The Clare Echo 16/10/25

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Oct 16 2025

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D-day for new Clare hospital sparks hope of Christmas miracle

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A DECISION will be made before Christmas on whether a new hospital will be built in Co Clare, the Minister for Health has confirmed.

Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG) officially opened a new €105m 96-bed block at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

HIQA’s review which took over 500 days to complete has set out three options for the future of emergency health care in the Mid-West.

They include expanding the existing the existing UHL campus, expanding on a new site or

building a new hospital.

“All of the options are on the table,” the Minister confirmed. In response to a question from The Clare Echo, she said a decision on which option is chosen will be decided before Christmas.

Meanwhile, Clare TD, Donna McGettigan (SF) has said a meeting organised by Deputy Joe Cooney TD (FG) for all Oireachtas members of the Mid-West was a photo opportunity and a talking shop which won’t deliver real results.

No Oireachtas member from Sinn Féin, Labour or the Greens in the Mid-West attended

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the meeting. Cooney told The Clare Echo he is hopeful party politics will be put aside for his colleagues to attend a follow-up meeting in Leinster House on November 5th. “For too long, Oireachtas members from the Mid West have not worked as a united group to maximise badly needed investment in our health infrastructure. We were elected to represent our constituents, and healthcare is one issue that should rise above party politics”.

Full story p4

 Éire Óg football captain Aaron Fitzgerald lifts the Jack Daly and Canon Hamilton after Éire Óg completed a senior championship, the first in Clare since Cratloe in 2014 and in Ennis since Ennis Dalcassians in 1929 Photo by Ruth Griffin

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News News

Bend A pageit like turner Clancy moment

ÉireENNIS Óg on the double Éir Óig double RFC

Éir Óig crowned Senior County Football Champions p31-36 P. 32-35

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Unit 9, The Mall, Clare Road Business Centre, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021 A flexible hurley from Tubber’s Joe Clancy is unable to block the shot of Clarecastle forward Paul O’Connell during the Bestselling Crime Author, Cassidy Clare PIHCMarie quarter-fi nal inwith fan Eleanor ConwayPáirc at her signing nabook nGael, Ruan in Ennis Bookstore on October 11 Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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

Council’s outdoor Civic reception on the staff begin ballot for cards for historic Éire industrial action Óg senior champions

by Páraic McMahon

have been introduced agreed dispute resolution without proper engagement procedures following the and has accused so thethey council vehicle

by Páraic McMahon shouldimplementation be dead proud of of themselves.

ALL of Clare County of refusing to engage paraic@clareecho.ie with we usage policies last March”.

The double, were thirty five years waiting Council’s outdoor staff the State’s own industrial An approach suggested bydoufor the senior hurling and now we do the A that CIVIC RECEPTION is on the cards for Éire are members of the dispute resolution system.

SIPTU was not responsible, ble”. ÓgSIPTU after their hurlers footballers tradesenior union are and “Th is ballot is the direct Council said.

“The Cllr of thethe Ennis Municipal District, won a historic being balloteddouble. for industrial result of Clare Mayor County essence of the dispute Mary Howard (FG) confirmed she would Éire Óg’s endedCouncil a thirty five management surrounds the policy which action in asenior disputehurlers over new support the proposal when it goes before the vehicle usage andClare vehicle year wait to win the SHC consistently when defeat- refusing to are states that Clare they County CPG. “They a great example, are role policies.0-17 0-12 while ingtelematics Clooney/Quin the Ennis comply with the agreed Council vehicles including models, the way they treated children has confi clubSIPTU won a fourth Clarermed SFC inprocedures five seasonsfor resolving HGV, road maintenance was lovely to see, they are a credit to their famithe ballot is taking place asDoora/Barefield when overcoming St Joseph’s disputes, including and articulated trucks, ” she added. part2-6. of a “major escalation attending the lies, 1-16 Workplace mustÉire be parked at council Acknowledging Óg’s “great win,” Cllr in dispute the caused by inRelations Theya became first team Clare since Commission depots overnight and not Murphy (be) (FG) driven commented, mother management’s refusal to double Cratloe in 2014 to win a senior and (WRC), ” thesaidPaulSIPTU home“my unless was reared as a Townie, she was rooting engage with since the State’s own Dalcassians first in Ennis the Ennis in Organiser, Arek Muszynski. there is a business need. for them so IiswasSIPTU’s going forposition them particularly industrial dispute resolution 1929. No civic reception was bestowed upon He added, “Such behaviour is that in is my first voiced system”.following their success unprecedented Cratloe eleven years inthe thehurling public which it wants to love”. pauseHethe his best wishes for his native Clarecastle Last month, transport ago. sector and undermines the policy before returning in workers in the of Council ClaretoPIHC final. but to do so Former Chairman Éire Óg, long-established Cllr Pat Daly Sunday’s dispute the WRC, began for the proposal was voiced resolution system Further that allsupport having regard to known (FF) has industrial confirmed action he willinbe writing to the the form ofPolicy a work-to-rule.

by Cllr rely Tommy Guilfoyle “it was easier council employees risks, is not(SF), considered a Corporate Group of Clare County This seeking escalation the double when the Magpies responsible approach by Council a civicwould receptionupon”. for the Éire for them to win their side colleagues in were in the senior hurling championship In a statement to Thenot Clare Clare County Council.

The Óginvolve teams “this of Christmas”. other outdoor divisions but hopefully next year we policies will be back Echo,toa do spokesperson for the vehicle usage were and He said it was “a huge achievement the engaging in supportive local authority said, will find it harder toonwin the double”.

“Clare implemented March 31, double.

The past two Sundays brought a Éire Óg industrial action, which have recalled supporting Corka in 1990 of when County CouncilHe continues 2025, following process huge lease of life to Ennis, Gerry O’Connor, SIPTU said would result in its call on SIPTUthey won the All-Ireland senior double. to return engagement with staff and Shane and theirto management teams signifiDaniels cant disruption the to the Workplace Such sporting occasions to “great Relations unions going have back led to April played a huge part in the success”. delivery of services. excitement, ” Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) notCommission (WRC) and 2024 (11 months)”.

Members of toboth teams representAccording SIPTU, the have refutes the assertion thatisisbuzzing since they did the double,” ed. “Pat ednew the town very well, Cllr Antoinette Baker transport measures has failed to comply with “To see how the players interacted Bashua (FF) noted. “They are amazing young he said. men, the time they gave to children after the with young people, they are role models for match. Barefield gave us a run for our money our young people”. paraic@clareecho.ie

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Minister Carroll MacNeill off icially opens new €105m 96-bed block in UHL

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A €105m 96-bed inpatient block has been officially opened by the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll McNeill (FG) at University Hospital Limerick.

On Monday, the Minister was in UHL flanked by a plethora of politicians from the region to officially open the new block. It is the biggest capital project delivered by the HSE in 2025, the 6,700 square-metre development was delivered at a cost of €105m and aims to address the major bed capacity deficits in the Mid-West.

Developed in a new block linked to UHL’s critical care facilities, the beds are configured in four storeys of 24 en-suite single rooms and bring the hospital’s inpatient bed capacity to 650.

Providing two new wards for older persons, one renal ward and one trauma ward, the single rooms maximise protection for patients with infection prevention and control requirements. Each of the four wards has purpose-designed specialist rooms; including a bariatric room, two isolation rooms and one disabled-access room.

Rooms on each ward are arranged in three groups of eight, with one nursing and support station for each group. All rooms have views either across Limerick city or over landscaped courtyards, benefiting

from natural light and ventilation for patient wellbeing. The spacious rooms are designed to better facilitate family contact and each ward has its own waiting area and family meeting room.

Meanwhile, the new bed capacity has also facilitated redesignation of two new medical wards within the wider hospital, and will allow for improved patient flow across the hospital.

Just under 400 additional staff (whole-time equivalents) are being recruited for the new bed block with the majority already in post.

An extensive equipping programme worth in excess of €3 million has been delivered in recent weeks to ensure the new wards are served by the most up-to-date equipment and technology. Each room is fully mechanically ventilated, has in-built hoists and has enhanced integration of digital systems for patient management and patient safety.

Minister Carroll MacNeill stated that Block A was “the first of two new 96-bed blocks at the hospital. I know that these beds are very much needed, and that this opening is important not just for Limerick, but for the entire Mid-West region. By 2031, an additional 572 inpatient beds will be delivered, an 82% increase improve access and outcomes for patients”.

She said UHL’s budget has increased by 91% since 2019. “By

2028, the numbers of beds at UHL will be over double the number in 2020. This Government is behind you, and we will continue to invest in this hospital to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care. This new facility is a testament to our shared commitment to delivering better healthcare for all.”

Main contractors John Sisk & Sons delivered the project, their teams put 950,000 man hours into the project since late 2022.

The design team consisted of O’Connell Mahon Architects / Kevin Jackson Architects (joint venture); Varming Consulting Engineers; Arup Consulting Engineers; Lawlor Burns Quantity Surveyors; Aegis Safety Management; Maurice Johnston & Partners Fire Safety Engineering; and Tom Phillips + Associates Town Planning Consultants.

Sandra Broderick, Regional Executive Officer, HSE Mid West, said “This is a proud day for the HSE Mid West. Our workforce has shown extraordinary dedication, compassion and resilience, often under intense pressure and scrutiny.

They come to work every day to care for people in their community quietly, professionally, and without expectation of praise. They are a true credit to this health service.

“This new 96-bed block is much more than a building. It represents hope — for our patients who deserve timely access to care, and for our staff who have worked so hard for so long to make this possible. Delivering 96 new beds — almost half the size of an entire Model 3 hospital — is no small achievement. It took almost one million hours of work, delivered through a pandemic, supply challenges, and while operating over the busiest Emergency Department in the country. That deserves real recognition,” she added.

Mr Ian Carter, CEO, Acute & Older People Services, HSE Mid West, said: “UHL has for many years been operating in excess of optimal capacity and this has adversely impacted both patient flow and patient experience. There are two chief means of reducing congestion in our hospitals – by adding capacity and through process improvement.

The opening of this bed block can

the additional beds we have opened are designated for the care of older persons”.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran (IND) noted, “it is a day of two emotions; the first is relief to see facility opened. It is also an acute awareness that this isn’t the final solution”. He said the Mid-West was an area “on the move in terms of momentum and delivery”. He added,

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and (left) HSE CEO Bernard Gloster were taken on a tour of Ward 9C in the new 96-Bed Block at University Hospital Limerick by Ian Carter, CEO Acute and Older People Services, HSE Mid West, and (right) Ber Murphy, Chief Director of Nursing & Midwifery, Acute and Older People Services, HSE Mid West Picture by Don Moloney

signify progress on both fronts.

It affords us the opportunity to introduce specialty cohorting on medical wards across the wider hospital, allowing for more effective allocation of specialty staff and improved discharge planning. The improved care environment will assist all patients in their recovery and in particular our older patients who are most at risk from prolonged waiting times for admission. Half of

“I feel like John Kiely saying we’ve got one All-Ireland, we want to do two or three in a row”.

Moran referenced the recent HIQA review and admitted he was “still curious to know why the other one we talked about or considered”.

By this, he suggested UHL become a model three hospital as it was “showing its age” and that a model four hospital be developed instead in Limerick City.

Minister says option from HIQA review will be decided before Christmas

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A DECISION will be made before Christmas on whether a new hospital will be built in Ennis, the Minister for Health has confirmed.

Responding to questions from The Clare Echo during a visit to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) on Monday, the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG) stated that a decision would be made before Christmas on which option from HIQA’s review of emergency care in the Mid-West.

HIQA’s report set out three options, these include expanding the existing UHL campus in Dooradoyle, expanding at a new site, or building a new hospital. “All of the options are on the table,” the Minister stated.

Minister Carroll MacNeill said in response to The Clare Echo said an option would be picked before Christmas.

She stated, “HIQA have very clearly identified options A and options B as being the priorities to meet the patient safety need of having more acute hospital beds on site as

quickly as possible. You can understand that would be my priority. But all the options are on the table”.

According to the Minister, she is “open to all three options that HIQA have identified”, her “priority” is to provide capacity in the short term. Works have already begun on a second 96-bed block on the UHL site with a third proposed. She said the current plan to add capacity at the UHL site will transition the region from having the “lowest per capita in-bed ratio” in 2020, to having “the second-highest in the country” by 2028.

Work is ongoing between the HSE and Department of Health before the matter is brought before Cabinet, the Minister said. “I will be liaising with public representatives, with the patient council, who are a very important voice in Limerick and the Mid-West.

They’ve given me a guide as to what they’d like me to se, but I will be having detailed discussions with them before I bring anything to Cabinet. I want to hear the patient voice articulated and articulated strongly”.

On the possibility of reopening emergency departments in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s which closed in 2009, the Minister commented, “It’s not as straight-forward as re-opening an A&E (accident and emergency unit) if the supporting services aren’t there for someone who has come in a major trauma. What we are going is putting more beds into some of the model two hospitals. We have increased the medical assessment units.

We have taken steps to try and support people at home through lower acute interventions. We will expand and prioritise these as we do not want people coming to the emergency department unless they need to.

“It’s not just about an emergency department. It’s about what is behind it. That’s where we have to take the most-balanced decision as to where is the capacity is support someone who comes”.

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Mid-West Oireachtas members back threetier hospital expansion plan for region

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

OIREACHTAS members from Clare and Limerick have given their backing to a three-tier plan to expand hospital capacity in the MidWest, following publication of HIQA’s review of urgent and emergency care services in the region.

At a meeting in Limerick on Monday morning, eight members of the Oireachtas agreed that all three options proposed by HIQA should be advanced in parallel to relieve ongoing pressure at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

Under the preferred approach, immediate investment would focus on expanding bed capacity on the existing UHL site at Dooradoyle.

Medium-term development would see the establishment of a second UHL campus nearby comprising of out-patients department, diagnostics and adult mental health, with a longer-term goal of moving the maternity hospital and other acute services including a new ED to the nearby site under shared governance.

It was agreed that Option A combined with Option B will ultimately deliver Option C. Held at the Great National South Court Hotel, the meeting was convened by Clare TD Joe Cooney (FG), was attended by Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan (FG), Minister of State

Timmy Dooley (FF), TDs Cathal Crowe (FF) and Willie O’Dea (FF), Senators Maria Byrne (FG), Martin Conway and Dee Ryan (FF), and Clare County Council Cathaoirleach Paul Murphy (FG). All TDs and Senators from Clare, Limerick and Tipperary were invited to attend, no members from opposition parties were present for the meeting.

Dr Terry Hennessy, the HSE’s Regional Clinical Lead for Strategy and Development, briefed members on the significant constraints to expansion of the UHL site at Dooradoyle, the lack of capacity for that site on its own to deliver for the long-term future needs of the area, along with the HSE MidWest short, medium and long-term plans for implementing the HIQA recommendations.

Following the meeting, members agreed to support the HSE MidWest’s commitment to pursuing all three strands and to engage with the Department of Health to secure full Government backing.

A follow-up meeting is planned for early November in Leinster House, with Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG) and senior department officials to be invited.and in particular our older patients who are most at risk from prolonged waiting times for admission. Half of the additional beds we have opened are designated for the care of older persons”.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran (IND) noted, “it is a day of two

emotions; the first is relief to see facility opened. It is also an acute awareness that this isn’t the final solution”. He said the Mid-West was an area “on the move in terms of momentum and delivery”. He added,

“I feel like John Kiely saying we’ve got one All-Ireland, we want to do two or three in a row”.

Moran referenced the recent HIQA review and admitted he was “still curious to know why the other

one we talked about or considered”.

By this, he suggested UHL become a model three hospital as it was “showing its age” and that a model four hospital be developed instead in Limerick City.

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Planning system ‘abused’ as Uisce Éireann pause works on new Supermac’s Plaza

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SUPERMAC’s Banner Plaza has been met with a further delay ahead of its scheduled opening later this month with the owner of the fast-food giant claiming the planning system has been “abused”.

On Monday, it emerged in The High Court that Uisce Éireann had suspended its work on completing the wastewater connection at the new motorway service station on the outskirts of Ennis.

Construction commenced in May on the Banner Plaza located in Kilbreckan, Doora on junction 12 of the M18.

Since 2014, €18m has been invested by the fastfood giant on the plaza which is set to create 120 jobs.

Uisce Éireann have paused their work pending the outcome of a legal challenge taken by Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE). The

environmental group in August launched a High Court legal action against Uisce Éireann over its connection agreement for the plaza. The commercial semi-state company is to give FIE fourteen days’ notice before resuming any works.

FIE had threatened to apply to a judge for a stay on the works. They argued that the connection would have an adverse impact on water quality in the River Fergus, because it claims Clareabbey Wastewater Treatment Plant is already over-capacity.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for Supermac’s outlined, “The Banner Plaza project at Junction 12 on the M18 has been one of the most comprehensively assessed and scrutinised developments ever brought forward in the region. Over the past decade, every aspect of the project including its environmental and water

lJUDICIAL REVIEW: Supermac’s Plaza rendering

treatment systems has been rigorously reviewed and ultimately upheld by the relevant authorities and by the High Court”.

This new judicial review “represents an unprecedented legal move effectively seeking to re-litigate issues that have already been determined through the planning process and by the courts,” the spokesperson outlined.

Pat McDonagh, founder and owner of Super-

mac’s has confirmed he will oppose FIE’s entitlement to costs protection in the case. He said the judicial review process was “being abused” and that objectors citing EU environmental directives “can’t lose” even if their legal challenges were unsuccessful. “It is like going to an open ATM and pulling money out – the door is wide open to it”.

Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) has raised serious concerns about the de-

lays affecting major infrastructure projects, citing the current judicial review process as a significant barrier to progress.

In a Parliamentary Question, Deputy Cooney has called on the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan (FF) to undertake a comprehensive review of the judicial review system and its impact on critical developments.

Speaking this week when Supermac’s plaza on the outskirts has been delayed by an environmental group bringing a judicial review to the High Court, Deputy Cooney said, “Our communities are being left behind while vital infrastructure is stalled. We need a judicial review process that protects citizens’ rights but also enables timely and lawful delivery of projects that are essential to our future”.

Clarecare launches job recruitment drive

CLARECARE have launched recruitment campaign to hire a significant number of Home Support Workers across the county.

As part of this initiative, Clarecare will host a series of Recruitment Roadshows throughout October and November, giving potential candidates the opportunity to meet the Home Support team, learn more about the vital services they provide, and explore rewarding full-time and part-time career opportunities within the organisation.

For more than 50 years, Clarecare has been serving communities across County Clare, providing a wide range of professional and compassionate support services to older people and families throughout the region.

How to Apply: Take the first step toward a rewarding career in Home Support by applying online at clarecare.ie/vacancies or contact Clarecare’s HR Department at: 065 689 4209 / 086 771 3229 or email ncarroll@clarecare. ie.

