The Clare Echo 17/09/26 by The Clare Echo

www.campion.com

065 671 9021

l VISIT: Donald Trump

was cheered by patrons of Doonbeg Golf Course while others (below) protested in Shannon Photos by Joe Buckley

clareecho.ie

Sep 17 2026

(065) 684 1766

Bank House, Bindon Street, Ennis

Campion Insurances Limited trading as Campion Insurance, PIB Global and Bestquote.ie is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

€20M BOOST FOR LOCAL ECONOMY

Clare shines on world stage as Trump welcomed by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s economy has benefitted to the tune of around €20m from the successful staging of The Amgen Irish Open and The Walker Cup. The world’s best amateur golfers took on the Lahinch links before Shane Lowry lit up Doonbeg on his way to winning The Irish Open. US President Donald Trump’s arrival resulted in the biggest security operation in the State this year which saw Gardaí pitched at crossroads from Ennis to Doonbeg. Trump used the visit to lift the tariff on Irish whiskey while pledging continued

investment in the five-star Doonbeg resort. His presence also saw demonstrations held in Shannon, Doonbeg and Dublin with three arrested. Lahinch hotelier Michael Vaughan told The Clare Echo that The Irish Open was worth €15m to the local economy and The Walker Cup a further €4m. “The Irish Open was the coming of age of the golf course in Doonbeg in relation to hosting an international event and creating an even greater reputation in the world of links golf. “There is a huge legacy to be reaped by Doonbeg from having hosted The Irish Open, it will stand to the village and the resort in years to come”.

2 2 2

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 6, 2025

News News

HEALTH & FITNESS Milestone for Ask the Expert Ennistymon NS

Chipper day ininDoonbeg Banner support Ennis lFarewell Victory for Cilléin Mullins

We explore Health & Fitness in Clare P20-22 P.20 p28-31

NEWSDESK

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

ADVERTISING Email: kieran@clareecho.ie or ross@clareecho.ie

Unit 9, The Mall, Clare Road Business Centre, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021 This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Ofﬁce of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

lALL SMILES: A group of schoolchildren from Kilkee attend the Irish Open in Doonbeg last weekend and (inset) Alison McGrath, owner of My First Steps in Ennis, pictured at Doonbeg with Irish Open winner Shane Lowry last weekend; her husband Padraig McGrath of P&M Golf Superstore with Patrick Reed Main photo: Joe Buckley

Corofin’s Cilléin Mullins, Marc O’Loughlin and Luke Neylon celebrate after beating Waterford side Stradbally in the Munster IFC Photo by Joe Buckley club quarter-final. It was the last involvement of the season for Crusheen’s Mullins who departs for Australia.

Mickey Guilfoyle, Robert Clancy and Brian Pyne supporting Clare during the Oscar Traynor (Munster region) quarter-ﬁnal vs Kerry in Frank Healy Park

Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

Councillors intariffs is Trump's encounter removal ofgridlock whiskey Mountshannon lion was attempts totiming' get Blake’s Corner update 'perfect for Burren Distillers

actually a ‘friendly mouse’

by Páraic McMahon By Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie páraic@clareecho.ie

ELECTED members by US Dearbhla Parry ofDonald have now discovered that was a deer. “I’m not saying President news@clareecho.ie Clare County Council are to lift the ‘lion’ is in fact a beautiful for certain that it is a lion, but Trump announcing encountering theirIrish own Newfoundland dog, with a it does look to have a mane KILLALOE GARDAÍ have tariffs on whiskey gridlock attempts to get solvedinthe mystery of a very snazzy haircut, named and a long tail. Some people couldn’t haveofcome ‘Mouse’. Hats off to the even think that someone reported animal clarity on the‘lion-like’ status plansatina bettime for aClare. Clare distillguards for clearing all of this might have shaved their dog the ter woods of East to alleviate traffic congesery. sightings and up - I think this is one of the as a joke,” O’Reilly remarked tion atReported Blake’s Corner. stories that will at the time, a comment which footage of aonpotential During the Three weeks frompresentation thelion humorous go down in the lore of our turned out to be true. emerged last weekIrish withOpen of The dismissing Amgen High Court an “At a time when AI imagery reports made toShane Gardaí. Lowry county”. trophy toonce inThe video was captured by and application to bring a judicial confusion as to whether However, on the Doonbeg on Sunday, review challenge against the Presa passing truck driver who online content is real or fake scene in Woodpark Forest ident Trump in purhis any address proposed had been hauling timber. It is so rampant, it fell on the Park in compulsory Mountshannon, Mouse walking into guards in Killaloe Station to chase order Ennistyannounced was shows to trace of for the the lionthat was he gone the woods and disappearing. investigate and to establish garda investigators werewhismonand inner relief road, on elected remove tariffs Irish Forest manager John O’Reilly the true facts,” Deputy Crowe unable to stuck conﬁrmin whether members their lGRIDLOCK: key.got Blake’s Corner lPERFECT TIMING: lift of tariffs on Irish whiskey could harvesters working The explained. the identity of the animalinwas said that efforts toHuge source further cheers and a round not have come at athe better time forDistrict, Burren Distillers on the site had spotted in fact a lion. They reported “The outcome of the High Municipal can you Ltd formation from the topfollowed table applause the “lion”case before, but only from thatof“enquiries were carried Court relation thea cheque have a reply week”. of Clare Countydeclaration. Council. ter in beand sendingtome will for takenext place”. a distance out”whiskey accordingly. inner relief road assumed at Blake’s it Director Kirby confirmed a In aGardaí statement released last soon". For Burren Ltd in Killaloe have Corner, He said the matter had it said it dismissed a reply would be furnishedDistillers for month following the High Kilmihil native Eoin Ó “the timing of the announcesince rmed that the him beenconﬁ brought before project allow- the meeting. Court ruling, so-called lionthe wasCouncil in factMicheál a judicial review Catháinto who is Director of ment couldn’t be better,” Geby both Taoiseach proceed. Is Ennistymon’s inner relief saidNewfoundland they “in partnership dog named ing the project the Irish Whiskey Associrard O’Neill stated. Martin (FF) and Lowry over definitive position,” road is intended to address whose coat and that theation with‘Mouse’ Transport Infrastructure said the sector is “deThe Ballyvaughan based weekend. traffic congestion tail the had been Ireland (TII)” would shaved proceed to he asked.lighted” with Trump’snotorious an- Corner. enterprise “is currently in "Taoiseach and I talked Director of Services of at Blake’s The scheme resemble that of a lion. “The to the next stages of the N67/ nouncement. talksconstruction with a USofdistributer video of a Shane lion-liketalked Transportation, Carmel Kir- includes the about it and N85recent Ennistymon Inner Relief "The US is our biggest maranimal roaming around the byhas and the removal of the tariff offered little detail when a new bridge upstream of the about it and everyone Road project. These stages in-fact woods in East Clare isme in it represents thousands is a positive for Irish replying,ket, “I will come back to Michael Conway Bridge, pe- whiskey been bugging saying clude detailed design develthe very friendly Mouse, a you in the of coming jobs, millions in investexportsoftothe America”. days on it destrianisation exist'would you dog doofme a favour? opment, conclusion land Newfoundland who is bridge, Speaking and public realm ments and it has been ing under to The Clare Could you possibly takewith thecorrespondence”. acquisition and planning delighted with his recentfor viral surprisingly was the over improvements. A CPO said, was “No tarI suppose, the Echo, O’Neill tariffs Irish whiskey?'More pressure, the video construction phase. clip”.off of lack of reaction from elected approved by An Bord Pleanálast year and a bit because of iffs are good, without tariffs Clare TD, Cathal Crowe At Monday’s "And I meeting said on of behalf of members. Bill Slattery la in Juneyou’re 2022, however (FF)County The Clare of Echo, thatCllr tariff. keeping the down costs, Clare Council, Cllr thetold United States America, (FG) stated, “I have a motionto process as the “Like many I the wastariffs We're delighted see it was thatpaused has to be rebeneficial to Shane (FF)people, referred to ITalty am going to takeby amused and intrigued the down on the exact question sult of a judicial review until removed. We'll continue the whole industry, the project’s mention in” the every off Irish whiskey, Trump rereported sighting of a lion in as Cllr Talty has asked for our the High Court decision. monthly management report. to work with all of our col- Irish distiller exporting to marked. Mountshannon. The guards

Speaking in the media centre on Sunday night, Lowry quipped, "Irish Distillers bet-

leagues in the US, in Brussels, here in Dublin to ensure this full tariff liberalisation

America benefits from this”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

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

News

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Protests, arrests & a rapturous welcome as West Clare hotelier returns to Doonbeg By Páraic McMahon páraic@clareecho.ie

PERFECTING the art of splitting opinion, US President Donald Trump received a glowing reception in Doonbeg while thousands of people have protested his arrival with demonstrations in Shannon, Dublin and Doonbeg with three women arrested in relation to trespassing and public order offences. Three women were arrested for trespassing and public order offences at Trump International Golf Links and Hotel while in the members bar of the five-star resort President Trump was given a euphoric welcome when he arrived on Saturday. Gardaí were pitched at every crossroad on the approach to Doonbeg as part of the extensive security and policing operation which will continue into Sunday while the 47th President of the United States of America remains in Ireland. Restrictions on traffic and movements in West Clare continued during the President’s two-day visit to the county. On Friday, a woman aged in her twenties was arrested for trespassing on the golf links. Two women

aged in their thirties and forties were arrested on Saturday for public order offences on the golf links. Two of the women were released on bail and will appear before Kilrush District Court next month. President Trump arrived in Doonbeg on the Marine One helicopter shortly before 3pm on Saturday. Play during the Amgen Irish Open was forced to pause for a short spell as the aircraft landed in between two military chinooks, close to the third tee. When he arrived in the courtyard Trump International Golf Links and Hotel in Doonbeg, President Trump received rapturous applause with cheers of “USA USA” greeting his arrival. It was a similar reception when he made his way through the members bar of the Doonbeg resort. Within half an hour, President Trump was at the grandstand of the eighteenth green where he was flanked by his sons Eric and Don Jnr along with golf pro in Doonbeg, Brian Shaw. Later that evening, he was the main attraction in the members bar where the public flocked to grab his attention and have a word with the 47th President of the US. While there he was thanked for

lMIXED MESSAGES: From protestors in Doonbeg (main pic) to a warm welcome in the members bar (inset) Donald Trump's arrival spurned mixed feelings across Clare photo: Joe Buckley

his investment in West Clare. The amount of time he spent mixing with the public on Saturday night came as a surprise to those gathered in the members bar of his Doonbeg resort. Demonstrations took place in Shannon, Doonbeg and Dublin by those opposed to the visit of the US President.

Well-known activist Sarah Clancy, the co-ordinator for Clare PPN and frequent columnist with The Clare Champion was among those involved in the Doonbeg demonstration. Speaking on RTÉ, Sarah stated, “there are countless villages just like this (Doonbeg) that have been completely wiped out in Gaza."

Prior to arriving to Doonbeg, President Trump met with President Catherine Connolly and An Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) in separate engagements. In a wide-ranging address at the US Ambassador’s Deerfield Residence, President Trump touched on a number of topics including his desire for a United Ireland and his criticism of the trade, energy and immigration policies in Europe, Ireland and the United Kingdom. “This country is a fantastic place, I love it, I have investments here but that is not why I love it, you have special people here, the hospitality of Irish people. There's a friendliness, there's also a vicious and a toughness. Let me tell you. You're some of the most vicious b******* I’ve met. But when you want to be nice, there's nobody nicer. It's an honour to be here”.

