The Clare Echo 12/03/26

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Mar31, 12,2024 2026 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct

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Clare overlooked as Raheen picked for new hospital

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

COUNTY Clare has been overlooked again when it comes to the provision of health services.

Health officials and Fine Gael politicians were all smiles in Limerick on Tu e s d a y morning as the powers that be confirmed that a 43.8 acre site in Raheen had been secured at a cost of in the region of €14m to serve as a new

hospital for the MidWest region.

Friends of Ennis Hospital in a statement to The Clare Echo said the decision once again highlights how the healthcare needs of the people of Clare continue to be overlooked in regional planning and that Raheen “offers little or no benefit to the 130,000 people living in County Clare, many of whom already face

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some of the longest journeys in the country to access emergency care”.

Clare TD Cathal Crowe (FF) said politicians outside of Fine Gael and local media in Clare were “excluded” from attending Tuesday’s announcement. He flagged that more than forty percent of the Clare population are over an hour away from the proposed facility, “we’re the most peripheral part of the country in terms of access to healthcare”.

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Clare ‘hammered’ by cost of fuel

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE FAMILIES have been “hammered” with a rapid rise in the cost of fuel and home heating oil.

Increases in the price of home-heating oil in the aftermath of the Iran war were around eight times higher in Ireland than elsewhere in the European Union with a jump of 27.3 percent.

Within Co Clare, the price of diesel and petrol is on the brink of hitting €2 per litre. Fuel industry representatives have also said the increase is also boosting State revenues. Chief executive of Fuels for Ireland Kevin McPartlan said when

motorists pay €2 per litre for fuel, more than €1.20 goes to the Government.

Founder and managing director of Spa Transport, Eugene Drennan has called on government to suspend the carbon tax levy on diesel, as fuel prices continue to soar.

Clare TD, Donna McGettigan (SF) said families in the county have been “hammered” due to the increases. “These hikes are happening in real time.

Prices have surged by massive amounts in just a matter of days. It looks like blatant price gouging and it is a brazen ripoff happening in plain sight”.

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Talty takes aim at TII for ‘two finger salute’ to North Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

T R A N S P O R T INFRASTRUCTURE IRELAND (TII) have been accused of giving “a two finger salute” to North Clare and road users along the N85.

At Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) decried correspondence received from TII which cited “funding constraints” as the reason for failing to progress the N85 realignment project from Ennis to Inagh.

Chief Executive Officer with TII, Lorcan O’Connor in correspondence to the County Council stated, “A scheme was previously considered for this

section of the N85 in 2015 and 2016. During the design development, it became apparent that there would be a very substantial quantity of surplus material to be dealt with at the construction phase. In an effort to progress a more sustainable scheme, having regard to the flooding and waste issues, a revised alignment and scheme extents needed to be considered.

“As a result of ongoing funding constraints, however, it has not been possible to progress a larger scheme on the N85, due to the limited funding available to TII generally and the many competing demands for such resources”.

Speaking on Monday,

Cllr Talty remarked that the correspondence “is nothing short of a two finger salute to Clare on the N85 owing to ongoing funding constraints that it cannot progress”.

He said Oireachtas members must be called on to address the response and shortage of funding.

In December 2019, Director of Service with the Council, Carmel Kirby said consultants would be appointed “in early 2020” to upgrade a 3km section of road from west of Kilnamona Cross and an additional 1.5km to Whelan’s Quarry. No funding has been sanctioned for the scheme by TII in 2023, 2024 or 2025

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Clare media left out in cold ‘due to technical error’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

POLITICIANS and media in Clare were “excluded” from Tuesday’s announcement by the Minister for Health that a new €14m hospital would be built in Raheen.

Flanked by Fine Gael colleagues including Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) and Mayor of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG) heralded a milestone for the region with the 43.8 acre site in Raheen secured to ease the burden on University Hospital Limerick.

Minister Carroll MacNeill appears to have only invited her colleagues from Fine Gael while only members of the media in Limerick and Mid-Western correspondents from RTÉ and Virgin Media were invited to attend by the Department of Health.

A spokesperson from the Department told The Clare Echo, “There was a technical error on our side with MediaHQ, which resulted in the invitation not issuing”.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said he was “excluded” from the event. “A few people have asked why I wasn’t at the Minister’s official announcement in Limerick, the answer to that is very simple, she and her office staff never notified me that she was

in the region and I was not invited. I was excluded. I understand that our fine media outlets in Clare, Clare FM, The Clare Echo, The Clare Champion and The Clare Herald were also excluded”.

Donna McGettigan TD (SF) questioned, “was this a government announcement or a Fine Gael announcement” based on the personnel that were present in UHL on Tuesday morning. “No local media from Clare or Tipperary were invited. Despite the fact that the Minister said that Clare was at the centre of these plans. Only one of the four TDs from Clare, a Fine Gael TD, were invited.

“If Clare were at the centre of these plans, why is this new site one hour and 24 minutes away from Carrigaholt or one hour and 12 minutes from Ballyvaughan.

I have to ask, does that show that Clare is at the centre of this. Who is making these decisions?”

“Fine Gael or government as I’m not sure if any Fianna Fáil TDs knew this was coming or did they? As far as I’m concerned, this is another complete let down for the people of Clare”.

Deputy Crowe said he had “very mixed feelings” about the Minister’s announcement with more than 40 percent of the Clare population over an hour away from the

Cathal Crowe noting Clare politicians were also snubbed

proposed facility, “we’re the most peripheral part of the country in terms of access to healthcare. I suppose that’s where the mixed feelings lie.

The development of a new hospital will certainly help to alleviate the incessant pressures that UHL faces, in particular at its accident and emergency department but there is no denying the fact that the chosen site is a great distance from people in the western and northern parts of Clare. I never voted to close the Accident and Emergency Department at Ennis General Hospital and I have always out rightly opposed its downgrading”.

Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) who is part of the Regional Health Forum stated, “I am deeply disappointed to see the people of Clare once again treated as an afterthought”.

She said the Raheen site “does nothing to improve ac-

cess to emergency care for the 130,000 people living in Clare. Even more concerning is that Clare media and Clare TDs were excluded from the invitation list for the announcement. That speaks volumes. For years patients from Clare have had to travel across the county and through Limerick city to access emergency care at University Hospital Limerick.

This decision changes absolutely nothing for them. The Minister had an opportunity to begin correcting the wrong that was done when Clare was left without its own acute hospital. Instead, the people of Clare are once again being asked to wait”.

Freelance reporter, Pat Flynn in response to Limerick TD, Willie O’Dea (FF) stated, “it’s so sad that the minister was so afraid of being asked the hard questions by the Clare media, they were excluded”.

Raheen site ‘offers little or no benefit’ to people of Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LOCATING a new hospital in Raheen “offers little or no benefit to the 130,000 people living in Co Clare,” health campaigners have argued.

On the same day that the first new acute hospital to open in Ireland was officially opened in Limerick, it also emerged that Raheen would be for a new hospital to ease the burden on University Hospital Limerick (UHL) as Option B of the HIQA report in emergency healthcare in the region.

Raheen’s site is Option B as indicated in the HIQA report which is an extension of the UHL campus, serving as the second site in close proximity working under a shared governance

and operating model.

Anger has been expressed by health activists. Friends of Ennis Hospital in a statement to The Clare Echo said the decision once again highlights how the healthcare needs of the people of Clare continue to be overlooked in regional planning and that Raheen “offers little or no benefit to the 130,000 people living in County Clare, many of whom already face some of the longest journeys in the country to access emergency care”.

“Patients from large parts of Clare must already travel across the county and through Limerick city to reach University Hospital Limerick. Locating a new development in Raheen will do nothing to improve

access for many patients,” Chairperson of FEH, Angela Coll stated.

She added, “This decision is hugely disappointing and frankly very frustrating for the people of Clare. For many communities across the county this announcement changes absolutely nothing. People in Clare should not have to cross an entire county and a city to access emergency care.”

“Centralising services further away from Clare may suit administrators, but it does nothing for patients. With this announcement, the case for an acute hospital in Clare only grows stronger,” Angela continued.

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Health officials & Fine Gael all smiles as Clare left behind on health front again

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HEALTH OFFICIALS and Fine Gael politicians were all smiles in Limerick on Tuesday morning as the powers that be once again left Co Clare as the poor relation when it comes to the provision of health services.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG) was in University Hospital Limerick (UHL) on Tuesday morning to officially announce that a 43.8 acre site in Raheen had been secured at a cost of in the region of €14m.

Following on from HIQA’s review published in September, the Minister in December received Government support to adopt a blended approach to progressing all three options from the review into emergency health services in the Mid-West region.

Raheen will serve as Option B from the HIQA review which is an extension of the UHL campus under a shared governance model with UHL. The fact that the site is almost 44 acres has fuelled concern that it could also become the location of Option C from the review which is another model three hospital in the Mid-West region that includes an emergency department.

When asked if it was her preference to have two model four hos-

pitals within ten minutes of each other, the Minister said, “That is not impossible but again that depends on what is brought to me by the project board, that is clearly a possibility for the future”.

She added, “This is a site in close proximity and it is under shared governance. This allows us to go beyond the thinking of the HIQA report, this is HIQA B, C plus, it is not limited in anyway and goes beyond when you look at the scale of the site. We’ve purchased a site that gives us Option B, Option C, Option C plus very considerably and allows us push ahead in a much more ambitious way than the HIQA report”.

According to the Minister, the Raheen site has been strategically chosen as it is both twenty eight minutes from Ennis and Nenagh.

She neglected to mentioned that the Raheen site is an approximate fifty four minutes from Whitegate, one hour and four minute drive from Bellharbour and a one hour and twenty three minute spin from Carrigaholt.

Responding to views that the people of Clare have been overlooked once again, the Minister said, “I have great concerns for the people of Clare, Tipperary, Limerick, and the whole region, that is why we’re trying to be so aggressive in our acquisition of the site

Minister Carroll MacNeill is pictured here with Patrick O’Donovan TD Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport; and with Kieran O’Donnell TD, Minister of State for Older People and Housing Photo by Don Moloney

and our open thinking on what is possible for the future. I want to see the delivery of more services in Ennis in particular. I’ve already given direction in the capital plan in relation to the delivery of much better local services so that people don’t have to travel, I am absolutely open to how we can continue to do more”.

She cited Bantry as an example for how she views Ennis Hospital progressing into the future. “The people of Clare are central to our thinking in relation to how we de-

velop our services for the Mid-West and again I hope there will be patients in Clare participating in the clinical trials of the future”.

Speaking in UHL on Tuesday morning, Minister Carroll MacNeill stated, “This 44-acre site is located between Ballycummin Avenue and the Patrickswell Road, just 2km from UHL, Dooradoyle and provides a significant opportunity to provide meaningful additional capacity and health services to the people of Limerick, Clare and Tipperary.

“We will now establish a project board, and they will judiciously consider what services we must have on that UHL site, which we can relocate nearby to this new site and which services we can relocate to Ennis, St John’s or Nenagh. I will be returning to Government later this year with a strategic plan for the services of the region,” the Minister added.

Regarding progression of Option A from the HIQA review which is the expansion of extra capacity at UHL, since January 2020, 278 new acute beds have opened across the Mid-West, including two 16-bed rapid build units delivered in December 2024 and June 2025, and a 96-bed block opened by the Minister in October 2025. 236 of these beds are at UHL. Enabling works are now underway for a second 96-bed block at UHL, and further 16 and 66 bed blocks are in planning for accelerated delivery. In total, these projects will increase UHL’s capacity by 306 beds since 2023.

Across the wider Mid-West region, a total of 420 additional beds will be delivered by 2031, including, 48 additional beds in Ennis by 2030/31, 42 additional beds in St John’s by 2031 and 24 additional beds in Nenagh by 2029.

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€10m cost to develop up to 260 homes along Road to Nowhere

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DEVELOPMENT OF up to 260 homes could be built in Ennis by getting ‘The Road to Nowhere’ on the map.

An inner relief road linking the Gort Rd and Tulla Rd in Ennis would take between five to eight years to get to completion. “The overall scheme would cost in the region of €1015m at current market rates,” senior engineer with Clare County Council, Cyril Feeney explained.

In a joint motion before this week’s sitting of the County Council, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) and Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) stressed the importance of getting The Road to Nowhere on track.

They cited “the growing difficulty in delivering new housing developments due to existing traffic congestion and inadequate road infrastructure on the eastern side of Ennis. The increasing pressure on the Tulla Rd, Gort Rd, Roslevan and adjoining residential area arising from significant population growth.

The view of local builders that the absence of this critical link road is now a major constraint on the sustainable expansion of Ennis and the concern that further delays in progressing this project will negatively impact housing delivery, investment and economic development in the county town”.

Feeney in response advised that the inner relief road is included in a proposal in the completed Ennis local transport plan which forms part of the proposed variation to the County Development Plan. There are five stages required to advance the project, they are proposal initiation, strategic assessment and preliminary business case, detailed and final business case and implementation.

With the proposed route adjacent to the Ballyalla Lough Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) which encompasses Lough Girroga, Feeney cautioned that “this may constrain the engineering design options for the proposed route. An indicative timeline for the delivery of the overall project in such a sensitive area with favourable timely decisions would be of the order of five to eight years. However, other options under consideration for a phased delivery of the project, i.e. potentially the section north of the Maples towards Cluain Ros Leamhan as phase one, followed by the section to the west which would include the railway crossing.

Subject to funding approval phase one could be potentially delivered in a three to five year period”.

Housing activation officer, Sinead O’Donoghue confirmed that the project was not eligible for the first call as a submission for the €1bn housing infrastructure investment

fund. She flagged that the proposed road would form part of the local road network “and as such another source of funding would potentially be from the Department of Transport.

The original proposal for this road was that it was to be developer led and we will continue to engage with interested parties, including landowners to explore all funding mechanisms”. The County Council is to include the project in its strategic roads plan “which in turn will be an important component in informing our investment plan. It is our intention to hold a briefing with the members later in March to review the strategic roads plan priorities”.

Time is of the essence, Cllr Colleran Molloy stressed when pointing out she last raised the matter six months ago with little progress recorded in the interval. Last June, she sought a meeting with the Department of Transport to bring about some progress.

Land must be opened up for housing, Cllr O’Callaghan highlighted, “We’re trying to open up land to create housing. Back in 2018 when the road was finished, locally this became known as the road to nowhere, it is fascinating that road was completed to a certain area and then stops”. He said it is 7.5 hectares of zoned land that could provide up to 260 homes and declared he was already looking forward to “seeing the ribbon cut” when it is completed.

