likely missing out on promotion. One of these clubs could suffer relegation if Corofin, Kildysart and Cooraclare all pick up wins.

Corofin, Kildysart and Cooraclare need to win to retain their status in the second tier. The Shannon Estuary side are set to welcome Emmet McMahon back for his first club appearance in eleven months and he’ll offer a big lift when they face Wolfe Tones in Kildysart.

Martin Daly’s Cooraclare also have home advantage and they can bypass Clondegad if they record a victory. Corofin head to Cross to face bottom of the table Naomh Eoin.

Eugene Foudy, Clare senior camogie manager: “We’re delighted with that result. We knew coming into today’s match that Limerick’s STORY OF THE GAME championship lives were on the line as they couldn’t afford a second loss and therefore CLARE we expected them to throw Frees For: 9 (7/2) the kitchen sink at us. But as I’ve said all year that if we Wides: 6 (2/4) could win our home games, Scores from Play: 1-10 SCAN HERE FOR it would go a long way to getMATCH REPORT Spread of Scorers: 8 ting us to where we want to be and so it has proved.

Top Scorer: Roisin Begley (1-4) “That was our fifth home Yellow Cards (0): None game this year between league and championship Own Puck-Outs won: 8 from 15 and a fitth win as well so if (53%) you can keep winning your home games and make Ennis a fortress, then you LIMERICK always have a great shot at Frees For: 9 (3/6) qualifying if you can pick up a win or two on the road.

Wides: 4 (3/1) So we’re delighted to keep Scores from Play: 0-7 that run going now.

“Going in leading at halfSpread of Scorers: 6 time, having played into a stiff Top Scorer: Donna Kenny (0-4) breeze laid the foundation for Yellow Cards (2): R Teresa Dore (14), Cliodhna Ryan this win. We had been a little shaky in the first five or ten (18) minutes but you’d expect that Own Puck-Outs won: 13 from 20 (65%) with a young team and the

added pressure of a home crowd. But the girls settled well, Roisin [Begley]’s goal really got us motoring and I don’t think we led the lead slip from there on in. “[A season-ending injury for Lorna McNamara] is a huge blow for the county. It was very sad news during the week when we found out that it was an ACL injury and very unfortunate for Lorna herself.

“But I thought that the squad showed their depth today and battled on. We had played most of the game last week against Wexford without her and also again today so we do have depth. But at the same time, you’d be very sorry for her. She fought so hard to come back from injury after three years so to pick up a cruciate injury is just rotten luck.

“We’ve a two week break before we face Kilkenny so we’ll make the most of that rest to plough on for the rest of the championship.”

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Sport

Walla steers Avenue to Cup Finnucane caps off ‘unbelievable’ first Avenue season with man of the match Cup final showing success in ‘titanic battle’

by Seamus Hayes TO CAP OFF his first season with Avenue Utd, Conor Finnucane was named man of the match in their extra time Clare Cup final win over Newmarket Celtic.

Having won the Hugh Kelly (League Cup) earlier in the season, Avenue finished the campaign with more silverware when defeating Newmarket Celtic 3-2 after extra time in Saturday’s Ennis Carpets Clare Cup final.

Finnucane joined Avenue Utd from Inch Crusaders who did not affiliate this season. “Look it’s just an unbelievable feeling to be part of the winning team in my first season with the club”, he explained.

Speaking to The Clare Echo after the final whistle, Conor reflected, “It was a crazy game. We went 2-0 up, Newmarket went down to ten men but they are as tough as anything and they came back. For Dylan (Casey) to come up with the winner, I am just delighted”.

Calm heads were needed in their dressing room of Frank Healy Park after allowing Newmar-

ket Celtic score two goals in the closing stages of the second half to force extra time. “It was calm.

We knew we had plenty legs for another twenty minutes and we backed ourselves to win the tie”.

Conor continued, “we have huge respect for Newmarket. We know you are not going to get anything easy from them and the fact that we scored three goals today is a fair achievement against that Newmarket defence. I am proud of the boys”.

There is little time to rest for Saturday’s man of the match and he switches codes now to gaelic football and his role with Lissycasey’s senior footballers. “We have a big one next week and I am looking forwards to it”, he said noting that they face Kilmurry-Ibrickane in an important Cusack Cup (senior league) tie on Sunday.

“Next week we have a massive game and hopefully more big games to come in the months ahead. Hopefully we can add a few more trophies”, he concluded before joining his family to celebrate the victor

By Seamus Hayes

Conor Finnucane accepts the man of the match award from CDSL Vice Chair Ronnie Pyne and Chairman Donal Magee Photo by Joe Buckley

AVENUE United manager Adrian Walsh believes that his side deserved their victory in Saturday’s cup final but paid tribute to beaten finalists Newmarket Celtic for forcing the game to extra time.