Upcoming Recruitment Roadshows: l Monday, 20th October 2025, 11am to 3pm: Clarecare Day Centre, Hill Road, Killaloe, V94 NR52 l Wednesday 22nd October 2025, 11am to 3pm: Clarecare Office, Monastery Lane, Ennistymon, V95 RH73 l Thursday, 23rd October 2025, 11am to 3pm: Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis l Thursday, 6th November 2025, 11am to 3pm: Clarecare Stand (located across from Dunnes Stores) in Shannon Town Centre l Friday, 7th November 2025, 11am to 3pm: Clarecare Office, 4 Dooneen Park, Kilrush, V15 HY06

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Clare FM named local radio station of the year & Rachael staying put on Radio One

Power outage in Ennistymon after transformer catches fire

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE FM has been named the local radio station of the year for the second time in three years.

At the IMRO awards held at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny last week, the commercial radio station took home the top prize when it was named the local radio station of the year for 2025.

This was one of the top awards on the night with RTÉ Lyric FM named music station of the year and Today FM selected as full service station of the year.

Two bronze awards were also brought back to Clare FM’s studios on Francis Street in Ennis.

Morning Focus presented by Alan Morrissey and produced

by Ewelina Szybinskatook bronze in the current affairs regional and local category with Limerick’s Live 95FM claiming the top honour here for ‘A Woman’s Worst Nightmare’.

A special All-Ireland final preview titled ‘Live at glór’ which was presented by Syl O’Connor and Derrick Lynch received the bronze award for best regional and local sports programme with Dublin’s Q102 winning

gold.

Following his retirement as presenter of Céilí House, Ennis’ Kieran Hanrahan finished up with the silver accolade for

surgery for scoliosis. Brian’s work led to the matter getting highlighted in the Dáil by the Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) and former Labour leader, Alan

 Winners: Pictured is the Clare FM team, Syl O’Connor, Derrick Lynch, Fiona Cahill, Padraic Flaherty, Ewelina Szybinska, Alan Morrissey and Colum McGrath

specialist music broadcaster of the year. The co-founder of Stockton’s Wing brought the curtain down on his thirty year stint as presenter of the Radio One in August.

Ennis native Brian O’Connell took silver in the ‘short feature’ category. The RTÉ Radio One reporter won gold in 2022 for highlighting the story of Cork’s Adam Terry and the delays he experienced in undergoing

Kelly (LAB).

Fellow Ennis reporter, John Cooke was also involved in the celebrations as part of the RTÉ Drivetime team who won gold for best current affairs programme.

Doireann Garrihy, the daughter of Eugene and Clare from Doolin and Bellharbour took silver in the entertainment inserts category for her 2FM Drive show. The gold in this section

was won by her godfather Ian Dempsey. Doireann also won the silver for entertainment presenter of the year.

Head of Operations and Programme Director with Clare FM, Padraic Flaherty told The Clare Echo, “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team every single day. Our focus is always on County Clare, and everyone on the team strives to deliver the very best for our county. Winning this award for the second time in three years is a fantastic achievement and a wonderful opportunity to showcase Clare on a national stage”.

Meanwhile, Shannon native Rachael English will be staying put despite the major reshuffle announced for RTÉ Radio One which has saw Ray D’Arcy leave the station and Kieran Cuddihy take over as the new presenter of Liveline. Rachael will continue to front ‘News at One’ amidst all the changes in Donnybrook.

Sixmilebridge’s Marie Crowe is among those in contention to present a new daily sports show which is to air at 6pm on Radio One.

CLARE TECHNOLOGY PARK Offices of varying sizes available

A FIRE on an electricity pole in Ennistymon has left over 700 people without power in North Clare.

An estimated 724 households and businesses in Ennistymon and surrounding areas remain are without power on Wednesday morning according to estimates from the ESB. Shortly after 10:30am, an electrical pole on Main Street in Ennistymon caught fire which has resulted in the loss of power across the town and surrounding areas.

Locals in Ennistymon say the cause of the fire is unknown but that the transformer appeared to just spark off.

Crews from the ESB are on site in Ennistymon working to repair the electrical fault.

Units from the Clare County Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene.

Photo by John Sheridan

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Clare Technology Park is located just off the

M18, 2km north of Ennis Town Centre, 44km north of Limerick City, home to both the University of Limerick and TUS Limerick Campus, and 64km south of Galway where the National University of Ireland Galway and Galway / Mayo Institute of Technology are located. It enjoys excellent links to a range of road, air and port infrastructure.

The building is finished to a very high standard.

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Fibre broadband is available with a choice of service providers

john.keogh@snnairportgroup.ie

+353 61 71283 +353 86 269 7419

Find out more at www.snnairportgroup.ie

Ample parking

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Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Old Killaloe Ballina bridge to be Garvey resigns from Greens pedestrianised permanently

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PERMANENT pedestrianisation of the Old Killaloe Ballina Bridge is to come into effect this Friday evening.

In a statement on Wednesday morning, Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council announced the bridge would be pedestrianised permanently from the end of the week.

Pedestrianisation has been trialled at the bridge since July 28th and was to conclude on Friday (October 17th) but now both local authorities have announced the measures will remain permanently. The intention to close the existing bridge to vehicular traffic was also in the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan, published in January 2022.

From Friday evening, the historic narrow stone arch bridge will close permanently to all vehicle traffic and will serve as a pedestrian and cycle link between the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina.

According to the Councils, “This decision follows a comprehensive process (Section 38) in which both councils recognised the importance of gathering robust data and undertaking public engagement before deciding to prohibit vehicular traffic on the historic bridge.

“Data collected before and during the

PEDESTRIAN: Killaloe/Ballina Bridge

trial period demonstrated that closing the bridge to vehicles did not result in any detrimental impact on traffic flows in either Ballina or Killaloe. The trial period also highlighted the bridge’s value as a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists, and its suitability as a venue for local promotional and tourism events,” the statement added.

Hundreds of people attended a protest in August opposing the pedestrianisation. However the Councils said “the majority of respondents from both Killaloe and Ballina expressed support for the continued closure of the bridge to vehicular traffic”. The statement added, “Submissions received during the trial reflected strong support for pedestrianisation, with residents citing improved safety for children, elderly, and wheelchair users, as well as

enhanced community amenity. The bridge has also become a social hub, fostering increased interaction and hosting events with many submissions noting reduced congestion and improved traffic flow via the new bridge, alongside environmental benefits such as lower noise and air pollution.

“However, the Councils acknowledge concerns raised regarding economic impact, as well as issues of accessibility and emergency service response times. The Councils remain committed to supporting businesses in both towns and to promoting Killaloe and Ballina as vibrant places for commerce and tourism. Meanwhile the Emergency Services confirmed they did not anticipate any significant impact on their operations as a result of this decision”.

Acting Director of Service for Transportation, Climate Action, Recreation, Environmental & Emergency Services Cyril Feeney stated, “The commingling of pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles on the bridge has been a cause for concern for many years. The proposal to remove vehicular traffic is not new. It was considered as an option since the early 2000s but was not feasible without an alternative route for vehicular traffic.

That alternative route has now been successfully provided by the opening of the new Brian Boru Bridge”.

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by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FORMER Senator Roisin Garvey has resigned as Deputy Leader of the Green Party and has left the party.

Inagh native Roisin became Deputy Leader of the Greens in June 2024 succeeding Catherine Martin TD (GP) when Roderic O’Gorman (GP) replaced Eamon Ryan (GP) as party leader.

Party members were informed via email on Monday morning that Garvey had resigned from her role.

Former Limerick TD, Brian Leddin (GP) has also left the party, he has cited the decision of the Greens to back Catherine Connolly (IND) for the Presidency.

In May 2019, Roisin became the first female councillor elected in North Clare and the first Green elected outside of Ennis to be elected to Clare County Council.

Garvey was unsuccessful in two General Elections. She polled 9.5% of the vote in 2020 with 5,624 first preferences and was the second last candidate eliminated. Her vote dipped for the 2024 General Elec-

tion when she amassed 6.2% of the vote with 3,770 first preferences but was once again the second last candidate eliminated.

She was appointed to the Seanad in 2020 by Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) and remained there for four years.

Since leaving politics, she has done charity work abroad and was heavily involved in Inagh's application to be named as the greenest village in Ireland.

Efforts by The Clare Echo to contact Garvey for comment have been unsuccessful.

According to a spokesperson for the Greens, Roisin has left her role for a new post she has taken up, this is understood to be in the University of Limerick. The spokesperson said she was a “powerful voice for rural Ireland within the party” who “represented the party with distinction in the Seanad.

9

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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News

Scariff checkpoint uncovers claim that car is registered six year old

Sitting officials linked with Head of Operations vacancy in Clare GAA

by Gordon Deegan

SITTING OFFICERS and one paid official of Clare GAA are among the names linked as potential replacements of Deirdre Murphy as the Association’s Head of Operations.

At the beginning of October, Deirdre announced she would be leaving the role, three years on from her appointment. The former Clare camogie captain who on Sunday was part of the Clooney/Quin panel to win the county intermediate championship is to take up a role in the private sector when she bows out after County Convention in December.

Applications for the post of Head of Operations close next Friday (October 24th). “There is a challenging opportunity there now for someone else to pick it up from here,” Chairman of Clare GAA Kieran Keating told the October meeting of the County Board.

Potential candidates are keeping tight-lipped as CVs are prepared and finalised. The post is anticipated to attract interest from persons outside the GAA and Co Clare.

Within GAA circles in Clare, a handful of names are frequently cropping up in conversations about the vacancy.

Chairman Keating is among those linked to the role. Head of Finance with Shannon based Fabricated Products. Next year would be his final stint in the Chair following the maximum five year term that officers are allowed to hold. He has worked

news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has described as ‘bizarre’ a road traffic case where a Galway motorist has told a court that the car he was driving in is registered to his six year old daughter.

At Ennis District Court, Patrick Egan (36) told the court that the car that he was stopped in during a Garda insurance check Scariff last November “is my daughter’s car”.

He told the court today, “That was her car”.

Asked by Judge Alec Gabbett how old his daughter is, part time security guard at Citywest in Dublin, Mr Egan replied “six”.

Mr Egan of St. Joseph’s Park, Killimor, Ballinasloe, Galway is before the court on a no insurance summons from November 26th at Main Street, Scariff, Co. Clare concerning a 10LK registered car.

Sgt Brian Duddy told the court that Mr Egan told him on the date that the car was registered to his six year old daughter.

Sgt Duddy told the court that has been in contact with Mr Egan’s insurers and they state that he was not insured to drive.

Judge Gabbett said it is not possible for a six year old to own a car “as she can’t enter into a contract - she has no capacity.

How did she sign the green log book”.

Judge Gabbett said, “A child can’t own a car by law. If I was cynical I would say that the car is in your daughter’s name to avoid penalty points and a conviction”.

He said, “Speeding tickets will come to a six-year old and the same issue applies where the six year old can’t get penalty points either. I have that suspicion in my mind which is concerning me. And I can’t get a six year old into a witness box to ask her if it is her car and that she wanted it because six year olds can’t give

evidence”.

Judge Gabbett said that it is “hugely problematic” Mr Egan’s claim that his young daughter owns the car. Judge Gabbett described the case as “bizarre”.

Judge Gabbett stated that even if the car is registered to a six year old it would invalidate any insurance policy. Judge Gabbett said that he would assign Mr Egan legal aid to be able to get proper legal advice.

Solicitor, Stiofán Fitzpatrick said that he is to represent Mr Egan and requested an adjournment. He agreed that the case is “bizarre” and Judge Gabbett said, “It seems to be a gormless type defence. I am not entirely satisfied it is being done with malice”.

Mr Fitzpatrick said, “There is no malice” and Judge Gabbett replied “pure and utter ignorance of the situation”.

Judge Gabbett said, “As far as I am concerned the offence has been committed and what I have to decide is whether he is going to be disqualified or not disqualified”.

Judge Gabbett said, “I have yet to meet a man who actively put a car in his daughter’s name at the age of six”.

Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to Killaloe District Court sitting in Ennis on November 4th.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

very closely with Murphy following her appointment in September 2022.

Games Development Administrator with Clare GAA, Micheál Duffy is understood to be applying for the post of Head of Operations. The Kilfenora native became Acting Games Development Manager in January 2021 before taking on the role on a full-time basis.

Current Vice Chairman of Clare GAA, Michael O’Connor is another name in the mix for the vacancy. The Crusheen man was among those to make the shortlist of sixteen for the Head of Operations gig in 2022. He had been nominated for Chairman prior to the 2020 Convention but withdrew citing his commitments to his club and studies in health promotion.

Deputy CEO and Head of Operations with Munster GAA, John Brennan has also been linked with the position but the Ennis man is not expected to leave his post with the provincial body.

Murphy’s successor will be responsible for working with the county executive to develop the vision and strategies of the GAA within the county and for implementing short and long-term plans to achieve the Association’s goals. The Head of Operations will report to the Office of the Ard Stiúrthóir of the GAA, and the County Chairperson and will be tasked to provide direction and leadership to management and staff and oversee the effective development of Clare GAA.

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Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Arts & Culture

The Beyond Borders Book Clare to celebrate harp music on Lá Club returns to Clare to na Cruite celebrate global stories

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

by LISA MULLALY lisa@clareecho.ie

THE BEYOND Borders Book Club is returning to Clare and is seeking presenters to lead discussions for this year’s programme.

The Beyond Borders Book Club is a community led initiative established

by Ennis Book Club Festival in 2017. The event is a celebration of international literature, recommended by participants who share their heritage or cultural background with the countries featured in these works.

The Beyond Borders Book Club will run throughout autumn and winter culmination in a festival weekend in March 2026.

BOOK CLUB: speakers at Ennis Book festival 2025 Photo by Eamon Ward

Each year, members of the public are invited to nominate a book from outside of Ireland that reflects their heritage or background, and to present it to a book club audience.

Discussions are moderated by an experienced chair, with a new book introduced each month. All presenters will then come together for a special Be-

yond Borders event during the Festival in March.

Countries previously featured include Nigeria, Egypt, Poland, Argentina, Mexico, Palestine, Iran and Brazil.

Speaking at the announcement, Festival Committee Chairperson Niamh O’Donovan said: “We at Ennis Book Club Festival love books and we love talking about books.

The Festival prides itself on being a welcoming space, and the Beyond Borders Book Club extends that welcome to people from other countries and backgrounds living in Ireland.”

The Festival is now inviting applications from people who would like to become a Beyond Borders presenter. Presenters should be available to speak to an audience about a book they love from a country outside Ireland, share their connection to the culture it represents, and share what inspires their love of reading.

Those interested should email Ennis Book Club Festival directly by October 17, 2025 at info@ennisbookclubfestival.com or the Festival website, www.ennisbookclubfestival.com

CLARE will come alive with the sound of the harp on Saturday, 18 October, as Cruit Éireann (Harp Ireland) presents the ninth annual Lá na Cruite (Harp Day).

This nationwide celebration of Ireland’s national instrument will bring harpers to towns and public spaces across the county, sharing music that spans generations and communities.

This year’s theme, ‘Nasc (Connection)’, highlights the harp’s power to bring people together.

In Clare, the festivities kick off with a lunchtime performance at glór in Ennis by local harpist Aisling Lyons, followed by an evening concert featuring Síle Denvir and multi-instrumentalist Barry Kerr.

Later, Aisling Lyons will join Paul Dooley and Kseniia Rusnak for an intimate evening of harp music at The

Haunting tales and Halloween traditions at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park MONSTERS, MISFITS and Mayhem are set to take over Bunratty Castle and Folk Park this October Bank Holiday Weekend (October 25 – 27), turning the popular County Clare attraction into a frightfully fun Halloween village.

Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, said, “Our Halloween event continues to be a firm favourite with visitors from across the Mid-West and beyond. We’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to Bunratty, where history and the haunted come together in truly magical fashion.”

She added, “It’s a wonderfully eerie time of year, and we’ve pulled out all the stops to create an unforgettable experience filled with fun, frights, and festivities for all the family.”

Age-old Halloween traditions will be brought to life at the Golden Vale Farmhouse, where the Bean an Tí will share stories about the foods typically enjoyed during Samhain and recall some of the curious superstitions of the time.

Visitors can also enjoy classic Halloween fun with traditional games such as Bobbing for Apples, Blind-Man’s-Buff, and

Snap Apple.

Adults can step back in time with a visit to a Victorian-era parlour séance, where the secrets of the past are revealed and the spirits of the departed are called forth. Over at The Shannon Farmhouse, The Wicked Wake returns as the resident MacNamara family mourn the loss of their beloved Mickey, whose ghostly presence hints that he may still have unfinished business among the living.

In the Doctor’s Kitchen on the Village Street, Bunratty’s resident seanchaí, Mickey Joe, will captivate visitors with fables of Samhain and spine-tingling tales passed down through generations. The en-

tertainment continues with Halloween-themed puppetry

by Konor Halpin each day at 11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.30pm, and 4.00pm in the Village Street Alleyway. On October 27, Escapologist Monsieur Gusto will amaze audiences with his juggling, escapology, and acrobatic skills. Visitors can also look forward to plenty of fun and frightful encounters with Dracula: King of the Vampires, Dr. Jekyll, Escaped Convicts, The Red Devil and a whole host of creepy characters.

New for 2025, beware… the Child Catcher is coming to town! From the shadowy corners of childhood nightmares and the cobwebbed pages of old fairy tales creeps

this mischievous and sinister sweets-slinger, who lures little ones with promises of treats… and all-day play. Step into the courtyard if you dare and see whether you can really trust him.

Meanwhile, tucked away in the Loop Head Farmhouse, visitors can meet the magical Grandmother Witch, Maudie, said to be the sister of the legendary Clare healer and bean feasa, Biddy Early. With her silver hair pinned under a bonnet, twinkling eyes, and cheerful cackle, Maudie enchants young hearts not with spells of control, but with wonder, wisdom, and a touch of wild magic. Her cauldron bubbles, fragrant herbs hang in bunches, and her watchful black cat, Treacle, keeps a gleaming eye on all who visit this charmingly mysterious corner of the village.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park invites families and thrill-seekers alike to join in the fun, frights, and festivities this Halloween Bank Holiday Weekend, from Saturday October 25 to Monday October 27, 10.30am to 1.30pm, and 2pm to 5pm.

For more information, visit: www.bunrattycastle.ie/events

Salmon Bookshop in Ennistymon.

Clare harpist Aisling Lyons said, “I’m thrilled to be part of Harp Day in Clare this year. It’s a wonderful chance to share our music, and I can’t wait to perform in both Ennis and Ennistymon.”

This year also sees the launch of ‘Sharing Harps’, a programme connecting unused instruments with young players who cannot afford a harp of their own, helping ensure that the county’s rich harp tradition continues for the next generation.

Lá na Cruite in Clare is part of a wider global celebration, with harpers connecting through recordings and events worldwide, from Paris to Japan, showing how Ireland’s national instrument continues to inspire communities everywhere.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.harpireland.ie/events

Halloween photo contest

THE CLARE Echo has teamed up with Arc Cinema Ennis for a Halloween photo contest!