Photo by John O’Neill

According to Cllr Baker Bashua, “the need is urgent and not just optional. Anyone who travels Tulla, Gort or Roslevan roads at peak times can see the demand, the road infrastructure has not kept pace with the expansion of the areas”. The absence of the link road is “becoming a major constraint” for developers, she warned. “At a time when we’re asked to accelerate housing delivery, we cannot ignore the infrastructural needs. We are in a housing crisis and we want to see the continued growth of our county town so we need to start progressing this project now and treat it as a priority. We’re calling for clarity, urgency and prioritisation, we need a clear pathway for the project to move forward”.

Activity on the Gort Rd Industrial Estate and Ballymaley Business

Park is putting the Gort Rd under “serious traffic pressure,” Cllr Pat Daly (FF) commented. “Between 3-4pm every day is a blockage, there is a huge backlog to Ballyalla Cross. We have five times the traffic coming in Roslevan since motorway was built on the Tulla Rd, both roads crying out for an inner relief road. It is vital for Ennis”.

There has been no progress on the road since 2018 when phase one, comprising a 520m road link from the Gort Road to the Clare Technology Park, was officially opened. The road had laid idle for up to eight years prior to this with €4m spent on the project.

From the beginning of the existing built road which ends at the Clare Technology Park is in part Council ownership.

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Club members of Clooney Quinn GAA

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Clare families ‘hammered’ with soaring 15% increase in newbuild social costs on fuel & home heating oil homes in Clare

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

FAMILIES across the county “are being hammered”, a Clare TD has said amid massive increases on fuel and home heating oil.

Increases in the price of home-heating oil in the aftermath of the Iran war were around eight times higher in Ireland than elsewhere in the European Union.

Figures from the European Commission’s weekly oil bulletin show between 23 February and 2 March the price of home-heating oil here jumped by 27.3% - rising from €0.96 per litre to €1.23 per litre.

This was the largest weekly increase across all EU countries, and compares with an average increase in price across the EU27 for heating oil of 3.3%.

Within Co Clare, the price of diesel and petrol is on the brink of hitting €2 per litre.

Founder and managing director of Spa Transport, Eugene Drennan has called on government to suspend the carbon tax levy on Diesel, as fuel prices continue to soar at the pumps.

Lisdoonvarna native Eugene who is Deputy Vice President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA)

said that government is taking 19.6 cent per litre in a carbon tax levy and has called on government to suspend the levy as a “temporary measure” to “steady the market”.

He stated, “We can postpone the carbon tax as a temporary measure. I am sure government will say there is a myriad of reasons, why they cannot postpone the tax. We need to suspend it for a period of time. It can be re-introduced at a future date, when things settle down, but right now we need it”.

Clare TD, Donna McGettigan (SF) said “families across the county are being hammered by massive increases

in the cost of home heating oil and fuel” and accused energy companies of exploiting the crisis in the Middle East to drive up prices while the Government refuses to intervene.

She said, “People across Clare have been contacting me in shock at the huge jump in the price of home heating oil and fuel in recent days.

Some households are reporting increases of hundreds of euros for a delivery of heating oil, while motorists are also seeing sharp hikes at the pumps”.

Deputy McGettigan outlined, “Families were already under enormous financial pressure. Now companies ap-

pear to be exploiting international events to squeeze even more profit out of households who are already struggling”.

Questions must be asked on price gouging, the Shannon woman said when referencing the scale and speed of the increases.

“These hikes are happening in real time. Prices have surged by massive amounts in just a matter of days. It looks like blatant price gouging and it is a brazen rip-off happening in plain sight.

The government should be hauling the bosses of these companies in and demanding answers. They need to make it clear that exploiting a crisis to fleece households will not be tolerated.”

McGettigan said the government’s response so far has been completely inadequate, pointing out that the Taoiseach refused to reconsider planned carbon tax increases even as fuel prices surge.

Chief executive of Fuels for Ireland Kevin McPartland has repeatedly denied allegations of price gouging by the industry, saying suppliers here are dependent on wholesale market prices.

THERE has been a 15% increase in delivery of newbuild social homes in Clare in 2025 - with new figures showing that over over 700 new-build social homes have been constructed in Clare since 2022.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD has published the latest newbuild social housing delivery statistics, revealing that 2025 was a record year nationally for social housing construction.

Nationally in 2025, 9,089 new‑build social homes were delivered, an increase of 1,256 homes (16%) compared with 2024. This is the highest amount of new social homes built in any given year since the foundation of the state.

In Clare, 179 new-build social homes were completed in 2025, this represents a 15% increase compared to 2024. In total, 742 new-build social homes have been delivered in Clare since 2022.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said: “We are now seeing an unprecedented level of delivery of new‑build social homes across the country - including in Clare - with 2025 representing the largest number of new‑build social homes constructed since the foundation of the State.

“This reflects the scaling‑up of local authority building programmes, increased output from Approved Housing Bodies and the acceleration of construction activity across the country.

“But these homes are not just units; they represent security, stability and opportunity for thousands of households.”

“While this is a record year, we know the work must continue. My focus now is on sustaining this momentum, scaling delivery even further and ensuring that more people in Clare benefit from access to high-quality, secure housing.”

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Bus company has already paid Council €1.9k for unauthorised use of lands

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A CLARE BUS company has pleaded guilty for unauthorised use of lands at Tiermaclance for the storage of buses.

A judge has told a court that there are “huge costs and they continue to mount” for a bus firm over its continued unauthorised use to lands at Tiermaclane outside Ennis for the storage of buses.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett made his comment after C&C Executive Travel Ltd confirmed a guilty plea arising from a planning breach where the firm has been using lands at Ballyveskil, Tiermaclane, Ennis, Co Clare for the storage of buses.

Counsel for C&C Executive Travel Ltd, Thomas Wallace O’Donnell BL said that he was confirming the guilty plea commenting, “We are in default.”

However, Judge Gabbett granted a request for an adjournment by Mr Wallace O’Donnell in the case to allow C&C Executive Travel Ltd to secure an alternative location for the buses or make a planning application for the storage of buses at the Tiermaclane site.

Judge Gabbett told Mr Wallace O’Donnell BL that the problem with the Tiermaclane site “is that it is on a bad bend”.

Mr Wallace O’Donnell was seeking a nine month adjournment in the case but Judge Gabbett granted

only an adjournment to May. Mr Wallace O’Donnell told the court that “my client has been endeavouring to regularise matters and is trying to find somewhere else.”

He said, “It is very difficult to find a place that would be planning appropriate for the storage of buses”.

Mr Wallace O’Donnell said that his client is adopting a two pronged approach.

He said that his client is exploring if something can be done with the current site “and this on foot of a meeting with the principal of the firm and County Council planning officers last week”.

He said, “The other approach is that there is a site where the company and another entity might apply together in respect of buses and truck in respect of the other company”.

Mr Wallace O’Donnell said that that would also require a planning application and he said that he has explained this to solicitor for the Council, Sarah Jane Whyte.

Mr Wallace O’Donnell said that he is not saying that there will be two planning applications.

Mr Wallace O’Donnell said that he was looking for a nine months adjournment in the case to advance having the planning situation regularised.

Judge Gabbett asked, “What about the costs here? There are huge costs in this already and they

continue to mount.”

Judge Gabbett said that every time the Council goes to the site it is costing €500.

Mr Wallace O’Donnell said that his client has already paid the council €1,911 in costs.

Judge Gabbett adjourned the

case to May 8th.

Pictured is C&C Executive Travel

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Community Games winners...

THERE were a number of local winners at recent Clare Community Games competitions.

Futsal Winners: U-13 boys: Cratloe Billy Carroll, Jack Clancy, Zack Dwane, Rian Feeney, Oige Gunther, Tomas Moloney, Sam O’Gorman, Colm O’ Neill U-13 girls: Clarecastle/ Ballyea Emily Jane Carroll, Mary Carty, Ava Considine, Emma Gillan, Lily Hewitt, Caoimhe Higgins, Caroline McDonagh, Neasa McInerney

U-15 boys: Clarecastle/ Ballyea Jack Barrett, Sean Casey, Adam Gillan, Pedro Lucas, Ross McInerney, Michael Quinn, James Travers Indoor Soccer Winners: U-13 girls: Quin/Clooney Aoibhe Burke, Rachael Kelly, Fiona Killeen, Erin McHugh, Neasa O’Brien, Frankie O’ Neill, Grace Rodgers, Lucy Tiernan U-10 girls: Sixmilebridge/ Kilmurry Sadhbh Carr, Niamh Casey, Emma Moloney, Aine Mullane, Ryleigh Mullins,

Sarah Murphy, Mary O’ Grady Chess Winners: U-11 mixed: Shannon Matas Burskys, Sean Cleary, Daniel Coleman, Ayaan Farnan, Aran O’ Loughlin, Oleksii Paliichuk, Mytraa Srinivasan U-13 mixed: Shannon Kacper Frankowski, Pearse Keohane, Pranav Mishra, Eoghan O’ Donnell, Oleksandr Palinchuk, Siraj Sahota, Avi Singh Sahota U-16 mixed: Ennis Edwin Arackal, Tony Arackal, Esheen Dumma, Luke Keller, Vidhan Patil

‘Most outrageous plan in the world’ councillors object Shannon pipeline

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EAST CLARE councillors have formally objected to plans to extract water from the River Shannon to pipe Dublin’s leaking water network and have received the backing of fellow councillors from across the county for their stance.

In a submission attached to Council Chief Executive Gordon Daly’s report on Water Supply Project for the Eastern and Midlands Region, elected members in the Killaloe Municipal District called on An Coimisiún Pleanála to refuse Uisce Éireann permission to proceed with their development.

Uisce Éireann applied in December for planning permission for the largest water project in Irish history. It proposes constructing a 170km steel pipeline that will pump drinking water from the River Shannon, at the Parteen Basin below Lough Derg, to the Midlands, Eastern and Greater Dublin area.

The water utility proposes to abstract a maximum of 2% of the average river flow. The estimated cost of the underground pipe is €4.6 billion, but could potentially cost up to €10bn.

For the first time since his appointment last April, Daly received some resistance from councillors who were determined to see their submission included with his report.

Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) said that Daly’s report “isn’t strong and enough and it doesn’t reflect the view of Clare County Council.

Missing clearly from your report is our objection as a Council to the abstraction. I disagree with you and your assessment that it is part of the strategic national development plan, it is transferring water from the Mid-West to another region which is Dublin and it is not in national interests, it is in the interests of greater Dublin area”.

Killaloe-based O’Brien labelled the Chief ’s report as “lenient” on the abstraction of the water and which omitted assessing alternative water supply options. He called it “a nonsense of a project”.

He told the meeting that in 2018 ESB had to close down Ardnacrusha Power Plant for 74 days due to low water supply. “This isn’t us versus them, don’t turn this into the MidWest vs Dublin, there’s alternatives to the project, figures are almost €7bn for this project, there’s groundwater alternatives and harvesting which haven’t been explored”.

Daly explained to the meeting that his report did not need to be adopted and that elected members could include their submission as an attachment. He said his report set out concerns on the impact to tourism and recreation while observing planning and environmental issues. He said he was “limited in the report” due to legislation which “doesn’t provide the Council to make a submission

in favour or against anything” and similarly “doesn’t allow for my report to comment on alternatives or the merit of the project”.

According to the Chief Executive, the Council does “have concerns in relation to the proposed development” and that its report “calls out where we feel there are deficits in the information”. He told councillors, “You’re not as constrained by the legislation as what I am in terms of the views that can be put in the report”.

Mitigation measures have been not been made clear in the environmental assessment report, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) flagged, “It fails to demonstrate in my view that there won’t be environmental impact. We feel the report isn’t strong enough, the report from Killaloe Municipal District is in front of you and was sent to everyone”. On the subject of balanced regional development, he said, “we want a balance and growth of our areas, we’re supporting the growth of balanced areas at what costs”.

Farming and living on the shores of Lough Derg, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) said, “for the last 15 years I’ve been saying no to extracting water for the Dublin area”. He added, “Maybe it is not my generation or the next but the potential to do harm to the River Shannon system is my biggest concern”.

Taking water from East Clare and North Tipperary to benefit Dublin and the Midlands is not balanced regional development, Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) argued.

According to Cllr Joe Killeen (FF), Daly’s report was “mild mannered”. Piping water all the way to Dublin “presents great concern for the county”. He continued, “The Shannon is an area we should be able to benefit from, it is now very important in the development of the eastern side of the country”.

Supporting the inclusion of the submission from East Clare elected members, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) stressed that it cannot “get lost between the cracks or between an official report and one of a lesser value”.

Labelling it “the most outrageous plan in the world to transport water from our county to the other side of the country,” Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) stressed, “this project should not go ahead at a time when money is needed for services to build houses, schools and health care, this is wasteful beyond extreme, Irish Water has been wasteful since its creation”. He added, “It makes no sense, every man and woman in this room knows if anything goes wrong and water is needed in Dublin and Clare, we know where the water will go”.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) said councillors “have a duty of care to the future, this is about protecting the potential future economic development of our county”.

The art exhibition Brushstrokes for Dylan, organised by artist Edelle Costelloe (centre) in loving memory of her son Dylan, has raised significant funds for two charities following an overwhelming response. Thanks to the generosity of supporters who attended the exhibition, donated, and purchased artwork created especially for the event, a remarkable €11,983.38 was raised. The majority of the funds, €11,483.38, has been donated to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, a charity that assists families with the costs involved in bringing loved ones home to Ireland after they pass away abroad. An additional €500 has been presented to Novas, supporting the organisation’s work with people experiencing homelessness.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Mar 12, 2026

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11

Cheltenham helps Shannon Airport gallop to 40,000 Patrick’s Day passengers

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

40,000 passengers are expected through the doors of Shannon Airport as it records a seven percent in-

welcome to passengers passing through the airport in the week ahead,” he added.

To add to the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Shannon Airport’s terminal building

the most of their journey by downloading the Shannon Airport app to easily prebook parking, pin their car location, and get live flight updates at their fingertips.

New fire engine for Clare

l Shannon Airport will welcome thousands of race punters through its doors on St Patrick’s

crease on St Patrick’s Day traffic.

It marks one of the busiest St Patrick’s Day periods for Shannon Airport in recent years.

An uplift in travel to the United Kingdom is already visible at Shannon Airport with Cheltenham taking place from 10th–13th March.

The ever-popular horse racing festival has seen Ryanair operating additional services on its Shannon to Birmingham route to accommodate racegoers heading to and from the event.

Niall Kearns, Airport Director at Shannon said, “St. Patrick’s Day is always a special time at Shannon Airport, and it traditionally marks the start of the tourism season for many.

“This year’s passenger numbers show the continued confidence of our customers, and follow a strong start to the year, with average passenger growth of 7% across January and February.

“We’re delighted to welcome visitors from the US, UK and Europe as they arrive to enjoy St Patrick’s Day celebrations across the Mid‑West and along the Wild Atlantic Way, attending parades and events, and contributing to the wider regional economy.

“It’s also a pleasure to look after those travelling to the UK for the Cheltenham Festival, as well as passengers heading abroad for sun holidays and city breaks.