Speaking shortly after the final whistle at Frank Healy Park, he said, “it was a titanic battle. We knew that the game wasn’t done at 2-0. All credit to Newmarket. That’s why they have won the trophies they have won, they go to the end. They made it 2-2 with the last kick of the game and more power to them”.

Having guided Lifford to the 2023 Cup final where they lost to Avenue, Adrian was in the winner’s enclosure on the biggest day in Clare soccer. “Our boys dug in. The game could have been over and buried but it didn’t happen. We got our just rewards at the end, we were the better side on the day”.

Asked about their feelings at the end of normal time after Newmarket had hauled themselves back into the contest, he said, “there weren’t too many words spoken. We didn’t want to be in the position but we had to accept where we were. We said we can either sit back and soak up the pressure and let it go to pen-

alties or we can go on the front foot and play football”.

Dylan Casey, in only his second appearance of the year, stepped up with the winning goal. “Dylan is a top notch defender, himself and Ethan Cronin excelled. Big named players win games. I’m delighted for Dylan that he landed the winning goal”.

In advance of the final, Avenue placed a big emphasis on being strong at the back. “We knew for the last couple of weeks that we had to be strong defensively and we had worked on that. We knew Newmarket would target that and we knew we had to be good”.

Looking to the future he said, “we are young, we will have a bit of crack tonight, we will have a long break, the boys are sick of listening to my voice, we will have a deserved break and we will review the season”.

Walsh concluded, “Avenue United want to win titles outside the county but to do that you have to dominate the domestic league as Newmarket have shown. It has been getting harder and harder to do that. We know it’s going to be competitive.

We will look forward to the domestic league, the domestic league cup and the cup and we will see what happens in Munster and with the FAI after that”.

Extra-time drama as Avenue sink Newmarket to win 14th Clare Cup

by Seamus Hayes

Ryan Corcoran celebrates putting Avenue Utd in front Photo by Joe Buckley

AVENUE UTD were crowned Ennis Carpets Clare Cup champions for the fourteenth time, defeating rivals Newmarket Celtic after extra time in Saturday’s decider.

Avenue United 3 Newmarket Celtic 2 (after extra time) Venue: Frank Healy Park, Doora It was a win which was on the cards from the 40th minute when Newmarket Celtic were reduced to ten men after the influential Tadhg Noonan picked up a second yellow card which ended his involvement in the game.

Ten minutes before that the Ennis based side had taken the lead when substitute Ryan Corcoran scored following a Conor Finnucane free.

A goal down and a man down, things got worse for the reigning champions inside five minutes of the new half when Avenue doubled their lead, Jack Ryan finding the net.

Newmarket refused to accept defeat and showed just why they have been at the top in Clare soccer for so long when staging a great comeback.

Seven minutes of normal time remained when goal-

keeper Shane Cusack’s free from inside his own half went all the way to the Avenue net. This lifted their supporters and the team and they almost levelled as the game went into injury time, substitute Gary Leahy’s header going inches wide.

The Shannon man didn’t have to wait long, however and with almost the last play of the game he got on the end of an Eoin Hayes corner to head home and send the Newmarket fans into celebration.

It was an end of normal time scoreline that few could have imagined ten minutes earlier.

Injuries were mounting up for Newmarket and they lost Kevin Harnett early in the first period of extra time.

To their credit, Avenue recovered and they piled on the pressure in extra time. Six minutes had been played in the second period when full back Dylan Casey latched on to a cross from the right and his powerful effort nestled in the bottom left half corner of Shane Cusack’s net for what proved to be the winning goal.

It was a merited win for Avenue on the evening but Newmarket played a huge part in a game which produced an exciting final half hour.

This final pairing was the

one that most soccer fans in Clare wanted to see and this was reflected in what was one of the biggest attendances at a Clare Cup final.

However, the standard overall was disappointing and the game really only sparked into life with Newmarket’s fight back in the closing ten minutes of normal time.

The game was just ten minutes old when Avenue lost Ronan Kerin to injury.

The loss of Noonan was a big blow to Newmarket who introduced Eoin Kelly to defence in place of Nathan Bonaventura as a result of Noonan’s departure.

It took a good save from Shane Cusack just before half time to deny Avenue a second goal.