Irish Open has put 'this place on the map' says Taoiseach during Doonbeg visit By Páraic McMahon páraic@clareecho.ie

HOSTING The Irish Open has put “this place on the map,” Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) declared when visiting Doonbeg on Sunday. An Taoiseach preceded US President Donald Trump when addressing the crowd on the eighteenth green of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland as Shane Lowry was about to be presented with The Irish Open. While he didn’t manage to equal President Trump’s announcement to lift the tariffs on Irish whiskey to the US, the Taoiseach was encouraged by Shane Lowry. Though he didn’t manage to capture the crowd’s attention as much, the Taoiseach was told by Lowry not to take sanctions against Trump Doonbeg for ignoring the hosepipe ban to ensure an incredible course for The Irish Open. The Offaly man also quipped to the Leesider that Cork’s day would soon come on the hurling field, the Rebels have been waiting twenty years and counting

to lift the Liam MacCarthy. Speaking to the media in Doonbeg, the Taoiseach stated, “We’re particularly pleased with the golf, with the course and Shane Lowry pulling it off is the icing on the cake of what has been a fantastic four days of golf. It has been fantastic for Doonbeg and for this part of Clare, bringing such large numbers here, it puts this place on the map”. Attempts by The Clare Echo to question the Taoiseach on these remarks and the fact that “this place” was located eighty kilometres from the nearest emergency department, regularly one of the most over-crowded in the country, University Hospital Limerick (UHL), were unsuccessful and so too were subsequent efforts via Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) to organise for the Taoiseach to address these comments. Instead, the Taoiseach discussed the story of the day with the national media about Trump’s comments that he would love to see a United Ireland, criticism from the opposition and why he didn’t tell the President that the ongoing war in

Gaza is a genocide. Prior to Sunday’s finale, the Taoiseach alongside his wife Mary had lunch with Donald Trump and his son Eric. “The Trump family have committed huge investment here over many years. I had lunch with President Trump, Mary and I and the respective Ambassadors, it was a general lunch in respect of golf, golf courses. He was curious of many issues in terms of Ireland both economically and in terms of the North,” he stated. Frustration has been raised by the Trump family with the “insane” procedures in Ireland which have allowed a lone objector in Longford stall their plans for a 350 capacity ballroom. Also left “very disappointed” by the Taoiseach was Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF). Martin snubbed the chance to engage with local representatives such as O’Callaghan, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) and Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) when instead opting to head to the Amgen tent in Doonbeg alongside Deputy Crowe.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

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

News

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

West Clare is 'ready and open for business'

By Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

COUNCILLORS have called for Government intervention to protect around 100 jobs at Daktronics in Ennistymon, with one member declaring that “West Clare is ready and open for business”. The issue was raised under Any Other Business at the September meeting of the Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), following confirmation last week that Daktronics had entered a collective redundancy consultation process. Around 100 employees in Ireland have been notified that their roles are at risk, with the future of the company’s Ennistymon manufacturing facility now under consideration. Daktronics has said no final decisions have been made and that the factory will remain operational during the consultation process. The company said the potential changes followed sustained market volatility and increasing competition in the digital display and control systems industry. Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District Michael Shannon (FF) said he wanted to “send a hand of friendship” to the workers and assure them that their councillors supported them during the “uncertain” period. He called for a letter to be sent to the Minister for Enterprise, Tour-

ism and Employment, Peter Burke TD (FG), and said there was an urgent need for a representative from the Department of Enterprise to engage with the situation. “Jobs are going to be lost,” Cllr Shannon warned, saying West Clare would need a replacement industry located in the area if the facility ultimately closed. He highlighted the company's long history in Ennistymon, noting that it had been there for nearly 50 years and had “grown international”. Cllr Shannon said Daktronics had an “obligation to go into the Department of Enterprise and see if they can save sections of the company”, pointing to the skills and experience of its workforce. He said Clare County Council and its elected representatives needed to be available to support the workers if assistance was sought. Cllr Shannon also said the company's history demonstrated that a business could be successful in West Clare, pointing to the rollout of high-speed broadband as something which could increase opportunities in the region, including the ability for people to work remotely. “West Clare is ready and open for business,” he said. He warned that if the facility closed, some workers could be forced to leave West Clare to find employment in Ennis, Shannon or further afield.

CALL FOR INTERVENTION: Councillors have asked the government to protect around 100 jobs at Daktronics

Fellow West Clare councillor Bill Slattery (FG) said he and Cllr Shane Talty (FF) had spoken with company representatives and had been told that “nothing definite” had been decided. He said Clare TDs Joe Cooney (FG) and Cathal Crowe (FF) had indicated that they had approached the Minister seeking ministerial intervention to help keep the facility open. Cllr Slattery said the potential loss of the jobs would have a significant impact on workers, particularly those who had recently taken out mortgages. He said some employees had moved from Dublin and Donegal to West Clare specifically for their jobs at the company. Cllr Slattery said the situation involved business potentially moving

outside Ireland altogether and said he would like to see ministerial intervention to try to protect the facility and its workforce. Director of Service for Planning, Economic, Rural and Community Development Jason Murphy thanked Cllr Shannon for highlighting the impact of the situation on the area. He said the council would use the Regional Enterprise Plan to coordinate engagement with the relevant department and establish what interventions could be made. Mr Murphy said work would also be undertaken on writing to the minister. He said the council wanted to engage with the regional assembly on balanced regional development, examining where populations could grow and investment could be di-

rected in the region, and how industries could be distributed away from Dublin and into rural towns and villages. Mr Murphy said the opportunity to see how the regional assembly and adopted economic strategies could support the area was “greatly important”. He said the next County Development Plan would include an economic and employment strategy aimed at identifying sites and policies that could support economic development. Mr Murphy said there was a need to create “attractive, safe spaces” capable of attracting businesses, while also highlighting the importance of Uisce Éireann and housing provision in supporting future development. He acknowledged that these longer-term measures would be “of little consolation” to people who may be affected by the situation at Daktronics. “These are the types of considerations that we are giving,” he said. Mr Murphy said further detail would be brought to the next SPC and would also feed into the next County Development Plan. Chairman of the meeting, Ennis councillor Pat Daly (FF), said the five Oireachtas members in Clare should be contacted immediately to seek their assistance.

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Harvest Day returns to Bunratty Folk Park By Erika Sanger erika@clareecho.ie

IRELAND'S agricultural heritage and the Fair Days of the 19th century will be brought to life when a ‘Traditional Harvest Day’ returns to Bunratty Folk Park on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Rural Irish life and traditions from over a century ago will be showcased as part of the family day out, which will feature a display of vintage machinery and tractors, crafts demonstrations, and dancers, musicians and performers from across the Banner County. A traditional threshing machine will be put to work, giving visitors an insight into how neighbours and friends once gathered during the harvest in the spirit of ‘meitheal’. Enthusiasts will be on hand to speak about the evolution of their artefacts and vintage farm machinery on display on the day, including tractors and stationary engines. Visitors can also view a range of ploughs, hay rakes, root cutters (pulpers), and turnip mangles. The public will be able to witness skilled craftspeople at work, including Tom Delaney as he carries on the time-honoured tradition of basket making, while Elizabeth O’Connor will demonstrate the ancient craft of wool spinning using locally sourced wool, a practice first introduced by Neolithic farmers over 6,000 years ago. Bunratty’s Bean an Tí will also be on

TRADITIONAL

Harvest Day Join us on Sunday, September 20th, as Bunratty Castle and Folk Park celebrates the annual Harvest Gathering in style with a traditional 19th century Harvest Day. Harvest Day shows how rural Irish life was lived in 19th century Photo: Eamon Ward

hand throughout the day to demonstrate the timeless art of traditional bread and butter making. There will be entertainment from a mix of local Clare talent while Balor O’Brien will regale passersby with tales of bygone days and traditional ways from Mac’s Pub on Village Street. Traditional Irish dance performances will be provided by the Three Crowns Academy of Dance. Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Marie Brennan said, “We are excited to offer a real glimpse into 19th-century rural Irish life and to celebrate the incredible sense of community and hospitality that existed during harvest time."

Threshing Demonstrations • Basket-Making • Blacksmith Demonstrations • Spinning demonstrations • Sheaf Throwing • Live Irish Music and Dance • Traditional Baking • Storytelling and more...

SEPTEMBER SUNDAY

FROM 11AM

BOOK ONLINE: WWW.BUNRATTYCASTLE.IE

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Council hails ‘monumental’ golf tournaments as boost for Clare By Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council hailed a “monumental” fortnight of golf in West Clare, with councillors calling for the international exposure from the Walker Cup and Irish Open to be turned into a long-term tourism and economic opportunity for the county. The Walker Cup was held at Lahinch Golf Club on September 5 and 6, followed by the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg from September 10 to 13. Speaking at the September meeting of Clare County Council, Cathaoirleach Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) said it was a “very rare opportunity” for the county to host two prestigious golf tournaments within a fortnight. He said the council had gone to “great lengths” to promote both events and praised the expertise of council staff in supporting them. Cllr Killeen said the events provided an opportunity to promote the county internationally through golf, tourism and enterprise. He linked the events to the need for employment and pop-

'...there was clear jealousy the one thing the President didn’t have was a chain' By Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

lThe work carried out in preparation for the Walker Cup in Lahinch was praised

ulation growth in West Clare, saying he hoped new industry could be created in the area. Chief Executive Gordon Daly congratulated the event organisers and praised the work carried out in Doonbeg and Lahinch. He highlighted the role of volunteers and paid tribute to Clare County Council staff who volunteered their time outside their normal working hours to support the events. Mr Daly said the work had involved months of preparation and hoped the county would see the benefits “in the months and years ahead”. Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) said West Clare “haven’t come down from the clouds yet” following the events.

He said the past year and a half had involved a huge amount of planning and coordination. Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) described the period as a “rollercoaster” involving an “amazing few months”. She thanked council staff and the local teams involved, saying there had been “phenomenal work” carried out. “We really are the home of golf in the county,” she said. Cllr Shane Talty (FF) described the two weekends as “absolutely fabulous”. He noted that Lahinch had previously hosted the Irish Open in 2019, but said the area did not get the opportunity to build on that event’s legacy. He described the last two weekends as “monumental” for north and west Clare.

A CLARE councillor has joked that US President Donald Trump was missing one thing when he visited Doonbeg — the Cathaoirleach's chain. Speaking at the September meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) reflected on the county’s hosting of the Amgen Irish Open and the visit of President Trump. He described the two weekends of golf in Lahinch and Doonbeg as “absolutely fabulous” and said the quality of the production at both courses had been exceptional. Turning to Cllr Joe Killeen’s role as Cathaoirleach during the President’s visit, Cllr Talty said: “You managed to hold onto the chain when there was clear jealousy that the one thing the President didn’t have was a chain.” The remark referred to the ceremonial chain worn by Cllr Killeen in his role as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council. Cllr Talty’s comments came as councillors reflected on the international attention Clare received during the Walker Cup at Lahinch Golf Club and the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg. Cllr Pat Daly (FF) also praised Cllr Killeen’s role during the President’s visit, quipping: “And well done, I heard you spoke to the President and got the

lGREEN EYE: Cllr Talty quipped that President Trump was jealous of the Cathaoirleach's chain

tariff reduced on the whiskey. Well done. Well done on that, Mayor – you’ll go down in history for that.” His comments came after President Trump announced during his visit that the US would remove its 10% tariff on Irish whiskey. Cllr Talty described the last two weekends as “monumental” for north and west Clare, praising the agencies, volunteers and local communities involved.