“Our team is looking forward to making everyone’s journey as smooth as possible and offering a warm Irish

is once again going green, a long-standing tradition as the airport takes part in the Global Greening, joining landmark buildings across the country, and around the world, glowing green at this time of the year.

Passengers travelling this week are encouraged to make

They can also ensure a speedier journey through security by keeping their 100ml liquids and electronics packed in their cabin bags. Those on outbound flights can also avail of special Mother’s Day and St. Patrick’s weekend promotions in Shannon Duty Free.

Clare County Council has announced the addition of a new emergency tender fire appliance to Ennis Fire Station, strengthening the Clare County Fire and Rescue fleet.

The new €350,000 vehicle has been designed and built to support fire and rescue service member as they respond to road traffic collisions, road hazards, river rescues and hazardous materials incidents, It will be based permanently at Ennis Fire Station, where it joins two Class B fire appliances, a Bronto aerial rescue vehicle, a water tanker and a four-wheel-drive van.

The vehicle, which cost a total of €349,935, was fully funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under its Fire Appliance Procurement Programme. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Councillor Paul Murphy said, “This new vehicle is a significant boost for Ennis Fire Station and for communities across Clare. Our firefighters carry out vi-

tal work every day, often in difficult and dangerous conditions. Providing them with modern, reliable equipment is essential for the safety of the public and our fire service personnel.”

Clare County Council Director of Services Dr Carmel Kirby said, “The arrival of this appliance reflects our continued investment in a strong, well-resourced Clare County Fire and Rescue Service.”

Meanwhile, Clare County Chief Fire Officer Adrian Kelly has paid tribute to Firefighter James Lucey of Kilkee Fire Brigade who passed away on February 26.

“As we welcome this addition to the fleet, we also remember our colleague James Lucey, whose recent passing has been felt deeply across the service and the wider community. His dedication and quiet professionalism embodied the very best of our fire service, and his contribution will not be forgotten.”

12

Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Major €1.3m investment for Lees Road athletics track

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council has announced a major upgrade to the athletics track and associated field facilities at John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road, Ennis, elevating the venue to international standards.

The €1.3 million investment, from Council funds with €175,000 support from the Sports Capital Fund, will deliver a state-of-the-art, competition-ready environment for athletes of all levels across the county.

As part of this redevelopment, Clare County Council has planned for the installation of a full PUR* Sandwich System, an internationally recognised, high‑performance track surface.

This system provides superior shock absorption and long-term durability, offering a 15‑year lifespan, double that of the existing spray-coat system. The new surface meets international certification standards, positioning Lees Road as a venue capable of supporting elite-level training and competition.

In addition to the track replacement, the upgrade includes a suite of essential ancillary improvements.

These works will encompass a full overhaul of drainage systems, development of a second “D” area on the western side of the track, and modernisation of key field event zones including long jump, high jump, pole vault, and hammer cage facilities.

Installation of protective covers and secure lane‑gating systems will enhance both usability and safeguarding of the site.

The track will close temporarily from April to allow works to begin. Sole Sports

l Megan O’Connor, Niamh McManus and Orna Moynihan of Ennis Ladies Rugby Club at the launch of the Period Product Pack Photo by Natasha Barton

Period packs for Clare sports teams

l Cllr Mary Howard, Mayor of Ennis with Gordon Daly, CEO Clare County Council with Peadar Murphy , Sole Sport and Leisure, Eoin Troy, Senior Executive Officer Clare County Council and members of Ennis Track and St Cronins AC Photo by Eamon Ward

and Leisure Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver this major project, which has been designed by Clare-based McKenna Consultant Engineers.

Speaking at the signing of the contract this week, Chief Executive of Clare County Council Gordon Daly said, “This project marks a major milestone in ensuring that Clare continues to offer firstclass, sustainable and inclusive sporting facilities for the community, clubs and athletes who rely on the Lees Road complex daily. This is the most significant upgrade to the track at Lees Road since it opened in 2004 and represents a strategic investment in sport, community health, and future athlete development in the county.”

Clare County Council Senior Executive Officer for Sport & Recreation, Eoin Troy, added, “This upgraded, county athletics facility will secure the long‑term future of the sport in Clare by providing athletes of all ages and abilities with access to modern, high‑performance track surfaces and significantly enhanced field event amenities.

“It also represents a major investment in developing both amateur and elite athletes across the county, ensuring they have the infrastructure needed to train, progress, and compete at the highest level.”

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Mary Howard said, “This transformative investment at Lees Road is a testament to Clare

County Council’s unwavering commitment to nurturing sporting excellence and community wellbeing.

“By upgrading our athletics track to international standards and modernising field facilities, we are not only supporting our dedicated clubs and athletes but also paving the way for future generations to thrive.

“I commend everyone involved and thank the public for their patience as we deliver a project that will be a cornerstone of sport development in the county.”

Work will begin on the track this April and is estimated to take up to six months, weather permitting.

A NEW countywide initiative will see sports teams across Clare granted access to period product.

In celebration of Women in Sport Week, Clare Sports Partnership and Clare Youth Service announced the launch of the new initiative designed to support female athletes by providing access to period products through their sports clubs.

The idea for the initiative originated from young people involved in Clare Comhairle na nÓg, who while working on the general issue of period poverty identified a lack of access to products during training and matches as a barrier to participation in sport.

Working alongside Clare Youth Service and Clare Sports Partnership, the young people helped shape a practical, dignified solution to address the issue.

As part of the initiative, specially prepared period product packs will be distributed to female sports teams across the county. The products will be in boot bags which will form part of the team’s standard training and match day kit ensuring that players can access products if needed. This ensures that no player has to miss training, a match, or feel embarrassed due to a lack of access to essential items.

John Sweeney, CEO of Clare Sports Partnership, welcomed the initiative: “We are delighted to launch this important project during Women in Sport Week.

“Participation in sport should never be impacted by something as natural and normal as periods. By making these packs available as part of the standard training kit, we are sending a clear message that female athletes are supported, valued and understood within their clubs.

This initiative is about inclusion, dignity and ensuring that girls can continue to participate confidently in sport.”

Niamh McManus, a keen sportswoman and a member of Clare Comhairle na nÓg, explained, “This initiative was facilitated by Clare Youth Service and driven by young people who spoke openly about the challenges girls can face in sport. Through Comhairle na nÓg, we identified a real and practical issue and worked to find a solution that respects privacy and promotes confidence.

It’s a powerful example of what can happen when decision makers work with young people, listen to us and act on our ideas.”

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Mar 12, 2026

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13

Lissycasey father to serve six months in prison for child porn

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A LISSYCASEY software engineer and married father of three engaged in 18 online individual and group chats that involved incest, sexuality activity with children and bestiality, a court has heard.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford said that the evidence concerning the 18 online ‘chats’ involving David Molloy was “an aggravating factor” in the sentencing of Mr Molloy of Lissycasey, Co Clare for the possession of child pornography at his home in Lissycasey on September 18, 2022.

In the case, Judge Comerford imposed a 20-month prison term, suspending the final 14 months with Mr Molloy to serve six months in prison.

Judge Comerford described the viewing of child pornographic images as “revolting” and said he could not avoid imposing an immediate prison term on Mr Molloy taking into account all of the circumstances in the case.

As Judge Comerford imposed sentence, Mr Molloy, named for the first time concerning the of-

l David Molloy

Press 22

fence, shook his head from the body of the court while his parents seated two rows behind both wept and continued to cry as Mr Molloy was led away by prison officers to commence his prison term.

Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Comerford noted that Mr Molloy’s parents were in court and “my heart goes out to them”.

Counsel for Mr Molloy, Aaron Desmond BL said that “this is

a very traumatic episode for Mr Molloy’s parents. They stand by him and in no way are condoning his actions”.

In the case, Mr Molloy pleaded guilty to having in his possession 36 videos and 77 images of child pornography as defined by Section 2 of the Child Trafficking and Porn Act 1998.

Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that an examination of a mobile phone belonging to Mr Molloy in 2023 unearthed 18 online chats with others.

Ms Comerford said, “The content of those individual and group chats related to incest, sexual activity with children and bestiality”.

In one chat, Mr Molloy on May 17, 2022 said that if he had a girl, he would probably from birth carry out a sex act on her and then from age four she would carry out a sex act on him.

In another chat, Molloy said that “I have seen lots of touchy-feely girls and boys with parents and dropped hints but I never got anywhere - parents don’t understand the fun they could be having”.

In the chat he went on, “I hope

those girls have Daddy fantasies and come find me. LoL”.

In another chat, Ms Comerford said that Mr Molloy had engaged online with a child who said that she was 11- almost 12.

He told her, “No way you are 11.

Beautiful. You look so mature”.

Ms Comerford said that Mr Molloy went on to engage with her “in an inappropriate way” online.

In another chat, Mr Molloy said that of three girls aged under 8 known to him, “it was hard to get time alone with them, away from everyone, but always trying”.

Ms Comerford said that UK police first notified the Garda online exploitation unit in Dublin of a report that resulted in Gardaí carrying out a search of Mr Molloy’s home on September 18, 2022.

In evidence, Det Garda Ruth O’Sullivan of Clare Division Protective Services Bureau said that two mobile phones belonging to Mr Molloy were recovered and 34 images of child sexually explicit images, another 42 images of child exposure and one child anime image were discovered.

Det O’Sullivan said that there were also 33 videos of Category One child sexually explicit videos

and three videos of Category Two child exposure.

Det O’Sullivan said that Molloy was questioned by Gardaí and denied any knowledge of child pornographic material found on his mobile phone.

Mr Molloy entered his plea of guilty the morning his trial was due to commence on October 28 last and had been on bail since, pending sentence. Mr Desmond said that Molloy was very apologetic for his actions and in consultation was very mindful of the consequences of this coming out into the open for his family.

Mr Desmond (instructed by solicitor, John Casey) said Molloy “has deep shame and remorse at his offending behaviour in this matter”.

Mr Desmond said that Mr Molloy has been undergoing therapy concerning his behaviour for more than two years and six months.

He said the forensic report on Mr Molloy is positive and his client is anxious to remain on the path to rehabilitation. He said that Mr Molloy remains in employment and recently secured a promotion.

Mr Desmond said that Molloy’s family are much reliant on his employment.

14

Thursday, Mar 12, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Ennis

Brennan is appointed deputy principal of St Flannan’s College

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FORMER Clare football captain, Gary Brennan has been appointed as the third deputy principal of St Flannan’s College.

Brennan now joins the senior leadership team alongside recently appointed principal Donal Cahir plus fellow deputy principals Gráinne Lynch and Michael Donnellan.

A graduate of the University of Limerick, Brennan began teaching in St Flannan’s in 2010 and has taught Physical Education, Gaeilge and SPHE. Over 16 years he has taken on a wide range of roles in school life and has recently served as Year Head, supporting students in their academic work and personal development.

Well-known in sporting circles, Mr Brennan played inter‑county football from 2007 to 2020, earned an All-Star nomination in 2016 and represented Ireland in the Inter-

lTOP MAN: Newly-appointed deputy principal Gary Brennan with principal Donal Cahir Photo by Paul Corey

national Rules Series in 2015 and 2017. At club level, he has represented Ballyea in hurling and Clondegad in football, winning four Clare SHC titles with Ballyea and a Munster club title.

Speaking about his new role, Gary stated, “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of

Deputy Principal at St. Flannan’s College, a school that has meant so much to me both professionally and personally over the past 16 years. It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated colleagues and to support our students as they grow in confidence, character and ambition. I look forward

to contributing to the continued success and strong community spirit that defines St. Flannan’s”.

Bishop of the Killaloe Diocese and Patron of St. Flannan’s College, Bishop Fintan Monahan, welcomed the appointment. “Gary brings leadership, integrity and a deep understanding of young people to this important role. His commitment to education and to the holistic development of students reflects the ethos of St. Flannan’s College, and I wish him every blessing as he begins this new chapter”.

Principal Donal Cahir, who was appointed in December 2025, added, “The entire school community congratulates Gary on his appointment and wishes him every success and fulfilment in his new role.

His experience, leadership and dedication to our students will greatly strengthen our senior leadership team as we continue to build on the proud tradition of St. Flannan’s College”.

Students shine in Chicago STUDENTS from Gaelcholáiste an Chláir and Ennis Community College dazzled audiences last week with a spectacular joint production of the hit musical Chicago: Teen Edition at glór in Ennis.

Performed on March 3 and 4, the iconic Broadway musical featured two evening shows and a special matinee for primary school students. Both nights played to a full house.

Directed by Tony Cusack, the production marked his second school musical at Gaelcholáiste an Chláir and Ennis Community College, following last year’s successful staging of The Addams Family.

The student cast delivered standout performances, featuring numbers such as All That Jazz. Amie Ní Dhulain impressed in the role of Roxie Hart, while Holly Vaughan brought charisma to the iconic role of Velma Kelly.

Chris Landoukpo was commanding as silver-tongued lawyer Billy Flynn, and Doireann McMahon provided humour

as the money-motivated Mama Morton. Paul Greene charmed audiences as the lovable Amos Hart, while Hannah Moloney portrayed the ever-optimistic Mary Sunshine.

Deputy Principal Yvonne Walsh produced the show, choreography was by Grace O’Brien.

Musical directors Eimear Glancy and Anne Cullen guided the performers through the demanding score. Behind the scenes, the art and woodwork departments along with Margaret Murphy (wardrobe) added to the authentic atmosphere.

School principal James

O’Shaughnessy praised the cast, saying their “confidence, stage presence and commitment brought the show to life in a truly remarkable way,” and thanked everyone involved for their “countless hours of preparation.”

Ms Walsh said she was “extremely proud of all the students and staff involved in the production’’. The schools expressed their gratitude to members of the local business community who generously donated prizes for a large raffle held in conjunction with the show, organised by Deputy Principal Niall Murphy and The Parents’ Council.

Croker call-up for future farmers FOUR St Flannan’s students were in Croke Park last week as part of the Irish Angus Schools competition.

(L-R) Jack McDonnell, Caoimhe Neylon, Aly Carmody, and Conor Keogh from St Flannan’s College, exhibited at the 2026 Certified Irish Angus Schools’ Competition at Croke Park on Friday, March 6.

The competition, run in association with processor partners ABP and Kepak,

challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves and learn about the care and attention required to produce quality beef for consumers.

Five schools that best demonstrate an understanding of the project along with innovative ideas will be presented with Irish Angus calves at the National Ploughing Championships in September this year.