They didn’t have to wait long for a second which came four minutes into the new half Jack Ryan shooting low to the net. Everything looked good for Avenue at this point but Newmarket weren’t going to go down easily and they showed remarkable fighting spirit from here to the end of normal time.

The game was hard fought throughout and almost got out of control as the teams went to the dressing room at the end of normal time as there was a sharp exchange between a

small number of players and officials Dylan Casey, Ethan Cronin, team captain Eoghan Thynne and man of the match Conor Finnucane played key roles in Avenue’s win while Shane Cusack, Harvey Cullinan, Jack Kelly, Kevin Harnett EoinKelly and Eoin Hayes were prominent for Newmarket Celtic.

Avenue United; Luke Woodrow; Cullen McCabe, Dylan Casey, Ethan Cronin, Jamie Roche, Eoghan Thynne (captain), Conor Finnucane, Nnabuike Nneji, Ronan Kerin, Jack Joyce, Jack Ryan; Subs; Ryan Corcoran for Kerin (10) (inj); Ryan Mahony for Joyce (50), Ger Myles for J. Ryan (70); Chucks Obadeyi for Corcoran (75) Owen Hadden for Myles (FT); Sean O’Callaghan for Obadeyi (84).

Newmarket Celtic; Shane Cusack; Kevin Harnett, Cathal Cullinan, Harvey Cullinan, Tadhg Noonan; Jack Kelly, Nathan Boaventura, Conor McDaid, Kieran Mahony, Eoin Hayes, Dean Hegarty; Subs: Eoin Kelly for Bonaventura (39); Gary Leahy for McDaid (70), Kelvin Mulqueen for Mahony (74); David McCarthy for Hegarty (75); Cathal Hayes for Harnett (95) (inj)

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Sport

St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games Athletics DUE to track maintenance at Lees Road, the County Finals took place over two days (May 28th and 31st) across the Shannon AC, St Senan’s RFC, and University of Limerick tracks. Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers co-ordinated

by Marie Roche (Ennis Track AC), children from 27 areas competed beautifully. Medals were presented by county officials, and the winners/ runners-up now advance to the regional finals in Clonmel (July) and national finals in Carlow (August).

Relay Winners (1st Place) • Mixed U10: Doora Barefield (James Donnellan, Tom Frehill, Aoibhín Lee, Alfie Maloney, Saoirse McCormack, Evie O’Driscoll) • Girls U12: Quin Clooney (Aoibhe Burke, Ailbhe Greene, Holly Hannon, Fiona Killeen, Neasa O’Brien, Kate Quinlan) • Boys U12: Ennis St Johns (Michael Agular, Isaac Brooks, Dylan Queally, Yohan Siha) • Mixed U13: Ballynacally Lissycasey (Daniel Donnelly, Clodagh Griffin, Sean Hick, Jack Higgins, Anna Murphy, Orlaith O’Rourke) • Girls U14: Doora Barefield (Aoibhe O’Brien, Emily O’Brien, Anna O’Connor, Jessie O’Driscoll)

• Boys U14: Crusheen Ballinruan Tubber (Rhys Cunningham, Diarmuid Cullinan, Cian Vaughan, Ryan Vaughan) • Mixed U15: Corofin Kilnaboy (Aoife Carey, Aine Fitzgerald, James Howard, Nancy Howard, Finn Slattery) • Girls U16: Ballynacally Lissycasey (Rowen Cahill, Aoibhinn Donnelly, Sadhbh Geary, Nicole Griffin, Emily Hick, Kara Lynch) Individual Track & Field Champions (1st Place) Girls Track • U8 60m: Orna Considine (Ennistymon Lahinch Liscannor) • U8 80m: Aoibhín Reidy (Kilmihil) • U10 100m: Alice O'Rourke (Crusheen Ballinruan Tubber) • U12 100m: Elle Murray (Moylussa) • U14 100m: Nancy Howard (Corofin Kilnaboy) • U16 100m: Sophie Harrison (Quin Clooney) • U10 200m: Shauna Coleman (Clarecastle Ballyea) • U12 200m: Laoise Malone (Ennis St Johns) • U14 200m: Aoife Vaughan (Clarecastle Ballyea) • U16 200m: Kara Lynch (Ballynacally Lissycasey) • U12 600m: Molly Considine (En-