We’re inviting readers to submit their spookiest Halloween-themed photographs over the next two weeks. Whether it’s a chilling costume, eerie makeup, or haunted house decorations, we want to see your best efforts as Oíche Shamhna approaches.

The top three entries will each win a family pass to Arc Cinema Ennis, and the photograph deemed the most spooktacular will also be showcased on the front page of The Clare Echo.

Winners will be revealed in our special Halloween edition on Thursday, October 30.

To enter, simply email your photograph to lisa@clareecho.ie. Remember, one entry per person. By submitting, you give The Clare Echo permission to feature your photo on social media and in print.

Get your cameras ready, and may the spookiest photo win!

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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Contributors

11

October brings time to reflect on this years work and plan ahead OCTOBER; the dark evening is closing in and its time to enjoy the fires.

One of the thing about slowing down coming into the autumn and winter is that it’s a time to reflect and plan.

“Planning what?”, I hear you say. Well for some it’s a new garden for others it’s to expand and add more colour and beauty to a bed or border.

October is a month you can tidy up the garden but also move plants if they are not suited to a current position or they are too big maybe and you want to rearrange some shrubs.

If you want shrubs with low maintenance Hebe are

a great variety and Heuchera are another colourful leaf plan variety that don’t grow too big. Pittosporum are another shrub evergreen and comes in a few varieties again nice structure easy to maintain.

Hedging is another thought as we are coming into bareroot season and this means plant are better value and affordable with a good selection to choose from, so whether its Laurel or Beech you would like to put around the surround of your property or a border between your neighbour it’s a good time to pre ground plan the quantity you may need.

This week we are busy

with planting bulbs in pots and answering question one is how do you plant and the answer is depending on the look you want its can be done as an individual bulb or in clusters of odd numbers like three or fives or sevens.

Some that want a woodland look just roll them out and plant randomly where they fall so hairy side down and pointy side up.

What looks nice to me is I love all colours but a collection of white daffodils is lovely in a maze of yellow the mix selection is popular but having a lovely yellow crop of bulb just brightens my day.

So there is no wrong way in

my opinion to plant bulbs.

We continue to fill pots hear in blossoms and add colour and make them all gorgeous again with the choice of colour in heather and in cyclamen we have a lovely rang to pick from.

If it’s a gift idea that you are looking for, we have a lovely range ready made and we can customise to suit your needs and budget too.

With Halloween prep under way for the next week few weeks keep an eye out on our social media page for our Halloween ghost and witches to appear.

Have a fabulous week.

12

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Éire Óg Honours Senior Football Champions of 2000

Gerry Collins

Mark Kelly and David Monaghan

Andy Leyland, Barry Donnelly an Donal Mcareavey

Josie Nevin, Paul Madden and Paddy Smyth

Micahel McNamara and Paul Scahill

Éire Óg hosted a special reunion on October 11th to celebrate the club’s senior football champions of 2000. The evening featured food, refreshments, and music as players and supporters gathered at the clubhouse ahead of the team’s recognition at half-time of the senior football final. It capped off a memorable week for the club, with Éire Óg winning the senior hurling final on October 5th and the senior football final on October 12th. The event was organised by John Hickey and the Éire Óg committee.

Photos by: Joe Buckley

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

Regional News

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Ennis

Dovida brings immersive Virtual Dementia Tour experience to Clare

THE RENOWNED Virtual Dementia Tour rolled into Ennis this week as part of a nationwide campaign by Dovida to provide family members of people living with dementia with an insight into their loved one’s experience of the condition.

The Virtual Dementia Tour, commonly known as the ‘dementia bus’ or ‘dementia simulator’, will visit Dovida’s 25 locations during its journey, which will see 800 people take part throughout the campaign.

As well as offering family members a valuable insight into the inner life of someone living with dementia, the company is using the dementia bus as a vehicle to give its caregivers and local healthcare professionals an immersive training experience.

“This is a uniquely immersive training course which allows people to walk in the shoes of a person living with dementia,” Brian O’Sullivan, General Manager of Dovida Clare, said.

The state-of-the-art dementia bus uses technology to replicate the sensory changes associated with dementia. Participants wear goggles, headphones, and spiky insoles. They are then asked to perform everyday tasks, but with

 DEMENTIA TOUR:Dovida Caregivers Suzanne Downey, Phyllis Quinn, and Mairead Wilkinson after taking part on the Virtual Dementia Tour in Ennis on Wednesday, October 8th

distorted vision, loud noises, and sensory overload, which recreate what it’s like to have dementia.

The experience concludes with an expert-led debrief, which helps participants understand

what they have experienced and offers useful tips and strategies to make the world a better place for people living with dementia.

“There are currently over 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland, and that number is projected to double by 2045.

It’s crucial that as many people as possible gain a better understanding of the condition, so we can empathise with what people are going through,” Brian added.

The dementia bus initiative adds to Dovida’s existing caregiver training and contributes to a more holistic approach to caring for people with the condition. Dovida offers accredited City & Guilds dementia care training through its Home Care Professionals Academy. This research-based training course puts the person’s dignity first and teaches practical skills to support people living with dementia.

“As well as the practical element of home care, the emotional and companionship elements are also hugely important. Initiatives such as the dementia bus help us to build on our current training and empower our caregivers to deliver the best possible care and support to our clients,” Brian concluded.

A new chapter for families in Ennis: 48 new homes off icially opened

TUATH Housing has marked an important milestone in County Clare with the official opening of 48 new homes, delivered in partnership with Clare County Council.

The scheme was officially opened by the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy. Speaking on behalf of Tuath Housing at the event was Angela Murphy, Deputy Chair of Tuath’s Voluntary Board of Directors.

The housing at Loughvella will help ease this pressure by providing a permanent home for families who have been waiting years for stability.

The development which was delivered in three phases includes 2 two-bedroom bungalows, 42 three-bedroom

semi-detached houses, and 4 four-bedroom semi-detached houses.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr Paul Murphy said: “These homes are a vital addition to Clare’s housing stock. They provide families with the security of a permanent home and demonstrate what can be achieved when organisations like Tuath and Clare County Council work together.”

Angela Murphy, Vice Chair of Tuath Housing’s Voluntary Board, added: “Tuath Housing is committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes for communities across Ireland. This development in Clare is a significant step forward in meeting local

housing needs and providing families with a safe place to live and thrive.”

New residents attending the opening expressed their excitement at becoming part of this new community.

“This new home means the world to us. We are so pleased to be able to put down roots here in Ennis alongside other families like ours,” said Assia Mourkim The provision of these homes at Loughvella brings the number of homes managed by Tuath in Clare to 103.

Across Ireland, Tuath now manages more than 16,000 homes, supporting over 40,000 people.

Banner Brains exhibition

THE BANNER Brain exhibition was recently launched at De Valera Library, Ennis, showcasing powerful and deeply personal artworks created by members of the Headway Ennis Hub, an organisation supporting people affected by acquired brain injuries. The display celebrates creativity, resilience, and recovery, offering visitors a unique insight into life after brain injury.

Led by art tutor James Ryan, and supported by Eva from Creative Ireland along with Muiriosa, Catherine, Elish, and Úna from De Valera Library, the project became more than an art programme.

BANNER BRAIN: Participants Thomas, Mary, Brian, Mairead, Ian, and Joannaat the exhibition launch in De Valera Library

NOTES

A financial wellness workshop will be held in De Valera Library on Wednesday October 22 between 10:30am to 12 pm.

The workshop will give tips and advise on budgeting.

All are welcome, no booking is required

f un run T S E R FO €5 PER PERSON

FFANCY ANCY DRESS FFamily amily Friendly MUSIC & REFRESHMENTS 2KM fUN rUN / wALK TREATS FOR KIDS

13

LEE’S RD, ENNIS

fRIDAY OCTOBER 17th Registration from 6PM Gates open 7pm

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE AT TRAINING OR ON THE GATE ON THE NIGHT OPEN TO MEMBERS AND NON MEMBERS CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT

D BY SORE SPON Y L D KIN

PARKING LIMITED PLEASE CARPOOL WHERE POSSIBLE

14

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Shannon

Former Shannon meat factory worker awarded €60,000 over injury on factory ‘kill floor’

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has granted personal injury damages of €60,000 to a butcher against Shannon based Halal meat operator, Asba Meats Ltd arising from injuries sustained when a sheep bone pierced the worker’s right hand on a meat factory ‘kill floor’ three years ago.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford has awarded the damages to Wender Goncalves Da Silva (41) of Baldwin Street, Mitchelstown, Co Cork after hearing that the worker required three separate surgical operations for his hand.

Mr Da Silva told the court that he is no longer able to carry out similar work due to the impact of the “deep penetrating injury” which he sustained at the Asba Meats Ltd’s Shannon plant on October 11 2022.

Making the decree for €60,000 against Asba Meats Ltd, Judge Comerford said that Mr Da Silva had “suffered a very nasty injury”.

Judge Comerford said that the circumstances of Mr Da Silva sustaining the injury were “traumatic” and the initial injury “became far, far worse with a very serious infection developing, doing significant damage to the hand” He said that the impact on Mr Da Silva’s hand has been “far more

lFACTORY INJURY: Asba meats in Shannon

widespread including a significant loss of function in three of the fingers of his right hand, which was his dominant hand”.

Judge Comerford said that treatment was involved, prolonged and went over a long period of time involving three surgeries.

He said that there has not been a complete recovery and a doctor’s report indicates that Mr Da Silva has done everything he can to return to work and has tried to rehabilitate his injury as much as he can.

Judge Comerford said that Mr Da Silva’s ability to work will be impacted for the rest of his life.

In the case, Mr Da Silva was represented by Niamh Ní Leathlobhair BL (instructed by solicitor, Julie Sadlier of Murray Flynn Solicitors) and in evidence, Mr Da Silva said that he sustained the injury caused by a piece of sheep bone while boning the front part of a sheep carcass on the morning of October 11 2022 at the ‘kill floor’ of the Asba Meats plant.

The sheep bone piece pierced a middle finger on Mr Da Silva’s right hand.

The following day, Mr Da Silva presented at Ennis General Hospital and was referred to University Hospital Limerick where he waited

the whole night but was further referred to the Plastic Surgery Dept at the University Hospital Galway where he remained for one week.

Speaking through an interpreter in court, Mr Da Silva said that medics in Galway told him that if they were not able to contain the infection “they would have to amputate the hand so they gave me a lot of medicine”.

Mr Da Silva also required skin grafting from his abdomen due to the amount of localised skin destruction and loss of tissue in his right hand.

There was no appearance from Asba Meats in court and Ms Ní

Leathlobhair told Judge Comerford that the company is in receivership. A newspaper report on Thursday stated that the company continues to trade.

Asked by Ms Ní Leathlobhair how his hand is now, Mr Da Silva explained: “If I put my hand down, I feel pain so I have to always keep it elevated.”

Asked about using his right hand for washing or everyday domestic chores, Mr Da Silva said that he uses it very little.

Ms Ní Leathlobhair said that a medical report stated that Mr Da Silva’s hand injury “required intensive intervention, surgical procedures, intravenous antibiotics and a prolonged period of immobilisation”.

Ms Ní Leathlobhair said that initially Mr Da Silva was out of work for seven to eight months and today cannot do the type of boning work he was able to carry out prior to the injury.

She said that Mr Da Silva subsequently got a job in a butcher’s shop and worked as a janitor. He now works as a valet car worker.

In court Judge Comerford left his bench to get a close-up of the residual “significant scar” on Mr Da Silva’s right hand while Mr Da Silva sat in the near-by witness box.

Shannon Airport launches Shannon l Stronger Starts Cooks Bear with competition to win return flights to New York

Primary school students from St Conaires National School, Shannon, Co. Clare are pictured enjoying a cookery session as part of Tesco Ireland’s Stronger Starts Cooks programme.

SHANNON Airport is celebrating the launch of its newest travel companion, Shannon Bear, with an exciting competition offering passengers the chance to win return flights to New York.

Over the next two weeks, departing passengers can purchase their limited-edition Shannon Bear in Duty Free, take him along on their travels, and share a photo of his holiday adventures on Instagram or Facebook, tagging Shannon Airport.

The most creative photo will be selected by the Shannon Duty Free team and announced on the airport’s social

media channels on Friday, October 31.

Already spotted in destinations like New York and Cannes, Shannon Bear is quickly becoming a globetrotting sensation. But he’s more than just a cuddly companion - he’s here for a great cause.

Proceeds from every Shannon Bear sold will support The Shannon Airport Group’s 2025 charity partners: Clare Crusaders and Little Blue Heroes, two remarkable organisations dedicated to helping children with additional needs and families navigating long-term medical care.

Alan Reynolds, Head of

Retail at Shannon Duty Free, said: “It’s been wonderful to see Shannon Bear heading off on his holidays with passengers since his launch last month.

This competition is a fun way to follow his travels while giving back to two incredible charities. One lucky winner will soon be heading to New York - and they’ll have made a meaningful difference along the way.”

Join the adventure, support a great cause, and go places with Shannon Bear!

For full details, terms and conditions please visit www. shannonairport.ie/competition

15

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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East Clare

Bicentenary celebrations of Scariff church SCARIFF’s community will celebrate the bicentenary of the Church of the Sacred Heart in the parish this weekend.

On Sunday, (October 19th), Bishop Fintan Monahan will lead the celebrations with mass at 1pm. The church in Scariff is a source of great history within East Clare.

During the period of enforcement of the penal laws in Ireland Mass was celebrated secretly, infrequently and in secluded venues in Scariff. The mass rock in Cappabane bears witness to this period in history.

The chapel was preceded by a mass house generally believed to be on the Feakle Rd. The medium sized chapel built on the hill at Fossabeg was nevertheless a strong statement of a people emerging from a time of oppression and determined to profess their faith and exercise their freedom. It was one of dozens built in the diocese in the first decades of the 19th century and cost £900.

Chapels could not be used for public meetings at the time by order of the Irish bishops but there is a record of a repeal meeting being held in Scariff chapel in May 1843.

North Clare

Regional News

Liscannor launches village’s official website

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

lCELEBRATION: Church of the Sacred Heart Scariff

Fr. Matthew Kenny was appointed as parish priest of Scariff in 1872 and one of the tasks he took on was a major upgrade to the parish church. He erected a new church on the same site as the 1825 thatched building.

The new church was a much larger structure than the earlier chapel. It was noted that some of the older building was incorporated into the new but it is not clear which part this is. The new church was designed by an M Hennessey of Limerick and built by a T Williams from Borrisoleigh. The cost of the new church was £1200.

Half of the cost was supplied by Fr. Kenny, the other half by the parishioners.

Building the new church was a remarkable achievement by both Fr. Kenny and the parishioners. Some decades ago, stories were

still heard by older residents of the parish about the two large pillars of Aberdeen granite being hauled up the steep hill of Scariff by multiple horses on their way to the Church.

Fr. Kenny was still in Scariff in 1890 when he added the limestone tower at the entrance to the building. A plaque commemorating this can be seen on the tower.

In the early twentieth century the Church of the Sacred Heart witnessed one of most harrowing experiences of the Scariff community, the funeral of the Scariff martyrs in November 1920. During the funeral of the four men, the church was raided by the auxiliaries which caused much distress and resentment. The four martyrs were subsequently buried in the church grounds, the first internments there.

LISCANNOR COMMUNITY Development Group has launched the village’s new official website.

On Friday, www.liscannor.ie went live online offering a new digital hub to reflect the spirit of the historic and vibrant coastal community in North Clare.

From its deep-rooted heritage to its unique position as the home of the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, Liscannor.ie brings together everything that makes the village special.

The website features local news, events, community updates, and visitor information, with highlights including Liscannor Harbour, St. Brigid’s Well, Clahane Shore, and stories of local heritage and folklore.

Speaking at the launch, Kieran Considine, Chairman of the Liscannor

lLISCANNOR.IE: Henry Adams (left), Thematic Lead for Enterprise, Community Development and Sustainable Growth with Kieran Considine, Chairman of the Liscannor Community Development Group, at Liscannor Harbour for the launch of the new village website, Liscannor.ie. Photograph: Caitriona Considine

Community Development Group explained that Liscannor.ie is “a one-stop website that celebrates who we are as a community and shares the beauty of where we live with the wider world. It’s a place where locals can stay informed and visitors can be inspired to stop, explore, and connect with our village”.

Branding and website design were developed in collaboration with Juniper Smith, whose creative work helped capture the warmth and character of the village in a clean, contemporary way. The website is now live and open to contributions from local groups and businesses.

l Tulla Town Team

Visitor facilities in Inis Cealtra & Mountshannon to be upgraded

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

APPROVAL has been granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála for the proposed upgrade and enhancement of facilities at Inis Cealtra (Holy Island) and Mountshannon Village.

Planning permission has given the go-ahead for the construction of welfare pods, including a weather shelter, water closets, and a staff

rest room principally made up of prefabricated timber components. The existing jetty to also be upgraded.

A new carpark is to be constructed in Mountshannon village along with upgrades to Mountshannon Harbour carpark and landscaping enhancements. A future proof visitor centre was also part of the planning approval.

Funding for the planning and design of the project came via the Department

of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht as part of the RRDF 2 funding measure. The project is a key part of Clare County Council’s commitment to sustainable tourism and aligns with national, regional and local strategies, including the National Planning Framework, Project Ireland 2040, the Shannon Tourism Masterplan and the Clare Tourism Strategy 2030.

l Musicians and dancer at Tulla Cultural Centre opening

Photo by: Tom Micks

16

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

West Clare

Community safety concerns in Kilrush prompting Cllrs to seek ‘urgent meeting’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

COMMUNITY SAFETY has “come to a head” in Kilrush with an increasing amount of threats to damage persons and property in the West Clare town.

An “urgent meeting” with An Garda Síochána has been sought by elected members of the West Clare Municipal District.

In a proposal before the West Clare MD, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) called for the meeting “to ensure that any GDPR issue relation to the use of CCTV cameras in Kilrush are resolved with immediate effect.

If a suitable solution is not found the intervention from the Minister and the Commissioner is to be requested”.

Senior executive officer in the West Clare MD, John O’Malley explained that the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 was signed into law in December 2023 and provides for a new regime for the authorisation and operation of CCTV schemes. Part 5 of this Act which “concerns authorisation for installation and operation of CCTV for the prevention, investigation THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, 7, 2024 and prosecution of Nov crime is awaiting commencement”.

O’Malley outlined, “Under the 2023 Act, an application could be

URGENT MEETING: Kilrush town

made to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána by either a local authority or by An Garda Síochána to install public realm surveillance, accompanied by a data protection impact assessment and documented evidence as to the necessity and proportionality of the proposed surveillance. Under the 2023 Act, a code of practice is to be put by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána for the approval of the Minister to become the statutory code to apply to public CCTV surveillance schemes. The commencement of part 5 of the 2023 Act and the statutory code of practice is awaited”.

Members of the local authority have been doing “trojan work on this issue” over the last five years in Kilrush, Cllr Lynch acknowledged.

Doonbeg family finalist announced for 2025 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards

by Páraic McMahon

ed footballer.