THAT’S MOOR LIKE IT

lKate Clohessy, Caroline Morgan and Clare Fitzsimons in rehearsals for Ennis Players’ The Moors, running from Tuesday 24th to Saturday 28th March 2026 at glór theatre in Ennis. Tickets are €20/€18. Concessions plus €1 booking fee, available at 065 684 3103 or the glór website. www.glor.ie

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Mar 12, 2026

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15

A successful chapter for Ennis Book Club Festival

l Lianda D’Auria and Triona O’Gorman enjoy the 20th Ennis Book Club Festival and (right) author Michael Harding signing books Photos by Eamon Ward

l (above centre) Frances McMahon has a giggle at the Festival opening and (right) Martina Durac introducing Dr Marie Cassidy at the Literary Lunch in the Old Ground Hotel; (below) Anne O’Mahony, Mary Kelly, Evanne O’Looney and Niamh Moloney winners of the Books and Buns morning All photos by Eamon Ward

l Delma Hennigan, Anna Cronin and Marie Barrett enjoying the 20th Ennis Book Club Festival Photo by Eamon Ward

l (L-R) Declan Hughes, Edel Coffey and Anna Carey in discussion on stage at glór; Ciana Campbell and Angela Connaughton with Cecelia Ahern and Bryan Dobson at the 20th Ennis Book Club Festival; (right) Inis Creative writers group in Súil at the Festival

Photos by Eamon Ward

16

Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional news

Torpeys among sports tech leaders at MIT Summit

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

TORPEYS and the sport of hurling were showcased at the at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sports Summit while the Clare company has been shortlisted for a smarter sports award.

Managing Director of Torpey, Seán Torpey was among the speakers at the MIT Sports Summit last week. The summit discussed the future of AI in sport advanced materials, analytics, and product innovation with insights from organisations such as CCM Hockey, ASICS, FIFA, National Basketball Association (NBA) and plus researchers from MIT. Seán said it was “a real privilege” to showcase their brand and hurling “surrounded by some of the brightest minds in sports engineering, analytics, and product design.

Bringing a piece of Irish sporting heritage to the MIT Sports Lab and sharing how we are rethinking traditional sports equipment through

Notes

lFLYING THE FLAG: Seán Torpey at Sports Summit and (inset) the Kláw

materials engineering, sustainability, and performance design was a proud moment for our growing team”.

According to the Belvoir man,

HELP BUILD BLOOD SUPPLIES AROUND ST PATRICK’S DAY In the days after the busy St Patrick’s Day period, the need to restore blood stocks is especially important.

2026 has seen a spike in demand for blood.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is asking donors both existing & first time to attend these upcoming Kilrush clinics.

A strong turnout now will help ensure hospitals have the blood supplies they need following the busy St Patrick’s Day period.

When you can’t donate, you can still save lives – encourage someone who can. The Blood Transfusion Service are under pressure to maintain supply of all types of blood to Irish hospitals.

Kilrush Community School Wednesday 18th & Thursday 19th March 5pm - 8:20pm

how Torpey has been exploring the use of natural materials like bamboo for making hurleys delivering “improved performance, greater consistency, and a more

Phone 1800 222 111 for appointment. New donors welcome at all clinics. Former UK residents now welcome to donate.

Blood donors who may not have donated in a while are being urged to donate now.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service is asking for blood donors to attend this clinic.

• 67% of donated blood is used to treat Irish cancer patients & people with blood disorders • 27% of donated blood is used in surgery and emergency situations • 6% of donated blood is used to treat blood loss after childbirth and to help premature babies • 100% of all donated blood is precious and saves lives in Ireland every day

IRISH WHALE AND DOLPHIN GROUP TO HOST ROADSHOW IN CLARE

THE Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG), in collaboration with Fair Seas, returns home to Kilrush, Co Clare on Saturday, March 14th, as part of a series of free, in-person evening events in coastal towns around Ireland.

The Local Groups Roadshow aims to connect coastal communities and local members of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group with the latest developments in marine conservation, marine protected areas (MPAs), and the future of Ireland’s seas.

The roadshows have already visited Donegal, Dublin, Wicklow, Mayo and Sligo.

Fair Seas is a coalition of environmental organisations and networks campaigning to secure a science-led network of effective Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Irish waters.

Eva Lambert, Marine Policy and Advocacy Officer with the IWDG said, “We have local IWDG groups right around the country and each one is playing an important role. Citizen science is at the heart of everything we do, without people sharing what they see on our coasts, we simply wouldn’t have the data we need to understand and protect Ireland’s whales, dolphins and seas.”

Each stop provides an opportunity for local communities to: Connect with IWDG and Fair Seas representatives directly; Learn more about Ireland’s marine wildlife and habitats; Understand current and proposed Marine Protected Areas; Hear about national marine policy developments in clear, accessible terms; Ask questions and share local knowledge and concerns; Celebrate IWDG’s local groups and inaugurate a new flag for each group.

The afternoon will include short presentations from IWDG and Fair Seas, guest speakers, a short film screening, followed by an open discussion with attendees.

‘Fair Seas: The Atlantic Northwest’ will be shown during the free event; it features the views, stories and insights of local communities who depend on the sea to make a living.

Location: Kilrush, Co Clare Date: Saturday 14th March Time: 2.00pm - 5.00pm Venue: The Shannon Dolphin Centre, IWDG Headquarters, V15 E762

sustainable future for sports equipment a n d it was fantastic to see h o w this work res onated with researchers, engineers, and industry leaders from around the world”.

He added, “Standing inside MIT and sharing our work with leaders in sports technology was a reminder that the future of sport will be shaped by engineering, advanced materials, and bold thinking. I was proud to see Torpey represented alongside some of the most innovative organisations in global sport”.

Meanwhile, Torpey remains in illustrious company as it is mixing with the likes of Apple Amazon

Web Services and Google with its nomination for a Smarter Sports Award for its Kláw Performance Glove.

Developed with sports injury specialist, Dr Daniel Harte, the Kláw is a protective glove for hurlers that could also transform safety in baseball, hockey and softball.

More than half of all hurling injuries hit the hand, and two-thirds of players get hurt there more than once Recently, the Kláw has helped get Clare hurler John Conlon back to match play after a serious hand injury he picked up last July.

The Smarter Sports Awards attract entries from over 30 countries and 50 sports. An international panel of athletes, coaches and tech experts spent over 300 hours on this year’s shortlist. Previous winners include Wimbledon, NBA, NFL and Formula 1. Winners will be revealed live from London on 13th May.

Kildysart welcomes Drinking Habits...

Kildysart Drama Group is preparing to bring plenty of laughter to local audiences with their upcoming production of Drinking Habits

by Tom Smith.

This fast-paced farce centres on two entrepreneurial nuns in the convent of the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing who secretly make and sell wine to keep the convent afloat.

Their quiet operation begins to unravel when two determined reporters arrive hoping to uncover the source of the mysterious wine.

The production is Directed by Colin McMahon. Assisting him is Kevin Meaney, who is taking on the role of Assistant Director for the first time.

This year’s production welcomes several new members to the backstage crew, including Mike McMahon, David Hayward, Rian Woodard, Chantal Woodard and Peter Woodard. Taking to the stage are a number of familiar faces that audiences will recog-

nise and love from previous productions, including Michelle Cogley, Carmel Hogan, Mark Bagnal, Anna Leahy, Flan Enright, Kerry Carrigg, Carmel Murrihy, and Frankie O’Shea.

Kildysart Drama Group has long played an important role in the local community, bringing members of the local area together through drama and providing audiences with memorable evenings of entertainment.

Performances will take place on Saturday and Sunday, March 14th and 15th, and the following Saturday and Sunday, March 21st and 22nd. Doors Open at 7:15pm with Curtain Up at 8:00pm Sharp! Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased through Eventbrite.ie.

With a hilarious script, a talented cast and plenty of comic twists, Drinking Habits promises to be a fantastic night out for drama lovers and anyone in need of a good laugh.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Mar 12, 2026

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Shannon

17

O’Brien to guest speak for Shannon society Shannon AC 5-mile run

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON ARCHAEOLOGICAL and Historical Society will have Broadford historian Pat O’Brien as their guest for the final lecture of the winter season.

Broadford native Pat O’Brien, a retired primary school teacher who has a masters in local history from the University of Limerick will deliver a talk on the landed gentry of Broadford.

In 2022, he published the 650 page book, Broadford Parish 1800-1850 – ‘The History of a Rural County Clare Parish During an Eventful’.

Taking place in Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel on Wednesday, March 18 at 8pm the talk is open to members and the general public. Pat expects to cover a much larger period of the history of the East Clare village which once had a population of more than 8,000 people and played a central role in the transport of people and goods from Ennis and north Clare to Limerick and Killaloe and onward to Dublin up to the late 19th century. The lecture is free to members of Shannon Archaeological & Historical Society and entry is €5 to non-members.

He explained, “What I’m hoping to do is to deliver an overview of the history of Broadford parish, including

lPat O’Brien pictured at Kilmore Church and (inset) Woodfield House

the relationships and contributions of the landed gentry in the parish.

My talk, in summary, will go back as far as pre-history as Broadford has a huge number of dolmens and we will then come forward again to relatively modern times in Ireland”.

Broadford, or in Irish Ath Leathán was an amalgamation of two mediaeval parishes Kilseily and Killokennedy of about 20,000 acres. “The village developed around the broad shallow river crossing of the O’Garney River.

It was close enough to Limerick city and was very much connected with the city. If someone was travelling

from Ennis to Dublin or Tulla to Limerick, you went through Broadford. It was a very important centre and has a very rich history, an amazing history really,” Pat said.

He continued, “I will be talking about the landed gentry of Broadford, their relations with the local community and their contribution and the principal houses associated with them. There is one particular individual that I think is really of national importance. She was a member of the Going family. Mary Going kept a journal during the 1840s and helped to found a scriptural school in the village. She was promoting the Bible and scripture and there was an inevitable clash with the local clergy as they were promoting the National school at the same time”.

Pat outlined that he will also discuss the “most prominent family in the parish at the time”, the Arthur family, who were part of the elite of Irish society with London, Dublin and Paris houses.

THE inaugural Shannon AC 5 Mile Run took place last Sunday, 1st March, and it was a huge success.

All 300 entries were sold out and over 260 club athletes from across Ireland took part along with local runners and a large group of Sanctuary Runners from Ennis, Limerick and Dublin.

The rain stayed away, though conditions were very wet underfoot on the lovely out-and-back loop along the estuary.

Female Winners on the day were Sharon Cantwell, Moyne AC (32:34); Jane O’Leary (34:07); Kelly-Ann McSweeney (37:33).

Male Winners included Barry Meade, Cork (28:41); Thomas Grimes (28:58); and Kevin Koyce (29:17).

All finishers received a medal and T-shirt designed by club PRO Marta Terlikowska, sponsored by EI Electronics. Water stations and refreshments were sponsored by PTSB Shannon branch, Tesco Shannon and Finegrain in Westpark. Shannon Leisure Centre sponsored the top prizes which included a year’s gym/pool membership, for overall winners. Hustle Fitness and Backballer also provided prizes. The race was chip timed by Timmy Crowe’s Just Events team. Timmy also presented Shannon AC with a €2,500 donation arising from proceeds of the Clare Women’s Mini Marathon held last year.

Race Director, Rob Stephen, thanked all the volunteers and St Senan’s RFC for making their facilities available to participants.

Meanwhile, Shannon AC have started a ‘Get Running’ group which meets at the track every Tuesday and Thursday 7-8pm.

This is targeted at anyone interested in starting or improving their running. Shannon AC also received good news recently as they won €2,000 in the GOAL Mile / Athletics Ireland club raffle.

All funds are being put towards the development of a 400m running track on the Shannon AC grounds.

The Shannon AC AGM is taking place this Friday, March 13 at 6:30pm in Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel. The club is also rolling out a Clare Sports Partnership initiative aimed to get teenage girls (primarily TY students) involved in recreational running.

Sessions will be on Tuesday / Thursday evenings and anyone interested should contact the club (info@shannonac.ie).

Toomey ‘thrilled’ with his appointment to NCCA Council

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BUNRATTY native Kevin Toomey has been appointed to a new role with the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA).

Kevin who is principal of St John’s NS in Shannon since 2019 will form the new NCCA Council which is expected to serve for a four-year term. The Council’s responsibilities are defined in the Education Act and reflected in current government publications.

Its work centres on shaping national curriculum and assessment policy.

Toomey will be one of 26 members of the Council.

Representatives include teachers, school leaders, parents, students, management bodies, unions, the Irish language sector, business and industry along with other educational interests.

l Kevin Toomey welcoming then Minister for Education to St John’s NS in Shannon in May 2023 Photo by Joe Buckley

Formal advice to the Minister for Education is provided by the NCCA Council on the curriculum for early childhood, primary, junior cycle, and senior cycle plus assessment procedures used in schools and State examinations.

Decisions on areas to be reviewed within curriculum and assessment, what new specifications should be developed, required research and how consultation should be structured are all determined by the NCCA.

Council members must approve all curriculum and assessment proposals before they go to the Minister.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Kevin admitted it is “a great honour” to be nominated to serve on the NCCA Council. “I’m thrilled to have been nominated by my representative body, I’m delighted with the trust placed in me and the responsibility, it is a great honour, I was nominated by Dr Kevin Fennelly, he is a great guy.

“I’m looking forward to it, it will be interesting.

“I hope I won’t be too much of a disruptive and equally I hope I will be disruptive enough, it will be great to get the lens of a small school and the voice of a small school put in there. I look forward to being as useful as I can to them and beneficial as a member”.

l Mthobisi Hlomuka and Paul Hannon dashing for the finish Photo credit: Spark of Memories

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Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Gort & South Galway

Community invited to walk with Portiuncula Maternity Alliance

by Stuart Holly news@clareecho.ie

The Portiuncula Maternity Alliance (PMA) is inviting people from across the region to walk with them at this year’s Ballinasloe St Patrick’s Day Parade in support of safe maternity care close to home at Portiuncula University Hospital on Tuesday, March 17.

For generations, Portiuncula has welcomed babies from families across a wide rural catchment including Galway, Roscommon, Westmeath, Longford, Leitrim, Offaly, North Tipperary and North Clare. Many people across these counties were themselves born in Portiuncula, or welcomed their children there.

Supporters say the parade offers an opportunity for the community to stand together and show how much the hospital means to families across the region, as the issue of maternity services at Portiuncula now comes under national scrutiny at Oireachtas Health Committee.

The Portiuncula Maternity Alliance say the issue now attracting national attention arises from a regional healthcare change affecting maternity ser-

l This year’s parade promises to be another hit, following the success of last year’s event (pictured) Photo by Tom Micks

vices in the area which means some expectant mothers who would previously have received their care locally in Portiuncula may now have to travel significantly longer distances to other hospitals to access maternity care, creating a new travel burden for pregnant women and families across the region.

Members of the public from across the region are warmly invited to walk behind the Portiuncula Maternity Alliance float as a visible show of support for safe, properly resourced mater-

nity services close to home.

Assemble at the Fairgreen, Ballinasloe at 1.30pm. Parade starts: 2.00pm.