nistymon Lahinch Liscannor) • U14 800m: Aine Fitzgerald (Corofin Kilnaboy) • U16 1500m: Aisling Kelly (Ennis St Johns) • U10 60m Hurdles: Erika Harrison (Quin-Clooney) • U14 80m Hurdles: Sammi O'Donoghue (Newmarket-On-Fergus) Boys Track • U8 60m: Darragh O'Shea (Kilmurry McMahon Labasheeda) • U8 80m: Daniel Long (Derg) • U10 100m: Tom Frehill (Doora Barefield) • U12 100m: Yohan Siha (Ennis St John's) • U14 100m: Seán Hick (Ballynacally Lissycasey) • U16 100m: Jack Monahan (Sixmilebridge Kilmurry) • U10 200m: Conall Greene (Quin Clooney) • U12 200m: Davin Brohan (Quin Clooney) • U14 200m: Dara Brohan (Quin Clooney) • U16 200m: Marcel Lasek (Shannon) • U12 600m: Sam Crean (Ennis St John's) • U14 800m: Loughlin Downes (Sixmilebridge Kilmurry) • U16 1500m: Conor Martin (Derg)

• U10 60m Hurdles: Evan O'Connor (Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry) • U14 80m Hurdles: Hugh Melody (Ennis-St.-Johns) Field Events • U12 Boys Long Puck: Cillian Dunne (Ennis-St.-Johns) • U14 Girls Long Puck: Sophia Moroney (Newmarket-On-Fergus) • U14 Boys Shot Putt: Darragh Brohan (Crusheen-Ballinruan-Tubber) • U14 Girls Shot Putt: Daisy Jane (Broadford-Kilbane-Kilmore) • U14 Boys Javelin: Cillian Crowley (Doora-Barefield) • U16 Boys Discus: Donnacha Hayes (Whitegate-Mountshannon) • U16 Girls Discus: Emer Fitzgerald (Corofin-Kilnaboy) • U16 Girls High Jump: Ella McGuane (Kilmihil) • U12 Girls Long Jump: Clodagh Griffin (Ballynacally Lissycasey) • U14 Girls Long Jump: Isla O'Rourke (Crusheen Ballinruan Tubber) • U12 Boys Long Jump: Cathal Carmody (Ballynacally Lissycasey) • U14 Boys Long Jump: Matthew Murphy (Sixmilebridge Kilmurry) • U12 Boys Ball Throw: Daniel Daly (Ennis St John's) • U12 Girls Ball Throw: Robin O'Gorman (Ennistymon Lahinch Liscannor)

Shannon Flyers to be represented in All-Ireland games of Special Olympics THREE ATHLETES from the Shannon Flyers Special Olympics sports club will represent Team Munster in the All-Ireland games.

Shannon Flyers was formed in 2004, a year after the World Special Olympics Games were held in Dublin. Special Olympics athletes compete in athletic events from 25 metre to 3,000 metre races and field events such as softball , mini javelin, shot putt, high jump and long jump.

Twenty five athletes are registered with the Shannon club and they train once a week every Sat-

urday at the athletic track of Lees Rd from September to March.

Lucy O’Brien, Colm McCarthy and Cormac Ross from the Shannon club have been selected to compete with the Munster team in the All-Ireland games which will be held in Morton Athletic Stadium in Santry from Friday (June 19th) to Sunday (June 21st).

The athletes will be accompanied by Therese Ross who will be their coach chaperone and will look after the athletes for the duration of the games. Club member Carmel Cronin is the Assistant

Head of Delegation for all 520 Munster athletes and chaperones and two other club members, Frank Fitzgerald and Donagh Cronin are competition manager and field of play coordinator at Morton Stadium.

Parents and volunteers are very involved in the club and have worked hard to raise the funds needed for the athletes to attend the games. The support of Clare County Council and Shannon Athletic Club for the use of facilities has also been praised by the club.

Lucy O’Brien.

West Clare school pupils clinch Munster silver and gold

A rural West Clare school is on a high following a double Munster footballing success.

Annagh National School (NS), located in Kilmurry Ibrickane and home to just 81 pupils, is celebrating an extraordinary run at the highest levels of primary school Gaelic football.

Following their coronation as Clare County Champions in May at the Cumann na mBunscoil Football Skills Competition in Zimmer Biomet Park, Ennis, three senior pupils advanced to represent the Banner County on the provincial stage.

On Wednesday, the trio of Séan Cummins, Oran Hehir, and Daithi Óg Canny traveled to the Munster Finals, where they secured a second-place finish overall, narrowly edged out for the top spot by neighbours Kerry.

While finishing as the second most skilful county in Munster is a massive milestone for the small school, the day also yielded an individual triumph.

Annagh NS pupil Séan Cummins made competition history by being officially named the most skilful player in Munster. Delivering a masterclass in core football attributes — including precision soloing, catching, and accurate kicking with both feet — Séan won the prestigious Top Scorer award. It is the highest individual honour of the tournament.