Recognised as Ireland’s The Killeen dairy farming leading dairy farming awards “It has come to a head, communifamily from Doonbeg, Co initiative, the annual NDC ty safety is a problem here, in the Clare have been shortlisted in and Kerrygold Quality Milk last three to four months I’ve had a the National Dairy Council Awards honours Ireland’s number of phone calls about prop(NDC) and Kerrygold Quality leading dairy producers who continue to work to enhance erty being damaged or threatened”.

Milk Awards.

Ownership of CCTV is an issue, The Killeen Family Farm standards of excellence in dairy the Kilrush representative flagged. in Doonbeg is a model of re- farming and milk production “We need to sit down with An Garsilience and tradition, endur- in Ireland.

The finalists, each nominatda Síochána and stop this nonsense. ing across five generations of When other towns and villages in farmers. Andrew and Ber- ed by their respective co-op, the county like Ennis have CCTV nadette farm with their son display excellence in dairy prowhy can’t we have it in Kilrush.

James, milking 110 cows and duction over a number of key There is a separate meeting needed supply to Kerry Dairy Ire- areas including animal health with the Clare and Tipperary Garda land. The farm was struck with and welfare, dairy parlour facilDivision to get this resolved”.

BSE in 2004, requiring a full ities, milk hygiene and a range Seconding the proposal, Cllr Rita herd depopulation. The fam- of sustainability measures.

Following nomination by McInerney (FF) commented, “it is ily rebuilt and today, the herd something which needs to be adcarries an EBI of 250 with re- their respective co-operative, each finalist participated in a dressed. This is an urgent meeting placements at 284. which needs to happen”.

Caring for the environment rigorous judging process carDirector of Services with Clare is second nature here, with ried out by an independent County Council, Siobhán McNulty more than 40% of the platform judging panel that examined a informed the meeting that the lodesigned as a Special Area of broad range of criteria includcal authority has a working group Conservation. The Killeens are ing milk quality, animal care, in contact with An Garda Síochápart of the Farming for Water farm infrastructure and hyna regarding CCTV. “The primary programme and have installed giene, soil and grassland manissue is the relevant section of the bunded drains, sediment traps agement and technical performance, among other core Act hasn’t been enacted,” she highand reed beds. lighted. “When that is done then we Deeply rooted in the com- environmental indicators.

The overall winner of the can start to move forward with new munity, the family is involved 2025 NDC & Kerrygold QualCCTV systems. Until such time as in myriad activities including we have that appropriate legislathe school board and par- ity Milk Awards and category tion, there is ongoing engagement ish council; drama festivals, award winners will be an15 with An Garda Síochána but we’re traditional music, dance and nounced at a special ceremony October 23 in Co. Support journalism Clare to www.clareecho.ie/subscribe hamstrung until such in time as by thesubscribing Contributors choirs; and, of course, the on Thursday, legislation is enacted”.

GAA, where James is a talent- Kilkenny. paraic@clareecho.ie

Pan fried pork chops in a Wild mushroom and mustard sauce INGREDIENTS (for 2 servings)

heat then set aside.

n2 table spoons of butter n1 onion diced n2 garlic cloves crushed n4 pork chops n150g wild mushrooms n1 table spoon of dijon mustard n1 table spoon of wholegrain mustard n1/4cup of white wine n1/4cup of boiled water n1/2teaspoon black cracked peppercorns n1/4cup of cream

Step 4 Bring back the onions and mushrooms in the pan and heat up.Then add the wine and let it bubble for one minute then stir

METHOD

Step 7 Place in the preheated oven 160°C for fifteen minutes.

Enjoy!

Step 1 Melt 1tablespoon of the butter in a frying pan,add the onion and garlic and fry for one minute stirring Step 2 Next add the mushrooms and sautéed for two minutes stirring.Then set asside Step 3 In another pan add a little butter and add the chops just to brown on both sides.Cook for five minutes on medium

Step 5 Add the water and mix.Add the Dijon Mustard and the wholegrain and stir in.Let it stimmer for one minute Step 6 Add the cream stir in the add the chops to an oven dish and pour the mushroom and sauce all over the chops

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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Regional News

17

Gort & South Galway

€1m to rejuvenate Sisters of Mercy convent

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

€1M has been allocated to rejuvenate the old Sisters of Mercy convent in Gort.

Under category two of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), €1m has been set aside to support the acquisition of the Sisters of Mercy site and the development of a detailed project proposal to transform the historic location into a multi-purpose remote working, innovation, cultural, and community hub at the heart of Gort.

Located at Bridge Street, the convent building dates back to the late 1700s when it was built for residential purposes before it was occupied by the Sisters of Mercy in 1857. It is one of the oldest inhabited buildings in Gort, it was originally known as Bridge House and

is one of the oldest inhabited buildings in Gort. It was built. around 1770 by John Prendergast Smyth who later acquired the title Lord Gort. The convent closed in 2021.

Galway County Council will now acquire the three-storey, 1,400sqm building which is viewed as the perfect location for a badly-needed multi-purpose remote working, cultural and community space.

Welcoming the announcement, Galway East TD Albert Dolan (FF) said the project represents a huge investment in the town’s future, “This funding is a major step towards transforming Gort’s town centre and building an even stronger, more connected community. The redevelopment of the Sisters of Mercy site will breathe new life into the

lSISTERS OF MERCY: John Coughlan, Marion Cahill Collins, Albert Dolan TD, Fr Tommy Marrinan, Bernice Forde Carolan, Martin Aherne, Sally Smith, David Murray.

town, creating a space that supports enterprise, creativity, and community activity all under one roof ”.

Deputy Dolan also acknowledged the key local and council partners who worked to make the application a success, “I want to recognise the outstanding work of the Gort Town Team, The Forge Works, and the Gort Family Resource Centre for their leadership and community spirit in driving this vision forward. I also want to pay particular tribute to the Regeneration Team in Galway County Council for their commitment to the project and their hard work in preparing the successful application. A special word of thanks to Cllr. Gerry Finnerty for working closely with me on this project and for his continued dedication to the development of Gort”.

He said the announcement is about much more than the development of a building. “This is about unlocking the full potential of Gort, ensuring it continues to grow as a place of opportunity, innovation, and community spirit. This investment will help shape a stronger, more vibrant future for the town and all who live here”.

An RRDF application was turned down in 2021 due to the belief by the Department that it may be donated to the public under the religious redress scheme.

When that did not happen, the umbrella group made up of up 50 community organisations, Gorgeous Gort Forum, secured in writing a promise by the Mercy Nuns that Galway County Council would be given first option to purchase it.

Minister turns sod on €23.6m housing scheme in Claregalway

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

GROUND was officially broken on a €23.6m mixed-tenure housing development in Claregalway (Baile Chláir) by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne (FF).

Led by Galway County Council and supported by the €12m in funding from the Department, the 88-unit scheme is Galway’s first council-led shared equity housing initiative.

It will comprise of a mix of social and affordable units, alongside a crèche, landscaped open spaces, and a community playground on Lakeview Road, and other community amenities. Construction commenced this week and is scheduled for completion by September 2026.

During his visit to Galway on Friday, Minister Browne also opened housing developments in Ardrahan and Tuam, and toured community and transport infrastructure projects in Tuam and Oranmore.

In Ardrahan, the Minister officially opened a 10-unit social housing scheme at Caisleán Raithin which was funded with €3.3m from the Department’s Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP). The Council-led

development, located within walking distance of the village centre, includes a mix of single-storey and two-storey homes, designed by OBFA Architects and built by Jada Construction. The Minister today handed over the keys to tenants of the new homes.

In Tuam, the Minister officially opened the 29-unit Pairc na Cille social housing development developed by Galway County Council on Weir Road. Completed in late 2024, it was funded by €8.1m from the Department’s SHIP initiative.

The scheme includes a range of one to four-bedroom homes and a sheltered care unit that will be managed by Ability West to provide 24-hour care for people in their own homes. All homes are A2 BER rated and situated close to schools, shops, healthcare services, and public transport.

Minister Browne also visited Tuam Station House, which is being redeveloped by the local authority into an enterprise hub with €6.66 million in funding from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly through the European Regional Development Fund. The local authority-led facility will feature individual workspaces, a podcast studio, café, and multi-use community area.

The Minister inspected ongoing

lHOUSING: James Browne TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, pictured after turning the first sod on a €23.6 million mixed-tenure housing development in Baile Chláir (Claregalway) alongside Senator Ollie Crowe; Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton; and Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council.

Photo by: Andrew Downes / XPOSURE.

works at Oranmore train station, where a new pedestrian and cycle underpass is currently being installed. This will provide access to a second platform which will commence construction early 2026. A one-kilometre dynamic passing loop will also be constructed which once complete, will significantly increase train frequency in both directions. The project is being led

by Galway County Council and supported by almost €10m funding from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and by the De-

partment of Transport.

Speaking in Baile Chláir, Minister Browne said, “These projects are a clear demonstration of how this Government is actively supporting local authorities such as Galway County Council in delivering a comprehensive programme of investment across housing, transport, and community infrastructure.

This work is transforming local areas and laying the foundation for vibrant, sustainable communities”.

“We fully recognise that the delivery of new homes must be matched by the provision of essential infrastructure—enterprise

hubs, transport links, and community facilities. When individuals and families receive the keys to their new homes, they need more than just a roof over their heads but they also require transport links, employment opportunities and amenities to create liveable, vibrant communities. From affordable and social housing developments to the vital upgrade works at Tuam and Oranmore train stations, these projects reflect our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. I am proud to witness first-hand the positive impact this investment is having on communities across Galway and beyond,” Minister Browne added.

Commenting on the new housing development under construction in Baile Chláir, Damien Mitchell, Director of Services with Galway County Council, said, “Located within 10 kilometres of Galway City, the Baile Chláir development is in a highly desirable area with schools and essential services close by. As part of the Galway MASP area and within the Gaeltacht, some units will be reserved for those supporting and promoting the Irish language and culture. Completion of the scheme will deliver much-needed, affordable, and high-quality homes for the community”.

18

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Green Clare

Bike appeal to support people in need across Clare CLARE COUNTY Council’s Waste Enforcement Team, in partnership with Clare Sports Partnership and Clare County Council’s Integration Team, has launched a bike appeal calling on members of the public to donate unwanted children’s and adult’s bicycles.

The appeal runs up until Saturday, November 8, 2025, with drop-off available at the Central Waste Management Facility, Inagh (Eircode: V95 XT96). The facility is open Tuesday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, and on Saturdays from 8:30am to 1:00pm. It is closed on Mondays.

Donated bikes must be in roadworthy condition or require only minor repairs.

Once collected, the bikes

will be refurbished and allocated on a needs-based analysis to people in Clare who are most in need of transport support.

This project is funded under the Anti-Dumping Initiative 2025, by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment. It shows how Clare County Council can support the National Waste Management Plan for a Circular Economy and reduce waste in the community.

Clare Sports Partnership will also provide cycle training and support to recipients. This will help ensure safe and confident bike use in the community.

Maria Carey, Executive Engineer, Clare County Council’s Waste Enforcement Team, explained, “This

lBIKE APPEAL: Donations will be accepted until November 8

is a great example of how we can support a circular economy here in Clare. Rather than disposing of unwanted bikes we are giving them a second life while at the same time helping people who need transport support.”

Pat Sexton, Clare Sports Partnership, said, “We are

High Court grants leave for judicial review over Aughinish Alumina expansion affecting Shannon Estuary

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

THE HIGH Court has granted leave for judicial review to Environmental Trust Ireland (ETI) on 11 separate grounds against An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision to approve the expansion of the bauxite red mud waste area and quarry at Aughinish Alumina, County Limerick.

The site lies close to the Shannon Estuary, a region recognised at European level for its unique biodiversity. Concerns have been raised that the expansion could have adverse environmental effects on the estuary, including noise from quarry blasting, heavy metal contamination, and risks to the resident dolphin population.

The decision to grant leave followed a detailed hearing before the High Court’s Planning and Environment Division, where Mr. Justice Holland found that ETI had established substantial grounds for challenge.

The second and final stage of the judicial review is scheduled for March 2026.

ETI also raised concerns about groundwater contamination and pollution risks to local domestic water supplies, which rely heavily on groundwater sources in County Limerick. The group argues that the proposed expansion increases the likelihood of toxic and heavy metal leakage into nearby ecosystems and drinking water.

Michelle Hayes, solicitor and President of Environmental Trust Ireland, has described the Russian-owned Aughinish Alumina facility as “an environmental disaster waiting to happen,” comparing the risks to the 2010 red mud spill in Hungary, which caused multiple deaths and widespread pollution of the River Danube.

This marks the second judicial review taken by ETI against the same development.

Two years ago, the High Court quashed a previous planning decision for the expansion. However, after changes to planning legislation, the matter was returned to An Bord Pleanála, which again granted permission earlier this year.

ETI, a volunteer-based organisation, is also active in other environmental planning cases across Limerick City and County, including challenges to a biomethane plant in Bruree and wind energy developments in Bruff, Effin, Charleville, and Garrane.

Hayes criticised what she described as a pro-developer stance among some government representatives, saying it has become increasingly difficult for communities to oppose large-scale developments. She has also called on local councillors to reconsider aspects of the Limerick Development Plan 2022–2028, which she says enables unsustainable projects

delighted to support this initiative by offering bike training to recipients of donated bikes. Whether it is children cycling to school or adults

using bikes to get around, it is all about becoming more confident as a cyclist and at the same time getting active and staying healthy.”

Brendan Boyce, Clare County Council’s Integration Team, said, “Access to a bike can make a huge difference for families and individuals and particularly those most in need.

Through this bike appeal we are ensuring that bikes are allocated fairly on a needs basis, making it easier for people to travel, integrate and connect with their communities.”

Mr. Boyce continued,

“This is a great project that shows how, through partnership, we as SDG Ambassadors directly support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs supported through this bike appeal include Good Health and Well-being, Reduced Inequalities, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production and Partnerships for the Goals.”

For further queries on this initiative email Clare County Council’s Environment Section on enviroff@clarecoco.ie or telephone 065 68 46 331

Bike

Appeal

Do you have bike/s that you no longer use?

Unwanted adult or children's bikes can be dropped to the Central Waste Management Facility (CWFM), Inagh (V95 XT96) up until the 8th November 2025 CWFM opening hours: Monday (Closed); Tuesday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm, Saturday (8:30 to 1pm) Bikes will be donated to people in need in Clare Bikes must be in roadworthy condition or in need of minor repair only For more information email enviroff@clarecoco.ie or telephone 065 68 46 331

l GRANTS: Shannon Estuary

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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Green Clare

19

€1m for Killaloe/Ballina enhancement plan but Crusheen rail stop misses out on funding

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

€1M has been allocated for the delivery of public realm and enhancement projects in Killaloe and Ballina but the wheels are not moving in Crusheen with no money set aside for the reopening of the rail stop in the village.

In February, Clare County Council put forward the Crusheen railway line plus the Killaloe/Ballina town enhancement and mobility plan as its selected projects for consideration for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

Thirty projects across the country have been included in the combined allocation of €20,543,487 announced

by Minister for Rural and

Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary (FF).

A total of €1,000,000 has been set aside for the Killaloe Ballina Twin Town Tourism, Regeneration and Enhancement Project.

The funding will allow the project progress through detailed design, public consultation, and statutory planning approval. Securing the €1m for Killaloe was one of the last acts for Brian McCarthy, a senior planner who has been appointed Director of Service with Limerick City and County Council.

As part of the scheme, the public realm in both town centres will be revitalised while the vacant Killaloe Courthouse will be transformed into a cultural and

l KILLALOE/BALLINA: Ann Reynolds, Pat Burke, Pat Hayes, Conor Ryan, Tony O’Brien and Brian McCarthy

music venue.

The project also places a strong emphasis on sustainable transport solutions, including enhanced pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, traffic management,

and parking improvements, in line with the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Plan.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) said, “This in-

vestment will help revitalise the centres of these historic towns, making them more attractive for investment, business growth and social activity and supporting their continued development as key hubs and destinations in the region”.

Declan Flanagan, A/Senior Engineer, Killaloe Municipal District said, “The public realm enhancement works proposed will also substantially improve accessibility in the twin towns by delivering an attractive and vibrant streetscape befitting their size and economic importance to the wider East Clare and North Tipperary areas”.

Unsuccessful in securing funding was the Crusheen rail stop. A socio-economic report by Repucon Consult-

ing for Clare County Council released in September of last year detailed huge demand for the reopening of the Crusheen Railway Station on the Western Rail Corridor which is the Galway-Ennis-Limerick rail line.

There is an estimated market of 1,700 commuters and students currently living in the catchment of the station and an estimated economic value to the local economy of €25million arising from associated employment opportunities. As part of their business case, Clare County Council last summer purchased land adjoining the rail line and old station as part of their proposal to create a favourable business case.

20

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Healthy Clare

‘Water is Life’, Clare County Council launches water refill stations in Active Ennis complex CLARE COUNTY Council’s Healthy Clare initiative, in partnership with Active Ennis complex, launched three water refill stations across the Active Ennis complex on Monday, October 13, 2025, as part of Clare Climate Action Week 2025.

Supported by Healthy Ireland, the water refill stations promote the importance of bottle reuse, both for the environment and proper hydration in our daily lives.

The initiative encourages individuals to remove plastic waste from the environment by providing the opportunity to refill used bottles at dedicated water stations, situated inside Ennis leisure facilities and positioned outside in both Tim Smythe Park and Lees Road.

Cllr Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said, “Through initiatives like this we hope to encourage high usage rates of these stations and support local health and wellbeing while reducing reliance on disposable plastic bottles in busy community hubs. The addition of the ‘Hydrate and Refill’ drawing competition in primary schools was an excellent way of getting our young people involved in the conversation around the importance of looking after our own physical wellbeing and our environment.”

The drawing competition was run in collaboration with Creative Clare, Clare County Council Climate Action team, Clare Education Centre and Clare Sports Partnership.

Dara Dever, Clare County Council, Climate Action Office said, “The poster competition entries were very impressive. They showcased a wide variety of ideas and creativity. It was inspiring to see the interest the students have in protecting our environment and highlighting the importance of proper hydration. The students brought a unique perspective to the themes and the colour and imagination used was striking. Congratulations to all who entered and well done to all the prize

l HYDRATE AND REFILL: A sample of the winning entries, from Emily, Ellie and Polina. The Hydrate and Refill Drawing competition was organised as an educational piece to underpin the rationale for installation of the water stations.

winners.”

Tim Forde, General Manager Sports and Recreation, Clare County Council, said, “These stations allow users to fill reusable bottles with fresh drinking water, helping to reduce single-use plastic waste and encourage healthier hydration practices. All stations are positioned for easy access by the public, catering to a wide range of users, including families, athletes, and leisure seekers.

The installation of these services is a direct response to service users and clubs who are striving to be waste free and seeking to support a greener environment. Clubs were encouraging attendees to bring their own refillable cups and water bottles, how-

ever up to now they had no place to refill water bottles.