Supporters are encouraging anyone who was born in Portiuncula, or whose children were born there, to come along and take part.

For generations of families, Portiuncula has been where new life begins. Stand together now to support safe maternity care close to home for future families.

In with the old and ... in with the new

The theme for Gort’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026 is “Gort Old and New”.

With the colourful redevelopment of Gort town, this year Gort parade would like to look at all the different ways Gort and South Galway has changed in the last 50 to 100 years.

However, one key aspect of Gort which has stayed the same over time is the importance of community.

Organisers said, “Whichever way you and your group interpret the theme, please gather near Gort Square from 11/11:30 onwards on Tuesday the 17th of March.”

Entry is free and pre-registration is not required. All clubs, schools, businesses, floats and walking groups are welcome and encouraged to join this year’s parade.

“Take your chance to honour our town’s history and tradition while celebrating everything still to come in the future for Gort and South Galway!”

Push for biggest ever spring clean in Galway HOUSEHOLDS, schools, businesses and community groups across County Gal‑ way are being encouraged to register for April’s National Spring Clean.

Galway County Council and An Taisce are aiming to make the 27th annual campaign the most successful to date.

An estimated 2,700 tonnes of litter was collected from roadsides, parks and coast‑ lines nationwide in 2025, with more than 170 groups and volunteers in Galway taking part. Clean‑up kits are availa‑ ble to everyone who registers.

Cllr David Collins (FG), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, said, “National Spring Clean comes at the perfect time of year as the days begin to stretch and more people are out and about. It gives everyone a simple way to contribute to a litter pick in their own com‑ munity and to take pride in the place they live. Galway

is a beautiful county, and we all have a role in respecting it by keeping it litter-free for residents and visitors”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Ex‑ ecutive of Galway County Council, said, “We are en‑ couraging people who have never taken part in National Spring Clean to register this year. It can be as simple as two neighbours coming to‑ gether to pick up litter in their own area or a larger group of volunteers working across their community. Every extra pair of hands goes a long way in tackling the blight of litter in our communities, along our roads and in our public spac‑ es. Clean-up kits are availa‑ ble for all registered groups in Galway, and every effort helps to keep the county clean”.

Eileen Ruane, Director of Services for Human Re‑ sources, Environment and City and County Libraries, said, “National Spring Clean is a key part of our Anti‑Lit‑

ter Programme and Litter Management Plan, and it is a great opportunity for peo‑ ple across Galway to join the 4,250 groups through‑ out Ireland who organise lo‑ cal clean-up initiatives. The campaign supports commu‑ nity clean-ups and raises awareness about the impact of litter and the benefits of cleaner and healthier places to live. We encourage every‑ one to get involved and help keep Galway litter-free”.

National Spring Clean is operated by An Taisce in partnership with Local Au‑ thorities and supported by the Dept of Climate, Energy and the Environment and Mars Wrigley.

Registrations are being accepted on www.national‑ springclean.org and further information is available from the Environment Section of Galway Co Council on 091509510 / environment@gal‑ waycoco.ie.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Mar 12, 2026

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Business & Recruitment

Majority of skin cancers can be prevented...

SKIN cancer is Ireland’s most common cancer. The majority of skin cancers can be prevented by protecting ourselves from the sun’s UV (Ultraviolet) rays, and from artificial sources of UV such as sunbeds.

In Ireland the sun can damage our skin, even on cloudy days - skin damage does not only happen in hot, sunny places.

Playing and spending time outdoors is good for children. But children’s skin is very sensitive to UV from the sun so we need to protect their skin, even on cloudy days. Skin cancer in children is rare but sunburn during childhood increases the risk of getting skin cancer as an adult. If a child is badly sunburnt more than three times before the age of 20, their risk of skin cancer as an adult is more than doubled.

From April to September, follow the SunSmart 5 S’s to reduce your risk of skin cancer l Slip on clothing that covers your skin l Slop on sunscreen on exposed areas using at least factor 30+ for adults and 50+ for children with UVA protection l Slap on a wide-brimmed hat l Seek shade – especially if outdoors between 11am and 3pm l Slide on sunglasses Do not deliberately try to get a suntan. Avoid getting a sunburn. Never use a sunbed.

SunSmart Schools Accreditation Toolkits To promote the importance of sun protection in schools, the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and Healthy Ireland created SunSmart School Accreditation toolkits for primary and post-primary schools.

These toolkits has been developed to provide information and tools for students, teachers, parents and guard-

ians on how to become a SunSmart accredited school, as well as providing learning opportunities on sun protection. Schools are encouraged to remind students, parents and teachers of the importance of protecting skin from Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.

The toolkits and primary school SunSmart lesson plans and other SunSmart resources can be ordered from www.healthpromotion.ie SunSmart Schools Webinar for Primary Schools The National Cancer Control Programme are inviting primary schools to register for the upcoming webinar How to Become a SunSmart Primary School.

Date: Wednesday 18th March 2026 Time: 3.30pm to 5.00pm This webinar will cover l Sun safety information l The SunSmart school accreditation process l Resources and materials available to you l Case studies examples to being a SunSmart school Register at this link: https://healthservice.hse.ie/ staff/events/webinar-howto-become-a-sunsmart-primary-school/

If you have any queries about the webinar or the SunSmart school accreditation process please get in touch with Bernadette Mullins 087 4065 038 bernadettem.mullins@hse.ie.

It’s never safe to use a sunbed Using sunbeds has dangerous consequences. Sunbeds produce UV radiation increasing your risk of developing skin cancer.

There is no safe way to use a sunbed. The earlier you start and the more often you use a sunbed, the greater the risk.

People who have used a sunbed at least once, at any stage in their life, have a 20 per cent higher risk of developing melanoma skin cancer than those who have never used a sunbed.

Sunbed use also contributes to premature skin ageing causing age spots, pigmentation, freckles, wrinkles and leathery skin.

18% of people have used a sunbed at some point during their life and current sunbed use is highest among women under 45 years of age (Healthy Ireland, 2022).

Be aware that getting a base tan from sunbeds before going on holidays does not prevent sun damage or sunburn.

Sunbed tanning is not safer than sun tanning as sunbeds produce UV rays similar to sunshine, but much stronger.

It is against the law to allow people under the age of 18 to use, hire or purchase sunbeds in Ireland. Children’s skin is more easily damaged by sunbeds. Children who use sunbeds are much more likely to get melanoma skin cancer when they are adults.

Remember: l Embrace your natural skin tone - tanned skin is damaged skin l Using sunbeds increases your risk of getting skin cancer. All sunbed users are at risk. l Never use a sunbed! If you use a sunbed, make the right choice and stop today.

Visit www.hse.ie/sunsmart for more information.

lPrimary Schools are being invited to register for upcoming webinars on being sun smart

19

20

Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

GREEN CLARE

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OR ELECTRONICS IN ANY BIN OR SKIP

Keep 2026 Fire Free

Local Link journies jump 17%

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

MORE than 187 thousand journeys were made on TFI Local Link services in County Clare in 2025, a rise of 17.4 per cent on the previous year.

The figures, supplied to Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney by the National Transport Authority (NTA), show passenger numbers increasing from 159,415 to 187,127, with eight of the ten routes recording growth.

The strongest increase was on the Clarecastle to Ennis lEnnis politician Bridget Ginnity (GP) boarding a Local Link service, which rose from 8,082 The Ennis to Kilrush service service rose 12% from 18,011 to 22,367 journeys, an increase increased by 1% to 18,608 pas- to 20,085, while the Whitegate of 276%. The Kilbaha to Kil- sengers, with a similar rise on to Ennis route increased 28% rush route grew by 36%, rising the Ennis to Kilrush via Quilty from 19,336 to 24,692. from 1,086 to 1,480. route, which carried 12,625.

The only services to record a A four-times-daily Cliffs The Ennis to Limerick service fall in passenger numbers were of Moher to Galway service, recorded a 20% increase, with Kilrush to Loop Head, down launched in mid July 2025, 20,085 journeys made.

19% from 9,786 to 7,883, and carried 17,025 passengers in Both East Clare routes also Ballyvaughan to Ennis, down the second half of the year. grew. The Ennis to Flagmount 23% from 57,193 to 44,313.

Mr Cooney said the overall figures generally showed clear and growing demand for Local Link services and should now prompt increased investment.

“These numbers highlight the strong potential for further growth in public transport in Clare. When reliable and affordable services are put in place, people use them. The scale of this increase should encourage the NTA and the Department of Transport to invest further in these routes.”

He praised the local Transport Coordination Unit in Clare and Limerick and said the passenger increase also supports local economies.

“Local Link is helping people move around the county and is boosting the economies of our towns and villages. It is also supporting tourism by making it easier for visitors to travel around Clare,” he said.

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€2.2m on retrofitting social homes in Clare The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, announced funding of €140 million for local authorities under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) to support the retrofit of around 3,500 social homes.

This is an increase of €50 million on the amount allocated and drawn down by local authorities in 2025.

As part of this funding, Clare County Council has received an allocation of €2.2m The funding available under the programme is part of some €260 million in Exchequer funding across the Department's broad suite of supports for local authority home improvement programmes. Along with the funding, the Minister announced that the average grant available per property across a local authority’s annual retrofit programme will increase from €34,000 to €38,000.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD emphasised: "The Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme has made a huge impact nationally and in Clare both in terms of the quality of our housing stock and in addressing the challenges of climate change. Over 11,000 homes have been deep retrofitted since the scheme was first introduced and this increase in funding would see an additional 3,500 social homes retrofitted by the end of 2026.

“These homes will be safer, cleaner, and healthier for those living in them and better for our environment."

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Mar 12, 2026

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Business & Recruitment

21

Campion Insurance make senior appointments CAMPION INSURANCE have made two appointments to its senior leadership team.

Damian Smith has been appointed Chief Trading Officer with Brian Thorp joining as Chief Operating Officer.

In the last three years, Campion has integrated more than 15 acquisitions to its operating model. The business was acquired

by PIB Group in 2021 and is now PIB’s lead brand in the Irish market.

Having joined the company in 2017, Damian moves from Head of Commercial to his new post. He previously held senior business development roles with Aon, Zurich and Quinn Insurance. In his expanded role, Damian will lead trading strategy and commercial performance across the organisation, supporting continued growth and market expansion.

Brian joins Campion from AXA Insurance, where he served as Head of Motor Damage Claim. As Chief Operating Officer, Brian will focus on operational excellence, scalability, and enhancing the customer journey as the business continues to grow.

Speaking about the appointments, Jim Campion, CEO said, ‘The last three years at Campion Insurance have been transformative. We have integrated over 15 businesses, modernised our

operating model, and continued to grow while maintaining a strong focus on exceptional customer service. As we move into the next stage of our development, it was important to build a leadership team that combines deep knowledge of Campion Insurance with fresh perspective and external expertise. Damian and Brian bring exactly that balance. Their experience and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our market position and deliver long-term value for our customers and partners”. *PICTURED: Damian Smith

Rural Social Scheme offers new opportunities in Clare...

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is encouraging farmers, their families and rural residents in County Clare to explore the up‑ dated Rural Social Scheme (RSS). The scheme provides part‑time, community‑based work for people on low farm or fishing incomes who also receive a qualifying social welfare payment, helping to sustain local services and rural com‑ munities.

Recent national changes mean eligibility has been broadened to include people with a “de‑ fined connection” to a farming or fishing en‑ terprise — such as a spouse, son or daughter, sibling, grandparent, niece or nephew — even if they are not the herd or li-cence holder. Couples

who jointly farm or fish may also now qualify.

CLDC has also been allocated seven plac‑ es under a new Rural Dweller Pilot for people aged 50 and over who live in rural Clare, receive a qualifying payment, and would benefit from part‑time, community‑based work. The pilot aims to keep rural dwellers active & connected.

“Every household’s situation is different,” says Paula O’Leary, RSS Co‑ordinator with CLDC. “We meet people confidentially to discuss their circumstances and see if RSS or the new pilot might suit them or a family member.”

For more information, contact CLDC’s Rural Social Scheme team at 065 686 6800 or Bernie at bcarey@cldc.ie, or visit www.cldc.ie.

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Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

Hotel Woodstock soars at Great Place to Work awards HOTEL Woodstock has reinforced its sterling reputation as one of the best hotels to work in - with a confidential survey resulting in a score of a whopping 93 per cent for the Ennis hotel.

At the Great Places to Work Awards Dinner in the Clayton Burlington Hotel last week, Hotel Woodstock scaled the heights once again and ranked third in the country in Best mid-sized business in Ireland.

In doing so, Hotel Woodstock ranked as the highest scoring hotel in the country for all of the awards.

Attending the event was co-owner Sean Lally, Deputy General Manager Oisin Lally and Fiona Kelly, Hr Manager.

Sean admitted that it was huge honour and testament to the team at the hotel to continuously have scored so highly over the last three years.

This year, the hotel achieved a score of 93 per cent in their confidential employee survey following on from last year’s score of 89 per cent and their score the previous year of 87 per cent.

Seán added that the team at Hotel Woodstock have found the programme very beneficial over the last three years, “it has really helped our team spirit at the hotel

l Co-owner Sean Lally, Deputy General Manager Oisin Lally and Fiona Kelly, Hr Manager

and our customer care”.

The award comes as Hotel Woodstock continues to invest in the property, this week they will unveil the

brand new Shanaway Bar along with the launch of their impressive refurbished reception area.

23

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Mar 12, 2026

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Supports

News

Local ENTERPRISE Week

Local Enterprise Week returned to Clare last week with a series of events aimed at boosting the county’s start ups and small firms.

Supported by Enterprise Ireland and Clare County Council and hosted by Local Enterprise Office Clare, the programme included a major exporters forum, business advice clinics, and workshops on social media, photography, productivity, cyber security and exporting.

One of the centrepieces of the week was the Women in Business Networking Event at The Rine. Speakers included Sarah O’Sullivan of SOS Cookies and Caroline Keeling, former chief executive of Keelings.

Noeleen Fitzgerald, Director of Services, Clare County Council; Sarah O’Sullivan of SOS Cookies, Cllr. Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council; and Bernadette Haugh, Head of Enterprise at LEO Clare.

Some of the attendees of the Women in Business Networking Event at The Rine and inset Theresa Mulvihill Killeen of LEO Clare Photos by Eamon Ward

The participants and attendees of the Women in Business Networking Event at The Rine and inset Niamh Baker of The Burren Inn Sarah O’Sullivan of SOS Cookies

Bernadette Haugh, Head of Enterprise at LEO Clare.

Anne Marie Neville and Angela Hughes

Caroline Keeling, former chief executive of Keelings, addressing the crowd.

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Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Ronan relishing new corner back role

by Gearoid Howley

Clare got as much out of Division 1B with game time given to full panel – Lohan

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

news@clareecho.ie

HAVING BEEN a late addition to the Clare senior hurling panel, Ronan Kilroy is cherishing every opportunity to wear the saffron and blue jersey, colours which are already familiar to him.