“This is a wonderful achievement for our school and county,” noted the proud teaching staff at Annagh NS.

Laois Lightning strikes for Tulla’s Donie

By Michael Maher

Lightning struck for Tulla’s Donie Duggan to claim the spoils in the feature race in Galway last weekend.

The final of the 2026 running of the Ann Cheevers Memorial A3 525 Yards Stake generously sponsored by the Cheevers Family was the feature on Saturday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium.

As the traps rose for the €2000 to the winner feature contest Laois Lightening lived up to his name and sprung from traps to head Magical Be Nifty on his outer as Portumna Syd also

displayed pace on the run to the all-important opening bend. Rounding the bend, the Gordon Vaughan of Castlegar owned Laois Lightening tracked really well along the inner and on straightening down the back the son of Ballymac Anton and Old Treasure set sail for home.

Striding out well at the head of affairs the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained runner led Portumna Syd by three lengths at the third bend and extending his advantage all the while scored by four and a half lengths at the line in 28.78.

Heathlawn Devil was away

smartly in the A4 graded contest and racing towards the opening bend he led from Winnie Be Slick with Blaze Buck in third place as they rounded the opening bend.

Turning down the back, Wiinnie Be Slick moved through on the leaders inner to joined issue and as they crossed the halfway mark the striped jacked Blaze Buck made it three in a line. Approaching the third bend Blaze Buck and Heathalwn Devil went on but as they took the bend the Tony Brigdale of Ennis owned Blaze Buck (Pestana & Speedie Bella) assumed command and looked set for

an easy success but he was all out to see off the renewed effort of Heathlawn Devil by half a lengths in 29.35.

The finale was an S4 graded sprint contest over 350 yards and as the traps rose Cloonoon Annie was away smartly and she was closely attended to by Kitmins Peggy and Ballyea Jet on the run towards the opening bend.

Approaching the bend the Noel Gavin of Ballyea owned Ballyea Jet slipped through along the inner to lead out of the back straight and tracking well the Albert Mullins of Gort trained son of Jaytee Jet and Seekers Vision took

two lengths out of his rivals.

Off the home bend the lead was three lengths and that became four at the line over Cloonoon Annie in 19.26.

At Limerick Greyhound Stadium, Snuggie Carson, who has been very consistent throughout 2026, notched his eighth career success in 28.85, he is owned by Myles Cummins from Newmarket-on-Fergus and is a son of Grangeview Ten and Crottys Act. Paul Chevers makes the presentation to the winning connection after Laois Lightning won the Ann Chevers Memorial Sweepstake

43

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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Sport

Ennis President’s prize for Monica & Colman

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

MONICA Finnerty and Colman O’Connor were the winners of the President’s (Philip Brigdale) prizes at Ennis last week.

Monica (32) won with 39 points from Kate Keohane (19) who had a similar score with Claire Ruane (25) a point back in third place. Peg Hanrahan won the gross with 21 points.

Division 1 was won by Della Burns (24) with 37 points from Rose Enright (20) with 36 points.

Geraldine O’Rourke (30) with 37 points won Division 2 from Ethna Murphy (33) with 35 points.

The Division 3 winner was Mary Curley (56) with 37 points from Audrey McEnery (40) with 34 points.

In the ladies 9 hole competition the winner was Mary Walshe (20) with 21 points from Margaret Flanagan (18) with 20 points with third place filled by Bridie Keane (20) with 19 points.

Colman O’Connor (13) was the winner of the men’s president’s prize with 42 points and he had one to spare over Gerard O’Brien (26) with third place filled by Shane Cosgrove (13) with 40 points. Enda Burns (20) was fourth with 40 points followed by David Cassidy (29) with 39 points with Brendan Pyne (14) in sixth place with 39 points.

Alan Butler won the gross with 32 points from Eoin Doohan with 30 points. James Broderick (13) won category A with 38 points from Diarmuid Meere (8) with 37 points. Category B was won by Cormac O’Neill (17) with 37 points from John C McNamara (15), also with 37 points.

Mark O’Brien (20) with 39 points won category C from Liam McCannon (20) who had a similar score while category D was won by Keith Hassett (27) with 38 points from Bernard Hanrahan (27) also with 38 points.

Steve Burns (18) with 34 points won the past president’s category while the 9 hole competition was won by Matt Flynn (12) with 17 points.

The guests prize was won by Robbie Dormer with 37 points while the putting competition was won by Gerard Hannon.