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

McCabes Pharmacy launches next generation of community pharmacy

l HAPPY TO HELP: The team at McCabes Pharmacy Castletroy Shopping Centre can answer any questions about the new McCabes Pharmacy and MCCabes PLUS By Erika Sanger erika@clareecho.ie

MCCABES Pharmacy is redefining the community pharmacy experience with the launch of its new McCabes Pharmacy app and McCabes PLUS, a nationwide loyalty programme designed to make everyday healthcare more rewarding, more convenient and more connected. Available across all 111 McCabes Pharmacy locations, the new digital platform brings together prescription management, healthcare services and personalised rewards in one seamless experience, reflecting the growing role pharmacies play in supporting the health and wellbeing of communities across Ireland. As community pharmacy continues to evolve, customers are increasingly looking for healthcare that is easier to access and fits around busy lives. From vaccinations and health screenings to expert advice and repeat prescriptions, pharmacies have become an essential first point of contact for many people. The new McCabes Pharmacy app has been developed to support this shift, giving cus-

tomers a single destination to manage their healthcare while rewarding them for the services and products they already rely on. At the heart of the app is a focus on making proactive healthcare more accessible. Through the MY Health section, customers can quickly book a range of services, including flu vaccinations, blood pressure checks and consultations through the Common Conditions Service. By making these services easier to access, McCabes Pharmacy is encouraging customers to take a more preventative approach to their health, with trusted pharmacy professionals available to provide expert care and advice when it's needed most. The app also simplifies the everyday tasks that come with managing healthcare. Customers can order repeat prescriptions online through DigiScript, track their prescription from submission through to collection and receive updates throughout the process, offering greater visibility and peace of mind. They can also select their preferred McCabes Pharmacy to access local

opening hours, browse exclusive offers, book appointments and use Click & Collect, creating a more personalised experience every time they visit. Complementing these digital healthcare services is McCabes PLUS, a new loyalty programme that rewards customers for prioritising their health. New members receive 200 free PLUS points when they register through the app and can continue earning rewards through everyday interactions, including one PLUS point for every €1 spent on health and wellbeing essentials. Points can be redeemed against future purchases, helping customers save on everyday health. Members also benefit from personalised offers, exclusive vouchers, birthday rewards and member-only promotions throughout the year. More than a loyalty scheme, McCabes PLUS has been designed to recognise customer loyalty while making healthcare more affordable and accessible. Commenting on the launch, Brian O'Keef-

fe, Managing Director of McCabes Pharmacy, said, "The launch of our new McCabes Pharmacy app marks an important milestone in how we support our customers. We wanted to create more than just a loyalty programme; we wanted to build a connected healthcare experience that makes it easier for people to access the services they rely on while being rewarded for doing so. Through McCabes PLUS, we're giving customers greater value every time they visit us, while making it simpler to manage prescriptions, book healthcare services and access personalised rewards through one convenient app. It's another step in our commitment to making healthcare more accessible, more rewarding and easier to fit into everyday life." The new McCabes Pharmacy app is available to download free from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Customers can register for McCabes PLUS in just a few simple steps and immediately begin earning PLUS points while enjoying easier access to healthcare services, personalised offers and expert pharmacy care, all through one convenient app.

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Trump family adamant 'beautiful ballroom' will be built in Doonbeg By Páraic McMahon

By Paige Foley

páraic@clareecho.ie

MEMBERS of the Trump family remain resolute that the planned ballroom for their five-star resort will proceed. Further investment into the Doonbeg resort was pledged by US President Donald Trump when he mixed in the members bar of the hotel on Saturday night. He expressed confidence that obstacles by way of a sole objection to the expansion with An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) would be overcome and add to the product at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland. According to the Trump family, the ballroom would “easily” lead to an investment of €20 to €40m. Speaking in Doonbeg on Sunday, President Trump declared, “we are getting the approvals for a beautiful ballroom”. Clare County Council in February approved plans for the permanent ballroom structure which will have capacity for 320 people but issued a requirement that a management plan be drafted

Clare TD calls for Government preparations on Irish unity paige@clareecho.ie

lSNAIL PACE: Plans for the ballroom at Doonbeg has been delayed over the protected of an endangered snail

for the protected snail, the 2mm Vertigo Angustior. Plans for the ballroom have been stalled since March following the submission of an objection by Longford based Liam Madden. The seventy six year old had also tabled separate appeals with ACP for upgrades at the Doonbeg resort. He described the Council’s attachment of the conversation plan as “a farce”. In a profile interview with The Washington Post, Madden remarked, “If there is a God in heaven, I will win the planning appeals and capitalise on it for notoriety”. He claimed the Doonbeg ballroom would never come to pass, “I’ve caught them with their pants down”, be-

fore adding, “Joe Biden beat Donald Trump once. I’ve beaten him twice”. Speaking during The Amgen Irish Open in Doonbeg, Eric Trump addressed the “red tape” surrounding their plans. “We’re going to build the ballroom,” Eric stressed. “I can’t tell you how many people have gotten so frustrated with the red tape here,” he said. “Building a ballroom for a beautiful hotel should not be controversial.” Eric added, “Doonbeg wants it 100 percent, the county wants it 100 percent, everybody here wants it 100 percent and you have one person who lives 200 miles away who’s just willing to put in objections, it’s insane”.

SINN FÉIN TD for Clare Donna McGettigan has welcomed an agreement between Sinn Féin, the SNP and Plaid Cymru aimed at strengthening cooperation on constitutional change and other areas. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Cardiff by Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald, Vice President Michelle O’Neill, SNP leader John Swinney and Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth. The agreement commits the three parties to greater cooperation on areas including fairer economies, renewable energy, European and international cooperation, and the democratic right of people to determine their own constitutional future. Ms McGettigan said the debate on Irish unity had accelerated, pointing to comments from former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and US President Donald Trump in support of Irish unity. “Irish unity is increasingly being recognised as a real and achievable political prospect,” she said. “The conversation is widening, the momentum is building and the need to prepare is becoming more urgent.” Ms McGettigan said Ireland, Scotland and Wales had different histories and constitutional circumstances but shared the democratic principle that people should have the right to determine their own future. She said the Good Friday Agreement clearly established the democratic pathway for constitutional change on the island of Ireland.

lCllr McGettigan claims the debate on Irish unity has accelerated

“The future of Ireland will be decided by the people of Ireland, north and south,” she said. Ms McGettigan said Irish unity could provide opportunities to build an all-island economy, create jobs, improve public services and develop Ireland's energy potential. She called on the Irish Government and Taoiseach Micheál Martin to begin preparing for Irish unity through an inclusive process involving different communities and traditions. “The British government should not frustrate democratic constitutional change,” she said. “It should prepare for it, plan for it and facilitate it, as today’s agreement makes clear.” Ms McGettigan also said the three parties could work together on issues including jobs, inequality, renewable energy and European cooperation. “For Ireland, the opportunity is to bring our country together and build a new Ireland that works better for everyone,” she said. ADVERTORIAL

Social care careers provide more than just a job

Join our team! Careers in Social Care and Nursing. Great pay. Great benefits. Real impact. Scan the QR code or visit corlann.ie/join-our-team

Corlann is the new name for the Brothers of Charity Services Ireland

CORLANN is the new name for Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, providing support services to more than 6,000 people each year with an intellectual disability. Services are delivered by dedicated teams of staff from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. We spoke with Clare McNamee who is a Support Worker based in Co. Clare. "My interest in working in intellectual disability services developed through a combination of personal experiences and professional exposure. I have always been passionate about advocating for vulnerable people. Early volunteering opportunities with organisations supporting people with intellectual disabilities gave me valuable insight into their strengths, challenges, and the importance of person-centred support. I completed a FETAC Level 5 course in Childcare and Special Needs, which provided a strong foundation in supporting children with additional needs. I then worked as a su-

lADVOCATE: Claire pictured with Robbie and Bernard in her role as support worker

pervisor in a crèche baby room before taking on a role supporting children with additional needs in an afterschool programme. I later transitioned into healthcare, further strengthening my commitment to providing high-quality care. Today, as a Support Worker, my role is to provide personalised support that promotes independence, wellbeing, and inclusion. This includes assisting with daily living activities, supporting access to community opportunities, following care plans, and providing emotional support that builds confidence and social connection.

In my work, I am guided by values of integrity, professionalism, and person-centred support. Corlann's services are unique because they are tailored to each individual, empowering people to live independent and fulfilling lives while remaining connected to their communities. A personal highlight of my time with Corlann has been working alongside a dedicated team and seeing the positive impact our support has. To find out more about working with Corlann, visit corlann.ie/join-our-team.

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Calls for direct bus links from Newmarket-on-Fergus village to Limerick, Galway and Cork By Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

CONCERNS have been raised that elderly passengers in Newmarket-on-Fergus are having to take two buses to reach Limerick, with councillors calling for an existing Expressway service to be rerouted through the village. Cllr David Griffin (FF) raised the issue at the September meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, calling on the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Expressway to consider routing the number 51 through Newmarket-on-Fergus. He said the change would provide residents with a direct public transport link to Limerick, while also connecting the village with Galway and Cork. Cllr Griffin said the previous 372

bus service between Shannon and Limerick had been “incredibly unreliable” and needed to be replaced. He said the newer 330 service was “much more reliable”, but residents had lost a direct connection between Newmarket-on-Fergus and Limerick. “You can get from Newmarket to Shannon very, very easily and cheaply and Ennis very cheaply and reasonably, but in order now to get to Limerick, you have to change at Ballycasey,” he said. Cllr Griffin said this was particularly difficult for elderly residents travelling to Limerick for medical appointments. “Elderly people who are trying to get from Newmarket to Limerick for medical appointments are now having to get two buses,” he said. He suggested that some services

Cllr Griffin said the service already travels through Limerick, Shannon, Clarecastle and Ennis, but currently bypasses Newmarket-on-Fergus. “It’s just trying to logically use the existing services to better connect us with public transport,” he said. The motion was seconded by Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG). In a written response, Senior Executive Officer with Shannon Municipal District Suzie Clifford said: “The Shannon MD Office will forward this request to the NTA and Expressway.”

Cllr David Grifﬁn has asked for the bus 51 to be re-routed

on the number 251 route, which operates between Galway and

Cork, could instead travel through Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Traf�ic calming will make a ‘major difference’ for Parteen

By Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

TRAFFIC calming measures including raised crossings are being planned for Parteen as Clare County Council engages with the National Transport Authority (NTA) on upgraded bus stops along the Kileely Road. The plans were outlined at the September meeting of the Shannon Municipal District following a Notice of Motion from Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF), who sought an update on traffic calming and road safety measures that had been introduced or were planned for Parteen. In a written response, Caimin Dillon, A/Senior Executive Engineer with Shannon Municipal District, said: “Shannon Municipal District and our Road Design Section of Clare County Council are currently engaging with the NTA on the provision of upgraded bus stops on the Kileely Road.” “These designs feature some traffic calming measures in the form of raised crossings at several locations,” he said. “This new infrastructure will be the subject to a Section 38 process,” Mr Dillon added. Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Hartigan said she was happy with the response and that the measures would make “a major difference” in Parteen. She said there were “different things to look at within the MD” and that she was not the only councillor seeking traffic calming measures in the village. Cllr Hartigan said the Parteen Town Team was proactive in trying to find solutions to traffic concerns. She said she had sought an overall update on what was in place to date and what was planned for the future. Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Michael Begley (Ind), supported and seconded the motion, saying an update was needed.

Cllr James Ryan (SF) also supported the motion, saying all councillors had been approached by the Parteen Town Team. He said councillors needed to know the council’s intentions before measures were put in place.

Cllr Ryan said councillors and local residents could sometimes be “blindsided” because they had not been informed about plans, adding that communication was “very important”. Cllr Begley said traffic calming measures needed to be effective.

EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN

LOANS FROM €1,000 TO €100,000

Whatever it is you want, we have the loan for you.

Tel (01) 844 5187 aviatecu.ie WARNING: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Aviate Credit Union Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Loans subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. Must be an Aviate Credit Union member.

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

East Clare

Standing tall as he is

THE National Gallery of Ireland has today unveiled a new portrait of Adam Harris, Founder of AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity. The portrait is by Killaloe artist Amanda Dunsmore, winner of the AIB Portrait Prize in 2024. 'We are neurodiverse, but not every human being is Neurodivergent' is a mixed media work and is now a permanent part of the National Portrait Collection. It is on display in Room 23 for all visitors to see. Amanda Dunsmore was born in England, and has lived and

worked in Ireland and Northern Ireland for over 30 years. She currently lives in Co. Clare and is a Lecturer in Fine Art at Limerick School of Art & Design, TUS. Dunsmore won the AIB Portrait Prize in 2024 for her work ‘Lydia’ Dr Lydia Foy. Adam Harris is the Founder and CEO of AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity. In November 2026, he will commence his new role as CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. Adam founded AsIAm based on his own experiences growing up as an Autistic person in Ireland.

Scariff to host �irst ever Fr Joe McMahon Run

THE newly-named Fr Joe McMahon Memorial Run takes place in Scariff on Sunday, October 4. Named in memory of Fr Joe McMahon, who enjoyed a four-decade association with St. Flannan's College, the Miltown Malbay native worked as a guidance counsellor and taught Irish and Latin among other subjects. In July 1994 he was appointed Vice President and in 2005 he was appointed President of the school. In 2014 Joe took up the position of parish priest of Scariff where he immediately warmed the hearts of young and old in the East Clare community. His love for traditional music shone through on the Talking Trad show that he presented on Scariff Bay Community Radio. "As we approach the two-year anniversary of his death, it is fitting that the pupils of Scariff National School chose Fr Joe's name above all others when asked to come up with a name for what was previously known as the Scariff 5K/10K." Race start time is 12 midday and participants are encouraged to register online on racereg.org or search for Fr. Joe McMahon Memorial Run. Manual registrations are available on the morning of the race from 9:30 to 11:30 at Scariff GAA Hall.

‘God forbid there is an emergency’ By Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

YELLOW box junctions have been sought at both entrances to a Sixmilebridge housing estate amid concerns that cars are blocking access for residents and emergency services. Cllr John Crowe (FG) raised the issue at the September meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, requesting yellow box junctions at the two entrances to Church View housing estate. He said parking at the entrances was a “major issue”, particularly during Mass times and events such as weddings at the nearby Catholic church. Cllr Crowe said vehicles can block residents from entering and leaving the estate, while also raising concerns about access for emergency services. “God forbid there is an emergency during Mass time, the emergency services would not be

able to get through,” he said. He requested yellow box markings at both entrances, along with refreshed road markings in the surrounding area. He highlighted that Church View was the oldest estate in Sixmilebridge. In a written response, Caimin Dillon, A/Senior Executive Engineer with Shannon Municipal District, said the request would be considered as part of the council’s 2027 work programme. “Shannon Municipal District will include this request for consideration in our 2027 work programme under the Safety Improvement Works programme,” he said. “Shannon Municipal District will refresh the existing road markings at these locations,” Mr Dillon added. Cllr Crowe thanked Mr Dillon for the response.

CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS €70 per person

Get ready for an unforgettable festive experience fifillled with great food, entertainment, and plenty of Christmas cheer!

Your Evening Includes:

Mulled Wine Reception 4-Course Festive Dinner MC Hosting the Night Live Band & DJ Dancing ‘til Late

Party Night Dates

28th November 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th & 18th December BOOK EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! Call 065 6869472 Email: sales@templegatehotel.com SALES@TEMPLEGAT ATEHOT AT TEL.COM | WWW. W TEMPLEGAT W. ATEHOT AT TEL.COM THE SQUARE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, IRELAND, V95 HOX OX XK

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

West & North Clare News

Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival draws global attention By Erika Sanger erika@clareecho.ie

LISDOONVARNA looks set to attract even more visitors to its annual Matchmaking Festival this year, after an extraordinary weekend that saw four separate film crews descend on the North Clare village to capture the festival in action. Film crews from CBS News, Netflix, the feature film ‘West Along the Road’ and a crew from Oddarts Media, who are a making a feature length documentary film called, ‘The Last Matchmaker’. Organisers say it's the biggest concentration of media interest the festival has ever attracted in a single weekend — a sign, they believe, of an even bigger festival to come next year. Gerry Quinn, Managing Director of the Fiddle + Bow Collection said: “Media interest this year has been unprecedented. Netflix, CBS News, a major feature film and an independent documentary crew — all here, in the same weekend. Coverage like this reaches people we could never reach ourselves, and if the past is anything to go by, it translates straight into visitors when people start planning their trip for next year's festival." The Netflix-funded documen-

A great buzz in Corofin By Erika Sanger erika@clareecho.ie

lEYECATCHING: Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival has attracted film crews from across the globe this year

tary, Changing the Algorithm, follows Finn Daly learning traditional matchmaking from his grandfather Willie and premieres at Sheffield Docfest in 2027. Oddarts Media, the London and Los Angeles production company founded by Kara Welker and Nathan Kloke, has started filming The Last Matchmaker, a feature documentary about Willie Daly and the matchmaking tradition his family has carried for more than 160 years. The film is named after Daly's 2010 memoir and will continue filming through the festival and beyond. A crew from ‘West Along the Road' spent the weekend shooting exteriors outside the

Matchmaker Bar and The Ritz — putting two of the town's bestknown locations on screen. The film follows a group of women travelling the Wild Atlantic Way with a donkey named Thatcher, searching for the daughter their childhood friend was forced to give up at 15. The film is produced by Cowtown Pictures and Stigma Films, it stars Imelda Staunton, Charlie Murphy, Philippa Dunne, Genevieve O’Reilly and Charlene McKenna. The festival launches some new events this weekend — including Club Soda's speed-walking event on Saturday, a fresh take on speed dating that starts with coffee at the Hydro Hotel.

COROFIN and Ruan Tidy Towns Committees are co-hosting a documentary titled The Plight of the Bumblebee, on Thursday September 24th in Corofin hall after receiving substantial sponsorship from St. Francis Credit Union under the Social and Cultural Fund 2026 and funding from Clare Co. Council Local Area Grant Scheme. The Plight of the Bumblebee is a documentary produced by Brenda Castles from Co. Meath and supported under the Heritage Council's Grants programme. It is a live documentary which is accompanied by a suite of live tradi-

tional Irish music, written specifically by Brenda for the documentary. It is a captivating short film that takes you deep into the world of bees and their profound connection to Irish religion, Breon law, folklore and biodiversity. This thought-provoking documentary explores the vital role bees play in our ecosystems, the challenges they face, and how we can help ensure their survival. The documentary features heartfelt interviews with bee-keepers and others who have been working on conserving native Irish bee species over the years. A limited number of tickets will also be available through Eventbrite.

An bhfuiltear ag Tosú ar an Scoil i mí Mheán Fómhair i mbliana? Tóg Mála Leabhar Mo Leabharlann Bheag SAOR IN AISCE Má tá do leanbh ag tosú ar an mbunscoil i mí Mheán Fómhair i mbliana, tabhair cuairt ar do bhrainse áitiúil de chuid Leabharlanna an Chláir agus tóg Mála Leabhar Mo Leabharlann Bheag saor in aisce. Is é atá i ngach mála ná: • Leabhair saor in aisce is féidir a choinneáil • Scéalta faoi thosú ar an scoil, faoi chairde a dhéanamh, agus faoi mhothúcháin a thuiscint • Acmhainní agus treoir do thuismitheoirí • Vallait cártaí Mo Leabharlann Bheag • Faisnéis faoi sheirbhísí leabharlainne agus faoi imeachtaí leabharlainne Tá Málaí Leabhar Mo Leabharlann Bheag ar fáil i mBéarla agus i nGaeilge araon agus tá siad saor in aisce do gach leanbh atá ag tosú ar an mbunscoil i mbliana. Is féidir le teaghlaigh teacht chun bheith ina mbaill den leabharlann saor in aisce freisin agus raon leathan leabhar, gníomhaíochtaí agus acmhainní a aimsiú. Chun tuilleadh faisnéise a fháil, téigh chuig https://clarelibraries.ie

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Ennis News

Council to examine potential sites for a public dog park in Ennis By Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council will examine the feasibility of developing a dog park on council-owned land in the Ennis area. The update came following a joint Notice of Motion from Fianna Fáil councillors Claire Colleran Molloy and Antoinette Baker Bashua at the September meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. The councillors pointed to the dog park delivered by Clare County Council in the Shannon Municipal District on council-owned land beside Shannon Crematorium as an example of what could be provided in Ennis. In their motion, they said: “Considering the superb delivery by Clare County Council of the Dog Park in the Shannon MD on Council-owned lands next to the Shannon Crematorium, we are requesting that the Ennis MD makes best efforts to finally deliver a similar facility in our District.” They suggested that a section of the former landfill on the Quin Road could be considered as a potential location. “This amenity has been requested by many elected representatives in the Ennis area over many years, and it is now time to deliver,” they said.

lCllr Baker Bashua suggested the old dump on Quin Road as a potential site

Cllr Colleran Molloy said she had visited the Shannon dog park over the summer and questioned why similar progress had not been made in Ennis. She said a dog park would provide a good way to socialise dogs and described the proposal as a “responsible, proactive approach”. Cllr Baker Bashua said Shannon had secured its dog park and that the proposal had been raised in Ennis motions over the past couple of years. She said the old dump on Quin Road was one potential option, while Lees Road and a location near Clare Abbey could also be considered. Cllr Baker Bashua said two or three potential sites should be identified be-

fore proceeding with a facility. Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), who seconded the motion, said councillors had all heard about the success of the Shannon facility. He said the Ennis MD could learn from the Shannon experience, adding that councillors may not previously have “driven hard enough” to get a dog park delivered. Cllr Murphy suggested looking at somewhere people visit every day, such as the River Walk. Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) said a dog park would “create a safe space for dog owners” and supported the motion. Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said the proposal was “very appropriate” for the town and that the Quin Road site would be suitable. Deputy Mayor Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said the proposal had been “on the radar” for many years and noted the high level of dog ownership locally. In a written response, Senior Executive Engineer Tom Mellett said the Ennis Municipal District would examine the feasibility of providing a public dog park. Cllr Colleran Molloy thanked members for their support and requested that an update be provided within one to two months.

€42,031 winning Lotto ticket bought in Ennis By Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

A CLARE Lotto player has won €42,031 after matching five numbers and the bonus in Wednesday night’s draw. The winning ticket was purchased on the day of the draw at Clancy’s Centra, Loughville, Lahinch Road, Ennis, Co. Clare. The winning numbers were 13, 16, 18, 31, 34 and 38, with 29 as the bonus number. The National Lottery confirmed there was one Match 5 + Bonus winner, who received €42,031. The win comes as thousands of visitors are expected in Clare this week for the golf. National Lottery spokesperson Darragh O’Dwyer said: “While this weekend’s golf tournament brings thousands of golf fans to Clare, one Clare Lotto player has already enjoyed a winning round after matching five numbers and

the bonus to secure €42,031 in Wednesday night's draw. We're encouraging anyone who purchased a Quick Pick ticket at Centra Loughville Motors on Lahinch Road in Ennis to check their tickets carefully today. If you're holding the winning ticket, be sure to sign the back of it and contact our Prize Claims team so arrangements can be made to collect your prize.” The Clare ticketholder is advised to sign the back of their ticket and contact the National Lottery Prize Claims team on 1800 666 222 or claims@lottery.ie. Arrangements will then be made for the winner to collect their prize at Lottery Headquarters. There was no winner of Wednesday night’s €2,381,369 Lotto jackpot, meaning Saturday’s jackpot is now expected to reach an estimated €2.8 million.

Seating at top of Parnell Street would ‘top off ’ town’s public realm Clare Arts Office is inviting the community to share their views on the upcoming Per Cent for Art commission for De Valera Library and Súil Gallery.

A drop-in consultation session takes place at De Valera Library from 5.00pm to 7.00pm on Thursday September 17th 2026. Clare Arts Office will be in attendance to meet with the public to discuss themes for the art commission. These themes will be used to shape the briefing documents for artists. Enquiries: contact Rachel Macmanus at 065 6866921 or rmacmanus@clarecoco.ie by September 25th 2026.

By Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

A CALL has been made for new seating to be installed at the top of Parnell Street in Ennis following the success of the town’s pedestrianisation. The proposal was brought forward by Mayor of Ennis Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) at the September meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. In a written motion, Cllr Guilfoyle asked the Executive team to investigate a new seating arrangement at the top of Parnell Street. The proposal would see the pedestrianised section of the street end at the junction with Salt House Lane with an accessible seating arrangement. Cllr Guilfoyle said he had been speaking with businesses and people using the street about the proposal. He said the top of Parnell Street was a “good way up” from the bottom and that seating

lAdditional seating on Parnell Street would add to the street

could provide a way to “top off ” the street. Cllr Guilfoyle also raised the location of bins at the top of the street, saying their current positioning “goes against the optics of what we're trying to do”. He welcomed the written response from the council. Cllr Pat Daly (FF), who seconded the motion, said the pedestrianisation of Parnell Street had been a “great success”. He said people could now be seen sitting outside coffee shops

and pubs and that additional seating would add to the street. Deputy Mayor Cllr Mary Howard (FG) supported the proposal, describing the changes following the completion of the public realm works as “absolutely fabulous”. She said the good weather over the summer had seen large numbers of people sitting outside and said the additional seating would form part of an age-friendly approach.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

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

News

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Shannon

Funding finally secured for Shannon civic & cultural space with €7.5m secured By Páraic McMahon páraic@clareecho.ie

€7.5M HAS been set aside for the delivery of the long-awaited One Shannon Hub. One Shannon Hub will be a multi-purpose civic, theatre and community space with multiple uses to ensure activity throughout the day and night. It emerged as a key transformational project from the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan which was published in August 2022. The One Shannon Hub followed unsuccessful efforts over six years up to 2018 to secure government funding to develop The Shannon Venue. On Monday morning, funding was finally secured for the project. Minister for

Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD (FF) allocated €7.5m under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund which was formerly called URDF funding. Proposals in the Hub include the creation of a civic and community centre which will also combine as a new Clare County Council town hall, a performing arts venue, and a flexible working and innovation space. This three-in-one approach will merge community, cultural and civic uses, with Council offices relocated to the heart of the town. Building elements included in the application are a library, multi-purpose event space, an exhibition space, community space and a café. At the beginning of May,

lPlans for the One Shannon Hub have been given the go ahead for 2027

Clare County Council applied to the fund. Director of Service for Finance, Investment and Enterprise with the Council, Noeleen Fitzgerald stated earlier this summer, “We need to have shovels in the ground by September

2027”. Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said Shannon’s new focal point will also include a library and a café. “This €7.5 million allocation is a hugely significant investment in Shannon and

is very welcome news for the town. For many years, people in Shannon have spoken about the need for a proper civic and community focal point in the town centre. Shannon is a unique town with an incredible history of innovation, industry and aviation, but its civic infrastructure has not always kept pace with its growth”. Deputy Crowe commented, “The One Shannon Hub has the potential to change that. It will create a place where people can meet, attend events, access library and community services”. He added, “This investment must also be viewed alongside the wider plans for the regeneration of Shannon Town Centre. We want to create a more

'Elephant for Sarah' champions student mental health By Erika Sanger erika@clareecho.ie

An ARTIST-DESIGNED elephant sculpture has been installed at Shannon College of Hotel Management as part of the international mental health initiative, Elephant in the Room. The ‘Elephant for Sarah’ was officially launched in the atrium of Shannon College by Brent Pope, co-founder of the Elephant in the Room initiative, a social movement using public art to spark open, honest conversations about mental health. He addressed the college students about the importance of normalising discussions around mental wellbeing and seeking support. Shannon College of Hotel Management alumna, Maeve O’Keeffe’s niece Sarah died by suicide following a struggle with her mental health. Maeve’s family has donated the ‘Elephant for Sarah’ to the college in her memory. Sarah’s sister, Anna O’Farrell, is channelling her grief into a powerful force for good, raising funds to create a small herd of Elephant in the Room sculptures in memory of her beloved sister. To date, Anna has raised over

lStudents from Shannon College of Hotel Management and Brent Pope from Elephant in the Room, pictured alongside the donated 'Elephant for Sarah' in memory of Sarah O'Farrell in the college atrium. Photo: Tracy Hegarty/Emma Daly

€86,000 as part of this collaboration with the movement and Shannon College is honoured to receive an elephant in Sarah’s memory. Anna O’Farrell said: "We chose Shannon College because we want every student there to know that they can come and ask for help, and to be open about how they're feeling rather than hide it. That's exactly what Sarah would have wanted for others,

because she felt she couldn't do that herself." Brent Pope, Co-founder of Elephant in the Room, said: “Everyone has an ‘Elephant in the Room’, and this initiative is about starting conversations early before they develop into larger issues impacting students’ wellbeing. It’s also about encouraging kindness - we never know what someone else might be going through in their day or life.

Many young people only seek mental wellbeing support at a crisis stage, so early intervention is vital. We need to normalise discussions around mental wellbeing and make it a daily priority, just like physical health. “This initiative aims to give young people better tools to navigate life’s challenges, particularly within the learning environment, while fostering a culture of inclusion and care. “We are very grateful to Anna O'Farrell for donating this elephant sculpture to the college in memory of her beloved sister Sarah, through the Elephant for Sarah initiative.” Orla Cullinane, Associate Head of Student Welfare in Shannon College of Hotel Management, said: “Shannon College of Hotel Management is delighted and very honoured to be involved in the Elephant in the Room initiative. “The elephant who will have pride of place in our college atrium will serve as a visible reminder that conversations about mental health should never be hidden or avoided."

vibrant and attractive town centre which serves the people who live in Shannon while also supporting businesses. Shannon is County Clare’s second-largest town and is of enormous strategic importance to the Mid-West. It deserves first-class civic and community facilities and this €7.5 million Government commitment brings the One Shannon Hub a major step closer to becoming a reality”. In July 2023, contracts were signed between Clare County Council and BDP (Integrated Design Team) and Tom McNamara & Partners (Integrated QS & Project Manager) for the design of a multi-functional building known as the ‘One Shannon Hub’.

Plans for traffic calming on busy Shannon road By Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

SPEED cushions planned for Shannon’s Gort Road are moving closer to reality, with Clare County Council set to advertise traffic calming measures through the Section 38 process in the coming weeks. The update was given at the September meeting of the Shannon Municipal District following a Notice of Motion from Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG), who requested an update on speed cushions for the Gort Road. In a written response, Caimin Dillon, A/ Senior Executive Engineer with Shannon Municipal District, said: “Shannon Municipal District will be advertising for traffic calming at this location through the Section 38 process in the coming weeks and works will be subject to funding.” Speed cushions are raised sections of road designed to slow smaller vehicles such as cars, while allowing wider vehicles including buses and emergency vehicles to pass more easily. Unlike a full-width speed hump, they have gaps which allow larger vehicles to straddle the raised sections. Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Mulcahy said the Section 38 process was going through and that he was “happy enough with it”. The motion was formally seconded by Fianna Fail councillor David Griffin.

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Gort & South Galway

‘For the Love of Gort’ art exhibition to celebrate town’s past and present By Paige Foley paige@clareecho.ie

GORT Arts is set to host its third annual member exhibition, For the Love of Gort, opening on Saturday, September 19 at the Michael Kennedy Pottery Studio in Gort. The exhibition will feature work inspired by Gort and the surrounding area, exploring the town as a place of memory, imagination, nature, belonging and change. Artists will use painting, sculpture, print-making, ceramics and textiles to reflect on different aspects of Gort, with works depicting locations including the Gort River Walk and WB Yeats’s Thoor Ballylee, alongside “unusual views and forgotten

stories” about the town. Shopkeeper and wool merchant Colman Keane, of Keane’s shop which has been a Gort establishment since 1812, will officially open the exhibition over Culture Night weekend. Colman will share stories from his life and experiences behind the counter in Gort. The exhibition will also feature “Lovin' Gort”, an interactive installation curated by Esther Blodau. As part of the installation, artists will draw tiny portraits of visitors, who will be invited to share what they love about Gort. A typist will then create an on-thespot poem based on their responses, with the portraits and poems added to the in-

lGort Welcomes Migrants by Alan Johnston (main) with Kilmacdough by Fiona McDonagh(inset)

stallation throughout the opening evening. Gort Arts will also launch

Two Galway women in court over protest at Trump Doonbeg 7th green

its first series of Gort Greeting Cards, featuring artwork by five members of the group.

The cards will be available to purchase at the opening. On Saturday, September 26 at 11am, the group will host local art historian Robert Kilroy in conversation with three artists and makers. The event will be open to the public. For the Love of Gort

launches on Saturday, September 19 at 7pm and will run for two weekends, beginning on Culture Night. The exhibition will take place at the gardens and studio of the late ceramicist Michael Kennedy on Boland’s Lane, Gort. Further information, including dates and opening times, is available through Gort Arts’ Facebook and Instagram pages. The exhibition is funded in part by Galway County Council.

Clare family farm showcases approach to organic farming and biodiversity By Erika Sanger erika@clareecho.ie

By Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

TWO Co Galway women have appeared in court over them allegedly shouting anti-war slogans and wearing anti-war T-shirts on the 7th green at Trump Doonbeg golf course as US President, Donald Trump’s Marine One was in the air preparing to land on Saturday afternoon. At a special sitting of Ennis District Court on Saturday night, two prominent Pro-Palestinian activists, Emma O’Grady (41) of Inis Oírr, Co na Gaillaimhe and Áine Ní Threinír (35) of Cuirt Na Tra, Salthill, Co Galway appeared in connection with the alleged public order offence on Saturday afternoon at Trump Doonbeg golf course during the third day of the resort hosting the Amgen Irish Open. Arising from the incident on the 7th green, theatre artist, Ms O’Grady and community worker, Ms Ní Threinír are both charged under Section 6 of the (Criminal Justice) Public Order Act where it is an offence for any person in a public place to use or engage in any threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. In court, Judge Adrian Harris granted legal aid to solicitor, Daragh Hassett to represent Ms

O’Grady and Ms Ní Threinír. Judge Harris granted bail on the agreed bail condition that the two stay away from Trump Doonbeg golf resort and must be of good behaviour. For the court hearing, there was a large presence of Gardai at Ennis Courthouse on Saturday night with a small group of protesters and supporters of the accused locked outside the closed gates of the Ennis Courthouse site. Speaking after the brief court hearing outside the gates of the courthouse on Saturday night, Emma O’Grady said: “At 3.05pm we were arrested by Gardai on the 7th green just as Trump’s helicopters were in the air landing.” Ms O’Grady said: “We were engaging in a peaceful protest displaying 'US warplanes out of Shannon' on our t-shirts and saying that ‘Trump is unwelcome’, calling for a Free Palestine and calling for the US military out of Shannon.” Ms O’Grady said: “We wanted to highlight that we want the US military out of Shannon and the Irish Government is spending €20m on security for a private trip this weekend. It is just wrong." She said: “We don’t want Trump here and to show Trump that he is not welcome here.”

A FAMILY-RUN organic farm in the Slieve Aughty Mountains will open its gates later this month to give farmers and the wider public an insight into how food production, biodiversity and a diverse range of farm enterprises can work together. The Farming For Nature Farm Walk with the Muller Family will take place on Saturday, 26 September from 2pm to 4.30pm in Feakle, Co. Clare. The walk will explore the family’s whole-farm approach to organic farming, with a focus on how livestock, horticulture, seed production, tillage, forestry and beekeeping are integrated into one farming system. The Muller family farm on the wet grasslands of the Slieve Aughty Mountains, within the Hen Harrier Special Protection Area. Their certified organic farm is managed according to biodynamic principles, with a strong emphasis on working with the natural characteristics of the land rather than trying to work against them. The farm supports a wide range of livestock including cattle, sheep, goats, horses, hens, ducks and turkeys as well as bees. The animals play an important role in the system, grazing natural vegetation and contributing fertility to the soil. The family also grows fodder and cereals for winter feed and uses draft horses for plough-

lThe Slieve Aughty mountains range across Galway and Clare

ing where possible, helping to keep external inputs to a minimum. Alongside livestock, the Mullers grow organic vegetables and heritage vegetable seeds for Irish Seed Savers. The farm also has a heritage orchard with apples, pears and plums, while produce including meat, eggs, milk, yoghurt and cheese is sold directly to the local community. This diversity is central to the way the family farms, with different enterprises supporting and complementing one another. The farm's wet and species-rich grasslands are particularly important for biodiversity, providing habitat for a range of wildlife within the Hen Harrier Special Protection Area. Native woodland along the river also provides an important habitat and adds another layer of diversity to the farm landscape.

The upcoming walk will give visitors the opportunity to see this approach first-hand, with the family guiding participants around the farm and discussing the livestock, crops andhabitats. The event is designed as an interactive knowledge exchange, giving farmers the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the challenges and opportunities of farming with nature. The Muller Family Farm Walk takes place on Saturday, 26 September 2026, from 2pm to 4.30pm in Feakle, Co. Clare. Tickets cost €12 and the exact farm location will be sent to ticket holders during the week of the event. The walk will take place across working farmland so suitable footwear and clothing are recommended. Dogs are not permitted.

Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

Armada Hotel named as best in Ireland SPANISH Point hotel takes top spot in Pól Ó Conghaile’s Irish Independent Hot 100 for 2026. The Armada Hotel in Spanish Point, Co. Clare, has been named Ireland’s No. 1 hotel for 2026 in the prestigious Irish Independent Hot 100 Hotels list, compiled by Travel Editor Pól Ó Conghaile. The accolade places the Armada at the very top of Ireland’s hotel industry and sees the Spanish Point property inducted into the Irish Independent’s Hotel Hall of Fame, alongside some of the country’s most celebrated hotels, including Adare Manor, Ashford Castle, Kelly’s Hotel and Harvey’s Point. In describing what he looks for when compiling the Hot 100, Ó Conghaile has highlighted his interest in independent, exciting hotels that are always evolving – properties where there is a sense that things are changing, moving forward and never standing still. The award also recognises the philosophy behind the Armada – that a great hotel should continually move forward while remaining deeply connected to its place and community. On his visits, Ó Conghaile noted the changes and developments at the hotel, and in particular Armada House, from its bold design and distinctive interiors to the local details woven throughout the property, while its spectacular Atlantic location remains at the heart of the experience. Commenting on the accolade, John Burke (pictured), CEO of the Armada Hotel, said: “We are so grateful and excited to be named Ireland’s No. 1 hotel. We take this as huge encouragement to keep driving on and as a sign that we are doing something right. We have a great team here, and ambition, growth and belief are embedded in our team. There is a real energy and momentum behind the Armada, the rocket boosters are clearly strapped on to the hotel! “This recognition is a testament to the people here who bring the Armada to life every day. It’s their passion, creativity, hard work and belief that continue to drive us forward. And a huge thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey, particularly our customers. Thank you for being with us along the way, and for your encouragement, support and loyalty”.

The hotel’s rise to No. 1 follows previous high rankings in the Hot 100 and represents the culmination of years of ambition, investment and belief in what an independent hotel in Spanish Point can achieve. For the Armada team, however, the award is not a finishing line.

John Burke added: “This is a wonderful moment for everyone involved with the Armada, but we see it as encouragement rather than a destination. We have huge ambition for the hotel and for Spanish Point, and we are excited for what comes next.”

Tee-rific night in Ennis

l James Maloney, CUBE Financial Controller; David O’ Shea, Head of Corporate Development, Ei Electronics; Brendan Ring, CUBE Founder; Leo Clancy, Group CEO, Ei Electronics; TJ Ryan, CUBE Sales Director; Bill Doran, Head of Sustainability and Supply Chain, Ei Electronics

Ei Electronics acquires print company

SHANNON-based Ei Electronics has acquired Limerick company CUBE, a leading provider of design, print and packaging solutions. CUBE operates from a 20,000 sq ft facility in Limerick and provides services to clients in the electronics, medtech, Government, food and beverage and hospitality sectors. Ei Electronics Group CEO Leo Clancy said CUBE had been a “key trusted partner” to the company for many years. “The culture created by Brendan, TJ and their team is a great fit to the Ei values of Quality, Service and Innovation,” he said. CUBE founder Brendan Ring described the acquisition as a “very proud moment” after 30 years with the company. “CUBE has been central to my life for 30 years, and I am immensely

proud of what we have built together,” he said. Mr Ring said he was confident Ei Electronics was “the right home” to support CUBE’s continued growth and development. Ei Electronics said CUBE will continue to operate as an independent entity within the wider Ei Group following the acquisition. Mr Clancy said the company was committed to supporting CUBE’s management team to “further grow and strengthen the business”. CUBE was acquired by Mr Ring and two former directors in 1996, with Mr Ring assuming full ownership in 2010. The company has since expanded from its traditional print offering to provide specialist print, packaging, inventory management and fulfilment services.

l Enjoying a special talk on Golf Maintenance at The Old Ground Hotel last week was Vicky Tyas, Commercial marketing director, Golf Ireland; Brian Quinn, Golf Ireland and Niamh Ferguson, Golf Ireland; (inset) Speaker Andrew Lees, Global segment manager for professional robotics (Husqvarna). The event coincided with Doonbeg’s staging of the Amgen Irish Open 2026, with the eyes of the golfing world on County Clare Photos by Tom Micks

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

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

Community

Clare County Council marks SDG Week with series of events across the county Clare County Council is marking its fourth annual Sustainable Development Goals Week with a programme of events taking place across the county from September 19 to October 2, 2026. This forms part of the wider National and European Sustainable Development Week (ESDW), which is currently underway. The Sustainable Development Goals aim to create a fairer and more sustainable world by ending poverty, promoting decent work, supporting sustainable consumption, protecting nature, improving health and wellbeing, ensuring access to education, advanc-

ing gender equality, taking climate action, and fostering peaceful societies. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Killeen said, “The Sustainable Development Goals provide a valuable framework for creating stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities. “Through the wide range of events taking place during SDG Week, we hope to showcase the great work already happening across Clare and inspire people to see how their own actions can make a positive difference locally and globally.” Senior Engineer in Climate Action, Environment and

Water Services with Clare County Council, Anne O’Sullivan continued, “The Sustainable Development Goals provide a roadmap for building thriving communities that are environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically resilient. Through initiatives such as SDG Week, Clare County Council is creating opportunities for people to learn, engage, and take action on issues that matter to them.” Senior Executive Engineer & Climate Action Coordinator with Clare County Council, Ann Cronin added, “Achieving the seventeen United Nations Sustainable

l Launching SDG Week are Clare County Council staff (L-R) Dara Dever, Deirdre Keating, Mary Corry, Dr Carmel Kirby, Karen Foley, Joan Tarmey, Ann Cronin, Michael McNamara, Cyril Feeney, Anne O’Sullivan, Carol Gleeson, Shanelle Waring, and Brendan Boyce Photo by Eamon Ward

Development Goals requires collaboration, innovation, and shared responsibility and I encourage everyone to familiarise yourselves with them. Clare County Council is proud to act as an SDG Ambassador

Macalla An Chláir Leis An Clár As Gaeilge

Ó Chaerdydd go Contae an Chláir

BHÍ deis againn taisteal go Caerdydd (Cardiff) sa Bhreatain Bheag an tseachtain seo caite chun páirt a ghlacadh i gclár de chuid TG4. Cé go raibh neart craic agus comórtais i gceist leis an turas, chuir rud amháin ag smaoineamh muid: cé chomh cumhachtach is atá sé teanga a fheiceáil timpeall ort. Bhí an Bhreatnais le feiceáil ar chomharthaí, ar iompar poiblí agus i spásanna laethúla. Níor ghá dúinn dul sa tóir uirthi. Bhí sí ann go nádúrtha, taobh leis an mBéarla, mar ghnáthchuid den saol. Ní chiallaíonn sé sin go labhraíonn gach duine sa Bhreatain Bheag Breatnais gach lá. Ní gá do gach duine a bheith líofa chun go mbeadh teanga le feiceáil, le cloisteáil agus le meas. Cruthaíonn an infheictheacht sin teachtaireacht shimplí ach chumhachtach: baineann an teanga seo leis an áit agus leis na daoine atá ina gcónaí inti. Chuir sé seo Contae an Chláir agus an Ghaeilge sa bhaile i gcuimhne dúinn. Samhlaigh dá mbeadh níos mó Gaeilge le feiceáil i bhfuinneoga siopaí, ar bhiachláir, ar chomharthaí agus ag imeachtaí pobail. Samhlaigh dá gcloisfeá “Fáilte isteach” agus tú ag dul isteach i ngnólacht, nó “Slán abhaile” agus tú ag imeacht. Ní gá athrú ollmhór a dhéanamh thar oíche. Is minic a thosaíonn athrú mór le céim bheag. D’fhéadfadh gnólacht comhartha beag Gaeilge a chur san fhuinneog. D’fhéadfadh club spóirt cúpla focal Gaeilge a úsáid ar na meáin shóisialta. D’fhéadfaimis ar fad leagan Gaeilge ár logainmneacha a úsáid beagán níos minice.

Sin ceann de na haidhmeanna atá againn leis an bhfeachtas Inis Dom!: an Ghaeilge a dhéanamh níos feiceálaí agus níos nádúrtha i mbaile na hInse. Ní scrúdú Gaeilge atá i gceist. Is cuireadh é chun cibé Gaeilge atá againn a úsáid, fiú mura bhfuil ann ach cúpla focal. Tá rud éigin le foghlaim againn ón mBreatain Bheag. Nuair a bhíonn teanga le feiceáil, tugtar cead do dhaoine í a úsáid. Nuair a úsáidimid í, fiú ar bhealach beag, coinnímid beo í. CÚPLA FOCAL Fáilte isteach – Welcome in Conas is féidir linn cabhrú leat? – How can we help you? Slán abhaile – Safe home DÚSHLÁN NA SEACHTAINE Aimsigh comhartha dátheangach i do cheantar an tseachtain seo. Mura bhfeiceann tú ceann, smaoinigh ar áit ina bhféadfaí beagán Gaeilge a chur leis. B’fhéidir gur tusa a chuirfidh tús leis!

and to work alongside community groups, businesses, schools, and public sector partners in advancing the Goals. We can all make a difference.” Having completed the Department of Climate, Energy and

the Environment’s SDG Champions Programme (2023-2024), Clare County Council has served as an SDG Ambassador for the past two years. This role has enabled Clare County Council to take a leadership posi-

tion in advancing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As an SDG Ambassador, Clare County Council continues to champion the Goals by raising awareness, supporting local initiatives, and embedding sustainable development principles across its services. Clare’s SDG Week features hands-on Skills for Life workshops, an SDG Poster Competition, engaging events like the Health & Wellbeing Expo and the European Volunteer Capital Launch.

For more information on the events taking place, visit: https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/clare-sdgs

Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Health & Wellness

A confident smile can transform your quality of life HEALTH and fitness are about far more than exercise routines and balanced diets. True wellbeing starts with confidence, comfort and long-term selfcare – and your smile plays a bigger role than you might think. At Ennis & Limerick Orthodontic Practice, Specialist Orthodontist Dr Jeeves believes that orthodontic treatment is not just about straight teeth, but also about supporting lifelong oral health and personal wellbeing. A well-aligned smile can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, helping to reduce the risk of gum disease, tooth wear and jaw discomfort. For many patients, orthodontic treatment can also improve bite function, speech clarity and overall comfort, contributing to better daily health and quality of life. Modern orthodontics has evolved significantly, offering discreet and flexible solutions that fit seamlessly into today’s active lifestyles. Dr Jeeves provides a full range of treatments at Ennis & Limerick Orthodontic Practice, in-

cluding traditional braces and advanced clear aligner systems. Clear aligners are particularly popular among adults and fitness-focused individuals. They are removable, comfortable and virtually invisible, allowing patients to maintain their routines without disruption. Beyond the physical benefits, a confident smile l Dr Jeeves with Clare hurler Tony Kelly can be transfor- and (left) Munster Rugby star Tony Butler mative. Feeling comtients can achieve results that fortable with your smile can support both their oral health enhance self-esteem, en- and their confidence for years courage social interaction to come. and even improve motivation In the journey towards betin other areas of health and ter health and fitness, your fitness. Many patients report smile deserves a place at the that investing in orthodontic top of the list. care inspires them to priorWith Ennis & Limerick Oritise other aspects of their thodontic Practice, a healthwellbeing too. Orthodontic ier, more confident smile is treatment is an investment well within reach – and it’s that delivers lasting rewards. one of the most powerful With expert guidance from tools for feeling your best evDr Jeeves and a person- ery day. alised treatment plan, pa-

Louise helping youth with anxiety A Clare psychology coach is supporting young people and adults to deal with a notable rise in stress and anxiety. Treating clients on site in Newmarket-on-Fergus and Limerick City, mindfulness and positive psychology coach Louise Lynch uses Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (MBCBT) and bio energy therapy to help restore emotional and physical balance. Trained with the Irish Mindfulness Academy, Louise draws on meditation, neuroscience, and positive psychology to teach practical self-regulation techniques. A major focus of her practice is supporting teenagers aged 12 to 17 who experience school anxiety, social pressures, and nervous system overload. Through structured individual coaching, she equips young people

with tailored tools to manage stress in the classroom and rebuild confidence. In addition to mindfulness, Louise has expanded her practice to include bio energy therapy. This gentle, permission-based approach targets trapped emotional energy and physical tension — such as back pain — to restore the body’s natural energy flow. These holistic practices can serve as a grounding foundation before traditional psychotherapy or as ongoing emotional maintenance afterward. For busy adults, Louise focuses on simple, realistic strategies that fit seamlessly into daily routines. “The biggest way I like to work with adults is giving them little tools that they can bring into everyday life and not having another thing that they go, ‘I have enough on my plate.’ It’s about bringing back joy and work-

l Louise Lynch

life balance,” Louise explained. Louise provides in-person and online sessions, including distance healing and virtual coaching. In-person appointments are held in

Photo by Maria O’Mahony

Newmarket-on-Fergus as well as at aOne Wellness clinics in both Limerick City on Wednesday mornings and in Newmarket-on-Fergus clinic on Thursday evenings.

21 23

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

Thursday, Jan Sep 18, Thursday, 132025 2022

Take Time for Yourself at Hotel Woodstock Leisure Club, Ennis NESTLED in the heart of Ennis, the Hotel Woodstock Leisure Club offers the perfect escape from the stresses of daily life. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, an energising workout, or quality time with your family, our modern, welcoming facilities provide the ideal setting to focus on your health and well-being. At the centre of the club is our beautiful 15-metre deck-level swimming pool – a tranquil space for everything from gentle laps to a leisurely float. With a large shallow area and a separate paddling pool, it’s the perfect environment for swimmers of all ages, including young children just beginning to explore the water. After your swim, take time to truly unwind in our relaxation suite, which includes a soothing Jacuzzi, revitalising steam room, and a traditional sauna. These spaces are designed to melt away stress, ease muscle tension, and leave you feeling completely refreshed. For those looking to stay ac-

tive, our state-of-the-art gym is equipped with a full range of modern cardio machines, resistance equipment, and free weights. Whether you’re building strength, improving endurance, or simply maintaining your fitness routine,

you’ll find everything you need in a bright, spacious, and supportive environment. We understand that convenience matters. That’s why we offer complimentary on-site parking for all our Leisure Club members, so your

visit is as easy and enjoyable as possible from the moment you arrive. At Hotel Woodstock Leisure Club, we take pride in offering exceptional value with a variety of flexible membership options, including both year-round and seasonal packages. Whether you’re a regular visitor or just starting your wellness journey, we have a plan to suit your lifestyle. Our warm and professional team is always available to assist you, whether you’re new to the club or a long-time member. From personalised advice to friendly encouragement, we’re here to help you make the most of your time with us. So why not take a moment for yourself today? Whether it’s a re-

freshing swim, a powerful workout, or a quiet session in the steam room, Hotel Woodstock Leisure Club invites you to relax, recharge, and feel your best. Swim. Work Out. Unwind. All under one roof. The Leisure centre currently has an offer of 14 months for the price of 12 for the month of September.

To learn more about our facilities or to enquire about membership, please contact us at: 065 689 9800 www.hotelwoodstock.ie Hotel Woodstock, Ennis, Co. Clare

SINGLE MEMBERSHIP 3 Months Pool Only

€195

3 Months Pool & Gym

€225

6 Months Pool & Gym

€350

12 Months Pool & Gym or Direct Debit

€495 €43pm

COUPLES MEMBERSHIP

FROM SCREEN TIME TO SPLASH TIME This autumn and winter, let them dive into something new.

3 Months Pool & Gym

€350

6 Months Pool & Gym

€580

12 Months Pool Only

€695

12 Months Pool & Gym or Direct Debit

€795 €74pm

FAMILY MEMBERSHIP Family based on 2 adults and 2 children

12 Months Pool Only

€850

12 Months Pool & Gym or Direct Debit

€950 €95pm

It’s the perfect way to keep the kids active, burn off that extra energy, and give you a well-earned breather too. We can tailor a package to suit your needs. Any enquires contact the Leisure Centre Manager on (065) 689 9800

Clare Echo Autumn Winter Leisure 265x157mm AW.indd 1

02/09/2025 09:43

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Healthy Clare

Cook & sing through the season

lThe Harvest Festival is supported by the Departent of Health and Clare County Council AS AUTUMN sets in and the evenings become darker, we can easily fall into a habit of too much telly and snacks (both for our children and for ourselves). Indoor exercise is an important answer here, but not the only one. Cooking with Children and playfully exploring music with them, are energetic and fun things to do – though they can be a little daunting at times. Families can get also get inspiration and learning at the Harvest Music Festival in Ennis Showgrounds on 27th September where free workshops in Kids Music and Cooking with Children

Prostate Cancer – know the signs What is the prostate? The prostate is a gland that lies just under the bladder. It is normally about the size of a golf ball and gets bigger as you get older. The prostate helps to make semen and aids fertility. Prostate cancer Prostate cancer is when the cells of your prostate gland grow in an abnormal way to form a lump (tumour). Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in Ireland with almost 4,000 men diagnosed every year in Ireland. 1 in 6 males in Ireland will develop prostate can-

cer in their lifetime. It can affect people of any age but is most common in men aged 50 and older. Cases of prostate cancer are mainly not life threatening and many do not need any treatment. Of those cases that do need treatment most can be treated successfully when found early. The good news is, survival for people with prostate cancer is very good. 9 out of 10 people with prostate cancer will be alive 10 years after diagnosis. Who is most at risk? The risk of prostate cancer increases: • as you get older

• if you are of African ethnicity • if you have family members diagnosed with prostate (father or brothers) or breast (mother or sister) cancer. Symptoms of a health problem with your prostate Contact your GP without delay if you have any of these symptoms: • Passing urine more often • Getting up at night to pass urine • Difficulty passing urine • Having a weaker flow of urine • Feeling that you can't

empty your bladder fully • Straining to empty your bladder • Blood in your urine or semen • Bone pain • Weight loss when you are not trying to lose weight Most men with these symptoms will NOT have prostate cancer. It is still important to talk to your GP so that they can find out what is causing your symptoms

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

will take place. This event is funded under the Healthy Ireland Fund supported by the Department of Health and Clare County Council. Introducing children to cook with you can start early on by washing fruit and veg together, mashing potatoes, spreading ingredients on sandwiches, measuring, sifting, kneading and of course tasting! Older children will enjoy the excitement of cutting with a sharp knife - once you are ready to let them. Holistic chef Michelle Dirks says: “Children love to help in all aspects of meal preparation.

Encourage them to help with the shopping list, preparing a meal, setting the table, enjoy the meal as a family and clean up together.” She continued by saying, “When they are a little older, let them take the lead. You might be surprised what they want to cook and how aware they are already of safety in the kitchen.” After the cooking (and eating), why not have a little song, a dance or even a singing game like musical chairs. Use your pots and pans as instruments and drum along on your table and pot lids. Then wind down with a good cook book or planning your dinners.

Thursday, Sept 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

GREEN CLARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY CLEAN IRELAND RECYCLING

NEVER PUT BATTERIES, VAPES

OR ELECTRONICS IN ANY BIN OR SKIP

Keep 2026 Fire Free

VISIT responsiblerecycling.ie

Think Before You Flush invites Clare students to create their own 'monsters from the deep' By Erika Sanger erika@clareecho.ie

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, the Think Before You Flush campaign is launching a nationwide competition for primary school pupils aged 8 to 10. In anticipation of Halloween, the campaign is challenging pupils to create something truly frightening. Fatbergs are large blockages that form in sewers when inappropriate items are flushed down our toilets. They can block sewage pipes, cause dirty water to overflow and harm rivers, the sea and wildlife. Sewage workers have described fatbergs as “monsters from the deep.” The largest fatberg ever was found in a sewer in Whitechapel, Lon-

don nearly ten years ago. This enormous blockage was 250 metres long and weighed an estimated 130 tonnes. To put that into perspective, the Whitechapel Fatberg was as long as two football pitches and as heavy as eleven double decker buses! It took sewage workers over two months to remove. Think Before You Flush is inviting primary pupils to create their own model fatbergs using clean craft, recycled materials or whatever takes their fancy. The fatbergs can take the form of a character or whatever the pupils envision. Creative licence is strongly encouraged! Pupils may enter as a class. Multiple classes may enter from a single school if they

FATBERGS: These 'monsters from the deep' can cause serious blockages and sewage overﬂows along our coastline

wish to. Cash prizes will be awarded. Alongside this, the winning school will receive a special celebratory visit from the Clean Coasts team on World Toilet Day, Thursday, 19th November 2026. This fun event will invite the winning pupils to take

part in games, celebrations and media opportunities. Uisce Éireann’s Head of Wastewater Operations, Nuala Woods, is encouraging all schools to take part, saying, "By learning what should and shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet, students can help protect our rivers,

beaches and local communities. Items such as wet wipes and cotton buds do not break down in the wastewater system and can and cause blockages in our network, pumping stations and wastewater treatment plants and can lead to sewage overflows impacting some of our most beautiful coastal and river locations. Nuala continued, "We remove around 10,000 blockages from our network every year, so we need everyone’s help to spread the message: Think Before You Flush. Maria-Assunta Lawton, Clean Coasts Campaign Officer noted, "The Fatberg Competition offers primary school pupils a fun and creative way to learn about a

BROUGHT TO YOU BY CLEAN IRELAND RECYCLING

Keep 2026 NEVER PUT Fire Free BATTERIES, VAPES OR ELECTRONICS IN ANY BIN OR SKIP

VISIT responsiblerecycling.ie

serious environmental issue. By building their own model fatberg, children can see how everyday flushing habits affect our wastewater network, waterways and marine environment. We hope pupils will bring that knowledge home and inspire small changes that can make a real difference to the environment. The Think Before You Flush campaign is operated by Clean Coasts, An Taisce in partnership with Uisce Éireann. It emphasises the importance of appropriate flushing behaviour. Only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and (toilet) paper, should be flushed down the toilet. Everything else goes in the bin.

SPORT

Sport

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

H URLIN G

Daily banking for you fro§ your trusted credit union .

Visa is a trademark owned by Visa International Service Association and used under license. This Visa card is issued by Transact Payments Malta Limited pursuant to licence by VISA Europe Limited. Transact Payments Malta Limited is duly authorised and regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority as a Financial Institution under the Financial Institution Act 1994. Registration number C 91879. Credit unions are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

TUS Senior Hurling Championship results NEWMARKETON-FERGUS VS ST JOSEPH’S DOORA/ BAREFIELD TUS CLARE SHC RELEGATION SEMI-FINAL Newmarket-on-Fergus 3-19 St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield 1-17 Venue: Dr Daly Park, Tulla Referee: Kieran Liddane (Sixmilebridge) SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

INAGH/ KILNAMONA VS CRATLOE

SCARIFF VS CLOONEY/QUIN

CRUSHEEN VS O’CALLAGHANS MILLS

ÉIRE ÓG VS WOLFE TONES

KILMALEY VS CLONLARA

TUS CLARE SHC QUARTER-FINAL: Inagh/Kilnamona 1-23 Cratloe 1-17 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Referee: Jarlath Donnellan (Wolfe Tones)

TUS CLARE SHC QUARTER-FINAL Scariff 1-25 Clooney/Quin 0-27 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Referee: Fergal O’Brien (Broadford)

TUS CLARE SHC RELEGATION SEMIFINAL: Crusheen 1-21 O’Callaghans Mills 0-22 Venue: Dr Daly Park, Tulla Referee: Joe Mullins (Clonlara)

TUS CLARE SHC QUARTER-FINAL: Éire Óg 3-25 Wolfe Tones 1-14 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Referee: Niall Donovan (O’Callaghans Mills)

TUS CLARE SHC QUARTER-FINAL Kilmaley 1-20 Clonlara 1-17 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis Referee: Niall Malone (Éire Óg)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

FOR ALL MATCH REPORTS VISIT CLAREECHO.IE/SPORT

CLARE PIHC: Clarecastle’s comeback against Ruan eliminates Tulla & Tubber knock out Parteen/Meelic

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Éire Óg’s Marco Cleary Photo by Ruthie Griffin

MARCO MAGIC GETS HIM PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Clarecastle’s Harry Doherty tries to keep the sliotar in his hand as Darragh McInerney of Ruan closes in Photo by Gerard O’Neill

MARCO CLEARY struck for a hat-trick to send Éire Óg into the Clare SHC semi-finals while also earning the St Francis Credit Union / The Clare Echo player of the week. Tied with Wolfe Tones at half time of Sunday’s quarter-final, Éire Óg went to another level in the second half with Marco firing three goals to put them on their way to a 3-25 1-14 victory. A fifth semi-final in eight

years is the reward for the reigning champions, Marco’s ability to not alone go for goal but take his chances seeing him stand out in their latest quarter-final win. An All-Ireland winner with Clare’s U20 hurlers this year, Marco continues to bring a bit of electricity to the Éire Óg attack where this year he is joined by his brother Luca.

25 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

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

Sport

F O OT B A L L

Safety net removed as football enters knockout arena

By Páraic McMahon

SAFETY nets no longer exist as the Clare senior football championship hits the quarter-final stage. There’s derbies aplenty across the quarter-finals and that’s where the action kicks off in the first of the Cusack Park double bill on Saturday. Kildysart and Lissycasey clash at the county grounds at 15:00. It is their first meeting at senior level since the 2024 preliminary quarter-final when Lissycasey prevailed on a score of 0-8 0-4 at a wet Kilmihil. There will be arguably triple the amount of scores this time round. Their side has been

reinvigorated with the addition of young guns Liam Casey, James Casey, Darragh Murtagh since then while their attacking prowess of Emmet McMahon, Luke McGrath, Diarmuid O’Donnell and Jamie Evans makes them a match for any side, that forward line was also boosted by the return of Seamus Casey. Heading into the Clare SFC, Lissycasey were one of the leading contenders to challenge Éire Óg for the Jack Daly but expectation on their shoulders has waned which leaves them in a threatening position this weekend. Aaron Griffin has recovered from injury and is likely to be in from the off for

David Considine’s side while Michael Kelly and Mikey O’Neill are doubtful. Connor Meaney, Shane Griffin, Matt O’Shea, Daire Culligan, Conor Finnucane and Diarmuid McMahon will be called upon to lead the way for the Cusack Cup champions. Facing off at 17:00 on Saturday evening are neighbours St Joseph’s Miltown and Ennistymon. Eoin Cleary is expected to feature in some capacity for Miltown, his presence will be influential along with that of Darragh McDonagh and Cormac Murray in attack it will test any opposing defence. Conor Cleary, Micheál Murray, Seanie Malone, Paul Frawley,

Seán Neylon and Ralph Whelehan are expected to have big roles this Saturday while Oisin Looney returned from the Middle East to feature for Kilmaley’s hurlers last weekend and is tipped to be clocking the miles to represent his club once again. Expect a response from Ennistymon in the aftermath of their third round drubbing to Kildysart which deprived them of top spot in Group 2. Declan Downes’ side will also be relying on the Rouine contingent of Cillian, Brendy, Eoin, Joey and Seán, Liam Cotter, Diarmuid Fahy and Darragh Conneally to avoid a successive quarter-final exit. Páirc Cuar an Chláir

could have the biggest attendance for the standalone Sunday quarter-final fixture of Kilmurry Ibrickane versus Doonbeg at 14:00. Enda Coughlan is determined to see his side perform in the knockout stages and their cause is strengthened by the quality of footballers in their attack such as Caoilfhionn O’Dea, Conor Burke, Cathal Talty and Keelan Sexton. It is a first quarter-final appearance in six years for Doonbeg who rattled the champions in round two before consigning Cratloe to a rare relegation battle. The return of Seán Conway to Australia leaves a big gap in the middle third, his show-

ings in the group stages had him on course to get a county call up. On a high from The Irish Open, Doonbeg will look to keep a memorable sporting summer going, the showings of Tadhg Lillis, Darragh Burns, Mikie Tubridy, Ger White, Eamonn Tubridy and Darragh O’Sullivan will be pivotal to how they fare. Concluding the quarter-final action is the repeat of last year’s county final when Éire Óg and St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield meet in Cusack Park at 16:30 on Sunday evening. Aaron Fitzgerald is expected to miss out on Sunday’s clash due to injury, he was sidelined for Éire Óg’s quarter-final win over Wolfe

Tones in the Clare SHC with Ciaran Russell also exiting on fifty-four minutes with injury. Shane Daniels may decide to spring Éinne O’Connor to action in their absence with Ronan Lanigan, Mark McInerney, Ikem Ugwueru, Manus Doherty, Jack Joyce, David McNamara and Oran Cahill fulfilling key roles for the Ennis side. A character-building extra time win over Corofin has given Doora/Barefield a timely lift. Joe Rafferty, Fionn Kelleher, Michael Nash, Eoghan Thynne, Tom McDonald and Diarmuid Boyle have been consistent performers for Doora/Barefield who will welcome Tom Curran back from suspension.

GOLF

Audrey wins All-Ireland’s captains prize winners competition By Seamus Hayes LADY VICE captain of Ennis Golf Club, Audrey McEnery won the ladies All-Ireland captain’s prize winners competition at Roscrea on Saturday. She returned an impressive stableford score of 42 points to take the honours. The senior ladies 12 hole outing to Kilrush was won by Margaret Flanagan, