The Clare Echo 15/05/25

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‘I was willing, PACKING A PUNCH ready & able’

McCarthy was dropped from Clare squad

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE HURLER, Aidan McCarthy has said he did not leave the county panel of his own accord and that he was “willing, ready and able” to line out in last weekend’s game against Tipperary.

McCarthy’s omission from the Clare panel for Saturday’s game with Tipperary raised many eyebrows and led to plenty of speculation as to reasons for his potential exit.

On Wednesday, the Inagh/Kilnamona clubman broke his silence and confirmed that he was not his decision to leave the Clare panel.

“Just to clarify and confirm. I did not walk off the Clare Senior Hurling panel.

I was willing, ready and able to line out for my county against Tipperary on Saturday evening if selected”.

A starter

in Clare’s opening rounds of the Munster championship, Aidan was substituted in both games and was taken off free-taking duties. He scored 1-7 in last year’s All-Ireland success over Cork.

Brian Lohan’s side are facing an uphill battle in their bid to retain their All-Ireland title following successive losses to Waterford and Tipperary which means they are reliant on results this weekend to keep their season alive.

Full story p30

l Relations of Mike McTigue pictured at an unveiling of the Mike McTigue Bridge in Ennis, Michael McTigue, Kevin Rynne and Nicholas Rynne. Full Story p13

Photo by Joe Buckley

Shannon hotter than European hot spots

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON was warmer than some of Europe’s hotspots this week.

On Tuesday, as thunderstorms spread through the Mid-West, temperatures were closing on 25 degrees.

Thunderstorms occurred from Sliabh Aughtys all the way to the Aran Islands touching areas such as the Burren, Kilfenora, Gort and the Cliffs of Moher. This resulted in a power outage for a few hours in Kilfenora.

Dozens of lightning strikes were witnessed off the Bay of Kilkee with thun-

derstorms between Kirush and Kilkee on Tuesday.

Despite the thunder, Shannon Airport’s weather station reached 26.4 degrees Celsius, marking the warmest day in the country this year.

Shannon was warmer than some of Europe’s hotspots including Ibiza, Crete and Sicily. There has been no measurable rainfall at Shannon Airport since late April.

Temperatures will remain in the low 20s until mid next week when there will be a gradual return to less settled and cooler conditions.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

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Entertainment

Darkness into Light

page 26

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Email: editor@clareecho.ie or news@clareecho.ie

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

You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

Michelle McGettigan, Eve McGettigan, Rhiannon McCoy and Ciara McCoy at Darkness into Light in Shannon

Photo by Joe Buckley

Brian Ború Bridge to open in Killaloe next week

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

KILLALOE’s new bridge is to be named after Brian Boru.

High King of Ireland from 1002-1014, Brian Boru will be further remembered on the border between Clare and Tipperary when the new Killaloe Bridge is officially named after him next Thursday (May 22nd).

Agreement has been reached between Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council on the naming of the bridge. Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien (FF) will be on hand to officially open Brian Boru Bridge.

Construction began in November 2022 on the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme which will provide a western bypass of Killaloe, a new bridge crossing of the River Shannon and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Bridhill. The entire scheme is approximately 6.2km and will cross the River Shannon approximately 1km to the south of the existing Killaloe Bridge and will cross the Kilmastulla River on the R494.

Proposing the name of Brian Boru Bridge at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) paid tribute to the personnel involved in bringing the project to fruition as he name-checked Acting Director of Economic Development, Seán Lenihan and Director of Physical Development, Alan Farrell.

“My phone is hopping every day, commuters are wondering what is the delay in opening”.

“They’ve waited thirty years, a week or two won’t make a difference now,” responded Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF). He added that senior engineer John Leahy was also to the fore with the project. “It is great it is the Killaloe/Ballina Bridge, it was a Clare local authority led project from the start, we can

hang on our coat on the local authority this side for getting this to fruition”.

Seconding the naming of the bridge, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) noted, “We’ve just reinstated the place names committee, this was our first project to agree on the name of it, it is very welcome, we all look forward to driving on the Brian Boru Bridge in the future”.

Brian Boru was born around 940, the youngest of two sons of Cennedig, head of Dal Cais, one of the royal free tribes of Munster. Brian grew up during the worst days of tyranny when the Dalcassians had been driven into Co Clare.

Brian succeeded his brother as head of the Dal Cais and immediately took the field against his brothers enemies. In 978, he defeated the King of Cashel in battle. Step by step he established himself in the Kingship of Munster and fortified the province. In 983 and 988, his fleets ravaged Connaught and plundered Meath.

By 1002, Brian was High King of Ireland. Brian had much to do as High King to lift Ireland out of the ruins of the Norse Age. He rebuilt ruined churches, built others, he sent overseas to replace lost books and artefacts and all that he possibly could to heal the wounds of the past two centuries of Norse pillage.

In 1013, the Leinstermen and the Dublin Vikings revolted against Brian. Mael Morda, King of Leinster, allied himself with the Dublin Vikings and went to war with Brian. The Dublin Vikings sought allies overseas. The great sigurd, Earl of Orkney, came with a large contingent. While other Viking contingents came from as far afield as Iceland and Normandy.

Brian gave them Battle at Clontarf on Good Friday, 1014 and defeated them. However, as the Vikings were retreating, one of their leaders, Bothair, murdered Brian.

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Council to open negotiations with Cliffs of Moher landowners

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MEETINGS are to commence between Clare County Council,

North Clare landowners and IFA representatives within a fortnight to plot the future management of the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk.

Last month, the the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk Management Plan also known as the Tobin Report was published by the County Council. The 246 page document recommended the Council become the management organisation for the future management and development of the 18km coastal trail from Doolin to Hags Head.

Talks will commence between key stakeholders namely the Council, landowners and the IFA in a fortnight while the local authority is to also liaise with Clare Local Development

Company (CLDC) on the future transition of managing the walk.

Also commencing within the next two weeks will be the advertising for a trail manager. The

recruited individual will be “the point of contact for people going forward on the Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk”.

Sitting for the first time since the report’s publication, the Council’s Tourism Development Strategic Policy Committee discussed the matter.

Director of Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty explained that the “next step” was to meet with landowners and representative bodies such as the IFA within a fortnight, details are to be finalised with the IFA, she confirmed. There will also be meetings with landowners not represented by the IFA. McNulty outlined, “the fundamental premise of the report is that Clare County Council will

be tasked with being the trail management organisation going forward, there is a period of liaison with CLDC to transition between their operation and Clare County Council’s operation of the coastal walk”.

At present, the southern side of the Cliffs of Moher Walk remains closed with the northern side from Doolin to Surfer’s Path open. According to the senior Council official, up to 80 people per day are using the northern section which she labelled as “significant numbers”.

Chair of the SPC, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) commented, “in North Clare and on behalf of all councillors in North Clare, our shared ambition has been to have a walk which is open, that is safe and respects the stakeholders which primarily includes the landowners. There is a long road to travel on that point, we’re only getting started. That is the road we need to get on, at the last SPC meeting the sensitivities were clear talking about a walk which Clare County Council wasn’t responsible for but it is clear the report recommends the Council becomes lead organisation”.

Clare IFA chair, Tom Lane stated, “I’d like to futureproof the walk beyond 2040, if you bring a group of landowners together that they play a role and it goes from one generation to the next. We had a very good meeting with some landowners last week, it is great to see that people take great pride in owning a piece of the walking trail, nobody got up and said they won’t to be a part of it, there’s remedial works they want to see done”.

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170 children to shine at Réaltaí an Chláir

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CUMANN na mBunscol an Chláir will host the county’s first-ever GAA Inclusion Day for children with additional needs on Thursday May 22 at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg Muireann Mescal, one of the key organisers of the new initiative titled ‘Réaltaí an Chláir’, explained the reach

and intention behind the day: “We invited all 111 schools in County Clare, both mainstream and schools catering to special needs, to nominate children with additional needs to take part in the event.”

A total of 170 young athletes have signed up to participate. They’ll be accompanied by around 60 adults, including teachers, SNAs, and principals.

The event will feature a wide range of activities tailored to meet the needs and abilities of all participants, including modified hurling and football games under the ‘GAA for All’ banner, athletics, sensory games, and cooperative activities.

“We are giving these children an opportunity to take part in an event just like their siblings, their schoolmates, their cousins, their neighbours;

to play the sports they love in Cusack Park, albeit modified to suit their needs,” explained Mescal Ultimately, organisers hope Réaltaí an Chláir becomes more than a oneday celebration.

“We hope that through the event we will foster an increased awareness of the need for inclusion and increased awareness of children with additional needs,” said Mescal. “We hope that

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this event will continue next year and it becomes a part of the Cumann na mBunscol calendar.”

The event is supported by Clare GAA, Munster GAA, Clare Sports Partnership, and local inclusive GAA All-Star groups.

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Potential for 500 plus homes in Claureen with Ennis 2040

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS 2040 DAC has “a role to play” in tackling the shortage of private housing developments in the county town.

A shortage of housing is restricting the economic growth of Ennis, acting Chief Operating Officer of Ennis 2040 DAC, Padraic McElwee outlined this week.

200 houses is the target for the Claureen Lands with the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) and the opening up of lands bringing the potential for 500-600 houses according to a senior official in Clare County Council.

Since his temporary appointment, the waters for Ennis 2040 have become less choppy with a decision made to scrap to pause planned developments on the riverside car parks of Abbey Street and Parnell Street plus a renewed focus on housing.

“Where I see the focus for Ennis 2040 is to diversify our economic base, to enhance our retail offering, increase the footfall and compliment what we already have,” McElwee stated in a briefing to county councillors. AIB Insights have indicated that the spend in Ennis is below the national average.

Ennis’ economic growth has been hindered by a shortage of private housing developments, he said. “Enhanced residential accommodation is very important, we are hearing of a shortage of private housing developments, I believe Ennis 2040 has a role to play in that”. Development of affordable, accessible, sustainable and housing of all tenures is to be explored by the DAC, he said. €210,000 has been the spend to date by

Ennis 2040 DAC on plans to open up the Claureen Lands for housing. This is comprised of 2.2 acres of development lands “which will enable the release of lands to the develop the LIHAF road for which funding is in place. The LIHAF road will open up lands for development, we have agreed to purchase over 21 acres of development land which is subject to planning, that will depend from 120-280 houses, it will focus on delivery of private housing to meet private market demand.

Developing a masterplan for the Claureen Lands is a priority focus at present, he said.

Care needs to be applied when the public sector or Government enters the private market place, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) cautioned. “The risks associated with that in terms of distortion and the market place, it is a risky area, we are bordering on speculation on house building, we don’t have to be reminded of the entire country’s experience, what are the guard rails around the risk of us distorting the market”.

McElwee said the masterplan for the Claureen Lands will advise “what makes sense” and whether there is a greater risk on going solo or bringing in a partner.

Acting Director of Economic Development with the Council, Seán Lenihan said the concept “of LIHAF is money used to stimulate housing, we were very lucky to get a grant, the original grant was conditional on us bringing in a partner, we couldn’t do it on our own, it was always a partnership process, great credit is due to the Interim Chief Executive for keping the project alive. It was supposed to be finished in 2021, we are only one of the local au-

thorities to keep it alive”.

Lenihan continued, “200 odd houses is the original proposal, once the road is in and it opens up the other lands available, we should have up to 500-600 houses and a community project”.

An altered focus of Ennis 2040 has been broadly welcomed, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said.

“The move to housing is is very important.

The pause has given a new lease of life to Ennis 2040, there was fierce controversy over many years because of proposed buildings, people were annoyed, 98% of Ennis never wanted it,” he remarked of the paused plans in Abbey Street and Harvey’s Quay.

lHOUSING: Padraic McElwee Photo by: Eamon Ward

Council spent €78m on contractors & €12m on consultants

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL paid €78m to contractors and €12m to consultants last year it has emerged after councillors probed senior management on the €8m deal to acquire lands by the Cliffs of Moher.

As per the Council’s 2024 Annual Financial Statement, €78,279,737 was spent on contractors, an increase on the €66,577,434 in 2023.

Land costs were €2,525,930 in 2024, compared with the €9,351.143 of 2023.

Consultant fees jumped to €12.277,649 last year, from €9,767.198 in 2023. Deemed as ‘other’ expenditure was a bill of €26,043,599 which was up on the €18,240.411.

Regarding land acquired for housing, the Council paid €1,702,906 in 2024 and €50,000 in 2023 for lands in Claureen and Ashline.

Strategic landbanks were acquired in Kilrush, Liscannor, Bunratty, Lisdoonvarna, Crusheen, Kilkee and Mountshannon over the two years, €822,970 was spent in 2024 and €9,001,590 in 2023. €299,553 was the spend in 2023 for infrastructural projects in Killaloe, Quin and Springfield (Clonlara).

Interim Chief Executive, Dr Carmel Kirby explained of the lands acquired for housing, as landbanks and infrastructural projects, “Additional costs (stamp duty, legal costs, professional fees) associated with the above acquisitions amount to €1,030,000. The lands were purchased from own resources. Where approved the costs are recouped from the relevant government departments) as projects are progressed”.

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Hop Aboard the Free Burren and Cliffs Explorer Bus Free Hop-On, Hop-O Shuttle Bus Now Running Across North and West Clare

Looking for a simple, flexible—and completely free—way to THE 7 RO TES AT A ANCE get around Clare this summer? The Burren and Cliffs Miltown Malbay – Lahinch – Liscannor – Cliffs of Moher Explorer Bus runs daily until the end of August, with a Experience – Return: Runs regularly throughout the possible extension into September. Se en hop-on, hop-off day, with stops along the route including the Cliffs of routes connect towns, illages, scenic spots, and isitor Moher Experience. attractions across $orth and est Clare.

Kilfenora – Lisdoon arna – Cliffs of Moher Experience – The service gives you the freedom to travel between places at Return: A route linking Burren villages to the Cliffs.

your own pace—without needing the car. everal routes stop at or connect to the Cliffs of Moher Experience, making it easier than ever to include it in your day out.

Doolin – Cliffs of Moher Experience – Return: !re uent

service ideal for combining a visit to Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher Experience.

Liscannor liffs of Moher Return A short, scenic route running roughly every 30 minutes between Liscannor and the Cliffs.

– C

–

:

Bally aughan

– Aillwee Burren Experience– Poulnabrone – Caherconnell Stone ort & Sheepdog Demonstrations– Kilfenora – Return: This route links

some of the Burren’s most popular heritage and nature stops.

orofin – Michael Cusack Centre – Carran – Slie e Carran – Kilfenora – Return: A scenic inland route rich in

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history and walking options. Connects in "ilfenora to reach the Cliffs.

orofin – Burren $ational Park (Kenny’s Cross Trailhead) – Return: A dedicated shuttle into the heart

C

of the park—ideal for walkers heading out on the Burren’s marked trails.

HOW IT WORKS

The service is free, but you’ll need to book your ticket online.

There are seven different routes, each with its own timetable.

Not every route goes directly to the Cliffs of Moher Experience—some involve a change of bus.

Admission to the Cliffs of Moher Experience is free when you use the shuttle bus, however other attractions you choose to visit incur admission charges.

Don’t wait for the last shuttle of the day—if it’s full, you may need to make other arrangements.

You can view route details, download timetables, and book by scanning the QR code opposite.

PLAN YOUR DAY AND BOOK YOUR FREE SEAT Scan the QR code to view route details, download timetables, and book your free seat.

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

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St Flannan’s expansion could become national model for rapid builds

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PHASE ONE of a significant expansion of the historic St Flannan’s College campus in Ennis will be completed in time for the beginning of the next school semester in September enabling the temporary relocation of Knockanean National School.

The 2,500 sqm development comprises special educational needs (SEN) facilities and general educational spaces, including classrooms, science rooms, and a construction studies room. The expansion of Munster’s largest school is supported by the Department of Education and is regarded as a prototype rapid build project, which could be replicated elsewhere throughout Ireland.

In a unique cross-school partnership, the 297 students of Knockanean National School will be accommodated at the new St. Flannan’s development from September until their approved new national school is delivered.

Approval has already been granted for the new develop-

ment, which will consist of a two-storey building on the site of the existing primary school.

Fr. Iggy McCormack, Principal of St. Flannan’s College, said the completion of the new facilities will significantly enhance the secondary school’s capacity to support its growing student population, which increased to 1,280 for the current school year.

“Our enrolment numbers are expected to grow further in the coming years, which is why investment is needed in our infrastructure to support a modern, proactive, welcoming, and inclusive 21st-century educational environment.

Most importantly, the addition of new SEN classrooms comes at a critical time, ad-

dressing the severe shortage of such spaces in the greater Ennis area”.

Appointed in September 2024, contractor Lidan Designs and the award-winning design team at Healy Partners Architects were tasked with delivering a fully completed school within a 12-month period. Construction began in January 2025, with prefabricated elements arriving on site by April. The building will be delivered in phases from July, with full completion scheduled for December Pictured above is an artist’s impression of the new 2,500 sqm development at St. Flannan’s College in Ennis, County Clare.

Credit Healy Partners Architects.

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Councillors finding it difficult to look public in the eye following €8m Cliffs of Moher deal

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

COUNTY COUNCILLORS have said they are finding it difficult to look North Clare constituents in the eye following the Council’s €8m land acquisition adjacent to the Cliffs of Moher.

Last month, an external audit of Clare County Council revealed that the Council paid €8m in 2023 to purchase two sites in Liscannor adjacent to the Cliffs of Moher.

The total area of the two sites is understood to be close to 55 acres meaning the local authority paid almost €147,000 per acre for the land. The Council

also agreed to pay the vendors costs which exceeded €200,000.

At Monday’s meeting of the local authority, a joint question was submitted by 12 councillors regarding the deal, namely Cllr Shane Talty (FF), Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), Cllr Pat Burke (FG), Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF), Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), Cllr John Crowe (FG), Cllr Ian Lynch (IND), Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Cllr Rita McInerney (FF), Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) and Cllr Bill Slattery (FG).

They sought detail on the “the statutory basis, governance procedure and rationale underpinning” the deal along with the source of

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funding. A commitment on “future timely engagement” prior to strategic land and property purchases was requested.

Interim Chief Executive of the Council, Dr Carmel Kirby explained “Section 10 of the Local Government Act 1898 (as amended); Section 213 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and Section 1 and Section 184 of Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) sets out the powers of a County Council as to acquisition of land or easements”.

She stated, “The Council on an ongoing basis acquire parcels of land for various strategic projects including infrastructure improvements such as road realignment, road widening, flood relief, housing development amongst others”. Land has been purchased at a cost of €34m by the Council in the last decade, €23m of which was forked out in the last five years.

Acquiring adjacent lands to the Cliffs of Moher was noted in the draft Cliffs of

Moher Strategy 2040 “to future proof this national asset as a key part of the strategic infrastructure of the Cliffs of Moher,” she said.

Elected members had been briefed on the plans of this strategy, she reminded councillors. “The purchase of land can be commercially sensitive, and it would not be commercially prudent to declare our intention to purchase land/property in advance. That said land/property acquisition would in the main be supported by strategic plans and/or projects.”

Completed land deals only became aware to Cllr Garrihy when the external audit was published, he said, “It was extremely disappointing for me to hear of a completed land purchases by auditor for the first time last month and then to hear the dogs on the street knew about it”. He continued, “the Cliffs of Moher Strategy was a draft document, my understanding was it had to be approved by councillors, I am not saying the purchase of lands was the wrong thing to do”.

Elected members should

have been given the right to pass or reject the strategy, Cllr Garrihy maintained, “We need to revisit how we are engaging on the DACs, we’re told the Cliffs of Moher is under our governance”.

In Lisdoonvarna land was acquired “three miles down the road from where I live and I only found out about it six months ago, it is very hard to walk down the street doing all the work I do for the community and to not know about that but be told the dogs on the street know about it. It is hard to look people in the eye down the street that we can’t fund works for a footpath when €8m is spent here,” he said.

Public consultation did take place prior to the deals, Cllr Killeen reminded his colleagues. “We had a public meeting in September 2023, the public and some councillors attended, the briefing was given by Haley Sharpe, I asked about a section of land adjacent to visitor centre and beside the car park, I asked if it was in private ownership and I was told the Council were actively working to ac-

quire the lands”.He admitted, “I wasn’t aware of the purchase price” but that the land would be purchased.

Cooperation was a buzzword during the tenure of

previous Chief Executive, Pat Dowling, recalled Cllr Burke, “If I was Cllr Garrihy I’d be shocked and disappointed to think of Exec not trusting me, to hear back from other people ‘what are ye doing inside there’. A bit of trust is needed and it can be rewarded”.

Money spent for the deal “is eye-watering,” Cllr O’Callaghan commented. “We have to be conscious that these are massive investments for long-term public gain and that is that they cover themselves going forward,” he said. “Transparency has to become key, we have to be trusted”.

Making a decision on a draft document which did not have unanimous agreement is difficult to comprehend, Cllr Lynch felt. Councillors were engaged on the creation of Ennis 2040, the transfer of the Shannon Heritage sites and buying a land bank in Kilrush, he said, “I don’t see why weren’t fully engaged for this.”

A formal commitment on a protocol going forward for higher land value deals or significant land acquisitions is needed, Cllr McInerney felt.

The Council were not working in a vacuum, Kirby informed elected members.

“There was extensive engagement on the Cliffs of Moher Strategy which is still in draft stage, there was extensive engagement with councillors in 2022 and 2023”. The masterplan attached to the strategy “clearly outlines land had to be acquired,” she said.

Some transactions have a clause where the figure cannot be disclosed, Director of Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty added.

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State to end housing contract with Hydro Hotel

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

171 Ukrainians are to be relocated from The Hydro Hotel in Lisdoonvarna this July with a further 16 to leave two accommodation centres in Kilkee.

Residents are to be relocated from The Hydro Hotel as the State prepares to end its contract to house Ukrainian war refugees in North Clare. 171 residents of the hotel will be relocated from Friday July 4th and will not be replaced with new tenants.

Marcus White and Somjai Kaewmahawong are listed as directors of The Hydro Hotel Ltd in Lisdoonvarna which has received millions from the State for accommodating Ukrainians.

On July 2nd, ten Ukrainians will leave their residence at Kilkee Townhouse with a further six to depart Kilkee Marine Hotel on July 6th.

In a circular issued by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the next use of these properties is a decision for the provider. From May to November of last year, “about 12,000 beds were returned to tourism use”, the Department stated.

Up to 24,400 people are resident in approximately 680 State-supported Ukraine accommodation at present. Approximately 420 contracts ended in 2024, over 15,000 beds. About 2,400 people are likely

to be affected by a contract ending in 32 properties between now and early August.

Clare TD Cathal Crowe (FF) stated, “It has been confirmed to me that the State contract with the Hydro hotel in Lisdoonvarna will not be renewed. The contract will

expire in early July and the Department of Justice have confirmed they have no intention to further extend it.

“Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Hydro hotel has accommodated hundreds of Ukrainian families but now with

lCONTRACT END: Hydro House Lisdoonvarna

A U CT IO N

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FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION (UNLESS PREVIOUSLY SOLD) Wednesday 4th June 2025 at 3.00pm in The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare.

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Tulla 5km – Ennis 16km – Shannon Airport 24km – Limerick City 31km Cork 129km - Dublin 220km Solicitor: Micheal Glynn, Michael Glynn & Co. Solicitors, 98 O’Connell Street, Limerick Tel: 061418518.

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the prospects of a peace deal in sight, the European Union overall, and indeed the Irish State, have to take a more measured approach to contract renewals. Equally, the crisis of accommodating people seeking international protection, which the Government faced over

the past two years, has stabilised somewhat,” he said.

Deputy Crowe added, “I think it’s right that accommodation for Ukrainian war refugees and International Protection Applicants in Lisdoonvarna should be scaled back. It is a fact that Lisdoonvarna has played a role greater than any town in Ireland in terms of meeting the needs of these people. In the last four years, the population of Lisdoonvarna has increased fourfold and whilst at the beginning of the crisis there were many boots on the ground and stage agencies supporting the local community, unfortunately much of this help dwindled in the past two years and it is evident that the town is struggling”.

No other contracts to house Ukrainians should be renewed in Lisdoonvarna, Deputy Crowe said. “It's time for other towns in the country to play their role and I have, on many occasions, told my colleagues in Government that while the people of Lisdoonvarna can be proud of the welcome they showed these people they have done their fair share. I am urging the Government to not renew any other contracts in Lisdoonvarna at this time. It is vital that this North Clare town, so iconic on the West of Ireland tourist trail, has a chance to recover and return to tourism and hotel accommodation”.

11

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

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17 The Maples, Oakleigh Woods ENNIS

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42 An tSean Dun, Roslevan ENNIS

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41 Abbey Court, Limerick Road ENNIS

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Bealcragga, Connolly ENNIS

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31 Church Field DOONBEG

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33 Westwood, Golf Links Road ENNIS

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Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Ennis bridge renamed after world-champion boxer McTigue

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN ENNIS BRIDGE has been renamed in honour of a world-champion boxer from Kilnamona.

Mike McTigue was crowned a champion world boxer in 1923 and on Tuesday March 13th 2025 a bridge in Ennis was named in his memory.

Two years ago in March 2023, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) proposed that Victoria Bridge on the Cusack Rd in Ennis be renamed after the world-champion boxer, a motion which received unanimous support from his colleagues in the Ennis Municipal District.

Among those present at Tuesday’s unveiling of a new plaque at McTigue Bridge were his grand-nephews Nicholas Rynne and Kevin Rynne, relative Michael McTigue and former national senior boxing champion Ollie Markham. Elected members in attendance included Cllr Daly, Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) and Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF).

Efforts to have some form of recognition for McTigue began back in 2019.

McTigue’s grand-nephew Nicholas Rynne said he was “very proud” to see a bridge

named after Mike. “This is Cusack Rd, it is called after one of the greatest Clare men ever who passed here on his way to founding the GAA which is one of the greatest organisations in the world not just Ireland,” the Kilnamona man said. “Queens have their places but not on Cusack Rd, the name Victoria Bridge didn’t sit right with me. Another great Clare man came on this road on his way to conquer the world, my grand uncle Michael McTigue,” Nicholas added.

Importance of heritage and honouring people was stressed

by Nicholas, “there are many great people in Ennis, Laura Brennan, Michael Howard who would have been well entitled to have their name on the bridge, a lot of great Clare people should be honoured”.

Kevin Rynne who has lived on Cusack Rd across from McTigue Brdge “all his life” was another of the grand-nephews in attendance. “It was always something I wasn’t happy about crossing Victoria Bridge, it is great this has happened because it completes the whole road, we are now remembering two great Clare men who used the bridge and the road”. He added, “some people think only Ennis people should be named after things in Ennis but it is the county town”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Colleran Molloy said “he be-

came the first lrish man to win the World Light Heavyweight a world championship after Championship. lreland had gained its freedom Civil War was ongoing in Irefrom Britain. In a fight that land at the time of the St Pattook place on St. Patrick's Day rick’s Night fight in La Scala 1923 in the 'La Scala Theatre' in Opera House on Prince’s Street, Dublin he defeated the French Dublin. He defeated the then Senegalese fighter Battling Siki recently crowned champion Batin the last ever 20 round title tling Siki from Senegal on points fight. The fight which took place after a whopping twenty rounds. in war torn Dublin attracted the He defended his title against world's press who reported not future Hall of Famers Tommy only on the fight but also on the Loughran, Young Stribling and civil war.

Mickey Walker before losing “Mike's victory was celebrated the title by unanimous deciall over lreland and was remem- sion to the gold medalist wresbered with pride by all Irish men tler-turned-boxer Paul Berlenand women. Mike returned to bach in 1925. a hero's welcome in America To mark the centenary of where he continued to be a huge his world-title winning fight, a attraction for many years. Mike memorial was erected at Kilnapassed away in August 1966. mona Cross, the sculpture was His funeral was attended by designed by Michael M c some of the greats of the boxing Tigue. golden age including Jack Dempsey and Paul Berlendach,” she added.

McTigue emigrated to the United States of America in 1912, travelling as a passenger on the British steamer Baltic. For thirteen years, he fought in America and by 1923 he got a title fight for lMCTIGUE: Relations of McTigue Michael McTigue, Kevin Rynne and Nicholas Rynne

Prisoner escapes during smoke break

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A PRISONER ‘went up in a puff of smoke’ and absconded from Garda custody at Ennis Garda Station during a cigarette break, a court has heard.

At Ennis Circuit Court, State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey said that Daniel McCarthy requested a cigarette break while in custody at Ennis Garda Station on November 25 2024.

Ms Casey said that after finishing a cigarette outside Ennis Garda Station accompanied by a Garda, Daniel McCarthy (28) made a run for it and successfully scaled a closed gate.

Ms Casey said that a Garda gave chase but when attempting to scale the gate fell back and lost sight of the fleeing McCarthy.

Ms Casey said that all local Garda members were alerted and all areas of Ennis town patrolled but Mr McCarthy wasn’t located.

Mr McCarthy’s ‘disappearing act’ at Ennis Garda Station occurred on November 25 last and he remained at large until December 4 when he was spotted by a Garda in Limerick and arrested.

On why Mr McCarthy fled, Ms Godfrey said that Mr McCarthy became afraid as he didn’t want to deal with a looming sentencing for an affray offence.

In the District Court, Mr McCarthy of no fixed abode of Ennis, Co Clare received a six month prison term after pleading guilty to escaping lawful custody from Ennis Garda Station on November 25 2024 which was consecutive to a 32 month sentencing for affray.

At the Circuit Court Mr McCarthy was appealing against the severity of the six month jail term consecutive to the 32 month sentence and Judge Francis Comerford has reduced the consecutive six month prison term to three months consecutive on appeal.

Judge Comerford said that there was nothing wrong in principle with the District Court sentence but taking into account the long sentence Mr McCarthy received in the circuit court for the affray and his youth at the time, he would reduce the escape from lawful custody sentence from

13

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News

Graffiti is not street art!

GRAFFITI, while often debated as a form of artistic expression, is widely regarded in Ireland as both unsightly and illegal. It typically involves unauthorized markings, drawings, or writings on public or private property and is often done with spray paint or markers.

Despite its cultural significance in some circles, graffiti is largely seen as a form of vandalism when it is not sanctioned by property owners or local authorities.

Graffiti can be found throughout Ennis. It frequently appears on the walls of buildings, bus stops, street signs and junction boxes. . Many of these markings are tags—stylized signatures of graffiti artists—that have little artistic merit in the eyes of the general public. These tags and other forms of unsanctioned graffiti are often considered eyesores, detracting from the natural beauty and architectural heritage of Irish towns and cities.

Legally, graffiti is classified as criminal damage under Irish law.

The Criminal Damage Act 1991 makes it an offence to damage

property without the owner’s consent, and this includes defacing surfaces with paint or other substances. Offenders can face fines, community service, or even imprisonment depending on the severity of the offence and any prior criminal history. Local authorities and TidyTowns volunteers spend millions of euros each year cleaning up graffiti, which represents a significant drain on public resources.

Beyond the legal and financial aspects, graffiti can negatively impact communities. It can make areas feel neglected and unsafe, particularly when it appears in residential neighborhoods or near schools and parks. This perception of disorder can discourage investment and lower property values, further contributing to a cycle of urban decay.

Some types of graffiti, especially those containing offensive language or images can cause distress to residents and visitors alike.

Despite these concerns, there is a growing conversation about distinguishing between harmful graffiti and legitimate street art. In some

parts of Ireland, mural projects and designated graffiti walls have emerged as a compromise. These allow artists to express themselves legally while enhancing public spaces with thoughtful, often community-inspired art. For example, Waterford Walls is a street art festival that invites international art-

ists to create large-scale murals in a controlled and celebrated way, showing that when managed properly, urban art can have a positive cultural impact. In Ennis we have had initiatives like PRISM, Memory Lanes and Negative Spaces over the last few years reinventing lanes and locations throughout the town.

lGRAFFITI: Ennis Tidy Towns volunteers Antoinette Barry and Mary Howard with Eva Mena, a Spanish artist who created this stunning mural of Erykah Badu in

Nevertheless, unauthorized graffiti remains a problem. It often disrespects private property and undermines efforts to keep public spaces clean and welcoming. The Irish government, local councils and TidyTowns continue to prioritize graffiti removal and prevention strategies, including public awareness campaigns, increased surveillance, and rapid response clean-up teams.

In conclusion, while some may see graffiti as a form of modern art or youth expression, it is considered unsightly and illegal in Ireland when done without permission. It presents real challenges for communities, both financially and socially, and is generally viewed as a form of vandalism. Efforts to support legal street art while cracking down on unlawful graffiti reflect Ireland’s attempt to balance creativity with respect for law and order.

Ennis TidyTowns would love to work with and mentor any local young person with an interest in creating street art.

14

Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

East Clare

East Clare students receive Spancil Hill Fair association remembers Paddy Hassett All-Ireland Scholarship

by Michael O'Conner

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

TWO EAST Clare students have been awarded an All Ireland Scholarship which will cover the full duration of their undergraduate studies.

Katelyn Leamy (Tulla), and MollyJane Sweeney (Kilkishen) are both fomrer students of St.Jospehs Secondary School. The girls were honoured at the All Ireland Scholarships Awards Ceremony on April 25 in University Concert Hall, University of Limerick.

The All Ireland Scholarships, established by JP McManus in 2008, provide financial support to gifted students pursuing third-level

education.

The third level educational scholarship is awarded to 125 of the highest achieving students per year, with a minimum of two students from each county.

Aela Hunter from Shannon a past pupil of St.Caimin's Secondary Schoo was also a recipient of the award this year.

lSCHOLARSHIPS: Katelyn Leamy and Molly-

jane Sweeney

Paddy and his late beloved wife Eileen.

One of his lasting enduring legacies was a near forty-year involvement with the Spancil Hill fair and its organisation. When there was a need for a renewal of the 400-year-old plus event in the 1980’s there was no surprise that up stepped the vet from Moyriesk to lead the rebirth of the fair and increased its popularity to a new level over the past three decades. Paddy was the father figure in latter years whose bank of work, contacts and experience proved invaluable to new committee members.

As a consequence, the Spancil Hill fair committee have decided to honour the memory of their colleague and also in conjunction with the Hassett family raise funds for the superb work carried out by Milford Care Centre.

It was decided to hold a table Quiz on Friday 23rd March commencing at 9pm in the Grove Bar and Restaurant, Roslevan.

It is planned to be a celebration of the life of Paddy who gave so much to the community and everyone is welcome to attend and support the continued great work being carried out by Milford Care Centre.

news@clareecho.ie

IN JANUARY it was with heavy heart that all who knew Paddy Hassett MVB, MRCVS heard of his sad passing.

A servant of the community for decades in his day trade as a renowned veterinary surgeon known throughout the county and beyond for his lifetime of services to farmers, day and night.

Paddy was family man, a sportsman with honours at Fitzgibbon Cup level with UCD and part of the famous St Joseph’s title winning teams at minor and senior level in 1958 and 1959 but much more than that to everyone who knew him.

He loved poetry especially, Yeats, Kavanagh and Heaney. He adored hunting and the point to point circuit and was at happiest celebrating the end of a great hunt or a successful point to point in the depths of winter and early spring.

For over 40 years he never missed a hunt especially in Norrie Henchy’s, Tubber or Barefield. He ensured his family grew up engrossed in education and to be the best one can with the talents inherited from

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

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Regional News

15

West Clare

Divine inspiration needed to lower speed limit outside Ballycorick church

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DIVINE INSPIRATION will be needed to help reduce the speed limit outside Ballycorick Church.

Fr Brendan Coyne is hoping Cllr Dinny Gould (IND) will be able to answer his prayers to improve road safety in Ballynacally.

In the middle of February, a serious accident occurred outside Ballycorick Church which prompted Fr Coyne to call on Cllr Gould to try bring about improvements.

Tabling the matter before a sitting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Gould requested an assessment “at the request of Fr Brendan Coyne” regarding road safety conditions at Ballycorick Church. He said there was “speed concerns on approach to church from both sides with lack of public car parking”.

Senior executive engineer, Alan Kennelly advised, “Ballycorick Church is located just outside Ballynacally village on the R-473, a regionally important road. The speed limit at Ballycorick Church is 80 kmh-1. The speed limit was not altered by the recent speed limit review”.

He said, “The issue seems to be with speeding cars. The enforce-

THE GARDENS are doing so well with this beautiful weather.

The colour is just fantastic and its such a nice spell of weather.

The key thing is water and to do it in the early morning or late evening.

"How much?" I hear you say. It’s hard to explain so for me I use the shower head on my hose. I go over and back gently and slowly. With pots and plants growing in the ground its best to avoid the flower its self where possible. The care we give our plants and flower will reflect on how much flowers they show. With repeated deadhead ing and taking off any leaves that are damaged, plants will continue to bloom throughout the summer.

If you are filling pots, have you considered perennial ones that will continue to flower throughout the summer and come back each year.

Nepeta is a great one to continue following and adding campanula white or purple to the front will give you a lovely pot of colour. Lots of combos like that can be created and enjoyed over summer months.

Dahlia plants what can I say they are stunning the colours they are so vibrant as you can tell they are one of my long times favourites.

ment of speeding legislation is the responsibility of An Garda Síochána”. The senior engineer suggested.

“Fr. Coyne could make a speed limit appeal but the speed limit at this location was not reduced as part of the recent speed limit review, so an appeal may not succeed. Clare County Council does not have plans to reduce the speed limit at Ballycorick, nor is it scheduled for a low-cost safety scheme. I suppose the argument is that the road is not inherently unsafe, if drivers stick to the speed limit. Once again, ensuring that drivers adhere to the speed limit is not within the gift of Clare County Council”.

Kennelly added, “An Garda Síochána collate information on roads where speeding is an issue and allocate enforcement resources (“Go-Safe” vans, etc.) accordingly.

Go-Safe vans are possibly the most effective deterrent for speeding.

Perhaps the matter might be raised with An Garda Síochána at local level in the first instance”.

With no car park, the safety risk is greater outside the church, Cllr Gould felt. He referred to the accident on February 23rd and aid, “we were lucky that nobody was killed”.

He asked the Council to try erect signage of some sort to try reduce

They are hard work but so worth it. They flower well into autumn and once you keep deadheading, they keep flowering.

Call in to Blossoms on the Go Garden entre see the range in stock.

Rose is starting to flower now and we have a lovely range in stock so once you have to fed them and deadheading them, they can give you a lovely vibrant show of colour. The fragrant ones are popular but you can’t beat the lovely red trumpeter rose, it is stunning and definitely has the wow factor.

With so much going on in the garden its such a nice time lovely to be out and enjoying the evening and taking in the lovely scent and colours and sounds from nature too.

Have a fantastic week gardening.

speeding from Ennis to Ballynacally.