Winners of the captains’ mixed foursomes were Suzanne Deane and Liam McCannon with 31points and they were one ahead of Ethna Murphy and Derek Healy with Maureen Lynch and Gerry O’Brien n third place with 28

points. Mary and Keith Lenihan won the gross with 15 points.

Last week’s senior ladies 14 hole competition was won by Mary Kearns, Carmel Verling and Mary Murray from Brid Cunnigham, Clare Pyne, Phil Butler and Kathlen Frehill.

The ladies 9 hole competition was won by Ada McMahon from Bernie Brooks and Jackie Quinlan. The weekly ladies 18 hole competition, an 18 hole singles stableford event, was won by Bridie Hanrahan (20) with 34 points from Joan Murphy (31) with 32 points with third place filled by Marie Connolly (48), also with 32 points.

Anne Kelly (12) with 21 points was the overall winner in the 9 hole competition while the category winners were Carmel Verling (12) with 17 points, Margaret Flanagan (18) with 17 points and Deborah Glynn (21) with 20 points.

Thursday’s senior men’s competition was won by Steve Burns, Jimmy Kearns and John R Ryan with 48.7 from Richard O Connell, Willie Donnellon and Dave Boylan with 49.4. In third place with 50 were Ger Hanrahan, Joe O Brien and Pat Rutherford followed by Noel Pyne, Terry Hughes and Dominick Murray, also with 50, Pat G McInerney, Tony Kehoe and Seamus Hanrahan with 50.7, Vincent Corbett, Fintan McEvoy and Pat Garry with 50.9 with seventh place filled by Ollie O Loughlin, Gerry Fitzmaurice and Willie Moloney with 51.1.

In the Martin Ward sponsored Friday open singles the winner was Martin Moroney (14) with 38 points from Keith Lenihan (17) with 36 points.

In the inter club junior cup competition Ennis lost out, on the 19th, to Woodstock.

Meanwhile, in the ladies Munster challenge cup, Ennis defeated Woodstock and will now meet Rathbane from Limerick or Dromoland in the next round.

Spanish Point Golf Club: Last week’s ladies competition at Spanish Point was a team event which was a ‘Countess of Granard qualifier’. The winners were Bernie Kelleher and Eleanor O’Dwyer with 51 points followed by Ann Cooper and Eileen Holly.

Dromoland Golf Club: The ladies Coronation foursomes at Dromoland was won

by Frances Bergin and Joan Dunne with 33 points.

Breda O’Donovan with 35 points won the ladies 18 hole stableford while the 9

Ennis golf club president, Philip Brigdale presenting his prizes to Colman O’Connor and Monica Finnerty

Photo by Bernard Dilger

hole competition was won

by Siobhan Doohan from Mairéad Bergin with third place filled by Ann Moloney, all three scoring 19 points.

The men’s v par competition on Sunday was won by John M Murphy with 3 up from Danny Mungovan with 1 up with third place filled by Mike Tobin who finished all square. The category for handicappers of 20 and over was won by Pat Bergin with 4 down while Niall Woods won the gross with 2 down.

Brendan Lennon with 19 points won the 9 hole competition from Ivan Kerins, both scoring 19 points. Gareth O’Grady with 18 points was third.

Lahinch Golf Club: The John Burke trophy club championship at Lahinch is scheduled to take place on this Saturday and Sunday.

The competition will be played from both the blue and white tees. To be eligible to play off the blue tees one must have a handicap index of 2.0 or lower.

Kilrush Golf Club: Anne Cooper (38) with 37 points was the winner of the West Clare Physical Therapy ladies 18 hole singles at Kilrush last week.

Category 1 was won by Fiona Kinsella (13) with 35 points from Edel Crowley (18) with 32 points.

Category 2 was won by Marion Brennan (25) with 35 points from Mary Downes (29) with 33 points while category 3 was won by Imelda Grif-

fin (50) with 33 points from Stephanie Roughan (33) with 28 points.

The Bowman’s Lane ladies 18 hole stableford competition the previous week was won

by Mary O’Neill (43) with 41 points.

Geraldine Burke (18) with 40 points won category 1 from Edel Crowley (18) with 38 points.

Category 2 was won by Joan O’Malley (25) with 39 points with second place going to Mary McCarthy (29) with 36 points.

Carmel O’Flaherty (45) won category 3 with 39 points and she was three ahead of Jean Lorigan (36).

Tom Browne (3) with 41 points won the Kilrush Credit Union open singles. He had two to spare over David Keane (9) with Darragh Coleman (12) a point further back on 38 in third place. Jack Foley won the gross with 33 points.