This installation is expected to deliver ongoing value for Ennis residents, promoting good health practices through hydration. Thanks to smart capabilities of the machines, we are already seeing the positive impact of the units.

In just the first month since installation, they’ve been used to refill over 5,000 bottles, an encouraging sign of their value and uptake.”

Samantha McCarthy, Healthy Clare Coordinator, Clare County Council, said, “‘Water is Life’ is one of the names of the winning drawings that was submitted as part of the primary school drawing competition, where

lPictured at Tim Smythe Park at the launch of Active Ennis Water Refill stations is Tim Forde, General Manager Sports & Recreation, Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard, Mayor of Ennis, with Ellie and Caitlyn from Toonagh NS, who were among the winners of the Hydrate and Refill drawing competition.

students were asked to reflect on the importance of Hydrating and Refilling. The clear message from schools is that we should be more conscious of the impact that we can have on our environment if we take the time to reuse and refill. A sentiment shared by another competition winner was that ‘No one is too cool for water’. I would like to thank all of the schools who entered the Hydrate and Refill drawing competition. It was really

difficult for the appraisal panel to judge the 120 entrants. I would like to extend my congratulations to the winning schools which included Clarecastle NS. Tuamgraney NS, Toonagh NS, Sixmilebridge NS, Gaelscoil Ú Choimín, Kilrush and Scoil Na Maighdine Mhuire, Newmarket on Fergus.”

These important initiatives are driven by the work that we do under our programme outcome: Healthy Weight.

Proper hydration is essential for overall health and wellbeing as it helps to: support physical performance; boosts brain function; aid digestion and nutrient absorption; regulate body temperature; support immune function; improve joint and muscle health; promote healthy skin; and prevent kidney stones and UTIs. Individuals are encouraged to hydrate properly by: drinking consistently throughout the day; aiming for at least eight glasses (2 litres) daily; including hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables in your diet; and limiting dehydrating drinks like excessive caffeine and alcohol.

Such initiatives are a great example of community wellbeing supports. For more information on other events and activities delivered across the county on a monthly basis, visit: https:// cl are co co.ie/s er v ices/ sports-recreation/healthyclare/newsletters/ to view Healthy Clare monthly newsletters.

21

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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Healthy Clare

Live well and thrive through menopause and beyond on World Menopause Day 2025 CLARE COUNTY Council, Creative Ireland and Healthy Clare are supporting women, communities and families to ‘Live Well and Thrive’ in the years around and beyond the menopause by hosting a free public information event on World Menopause Day 2025.

Now in its second year, this workshop returns to glór, Ennis, on October 18, offering a dynamic programme designed to foster community wellbeing. Doors will open at 9:00am, with refreshments available from 9:30am, ahead of the main programme starting at 10:15am.

Attendees will hear from expert speakers who will share practical tips, tools, and guidance on key topics including physical and mental health, nutrition, self-care, sleep hygiene, and wellness strategies.

Encouraging attendees to bring friends and family, Healthy Clare Coordinator, Samantha McCarthy said, “Living Well Through the Menopause and Beyond is a programme that aims to support women and families in our community. For many, this is a time of significant change, and it can often feel like a lonely road. As someone currently experiencing menopause, I believe it’s vital that events like this remind us we’re not alone. There are many tools and interventions available to help us navigate this transition and embrace healthy, fulfilling lives in the years beyond.”

Director of Services in People and Culture, Corporate Services and Governance, ICT and Digital Services at Clare County Council; Ann Reynolds said, “Clare County Council continues to strive towards leading

lMENOPAUSE: Dr. M. Finn, Muireann Lohan, Claire Flynn, Olivia Beck. Host Samantha McCarthy, Healthy Ireland Coordinator with Clare Council at 2024 Living Well Through the Menopause event with Eva Birdthistle, Creative Ireland at Clare County Council

the way in health and wellbeing as an employer. Events such as this truly support the vision of Clare County Council to deliver projects that will improve the quality of life and wellbeing of people in County Clare.”

Mayor of Ennis Cllr Mary Howard welcomed the continuation of this initiative, adding, “We have listened to all feedback received from the last year and this year’s event promises to continue to address real questions posed by attendees. The addition of topics such as sleep hygiene, managing symptoms beyond menopause, healthy food options, and strength training are now included as a response to the needs to individuals who have signed up to attend the event.”

The event will begin with two creative workshops focused on sleep hygiene and journaling for self-care. These sessions were fully booked shortly after the event was announced, reflecting strong community interest. Healthy Clare is continuing to develop projects that address the evolving needs of women and their families beyond this event and look forward to hearing participant feedback following the event.

Dr Máire Finn of Ennis Medical Centre said that she is “delighted to be involved again in this women’s health event concentrating on the transitional years aroundmenopause.”

“It’s wonderful to be involved in the company of other experts in this field and continue the conversation in Clare”, she added.

Creative Communities Engagement Officer at Clare County Council, Eva Birdthistle said, “Creative Ireland in Clare is proud

to support this empowering initiative that places wellbeing, education, and creativity at its heart” Clare County Librarian and Creative Ireland Co-ordinator, Helen Walsh added, “By fostering open conversations and offering expert-led guidance, this event helps individuals navigate menopause with confidence and care, and reflects our commitment to inclusive cultural programming that uplifts and connects communities.” A multitude of local services have made this event possible, including Clare Libraries, Creative Ireland Clare, the HSE, Mid-West Aries and Mental Health Ireland. To register, visit: https://glor.ie/events/living-wellthrough-the-menopause- thriving-throughthe-years-beyond/

22

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Business

Four bedroom holiday cottage on grounds of Trump Doonbeg sells for €850,000

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

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

• School Warden: Sporadic Cover Ennis MD & Shannon MD Closing Date Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 7th of November 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.

A FOUR bedroom holiday cottage on the grounds of US President, Donald Trump’s Doonbeg golf resort in West Clare has sold for €850,000.

In a sale confirmed in figures published by the Residential Property Price Register, they show that 180 The Links Cottage at the Trump Golf Resort sold for €850,000 on October 2nd.

The €850,000 sales price represents a 214 percent profit for the seller as the Residential Property Price Register shows that the sales price is more than three times the €270,000 that was paid out to purchase the property in August 2021.

The property was put on the market in Sum-

lBIG SALE: Holiday Cottage at Trump Doonbeg

mer 2024 with an asking price of €900,000.

The sale of 180 The Links Cottage follows the €350,000 sale of 170 The Links at the resort in August.

The new owners have the option of putting the properties into the Trump Hotels rental rotation programme or alternatively can retain the properties for their own use all year round.

The sales comes against the background of Trump Doonbeg enjoying a record year in 2025 in terms of revenues and the resort recently being chosen to stage the 2026 Amgen Irish Open.

General Manager at Trump Doonbeg, Joe Russell confirmed on Friday that the recent sale of 180 The Links Cottage was a private

sale and that the purchaser has to be a member of Trump Doonbeg before they can buy a property on the resort.

He said that in 2025 “we have seen keen interest in our property portfolio”.

In January of this year, Mr Russell reported that ‘high flyer’ US golfers were paying €25,000 per head to join US President Donald

Trump’s Doonbeg golf resort in record numbers following his election as US President.

He said that the momentum in new membership sign-ups has been maintained since “and is having a positive impact on our business and that of the local community, with extra spending in the local restaurants and bars, as our members tend to stay longer”.

On the make-up of new members, Mr Russell said that they “are mostly international, not just US though, many are Irish expats based in the Middle East and Singapore, looking for a base when they visit Ireland each year”.

Mr Russell confirmed that the resort is on course to this year top then record 2024 revenues.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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Business

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60 seconds with... Ann Marie O’Connor Ahead of the Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025, The Clare Echo’s Dearbhla Parry speaks to Ann Marie O’Connor from O’Connor’s Bakery honest.

What has been the biggest challenge in running your business?

Dealing with things like COVID, all the price increases, and what’s happening even worldwide.

How do you stay motivated when business gets tough?

Where are you from?

Ennis

Tell me about your business?

It was started by my parents back in 1961 in Ennis. We started in Parnell Street and for the first eight years, I was living over the shop and the bakery was behind the shop.

If you could have chosen any other career, what would it be?

I could never envisage anything else, to be

Being a family business and having the staff that we have really keeps you going.

What’s the first thing you do after a long day of work?

I like to exercise, even just a walk, and get some fresh air.

What’s your go-to book recommendation?

I tend to like thrillers.

Would you rather time-travel to the past or future, and why?

I’m not very much into the past, I’d time-travel to the future. What’s gone is gone.

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?

If you could give your 20-year-old self advice, what would it be?

Where do you see yourself and your business in 10 years?

To travel more and work in different countries.

What has been your proudest moment as a business owner so far?

The 60th celebrations that we had was a real

Hopefully we’ll still be here and baking and doing all nice cakes and treats for all our customers that have been loyal to us for the last 64 years.

Who is your biggest inspiration in life?

What’s your favourite song?

What’s your favourite movie?

What’s something that you used to stress about in your business that you now laugh at?

‘The Shawshank Redemption’ comes to mind.

milestone for us.

I would master my way around computers and the whole IT world.

I’d have to say my mother. Her work ethic and principles that she’s passed on will stay with me.

‘Days like this’ by Van Morrison.

be perfect all the time.

The older you get, you tend to let things go more. Everything can’t

Clare County Council receives three nominations in Excellence in Local Government Awards

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council has been shortlisted for three categories in the Excellence in Local Government Awards 2025.

In its 22nd year, the Awards feature a total of 98 Local Authority projects shortlisted across 16 categories, reflecting the dedication and innovation taking place at local government level, and one Local Authority will be awarded the overall award and named Local Authority of the Year 2025.

This year, a record number of 259 submissions were received from 26 Local Authorities, underscoring the importance of these awards in showcasing the exemplary service provided by Local Authorities to their communities.

The Awards are held annually in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Speaking on the announcement of the shortlisted projects, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, said:

“I am very pleased that my Department is supporting the Excellence in Local Government Awards again this year. These awards provide a wonderful opportunity to champion the innovative work being done in local authorities all across the country.

“Local authority projects, like the ones shortlisted today contribute to life in our communities in a multitude of ways, and I am delighted to be a part of celebrating these achievements. I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all the shortlisted

entrants, and my appreciation to the judging panel who had the unenviable task of choosing between so many worthy entries.”

Clare County Council has been shortlisted in three categories; Communications for the work completed during the Clare County Council Election 2024, Festival of the Year for Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy and Sustainable Environment & Biodiversity for Knocknahila Bog Peatland Rewetting Project.

24

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Contributors

Thought for the Week Guarding the Heart

Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY “ABOVE ALL else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

(Proverbs 4:23).

Saint Anthony the Great once said that there are three traps of the enemy that steal our joy and peace: regret for the past, fear for the future, and ingratitude for the present.

These are not just ancient temptations, they are the same subtle struggles we face each day. They lure

to breathe deeply and see the beauty right before our eyes, the glimmer of sunlight through the window, the warmth of shared laughter, the stillness of a quiet prayer.

Imagine taking a moment to pause in the middle of your day, perhaps while driving, folding laundry, sitting in a café, meditating in a holy place or walking outside.

Suddenly, the ordinary becomes sacred.

We all want to live “one day at a time,” as the old phrase goes, but how difficult that can be!

The world presses in with demands, distractions, and noise.

come. Live in the present and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.”

Thought for the Week As your Thought for the week, remember how deeply loved and precious you are.

You are not defined by your past, nor are you held hostage by the future.

Each day this week, pause for just a moment — maybe in the car, at your desk, or before bed — and breathe. Let go of one worry. Then, name one thing you’re grateful for in that exact moment. Just one.

Do this daily, and watch how peace begins to settle

Pop-up Gaeltacht seachtainiúil sa Scairbh/ Weekly Pop-up Gaeltacht in Scariff Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA Bígí ag Café an Gháiridín sa Scairbh chuile Dé Máirt ag am lóin, 1-2pm, don Phreab- Ghaeltacht / Come along to the weekly Pop-up Gaeltacht at The Garden Café in Scariff every Tuesday from 1-2pm

lCaint agus comhrá chuile Sheachtain ag Café an Gháirdín sa Scairbh

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

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

Imeachtaí/Events:

us away from the one place where grace truly lives, this present moment.

In our fast-paced and anxious world, it is so easy to get lost, swept up in worries about tomorrow or weighed down by regrets from yesterday.

To live in the present is

We multitask, we overthink, we fill every quiet space and then wonder why peace eludes us.

Ida Scott Taylor once wrote, “Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone. And do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet

quietly in your heart.

So cherish today and this new week. Let it be enough. Live with courage, gratitude, and love, right here, in this sacred moment where God is waiting for you.

lSIONNA – Gaeilge le Chéile, Ionad Siopadóireacht Skycourt, 11am, chuile Dé Domhnaigh lCILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar lSIONNA – Siúlóid Dúlra/Nature Walk, Dé Domhnaigh, 11am, Community Room (Gaeilge le Chéile ar Facebook) lLUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach lCLARE FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM

l CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm l INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Máirt ag Zest 11am, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), Dé hAoine The Market Bar 11am, agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. lLUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá.

Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh. lAN SCAIRBH – Lón i nGaeilge, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé An Gáirdín

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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Sport

25

Stig hits top gear for Magpies

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARECASTLE captain Colin Brigdale has been leading by example to help the Magpies fly into the Clare PIHC final.

It has not been a smooth flight by any means for Clarecastle who despite beating Whitegate and Bodyke in the first two rounds fell to defeats against Ruan and Sixmilebridge’s second string in the group stages before just about qualifying for the knockout stages.

Once they hit the quarter-final and semi-final, Ger O’Loughlin’s side have gone to another level with Brigdale among their top performers. He scored two points from wing back in their victory over Tubber before standing up as their best player in the semi-final against Whitegate.

An appearance on a television show ended up with Colin getting the nickname ‘Stig’ which he is more commonly known as and not the programme was not Top Gear. “I was on a television programme years ago when I was in sixth

class, myself Cian Mc and Owen O’Hara, two lads that are out foreign now at the moment.

"The show was called ‘The Mountain’, the producer wanted me to say a line. I was tiny at the time and the two boys were massive, I had to say the line ‘my name is stig because I’m fast and skilful’.

"It has stuck ever since despite how cringey it sounds,” he recounted.

Starting out for the Clare PIHC, Clarecastle had aims but they could never have predicted they would have Ghostbusters star Bill Murray attending one of their games. The Hollywood A-lister was seated alongside Clare GAA Chairman, Kieran Keating for their 4-19 0-22 win against Tubber.

“It was mad, we were out there, after the game we saw camera crews and I was saying to myself ‘Jees Scariff Bay have really upped their streaming service’."

Reflecting on their campaign, the 26-year old outlined that Clarecastle have taken this campaign "game-by-game".

“We came to the quar-

ter-final against Tubber thinking there was nothing to lose.

"It was a sense of redemption, we lost to them last year and we knew they were a quality side that probably should have won the championship.

"We took the shackles off and used our pace, we got a really good start with 3-14 in the first half, that gave us a great platform to go and win the game.

It brought momentum to the Whitegate game."

Following stints as a substitute teacher in Newmarket-on-Fergus and Clarecastle, the Mary I College graduate is now working full-time in his old school as the third class teacher at Clarecastle NS. “There’s great excitement in the school, they can’t do enough for me in terms of building up the buzz for it, we’ve a new culture in Clarecastle with a nice influx of people who aren’t from the village. MJ [Malone] the principal and some of the teachers are really doing their best to get them all to the game...it is great and it makes the buzz a bit better for me”.

This is his third year as captain, he has experienced some lows and is hopeful of reaching the high of lifting the Paddy Browne Cup this weekend. “It is a great privilege. Unfortunately I was captain when we were relegated, that hit hard, you’d hang your head in shame a bit at that because the club is steeped in so much history.

"Last year I was captain but I didn’t play much because I broke my hand in two places and ended up getting surgery on it, I tore my hamstring too so I really didn’t feature much...It feels great to be coming in fresh this year”.

While Clarecastle won seven of their 12 Clare SHC titles over a 20year period from 1986 to 2006, the current crop have more experience of relegation deciders than county finals, he admitted.

Going through relegation together has strengthened the resolve of their players, he felt. “We’re a galvanised bunch, that is down to the management putting the structures in place and the players taking responsibility."

l Colin Brigdale

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

26

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Sparrow's Clarecastle not burdened

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

A CHANCE TO return to the top table of Clare hurling is the prize on offer for Clarecastle this weekend.

Two years ago, Clarecastle were relegated from the top tier for the first time in their 136 year history.

O’Callaghans Mills were the team to relegate them in 2023 and they are their opponents for Sunday’s premier intermediate decider.

Sixty minutes stand between the Magpies and a return to senior hurling but there isn’t a sense of pressure with the occasion according to manager Ger ‘Sparrow’ O’Loughlin.

“Funny enough there isn’t much pressure. This particular group got beaten in the quarter-finals last year, the year before we were struggling too, the work done by the managements in the gym has come to the fore, we’re able to compete better.

"We have some younger guys of 19 and 20 that are slotting in well, if anything they are not hindered by coming onto an intermediate team in Clarecastle, in actual fact they are looking forward to showing what they are made of."

Expectations can be high for a club that was won the Clare SHC on twelve occasions but this has not filtered to the group.

“There’s no pressure within the

club but when you’re in the final you are hoping to get the result but we certainly don’t underestimate the task ahead of us.

"The Mills have been unlucky to lose important players over the last few years that emigrated which has an impact but they are back and you can see it’s no coincidence that they are in a final.

Sunday is the first time that Clarecastle’s top team will line out in a county final since they last lifted the Canon Hamilton in 2005.

Full-back on the side which overcome Wolfe Tones was current selector Martin Sheedy, the team was managed by Ger Ward and were coached by O’Loughlin in what was the last adult team he had been involved with in the club.

“I haven’t been involved with Clarecastle’s adults since but I’ve been with the present minor team who are in the county final.

"I had them with Donagh (Murphy) when they were ten or eleven and anybody after that we had too, I’ve been with the underage for seven or eight years, I really enjoy that, I had to give them up to take up the mantle here but they are in safe hands, there’s a great club set-up at the moment, we are producing hurlers now which is important for the next ten years”.

Sparrow said he took time before deciding he was ready to become Clarecastle manager, succeeding

l Clarecastle hurling manager Ger O’Loughlin

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Eric Flynn.

“The past management had given great service, they were looking for new blood and I was asked if I would consider it, after debating it in my head for a month or two, I felt if I could get people that I would be comfortable with then I could have a think about it.

"At this stage of my life, if I was going to do it then it would have to be around now, when I approached Donagh Murphy and Martin Sheedy, Donagh had no hesitation and he is one of the best coaches in the game, I worked with him at U12 and U13 for a few years so I knew what I was getting in. Martin is a stalwart in the club.

"I felt I could give it a go, I’d be going to the matches for the last few years so I had it in my head that we could change a few things and that it might help the cause, that is what we have stuck by, we’ve had our ups and downs but I felt it was a time for me, a few lads in the club approached me and gave me their backing, when these people that you have respect for come calling then you think seriously about it so I took it”.

Time involved was the main barrier to accepting the role initially, he admitted. “The commitment is number one, you think about this in November or December and you’re ready to go training in February, you’re basically giving up a full year

MAGPIES ABÚ!

Whether it’s cyber or sliotar – it’s all about good defence and preventing the attack.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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with pressure... if you are lucky enough to get to a final or knockout stages, I’m not complaining that we are in the final but they are the barriers.

"When you are a manager, most of the backroom staff can go away for a week or two but if you are continuing training the manager can’t, that is the dedication you have to give to the club but if you commit you have to commit 150 percent, I’ve enjoyed it and as the fella says I’ve done it my way, we’re in the final and hopefully works out for us”.

Across the border, Sparrow led Adare to win three Limerick SHC titles in 2007, 2008 and 2009 while he was in charge when Kilmallock won county and provincial honours in 2014 before going on to contest the All-Ireland club final. In between, he spent two seasons as Clare senior hurling manager.

Commitment levels continue to increase for club players, he noted. “It is like

“

everything else, if a player isn’t prepared to give what is required then he will be shown up fitness wise and hurling wise.

"That is the one thing from

milebridge second team and lost to them, we felt it would have taken an awful lot of adjustments on scorelines for us not to qualify but we were at the mercy of other teams, in hindsight it was a wake-up call.

"Most importantly the quarter-final against Tubber in Ruan has been a huge benefit to us, it was the day that we had to stand up and be counted”.

Inward reflection helped them to put the wheels back on and they are certainly in motion for Sunday’s decider. “Being truthful we had to have a look at individuals and the decisions we were making as a management. We went with our gut feeling for that quarter-final, we tweaked our game a little bit, we put out a fitter and more ready championship team for the quarter-final”.

We had to play the Sixmilebridge second team and lost to them ... we were at the mercy of other teams, in hindsight it was a wake-up call the very first day that I said to the lads ‘we’re going to have to dedicate ourselves to this for the next eight or nine months and see can we get to a stage that no excuse or obstacle can stand in the way’.

A five-time Clare SHC winner, Sparrow said it has been a bumpy road for Clarecastle to reach the county final.

“We started well, we beat Whitegate in our first game, we beat Bodyke in our second game and the wheels came off against Ruan. The following week we had to play the Six-

Sport

27

28

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport PREMIER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: CLARECASTLE VS O'CALLAGHAN'S MILLS

SUNDAY, 3:30PM, ZIMMER BIOMET PÁIRC CHÍOSÓG

AARON HAYES

CIAN BRODERICK

CIAN GALVIN

COLIN BRIGDALE

CONOR GRIFFIN

CONOR HALPIN

CONOR RALPH

CONOR WHELAN

DARRAGH HEALY

DAVID TOUHY

EOGHAN WALLACE

EVAN O'CONNELL

EVAN PRICE

FILIP WIECHICINSKI

FIONN MORGAN

HARRY DOHERTY

JAMES DOHERTY

JOSH BRACK

NIALL BRIGDALE

OISIN WHELAN

PATRICK KELLY

PAUL O'CONNELL

RONAN DONNELLY

RORY O'CONNELL

STEPHEN O'HALLORAN

GER O'LOUGHLIN

MARTIN SHEEDY

TREVOR SLATTERY

DAVID CASSIDY

DONAGH MURPHY

DONNACHA CASSIDY

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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PREMIER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: CLARECASTLE VS O'CALLAGHAN'S MILLS

Sport

ALL PHOTOS BY GERARD O'NEILL

AIDAN FAWL

AIDAN O'GORMAN

ALAN O'DEA

BRYAN DONNELLAN

CATHAL LENIHAN

CATHAL McNAMARA

COLM CLEARY

CONOR COONEY

CONOR HENRY

CORMAC MURPHY

DARRAGH MORONEY

DAVID McGRATH

FIONN HICKEY

GARY COONEY

GERRY COONEY

JACOB LOUGHNANE

JOHN COONEY

JOHN O'BRIEN

KEITH DONNELLAN

KILLIAN NUGENT

MARK PEWTER

MIKE McGRATH

MIKEY McMAHON

NIALL MELODY

PATRICK DONNELLAN

SEÁN BOYCE

SEÁN COTTER

SEÁN MURPHY

SEÁN O'GORMAN

STEPHEN DONNELLAN

JOE COONEY

PATSY O'DONNELL

29

ROBBIE MADDEN

SEÁN DOYLE

30

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

STORY OF 2025 CLARE PIHC ROUND 1 Group 1 O'Callaghans Mills 2-32 Killanena 1-14 Fri Jul 25 @ Scariff Tulla 1-16 Tubber 1-21 Thurs Jul 24 @ Clarecastle GAA Group 2 Ruan 1-20 Sixmilebridge 3-14 Sun Jul 27 @ Cratloe Clarecastle 1-22 Whitegate 0-17 Sat Jul 26 @ Bodyke ROUND 2 Group 1 Tulla 1-18 Parteen-Meelick 0-18 Sun Aug 10 @ Broadford O'Callaghans Mills 0-24 Tubber 1-19 Sun Aug 10 @ Clarecastle GAA Group 2 Clarecastle 3-21 Bodyke 2-14 Saturday 9th Aug@ Sixmilebridge Ruan 2-15 Whitegate 2-18 Fri Aug 8 @ Tulla ROUND 3 Group 1 Parteen-Meelick 2-19 Killanena 1-17: Sun Aug 24 @ Bodyke Group 2 Clarecastle 1-13 Ruan 0-20 Fri Aug 22 @ Gurteen Bodyke 1-23 Sixmilebridge 3-13 Fri Aug 22 @ Broadford ROUND 4

Group 1 Tulla 1-18 Killanena 1-18: Sat Aug 31 @ Bodyke Parteen-Meelick 0-10 Tubber 0-22: Fri Aug 29 @ Gurteen Group 2 Bodyke 0-19 Whitegate 1-20: Tuesday 2nd Sep @ Tulla Clarecastle 1-15 Sixmilebridge 1-19: Fri Aug 29 @ Shannon ROUND 5 Group 1 O'Callaghans Mills 3-19 Parteen-Meelick 2-16: Saturday 6th Sep@ Cratloe Killanena 0-13 Tubber 0-24 : Saturday 6th Sep@ Ruan TUS PIHC Q-Final Tubber 0-22 Clarecastle 4-19 Saturday 20th Sep @ Ruan Ruan 1-20 Tulla 2-16 Friday 19th Sep @ Clarecastle GAA TUS PIHC Relegation Final Bodyke 3-15 Killanena 2-10 Saturday 27th Sep @ Whitegate

TUS PIHC Semi Final Saturday 4th Oct 2025 @ Gurteen O'Callaghans Mills 2-22 Ruan 0-15 Clarecastle 3-17 Whitegate 1-8 Saturday 4th Oct 2025 @ Tulla TUS PIHC Final Clarecastle vs O'Callaghans Mills Sunday 19th Oct 2025, 15:30 @ Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Referee: Niall Malone

Madden hopeful that Mills can lift the roof

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ROBBIE MADDEN is balancing the role of O’Callaghans Mills Chairman and intermediate selector as the Fireballs look to catch fire in their quest for premier intermediate glory.

Not so much are they keen to get acquainted with the Paddy Browne Cup for the first time since 1977 but rather the Mills are itching to get back to senior hurling following their relegation to the second tier last year.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Robbie said they are determined to finish their campaign on a high. “We’ve been on a journey since 2020 when we got to the senior county final against The Bridge, since then it has been a struggle with relegation battle after relegation battle, if you keep knocking on the door then eventually you will go down.

"We had players away, players have to travel and we understand that but this is the first time that we’ve had them all back."

Madden continued, “We are really looking forward to Sunday; the flags and bunting is all over the place.

1986 has been mentioned a lot in the last two weeks because Clarecastle beat the Mills in the senior county final above in Carron, it has been mentioned a lot and the older folk have said ‘try get them back for us’. I don’t think playing the game in Carron is an option this time”.

Having been Chairman of the minor club for four years, Robbie became Chairman after his predecessor Joe Cooney was elected to the Dáil, “I usually get shoved into Joe’s jobs then, that is how it works around here,” the roofer quipped.

Sitting in the Chair has been an enjoyable experience, to date. “I love being in the Chair, I’ve an unbelievable committee with me, I’ve a secretary there Patrick Hogan and Billy Murphy as treasurer, they are second to none, whatever is asked for they do it.

"We have a good club, we took the brave move to pull away from Bodyke at underage, we’ve gone on our own. On Sunday morning we’re playing Clooney/Quin in the U14B final, to win a B final on our own would be a massive achievement, the U14 Academy team are in a final too, it’s been a great year for the club”.

l Robbie Madden with Colm Cleary

A native of Scariff, Robbie played senior hurling himself for a season. “I hurled with Scariff. I hurled against the Mills one year at senior above in The Park. I marked the great PJ O’Connell, I was mainly a rugby man coming up along, I did a bit of hurling.

"When I moved to the Mills, I was fortunate enough to be on the Junior C team to win a Junior championship, it was the first title they won in the Mills in a long time. I only played the one year senior for Scariff, I went travelling then. Fingers put a stop to my hurling career”.

Gary Cooney’s return to their attack has been a big plus for the Mills. “We’ve four to six lads back who weren’t on last year’s team, you see it with every club, how many hurlers went to America during the summer and their teams struggled. You really need your panel there for the year.

"There’s 10 teams in the premier intermediate, we’re down to the last two, Killanena got relegated and they put in as much effort as everyone else”.

To illustrate how competitive the Clare PIHC is, Killanena reached the semi-finals last season but have been relegated to the third tier for 2026. “We weren’t surprised at how competitive it has been. We often played intermediate teams in the Clare Cup and they are competitive, there’s some fantastic young hurlers there. Every premier intermediate team nearly has a Clare senior hurler in their ranks. We’re one that doesn’t, we’d hope to change that because we have a few lads knocking on the door”.

One of Robbie’s first roles as Chairman was recruiting ex-Clare minor and U20 manager Seán Doyle. “I’m a

massive fan of Seán, he has been with our young fellas all the way up along.

"He knows the younger players, the likes of Cormac Murphy and Fionn Hickey are really relishing it this year. They have grown into the team whereas the last couple of years they were coming on and off, they are two of our top performers but that is down to Seán Doyle trusting them and letting them play. He is a fantastic coach”.

O’Callaghans Mills are unique as one of the only sides to have a TD as a member of their management team with Joe Cooney part of Doyle’s selection committee. “He is an amazing man. Within the club a lot of people are doing different roles, we have three stats lads, they are as much a part of the management as we are - they are vital to what we do and everyone is whether it is people making sandwiches or breakfast, it is a real community based club and no better man than Joe,”.

Part of the overall plan has the year progressed was to bring the experienced Donnellan brothers back into the fold, Robbie admitted.

“Paddy turned 40 this year, Bryan is 43, they played away with the second team up along and you could see it as the games went on that they were really driving that team on, we left them for as long as we could but we knew once we got to the business end of the championship that we would need experience coming on”.

It won’t be until Sunday arrives that nerves might settle in for Robbie. “Sunday could be a hard day for a couple of hours but we will stick to our routine and do the same thing that we did for the semi-final, we’re going to relax the players and give this one hell of a go.”

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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31

Cleary swaps World Trade Center for Cusack Park in Mills bid for promotion

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HAVING SPENT the first eight months of the year working in The World Trade Center in Amsterdam, Colm Cleary has regained his place on the O’Callaghans Mills team but it is much stronger than the side he left behind.

As he commenced his Erasmus in Rotterdam last September, the Mills were battling relegation, defeats in the play-offs to Clooney/ Quin and then Corofin consigned them to intermediate for 2025. They are now bidding to return to the Clare SHC at the first attempt.

Colm returned in August and could notice a vast difference in the fitness and strength of the Mills side.

"I’ve been away all year really, I was in Amsterdam for eight months on my work placement, I was coming over and back as much as I could, it was great because every time I came back there seemed to be a good buzz in the group which was different to the last couple of years.

"People seemed to be enjoying themselves an awful lot more, it was nice to come back to the atmosphere and it took me a while to get my place back in the team because the training they had done was absolutely savage.

"I’m glad to be back among the top fifteen or seventeen hurlers on the team. I was away for a lot of the year but the lads put in an awful lot of work, I came back at the end of August and have been trying hard to get back into the team since”.

Appearances from the bench against Killanena, Tubber and Tulla were made

by Colm who has regained his spot in their top six forwards. “I was coming on towards the end of games but my fitness wasn’t 100 percent right so I picked up a bit of an injury and I was trying to get right. I worked with Seán Doyle for years and years so we know what to expect out of each other, hopefully all goes well on Sunday”.

There was certain elements such as the lack of hills in the Netherlands which precluded Colm from doing the same training as his teammates. “I kept in good shape but the lads had just got in better shape to what I was in. They had done some really dogged stuff, Seán Doyle was ringing and texting me to do hill runs, it is fairly well known that the Netherlands is a notoriously flat country, you

l Colm Cleary

could travel for miles, miles and miles and there would be no hills, everything is all straight, flat and he couldn’t grasp the fact that I could not find a hill. I used to go to the Park and do my runs there which had to suffice for there being no hills while all the boys were getting dogged up and down the hill in Kilkishen. I kept fit but when I came back the lads were in great shape and the buzz was way better than the last couple of years, the last few years was a slog and lads weren’t enjoying their hurling as much as they should have been, this year it seems to be all going well, it is nice when you are winning matches too”.

As an intern in the World Trade Center, Colm worked in financial reporting and accounting. “It was a very good experience, I was working in The World Trade Centre in Amsterdam with a big firm which was nice, a very professional set-up, 9-6 Monday to Friday, it was my first time working in an office, I always worked on the roofs so it was a big change and it took me an awful long time to get used to it but the eight months flew by, it feels like a blip in time now looking back, it is great

to be back and hurling with the lads”.

Amsterdam has a strong GAA community, he noted.

“I was playing hurling and football, they have a very good team there, they are the best out of all the European teams, Luxemburg, Stockholm plus some other big cities in the Netherlands would be big into their GAA, we were one of the strongest and had a great Irish community, I trained with the footballers and the hurlers about three times a week”.

He has returned to his final year of studies for international business at the University of Limerick along with assisting his father Robbie on some roofing jobs.

Bodyke native Doyle has brought certainty and stability to the team line-up, Colm believed. “I think the Mills as a club is in great shape, it is in the best shape it’s been in for a good few years with the overall morale of the group, the fitness levels, lads enjoying themselves and clicking, working together and having a very solid team this year where every day you go out you know where everyone is going to be playing, the last

couple of years there was chopping and changing with lads so you didn’t know if lads would be wing forward or wing back, full forward or centre forward whereas this year has been fairly consistent, there has been a couple of changes throughout the year but lads have stayed centre forward or centre back, people nailed down their positions early on and we’ve went from there, everyone is very fit and we’re well able to hurl so it has been good so far this year”.

In 2020, O’Callaghans Mills contested the Clare SHC final, joining the panel a year later Colm was hopeful of experiencing the big days on a frequent basis. “I came on the panel in 2021, it wasn’t such a good year, I was like some bad hoax, I was only seventeen and I started against Clonlara in the Park, we were up six points at half time, I was thinking this is bloody great, hurling with the Mills seniors and we’re up six against a great Clonlara team, we ended up losing the match by four, we lost to Inagh/Kilnamona then and lost to Kilmaley, it went a bit pair shaped then for my first year senior and I had been

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

looking forward to being on this team that reached the county final but we ended up in relegation which was a shock to the system. We were knocking around relegation for a few years then and in the Clare Cup, we didn’t see the heights of 2020 which is a disappointment but that is the way things work out and that is hurling, we had lads gone, they are coming back now so if we could build on this and try beat Clarecastle we could focus on trying to do better in senior next year if we were there”.

Losing players “didn’t make it any easier” when trying to keep their senior players, the twenty one year old said.

“I was fourth choice freetaker with the Mills, Jacob Loughnane, Colin Crehan and Garry Cooney were all ahead of me but then within a year I was the first-choice "It was a big switch up, we had a lot of lads gone and they were huge marquee forwards so we didn’t have the firepower up front and the backs were under a lot of pressure, we had to work really hard in every match so we weren’t the same team.

"We had to make a dogfight out of every game because we

didn’t have the firepower and the scoring going forward, that has got better and last year wasn’t the same.

"This year we have Jacob and Gary back in the forwards which is a huge boost, for their physicality, presence and putting scores on the board, this year we haven’t been struggling with the scoreboard all year so hopefully that continues”.

Cleary continued, “There is nobody carrying anyone which is good. We don’t have any Clare senior player at the moment like some teams in intermediate do so they have a lot of expectation and pressure on them every time they play.

"We have gelled well as a team, we get a great spread of scorers every day we go out, we get scores from midfield, as much as possible from the inside line and the half forward line is always great to pick up scores, some of the half backs even chip in with scores.

"There is no demanding pressure on one person so if that one person doesn’t play well it is very hard for the other players to pick up the pieces after them, it is an evenly spread them and we haven’t found it hard yet to get scores”.

Corner forward of the St Joseph’s Tulla side that won the Dr Harty Cup in 2022, he said Sunday’s final against Clarecastle “is the biggest game since then”.

Returning to senior at the first attempt is the primary focus for the Mills. “That was the objective at the start of the year but that is the objective of every team that comes down, they always say they want to bounce back straight away but a lot of the time it doesn’t work out like that.

"They say if you don’t get up in the first year you could be there for a couple of years which is fuel for the fire, you don’t want to be facing into an entire routine of trying to win the intermediate because it is a tricky place.

"There’s teams coming down, it is tough, if you get caught there for too long you can get sucked down and dragged down to another level of hurling that you get used to the intermediate pace, whereas if you get back up to senior as quickly as you can and get used to the bigger physicality, skill and pace of the game the better, you don’t want to be caught in intermediate too long”.

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Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

'Pressure comes with county finals, titles and doubles' says delighted Éire Óg boss TUS CLARE SFC FINAL

ÉIRE ÓG 1-16 ST JOSEPH'S DOORA-BAREFIELD 2-06 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME ÉIRE ÓG Frees for: 12 (3/9) Wides: 12 (7/5) Spread of scorers: 9 Scores from play: 1-11 Top scorer: Mark McInerney (0-7 2TPf 1TP 1f) Bookings: None Own kickouts won: 13 from 15 (86%)

ST JOSEPH’S DOORA/ BAREFIELD Frees for: 7 (2/5) Wides: 7 (6/1) Spread of scorers: 5 Scores from play: 2-4 Top scorer: Odhran O’Connell (2-0) Bookings: None Own kickouts won: 17 from 29 (59%)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

REFEREE: Niall Quinn (St Joseph's Miltown) OVERSEEING Éire Óg’s 22nd Clare SFC success brought with it a different sense of pressure for manager Shane Daniels.

Clare SFC’s roll of honour now places the Ennis club top with 22 titles, 12 which were as Ennis Dalcassians and five as Faughs.

Shane Daniels has five Clare SFC medals as a player, Sunday’s 1-16 2-6 win over St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield was his first as manager; he had been player/selector during Paul Madden’s successful tenure which brought three titles.

Speaking to The Clare Echo,

Shane reflected, “It feels good, the heart isn’t great after it but we’re absolutely l Ciarán Russell jostles with Michael Nash and (inset) Shane Daniels with his family and delighted.

"We had to dig Jack Daly Photo by Ruth Griffin deep and in fairness Óg responded with the next scores, started to control the game a bit.

Doora/Barefield put up a huge battle four following the first major and two "That is what we’re good at, and we knew they would, there is after the second. controlling games, getting our hand a rivalry and they are across town; “They got goals early and at the on the ball and picking out the right they are a young team, very well right time, every time they got a goal passes. It was a good battle, the coached so we’re delighted to come we seem to get a few scores back. game had a bit of everything, a bit of out the other side of it”.

At times, we forced things a bit too drama, it was excellent”.

Odhran O’Connell struck for goal much when we should have minded Experience, panel depth and twice in the first 20 minutes for Doora/ the ball better, when we settled down composure came to the fore at the Barefield but on each occasion Éire a bit in the second half I thought we finish for the champions who scored

PLAYER PLAYER OFOF WEEK THETHE WEEK

Ciaran Russell - Éire Óg

AS THEY ETCHED their names in the history books by winning a senior championship double, Ciaran Russell was once again one of the leading lights for Éire Óg to win the Martin Daly Autos/The Clare Echo player of the week.

Russell was one of six dual players to start in both the hurling and football success in an unforgettable week for GAA in the town of Ennis.

He was wing-back on the football side and was once again orchestrating matters, setting standards as he drove forward with possession and also chipping in with a point.

For his leadership and overall performance, Russell adds another accolade to a growing collection of honours. He will be presented with a €50 voucher courtesy of Martin Daly Autos, sponsor of our senior club football championship coverage.

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

1-8 without reply. “We always have periods in games where we put together a high scoring block, we left it late today. A couple of weeks ago we started it early, 15 minutes into the Miltown game we kicked on, we kicked a lot of wides too which was disappointing but you will have that and the pressure that comes with county finals, titles and doubles”.

Managing on county final day brings a different pressure to playing, Daniels noted. “This was the first one on the sideline really, when I was playing I dealt with pressure okay, you can have some bearing on it but on the sideline you can make some changes and get lads going but there was a bit of pressure”.

Demonstrating this pressure was his habit of doing tuck jumps when certain things or decisions went against the Ennis club. He arguably went into double digits for the amount of tuck jumps during the 60 minutes.

“The tuck jump count wasn’t great today! There was some of those tuck jumps for joy as well,” he quipped.

Lanigan having a ball in Éire Óg golden era Proud Sponsors of the Clare Echo’s Championship Hurling Coverage www.stfranciscu.ie

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by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A CENTRAL yet understated figure in Éire Óg’s dominance of Clare football has been defender Ronan Lanigan.

Part of the starting team in all four of their title-winning campaigns over the past five seasons, Ronan even chipped in with a rare point on Sunday as they held off the challenge of neighbours St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield to retain the Jack Daly.

"It was my first shot in a long time now. Some of the lads were saying to me that beside them they heard a few people shouting ‘no’ but I’m glad I didn’t hear that, thankfully it went over and shur somebody had to put it over, we were hitting a few wides”.

Not long after his point on 52 minutes, which was Éire Óg’s fourth score in succession, Ronan was in a more acute angle close to the goals but opted against having a shot on

l Ronan Lanigan

Photo by Ruth Griffin

goal. “I thought about it but I said let’s just hold onto the ball and calm it down for a while, if you turn it over against them they ran at us so quickly and transitioned really well, we were under pressure”.

Before his breakthrough season

in 2021, Éire Óg hadn’t won the Clare SFC for 15 years. On the first week of January in 2022, he joined the Clare football panel and hasn’t looked back, becoming a firstchoice member of the defence for the past three county managers.

To come back from four points down and win by seven points added to the delight for their latest success, he said. “They are all sweet but that was such a battle, they put up some fight which makes it all the sweeter”.

Having overcome injury to take part in the semi-final and final this year, Ronan told The Clare Echo, "We have some club here, look at the crowd it brought today and last week, so incredible. I love this community, we’re doing this for our family, our friends, our loved ones, those who could be here and those who are sick in hospital, those we’ve lost, it’s a really special club and we’re so lucky to have it”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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33

Éire Óg import collects second county title

l Éire Óg’s David Mc-

Namara collides with Odhran O’Connell of St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield and (inset) celebrating with loved ones

l Gavin Murray

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Photos by Gerard O'Neill

McNamara & co overcome 'mental battle' to get up for final after hurling

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DAVID McNamara was one of the Éire Óg super six to start in both the football and hurling finals as they claimed a historic senior championship double.

Midfield for the footballers and wing forward with the hurlers, ‘Truck’ as he is affectionately known has been in a purring Éire Óg engine room to lift the Canon Hamilton and Jack Daly within the space of a week.

Winning his fourth football medal and helping the club to a first SHC since 1990, he beamed, “It’s been unbelievable, it’s a pinch me moment and it hasn’t fully sunk in”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the 28year old admitted it was difficult to switch from the high of winning the Clare SHC

to switching the focus back to football and trying to win successive championships.

“I’d be lying to you if I said it wasn’t a mental battle, you’re coming from the high of the hurling final last week and then having to come into the club on Monday evening for a meeting on the football, I was going out of the meeting going ‘Jesus Christ what’s going on’ but we got going on Tuesday and Thursday night with training. The focus was fully there and we were a bit flat at the start but we got going and that was the most important thing”. Éire Óg felt the pressure when they trailed by four points with 17 minutes of normal time remaining. “It was very tough, I’m not going to lie the pressure was on there in the second half. We went four down at one stage

but we got going then, I’m not really sure was it a case of we got going and they got tired at the same time but we kicked on and our bench gave us a nice impact as well”.

When Jack Joyce kicked a two pointer to reduce the deficit back to two heading into the final quarter, David was among those driving his teammates on with encouragement. “We were always in the game but once we got level in the second half I felt we were always going to kick on, with the lads we have we did and I’m delighted we did”.

Celebrations will be enjoyed in Ennis for the week, “It is unbelievable to be honest, it is only when you are meeting lads on the field afterwards and meeting family that it starts to settle in, it will start to settle in this week, we’re going to enjoy it, we have to enjoy it”.

Corofin ready for life in top tier CLARE IHC FINAL

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

COROFIN 2-14 COORACLARE 2-09 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Compiled by Páraic McMahon

COORACLARE Frees for: 9 (7/2) Wides: 8 (4/4) Spread of scorers: 5 Scores from play: 2-9 Top scorer: Shane Lillis (1-1) Black Card: Simon Culligan (55) Own kickouts won: 15 from 27 (56%)

REFEREE: Gary Twomey (Ennistymon)

COROFIN are more than capable of competing in the top tier of Clare football having sealed their return to the senior championship for 2025.

After winning the Clare IFC in 2021, Corofin had three seasons in senior football including reaching the county semi-final in 2022 before they were relegated by Kilmihil last year.

A 2-14 2-9 win over Cooraclare on Sunday brings Corofin back to senior.

Club stalwart Peadar O’Brien answered

the call when Corofin were struggling to get a manager for 2024. A long-serving selector, his first year as manager saw them relegated. Had they not bounced back by winning the intermediate championship he admitted it would have been time to step aside. “We were the management that brought them down so it is great to be the management that brought them back up. We’re delighted, we deserved it on the day, it was hard work and a tough battle so credit to Cooraclare .. it could

'No better feeling than going to the trenches'

by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME COROFIN Frees for: 10 (5/5) Wides: 11 (5/6) Spread of scorers: 5 Scores from play: 2-10 Top scorer: Diarmuid Cahill (1-3 1TP 1f) Bookings: Seán O’Brien (27) Own kickouts won: 12 from 19 (63%)

WINNING back-to-back Clare senior football championships was "something special" for adopted Éire Óg man Gavin Murray.

Moate native Murray has been part of the Éire Óg for three seasons and during that time has won two senior football championships as well as earning a call up to the county panel.

Part of the half-forward line this season for Shane Daniels’ side, Gavin said their victory over St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield capped off a memorable week for the club. “Two in a row is great. First of all, it’s been a great week for the club. As someone new coming into it, it took me a bit of time to understand the dual aspect, the amount of time the club put into endorsing it and the lads to both codes is so admirable, I’m delighted to be on the good end of things on the football side of it”.

Their finish aided by fresh legs off the bench was the winning of the game, he felt. “It was a really tough game...At half time we said that we’d grind them down in the second half and eventually it came, we had a great impact from the bench with Jack (Joyce), Gavin (Cooney) and the lads so eventually it told in the last ten minutes.”

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the air traffic controller added, “It is so special to be a part of a high performing team with the management, Shane (Daniels), Seanie (Buckley) and the lads leading it and the fantastic players we have and how they apply themselves. I’m delighted to play any part in it and it is special on a day like that when it all comes together”.

have gone either way”.

Speaking following their five point win, O’Brien told The Clare Echo that Corofin's physicality played a big factor in the result, while adding that Cooraclare were "dependent on Brian Mc".

Winners of the Waterford IFC will travel to Corofin on November 9 for the Munster quarter-final. Based in the Middle East as a teacher, Jamie Malone is unlikely to be available for the game but would be back if they qualified for a semi-final against Kerry's An Ghaeltacht.

MEETING, training and going to the trenches with the guys you have grown up alongside in Corofin makes playing GAA with the club ‘one of the best feelings’ for Gearoid Cahill.

On Sunday, Gearoid captained Corofin to a Clare IFC title, accepting the Talty Stores Cup. During his speech, the Mary I graduate who is a primary school teacher in Barefield, pleaded with his teammates to give senior football a rattle next season. Continuity is vital for the club to compete in the top tier which was one

of their lessons following relegation in 2024.

Gearoid said, “There is a core group of 10 or 11 of us who are out for the 30th weekend in a row between league and championship, maybe it is bias but I don’t think there is any better feeling in the world than meeting them lads three times a week and going into the trenches."

Forming part of the full-forward line with his younger brother Diarmuid and their idol former All Star nominee Jamie Malone is something Gearoid says he really enjoys.

With five points from play, Gearoid produced a stellar

display and one which is likely to see him added to Paul Madden’s Clare training panel over the winter.

He added, “We were the favourites coming in after our second round performance against Cooraclare, that can be hard to deal with as a team but I do think we’ve taken a step in the right direction as a team this year because that tag would not have suited us in the last few years”.

34

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

l It was a day of celebration at Cusack Park on a

day enjoyed by Éire Óg and Doora-Barefield supporters Photos by Ruth Griffin

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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l Éire Óg players and management celebrate with teammates, family, friends and fans after

winning the Senior Football Championship on Sunday at Cusack Park

Photos by Ruth Griffin

Sport

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36

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Three-in-row still on track CLARE CREDIT UNIONS SNR CAMOGIE SEMI-FINAL TRUAGH-CLONLARA 3-19 FEAKLE-KILLANENA 1-15 Venue: Tubber GAA Compiled by Páraic McMahon

Andrea O'Keeffe INAGH/KILNAMONA

STORY OF THE GAME TRUAGH/CLONLARA: Frees For: 13 (7/6) Wides: 1 (0/1) Scores from Play: 3-14 Spread of Scorers: 8 Top Scorer: Roisín Begley (1-8 3f's) Own Puckouts Won: 13 out of 18 (72%)

FEAKLE/KILLANENA: Frees For: 20 (10/10) Wides: 2 (2/0) Scores from Play: 1-9 Spread of Scorers: 3 Top Scorer: Zi Yan Spillane (0-9, 4f's, 1'45) Own Puckouts Won: 8 out of 22 (36%)

REFEREE: Eoghan O'Leary (Whitegate)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Owen Fitzgerald, Truagh/Clonlara coach:

“It was a right battle, right towards the end, Feakle/Killanena really gave us a tough test there, they really sowed it into us, but look happy to get over the line and get back into a final.

“I suppose the goals in the first-half really gave us a cushion to work with, and a good reaction to their goal in the second-half, really good in general reacting to everything, and really positive looking back at the game as a whole.

“The week turnaround is tough, but look it, it's probably something you wouldn't wish for, if you could have the fixtures back again, the week turnaround especially when we have older players is something that we really have to manage, so there will be very little done this week”.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Louise Egan clears her lines for Truagh/Clonlara

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

ANDREA O’KEEFFE was one of the star performers for Inagh/ Kilnamona to keep their bid for a first senior camogie title since 2020 on track to win the Clare Credit Unions/ The Clare Echo player of the week.

O’Keeffe was electric throughout the contest. While did not contribute to the scoreboard, she made her side’s first goal which was scored by Clare Hehir and came at a crucial time as Scariff/Ogonnelloe had taken the lead for the first time.

Lining out at midfield, Andrea got through an amount of work and was involved in a lot of what went right for Inamona when they recorded a four point win to advance to the county final.

She will be presented with a €50 Torpey voucher courtesy of Clare Credit Unions, sponsor of our senior club camogie championship coverage.

Horgan hopeful of more success with Truagh/Clonlara

by Seamus Hayes paraic@clareecho.ie

IT’S right that the Clare senior camogie final is in the county grounds, it should not be played anywhere else.

That’s the view of Truagh/Clonlara captain Ellen Horgan who is anxiously looking forward to her side’s meeting with Inagh/Kilnamona on Saturday. “Three in a row would be a great achievement but you can’t get too invested in things like that and get distracted from the match”.

Ellen told The Clare Echo, “we take each year as it comes but one can feel a bit of

pressure that you want to retain the title and reach the standards of the past two years. I suppose there is a tiny bit of pressure but in fairness we did approach the championship without complacency and topped our group which we set out to do”.

Recalling that the sides met in the final last year Ellen said, “we can’t look beyond Inagh/ Kilnamona. We felt comfortable in the first half but then they came at us in waves and Clare Hehir got an unreal goal, and there was nothing in it at the end. There has always been a serious contest between Scariff/Ogonnelloe, Inagh/Kilnamona while Feakle/Killanena have been strong in recent times. They are progressing each year and they gave us a good test in the semi-final”.

With Truagh/ Clonlara having such a long season in 2025, “it was hard” to get back into action, she admitted.

“Despite the fact we learned so much and grew massively as a panel you do go back to square

one. In March and in the league, panel isn’t as big or as deep as it is at the business end.

Clubs are blooding minor players, playing juniors and struggling for players. It was tough to get it going again.”

Ellen believes “the experience we gained should benefit us. We know how to prepare for big match days. We know how we set up and we know our game plan inside out at this stage. There have been changes in personnel but we can adapt to things like that.”

Asked about the possibility of going a step further than last year’s All-Ireland final, she replied “we can’t afford to look beyond Inagh/Kilnamona, we couldn’t afford to look beyond any game in the championship. We concentrated on St Joseph’s first, then Tulla, we set out a plan and we were not looking beyond getting out of the group. Complacency could be a curse, there is no point in thinking what we had last year could happen again”.

The champions' joint captain believes her team has great support. “There are a number of factors that drive us. We are extremely close knit as a panel, a lot of friendships, a lot of siblings, cousins, we all live within five minutes of each other. Our management set up is so professional, that really really drives standards, our committee is very supportive, really professional, our families, our parish.

Clonlara is a small place, we all went to the same primary school, we have just one school and two pubs, everyone knows one another.

There were many out last evening putting up flags. That’s the driving force behind the success we have had”.

l Ellen Horgan

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Meanwhile, coach and selector of Truagh/ Clonlara Eoin Powell added, “There has been no pressure about three in a row or anything like that, no outside noises. After the All-Ireland we didn’t return to training until March of this year when he girls were well refreshed and they were rearing to go”.

Stressing that they haven’t looked at anything outside Clare he noted “there was only a point in it against Scariff/Ogonnelloe when a draw would probably have been a fair result. There has been nothing between ourselves and Inagh/Kilnamona. It’s game by game. Teams have got caught before by not focussing on the next game. One cannot afford to look past the next game”.

37

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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Sport

Crucial goals Laoise hopes for reverse of fortune for Inamona

by Seamus Hayes paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE CREDIT UNIONS SNR CAMOGIE SEMI-FINAL

INAGH/KILNAMONA 2-10 SCARIFF/OGONNELLOE 1-09 Venue: Killanena SCAN HERE FOR Compiled by Seamus Hayes MATCH REPORT

l Andrea O’Keeffe feels the brunt of Jennifer Daly’s

forearm Photo by Gerard O'Neill

STORY OF THE GAME INAGH/KILNAMONA Frees For: 22 (12/10) Wides: 5 (2/3) Scores from play: 2-4 Spread of scorers: 4 Top scorer: Aoibhin Ryan (0-7 5f) Own puckouts won: 9 from 14 Bookings: Clare Hehir (35); Teresa O’Keeffe (51)

SCARIFF/OGONNELLOE Frees For: 15 (7/8) Wides: 4 (2/2) Scores from play: 1-5 Spread of scorers: 5 Top scorer: Jennifer Daly (1-1) Own puckouts won: 11 from 17 Bookings: None

REFEREE: Jim Hickey (Cratloe)

TWO WEEKS after tasting defeat in the Clare ladies senior football final, Laoise Ryan is hoping for a different outcome this week.

She is keeping her fingers crossed that she will be going up the steps of the stand at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg to accept the McMahon cup which will be presented to the winners of the Clare camogie senior championship.

As one of a number of players who play camogie and football she doesn’t believe that being a busy dual player is particularly difficult. “Many of us have done it and we enjoy it. It’s been busy. I have had one or two weekends off since the championships started. I was disappointed after the football final but Kilmihil were deserving winners on the day. It’s all about the camogie final now”, Laoise told The Clare Echo this week.

The Inagh/Kilnamona captain agrees that her side are “edging to get back. We last won this title in 2020. We were delighted to get back to the final last year having lost semi-finals to Truagh/Clonlara and Scariff/Ogonnelloe but this year we are hoping to go one better”.

Continuing she acknowledged, “it was an unbelievable achievement by Truagh/ Clonlara to get to the All-Ireland final last year. They are a well-oiled and experienced team”.

KILLIMER SAILING TO INTERMEDIATE FOLLOWING JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP WIN

l Inagh/Kilnamona captain, Laoise Ryan

Asked if the fact that Inagh/ Kilnamona haven’t won the Munster title, something which Truagh/Clonlara and Scariff/ Ogonnelloe have achieved, is a driving force for the side she said “we wouldn’t be thinking about that. While we haven’t won Munster it hasn’t been

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

mentioned at all this year. The policy has been one game at a time and that was emphasised at the start of the campaign. The focus was on Kilkishen in round one and then on Kimaley in round two.

It was step by step and getting a performance in each game.