The 19-year-old linked up with Brian Lohan’s squad just over a month ago, becoming one of three Under-20 players involved in the setup alongside Sixmilebridge’s Mark Sheedy and Cratloe’s Jamie Moylan.

It was a historic occasion for the Banner club when Clare faced Wexford in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg as for the first time the reigning Junior A champions had two players in the starting Clare senior team. Kilroy made his first start following two appearances off the bench, and Shane Meehan has started every game of the league thus far at corner forward.

Speaking to The Clare Echo following Sunday’s three point win over Wexford, Ronan expressed his gratitude towards the management for putting their faith in him. “I was only called in a few weeks ago now but I’m cherishing every moment of it. It’s every child’s dream to play for Clare and I’m so glad I got the opportunity.

It’s tough work, but it’s what you have to do to play at the highest level”.

Just four days prior to being handed his inaugural start for the Clare senior hurlers, the UL student won the Freshers All-Ireland Hurling Championship with the college, lining out in his usual role around the middle third. He then reverted to the corner-back position he is currently being trialled at for the county side, even chipping in with a point on the day.

The Ennis native said it has been a challenging adaption process, but one he is enjoying. “It was tough being thrown into the backs, but when you’ve experienced lads like Adam Hogan and Conor Cleary alongside you, they’re a great help. They only give you positive feedback and positive motivation the whole time, they’re brilliant. It’s a good test and I’m just happy to be involved”.

Having bounced straight back up to Division 1A, the Minor All-Ireland winner in 2023 felt there has been plenty of positives to take from Clare’s campaign in the second tier. “To be fair, most of the teams in Division 1B have been great tests, they’re very valuable. Lads like myself have got great run-outs, it’s good to get tough games under the belt and we’re just excited for the championship ahead”.

Following their victory in round six, Clare are now heading into the National League final unbeaten, a streak they’ll be hoping to maintain before setting their sights on the opening round of the Munster Championship against Waterford, which takes place a fortnight later on home soil. “We’ll rest and regroup and we’ll be looking at that league final.

Then we’ll have two weeks of good hard work before looking forward to welcoming Waterford here and hopefully a good crowd will come out and support us”.

CLARE will use the monthlong break before the Allianz National Hurling League final “to get a bit of work done” with manager Brian Lohan stressing the importance of getting back to the top tier while also acknowledging how life in Division 1B allowed them to use more of their panel.

Six wins from six saw Clare successfully navigate their way through the group phase of Division 1B with a one hundred percent winning record and equally as important unscathed in terms of serious injuries.

For the majority of their league ties, Clare have been without up to a dozen members of the panel but manager Lohan confirmed none of their hurlers are at risk of missing out on the first round of the Munster championship next month.

Speaking following Clare’s 0-26 1-20 win over Wexford, Lohan said “it was massive” for the county to bounce back from last year’s league relegation by sealing a return to Division 1A. “It was important that it was done straight away. That we’re not hanging around there [in 1B] and letting standards drop.

Our players have been very professional in how they’ve dealt with it. Had to go to Antrim, had to go to Kildare, had to go to Carlow. You’d be expecting us to win those matches but at the same time, you have to go and do it. Our aim was to win all the matches and that’s what we’ve done and we’ll move on now”.

He added, “The aim was to get back up out of Division 1B as quick as possible and that’s how it turned out. We did our business fairly well and the players have been very professional and very serious in their approach in all six matches so we’re delighted to come through unscathed today after eventually getting the job done”.

Mark Sheedy became the 35th hurler used by Lohan and his management in this year’s League when he lined out between the posts.

Meaningful game time has been given to panellists and the 2024 All-Ireland winning manager admitted this would not be done had they remained in Division 1A. “You get that opportunity when you’re in Division 1B. It’s a different standard obviously to 1A. You wouldn’t be able to use that amount of players in 1A - you just wouldn’t be competitive.

Along with getting minutes under their belt, the likes of Mark Sheedy, Ronan Kilroy, Jack O’Neill, Seán Rynne, Niall O’Farrell and Senan Dunford have done their harms of featuring on the bigger days no harm.

“All these lads their ambition is to play, they want to train hard but they want to get out on the field and be playing in the Munster league, the National league and the big thing is championship, they want to win matches for their county, we’ve good competition there and we’re looking forward to the next couple of weeks in training”.

Clare v Wexford

Clare 0-26 Wexford 1-20 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Compiled by Páraic McMahon

ALLIANZ NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1B ROUND 6

STORY OF THE GAME CLARE Frees for: 10 (3/8) Wides: 10 (5/5) Spread of scorers: 10 Scores from play: 0-19 Top scorer: Peter Duggan (0-8 7f) Bookings: N/A Own puckouts won: 21 from 30 (70%)

WEXFORD: Frees for: 12 (6/6) Wides: 9 (3/6) Spread of scorers: 5 Scores from play: 1-15 Top scorer: Simon Roche (1-6) Bookings: N/A Own puckouts won: 27 from 36 (75%)

Lee Chin loses his boot and the sliotar as he battles with John Conlon and Conor Leen Photo by Ruth Griffin

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

‘You can’t shoot 17 wides & expect to win a game’ - Bugler rues Flannan’s inefficiency

by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

WIDES PROVED costly for St Flannan’s College’s hopes of reaching a first Dr Croke Cup final in twenty years.

Presentation College Athenry had four points to spare over St Flannan’s on Saturday when knocking the Ennis school out of the AllIreland competition for the second year running.

Harry Doherty scored St Flannan’s goal but they had five missed goal chances over the hour along with seventeen wides and their inefficiency in front of the posts derailed their cause.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, manager of the St Flannan’s side, Brendan Bugler acknowledged they were wasteful with their shots. “The difference in the end was the amount of misses we had. You can’t shoot that many wides and expect to win a game and if you do, you’re very very lucky. Athenry hit under ten whereas we had 17 or 18 wides which clearly was the difference. We might have gotten a bit more luck though. I mean if Ben’s shot

had bounced into the goal off the crossbar rather than down on the line, I think we might have kicked on. So it’s a disappointing end to the year but we’ve had a good solid season. It’s hard to get to this stage so we’ll dwell on the positives”.

Use of the ball was also jumping out at the two-time All Star as an area they could have been stronger. “There was a strong wind there and we probably could have used the ball a little bit more with its aid in the second half when we were probably too direct at times. That said, I thought the defence throughout were heroic so I’m so disappointed for the players because they have given everything to this”.

Coming up short on a chance to line out in Croke Park will sting for the Flannan’s hurlers, he noted.

“It would have been lovely to take it to the last day in Croke Park but it’s not to be. Hopefully they can take this experience and the learnings too back to their clubs as well as the county sides in the next couple of months and years.

“We’ll keep plugging away

and do our best in schools hurling to try and get back to this stage again. You’ll go back with the first years eventually and try and bring a group up and sometimes you’ll be successful and sometimes you won’t. That’s just the nature of schools hurling but hopefully there’ll be better days ahead,” Bugler added.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

St Flannan’s College’s Darragh McNamara battles with Presentation Athenry full-back Michael Lewis.

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

St Flannan’s College vs Athenry Presentation College Athenry 1-18 St. Flannan’s College 1-14 Venue: Kilbeacanty Compiled by Eoin Brennan

DR. CROKE CUP SEMI-FINAL

STORY OF THE GAME PRESENTATION COLLEGE ATHENRY Frees For: 12 (7/5) Wides: 7 (5/2) Scores from Play: 1-9 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: Ciaran Leen (0-10 7f 1’65 1SC) Yellow Card: Shay Brady (44) Own Puck-Outs won: 19 from 32 (59%)

ST. FLANNAN’S COLLEGE Frees For: 10 (5/5) Wides: 17 (7/10) Scores from Play: 1-9 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: John Barry (0-7 5f) Yellow Cards: Harry Doherty (48), Sean McNamara (50) Own Puck-Outs won: 14 from 25 (56%)

25

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Mar 12, 2026

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Sport

Tickets for Clare’s championship games vs Waterford & Limerick to be available from County Boards only

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TICKETS FOR Clare’s Munster hurling championship games against Waterford and Limerick will be distributed exclusively through County Boards.

Supporters will be able to purchase tickets for Clare’s matches versus Tipperary and Cork on public sale from April 8th.

Munster GAA have confirmed their ticket distribution plan for the upcoming Munster senior hurling championship. Ticket prices for the round robin games have been set as Adult Stand: €35, Adult Terrace: €30, Students / OAPs Stand: €30, Students / OAPs Terrace: €25, Juvenile (Under 16s): €5 “Capacity constraints” in Cusack Park and Walsh Park have been cited

by Munster GAA along with “expected demand from our clubs” as the reason to make tickets solely available from County Boards for rounds

one, two and three.

A spokesperson for Munster GAA confirmed, “Due to capacity constraints at some venues, along with the expected demand from our clubs, the opening three rounds will be distributed through county boards to ensure fair and equitable access for competing counties.

County Boards have been notified of their tickets allocations for each game”.

Any unused or returned tickets from County Boards will be released for public sale on the Wednesday prior to each game in rounds one, two and three.

For Clare’s away games versus Tipperary and Cork, tickets will go on general public sale on April 8th.

“Competing counties will also receive allocations for these games, ensuring strong county representation,” the Munster GAA spokesperson outlined.

Season Ticket holders for the respective counties will be allocated

Young Clare supporters

tickets by the Season Ticket team.

Queries regarding those tickets should be directed to seasonticket@ gaa.ie.

A limited number of Juvenile Group tickets will be available for all matches apart from the games

at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg.

Clubs can apply for Juvenile Group tickets via www.munster.gaa.ie/tickets from Wednesday April 8th with a maximum of 40 tickets per club (to include 6 adults max.). 1 application per club will be accepted.

Coughlan glad to have answered the call to return to inter-county management

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

IT’S championship week and Dermot Coughlan is back at the helm of a Clare football team.

He called time on his six year term with the Clare minor footballers following the conclusion of their 2024 campaign, contesting the 2020 provincial final and three semi-finals during his tenure.

Coughlan was the firstchoice of the top brass of Clare GAA when they decided not to give Maurice Walsh a second season as U20 manager. During his year away from county affairs, he was over Kilrush Shamrocks and led them to Garry Cup glory but they exited the Clare IFC at the quarter-final stage to Cooraclare. He has previously led Clondegad, Kilmihil and the Shams to success in the Clare IFC. Having managed many of the players at minor level, Dermot is hoping to guide their transition to the U20 grade. “I had taken a year out but when the County Board came to me I was surprised because I didn’t think the position would come up but when it did the one thing that enticed me was that they had said I had a fair knowledge of the players from being with the

Clare minors for six years, obviously you’d only be with the same group for at most two to three years but they said the knowledge I had of the players would be good to bridge the gap from minor to U20, I felt that was the single biggest reason why I got involved”.

In November, he set out his stall with the panel of players and he’s been pleased with their preparation. “It’s been good, I keep telling lads because we haven’t had a big drop off, we’ve an awful young team this year, we’ve only four of the team which started in New Inn against Tipperary last April. From the minors I was involved with, I’ve brought most of them onto the squad and most of them will be playing on Saturday evening. n truth we’re probably a bit young and it is a bit of a building job over the next two to three years, I’m hoping that in two years time we’ll see the fruits of it but we’ll be blooding a lot of them guys this year”.

Attitude is the most impressive trait of the U20 squad, Dermot maintained.

“I couldn’t say enough about them from my time at minor level with them. I don’t be ringing up these lads to know why they aren’t coming training, they have given it everything, some of them are seventeen and

eighteen, we’ve some guys who were minor last year, it won’t be for want of effort on Saturday”.

There’s not as many survivors from last year’s U20s squad as there could have been for Clare. Captain Daire Culligan, Evan Cahill, Michael Kelly, Conor Hill, Seán Fennell, Darragh Townsend and Diarmuid McMahon are among those who received championship minutes under Maurice Walsh and are part of Coughlan’s squad. “For your first year involved you’d like to hit the ground running with a strong team on the age which won’t happen for us until two or three years time but I’ve no issue with that because that is the hand we’ve been dealt with, we’re going out with a young team and we’ve an awful lot of work done, we’ve a lot of challenge games and we’ll be expecting the best from those lads on Saturday”.

Saturday sees Clare welcome Tipperary to West Clare in their first of three outings in as many weekends before heading to Lemybrien (March 21st) to face Waterford and Mountcollins (March 28th) to meet Limerick.

A Munster SFC winner in 1992, Dermot said Clare are targeting picking up a home win in their first out-

Photo by Ruth Griffin

ing. “You’d be hoping to win your home games and try get off to a good start, we’ve a young squad this year and it’s great to have our first game at home so we can try get a bit of a bounce.

We’ve two away games this year so the whole idea is to try get off to a good a start as we can, that is what we’re looking to do on Saturday”.

Home support could be greater for Clare’s U20s but for the fact that games in the Cusack Cup, Garry Cup and other divisions are taking place across the weekend. “The unfortunate side is that there is a round of club games but they are on either side of it, either early or late in the evening. West Clare has always come out in force for underage no matter if it is minor or U20, we’d be hoping for the same thing”.

Joined on his management team by coach Eoin Curtin, selectors TJ Carey, Dermot Mahoney and goalkeeper coach Peter O’Dwyer, Dermot and his set-up will be availing of Clubber to study both Waterford and Limerick following their first round clash. His management also includes, S&C coach Jack Boddy, Murt Crowley (medical), Cathy Kelleher (nutritionist) with Brian Considine and Cathal Whelan responsible for stats.

2026 Munster SHC: Round 1 – April 19th Clare vs Waterford in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg at 14:00 Tipperary vs Cork in FBD Semple Stadium at 16:00 Round 2 – April 26th Cork vs Limerick in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 14:00 Waterford vs Tipperary in Azzurri Walsh Park at 16:00 Round 3 – May 3rd / May 9th Clare vs Limerick in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg at 14:00 (May 3rd) Waterford vs Cork in Azzurri Walsh Park at 18:00 (May 9th) Round 4 – May 16th / May 17th Tipperary vs Clare in FBD Semple Stadium at 19:00 (May 16th) Limerick vs Waterford in TUS Gaelic Grounds at 15:00 (May 17th) Round 5 - May 24th Cork vs Clare in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 16:00 Limerick vs Tipperary in TUS Gaelic Grounds at 16:00

Win at all costs for Clare as Wexford return to town

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ieW

CLARE WELCOME Wexford to Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg for the second Sunday running with a lot on the line for both counties.

Promotion to Division 2 of the Allianz National Football League is still within reach for both counties who are both sitting in joint second along with Westmeath with three wins and two defeats each.