Woodstock Golf Club: Woodstock’s Play In Pink day is on Tuesday next, June 16. the competition is a team of 4 Ladies or Gents (no mixed teams). Tee timesd can be booked through the Pro shop.

All monies raised go directly to Breast Cancer Research in Galway University Hospital.

Kenneth Fielding (18) with 38 points was the winner of the AMR sponsored open singles at Woodstock last week.

He had two to spare over Cathal O Sullivan (9) with 36 points.

Winners in the 2’s competition were David Quinn(4th)

Conor Browne(4th) and Evan Greer (11th). The Western Joinery June medal was won

by Sean Myatt (3) with 71 while the gross was won by Alan Markham with 76.

Category 1 was won by Darren Russell (7) with 72 from Evan Greer (8) with 73. Category 2 was won by Ronan Horgan (13) with 71 while the category 3 winner was Vincent McInerney (19) with 72.

The club singles was won by Christopher McNamara (28) with 39 points from Richard Pyne (21) with 37 points.

Winners in the 2’s competition were Jamie Ivors and Chris McGrath , both at the 4th. The ladies 18 hole stableford competition was won

by Mags Nash with 31 points.

The ladies competition this week is for the June medal.

The open singles continues this Thursday.while the weekend competition will be the Holmpatrick qualifier.

Shannon Golf Club: Last week’s men’s green tee challenge at Shannon was won by Maurice O’Connor (16) with 38 points. He won by one from John Yelverton (29) with Stephen |Keogh (18) in third place with 36 points followed

by Patrick Corcoran (18) also with 36 points.

Jason O’Donnell (scratch) won the gross with 34 points.

In the blue tee challenge John Dolan (+1) was the winner with 35 points while the nett was won by Aidan McInerney Hynes (5) with 37 points.

The men’s 9 hole competition was won by Paschal

Regan (9) with 18 points and he won on a countback from Harry Gray (7).

Wednesday’s men’s open singles was won by Con O’Donnell (7) with 36 points from Damian Casey (+1) with 35 points.

East Clare Golf Club: The ladies Wednesday competition at East Clare was won by Brid Hayes, Mary Jo Minogue and Kay Grimes from Noreen Skehan, Pauline Nugent and Noreen Doyle.

Tom Larkin, John Collins and Ailbe McDonnell won the senior men’s competition from Nick Obolewicz, Seamus Whelan and Kevin Grimes with third place filled by Terry Coughlan, Brian Corry and Ted Harrington.

Dominic Stuart, Brian Corry, Mary Farrell and Mary Collins were the winners of Friday’s mixed scramble with second place filled by Ailbe McDonnell, Mary Jo Minogue and Breda O’Loghlin.

Gort Golf Club: Friday’s open singles at Gort was won by Marcus Faherty (12) with 37 points. The gross was won by Kris Finnegan (0) with 36 points.

The weekend competition was for the Val Hoarty Jug, an 18 hole stroke event sponsored by Hoarty Family. The winner was Joseph Caulfield (10) with 67 while the category winners were Colman Cooney (7)with 70, Dylan Molloy (18) with 70 and Brian Crossan (22) with 73. Kris Finnegan (2) with 75 won the gross.

Sixmilebridge Society: Sixmilebridge society’s captain’s (Colin Murphy) prize was played for at Nenagh at the weekend when the winner was John Chaplin.

Colin Murphy was second followed by Conor Collins with Eric Purcell in fourth place.

The nines were won by Ed Crowe and Adam Merriman.

Nearest the pin and the par 3 competition was won by Adam Breen, the longest drive was won by Eric Purcell and the guest prize was won by Paul English.

Banner classic: The Banner GAA club will hold its annual golf classic at Woodstock on Friday June 19. The format will be a modified team of four scramble and teams can be entered by contacting Noel Crowe at 086-3881138 or Noel Kenny at 087-4163136.

44

Thursday, Jun 11, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Plannings

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PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ST CRONANS NATIONAL SCHOOL, CARRON, CO CLARE. V95 YA22.