In response, the senior engineer commented, “The speed limit is 80km/h and that is not going to change or certainly is not scheduled to change. It is a little outside the village seems to be the thing, road design say it is a regional road”. Cllr Gould replied, “They have no car park, they double park and are just flying off the road”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) said similar issues are occurring in North Clare. “We want a review of the speed limit there to see if it is appropriate for the density of traffic in the area, what is the mechanism for doing that”. Kennelly repeated his suggestion that a speed limit appeal be made by the local community.

lDIVINE INSPIRATION: Balycorick Church

Support for a change was also voiced by Cllr Michael Shannon (FF), “A lot of the churches, their designation has changed, a lot of funerals held at night time”.

Caution was issued by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) on requesting Gardaí to do speed checks, “Gardaí will ticket the cars that are parked, every single car got a ticket in Kilrush a few weeks ago when they came out”.

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Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Ennis

Davy lived by the values of shared endeavours, belonging & enduring friendships

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ DAVID MURPHY through his coaching instilled the values of enduring friendship and belonging.

It was said that anyone who ever picked up a rugby ball in Ennis attended David’s funeral mass which took place on Friday morning. The service was led by Fr Michael Collins and Fr Ignatius McCormack who said David would soon be reunited with his mother Anna in heaven.

In a moving ceremony held at Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis, symbols were brought to the alter that told the story of David’s life up until his tragic passing due to complications from diabetes.

David was a stalwart of Ennis RFC as both a player and coach so it was no surprise a rugby ball was the first item brought before the coffin, symbolising his commitment to the club.

A family picture represented the bond that will never be broken, carried by David’s nephew Charlie. A teddy bear gifted to David’s niece Sadie followed,

which Fr Collins said “represented the unconditional love that surrounded David during his life”. The final item presented was a spirit level, symbolising the deceased’s work ethic and his ability to keep things on an even keel.

David’s sister-in-law Sheena gave a reading from the Book of Timothy 4: 5-8 in her native Māori. She said of the deceased, “He fought the battle hard, he fought the race and he finished.

Spare a thought for those that are left living as we celebrate his live.

He fought the good fight”.

Sheena then delivered a traditional song known as a Moteatea, a hymn of lament for young people lost. The hymn “Haere ra e hika” (Farewell oh child) was sung with great enthusiasm and received rapturous applause from all those in attendance.

Fr. Collins’ eulogy emphasised the greatest passions of David’s life, rugby and Ennis RFC. “A rugby ball, like life, can be unpredictable”, said Fr Collins. “Take a grubber kick that skips and bounces, we attempt to grab at it but if you attempt to grab at it or grasp it, invariably it ends up at a knock-on and you watch the

ball slip away from you. Then there’s the pressure of the opposition bearing down on you which tempts you to look over your shoulder to focus on what’s not important. Tempting you to take your mind off the ball, and onto yourself. In some ways the trick is to have enough peace of mind to wait for that ball to bounce up and meet you”.

He added, the “ball of life had bounced over the dead ball line” and that David would soon be happily reunited with his mother Anna, a woman “not even Saint Peter” would dare cross. Fr. Collins joked that David’s dearly departed mother would soon be giving him “an unmerciful clip round the ear for all the stuff she wasn’t around for”, when the pair reunited.

David’s lifetime of work in Ennis RFC was praised throughout the mass. In recent years, David had worked as a youth officer within the club. A talented and versatile scrum-half, outhalf and fullback, Davy was a stalwart with the club for decades, having tasted multiple successes with underage and adult sides and being awarded Munster Junior caps.

lPILLAR OF THE CLUB: David Murphy with his brother Bryan and his son Danny

Fr. Collins quoted from Paul O’Connell on his 2013 Lions Tour, summing up David’s attitude to life and rugby, “Let’s be the best at everything that requires no talent, chasing back, protecting teammates and promoting positivity”.

David’s brother Richard paid tribute to the friend he had lost, taking time to gather himself and addressing the young rugby players in attendance. “I see so many young people here today that Davy coached; that’s a testament to his uncompromising coaching style. It was all done with a view to challenge the kids to believe in themselves. Davy took great pride in that, pride in watching ye grow and thrive. One of the lads said to me last night in Patrick’s ‘I get it now, this is about more than just playing ball, this is about community, this is about shared endeavours, it’s about belonging, enduring friendships, something more than yourself. Davy lived by those values, and you, one and all, have reflected those values back”.

In a statement, Ennis RFC paid tribute to Davy, describing him as “a beloved youths officer” who coached the U18.5 boys team.

“Davy, along with his parents Dickie and Anna, brothers Richard, Colin, and Bryan, and son Danny, have been pillars of our club for many years, contributing to every aspect of our community.

“Davy’s dedication to our club began at a young age, playing in all age grades with us and UL Bohs. After hanging up his boots, he continued to give back to the club, coaching and mentoring our youth players as a coach and Youth Officer. His loss will be deeply felt throughout our club for a long time to come. We stand in solidarity with his family and all past and present players who had the privilege of playing with or being coached by Davy”.

Predeceased by his mother Anna. Sadly missed by his much loved and cherished son Danny and his mother Hilda, father Dicky, brothers Richard, Colin and Bryan, sisters in law Niamh and Sheena, nephews Morgan and Charlie, niece Sadie, uncles, aunts, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

Plans lodged for dialysis unit in Ennis

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

LONG-AWAITED plans for a dialysis unit in Clare have been lodged.

A proposal for the medical facility on a 0.44 hectare site in the Clare Technology Park on the Gort Rd has been lodged with Clare County Council.

German multinational Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA made the application to the local authority. The company operates and manufactures dialysis products in hospitals while also overseeing inpatient and outpatient care at its facilities. It is the world’s leading provider of products and services for renal diseases The facility is designed to accommodate up to twenty patients from the Ennis area for three weekly sessions, each lasting four hours at a time. A planning statement submitted by Fresenius states that, “The site is currently vacant having been subject to enabling / site development works as part of the Clare Technology Park creation, and will deliver considerable economic and other benefits when completed”.

The facility is planned as a single storey building to be constructed on a vacant site measuring 0.44 hectares. Construction would also involve the addition of a new vehicular and pedestrian access point with parking and hard landscaping required at the site.

The planning application also includes a letter written by Dr. Liam Casserly the Lead Clinical Nephrologist at UHL. Dr. Casserly stated that the issue was of “great importance” and that a dialysis facility in Ennis would “reduce the transport time immensely for many of the patients who travel from West Clare to Limerick thrice weekly”.

Dr Casserly stressed the importance of the facility to the people of Clare, writing that “unfortunately for many, they may not see the opening of the unit and avail of the shorter time they have to spend travelling to and from dialysis. However the hope is that the future will bring light to many of the patients in County Clare and even North County Limerick which would reduce the burden of their disease significantly”.

The new unit could serve as a massive boost for the county as a dialysis unit is one of the most hotly contested issues amongst local councillors. In March, Cllr. Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) raised the issue at a sitting of Ennis Municipal District.

The Clarecastle based councillor stated that 190 people “need this critically vital service, some of whom have to travel two and a half to three hours multiple times a week to access this vital service”.

Currently, people in the county must travel to hospitals in either Galway or Limerick to assist with their dialysis needs. Demand for these services is continually on the rise in Ireland due to the aging population.

Clare County Council is due to make a decision on the development by the 24th of June 2025.

The HSE stated earlier this year that a satellite haemodialysis unit would be up and running in Ennis by June 2026. A start date of 2025 was envisaged as per correspondence last summer from UL Hospitals Group after a renal care provider was identified in May 2024.

17

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

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Regional News

North Clare

Plans for new two-storey school in Ennistymon

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

PLANS for a new two-storey school in Ennistymon have been lodged with Clare County Council.

Dublin architects Quilligan-Scally acting on the behalf of Limerick and Clare ETB made the application this month.

The new school building will serve as a home for Mol an Óige CNS if granted.

The planning department has received an application for the “construction of a new two-storey school building (1863.6 m2) incorporating eight classrooms, general purpose room, library, offices, resource and learning rooms and associated ancillary accommodation; and a single classroom Special Education Needs Unit with associated facilities”.

The proposed site, located northwest of Ennistymon is proposed to include “pedestrian and vehicular transport layout including internal roads and turning areas, pedestrian paths, parking for nineteen cars, bus and car drop off areas and right of way access points to neighbour-

ing properties”.

An ecological assessment found that there would be little to no impact on species such as bats and the redwing. The report found that “the proposed development will result in the permanent transformation of grassland to built land. The site had no roosting potential for these species and the proposal is unlikely to impact on the feeding habitat of the species”.

The current school is located west of Ennistymon town centre, 350m away from the proposed relocation site. The school currently caters for 114 pupils and 16 staff members. The new school will boost capacity to 250 students and 25 staff members if granted.

Students at the school are educated through the ‘Steiner approach” which the school says, “emphasises experiential, creative and active learning with a view to fostering resilience, independence and lifelong learning skills”. The school is multi denominational and welcomes students from all backgrounds. Mol an Óige does not feature any form of formal reli-

gious education.

Despite the potential increase in students and staff, the new primary school is not expected to have an adverse impact on traffic in the North Clare town. A traffic report published with the application found that “the existing N67 / L1050 priority junction will operate within capacity with no queues and minimal delays when the school is operational in 2027, year of opening, 2032, five years after completion and in 2042, fifteen years after completion”.

The school has experienced a steady increase in enrolment in recent years, leading to the need for a new purpose-built facility at double the current capacity.

If planning permission is granted, the new primary school is slated to open in 2027. The planning department is due to make a decision on the development by the June 26.

Lismorahaun singers present summer concert in Lisdoonvarna

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

MUSIC lovers across Clare and Galway are in for a treat this June as the renowned Lismorahaun Singers bring their vibrant summer concert to the Pavilion Hall in Lisdoonvarna on Saturday, June 8th.

This North Clare-based choir, originally founded

by Archie Simpson in 1999, has grown into one of the region’s most beloved musical ensembles. Now under the dynamic direction of acclaimed tenor Peter O’Donohue, the Lismorahaun Singers draw passionate voices from both Clare and Galway, creating rich harmonies and compelling performances that continue to captivate audiences.

The summer concert promises to be a lively and uplifting evening, featuring special guests the 'Galway Baytones',an energetic all-male a cappella group known for their engaging performances, and talented guest soloist 'César Benzoni'.

Whether you're a long-time supporter of choral music or simply looking for a memorable night out filled with beautiful singing and community spirit, this concert is not to be missed.

Tickets are now available on Eventbrite. Simply search “Lismorahaun Singers Summer Concert" to book your seat.

The Lismorahaun Singers rehearse weekly in Ballyvaughan and continue to welcome new members and supporters. For further information or media inquiries, the choir is happy to speak directly with local press.

Urgent call for blood donations in Clare THE IRISH Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is appealing to the people of Clare to help rebuild the national blood supply following the May Bank Holiday weekend.

One blood type has now fallen to just 2.0 days of available stock — at a time when demand from hospitals remains consistently high.

To help replenish supplies, the IBTS is asking donors — both new and returning — to attend upcoming blood donation clinics in Clare: lFalls Hotel, Ennistymon Monday 20th & Tuesday 21st May 4:50pm – 8:10pm lScariff GAA Hall Wednesday 22nd May 4:50pm – 8:10pm

lNEW SCHOOL: Ennistymon Steiner School

“Every donation makes a difference,” said an IBTS spokesperson. “Currently, 65% of all blood donated supports cancer patients, and 5% is used for childbirth-related care. By giving blood, you are directly helping patients in hospitals across Ireland.”

For more information or to book your spot, contact 1800 222 111 or visit www.giveblood.ie.

18

Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Shannon

Shannon has first conservation grazing project on airport owned land

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PHASE one of the Shannon Airport Group’s farmland biodiversity enhancement project has been completed ahead of National Biodiversity Week.

This marks the first use of grazing cattle on airport owned land in Ireland. Located at Thady’s Hill, the 10-acre site near Shannon Airport is one of the most ecologically significant areas across the Shannon Airport Group lands. It hosts a habitat of national and international importance, including rare and endangered species of native grasses and flowers such as Bee and Pyramidal Orchids.

After scrub clearance in early 2024 by a team from Shannon Air-

port, traditional Droimeann cattle, recently recognised as a native rare breed in Ireland, were introduced for conservation grazing during the non-growing season. These cattle are ideal for the sensitive habitat due to their ability to thrive on rough pasture and their minimal impact on soil compaction.

Led by The Shannon Airport Group Biodiversity Team and supported by local farmer John Quinlivan and botanist Phoebe O’Brien, this project is already making strides in restoring and protecting the rare habitat of Thady’s Hill and its unique plant species.

The next phase of the project involves collaboration with Meg Brennan of Polliknow, a new company which has developed devices

using advanced sensors and computer vision to monitor wild insect pollinators, key indicators of ecosystem health.

Sinead Murphy, Head of Sustainability at The Shannon Airport Group explained, “This project not only demonstrates our commitment to protect and enhance biodiversity through the restoration and management of an ecologically important site, but also highlights the power of collaboration.

We are grateful to all stakeholders, including John Quinlivan and Phoebe O’Brien, for their expertise and dedication, as well as to our Sustainability Specialist Arek Gdulinski and all the wider Shannon Airport Group teams involved. We look forward to the next phase of

this important project”.

This initiative is part of the Group’s wider 2023-2027 Biodiversity Action Plan and was developed with the support of Flynn Furney

Environmental Consultants.

National Biodiversity Week 2025 runs from Friday 16th to Sunday 25th May.

Australian father to run Green light for 4,000km across outback Bristow to build for youth mental health unit in Shannon WHILE most people mark their 50th birthday with a celebration, Australian father Jason Williamson is doing something far more extreme – running 4,000km across one of the world’s toughest landscapes to raise awareness and funds for youth mental health.

The Aussie father, aviation entrepreneur and ultra-endurance athlete will run run from Perth to his hometown of Port Macquarie, averaging two marathons per day for 50 days.

His goal? To raise funds for Australian and Irish charities Gotcha4Life and A Lust for Life – both committed to giving young people the mental fitness tools they need to thrive.

‘As a father of three, I know how important it is that kids grow up with the emotional support they need to navigate this complex world,’ Williamson said.

‘Mental health is as real for all of us as a sore knee or a broken arm. I want to help break the silence and raise funds for programs that make a difference.’

What began as a personal challenge to mark a milestone birth-

day quickly became something bigger – an opportunity to spark conversation and create impact on both sides of the world.

‘This is about proving what’s possible – not just physically, but mentally,’ he said. ‘If you always choose comfort, you miss out on what you’re truly capable of.’

Battling extreme heat, remote terrain and gruelling distances, his journey will take him across the Nullarbor Plain through Norseman, Port Augusta, Broken Hill, Dubbo and Tamworth.

Supported by a small crew in campervans, he’ll document the run daily on Instagram, YouTube and live broadcasts – sharing the highs and lows in real time.

In June 2023, Jason set the fastest known time for running the length of Ireland –1,038km in 14 days, 9 hours and 26 minutes.

But the Australian desert will be his biggest challenge yet. ‘It does scare me, to be honest,’ he said. ‘But if it wasn’t scary, I wouldn’t be doing it.’

Now based in County Cork, Ireland, Jason spent much of his 20s and 30s focused on career, family and running his global

aviation company, Six West Aviation.

But over time, the demands of work took a toll.

‘I was unfit and not taking care of myself and I just thought, this isn’t where I want to be,’ he said.

Determined to reclaim his health, Jason started with short treadmill runs and gradually worked up to ultra-marathons.

For the past four years, he’s trained under an ultra-marathon coach to push beyond what he thought possible.

Running has improved his physical endurance and transformed his mental toughness — teaching him to push through pain, exhaustion and self-doubt.

‘On these long runs, you feel everything – highs, lows, moments you want to quit,’ he said.

‘But you keep moving. That’s how resilience is built – and that’s the message I want to share with young people.’

Jason follows in the footsteps of a select few who have completed this intense cross-country route, with the current Perth to Sydney record set at 39 days by Chris Turnbull in 2023.

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

BRISTOW Ireland have been granted planning permission for an accommodation building at Shannon Airport.

The helicopter provider, a subsidiary of Bristow Group primarily focuses on search and rescue (SAR) operations and was awarded a government contract in 2023 to deliver services for the Irish Coast Guard for a period of ten years.

In March, Bristow applied to Clare County Council for “the demolition/ removal of existing accommodation structure (c. 60 sqm), and construction of a one-storey structure located between the existing Search and Rescue (SAR) Hangars 3 and 4”.

The new development will be comprised of “SAR on shift accommodation with ancillary facilities including bedrooms, kitchen, operations room, changing rooms, and storerooms”.

Bristow Ireland currently operates six specialised AW189 helicopters from their bases in Shannon, Waterford, Sligo and Dublin Weston Airport. The firm provides two King Air fixed-wing helicopters from its base in Shannon which are frequently used in SAR operations. The helicopters are also used for

environmental monitoring and provide support for long-range medical evacuations.

The Irish Aviation Authority stated that they had no objection to the development. TOT architects, who designed the building, stated in the planning application that “it is critical that the development be completed in a timely fashion. Consequently, it is essential that planning permission be obtained at the earliest possible opportunity”.

The structure will be positioned between hangers 3 and 4. The urgency of construction is designed to have as little impact on SAR services as possible and ensure seamless access for crew members.

The application has received no objections and was approved by the IAA and Road Design Office. Clare County Council granted permission for the development under the conditions that it adhere to environmental safety and aviation safety guidelines.

Demolition of the old structure and construction of the new accommodation can now begin with the local authority’s approval. The new facility will strengthen the emergency response infrastructure within the county and ensure SAR teams can continue to operate at full capacity.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

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Regional News

19

Kinvara to host over 140 artists for Plein Air painting festival this June Bank Holiday

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

Kinvara’s June Bank Holiday weekend is set to burst into colour as the village welcomes over 140 artists for its annual Plein Air painting festival — an inclusive, open-air celebration of creativity that's drawing in participants from across Ireland, the UK, and even the United States.

The idea, say organisers, was sparked by the local artistic community’s desire to break down barriers and make painting accessible to everyone.

“Art can sometimes feel exclusive,” Tríona Byrne said, “but this is about creating

something that’s open, welcoming and fun. You don’t have to be fantastic, you just have to be willing to try.”

Led by artist Josephine Boland and a small team of volunteers, the Kinvara Plein Air event has grown steadily since it began. Last year saw 120 artists take part, and with 140 already signed up this year, it's quickly becoming one of the standout events in Ireland’s plein air calendar. Plein air, a French term meaning “in the open air,” refers to the practice of painting outdoors directly from the landscape, capturing light and life as it unfolds.

Artists working in oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastels,

lPLIEN AIR: Artist Janet Bulle running a workshop durin the 2024 festival in Kinvara

and even sketching mediums are all welcome, with workshops led by top-tier tutors like UK artist Jenny Aitken, who was so inspired by her first visit that she immediately signed up to return. Other tutors include Sebastian Thoman, Tony Robinson, Mavis Gormley, and Róisín Curé, the latter a renowned urban sketcher whose work has even brought participants across the Atlantic.

For €30, attendees can register for the weekend’s "paint outs", informal outdoor painting sessions hosted at over 80 scenic locations from Clarinbridge to Coole Park. Additional full-day workshops, guided by experienced artists, are available

for only €60.

Organisers offer a range of workshops suitable for all levels, and make sure there are indoor alternatives available in case of rain. Jospehine said; “we want everyone to feel supported. It’s not about showing off your skills, it’s about learning and growing.”