All three teams need to win to keep their push for promotion alive with the loser of Clare versus Wexford likely to fall out of the reckoning. The fixture takes on extra significance when the prize of lining out in the All-Ireland series rather than the Tailteann Cup comes into play. The final round sees Wexford host Westmeath while prior to that the Lakeside County face Limerick who are in dire need of a win to avoid relegation following their nine point loss to Clare in the last round.

Throw-in for Sunday’s game is at 13:00 with Darragh Bohannon and Cillian Rouine continuing their recovery from hamstring injuries. There are no additional injury headaches for squad members that have featured thus far in the National Football League.

On the prospect of the duo featuring, Clare manager Paul Madden said, “The injuries will clear up when they are ready, we won’t be rushing lads and we won’t play them if they are not ready. The way we are playing you need to

have high energy and if you are not fit then you cannot play, that is the mantra, we want all the lads to be able to play but our physios will be working with them and if they are right they will play and if they are not right then they won’t and we will trust the guy that plays instead of them”.

Madden and his management allowed members of the panel who have not been receiving too much game time to line out with their clubs in the opening round of the Cusack and Garry Cups last weekend.

It followed a challenge game on Tuesday last where Clare overcame Tipperary. The line-up was predominantly made up of Clare’s substitutes and extended panellists with Seán McAllister and Ciaran McMahon among those impressing.

Wexford have no injury concerns for Sunday’s game, manager John Hegarty confirmed.

He said they are treating their trip to Ennis as a league semi-final. “At the moment, our mindset in entirely on Clare. We’ll be approaching it like a league semi-final. That’s all we can do anything about this week, so all focus is on Clare. It’s great from a competitive nature. You couldn’t have written the script better than three teams that are pushing for one promotion spot are all playing one another. Clare have home advantage and that is significant but, at the same time, I think all three teams are there on merit. We’ll be going down to have a real good cut at it”.

26

Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Moroney released by Clare U20 hurling management for Rice College’s All-Ireland final

Darren Moroney

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

by Gearoid Howley news@clareecho.ie

DARREN MORONEY has been given permission to play for Rice College in the Br Edmund Ignatius Rice Cup Final (Senior D Football) Final this Saturday afternoon.

Manager Denis O’Driscoll has confirmed that the Éire Óg dual star will be lining out with the school as they go in search of AllIreland glory.

Moroney was not permitted to feature in their All-Ireland semifinal win by the Clare Under-20 hurling management, but he and his clubmate Niall Doyle, another of Terence Fahy’s troops, have both been released for this Saturday’s decider, O’Driscoll has told The Clare Echo. “We’re hoping we’ll have a full panel. We do have Darren and Niall Doyle. One or two lads are nursing injuries, but fingers crossed we’ll have everybody available”.

Rice College defeated Causeway Comprehensive of

Kerry in the Munster final before overcoming Mayo’s St Brendan’s Belmullet in the All-Ireland semifinal. Denis is hopeful that those challenging games will stand to his group when they meet Monaghan school Largy College in Tubberclair this Saturday. “The team has shown good resilience in the last couple of games in particular. The Munster final was a really tight game all the way through, I think the sides were level five times and it changed hands three or four times. They showed great character to come through in the last five minutes of that because things did go against us like the penalty which Tony Burke saved. We went a point down and we still managed to come back and score a winning goal”.

He continued, “The last day against Belmullet they dominated large portions of that game, both with and against the wind, but we stayed in the battle and got the crucial scores again. They have shown great character to come

through those two games, some of the earlier games we were comfortable enough, but those two games really tested us.”

Looking ahead to the final, the St Breckan’s clubman feels that he has a vast amount of experience to call upon within the group. “It’s a huge game for a lot of lads but we do have lads with some good experience. Niall Doyle was part of the Clare minor hurling team last year, they got to an All-Ireland final.

Jack McAllister and Charlie Lenihan were part of the Doora/Barefield senior football panel that made the county final and obviously Darren Moroney was with Éire Óg in both codes. James Rafferty is with the Clare Under-20 footballers and he was a county minor last year, so we do have some experience built up but for some of our players it’s definitely one of the biggest games they’ll have played in”.

Rice College are the fourth Clare school to make a post primary Schools All-Ireland football final

since 2022. They follow in the footsteps of Ennistymon CBS (2022), St Joseph’s Spanish Point (2023) and Ennistymon Community School (2025).

Their manager feels that this success is vital for the development of football in the county. “There’s great work being done in schools all over the county, Kilmihil won a Munster last week as well. Anything that helps raise the profile a little bit is very welcome.

We’re delighted that we were able to have a bit of success this year.

We were very lucky to have a good group in fourth, fifth and sixth year and you try and make the most of them while you have them. There’s a lot of excitement around the school, it’s been building all week.

We’ve received lots of encouraging messages from past pupils which is very nice to see, and the players are hopefully taking some energy from that”.

Spanish Point keen to take their shot to qualify for All-Ireland final

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

HAVING bagged the Munster and Clare colleges senior A ladies football titles in recent weeks, St Joseph’s Spanish Point are hoping to qualify for an All-Ireland decider.

Tuam stadium is the venue for their All-Ireland semi-final tilt with Leinster champions, Moate Community school and the throw in is set for 2p.m.

Principal of the school and manager of the ladies football side, Paul Reidy accepts that Moate carry the favouries tag. “They are the kingpins of ladies football in Leinster.

They have won the last two minor A’s the last two junior A’ and they won the last senior A title. They are the current AllIreland junior champions and they are through to the AllIreland final in this grade again this year”.

Speaking to The Clare

Echo, Paul said, “five of their junior A side are starting on their senior team” before adding “our players will give it everything, they are a very honest group”.

Preparations have been difficult for Spanish Point due to the involvement of their players on several county squads. “It was difficult for a while after the Munster win to get everything together due to players being involved with four different Clare squads.

We had players involved with four different Clare teams. In fact, only three of our players were not involved with Clare.

The county minors and under 16’s only played last week. Winning the county final against St Flannan’s will, hopefully, be an advantage.

Thankfully we have no injury worries at this time”.

Reidy continued, “this is massive for the school and for West Clare. We have over 200

Facile FAI victories for Avenue & Newmarket

pupils travelling to support the team and together with the families of the players and supporters from the area we will have good support.

It’s the first time a team from the school will compete at this stage of the competition in almost thirty years. With just 200 girls in the school to be competing at this level is unbelievable”, he said before adding “we can’t field a first year girls team this year. A lot don’t play the game”.

A contribution of 2-7 from Ellie Hanrahan helped the Clare side to the Munster title when they defeated Mercy Clonmel on a 4-12 to 3-13 scoreline. They will be hoping that the Kilmurry Ibrickane player can lead the charge again this week along with Abbie Gallagher, Abi Kelly, Ide O’Connor, Aisha and Aoibhinn Ryan to mention a few.

Victory in this semi-final will result in an All-Ireland final

Newmarket away to Annacotty for Munster semi-final

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Ger Myles scored Avenue Utd’s first goal Photo by Gerard O’Neill

appearance two weeks later against either Claregalway or Belfast.

Should Spanish Point and Claregalway qualify for the decider it will lead to much debate in the Kilmihil parish in particular as the opposing coaches in such a situation will be Kilmihil people. The Claregalway coach is Ellie O’Gorman, a key member of the Kilmihil ladies club while Paul is also a prominent member of the Kilmihil club and is joined on the management by Eimear Considine, a teammate of Ellie’s at club and formerly county.

For now, however, the focus is fully on this Thursday’s semifinal and while Spanish Point are facing a huge task they have shown throughout the season that they can match the best.

NEWMARKET CELTIC will face Aisling Annacotty in the semi-finals of the Munster Junior Cup. Last week’s draw has pitted Clare’s only representatives left in the compettiion against the side managed by Clarecastle’s Declan Farmer.

Annacotty have secured home advantage and will welcome Newmarket Celtic to their grounds on April 4th, the same setting where they defeated Bridge Utd in extra time.

Conor Coughlan is a major injury doubt for the Limerick side after sustaining an injury when

he was fouled to be awarded their match-winning penalty versus Bridge a month ago.

Ahead of the semi-final, Newmarket Celtic will face off with rivals Avenue Utd this Sunday in Roslevan looking to keep their unbeaten run in this year’s Premier Division intact.

Sunday also sees Bridge Utd and Tulla Utd square off at The Cragg.

Shannon Town B have secured home advantage for their semi-final in the Munster Junior Shield. They welcome Murroe AFC to Lynch Park on Saturday March 28th.

St Josephs Spanish Point

Tulla Utd through to FAI next round at expense of Ennis Dons SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Tulla Utd winger Callum Casey gets a shot away despite the best efforts of Alex Akujobi of Ennis Dons.

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

27

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Mar 12, 2026

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Sport

Winter league concludes in East Clare

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

THE Winter league at East Clare concluded on Sunday when the cup winners were team O which included Martin Crotty, Teddy Murphy, Tony Stuart, Dominic Stuart, Catherine Murphy and Connie McKenna.

The shield winners were team N made up of John Duffy, Tony Duggan, Martin Breen, T.J. McNamara, Kathleen O’ Brien and Deirdre Tuohy while he plate winners were team R and the members are Maureen Clune, Colette Ward, Gerry Nugent, Ger O’ Halloran, Colm Hayes and Pat Madden.

In the February/March ladies 2 ball the winners were Maureen Clune and Connie McKenna from Colette Ward and Liz McMahon with third place filled by Mary Hogan and Connie McKenna.

The winners of the ladies Wednesday competition were Evelyn Skehan, Mary Jo Minogue and Helen Conway from Ursula Hogan, Pauline Nugent

and Margaret Lynch with third spot filled by Mary Hogan, Kay Grimes and Siobhan Mulcahy.

In the senior men’s competition last week the winners were Danny Minogue, Pat Duggan and Denis Corcoran from Terry Coughlan, Ailbe McInerney and Willie Roche with third spot filled by John Nihill, Dominic Stuart and Steve Lynch.

The men’s two ball scramble was won by K. Larkin (18) and T. Healy (14) with 47 points from S. McInerney (7) and R. McInerney (12) with 46 points ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Last week’s senior ladies competition at Ennis was won

by Kathleen Pyne, Eileen Holly and Josephine Tone from Jacintha Nicholas, Jean Moloney, Judith Brassil and Brid Cunningham with third place filled

by Carmel Verling, Mary Gardiner, Maureen Moloney and Mary Glynn.

In week four of the 13 hole ladies singles Spring league sponsored by Michael and Fiona McMahon MMEL Kimaley the winner was Ann A Gallery

(11) with 25 points.

The overall winner in the 8 hole singles was Fidelma Martin (20) with 16 points. Mary Nagle (12) won division 1 with 13 points, Martina Corbett (16) won division 2 with 15 points and Mary Curley (28) won division 3 with 15 points.

SPANISH POINT GOLF CLUB: Last week’s ladies 18 hole stableford competition at Spanish Point was won by Eimear Johnston with 37 points from Eileen Murrihy with 35 points with third place filled

by Jacqueline Shine 32 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Week 4 in the Johnson’s Bar Spring series qualifier at Kilrush was won by Finbar McMahon (14) with 28 points from John Stapleton (15) with a similar score. In third place, also with 28 points was Alan F Howard with (21). The gross was won by David Keane.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: Round 6 in the Ozone Health and Fitness Spring league at Woodstock was a scotch foursomes. The winners with 43

points were Mike Hogan and Kenneth O’Malley and they were one ahead of Colin Higgins and Pat O’Brien. In third place with 40 points were Joe and Pat Barry followed by Brian McNamara and Paudie O’Connell with 39, Paul and Tony Coote with 38, P.J. Carmody and Liam O’Connor with 37, Mike Kelly and Jack Duffy with 37, Paddy Meehan and Richard Pyne with 36, Chris McGrath and Ciaran Coote with 36 with tenth place filled by Aidan and Noel Mulcahy with 35.

Round 7 will take place this weekend when the format will be a modified betterball.

Last week’s club singles was won by Mike Kelly (12) with 38 points while the gross was won by Sean Myatt (2) with 28 points.

Category 1 (+ to 8) was won

by Rob Cantwell (5) with 33 points and he won with a better back 9 from Cathal Nagle (8).

Category 2 (9 to 15) was won

by Richard Pyne (14) with 34 points from Henry Butler (12) with a similar score. Category 3

Clare capture three Juvenile handball titles

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TUAMGRANEY handballer and Scariff native Diarmuid Nash is one step away from being crowned All-Ireland senior singles handball champion.

Victory over Peter Funchion from Kilkenny in last week’s semi-final has set up a final meeting with Robbie McCarthy from Westmeath on Saturday at Croke Park at 15:30.

His semi-final win was decided on a tie break which he won 11-6. He dominated the first game winning 21-6 but Funchion bounced back to win the second 21-14. McCarthy will carry the favourites tag into Saturday’s final.

The ladies minor final is scheduled for Sunday at 11am in Croke Park when Claire Minogue will carry Clare hopes against Freya Donnellan from Galway. The men’s minor final will see Clare’s Sean Considine take on Travis Gibbons from Sligo.

Other finals are: Ladies Junior C: Clare (Ellen Collins) v Clare (Marie Long) Junior B Final: Clare (Seanie Doyle) v Kilkenny (Jack Holden) Junior Final: Clare (Tony Leyden) v Galway (David Donoghue) Masters B Final - Saturday from 10am: Clare (Shane Walsh) v Wexford (Noel Holohan) Golden Masters B Final: Clare (Jim Cleary) v Wexford (Shane Rossiter) In last week’s junior C semi-finals Marie Long defeated fellow Clare player Emma Considine to qualify for the final where she will face Clare’s Ellen Collins who accounted for Aoibhe Ni Chadhain from Galway. There was disappointment for Clare players Orla and Niamh

O’Brien who lost out to Tyrone and Galway in the junior B semi-finals.

Meanwhile three All-Ireland titles and another five runners up medals were captured by Clare players at the All-Ireland juvenile handball championships at Croke Park last weekend. In eleven semi-finals on Saturday, Clare advanced in eight to Sunday’s finals where the under 14 singles and the under 15 singles and doubles titles were won.

The gold medal winners are Orlaith Flanagan and Samantha Vaughan in under 14 girls doubles, Sinead Doyle in under 15 girls singles and Ava McInerney and Elaine Littleton in under 15 girls doubles.

Final Results: U14 girls doubles: Orlaith Flanagan/Samantha Vaughan defeated Aimee Hickey/Kate Byrne, Kilkenny 10-15, 15-1, 15-3 U15 girls singles: Sinead Doyle defeated Sophie Floyd, Dublin 15-1, 15-7 U15 girls doubles: Ava McInerney/ Elaine Littleton defeated Megan Murphy/Mollie Gilbert, Wexford 15-8, 12-15, 15-7 Silver Medals: U17 girls doubles: Aoife Walsh/ Laura Tarrent, Galway defeated Saoirse O’Brien/Jane Hogan 21-12, 21-1 U15 boys singles: Maxim Gilmartin, Leitrim defeated Walter Moroney 14-15, 15-12, 15-11 U16 boys singles: Shane Doyle, Kilkenny defeated Jack Cahill 21-11, 21-11 U16 boys doubles: Charlie Roche/ Thomas O’Brien, Wexford defeated Charlie Collins/Conor Littleton 19-21, 21-4, 11-7 U17 boys doubles: Michéal Greene/ John Reilly, Roscommon defeated Sean Garvey/Cillian Cummins 21-4,

21-7.

Munster doubles championship results: Minor doubles semi-final: Clare A (Sean Considine/Eoin Shanahan) beat Tipperary B (Aidan Kyne/Jack Sullivan) 21-3, 21-4 Junior Doubles final: Clare (Seanie Doyle/Tiernan Slattery) defeated Cork (Donnacha O’Connor/Eoghan Daly) 21-15, 21-12, 11-1 Masters B Ladies final: Clare (Orla Considine/Sheila Sexton) defeated Clare (Olivia Cullinan/Mary Higgins) 21-7, 21-11.

Juvenile B Championship After six weeks of games with around 100 games per week the juvenile B county championships have reached the final stage with games scheduled over the coming week.

U12 Boys Cup: Jack Hogan (Tulla) v Hugh Donnellan (Kilkishen) U14 Boys Plate: Jack Casey (Toonagh) v Rian McNamara (Kilkishen) U16 Boys Cup: Tiernan Garvey (Clooney) v Danny Griffin (Toonagh) U17/18 Boys Cup: Tom Moloney (Tulla) v John Burke (Newmarket) U13 Girls Cup: Aimee O’Hanlon (Tulla) v Sarah McGrath (Clooney) U15 Girls Cup: Molly McMahon (Clooney) v Sarah Brodie (Clarecastle).

Club Leagues: Tulla captured the division 3 club league title with victory over Toonagh at Clarecastle. The winning team members are Declan Murphy, Pat Madden, Ray Stewart and Finn Boyce. They won 75 to 63 over Toonagh’s Cathal Noonan, Jack Browne, Colm Whelan and Cillian Cummins.

(16+) was won by Eugene Conroy (16) with 26 points. Winners in the 2’s competition were Michael Canty (4th hole), Richard Pyne (11th hole), Ronan Horgan and Jason Dormer (both 14th hole).

There will be another club singles this weekend. On Tuesday next, St.Patrick’s Day there will be a team of 2 Texas Scramble.

SIXMILEBRIDGE GOLF SOCIETY The annual general meeting of Sixmilebridge golf society took place last week when the committee for 2026 was elected.

Colin Murphy and Alan Murphy were elected as Captain and President respectively.

The society’s first outing for 2026 will take place on April 4 to Tipperary golf club. New members are welcome and should contact any of the committee members or email davidpurcell10@gmail.com.

CLARE FOOTBALL CLASSIC: The annual golf classic in aid of Clare football will take place

on Thursday and Friday, April 16 and 17 at Woodstock Golf Club.

Art Data Centres and Tom McNamara will again be the main sponsors of this event.

Monies raised will go towards the development of the game from development squad level through inter county minor, under 20 and senior levels.

The format is a team of four and the fee of €400 per team includes dinner. The timesheet is with Seamus Hayes (0872186172).

The members of the Clare football fundraising committee are Colm Collins, Kevin Callinan, Tommy Tubridy, Michael Clancy, Ciaran Browne, Seamus Hayes, Mary Farrell-Keane, Niamh Madigan, Brendan Rouine, Donagh Vaughan, Martin O’Loghlen, Fergal Neylon, Michael Talty, Paul Madden, Ger Kelly and David O’Brien.

Tiermana Hunter strikes in Connacht derby

KILRUSH TRAINED Tiermana Hunter upset the odds to strike home first in the Connacht derby writes Michael Maher.

The semi-finals of the Kilcolgan Castle Connacht Derby delivered plenty of thrills and spills at Galway Greyhound Stadium on Friday night last.

After two brilliant performances in the earlier rounds, the standout performer up to this point had been the Pat Buckleytrained Grouchos Gregor, who was duly installed as the 4/5 favourite for the opening semi-final.

However, he was to lose his unbeaten tag in the event as a missed break, coupled with an early bump effectively ended his chances of landing the spoils. Instead, it was a case of early pace winning the race as Tiermana Hunter, owned by the Supping-Away-Syndicate, made every yard of the running.

Drawn in trap two, ‘Hunter’ produced one of his customary ping starts before excelling on the run to the opening bend.

Hollywell Merlin soon emerged as the main threat out wide as Allison Coxon’s tracker displayed fine early dash to move within striking distance.

In behind, the Buckley runners Unanimous Leo and Grouchos Gregor were having their own battle in third and fourth respectively. Holding a lead entering the back straight, Tiermana Hunter was setting a strong gallop but failed to shake off the persistent Hollywell Merlin.

Not to be outdone, the Colm Fitzgerald of Kilrush trained brindle found a second wind turning for home and the son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Tiermana Jetty showcased his stamina in the closing stages to cross the line two lengths clear of Hollywell Merlin in second. Grouchos Gregor, who did not enjoy the clearest of passages, showed good pace down the back to breeze past Unanimous Leo and claim the final qualifying position in third. The time was 30.38.10 The line-up for the Final is, T1: Slippery Brian, T2: Grouchos Gregor, T3: Donishall Sam, T4: Tiermana Hunter, T5: Droopys Map, T6: Hollywell Merlin.

Down Limerick way on last Saturday night the Con & Annie Kirby Trial Stake went the way of the Paraic Campion trained Boozed Wish, who doubled his

career tally with a trapto-line success. Owned

by Gary Pepper of Feakle, Boozed Wish showed his customary early pace to lead from trap five and opened a three-length lead passing the sprint boxes. Kilcolgan Eddie stayed on well to claim second, but Boozed Wish crossed the line three lengths clear in 28.56.

In the final of the unraced stake Donal Duggan of Tulla was represented

by Myoldsligogirl and the 11/10 favourite duly delivered.

Drawn in trap one, the daughter of Signet Ace and Candanchu, owned by the Hot-Tub Syndicate, made full use of her inside berth to slip around in front.

She was soon locked in a thrilling buckle with Enniscouch Flash in six, but Myoldsligogirl showed determination to prevail by one length, the time was 29.28.

Other recent winners from Limerick were Aqua Camellia for Tulla’s Donnacha McNamara, Rockalong Aqua in 30.16, Snuggie Carson for Myles Cummins of Newmarketon-Fergus in 29.30, and Shanakyle Sally for Parteen’s Joe Collins in 29.52.

28

Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Prayer

TV

Plannings

Anniversary

3 Day Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Never Known to Fail) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power.

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (Say 3 times).

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (Say 3 times) Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.

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3 Day Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Never Known to Fail) Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power.

Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (Say 3 times).

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (Say 3 times) Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.

MQ

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISHEEN, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO CLARE. Take notice that Becky O’Donnell & Jamie Curtis intend to apply to the planning authority for outline permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, wastewater treatment system and ancillary works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TOBERANIDDAUN, LISSCASEY CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Anthony & Sharon Quinlivan for permission to retain the property as constructed specifically the position of the boundaries, septic tank, percolation area and dwelling house together with all ancillary site development 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 planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CULLENAGH, ENNISTYMON, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Euro Plant & Machinery Sales Ltd for permission to (a) alter and increase building previously granted under P21-707 (b) Construct additional work shed to rear of site together with all ancillary site development works, connections to services and signage 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 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYCONRY HOUSE, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO CLARE H91 WDP4 Take notice that Brid Fitzgerald and Owen Carton intend to apply for permission to alter and extend the existing dwelling house & 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 MOYMORE SOUTH, LAHINCH, CO CLARE V95 K2FD Take notice that Mari Liis and Cathal Hanly intend to apply for retention permission for the existing temporary structure on site for

permanent use as a home office space & 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 LISDOONVARNA ROAD, KILFENORA, CO CLARE Take notice that Thomas Connole t/a Connoles Garage intends to apply for permission to build a new shed for the storage of vehicles and machinery associated with the recovery and garage business operations, office area, staff welfare facilities & 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 CLONEYOGAN SOUTH, LAHINCH, CO CLARE Take notice that Diane and Alan Sexton intend to apply for permission to build a new dwelling house, a garage, a Workshop/ Showroom and associated parking area/internal access road for Lahinch Custom Woodcrafts, install a wastewater treatment unit, create a new entrance & 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 PARLIAMENT ST, ENNISTYMON Take notice that M. Hohey intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to change opening hours of the proposed coffee take away unit Planning Ref No P25/60534, which is protected structure (RPS No 384), to 7.30 22.00 hours Monday to Friday and to 7.30 - 20.00 hours on weekends 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 BALLYVOE, DOOLIN, CO CLARE Take notice that Marian and Colin O Donoghue intend to apply for permission to build a dwelling house, garage, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority

✝ KIRBY-COLLOPY 1st Anniversary In loving memory of Kathleen Kirby Collopy, late of Bunratty and Quin, Co. Clare, whose 1st anniversary occurs on 15th March.

Mass will be offered in Our Lady of the Wells Church Clonmoney, V95RX45 Gone from our home that smiling face your cheerful happy ways a heart that won so many friends in bygone happy days Sadly missed, never forgotten by your loving husband Doney, sons Aaron and Kyle, family and friends.

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, 1 NEW HOUSES, SPANISH POINT, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that A. Gammell intends to apply to the Planning Authority for following; a) permission to retain the re-construction of a roof and change in height of a shed structure b) permission to install a new window in the shed structure at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAPPAGHCASTLE, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE We James Collins & Michael Collins intend to apply to the above authority for permission for retention of (x2) sheds to the rear of the dwelling house at Cappaghcastle, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare, V95 D9V4. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CRUSHEEN GAA CLUB, TULLA ROAD, CRUSHEEN, CO. CLARE. We Crusheen GAA Club intends to apply to Clare County Council for permission for the construction of a new porch to the front

of the existing clubhouse, internal alterations, and the installation of a new pedestrian door and window to the rear of the building, together with all associated site works at Crusheen GAA Club, Tulla Road, Crusheen, 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. 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, TROMRACASTLE, QUILTY, CO. CLARE Take notice that P. Murphy intends to apply to the Planning Authority for retention permission for the following a) the windows/ doors, chimney, rooflights and roof changes made to the dwelling house b) the position of the dwelling house as constructed on site c) the installed sewerage treatment plant and percolation area. Permission is sought to the complete the site entrance and internal road at the above address.

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

30

Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Puzzle

THIS WEEKS Best Daily Word Search: 29 May 2023 PUZZLES Mar 12th

WORD SEARCH

Cutting Edge

arrow arrow

spear

X R M J A F R P C H T M F N A

axeaxe

stiletto

N E A F Y V A E N Z

barb bayonet

C A W J N V G R L A E O P E H L A Y X E

I

S N D S T M X V F

E S E K T K K E P C T A S B D A H L R A P

I

E R

I

O H C X A

V A K L E H T Y C S T A A T G E R C A R R O W F S J W L P G R P

I

E O G H K F O J K P J E

C O S Z Z W A W F R H J E R R F O V P A I

I

D Z W S R C L Z X

N S O R V S R A E H S

I

R R

Z E D E T E H C A M U A J H K Check

Save

Reveal

The Clare Echo Crossword

9

8

9

6

7

1

3

cleaver

blade cleaver harpoon dagger

7

1

5

lance

4

machete

7

harpoon knife rapier

4

7

3

5 6

7

1

5

How to play

HOW TO PLAY

Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.

razor

lance scalpel machete scissors scythe rapier shears

razor

sickle

scalpel

8 8

knife dagger

Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.

00:01

Solution

ACROSS 1. Masticate(4) not too 3. Flag(8) coffee 9. Examine(7) 10. Restrict(5) 11. Dig(5) Advertisement 12. Needing food(6) 14. Make possible(6) https://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/games/best-daily-word-search 16. Vehicle for travelling over snow(6) 19. Also(2,4) 21. Kingdom(5) 24. Exchange(5) 25. Ten-sided figure(7) 26. Troubadour(8) 27. Advantage(4)

(6)

3 8

blade bayonet

Software © 2017 crossword-compiler.com Clear

5

about:blank

DOWN 1. Infants(8) 2. Painting stand(5) 4. Easily irritated or annoyed(6) 5. Synthetic fabric(5) 6. Highly regarded(7) 7. Palm fruit(4) 8. Divulge(6) 13. End of line(8) 15. Take no part(7) 17. Words of a song(6) 18. Promise(6) 20. Put up(5) 22. Supernatural being(5) 23. Stalk(4)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

1/2

y 2023

P C Z B O Q N A A W L T R F V

7

's not too ur coffee .

V

6

tomahawk

4

7

w(6)

I

8

| by Michael Curl

B T

barb

about:blank

| Puzzle: Mon May 29 2023

2023

B D D G B J Y S E L S C X K Q I

SUDOKU

5/29/23, 9:27 AM

31

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Mar 12, 2026

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Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz O’Connell Street is named after who?

PJ ‘Fingers’ O’Connell Brian O’Connell Daniel O’Connell

7.

2.

In what year did the “Ennis Cash Company” open?

1888 1878 1890

3.

What was O’Connell Street previously called?

Salthouse Lane Jail Street Sackville Street

4.

Who were the first owners of what’s now known as The Old Ground Hotel?

Barry Upton and John Dwyer Jane McNamara Charles Mahon

5.

Which O’Connell Street restaurant was previously a jail?

Brogans Bar and Restaurant Lana The Town Hall

6.

In what month in 2023 did the public-realm works start on O’Connell Street?

October August November

What year was the street’s name changed to O’Connell Street?

1910 1898 1913

8.

Which American comedian stayed at the Old Ground Hotel?

Adam Sandler John C. Reilly Andy Samberg

9.

What is the oldest pub on O’Connell Street?

The Fawls Brogans Bar and Restaurant The Diamond

10. What year was the first Mass celebrated in St Peter and Paul’s Cathedral?

1874 1840 1842

Scan here to see what’s on

Quiz by Amy Copley

October 1913 John C. Reilly Brogans Bar and Restaurant 1842

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Movies to see this week

ANSWERS Daniel O’Connell 1888 Jail Street Barry Upton and John Dwyer The Town Hall

1.

36 Parnell St Ennis, Co. Clare ennis.arccinema.ie

Last weeks Answers . GAA missing in the background . Part of pink missing on top left . E missing on SETU . POD missing on top

. O’Neills missing on shorts . Logo missing on pants (right) . Product on banner missing in the background

Pictured at the Explore Engineering Showcase 2026 at Shannon Airport were, Hannah Ryan, Shannon Comprehensive College, Shannon and Cain Woods, JLR Photo by Alan Place

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