Take notice that The Board of Management of St Cronans National School intends to apply for planning permission for change of use of the general purpose room to a unit for use as a preschool, before school and after school care, change of use of the existing storage area to general purpose and ancillary overflow/ teaching area, (previously granted planning permission under reference P08/475) & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CRONAGORT EAST, DOOLIN, CO CLARE. Take notice that Patrick Connaghan intends to apply for permission to retain the extension to the granny flat permitted under ref P21/960 and for its change of use to the main dwelling on site, along with permission for the change of use of the original dwelling on site to ancillary residential unit and all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARNANE, DOOLIN, CO CLARE. V95 F4W2 Take notice that Pauline and Pat Cronin intend to apply for planning permission to retain 1. the extension to the existing cottage, 2. the converted garage as an ancillary residential unit for the enjoyment of the occupants of the main dwelling, 3. The storage sheds on site and for permission to build a link between the dwelling and the converted garage and all associated site and ancillary works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the 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 AUGHISKAMORE, LISDOONVARNA, CO

CLARE. Take notice that Conor Droney intends to apply for planning permission to build a new residential unit, using the existing entrance to the public road, upgrade the existing wastewater treatment system and all associated site and ancillary works.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the 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 DRUMMINAKELA, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO CLARE. Take notice that Niamh O’Gorman and Alex brady intends to apply for Planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, private garage, site entrance, on-site wastewater treatment system and all associated site works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the

application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYMACKEA MORE, QUILTY Take notice that Thomas Darcy intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to revise house elevations and ground floor plan of Ref No P22/136 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKERRA WEST, KILRUSH Take notice that Patrick Fitzpatrick intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect 5No dwellings + foul sewer treatment systems + percolation areas, to connect to ancillary services and to develop service road and new site entrance at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy,

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at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 32 GARRÁN NA COILLE, SHANAWAY ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Planning permission is being sought by Diarmuid Kelly and Siobhán Horgan for the construction of single storey extensions to the side and rear of the existing house, modifications to the front elevation and all ancillary site works at 32 Garrán Na Coille, Shanaway Road, Ennis, 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.

THE MIRACLE PRAYER MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours, this time I ask You this special one (mention favour). Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it in Your own broken heart, where our Father sees it, then in His merciful eyes it will become Your favour, not mine. Amen.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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THURSDAY, OCT 6 2022

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THIS WEEKS PUZZLES OCT 6th

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ANSWERS

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WORD SEARCH

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The Clare Echo Crossword

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Daily Quick Crossword: 3 October 2022 ,10/3/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

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I

s (7)

L A Y W R

10

P

9

21

(4)

T

8

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

out (6)

7

DOWN 1 Collieries (5) 2 Withdraw (7) 3 Dutch cheese (4) 4 Nevada city famed for casinos (3,5) 5 Express in speech (5) 6 Stretch out (6) 11 Amiable (8) 12 Self-centred person (6) 13 Savings (4,3) 15 Game bird (5) 17 Float along (5) 18 Mark left by wound (4)

s in speech (5)

6

ACROSS 1 Wonderful (10) 7 First letters (8) 8 Cab (4) 9 Wet thoroughly (4) 10 Erudite (7) 12 Amused (11) 14 Bunch of flowers (7) 16 Second-hand (4) 19 The Orient (4) 20 Broken down, worn out (8) 21 Dramatist (10)

ntred person (6)

5

le (8)

4

s (4,3)

3

bird (5)

2

long (5)

1

1/1

ft by wound (4)

Daily Quick Crossword: 3 October 2022 ,10/3/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

47

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jun 11, 2026

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Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz

What river is Corofin situated on?

River Fergus River Shannon River Rine

What is the population of Corofin as per 2022?

788 695 745 How far is Corofin from Ennis?

15km 12km 13km What colours do Corofin GAA play in?

Red and white Blue and gold Black and white Corofin gained promotion back to the Clare SHC in what year?

2023 2024 2022

Tony Killeen was born in Corofin and served as Minister for Defence from 2010 to 2011. What party was he a member of?

Fine Gael Fianna Fáil Sinn Féin

Movies to see this week

What castle is located just outside the town?

Knappogue Inchiquin Slane Corofin is also the name of a village in what other Irish county?

Tipperary Limerick Galway Which of these Clare hurlers plays for Corofin?

Adam Hogan Diarmaid Ryan Conor Leen

Scan here to see what’s on

Which Corofin hurler has been nominated for 2 All Stars?

Conor Leen Gerry Quinn Robin Mounsey

ANSWERS Fianna Fáil Inchiquin Castle Galway Conor Leen Gerry Quinn

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

River Fergus 745 12km Red and white 2024

Spot the Difference

36 Parnell St Ennis, Co. Clare ennis.arccinema.ie

Last weeks Answers . GAA missing on jersey . circle missing on POD logo . O missing in Volvo . Badge on jersey bottom right missing

. POD missing on jersey (left) . GAA missing on jersey (right) . Light missing in background (right)

Avenue Utd vs Newmarket Celtic at the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup final

Photo by Joe Buckley

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