The festival concludes with a “Wet Paint” exhibition, where artists are invited to hang their freshly completed work, sometimes still drying, for public viewing and sale.

Last year, over half the works were sold, and a portion of proceeds went to Kinvara Alive, a local mental health charity.

Africa Day celebrations Café Lates returns planned for Tuam

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AFRICA DAY will be celebrated in Tuam on Saturday (May 17th) as part of an annual worldwide celebration of the people, cultures, and potential of the African continent.

Palace Grounds in Tuam will host the festivities which feature contemporary African Irish culture, live music and dance, family entertainment, as well as demonstrations and tastings of African cuisine.

This year, all 31 Local Authorities across Ireland will join in by hosting a variety of cultural, artistic, and family-friendly events.

Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD (FG) said, “I am honoured to help launch this fantastic event that celebrates the rich cultures of the African continent. Ireland has growing trade, political and cultural links across the continent of Africa. There is also a large Irish African community, who are making significant contributions to our society and economy in towns and villages throughout Ireland”.

“This day is an opportunity to promote those links and learn more about African cultures. I am delighted that local authorities across Ireland will be taking part in Africa Day 2025 and look forward to vibrant celebrations nationwide,” the Junior Minister added.

Cllr Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, commented, “County Galway is proud to join

in the worldwide celebration of Africa Day 2025, a vibrant occasion that honours the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of the African continent and our African Irish communities. This year’s event in Tuam promises a wonderful day of music, food, and family-friendly festivities that reflect the diversity and unity at the heart of our county. I warmly invite everyone to join us at the Palace Grounds as we celebrate friendship, culture, and shared futures”.

Jennie Swannock, Integration Support Coordinator for Galway County Council, stated, “Africa Day 2025 in County Galway is being organised by the Galway County Integration Team, which collaborates with both local and national organisations to identify and overcome barriers to integration. This annual event holds a special place on our calendar as it offers a valuable opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural diversity within our communities and to foster greater understanding, inclusion, and connection among all who live here.

By highlighting African heritage through music, food, art, and shared experiences, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting integration and building a county where every culture is valued, and every voice is heard”.

Africa Day is an international day that commemorates the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963. For more on Africa Day 2025 in the Palace Grounds in Tuam on Saturday 17 May, contact the Galway County Integration Team at integration@galwaycoco.ie or text 087 2971105.

for second year

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

GALWAY City's innovative "Café Lates" pilot initiative returns for a second year.

Building on the success of its initial phase in boosting the city’s vibrant night-time economy, the initiative was launched in response to public demand for a thriving café culture after 6pm. Café Lates supports local businesses in trailing extended opening hours and offering diverse, alcohol-free evening experiences.

Jungle Cafe, Plámás, Wylde Cafe, Fairhill Café, Blackrock Cottage Café, and Ré Coffee + Design have been announced as participating businesses for 2025. Dangan House Cafe is also participating in Café Lates with two special evenings already held during the Bealtaine Age and Opportunity Festival.

From May to June, and again from September to November, these establishments will host a variety of engaging events designed to enrich Galway's evening and night-time offerings.

This year's programme promises a diverse range of experiences. Live DJ sets will create lively atmospheres at Jungle Café, Plámás, and Wylde Café.

For those seeking a more intimate setting, Fairhill Café will host evenings of spoken word

and live acoustic set.

Stimulating revenue, driving football, the building of a dynamic evening café scene and the trialling of extended opening hours are the core aims of Café Lates.

Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Peter Keane (FF), commented, “This initiative has already demonstrated its value in diversifying Galway's night-time economy and providing appealing, alcohol-free options for residents and visitors alike. The exciting programme of events planned by the participating cafés showcases the creativity and vibrancy of our local businesses. I encourage everyone

to come out, support, and experience what Café Lates has to offer”.

Sinead Curran, Manager and Owner Fairhill + Ré coffee and design, said, "As first-time participants in the Café Lates initiative, we're thrilled to be part of this movement to enhance Galway's evenings. At Fairhill Cafe, we're looking forward to hosting lively spoken word and music nights, we see this as a fantastic chance to connect with the community in new ways and contribute to Galway's evolving night-time scene. We're also developing something special for the later part of the year at Ré Coffee + Design.

lCAFE LATES: Pictured at the launch (L-R): Mayor Peter Keane, Sinead Curran (proprietor, Fairhill Cafe), and Tracy Bruen

20

Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Healthy Clare

Clare people encouraged to ask ‘Hello, How Are You?’ CLARE people are being encouraged to say ‘Hello, How Are You?’ to family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and strangers this week.

A Mental Health Ireland campaign called ‘Hello, How Are You?’ is being rolled out nationwide this week with a number of events taking place in Clare; including an information session at the Inn At Dromoland today at 8am, and a 30-minute talk at Kilrush Library at 11:30am in conjunction with West Clare Mental Health Association.

Clare native Cillian Keane is the Development Officer with Mental Health Ireland for the Midwest, covering Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary.

With a background in mental health, fitness & wellbeing, Cillian has been in the role since January and is passionate about spreading the word of supporting mental health in Clare. He told The Clare Echo, “The mission of Mental Health Ireland is to educate, empower and connect communities and create a culture where everyone is treated with respect and supported especially when our mental health is challenged.

“So, it’s a really important part that we connect in with different communities and

organisations to promote mental health and wellbeing in various avenues as well.”

Mental Health Ireland are the longest running national mental health charity in Ireland, running since 1966. Their aim is to promote and enhance mental health, wellbeing and recovery for individuals and communities, which is done through collaboration with local volunteer-led charities and local clubs.

“For example the ‘Hello, How Are You’ campaign, if clubs or groups want support and guidelines around creating an event around that, we’re here to assist them with that,” explains Cillian.

‘Hello, How Are You’ is a simple yet effective mental health promotion campaign developed by Mental Health Ireland, that encourages people to say ‘Hello’ and ask ‘How, Are You?’ The concept of the ‘Hello, How are you?’ Campaign is to ask with meaning, and to really listen to the person’s response.

The campaign breaks down the steps: H.E.L.L.O.(H:Hello E:Engage L:Listen L:Learn and O:Options) which supports people to reach out, say hello and ask how are you?

Responding to the recent survey conduct-

ed by Healthy Ireland, which shows 81% of recipients showed lower levels of social connectedness in recent times, Mental Health Ireland has developed this campaign to start conversations, encouraging greater social connection.

It is also proven that people are six times more likely to reach out to someone who might be experiencing a personal difficulty, compared to those who have not engaged in a similar campaign.

On May 15 2025, Mental Health Ireland is inviting the country to say ‘Hello’, and ask ‘How, Are You?’, and to really listen to the answer.

“It’s to help people really have the confidence to have open and meaningful conversations around mental health.

“There are many benefits to the campaign.

It’s normalising and increasing the confidence around starting a conversation around mental health, so it’s just being an active ear to a person.”

Cillian continues, “Everybody can take part. Organisations or workplaces can have a coffee morning, just to have a conversation around mental health and reduce that loneliness and increase the social connection. Sometimes you might be working with someone, having a ‘Hello, How are you?’ coffee morning might just create an opening for people to engage with each other who might not have talked before and light conversation, just have a nice conversation.”

‘Mental Health Ireland run a variety of programmes and events in County Clare.

Recently Healthy Clare funded and designed the Clare GAA wellbeing signs ensuring that the Mental Health Ireland '5 Ways to Wellbeing' was displayed on them. These wellbeing signs are displayed at GAA clubs so people can be signposted to various health and wellbeing supports and resources.

Visit https://hellohowareyou.info/ to see a map of events that are on nationally. If you are interested in setting up a workshop with

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

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Healthy Clare

21

Clare GAA Health & wellbeing committee signposting services to tackle drugs & gambling

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SIGNAGE is to be erected at the grounds of GAA clubs across Co Clare advising of the services available to help tackle drug and gambling use while also promoting wellbeing.

Clare GAA’s Health and Wellbeing Committee has teamed up with Healthy Clare to roll out the signage countywide with the installation to be completed across the summer months. The display signs will include contact details and services to help point the public in the right direction of where they can go to seek help for different issues.

John Conroy has been joint chairperson of the Clare GAA Health and Wellbeing Committee since its creation three years ago. He is joined on the committee by joint chairperson Mark O’Sullivan (Wolfe Tones), Cathy Hogan (Wolfe Tones), Sergeant Dom Regan (Éire Óg), Gráinne Travers (St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield) and Joe O’Donnell (Cratloe), all of whom are volunteers in this capacity.

Of their work to date, John explained, “We’ve looked at a couple of different initiatives, the first one we’ve been looking at for the last three years is the area of tackling drug intimidation and drug abuse in areas around the county, initial-

ly when we started out we held the meetings in regional areas in Kilrush, Lisdoonvarna, Scariff and Sixmilebridge, we invited the clubs to come in, we worked in tandem with Samaritans, Gardaí and Bushy Park. The Gardaí spoke about the drug intimidation programmes they have, that was led by Sergeant Dom Regan.

“A lot of families may not realise their son or daughter is using drugs, they end up getting into a debt, the family doesn’t realise it and these gangs call to the door for money, they demand X amount and the families know nothing, they could hand over €5,000 or €10,000. The Gardaí have a programme where they provide back-up support and help to the family in that case. Bushy Park led by Margaret Nash provide help to people who need counselling, support and they spoke at the meetings about the symptoms, signs and how they can offer help, they have a twenty eight day residential programme, they offer help through that.

Samaritans are volunteering, they are involved in the mental health and they provided a frightening figure, they received 500,000 calls last year alone which is a call per minute. Samaritans are really good at and a lot of clubs don’t know about this which is the huddle talk, before or after training they will arrive, they’ll gath-

er players in a huddle at the side of the field and speak for five minutes around the area of mental health, we’ve had a really successful programme with those three groups”.

With the GAA holding a central role in communities, it is considered a strong network to help tackle the unprecedented level of drug use in the county. “Ireland has the fourth highest use of cocaine in the world, the figure is startling and frightening, the GAA has a great connection in all communities, we thought we’d use the GAA as a means to provide support and services to members in the community, we invited all community people to attend the meetings.

Initially when we started out people were very slow to get involved, numbers were small but as time went on and year on year numbers attending have been increasing”.

New to their efforts this year is the addition of the Healthy Clare signage. “We worked in tandem with Healthy Clare and Samantha McCarthy, we launched a Healthy Clare sign that each club in the county will get. On the sign is a list of all the charities and services available in your locality like Samaritans, Bushy Park and a whole lot of services,” John said.

A native of New Quay, John told The Clare Echo, “We’re basically a sign-posting service for these or-

lTACKLE DRUGS & GAMBLING: Clare GAA Health & welbeing committee

ganisations, once we link in with the clubs we can tell them we’re here to provide help and there has been very good feedback from the clubs on the nights we went out on people accessing the services that we had on the evening”.

There has been demand from clubs for the wellbeing committee to speak with them. “Some clubs are very honest, they will admit they have a problem, other clubs may not realise the extent of what is there. It is in every club and every community, the more people open up and admit it is there then the clubs will get help a lot better and they will

help their members and players a lot more, there is no point in hiding this”.

He added, “Unfortunately there’s been four or five tragic deaths in communities throughout the county, we’ve been called on to roll out a critical response plan which is in the event of someone dying tragically in the community that steps are in place with how to deal with the death of a player or member”.

This autumn, they will hold a promotion evening to further amplify their message and attempts to help clubs. John praised the support of Clare GAA officials, Kieran Keating, Deirdre Murphy and Paddy Smyth.

22 8

Thursday, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday,May May15, 15,2025

Green Clare

Clare’s wildlife steps into the spotlight for National Biodiversity Week 2025 A SERIES of biodiversity events will take place across County Clare as part of National Biodiversity Week, which runs from Friday, May 16 to Sunday, May 25, 2025.

Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Office, in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Heritage Council, BirdWatch Ireland, Irish Seed Savers, Clare Libraries, National Biodiversity Data Centre, Inis Artists, and local experts, has organised a number of events which will include biodiversity talks and field outings to mark the occasion.

This year’s varied programme includes a talk on identifying the sounds and calls of some of the county’s bird life, workshops on native orchards and plant identification, and a field outing to learn about bats. There will also be events aimed at younger groups.

Barry O’Loughlin, Biodiversity Officer, Clare County Council, said, “National Biodiversity Week is a great way for the public to learn about habitats and species in their local area from experts in their field, the measures that can be taken to enhance biodiversity in their local area, and at the same time participate in citizen science biodiversity recording initiatives. The events are free to attend and will appeal to all age groups. People are advised to book their place in advance”.

The programme of events taking place in County Clare for National Biodiversity Week 2025 include the following: On Friday, May 16, Karen Healy of Bat Conservation Ireland will give an outdoor talk and walk ‘Ennis Bat Safari’ at Ballybeg Woods, Ennis at 9pm to learn about the Lesser Horseshoe Bat and bat species of Clare using handheld bat detectors. People are advised to bring warm clothing. This event is registration only – visit https://biodiversityweek.ie/ to book your place.

Irish Seed Savers, in conjunction with the Council’s Biodiversity Office, will host two

workshops on the creation and management of traditional native orchards, the first on Saturday, May 17, in Quin and the second on Tuesday, May 20, in Doonbeg. The event is part of the local biodiversity action funded project, ‘Return to Nature Clare Church Biodiversity Project’ led by Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer. These events are registration only – visit https://biodiversityweek. ie/ to book your place.

On Monday, May 19, Tara Adcock, Birdwatch Ireland’s Urban Birds Project Officer will give an online talk on the ecology of swifts and suitable nest box installation on churches and other buildings. The swift population has undergone declines in recent years. On Wednesday, May 21, John Lusby, BirdWatch Ireland Raptor Officer, will give an online talk on barn owls and the identification of suitable habitat site selection for the installation of barn owl nest boxes. Visit https://biodiversityweek.ie/ for further details.

Botanist Phoebe O’Brien will deliver an in-person workshop on wildflower identification on Saturday, May 24 in Inagh. The half day course will cover the identification of plants and grasses on church lawns, creating a herbarium of plants and how to use Flower Insect timed (FIT) counts. This event is registration only – visit https://biodiversityweek. ie/ to book your place. Also on Saturday, May 24, the National Biodiversity Data Centre will lead a field outing on the identification of damselflies and dragonflies at Corofin. This event is registration only and places are limited, visit https://biodiversityweek.ie/.

On Sunday, May 25, Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer, Barry O’Loughlin, will lead an outdoor event at Shanakyle Bog near Parteen which will cover changes since rewetting of the bog in 2021 and other biodiversity enhancement actions undertaken.

This event is registration only and places are

limited, visit https://biodiversityweek.ie/.

From Friday, May 16 to Monday, May 26, Inis Artists will display their artwork at De Valera Library Ennis where the main theme of the exhibit is the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. This is available for all age groups to attend and to learn about the life cycle of this rare species.

Clare libraries will host events at Edna O’Brien Library, Scarriff, aimed at younger groups, including a talk on swifts on Tuesday, May 20 at 6.30 pm and a screening of Puffin Rock and puffin craft activity on Thursday, May 22, at 3.30pm while De Valera Library Ennis will host a Biodiversity Mini-Bug Storytime and Craft Session on May 22 at

3.30pm.

A range of other events have been organised by various groups throughout the county and are available to view at https:// biodiversityweek.ie/. National Biodiversity Week is organised by the Irish Environmental Network (IEN), with support from NPWS and the Heritage Council’s Biodiversity Officer Network. Events are run by IEN member groups, as well as by Biodiversity Officers, Heritage Officers and other local groups.

For further information on National Biodiversity Week and to register your place, please visit: https://biodiversityweek.ie/ or contact biodiversity@clarecoco.ie

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This it from spreadi should stop ng any further to nearby buildin or waterco gs urses.

Notify your home insuran provider ce and as possibl report as soon e as arrange for they will to respond contractors to the spill.

hom

e heating rs have stored safely a legal respo oil tank ! nsibility and secur to ensur ely witho e that oil ut posin is g a risk to: WATER

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Seek expert siting and advice in the installation your oil tank of and the bringing the oil to line oil has entered yourIfhouse

Refill oil tank accumulating before it runs dry to avoid of grit that can damage pipework .

Service oil boilers every 12 months!

ing oil?

Homeo wners responsibility have a legal to ensure is stored that oil safely and without securely posing a environ ment and risk to water, human health.

Identify where Consider investing leak is in a bunded coming or installin tank and/ from. g a leak detectio n alarm

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lare

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

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Green Clare

23

Loop Head leads the way in agricultural sustainability with €1.75m soil project funding

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

LOOP Head Peninsula is set to lead a major new soil carbon enhancement project, thanks to a €1.75 million funding boost from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The funding is part of a wider €17.8 million investment across 11 projects under the European Innovation Partnership (EIP), linked to the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan.

This project will be led by local community development group Loop Head Together CLG, in collaboration with TUS (Technological University of the Shannon), agricultural consultants, and several national partners. The aim is to explore soil carbon enhancement, reduce chemical fertiliser use, improve nutrient management, and support circular bioeconomy solutions through practical work with

local farmers.

Chairperson of Loop Head Together, Margaret Cotter, welcomed the announcement: “Our goal is to support the farming community in tackling the real challenges of climate change. Agriculture and tourism are the cornerstones of Loop Head’s economy, and we need to support both to ensure the long-term sustainability of our area.”

This new initiative aligns closely with Loop Head’s current involvement in the EU-funded SoilCrates ‘Living Lab’ and builds on the Peninsula’s role as County Clare’s pilot decarbonisation zone. The new project, provisionally titled 'SCEENE' (Soil Carbon Enhancement for Excess Nutrient Elimination), will run subject to final contract sign-off, and is expected to get underway in the coming months.

The project was developed by Dr. Lena Madden of TUS, with

consultants Laura Foley MSc and Michelle Cooney, and will include support from UCD, MTU, Premier

Green, Kraken Seeds, EIT Climate, Arigna Fuels, ICOS, and Damien Coyne Ltd.

lAGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY: Loop Head

Local and national political figures praised the project.

Minister of State Timmy Dooley (FF) said it would “demonstrate best practice in sustainable farming across the country.”

Deputy Joe Cooney (FG) commended Loop Head Together’s “innovative and strategic approach to addressing the challenges of coastal farming communities.”

Crucially, the project will work directly with farmers to improve soil health and long-term farming sustainability. The Department emphasised that the project aligns strongly with national priorities around soil management and environmental protection.

Loop Head Together CLG also extended thanks to Clare County Council’s Climate Action Team, especially Morgan Lahiffe, for their support in developing the proposal.

24 24

Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 8, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists Columnists

Thought for the week: cherishing life Spreading the word of positivity

Thought for the week: Thought for the week: cherishing life Macalla an Chláir Habemus Papam!

Spreading the word of positivity

love, prayers and compassion daily, RONAN as small SCULLY gestures can have a HILDREN, significant especially impact. We toddlers, all have the embody a capacity to love, prayers unique enthushare love and compassiasm for life that often sionsupport daily, cal Rerum Novarum, which ad- Devoted Service and RONAN seems to fade as we one another. as small dressed the struggles of workers His background, rooted in simplicSCULLY grow older.

As gestures during the Industrial Revolution ity and faith, reflects awe lifenavdevoted Their days are filled igate tougha and can have RONAN and advocated for their rights, in- to serving the marginalized with joy andHILDREN, excitement, let’s significant cluding fair wages and the impor- the poorest of the times, poor in society.

SCULLY and they approach choose especially impact.love We tance of unions. As Pope Leo XIV, Fluent in seven languages, he coneach new day with a over fear the toddlers, allcommunities, have Prevost aspires to connect people nects with diverse sense wonder. and standundern a of world oftenUnlike marked by dis- across generations, embodying fostering inclusivity embody a capacity to and us cord, adults,conflict children forinshare solidarity distraction, the principles of compassion, mer- standing. His courageous uniqueand enthulove actions give easily, worry in the election oflittle, Pope Leo XIVshould siasm for life that often andthose support limited motivate to take up one’s cy and justice championed by hiscross during a violent with uprising, where and find joy in simple need. Together, we can furbrings refreshing seems toa fade as we waveusoftoopone another. appreciate every His and follow a meaningful predecessor. remarkable jour- he sheltered the persecuted, pleasures. create a more timism.

Cardinal Robertmoment, Fran- as grow older.

Ascompaswe navlifefrom can a mathpath.

The in essence ney teacher Peru lies ther exemplified his commitment remind us filled sionate world.

During cisThey Prevost, our newchange pope, in to Their daysnow are igate tough anthe instant in how we embrace papacy reflects a deep com- and to justice and compassion, setting of the joy importance of mercy,asattenchallenging times, it’s Pope embodies humility, with and excitement, let’s I and my family to socialcherish experiences mitment justiceour and the a powerful example for all. living the moment and well important tochoose appreciate tiveness, compassion justice, and in they approach love to know!!common I believegood, equipping and navigate our jourhim with Leo XIV's steadfast commitment and cherishing our life his andreadiness the well-being qualities that in friendships, each new dayresonate withlife a deeply over fear in valuing ney. Life is of inherently a profound understanding the truth and to defend experiences.

Reflecting of others.

Reflect on these times. focuslove, senseturbulent of wonder.

UnlikeHisfamily, and stand and seizing fragile, and awareneeds of the homeless, the the poorhis beliefs, even in challenging ciron own experiences your circumstances on kindness, listening, and est Most usmy adults, children for- care in solidarity opportunities. nessmarginalized, of our mortalitycumstances, of the poor, the reveal muchand about with two daughters, recognize the struggles dialogue encourages us toimportantly, reflect givemy easily, worry little, with those in in can inspire us to live limited should motivate to take upsufferone’s cross theI believe impoverished and the his character.

Emulating the humilIon recall the joy faced by those less ourfind own roles inexfostering unity and joy inthey simple need.

Together, we can cherishing life itself inprevious all each day fully.

Recogus to appreciate every andexperiences, follow a meaningful ing.

His ity of his predecessor, Pope Franpressed each morning, Emphasize and empathy.

By promotingitsmoment, afullness. hu- particularly pleasures. create a more compasnizing tomorrow is he fortunate. as life can his missionary path. that Thework essence in lies cis, eschews luxury in favor of jumping out of bed the importance of commanThey spirit that values remind us withcompassion sionate world.

During not guaranteed encourchange in an instant in how we embrace and Peru, have profoundly influenced simplicity, often opting for worn CONSTANT CHANGE smiles and excitement gratitude, over and ofunderstanding of therigidity importance challenging times, it’s ages usas to cherish as I and my cherish our experiences his family vision of the Church both a our sandalspassion insteadand of polished shoes.

Life is characterized for the day ahead. urging each other to in acts living in the moment over judgment, his This papacy inspires important appreciate moments make the generosity well know!!

I believe and navigate our jourspiritual sanctuary and a and source His is toevident by constant change made me ponder whylifeharmonious pray and usand to cherishing cultivate a our more life andhis the well-being of ourisAs time. in valuing ney.

Life inherently offriendships, hope in need. he Each such assupport, giving episcopal cross movement.

It isfor thosemost adults often lose that experiences.

Reflecting uplift oneindividual, another.

In of others.

Reflect on world.

1 Peter 3:8 teaches,and “Finalday presents a new family, love, and seizing fragile, and the awareembarks on this significant jourto a homeless a testaoften easier to emmy own experiences zest forye life. didmind, having your circumstances of fear,tolove, ly,onbe allWhen of one opportunities.

Most nesswisdom of ourtomortality engage ney, we pray for opportunity his and ment tomoments his dedication a and life of brace cherish life with myappreciating twofor daughters, we stop recognize struggles prayers andthe connection compassion one another, loveand strength, importantly, I believe in with canlife, inspire us to live trusting that he to willdance lead modesty.

His deep devotion to the when circumstances theofjoy they ex- be courtefaced thosewhen less of his the beauty each day? are vital, asI recall brethren, be pitiful, cherishing lifedreams, all ofthrough each day fully.

Recogourgospel experiencwith aitself heartinfull love and Virgin Mary is by a even cornerstone align with our pressed fortunate.

Emphasize Time, and each life ismorning, indeed physical closeness is each ous.

Encouraging mutual love and its fullness. nizing that tomorrow is es rather than merely values, remaining sensitive to the faith, as he begins and ends leading to feelings of jumpingofand out of with is another the importance of carries com- a precious, webed should not possible.

Cherish support fellow beings not guaranteed encourendure them.

It is vital joys and challenges faced by the day with the Rosary and CONSTANT success in ourCHANGE personal smiles excitement passion and strive to and cherish each every moment you’re blessing of striving for unity." usaddress, to cherish toages reflect on our livesour faithful.lives.

In his inaugural cherished image of gratitude, her from his is characterized andLife professional for the day ahead.

This urging each moment with gratitude for life other moves moments make the given, ensureand that we are he urged us to beand witnesses to our seminary days.

Pope Leo to XIV emBuilding Connections by constant change However, challenges made me ponder why support, pray and and joy. faster than we realize. most ofour ourbelief time.

Each not held back by fear or faith, emphasizing that phasizes the importance of listenAs the first American arise pope, and movement.

It is during moments adults often lose that upliftaone another.

In pause, look day presents a anew regret.

As weinage, the MAKE THE aBEST OF ITperspective can light ing to Take young people, exemplified he offers unique easier toserve em- as a guiding ofoften struggle, uncertainzest forbylife.

When did moments of truly fear, love, around, and opportunity engage importance oftoinfusing As adults, we often world often shrouded in uncertainby his organization of anapall-night shaped years of service inbrace Peru and cherish life ty, and unhappiness. we stop prayerswith andpeople, connection the thestuwith life,with to dance our lives meaning forget the appreciating importance of ty. us with a vigil to preciate engage university and within the Church's hierarwhen circumstances Life presents the beauty ofallowing each day? arespiritual vital, even when experiences, and the pubthrough our experiencbecomes even more living happily, dents.

His reflections, chy.

His commitment to building align with our dreams, spectrum of experiencHeartfelt Congratulations Time, physical closeness isbefore blessings you have right es rather than pronounced.

Wemerely should days to and passlife usis byindeed relevant lished under a pseudonym connections is especially leading to feelings of es, from grief and As weanger embrace Pope Leo XIV, itis precious, and we should not possible.

Cherish now.

It’s easy to get endure them.

It vital strive to seize each without appreciation. his papacy, resonate with authentoday, where empathy, mercy, huour personal tosuccess joy and in gratitude. is essential to reflect on theonqualstrivefind to cherish each every moment caught up inshowcasing theyou’re rush his to reflect our lives asking ourselves Many themselves ticity and grace, mility, courage, compassion and and professional As Benjamin itiesFranklin we lives. desire inday, our new leader. moment with gratitude for these life moves ofgiven, life, but small, and ensure that we are if we truly lived or if we moping over things ability to connect through writing. understanding are essential.

WelHowever, challenges noted, the Aonly certainstrong leader is not paramount, and joy. faster weauthority, realize. moments often he held backone byslip fear or ordinary let opportunities beyond their Known for histhan quiet coming Popecontrol, Leo XIV alsoties invites arise during in life are “death whomoments can navigate the complexTakeattention a pause, look become the ones we regret.Ultimately, As we age, THEweather BEST OF away. lifethe is such the or IT ofand commands not through usMAKE toashonor the legacy Pope of struggle, uncertaintaxes”,ities but recent of modernity, from liturgical around, and truly apwish we could relive. importance ofitinfusing As adults, we often advocated about making meangossip.

This lead volume but through the humility Francis, whocan tirelessly ty, and unhappiness. global events, particuchallenges to moral questions, preciate the people, the Time doesn’t wait, so our lives with meaning forget importance ingful and embracing to prolonged periodsthe of ofpoorest and tenderness of his messages. for the the homeless, of Lifethe presents us with larly recent enough serving as aa beacon of hope and experiences, and the make the most of "Leo," every he becomes even more living happily, allowing and cherishing every sadness, where individBy adopting the name the poor, the marginalized, the imspectrum of experiencCOVID-19truth pandemic, for the globalpronounced.

Catholic comblessings you have single day—love deepWe should days to pass by suffering. uals may unintentionally pays homage to St. Leo the right Great, poverished andusthe This es, from grief and anger moment. have highlighted addimunity.

Additionally, he tomust fulnow.

It’s easy to getto unity ly, laugh often, pray strive seize each without appreciation. bring others downa with reflecting his commitment transition marks pivotal moment to joytruths: andfillgratitude.

THOUGHT FOR THE tional everything the role of a teacher, applying caught up in the rush constantly and savor day, asking ourselves Many find themselves them. lifePope is and truthofwithin thethese Church. for theHowever, Church, as Leo XIV's As Benjamin Franklin truths WEEK changes and the ends, enduring of the but small, the life, beauty that surif we trulyGospel lived or if we moping things not meantover to be lived in forplans inaugural address called anoted, mistheto only certainAs your thought can quickly unravcontemporary issues such as Thought for the week ordinary moments often rounds you.

May each let opportunities slip beyond their control, misery. are here to sionary We Church dedicated toel,ties bridgin life lifeartificial are “death for the week, take alife is and is not always intelligence and guiding As your thought for this the become theread ones we week of you who away.

Ultimately, such as the weather or embrace and cherish ing divides and echoing thefair. vision and taxes”, but recentthrough moment to reflect onplease the be These realities the faithful themaking intricate keep Ourcould newrelive.

Pope Leo wish we blessed and cherish about it meanThis lead each facecan chalglobal us events, particuofgossip. hisday, predecessor.

As we navigate simplicity of your youngremind that we areour time matters of with reverence.

XIV prayers.

Lighting Timedaily doesn’t wait, so ingful and embracing in your your life and the lives to future prolonged periods of not lenges, and grow from larly the recent enough the under his leadership, we years, a time alwaysFurthermore, in control of ourerand new pope willbefore a candle in my local Augustinian make thewith most of every cherishing every of others gratitude, sadness, where individour SharCOVID-19 pandemic, are experiences. reminded that divine choices adult worries took our destinies.

Despite require our prayers, as leading a hold. church especially the dayday—love after he was electsingle deepmoment. during these uals may have highlighted addiing joyexceed can unintentionally uplift thoseexpectations, often human Lifemembers moves quickly, the difficulties we face, Church of 1.4 billion is ed Pope, I felt a surge of hope for ly, laugh often, pray worrying times.

Let us bring others down with tional everything THOUGHT FOR THE around us, creating a offering hope and reassurance that present isthe future there istruths: hope that thesetask,and a formidable andbeing our support of the Church under his constantly and savor remember those whose them.

However, life God's is changes and ends, WEEK positive ripple effect. we are always within gaze.

It In light challenging times will will be crucial as essential. he navigates the of onleadership.

May guidance the beauty that surlives are athis stake, those inmeant to beislivedthat in our plans quickly unravAs global your thought Each moment isnot crucial to recognize new cancomplexities going challenges eventually pass, allowof his role.

Pope Leo spire a most new generation toand embrace rounds you. May each vulnerable, misery.

We are here to el,us and is not always for wars, the week, take a unique, and every indi-as aing pope serves not only leader like conflicts, and to life adapt and find on May XIV's election 8, 2025, herfaith, courage, humility, mercy, lisof youwho who readchoose this those must embrace and cherish fair.pathways These realities moment to reflect on the compassion vidual is distinct, making entrusted but also as a teacher, climate change, new forward. alds a transformative chapter forlet’s tening, andand love. The be blessed and cherish between health each day, face remind usthe that we are simplicity of your youngour life experiences with guiding thechalChurch through focus on makingofthejourneyfinancial Catholic Church, regardless ahead be uncertain, your lifemay and the lives EMBRACING stability.

Let us lenges, and from notlife. always inLIFE control of most er years, time invaluable.

Wegrow must the complexities of modern ofhis oura current mowhether he approaches role asbefore but we not trust in thethose Holy Spirit's diof others with gratitude, Embracing the our experiences.

Sharforget without our indestinies.

Despite adult worries took hold. cherish this beautiful His leadership will significantly ments.

Appreciate what aofreformer or a stabilizer. His iden- vine plan.

PopeorLeo XIV's election especially during these certainties lifewe can ingas joyno can uplift those homes those working the difficulties face,is crucial; moves quickly, gift, amount ofof the Catholic fluence the future youLife have, celebrate tity as pope his characserves tirelessly as a powerful reminder worrying times.

Let us that lead to is deeper underaround us, creating a to support on the front there hope that these and being present is money can another faith, and itbuy is our duty gifts, and ter fulfillment, and prioritiesyour will unique significantly God's choices often defy human remember those whose standing and positive ripple effect.and respect. highlighting their challenging times will essential.

In light ofexpectations. on- lines, chance life.prayers Underhim withatour engage in acts of kindinfluence the Church's trajectory.

As at we reflect on the lives are stake, those as suggested by the Each moment is dedication and sacrifice. eventually pass, allow-of his going global standing that our time is ness.

Express gratitude, The impact words and challenges deIgbo African "Uchechukwu Chosen mostsaying, vulnerable, and Jesus Christ’s call unique,Name and every indi- Lord Amen. ing us to cisions adapt and like wars, conflicts, abụghị and willfindresonate profoundly uche (The plans of In a issignificant development, thosemmadụ" who must choose vidual distinct, making new pathways forward. climate change, let’s with the faithful, shaping various God arebetween not the health plans of people), Cardinal Robert Prevost chose and our life experiences focus on making the EMBRACING LIFEof pastoral outreach and we find financial aspects comfort stability. in knowing Let usthat the name Pope invaluable.

We Leo mustXIV, honoring mostextend of our current mo-are never Embracing not forget those without moralthetheology. We our we overlooked

by God. the legacy Pope Leo XIII, who cherish thisofbeautiful ments. Appreciate certainties of life can homes or those heartfelt congratulations to Pope what Pope Leo's elevation to working the papabravely gift, as confronted no amount the of challenges you have, celebrate lead to deeper undertirelessly on Leo XIV, whose dedication to unity cy is a testament to the thefront truth that ofmoney his time and laid the groundwork can buy another your unique gifts, and standing and and fulfillment, lines, highlighting peace, coupled with his comdivine selection transcendstheir human for the Church’s social teachings. chance at life. Underengage in acts of kindas suggested by the nature, inspires hope judgment. dedication and sacrifice. passionate Pope Leo XIII transformative standing thatwas our atime is ness. Express gratitude, Amen.

Lord Jesus call forChrist’s his papacy. figure, known for his 1891 encycli-

C C I

Spreading the word of positivity

le MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Thugamar fhéin an Bliain in Inis Macalla anlinn!

Chláir samhradh Cúpla Oirr: Earrach focal for summer! ar TG4in san Bliain Inis oíche dé Máirt Oirr: Earrach ar TG4 san oíche dé Máirt le MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

S B B

eo roinnt focla a bheas sibh in ann úsáid anois agus é ina shamhradh / Here are a few words to use now that it's summer: ÍGÍ–agthe breathnú lAn chuach cuckoo ar TG4 oíche Dé Máirt, an lAr an trásan – on the beach 13ú lá de Bhealtaine ag lDó gréine – sunburn nuair cream a bheas lUachtar 7.30pm, reoite – frozen an clár ‘’Bliain in Inis (better known as ice-cream) Oírr’’ le dhíom/dhíot/dhe/dhi/ feiceáil. Is í an Earrach a lCaite bheas faoi chaibidil agus na fataí dhínn/dhíbh/dhíobh – clothes flung off (because of heat) ag breathnú ar TG4 lSpéacláiríÍGÍ gréine – shades/sunglasses san oíche Dé Máirt, an lá (lively de Bhealtaine lCéilí – a 13ú dance get-to- ag 7.30pm, nuair a bheas gether/shindig) an clár ‘’Bliain in Inis Oírr’’ le feiceáil. Is í an Earrach a bheas faoi chaibidil agus na fataí

lBainte - randy lAmuigh faoin aer - outdoors lBríste gairid – shorts lBicíní – bikini lBricíní – freckles dhá lAgsá.sú na gréine - sunbathing AN LE lA'BHFUIL snámh –SCÉAL swimming ROINNT AGAIBH –?!tick lSceartán/sciortán Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus lean(blood-sucking insect) aigí ar Facebook lBeacha – bees agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair lBláthannaí – flowers R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com. lFéile – festival lScrúdtaí leis an tart – parched dhá withsá. the thirst AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE lPóithangover ROINNT AGAIBH lFéar tirim – hay ?!

Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanlTriomach - drought aigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com.

Mo shean-chara Pádraic Póil as Inis Oírr ag cur fhataí sa ngarraí

Imeachtaí/Events: • SIONNA – Gaeilge le Chéile, Ionad Siopadóireacht Skycourt, 11am, chuile Dé Domhnaigh • CILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm li AN TSAMHRADH: mBuggles Bar Muintir Thuaiscirt an Chláir dhá bhfuarú fhéinshean-chara sa bhfarraige Pádraic Póil as Inis Oírr ag cur fhataí sa ngarraí Mo • LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach • Clare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, Imeachtaí/Events: ag 9am ar Clare FM SIONNA – Gaeilge le Chéile, Ionad Siopadóireacht Skycourt, 11am, •• CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé chuile Dé ag Domhnaigh Céadaoin 7.30pm CILL –ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuilechuile oíche Dé 8pm •• INIS CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, DéCeadaoin Luain agag11am i mBuggles sa gCopper Bar Jug, Dé Máirt ag Zest 11am, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in • LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), Dé Domhnaigh, hAoine The 10.30am, an tSlánaitheora, Doiminic, Luimneach Market BarMainistir 11am, agus Dé Sathairn i Sráid nGlór,San 11am-12pm.

Déan teag• Clare Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, mháil leoFM ag:-caintaguscomhra@outlook.com 9am ar Clare FM •agLUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, • CILL Eden, INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá XPO, chuile Dé Bialann Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolaissan ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 Céadaoin 792 8389. ag 7.30pm INISSCAIRBH – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11ami •• AN – ‘’Lón i nGaeilge’’ , 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT sa gCopper Jug, Dé Máirt ag Zest 11am, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in gcaifé ‘’An Gáirdín’’ , fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), Dé hAoine The Market Bar 11am, agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com • LUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389.

• AN SCAIRBH – ‘’Lón i nGaeilge’’, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé ‘’An Gáirdín’’, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

25

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

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Thursday, May 15,2025 THE CLARE ECHO

26

Arts & Culture

Kevin McNamara showcases West Clare in new exhibition

by LISA MULLALY lisa@clareecho.ie

Kevin McNamara has been living in Lahinch for the past nine years, and the West of Ireland has clearly made its mark on his work. Ahead of his new exhibition, Mud Heads, Horses and Irish Terrain, which opens on May 22nd at Sol Art Gallery in Dublin, Kevin spoke with The Clare Echo at his West Clare home.