We were a little flat against Clarecastle/Ballyea but in last week’s semi-final we were determined not to let it get away and we delivered a strong second half performance”.

Referring to the concession of a goal just before half time she said “mistakes do happen and it’s how you bounce back.

We all make mistakes but it’s about recovery”.

Following last week’s semi-final win she was one of a number of the players who travelled to Fr. McNamara park to support the club’s intermediate team who “unfortunately lost”.

“With such a short turnaround, there isn’t much we can do this week. It’s about recovery We did pick up a few injuries and it’s about getting things right for Saturday. We are facing the All-Ireland finalists who just fell short against an unbelievable Sarsfields side. They did put Clare camogie on the map but we will be hoping to take the Clare title off them”, according to Laoise.

She added, “We have a strong management headed

by Eugene Foudy who is dedicated to camogie in Inagh/Kilnamona and in Clare”. Laoise also praised the support the team receives throughout the parish. “There is huge interest. Our intermediate hurlers are in the final on Sunday, the junior B’s are in the semi-final while the under 14 camogie team have achieved a double.

Everyone in the parish is hoping for a successful weekend”.

Clooney-Quin promoted to senior camogie ranks

JUNIOR FOOTBALL FINAL

SCAN FOR REPORT

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Killimer players celebrate at the final whistle Gerard O'Neill

Photo by

Photo by Ruth Griffin

38

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Clare Taekwon-Do athletes shine on World stage Clare’s Taekwon-Do community is celebrating a remarkable achievement on the world stage, as athletes and coaches from Quin, Shannon, Inagh and West Clare played a leading role in Ireland’s historic success at the ITF Taekwon-Do World Championships 2025.

Team Ireland was crowned World Champions, finishing 1st overall among nearly 60 nations, with a total of 31 medals — 10 Gold, 7 Silver and 14 Bronze.

Leading the charge was Stephen Ryan, Team Ireland Head Coach and Lead Instructor at Quin Taekwon-Do, alongside Jamie Williams (Shannon TKD) and Jamie Rigney (Inagh TKD), who both served as Team Ireland Coaches.

Gold medalists included Senior Male Team Sparring (featuring Clare athletes Shane Tuite, James Tuite and Luke Moriarty from Quin Taekwon-Do); Ethan Sweeney, Gold in Junior Male -60kg Sparring (Quin Taekwon-Do); Bartosz Bartnik, Gold in Pre-Junior Patterns (Shannon TKD); James Tuite, Gold in Senior Male -69kg Sparring (Quin Taekwon-Do); Luke Moriarty, Gold in Senior Male -75kg Sparring (Quin Taekwon-Do).

Bartosz Bartnik of Shannon TKD was

awarded Best Overall Pre-Junior Competitor, a remarkable individual honour highlighting his consistency and excellence

across multiple disciplines.

There were silver medals in the Senior Female Team Sparring category (including Christine Franks – Quin Taekwon-Do, and Alyssa Wealleans – West Clare TKD); Junior Male Team Sparring (including Ethan Sweeney – Quin Taekwon-Do); Bartosz Bartnik, Silver in Pre-Junior -55kg Sparring (Shannon TKD); Alyssa Wealleans, Silver in Junior Female -55kg Sparring (West Clare TKD).

Meanwhile bronze medalists included Senior Male Team Pattern (including David Larkin – Quin Taekwon-Do, and Odin McNulty – West Clare TKD); Oisín Cope, Bronze in Junior Male -50kg Sparring (West Clare TKD); Brian Corkery, Bronze in Junior Male -55kg Sparring (Quin Taekwon-Do); Maria Woźniak, Bronze in Junior Female -50kg Sparring (West Clare TKD); Odin McNulty, Bronze in Patterns (West Clare TKD); Jeffrey Lin, Bronze in Junior Male -57kg Sparring (Inagh TKD); Christine Franks, Bronze in Senior Female -60kg Sparring (Quin Taekwon-Do).

Head Coach Stephen Ryan praised the athletes and coaching team, calling it “a truly historic moment for Irish and Clare Taekwon-Do.”

ST FRANCIS CREDIT UNION CLARE COMMUNITY GAMES ALL STARS

The St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games will hold their annual All Star presentations function on Friday October 17 in Treacy’s West County Hotel.

Sixty four children from 17 areas across the county will be honoured. They will represent all the Community Games events. This is the social highlight of St Francis Credit Union.

Clare Community Games and is usually a very memorable event for all present. Entertainment will be provided by some of our National Talent entries.

COUNTY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games Annual General Meeting will be held on Tue 4th November in Treacy’s West County Hotel commencing at 8pm. All Areas should have their delegates in attendance as their input is is vital to the smooth running of the events during the year.

Nominations are welcome for all positions. Areas should now be submitting their Nominations and Motions to County Secretary.

Win for Ennis RFC Senior Men 1st XV MJL Division 2: Carrick on Suir 14 - 21 Ennis Ennis RFC’s senior men’s team won 14 – 21 against Carrick on Suir during their away game.

Ennis Senior Men travelled to Carrick on Suir on Sunday in their Junior 2 game and got off to a great start with a try from Jack Dillon after three mins. Two penalties from Dylan Kenny gave Ennis an 11 - 3 lead at half-time.

During the second half, Carrick came back with two penalties to make the score 11 - 9. Carrick then scored another try to take a 14 - 11 lead. With two minutes left, Kenny scored a long range penalty to tie the game. Ennis received the kick-off in their 22 and went through the phases with Brendan Keane scoring a try, converted by Kenny to give Ennis a 21 - 14 win.

Senior Men 2nd XV Gleeson League: Bruff 24 – 7 Ennis The Ennis Senior Men's 2nd XV team travelled to Bruff on Saturday for their Gleeson League opener, which final result showed 24 – 7.

Bruff scored three tries in

the first half with Ennis on the defensive for the majority of the half.

Ennis grew into the game in the second half with a number of scoring opportunities, but Bruff held a strong defensive line until the end of the game. Following an Ennis scrum, Luke Fitzgerald broke through to score under the posts with Alan O'Shea to convert and bring the final score 24 – 7.

Additional Score: U16 Girls Munster League: Ennis 40 – 10 Old Crescent Fixtures: Senior Men 2nd XV Gleeson League: Ennis v Charlesville; Saturday 18th October; 2:30pm in Lees Road Senior Women: Wicklow v Ennis/Kilrush; Saturday Oct 18; 3pm in Wicklow Mini Girls Blitz; Sunday October 19; 10am in Buccaneers U15 Boys North Munster Conference: Ennis v St Senan’s; Sunday October 19 at 12pm in Drumbiggle U15 Boys Challenge Match: Buccaeers v Ennis; Sunday Oct 19 at 12:30pm in Buccaneers

Coote lands Woodstock Golfer of the Year

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB Paul Coote is the golfer of he year at Woodstock. Another year of dominance by Paul in the order of merit saw him win 2 monthly medals, the Ozone Health & Fitness May medal and he Western Joinery June medal. He also finished second in the Sweet'n'Green Healthy Cafe September medal.

In club matchplay Paul won the Al Hayes Skoda singles matchplay beating Cian Ruane in the final. Partnered with Adrian Kearney, Paul won the AMR Golf Shanaway Cup fourball betterball defeating Brian Kilker and Paddy Meehan in the decider.

Last week’s seniors competition at Woodstock was won by Paul Coote, Martin White and Greg Fogarty with 45.9.

They won from Declan Coote, John O’Donovan and Willie Thompson who had 46.7 Joe Colleran (19) was the winner of he weekend’s club singles with 46 points while Kieran Cunnane (0) won the gross with 39.

He category winners were Bernardo Kelly (6) with 38 points, Sean Howard (18) with 42 points and Ross Keyes (21) with 43 points The winners of the modified team of 2 betterball were Paddy Meehan (12) and Richard Pyne (19) with 62 points ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Forty two members played in the senior men’s modified scramble which was won by Steve Burns, Tom Fox, Matt Flynn and Padraic Larkin with 74 points.

They were three ahead of Vincent Corbett,

Liam Barry, Pat Garry and Séamus Hanrahan with third place filled by Johnny Kearse, Michael Kerin, Neil Cremin and Michael Clancy who also scored 71 points.

Fourth spot was filled by Eamonn Corry, John Gavin, Brian Tuohy, and Gerry Kelly and they were followed by Pat G McInerney, Noel Connellan, Joe O Brien and Jimmy Kearns and both those teams also scored 71 points.

The senior ladies competition was won by Carmel Verling, Liz Kelly, Therese Lillis and Sarah Cunningham from Mary Kearns, Martina Corbett and Una O’Reilly Last week’s men’s singles competition at Ennis was won by Derek Healy (11) with 41 points. He had two to spare over Barry Lee (16) with Cathal Ryan (16) a point further back in third place. Martin Moran won the gross with 31 points.

The weekly ladies competition was the 18 hole October league, sponsored by Sheils Motor group. Last week’s winner was vice-captain Mary T. McMahon (13) with 35 points and she won on a countback from Rose Enright (19) with Helen Gallery (24) in third place with 33 points.

The 9 hole singles sponsored by Helen Gallery Auctioneers/ Valuers and Or na hOige jewellery was won by Josephine Tone (17) with 18 points and she was one ahead of Marie Keane (21) with Mary Nagle (12) a point further back in third place.

The grand final of the Martin Ward Friday open singles was held on Friday last. The winner was Ian Myatt (11) with 37 points.

Friday’s open competition was won by Wil-

liam Donnellan (24) with 38 points from Joseph O’Brien (17) with 36. The gross was won by Woodstock’s Ross Darmody (5) with 33 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB The men’s competition at Kilrush at the weekend was the ESB open singles which was won by Terry O' Hare (10) with 40 points.

He won with a better back 9 from Andrew Young (9) with third spot filled by Christopher Brennan (23) with 38 points. The gross was won by Tom Browne (2) with 32 points The category winners were Dominic Enright (10) with 38 points, Paul McGibney (19) with 35 points and Michael J Hogan (20) with 37 points. The nines were won by Jim Kelly and Alan F Howard.

The winner of the Kilrush Irish House ladies 12 hole stableford competition was Mary Bolton (12) with 24 points and she won on a countback from Edel Crowley (12) with third spot filled by Helen Hurst (32) who also had 24 points. In fourth spot with 23 points was Grace Howard (25).

SHANNON GOLF CLUB The ladies hamper competition a Shannon was won by Jane Kennedy (15) with 36 points. She won on a countback from Catherine Vaughan (14). In third place with 30 points was Mary Sheehan (20) followed by Martina Cunningham (33), also with 30 points.

The gross was won by Aine Twomey (8) with 24 points.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB The men’s 18 hole stableford competition at Dromoland at the weekend was won by David

N O’Brien with 38 points. He won on a counback from Paul McMahon with Ian Mulready two points back in third place.

The gross was won by Jason Ryan with 33 points while the category for handicappers of 20 and over was won by John Collins with 34.

The weekly 9 hole competition was won by Patrick McCoy with 18 points from Billy O’Mahony who had a similar score Darragh McCoy was third with 15 points.

The ladies 18 hole stableford competition was won by Sheila Kent with 36 points and she was two ahead of Sinead Burke Keogh In the weekly 9 hole competition the winner was Theresa Reddan with 20 points from Linda Kochhar with 19, Mary Rogers with 17 and Sinead Burke Keogh with 16.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB The men’s monthly medal competition at East Clare was won by Brian Lenihan (17) with 63. He was one ahead of Dermot Hayes (19) who pipped Martin Crotty (21) on a countback . The gross was won by Tony Cleary (-1) with 74. Last week’s senior men’s competition was won by Tom Larkin , Jim Bradley and Danny Minogue from Michael Heffernan, Pat McMahon and John Fielding with third spot filled by Nick Obolwiez, Tadhg Murphy and Noel Earley.

The winners of the ladies Wednesday competition were Celia Moloney, Connie McKenna and Helen Conway.

Last Thursday’s mixed scramble was won

by Terry Coughlan, Stephen Moloney and Breda O'Loghlin with second filled by John Nihill, Helen Downey, Mary Hogan & Willie Roche.

39

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

To place a notice email kieran@clareecho.ie

PLANNING CLARE CO. COUNCIL TULLA RD, CRUSHEEN, CO. CLARE V95 HF95 Permission for (1) the extension and renovation of an existing dwelling house (2) the extension and subdivision of an existing shop unit into 2 commercial units (3) the construction of a single story extension to include a serviced commercial unit and a dwelling house, with modifications to the existing parking and all associated services and site works is being sought on behalf of Sean O’Connor. 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, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL James & Lillian Hassett intend to apply for PERMISSION for development at Ballaghboy, Doora, Co. Clare. The development will consist of (a) single storey extensions to the rear of the existing dwelling, (b) alterations to elevations of the dwelling, detached boathouse & detached garage including a new canopy at the front entrance & rooflight over the stairs; (c) the change of use of the existing detached boathouse to use as a wellness suite and home office; (d) a new wastewater treatment system and percolation area; (e) all associated site and landscaping works to serve the development. The planning application may be in-

spected, 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 We Saimir Molla & Shirley O’Leary, intend to apply for permission for development at this site 2 Tullyglass Heights, Tullyglass, Shannon, Co. Clare, V14 AY98. The Development will consist of: 1. Construction of a single storey, flat roof front extension to consist of a master bedroom, bedroom, family bathroom and WC. 2.

General Remodel and upgrade of the existing dwelling to suit the proposed layouts including modifications to existing patio steps to basement area. 4. All drainage, structural and associated site works to be implemented. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILLIAN, BAREFIELD CO CLARE. Take notice that Trevor Loughnane intends to apply for planning permission to build a new dwelling house , install a waste treatment system and all associated and ancillary site works at

Planning

NOTICES the above address.

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

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS Planning Ref: P25/60399 Development Description: the construction of a new dwelling house and garage, complete with a new entrance, private well, sewage treatment system and ancillary works Location: Ballynacally, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Kevin O’Reilly & Jennifer O’Donoghue have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P25/60399.

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 CARROWDUFF, MILTOWN MALBAY Take notice that P. Malone intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect dwelling house, garage, wastewater treatment system, percolation area, new site entrance and all associated works at the above address.

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

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL BALLYVOE, INCH, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Martin Hickey intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of an agricultural loose house 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, CARROWNAGRY NORTH, MULLAGH, CO. CLARE Take notice that F. & V. Birney intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for to alter the house plans as granted under P22/30 along with ancillary site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, ANNAGH, QUILTY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Fergal & Nora Lynne Hehir intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a Storage Shed along with ancillary site works at the above address.

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

AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT COURT AREA OF KILRUSH. DISTRICT NO. 12.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF ON LICENCE. JOHNSON’S BAR KILRUSH LIMITED - APPLICANT TAKE NOTICE that the above named Applicant of 3 Henry Street, Kilrush in the County of Clare, intends to apply to the sitting of the Adjourned Annual Licensing Court at Kilrush on the 18th day of November 2025 at 10.30 a.m. being the District Court of the said Court Area for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’ Licence(7 day ordinary) attached to the premises situate at 3 Henry Street, Kilrush, in the County of Clare, in the District aforesaid and which said premises are presently licensed in the name of Shawna Johnson.

Dated this 14th day of October 2025 Signed; O’Kelly Moylan Solicitors O’KELLY MOYLAN, Solicitors for Applicant, Market Square, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

To: The Superintendent, Garda Siochana, Ennis Road, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

And: The District Court Clerk, District Court Office, Courthouse, Ennis, Co. Clare.

And: The Fire Officer, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare And: National Environmental Health Service, Health Service Executive, Unit 6, Quin Road Business Park, Quin Road, Ennis, Co. Clare

40

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| by Michael Curl

V R P E D O E Y S S E R G N

Escape

Access

| Puzzle: Mon Feb 13 2023

B A P R N A

How to play

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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.

T M A M V Y S T

SUDOKU

2/13/23, 10:54 AM

1/1

WORD SEARCH

In and Out

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6.21

Thursday, Oct 16, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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bruary 2023

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

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DOWN 2. Wash(7) 3. Adjustable fastening(3) 4. Northernmost American state(6) 5. Go ashore(9) 6. Large sea(5) 7. Unpleasant(5) 8. Systematic procedure(6) 12. Omission(9) 16. Instance(7) 17. Kidnap(6) 18. Military pageant(6) 19. Betrayer(5) 20. Once more(5) 23. Hot drink(3)

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct 16, 2025

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Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz 1.

In what year was Michael Cusack born?

1850 1847 1870

6.

In what year did an image of Michael Cusack appear on a Clare GAA jersey?

2022 2023 2024

2.

What parish were Michael Cusack from?

Carron Ballyea Doora-Barefield

7.

3.

In what year did Michael Cusack help to form the GAA? 1887 1888 1884

In what year did Michael Cusack die?

1910 1906 1908

8.

4.

Where is Cusack buried?

Glasnevin Drumcliffe Clarecastle

Which character in Ulysses is based off Michael Cusack?

Leopold Bloom Buck Mulligan The Citizen

9.

5.

Where did the meeting to found the GAA take place?

Dublin Thurles Cork

Who was elected the first president of the GAA? Michael Cusack Archbishop Croke Maurice Davin

Movies to see this week

Scan here to see what’s on

10. Aside from Clare, what other county’s pitch is called Cusack Park?

Dublin Westmeath Sligo

ANSWERS 1847 Carron 1884 Glasnevin Thurles

2024 1906 The Citizen Maurice Davin Westmeath

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

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

Last weeks Answers . Crest on the arm missing . Gum shield different colour . Number missing . apostrophemissing on jersey

. Line missing on shorts . Colour on shorts crest missing . O’Neills missing on jersey

At the launch of the Marine Institute Explorers Education Programme Marine Spatial Planning Educational Resources in St Conaire’s National School Shannon were Minister Timmy Dooley TD Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment with special responsibility for the Marine and the Department of Agriculture and Dr Rick Officer (CEO) Marine Institute along with Martin Sisk, Chairman of the Marine Institute Board, Marine Institute staff and Education Team and Staff and pupils from St Conaire’s NS, Shannon.

Photo by Eamon Ward

November Country Music Festival 02 - 07 November 2025 Back by popular demand our lively, multi-day event celebrating country music featuring performances from top country artists.

Included: ✓ B&B & evening meals ✓ Country music festival entertainment ✓ Access to Gleneagle Leisure ✓ Free shuttle from Killarney train station (Arrival & Departure)

02 Nov - Shaun Cuddy & The Ryan Turner Band | 03 Nov - Robert Mizzell 04 Nov - Effie Neil | 05 Nov - TR Dallas | 06 Nov - Michael Collins & Louise Morrissey 5 nights + 4 Evening Meals from €435pps* | 4 nights + 4 Evening Meals from €379pps* 3 nights + 3 Evening Meals from €289pps* | 2 nights + 2 Evening Meals from €199pps* *€26 Single Supplement Nightly. T&C’s apply. Entertainment subject to change.

Gleneagle, Killarney, Co. Kerry, Ireland

Contact us: 064 6671550

gleneaglekillarney.ie