Kevin’s paintings are deeply connected to the life he now lives on the West Coast.

Through his work he aims to capture all aspects of the unique landscape, including the ever-changing colour, the light, and the sense of place.

“It’s a celebration of the warmth and life around County Clare,” he says. “Even when the paintings are dark-

er, there’s still warmth and love in them.” He builds up thick layers of paint, resulting in textured layers of colour. Subsequently, all the paint he mixes for his frames is by hand using natural pigments, a proprietary formula which he developed, and he even made all his own frames from scratch. Each frame is designed specifically for the painting it holds, painted layer by layer, again with his handmade natural pigments, as part of the artwork itself to expand the image and add further depth and texture.

Kevin’s process often starts with sketches and drawings done from life, which he brings back to the studio. He works from memory as much as observation — sometimes using drawings made years ago to inspire new pieces.

Although this new collection began in earnest about five years ago, it’s been in development since long before the

move to Clare.

A key idea in this exhibition is something called the “Mud Head” technique, which he learned about while painting and exhibiting his work in Massachusetts. It’s a method originally used by teacher, Charles Hawthorne (1872-1930) at the Cape Cod School of Art where Hawthorne taught students how to focus on colour and light instead of detail while painting portraits from life at the beach during the early morning or evening, positioning the model with the light behind them, thus creating a strong silhouette. After Kevin spent time painting the silhouette using the same methods as did Hawthorne’s students, Kevin took the idea and developed it further, applying it not just to people but also to landscapes, animals, and buildings. “Why can’t a horse or a house be the subject of a Mud Head?”

lWEST CLARE: Kevin McNamara’s painting of the Ennistymin Horse Fair

he asks. “It’s all about how the artist sees it.” The Mud Head technique is just one aspect of Kevin’s approach to painting. His foundation lies in the composition and

drawing as well as the colour.

Kevin describes part of his painting process as a way of painting where colours flow into each other. “The colours vibrate off one another,” he

says. “They move into one another. It’s not about detail, it’s about the overall feeling.”

For Kevin, colour is the most important part of a painting.

“Everything comes back to colour.”

One recurring theme in the exhibition is the horse.

Kevin has a long-standing love for animals, and horses in particular are central to this work. “There’s something magical about them; they have a kind of connection to the land. It’s almost spiritual,” he says. He often paints white horses because they allow him to work with colour in more interesting ways than dark ones.

With Mud Heads, Horses and Irish Terrain, Kevin McNamara invites viewers to see the world as he feels it. He hopes to share his perspective of County Clare which is one full of emotion, colour, and light.

“I Loved Him from the Day He Died”: Trad music project invites Clare’s overMichael Harding Comes to glór with 60s to rekindle musical passions versation adding to the social Clare. “We warmly welcome Stories of Love, Loss, and Fatherhood by Lisa Mullaly atmosphere. The project is Maeve, Josephine and Eoin lisa@clareecho.ie

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

ACCLAIMED Irish writer and storyteller Michael Harding is coming to glór in Ennis on Friday, May 16, as part of his nationwide tour. His new show is based on his latest memoir, ‘I Loved Him from the Day He Died.’

The title, borrowed from a line by poet Michael Hartnett, captures the raw honesty that underpins Harding’s new book and his 2025 tour, which brings him across Ireland to reflect on his relationship with his late father.

“My father was a kind man,” Harding says, “but I didn’t know him intimately. It was only after he died that I realised I really missed him.”

Harding remembers seeing his father as a distant figure in his childhood. Harding’s father was 50 when Michael was born, a man more like a grandfather in age and temperament. While other dads kicked footballs, his father held himself apart, not unloving, just unreachable.

“He was a remote figure,” Harding tells the Clare Echo. “Very kind, but I didn’t know him intimately. Men in those days were a bit more formal, a bit more distant.”

After his father died that Harding understood the depth of what he’d lost. “I missed the conversations I didn’t get to have with him,” he says, “because I was too young to ask about the important things. I realised I actually really missed him.”

This new book came about after Harding

walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

It was a journey of gratitude, taken after recovering from major spinal surgery. This pilgrimage which started out as a solo journey for Michael unexpectedly became a conversation with his late father.

“I saw him the first night, in the bathroom mirror,” Harding says. “Same shaped head. Same glasses. Same grey hair. It was like he was walking with me.”

As he walked, step by step, through the Spanish landscape, he carried a silent conversation with the father he never truly got to know in life.

“I spent the whole way just talking to him in my head,” he says. “It was like he was there, walking beside me.”

Through that imagined companionship, Harding says he began to understand something deeper, that love doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. Sometimes it arrives after loss. Sometimes it’s found in silence, or in the memory of a disapproving nod on a creaky staircase at 2am.

“What I learned is that you don’t have to fully understand someone to love them,” he reflects. “And you don’t have to have had the perfect relationship to find healing.”

Although Micahel’s national tour is linked to his eight memoir, the show will not be solely about this story. “An evening with Michael Harding” will be “90 minutes of storytelling, laughs and fun”.

A NEW traditional music initiative is offering older residents of County Clare a unique opportunity to reconnect with instruments they once played and join a vibrant community of music-makers.

Making Music in Clare, a teaching residency presented

by Music Network in partnership with glór and the Clare Arts Office, is inviting local people aged 60 and over to dust off their fiddles, accordions, or mandolins and get playing again. Supported by the Heritage Council, the programme runs from 11th June to 27th August 2025 and is free to participants.

The residency offers eight one-to-one lessons and three group lessons with others playing the same instrument.

Professional musicians Maeve Donnelly (fiddle), Josephine Marsh (accordion/concertina), and Eoin O’Neill (bouzouki/guitar/banjo/mandolin) will lead the sessions, providing expert guidance and encouragement.

Participants will also come together for ensemble sessions to share the music they’ve learned, with coffee and con-

based in glór, Ennis.

Marie O’Byrne, Director of glór, said the project is about more than just music. “We’re delighted to collaborate with Music Network and the Clare Arts Office to offer our community a chance to reconnect with traditional music,” she said. “This initiative invites people to connect, share, and celebrate Clare’s rich musical heritage.”

Music Network CEO Sharon Rollston said the organisation was thrilled to bring its first teaching residency to

on board. Their expertise and enthusiasm will inspire participants throughout the programme,” she said.

Applications are now open, with only 15 places available.

Selection will be on a firstcome, first-served basis, with additional criteria such as location and availability taken into account.

More information, including full schedule and application details, is available at www.musicnetwork.ie. The closing date for applications is 2pm on Wednesday, May 28.

lTRAD MUSIC: L-R Paddy Coleman, Margaret Houlihan and Josephine Marsh celebrate the launch of Making Music in Clare: The Music Network Teaching Residency.

Photo by Eamon Ward

27

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

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News

MAY 24 JUNE 02

2025

CONCERTS The Maurice Lennon Trio Cois na hAbhna • Wed 28th May 8pm • €20 Aos Óg – Hell for Leather Glór • Fri 30th May 7pm • €20 Socks in the Frying Pan Glór • Sat 31st May 8pm • €30 Frank Custy Tribute Glór • Sun 1st June 8pm • €25 BOOKING CONCERTS coisnahabhna.ie • 065 682 4276 glor.ie • 065 684 3103 GLÓR BOOKING FEE €1

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CONCERTS SINGING SESSIONS CD LAUNCHES SEAN NÓS DANCING WORKSHOPS FILM

28

Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

National award for Clare students Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competitions. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form panels for the areas set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• Executive Planner • Assistant Planner Closing date: 12 Noon Monday 9th June 2025.

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.

Only applications completed online will be accepted.

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

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

Students from Clare have taken Best Sales & Marketing prize in both Junior & Senior categories at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Finals. The Finals of the Local Enterprise Office initiative took place on Thursday last in Mullingar.

Supported by Local Enterprise Office Clare, the students from Colaiste Muire, Ennis won Best Sales & Marketing award in the Senior category & students from St. Josephs Spanish Point won Best Sales & Marketing award in the Junior category.

The winning students in the Senior category were Amy Killeen, Roisin Hogan & Aoife Keane (pictured right) who worked under the guidance of their teacher, David Barrett.

Their student enterprise was called ARA Haircare which produced organic and natural rosemary hair oils

and coconut hair masks.

The winning students in the Junior category were Brian Dennehy & Cillian Sexton who worked under the guidance of their teacher, Colette Collins.

Their student enterprise was called BrillianCreative which produced personalised sustainable products such as keychains, phone holders, I-Pad holders, & money tubes.

Business All-Star for Ciara SIXMILEBRIDGE local Cara O’Malley, Founder of Tomorrow’s Child Montessori School and TCM Schoolwear, has been named Business All-Star Clare Emerging Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation.

Cara is a passionate educator and has made a lasting impact on children, families, and communities.

Simultaneously, her business, TCM Schoolwear, has set a high standard for quality in schoolwear solutions, ensuring students across the country have access to premium uniforms.

The prestigious AIBF Emerging Entrepreneur accreditation recognises Cara’s visionary leadership, innovation and her dedication to enhancing education in County Clare.

Reacting to the news of her company’s achievement, Founder, Cara O’Malley said: “I am truly honoured to be recognised as the Business All-Star Clare Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. This accolade is a reflection of my passion for education, my commitment to providing the highest-quality schoolwear, and the incredible support of my team, customers, and community.”

For more information please visit www.aibf.ie.

29

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

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News

What is grief and how do we get over it?

Grief Most of us understand this state of being. It's not possible to go through life and escape it. It can arrive in an instant and last for a long time. If we could perhaps buy a way out of it, we would. But how we quantify the price? Grief is a deep sorrow or emotional suffering we feel after losing someone or something we deeply care about. It's not just sadness. It can include a mix of emotions like anger, confusion, guilt, numbness, or even relief depending on the situation.

So, we mostly associate grief with the loss of a loved one, but it can also come from other losses like the end of a relationship, losing a job, or even a major life change. Grief isn't linear and it is not the same for everybody. Some cry a lot, some don't cry, some feel it immediately, for others it can take months, even years. The mind body process of grief is complex and deeply interconnected emotionally, physically,

and even neurologically.

Mentally and emotionally The sadness, anger, guilt- As these sink in, our mind cycles through intense emotions. We can feel several emotions at once and fluctuate between them. It is not a nice place to be, even within one day going from intense hardness to anger and frustration to uncontrol-

lable tears.

Disorientation- It feels like the world is surreal or out of sync. A sense of being ungrounded.

Searching and yearning- The brain might replay old memories or imagine what could’ve been, forcing to reconnect with what's gone.

Cognitive Fog- An inability to concentrate, feeling detached, experi-

encing forgetfulness, this happens as the brain is overloaded trying to process the pain.

Physically Fatigue- The energy it takes to grieve is exhausting and can take its toll on the body. Sleep and appetite both can be altered with grief, either too much or too little.

Tightness or pain- Physical symptoms like tightness in the chest, headaches and stomach issues. Our bodies hold emotional tension.

Neurologically Long term grief can literally reshape neurological pathways. Cortisol and adrenaline rise with emotional stress, which affects mood, memory and bodily function.

How do we get over grief?

If there was a button we could press to alleviate the pain, discomfort, emotions we would press it!!

I suggest some practical avenues based on life experience and what I have seen in the clinic. Firstly, there is no one-size-fits-all remedy.

Everyone's journey of grief is their own journey. None of these journeys we choose however it’s a journey we all must take. Take it at your pace-what ever way it is presenting is how it is for you. You don't have to carry it alone, speak to a friend, family member, neighbours, therapist or journal. Try and take good care of your body. Walking and being in nature is so grounding and supportive. Sleep well, eat well, move well and good hydration is a good foundation. Having a ritual like lighting handle or journalling. Visiting certain places can be great to bring connection and inner peace. Each day is different. Some are overwhelming, another a little lighter. Healing from grief takes time and it's okay to laugh along the way, it doesn't mean you have forgotten. The combination therapies at the clinic are extremely supportive at this time in life.

“Grief is the price we pay for love.”

30

Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

'WE'RE COMPLETELY DEPENDENT ON OTHER RESULTS' SAYS LOHAN MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP RD4 CLARE 2-21 TIPPERARY 4-18 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg, Ennis Compiled by Páraic McMahon

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

CLARE are “completely dependent” on other results to save their season, manager Brian Lohan has acknowledged.

Successive championship losses to Waterford and Tipperary have Clare on the brink of exiting the championship.

Reflecting on the season to date, shortly after Saturday’s loss to Tipperary at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg, Clare manager Brian Lohan said “it’s been tough because of the injuries more than anything else. We are asking a lot of guys to go out and tough it out against real good quality opposition. We just came up a little bit short but it’s only a little bit. I wouldn’t be that downbeat about it. We are still delighted with our bunch, they showed a great bit of endeavour again today”.

Commenting further on the injuries he said “we thought we were equipped to deal with that but obviously not.

We have been unlucky with

STORY OF THE GAME

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

the number of injuries.

That’s not an excuse.

Credit to Tipp, they played well, they have had some tough times and credit to them”.

He said Shane O’Donnell “trained twice, it’s not ideal but it is what it is”.

Understandably disappointed to have lost to Tipperary he said, “we did well in the second half and we got back level but Tipperary pushed on a got a couple of scores. The space they were able to create in the first half put us under pressure for the first 20 minutes. We had expected to do better but we didn’t”.

Continuing he said “we did well for all of the second half, we got to grips with their forward line, they weren’t making the same kind of runs in the second half as in the first.

Look we were there or thereabous and unfortunately not able to get the victory”.

Asked why Clare didn’t manage to go ahead after drawing level in the closing stages he said, “there are two teams out there, and you

CLARE Frees for: 18 (7/11) Wides: 8 (4/4) Spread of scorers: 6 Scores from play: 1-8 Top scorer: Mark Rodgers (1-13 13f) Bookings: None.

Own puckouts won: 21 from 35 (60%)

TIPPERARY Frees for: 10 (5/5) Wides: 13 (10/3) Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 4-8 Top scorer: John McGrath (2-3) Bookings: Robert Doyle (12), Eoghan Connolly (21), Sam O’Farrell (32), Bryan O’Mara (51), Own puckouts won: 24 from 31 (77%) REFEREE: James Owens (Wexford)

l Seán Rynne looks towards the Clare support before the

start of Saturday’s game

must give credit to Tipp, they responded well, That happens in hurling, sometimes you are beaten regardless of all the planning or effort put in”.

Photo by Ruth Griffin

Commenting on the breeze and the effect it had on the game he said, “I didn’t think it was a nine point advantage, five or six maybe. I wouldn’t

fault any of the lads, they responded very well but we are disappointed to lose”.

Continuing he said “you have to give credit to Tipp.

They responded well for the last five or six minutes.

They go a good response from their bench as we did from ours. They were able to get the scores and he vicl A dejected Mark Rodgers at the final tory”. whistle Photo by Gerard O'Neill The Wolfe Tones clubman accepted “we are dependent see how the other games will on other results now. We will go and take it from there”.

'I did not walk off the Clare panel' - McCarthy speaks out

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PLAYER WATCH: Darragh Lohan (full back) Minutes played: All

Hurley Pass: 5 (3/2)

Possessions: 7 (3/4) Passes: 7 (3/4) Long Pass: 0 Short Pass: 7 (3/4) Hand Pass: 2 (0/2)

Tackles: 4 (1/3) Turnovers for: 1 (0/1) Turnovers against: 1 (1/0) Frees for: 0 Frees against: 1 (0/1)

CLARE HURLER, Aidan McCarthy was dropped from the county senior hurling panel before Saturday’s loss to Tipperary.

McCarthy broke his silence on Wednesday in a tweet which confirmed he did not leave the panel of his own accord.

In an online post, Aidan said, “Just to clarify and confirm. I did not walk off the Clare Senior Hurling panel. I was willing, ready and able to line out for my county against Tipperary on Saturday evening if selected”.

Aidan was not included in the matchday twenty six for Clare’s third outing in this year’s provincial championship.

Instead, he lined out with Inagh/Kilnamona and finished as their top scorer with 0-9 as they defeated St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield 2-21 1-13 on Saturday in the willwego.com Clare Cup. Absenteeism and injuries have hurt the Clare cause in this year’s championship so the omission of McCarthy from

l Aidan McCarthy

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Saturday’s squad was a major talking point once the panel was announced on Friday morning.

He trained with his club on Thursday evening when it emerged he was no longer part of the county panel.

The Clare Echo understands that the All-Ireland winner was not included

on either the A or B team in an internal training match following on from Clare’s loss to Waterford. It is believed that after airing his opinion and disappointment on this with manager Brian Lohan that in subsequent days he was removed from the panel.

First-choice freetaker for the Clare team, Aidan was substituted on sixty minutes in the first round draw with Cork and on forty seven minutes in the second round loss to Waterford, he hit four wides prior to his substitution against the Déise.

During last year’s All-Ireland win over Cork, he scored 1-7 in the final.

There had previously been a clash between Lohan and McCarthy after he was dropped for last year’s quarter-final win over Wexford but he regained his starting jersey in the semi-final win against Kilkenny where he amassed a personal tally of 0-11.

Clare GAA have been approached for comment by The Clare Echo.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

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Sport

31

Clare & Tipp fans soak up the atmosphere in Ennis

l (Above)

supporters enjoy the fine weather and refreshments in town ahead of throw-in last Sunday; (left) familiar faces on patrol as Enda Coughlan and Aoife Bannon are joined by Christy Ryan; (right) Joe Queally watches on from the terraces

Photos by Gerard O'Neill & Ruth Griffin

Clare's All-Ireland defence hanging by a thread CLARE’S defence of their All-Ireland title is hanging by a thread with results this weekend to determine what involvement the reigning champions will have ahead of their final round provincial tie with Limerick next weekend.

While no team has finished with three points in Munster and managed to secure qualification, there is still hope for Brian Lohan’s side.

There are three scenarios that can result in Clare advancing to the All-Ireland series.

SCENARIO ONE: Cork beat Limerick and Tipperary defeat Waterford on Sunday. A week later, on May 25, Clare beat Limerick while Cork beat Waterford. Cork duly top the group on seven points, with Tipp on five, leaving Clare and Limerick next on three apiece but the Banner prevail under the headto-head rule and instead Limerick crash out.

SCENARIO TWO: Cork and Waterford win and then,

l Daithi Lohan tries to get to the ball ahead of Tipperary's John McGrath

Photo by Ruth O'Neill

seven days later, Clare beat Limerick and Cork overcome Waterford. That leaves Cork on seven points, with Waterford on four, then Limerick, Tipp and Clare deadlocked on three points each. Cue scoring difference: Tipp (currently minus 12) would definitely miss out while Clare (minus 11) would need a 15-point swing to oust Limerick (plus three).

It’s a tall ask but not impossible, as Limerick’s scoring difference would be damaged by backto-back defeats. Crucial to this would be Clare beating their rivals with a bit to spare.

SCENARIO THREE: The most far-fetched one. If Limerick and Waterford beat Cork and Tipp respectively, then Clare and Waterford do likewise against Limerick and Cork, suddenly Waterford would be soaring into a Munster final on six points, joined

by Limerick on five. Then stuck

on three points you’d find Cork (plus 15), Clare (minus 11) and Tipp (minus 12). Could Clare gain 27 points to leapfrog Cork?

CLARE V TIPPERARY U20 MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL SCAN FOR REPORT

l Clare's Ronan Kilroy in battle with Tipp's Conor Martin Photo by Gerard O'Neill

32

Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Lanigan determined to take scalp in All-Ireland series

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s footballers are determined to take “a scalp” in the All-Ireland series.

Defender Ronan Lanigan has experience of lining out in the 2022 All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals and he’s eager for a second appearance in Croke Park, all of which can only be realised if Clare emerge from Group 3 of the All-Ireland SFC which features Leinster champions Louth, Monaghan and Down.

First up is a home tie with Down this Sunday.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the

chartered physiotherapist with Excel Physiotherapy signalled the intent within the Clare camp to make their mark in the All-Ireland series.

“We need one (a win in an All-Ireland series) now, we’ve been in the All-Ireland series for the last two years and we haven’t won a game so we need one and we’re looking for one.

“It would be great to be back into a quarter-final, there was a great buzz around when we got there in 2022 and we want to bring that back,” he added.

Lanigan was corner back for his third Munster final appearance

in as many years with Kerry once again coming out on top in the battle of the counties. This year’s 11-point loss was not as heavy as their 14-point defeat in 2023 but it was a step back on their showing in the 2024 decider where only seven points separated the teams come the final whistle.

Letting the game slip from their grasp so early on when they conceded 2-2 by the sixth minute is far from the standards Clare aspire to, Ronan said. “We’re hugely disappointed, that is not how we wanted to play and not how we wanted to go out. To be fair to the lads I

FOOTBALLERS FOCUS ON GETTING UP FOR DOWN

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

IMMEDIATELY after Clare’s Munster final loss to Kerry, focus shifted to hosting Down in Cusack Park for defender Alan Sweeney.

Reviews on the year to date are time enough to take place once Clare’s season concludes, Sweeney said in the aftermath of their eleven point loss to Kerry. Simply because all eyes are now on the All-Ireland series which has been treated as a new competition.

Alan told The Clare Echo, “We can settle down at the end of the year and whatever happens happens and we’ll see where things went wrong but we have to draw a line in the sand and get back to train-

Clare Ladies qualify for Munster Senior B final CLARE have qualified for the Munster Senior B ladies football final after overcoming Kerry’s second string, writes Páraic McMahon.

Graham Shine’s now progress to meet Limerick in the final which will take place in Mallow in a fortnight’s time.

Doonbeg’s Lauren Conway and Johanna Fogarty of Crusheen struck for goals in the final quarter to see Clare record a 2-12 1-5 win.

At half-time, just a single point separated the teams. Clare had led by five points in the opening quarter but a penalty from Amy O’Sullivan which also Aoife Grif-

ing, all the focus will turn to Down straight away”.

Clare need to be ready for a quicker pace of games as they experienced in the Munster final for their three outings in the All-Ireland series, the Doolin man flagged.

“A break is caught quicker in a game like the Munster final which is one of the things we have to get used to, the onus is on us heading into the All-Ireland championship to get back training Wednesday and put ourselves in the best foot forward starting in Ennis.

"We’ll sit down and lads will quickly their turn focus to that because we know we’re better than that as a group and everyone here is very disappointed”.

l Ronan Lanigan Photo by Gerard O'Neill

thought we battled back in the second half but when you let a game

get away from you like that it’s too late and it’s unacceptable really”.

This was without question Clare’s toughest assignment of 2025 and Lanigan felt the jump from their league standings was noticeable.

“Obviously it is a massive step up when you are playing a Division 1 team.

"I feel like we’re not far off Division 2, we arguably should have been there only for a few lapses in games, we need more consistency, we need to really up it and take a scalp in the All-Ireland series”.

Skort debate raised in Council Chamber

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ONGOING controversy surrounding the wearing of skorts in camogie was raised within the Chamber of Clare County Council this week.

Councillors stood for eleven seconds in what they described as a “stand in solidarity” with camogie players across the county and country.

A special Congress is to take place on May 22 where a motion to resolve the controversy surrounding players being forced to wear skorts will be put to a vote.

In a challenge last week, both Clare and Galway players wore shorts as opposed to skorts in protest of the rule.

Saturday’s Munster final was cancelled by the Munster Camogie Association after it emerged both Cork and Waterford were to defy the rule.

Ennis based Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) raised the matter at Monday’s meeting of Clare County Coun-

cil. “I would like us to all stand in solidarity with camogie players to exercise their right to choose on skorts”.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) advised his colleague, “we’ve to be careful of standing orders”.

He said a proposal was needed in writing to allow the matter be discussed.

Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) seconded the proposal with a unianmous show of hands from elected members on the floor to show their support to allow the matter be raised.

“We were all so excited to see our male hurlers in an All-Ireland final but to see a Munster camogie final pulled 16 hours before it was due to go ahead is a disgrace,” stated Cllr Baker Bashua. She asked councillors to join her to “stand in solidarity” with camogie players.

They stood for 11 seconds before resuming their seats and the order of business.

Minors defeated by Kerry

MUNSTER MINOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SF CLARE 1-06 KERRY 3-15 Venue: Páirc Naomh Mhuire, Quilty Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Clare’s Roisin Martin in

possession

Burren Eye Photography

fin of Fergus Rovers sent to the sin-bin saw Kerry bring it back to a one point game by the interval.

l Clare’s Gareth Murphy Photo by Gerard O'Neill

KERRY CLARE Frees For: 15 (5/10) Frees For: 12 (4/8) Wides: 12 (6/6) Wides: 4 (4/0) Scores from Play: 3-10 Scores from Play: 1-5 Spread of Scorers: 9 Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorers: Gearoid White Top Scorer: Conor Burke (2-2 2f) (0-3 1f) Yellow Cards: Alex Tuohy Yellow Cards: Donncha (16), Ben Kelliher (35), O’Dwyer (46 & 61), Danny Kevin Griffin (46), David Lyne 63) Sargent (65) Red: Donncha O’Dwyer (61) Own Kick-Outs: 5/10 (50%) Own Kick-Outs: 13/29 (45%) REFEREE: Ciaran Murphy (Cork)

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

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33

Club championship draws to take place CDSL title

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

DRAWS for the 2025 Clare GAA club championships will be held next week while Clare GAA will become the first county to launch a youth committee.

Delegates gathered for a brief County Board meeting in Clareabbey on Tuesday in which was the May sitting.

Championship draws: The Clare 2025 GAA championship draws will be made at Clareabbey on Tuesday night next May 20 at 8pm.

The senior, intermediate and junior A football groupings will be decided along with the senior, premier intermediate, intermediate and junior A hurling groups. This will be the first season with the premier intermediate and intermediate grades in hurling.

Draws for the junior B and C hurling and football grades will be made at the June county board meeting on Tuesday June 10. Clubs were informed that they must confirm to the board

by Sunday June 8 if they will be taking part in either or both of the junior B and C grades, football and hurling.

Regulations: During a short discussion on regulations for the upcoming championships, a query was raised in relation to the videoing of games.

Delegates were told that permission had to be got from the CCC. When there is a clash of colours both clubs must change unless they agree to toss.

Youth committee: The members of the youth committee were named at this week’s May board meeting. Eoghan Hanley will be the chairman and the committee will include Colm Hanley, Hannah O’Brien (Clooney/Quin) Colm Madden (Whitegate), Brendan Bugler (Whitegate), Tomas Queally (Cooraclare), Tim Crowe (Sixmilebridge), Paddy Smyth and Vincent Delaney.

The committee will be launched in Clareabbey on Tuesday next (May 20th) at 4p.m. by GAA president Jarlath Burns.

Announcing the committee Head of Opera-

tions Deirdre Murphy said “invites have gone out to schools this week. We are lucky in Clare that Eoghan and Colm Hanley work in the Future leaders with secondary schools. All but two of the secondary schools in Clare run the Future Leaders programme now. This committee will form a youth committee who will be guided by this steering committee. It’s a progressive step for Clare. We are the first county board in a while to be launching this”.

“The whole thing is to be able to link the school with the clubs”, according to Paddy Smyth. “It is unchartered territory but it could be very good if we get it up and running”.

The committee was ratified on the proposition of Robert Frost and seconded by Joe Kelly (Wolfe Tones).

Cusack Park, Cloister and Caherlohan: Board chairman Kieran Keating paid tribute to groundsman David Hoey and his staff in relation “to the excellent condition of Cusack Park. It was looking very well”.

He went on to express hope that “we will get planning permission in the next few weeks so that we can move on with work at Caherlohan, getting the irrigation systems in”.

Responding to Kilmihil delegate, Gerard O’Neill in relation to work on the car park at the Cloister end at Cusack Park, he said “there is a little bit of progress but it’s a bit slower that we would like. The Council have taken the project and they have a team of a few people working on it now. We couldn’t get anything done there before the Tipperary match as we needed it not so much for parking but for access to the grounds for a capacity crowd.

“There are two main parts to the tender. One of them is to remove the heap of soil which in-

ST FRANCIS CREDIT UNION CLARE COMMUNITY GAMES 2025 RESULTS: CAMOGIE & U14 GIRLS GAELIC FOOTBALL Camogie The St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games U14 Camogie competition was held on Saturday last in Kilmaley GAA pitch. The winners go forward to represent Clare in Munster on Saturday July 12 in Shannon.

Result 1st Newmarket-on-Fergus – Amelia Brennan, Aisling Cahalane, Emily Casey, Seomha Crowe, Ellen Curley, Aoibheann Deans, Millie Grogan, Grainne Guinane, Lucy Jones, Hannah Mc Namara, Laura Mc Cormack, Aisling Mc Gann, Muireann Mc Mahon, Saorlaith Murray, Chloe O’Rourke, Caoimhe Ryan 2nd Quin/Clooney – Amy Broderick, Nessa Clune, Sinead Clune, Roise Gallagher, Heather Harrison, Sophie Harrison, Katie Hayes, Niamh Hoey, Rachel Hogan, Kayleigh Loughnane, Nina Mc Carthy, Aideen O’Halloran, Penny O’Reilly, Clodagh Quinlan, Milla Skehan 3rd Clarecastle/Ballyea – Biborka Benko, Aoibheann Chambers, Ailbhe Concannon, Caoileann Cooney, Holly Farmer, Sinead Hennessy, Ellen Keogh, Roisin Mc Donnell, Vivienne Palka, Kayleigh Power, Emily Quinn, Maeve Turner, Aoife Vaughan 4th Crusheen/Ballinruan/Tubber – Eadoin Barry, Adah Brigdale, Saoirse Dillon, MeaghanGlynn, Emily Griffin, Sophie Guerin, Nadia Guilfoyle, Eili Hanrahan, Sarah Harkin, Sophie Kearney, Clodagh Moroney, Sinead O’Reilly, Ellie O’Connor, Grace O’Connor, Emily Slevin, Emma Taaffe.

Gaelic Football U14 Girls The U14 Gaelic Football was held during the

week in Ballynacally. Unfortunately, due to withdrawls only two teams participated in the final.

It was a great game between Clarecastle/Ballyea and Ballynacally/Lissycasey with the local girls coming out on top. They now go forward to represent Clare in Munster in July 1st Ballynacally/Lissycasey – Niamh Browne, Rowen Cahill, Jenna Coughlan, Maeve Coughlan, Grace Flanagan, Isabelle Garry, Sadhbh Geary, Nicole Griffin, Eimear Hehir, Niamh Keating, Aoibhe Kelly, Ava Keogan, Aoife Meere, Chloe Talty, Shona Talty, Tara Weaver 2nd Clarecastle/Ballyea – Baborka Benko, Aoibhinn Chambers, Ailbhe Concannon, Deirbhle Cullen, Holly Farmer, Sinead Hennessy, Ellen Keogh, Abbey Lynch, Roisin Mc Donnell, Kayleigh Power, Emily Quinn, Ellie Sheedy, Robyn Tuohy, Aoife Vaughan, Vivienne Palka.

PITCH & PUTT The St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games Pitch & Putt competition for boys and girls was held on Saturday morning in glorious sunshine in Kilnamona Pitch & Putt club thanks to Martin and Ann Commane. Seventeen boys and six girls participated. The top three in each category qualify for the National Finals in Westport Golf Club, Mayo on Sun 10th August.

Results – Boys 1st Brian Conway – Ballynacally/Lissycasey 2nd Ultan Breslin – Doora/Barefield 3rd Sean O’Connell – Clarecast;e/Ballyea 4th Cathal Ryan – Doora/Barefield Girls 1st Ciara Gleeson – Cratloe 2nd Nina Mc Carthy – Quin/Clooney 3rd Jenny O’Brien – Quin/Clooney 4th Neasa O’Brien – Quin/Clooney

cludes some knotweed and the second project is the tender for the car park. Both of those are being prepared at the moment but not out to tender yet. The Council is using Government money for the project and because of this there are a lot more hoops they have to jump through that we wouldn’t necessarily have to if we were doing it ourselves. It will be next year before we see the car park finished” “When it rains it’s a disgrace,” O’Neill remarked.

Responding to Sixmilebridge delegate P.J. Fitzpatrick as to progress on the development of the astro turf facility at Caherlohan, the Chairman said, “We did the studies and submitted them and the decision is due on the next fortnight or so and we are waiting to go ahead. There isn’t anything we can do to speed it up. We are just waiting and hoping to get permission”.

Sympathy: Sympathy was extended to the Brohan family Ruan, the O’Driscoll family Killimer on the death of club president Tommy O’Driscoll, the Durack family Broadford, the Clune family Crusheen, White family in Ennis, the McKenna family Shannon and the Wiley family Bodyke.

Poc Fada: The Clare Poc Fada finals will take place on May 31ST with the Munster finals scheduled for June 14. there will be competitions for senior and under 16’s in hurling and camogie.

Handball: Good wishes were extended to Leah Minogue ad Sean Coughlan who will contest the intermediate and junior All-Ireland handball finals at Croke Park this weekend.

Efforts of Clare players acknowledged: Chairman Kieran Keating “complimented and thanked to all of our players for their efforts. Apart from the under 20s results haven’t gone our way his year. On Sunday hopefully our footballers will get their first win in the All-Ireland series and that would be a great lift for football in the county. Hopefully there will be a big home support in the park on Sunday to support our team”.

decider on the cards

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SUNDAY is D-Day in deciding who lifts the Maloney Hardware Premier Division title for 2024/25.

Avenue Utd and Bridge Utd clash in Roslevan on Sunday morning at 11am with the winner to be crowned league champions.

In the past two weeks, Avenue Utd eliminated Newmarket Celtic and Tulla Utd from the title race with wins away from home. Since beating Bridge Utd 3-1 three weeks ago, David Russell’s side have been the top side with the most consistent performance with their focus fully on retaining their league title.

Bridge Utd have suffered the disappointment of that league defeat to Avenue which removed them from the driving seat for honours while they also exited the Clare Cup at the semi-final stage to Tulla Utd. They face Tulla Utd this Wednesday, a result which is not known at the time of going to print.

Provided Mark Culbert’s pick up three points at home, then the title race remains alive, should they drop points then Avenue are champions.

A victory for Bridge over Tulla puts them on forty five points, level with Avenue.

At the other end of the table, Shannon Olympic, Kilrush Rangers and Lifford FC are all in action on Sunday against Kilkishen Celtic, Inch Crusaders and Tulla Utd respectively. Midweek games will also influence who is automatically relegated and who ends up in a play-off to try maintain their status in the top tier.

CHARLOTTE SERVES UP A BIG WIN

Congratulations to Charlotte Timoney (centre) who had a great string of results over the midterm. Charlotte (9), who started playing tennis in Ennis with Danny Comerford, won the U12 Castleknock Open, finished runner up in the U12 Kilkenny Open and claimed 3rd in the U12 Templeogue Open. Charlotte now plays in Naas and is enrolled in the Leinster High Performance system

34

Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH THE most important first move of the downswing for a golfer should begin with the rotation of their hips, however I have noticed for a lot of golfers this is a struggle.

One of the main reasons golfers struggle with rotating their hips is that their hip flexors have tightened up restricting them from achieving an early hip rotation. Starting your downswing helps to achieve more effortless speed in the golf swing and it leads to the club slotting into a more consistent path helping you to achieve straighter golf shots.

Spending a lot of time sitting — whether it’s at a desk, in a car or even on the couch — puts your hip flexors in a compressed position, caus-

ing them to shorten and tighten up. Your hip flexors are a group of muscles along the front of your upper thigh.

The primary hip flexors, which work together to flex and stabilize your hip and pull your thigh and torso together when you walk, run, sit or stand.

Since the hips connect the lower back to the legs, tight hip flexors make it harder for your pelvis to rotate properly, which can impact several other areas of your body. Signs of tight hip flexors include pain or discomfort in the front of your hip that typically gets worse with prolonged sitting or repetitive hip-flexion movements like running and cycling.

To keep your hip flexors supple, make sure to get up and move more throughout the day. Look at changing position every 30 to 45 minutes — or even sooner if

needed — to avoid tightness.

Stand up, walk around, or perform a quick stretch, if necessary. Here are my top two stretches that you can also add into your day to help increase flexibility and mobility in the hip flexors. Hold each stretch for 30 seconds on each side, and repeat for three sets total, at least twice a day.

90/90 STRETCH: • Sit on the floor with your right leg in front of you and your knee bent at a 90-degree angle, so the bottom of your foot is facing the left wall.

• Extend your left leg out to the side and bend your knee at a 90-degree angle, so the bottom of your foot is facing the back wall.

• Square your shoulders to

Good scoring at Dromoland Ladies medal

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

DROMOLAND: In the medal stroke competition last week the winner was Ann Nix with 69, one ahead of Frances Bergin with Joan Dunne in third place with 71 followed by Sheila Kent with 72. Mairead Toomey won the gross with 86.

The 9 hole winner was Annette Shanahan with 22 points followed by Theresa Reddan with 20 points and Mary O’Donnell O’Brien with 19 points.

The winner of the men’s blue tee stroke competition was Joe Walsh with 69 and he won on a counntback from Brian Shally.

Michael John McDonagh with 73 was the winner in the category for handicaps 20 and over.

The competition off the white tees was won by Ian Mulready with 67 from Gerry McInerney with 71.

The nine hole competition was won by Edward Ryan with 21 points from Ben Cusack with 18 with third spot filled by Patrick McCoy who also had 18 points.

EAST CLARE GC: The overall winner in the ladies 18 hole stroke competition on Sunday was Pauline Nugent (35) with a nett 69.

The category winners were Siobhan Shanahan (14) with 72, Bridget Minogue (30) with 72 and Deirdre O'Neill (35) with 70.

Sunday’s men’s competition off the blue tees

was won by Terry Coughlan (18) with 63 from Paul Madden (20) with 69 and Alex Norris (14), also with 69. The gross was won by Tony Cleary (1) with 71.

Last week’s men’s open singles was won by Martin McInerney (19) with 45 points and he had two to spare over Maxwell Davern (15) with third spot filled by Seamus O'Dwyer (25) with 39 points.

The gross was won by Ronan Molloy (5) with 72 while the birdie winners were Terry Coughlan, Kieran McNamara and Francis Moloney.

Last week’s senior men’s competition was won by Nick Ryan, Steve Lynch and Pat McNamara from Teddy O' Hanlon, Noel Earley and Ted Harrington with third spot filled

by Kevin Wallis, Sean Jones and Ger Shortt.

Friday’s mixed scramble was won by Jim Greene, Mary Collins and Margaret MacNamara from Pat McNamara, Brendan Moloney and Siobhan Mulcahy with third place filled by Michael Heffernan, Helen Downey and Brian Corry.

WOODSTOCK: Last week’s ladies 18 hole stableford competition was won by Kathleen McEnery with 38 points and she had one to spare over Imelda Duffy.

Cathal O'Sullivan (8) was the winner of the open singles last week with 41 points from Steven Horgan (12) with 40 with third spot filled by Lorcan Clancy (20) with 39 points.

Jason Dormer (5) won the gross with 37 points.

The club’s J. B Carr team defeated Kilkee 4/1 on Monday last in Kilkee.

The weekend’s club singles strokeplay was won

by Declan Rigney (17) with 67 with the gross won by Ross Darmody (6) with 76.

Category 1 (0 to 10) was won by Michael Canty (10) with 69 from Ray Keogh (6) with 71.

The category 2 (11 to 18) winner was Joe Davis (14) with 68 from Frank Landy (12) with 69 while Pat Quinn (27) won category 3 (19 +) with 71. Winners in the 2’s competition were Noel Mulcahy (6th Hole), Ronan Horgan (6th Hole) and Paudie O'Connell (8th Hole).

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: The overall winner in the ladies 18 hole stableford competition at Kilrush was Ursula Lineen (31) with 39 points.

The category winners were Anne Gallagher (12) with 38 points, Mary McCarthy (30) with 34 points and Anne Cooper (37) with 38 points.

In the Patrick Bourke open singles stroke play competition, the winner was Gearoid Williams (16) with 59 from Tom Browne (7) 65 with third spot filled

by Paul Keane (41) with 66. Jim Young Junior won the gross with 71.

The category winners were Neil Browne (7) with 68, Terry O' Hare (11) with 68 and Eamon Ryan (22) with 67.

The nines were won by

Des Murphy and Paul McGibney.

GORT GOLF CLUB: The weekend’s men’s singles at Gort, sponsored

by T.J O’Mahoney, was won by Conor Fogarty (17) with 50 points.

The category winners were Joseph Caulfield (13) with 39 points, Martin Flaherty (18) with 45 points and Michael Corless (28) with 43 points.

The gross was won by Gavin Lally (0) with 33 points.

Friday’s open singles stableford competition was won by Malachy Whyte (16) with 44 points while the gross was won by John Skehilll (16) with 27 points.

The ladies 18 hole stroke Rockfield cup competition, sponsored by Barry Quinn Transport was won by Sara Broderick (20) with 68 from Sinead Collins (21) with 71 and Catherine Burke (29) with 72. Hannah McInerney (7) with 84 won the gross.

The Monday 18 hole stableford competitiom was won by Aileen Walsh (41) with 41 points from Catherine Burke (29) with 33 points.

In the May 18 hole stroke medal sponsored

by Centra, Kilcolgan Hannah McInerney (7) with 70 won category 1.

Category 2 was won by Patricia Reddy (22) with 70, category 3 by Marion Ruane (30) with 77 and category 4 by Catherine Bailey (46) with 97.

the front. To check that your back remains straight, extend your arms straight out in front of you. Your fingertips should face the front wall.

• Place your fingertips on either side of your right shin for balance. Think about sinking both hips into the floor.

• For an even deeper stretch, lean your chest as far forward as you can go without collapsing your upper body or losing the connection between your hips and the floor.

• Repeat on the other side.

SIDE-LYING HIP FLEXOR STRETCH: • Lie on the floor on your left side with your knees bent so they’re in line with your hips. Your thighs and shins should form a 90-degree angle.

• Move your right foot backward and gently grab the top of the ankle with your right hand.

• Slowly and gently pull your foot with your right hand, bringing your leg around behind you while keeping your pelvis tucked under and being careful not to arch your back. You should feel a stretch in the front of your thighs and your hip flexor on the right side.

• Repeat on the opposite side.

Success for Cummins & McNamara in Limerick

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

MYLES CUMMINS and Donnacha McNamara were among the victorious owners in Limerick.

Limerick Greyhound Stadium's Thursday SIS meeting had its normal 12 racecard on offer, the first Clare-owned winner was Tiermana Sky in race seven for Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Myles Cummins in a time of 29.51, this was career win number three for this daughter of Ballyhimikin Jet and Tiermana Jetty.

In the finale, an A3 graded contest, Yuri Recorded his fourth career success for Tulla’s Donnacha McNamara in 29.01, he is a son of Dromana Bucko and Rockalong Aqua.

There was also a nine race card at Galway on Thursday, with further success for the Burnpark Kennels after Burnpark Class (Grangeview Ten and Burnpark Willow) notched her first win in 29.43.

The S8 graded contest developed into a match from an early stage with Hevenly Prince trapping smartly in the centre to lead from Drombeg Cindy along the rails. At the bend Drombeg Cindy slipped through along the rails and once in front the Donal Malone of Ennistymon-owned daughter of Ballyhimikin Jet & Grangeview Nifty eased clear to score by 2.5 lengths in 19.60.

The finale went to Clooney’s Martin Williams after Knocakoura Kate (Burgess Bucks & Crokers Wish) made it two wins in a row in 29.28, named after Martin’s grand-daughter Kate Quinlan, and trained by Sixmilebridge’s Stephen Murray.

The semi-finals of the Sean Scully Memorial A5 525 yards

stake were the principal contests on Friday in Galway.

In the first of three semis, Paradise Liberty was away well in the centre and she led Tiermana Hunter by half a length. At the bend the Colm Fitzgerald of Kilrush-trained Tiermana Hunter powered through along the rails to take command and the Supping Away Syndicate-owned runner went on to score by two lengths at the line in 29.33.

The Peter Russell of Shannon owned Petes Noah (Burgess Bucks-Notimetotalk) went to traps a warm favourite to claim the concluding semi-final and the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained runner duly delivered for backers by three and a half lengths from Lissatouk Pearl in 29.30.

The top graded contest of the night was the A3 graded seventh race over 550 arcs and as the runners took the long trek towards the opening bend Stonepark Sam along the rails just led form Laois Lightening with Brickhill Moana between runners as they rounded the opening bend. Turning down the back Stonepark Sam led by over a length from Laois Lightening with Brickhill Moana a further two lengths adrift in third place. Passing halfway through the former Clare natives John Collins and Albert Long owned Brickhill Moana began to close on the leader and although still two lengths adrift of Stonepark Sam rounding the home bend the daughter of Ballymac Bolger & Twentylittletoes nailed the leader right on the line to prevail by a neck in 30.62.

35

Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Planning

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CLARE CO. COUNCIL BURRENFADDA, CRANNY, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Eoin Donnelly intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL BALLYELLERY, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Gussie Greene intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of an agricultural general store and associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL We, Shannon Airport Authority DAC, Shannon Airport, Co. Clare, V14 EE06, intend to apply for Permission for the demolition of existing metal framed cladded canopy within their lands at Shannon Airport and associated site clearance works along with all other site works to allow for future development on the site at Rineanna South, Shannon Airport, Shannon, Co Clare.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning

authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: TOBIN, Fairgreen House, Fairgreen Rd, Galway (Agent) CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISHEEN, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO CLARE Take notice that Chloe Cornu intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance and sewage treatment system along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours 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 BALLYARTNEY, LABASHEEDA, CO CLARE Take notice that Keegan Sawyer intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct an extension to the rear and front of an existing dwelling house along with alterations to the existing house 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 MUCKINISH, SPANCILHILL, ENNIS, CO CLARE V95 TC7D Take notice that I, Mr Gerard Kelly intend to apply to Clare County Council for permission to retain the existing entrance and driveway to my dwellinghouse 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, Co Clare during 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 and such submission 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 FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS PLANNING REF: P25/60037 Development Description: The construction of a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works.

Location: Poulawillin, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare Take notice that Elaine Sexton has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P25/60037. This information and 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 of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than

2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISBIGGEEN, KILMALEY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Kilmaley GAA intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a covered seated viewing spectator stand and all associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, 4 SAINT BRIDGETS WELL, DERREEN, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE V95 RC56.

I, Emily Whelan, wish to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission for development at my site, 4 Saint Bridgets Well, Derreen, Liscannor, Co. Clare V95 RC56. The development consists of: (a) Demolish 2no. existing single-storey domestic shed units, (b) construct a new single-storey extension to the rear of the existing dwelling consisting of 2no. en-suite bedrooms, utility room and internal courtyard, (d) minor internal layout and elevational changes to existing dwelling, (e) create new outdoor patio area with sunken cold water plunge pool and all ancillary site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of Euro 20 within the period of 5 weeks begin-

ning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

FÓGRA POIBLÍ DOICIMÉADAITHE AGUS DEIMHNITHE TRÍD AN UPU: UIMHIR THAGARTHA RL039528133IE. DÁTAITHE: 17Ú LÁ D’AIBREÁN 2025 Déantar é seo chun a chur in iúl don phobal i gcoitinne go bhfuil mise; bean; Alicia-margaret; agus mise; fear; Ciarán-james; an bheirt againn inár seasamh sa chumhacht arna dheonú ag ár gcruthaitheoir; leis seo Éileamh a Dhéanamh ar an Sártheideal agus na mianaigh agus cearta mianraí; trí gach cearn den talamh a phostáil (thar trí throigh); agus maoin air; agus an Seasamh beo / imprisean sainchomhartha uathúla /lorganna mise; bean;Alicia-margaret agus mise; fear; Ciaran-james ar an Réadmhaoin Phríobháideach Iomlán seo; cur síos níos suntasaí air sa sceideal atá scríofa thíos; á aistriú chuig an mbean bheo; Alicia-margaret; Áititheoir Oifig Sheiceadóir Eastát/ Iontaobhais ALICIA MARGARET O’REILLY agus don fhear beo; Ciaran-james; Áititheoir Oifig Sheiceadóir Eastát/Iontaobhas CIARAN JAMES CASEY; ag ceannach na réadmhaoine d’Iontaobhas Anam Caladh; le taifeadadh i Mórleabhar Príobháideach Eastát Alicia-margaret; agus Eastát Ciaran-James; Taifead Poiblí Éire; agus an Oifig Phoiblí ar a dtugtar Tailte Éireann; Gach Duine; Fir nó Mná; ag a bhfuil aon éileamh ina leith ar mhodh díola; malartú; bronntanas; morgáiste; muirear; iontaobhas; oidhreacht; seilbh; léas; lian nó cibé slí eile a iarrtar orthu an rud céanna a chur ar an eolas i scríbhinn don té atá faoi síniúcháin thíos agus a nOifig ag Raheen Road, Tuaim Ghréine, An Clár; laistigh de cheithre lá dhéag ón dáta seo, dá éagmais sin; an t-éileamh nó na héilimh má mheastar aon duine de na daoine sin; fear nó bean; a bheith tarscaoilte agus nó tréigthe agus beidh an t-aistriú seo iomlán go dleathach; Sceideal Thuas Dá dTagraítear: • Réadmhaoin Dá nGairtear go Dlíthiúil Roimhe Seo mar: Boru Oak Lodge, Raheen Road, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare • Réadmhaoin Dá nGair-

tear go Dlithiúil Anois mar: Anam Caladh, Raheen Road, Tuamgraney, Co. Clare Sínithe Alicia-margaret agus Ciaran-james; coimeádaimid ár gcearta go léir.

NOTICES AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT S.I. NO. 174 OF 2009 NO. 68.3 LICENSING ACT (IRELAND) 1874, SECTIONS 9 AND 10 INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT 2008, SECTIONS 6, 7 AND 8 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE FOR A NEW WINE RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF KILRUSH DISTRICT NO. 12 jeremiah o riordan Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant jeremiah o riordan of quilty east, quilty, Clare intends to apply to the Court at Kilrush District Court on the 10 Jun 2025 at 10:30 for a certificate to hold a WINE RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE in respect of the premises situate at XL Quilty, O’Dwyers Convenience Store, Quilty, Clare, V95 YEE7 in court area and district aforesaid.

Signed Michael F. Nolan Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, Toler Street, Kilrush, Clare To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@ Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83 To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT S.I. NO. 174 OF 2009 NO. 68.1 LICENSING ACT 1872, SECTION 82 LICENSING ACT (IRELAND) 1874, SECTION 9 BEER RETAILERS’ AND SPIRIT GROCERS’ RETAIL LICENCES (IRELAND) ACT 1900 LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1902 INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT 2008, SECTION 7 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE FOR A NEW SPIRIT RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF KILRUSH DISTRICT NO. 12 jeremiah o riordan Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant jeremiah o riordan of quilty east, quilty, Clare intends to apply to the Court at Kilrush District Court on the 10 Jun 2025 at 10:30 for a certificate to hold a SPIRIT RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE in respect of the premises situate at XL Quilty, O’Dwyers Convenience Store, Quilty, Clare, V95 YEE7 in court area and district aforesaid.

Signed Michael F. Nolan Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, Toler Street, Kilrush, Clare To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@ Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83 To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court NOTICES CONTINUE PAGE 37

36

Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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37

Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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

PRINTING

Recent Deaths

VEHICLE GRAPHICS @realprintennis

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Feore (née Hanrahan), Katherine Ennis

RECRUITMENT

KEANY (née Callanan), Mary Lisdoonvarna

info@realprint.ie

065 684 4545

PILATES

Obituaries

Murphy, Sr. Margaret Mary (Kathleen) Ennis

Hynes, Tony Kilfenora

Corey (née Flanagan), Mary Ruan

WILEY, FLAN Bodyke

Corey (née Flanagan), Mary Ennis

Groves, Roshan Fanore

Nix, Damian Meelick

Mc GRATH, Pat Sixmilebridge McNAMARA (née McINERNEY), CONCEPTA (CONNIE) Newmarket-on-Fergus CARROLL, Eamonn Shannon

Healy (née O’Brien), Eileen Clonlara McNamara (née O’ Donoghue), Frances Ennis

COEN (née Matthews), DAIRIN Lahinch

NOTICES AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT S.I. NO. 174 OF 2009 NO. 68.1 LICENSING ACT 1872, SECTION 82 LICENSING ACT (IRELAND) 1874, SECTION 9 BEER RETAILERS’ AND SPIRIT GROCERS’ RETAIL LICENCES (IRELAND) ACT 1900 LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1902 INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT 2008, SECTION 7 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE FOR A NEW SPIRIT RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF KILRUSH DISTRICT NO. 12 jeremiah o riordan Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant jeremiah o riordan of quilty east, quilty, Clare intends to apply to the Court at Kilrush District Court on the 10 Jun 2025 at 10:30 for a certificate to hold a SPIRIT RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE in respect of the premises situate at XL Quilty, O’Dwyers Convenience Store, Quilty, Clare, V95 YEE7 in court area and district aforesaid.

Signed Michael F. Nolan Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, Toler Street, Kilrush, Clare To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.

CE@Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83 To the Health Service Executive Official, at pehoclare@hse.ie To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

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NOTICES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 AN CHÚIRT CHUARDA THE CIRCUIT COURT SOUTH‑WESTERN CIRCUIT COUNTY OF CLARE IN THE MATTER OF THE LICENSING ACTS 1833 TO 2000 AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COURTS (SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS) ACT, 1961 AND IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 2(1) OF THE LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT, 1902 AS AMENDED BY THE INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960, SECTION 23 AND IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION OF MARTIN O’SHEA, APPLICANT TAKE NOTICE that the Applicant whose place of abode is at 22 Cornell Drive, Bardonia, New York and Miltown Road, Kilkee, County Clare will apply to this Honourable Court sitting at the Courthouse, Ennis in the County of Clare on the 20th day of June at 10.15 o’clock in the forenoon or soon thereafter as this application may be taken in its place in the court list for a certificate entitling him to receive, on payment to the Revenue Commissioners of the fee specified in the said Act, a Seven-Day Publican’s Licence to sell intoxicating liquor by retail in respect of the premises situate at Claremount, O’Curry Street, Kilkee, and known as “Claremount” which said premises are more particularly described upon drawings accompanying this application.

Dated this 14th day of May, 2025.

Signed: O’KELLY MOYLAN O’Kelly Moylan, Solicitors for the Applicant Market Square Kilrush County Clare To: The County Registrar, Courthouse, Ennis, County Clare.

And to: The District Judge, Courthouse, Ennis, County Clare.

And to: Superintendent of the Garda Síochána, Lifford, Ennis, County Clare.

And to: The Chief Fire Officer, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, County Clare.

And to: The Principal Environmental Health Officer, HSE, Unit 6, Quin Road Business Park, Quin Road, Ennis, County Clare.

38

Thursday, May 15, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz Which town in Clare is known for its annual matchmaking festival?

Lisdoonvarna Doolin Ballyvaughan

7.

2.

What is the highest point in County Clare?

Moylussa Benbulben Keeper Hill

8.

3.

Which town in Clare is known for its annual matchmaking festival?

Lisdoonvarna Doolin Ballyvaughan

Which Clare town is situated at the point where the River Fergus meets the Shannon Estuary?

Killaloe Ennistymon Clarecastle

9.

Which island off the coast of Clare is famous for its monastic ruins?

Inis Mór Scattery Island Valentia Island

The Burren is primarily made up of which rock?

Limestone Granite Basalt

Movies to see this week

10. Which Clare village offers ferries to the Aran Islands?

Doolin Rossaveal Kilimer

5.

What is the name of the highest sea cliffs in County Clare, located near Kilkee?

Cliffs of Dooneen Cliffs of Moher Loop Head Cliffs

6.

What is the name of the ancient megalithic tomb located in The Burren?

Poulnabrone Dolmen Carrowkeel Tomb Creevagh Wedge Tomb

Scan here to see what’s on

ANSWERS Lisdoonvarna Moylussa Lisdoonvarna Limestone Cliffs of Dooneen

4.

What is the largest lake in County Clare?

Lough Graney Lough Derg Lough Atedaun

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

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

6. Poulnabrone Dolmen 7. Lough Derg 8. Killaloe 9. Scattery Island 10. Doolin

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Clare fans soaking in the sun prior to the Clare v Tipp match that took place in Ennis last Saturday Photo by Ruth Griffin

39

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, May 15, 2025

30

Support journalism in Clare by subscribing to www.clareecho.ie/subscribe Puzzle THURSDAY, JAN 13 2022

PUZZLEPAGE

THIS THISWEEKS WEEKSPUZZLES PUZZLESMay JAN 15th 13th

SUDOKU

Love

5

8

1

7

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.

ANSWERS 2

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1/11/22, 10:18 AM

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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.

2

HOW TO PLAY

8

Diapers

6

6

7

Cute

3

2

Cuddle

1

1

Weight

Cry

3

8

Pink

Twins

Crib

8

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Nurse

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Sleep

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6

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3

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7 5

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6

9

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2

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How to play

Bath

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.

WORD SEARCH

1/11/22, 10:18 AM

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The Clare Echo Crossword

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Daily Quick Crossword: 11 January 2022 ,1/11/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

Opening Hours Mon - Sat 10am - 10pm Sun 12 noon - 10pm

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#supermacs heart of Ennis

Phone 065 6820914

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(065) 682 0914

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O'Connell Street, Ennis

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14

CROSSWORD ANSWERS 1 Perplexed (7) 2 Lean end of a neck of veal or mutton (5) 3 Take out (7) 4 Nose (slang) (6) 5 Miniature variety of a plant or animal (5) 6 Naturally grown (7) 7 Rental agreement (5) 13 Badly behaved (7) 15 Infuriated (7) 16 Savings (4,3) 17 Accompany (6) 18 Scrub (5) 19 Hairdresser’s establishment (5) 21 Native of New Zealand (5)

of a neck of veal or )

13

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Daily Quick Crossword: 11 January 2022 ,1/11/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

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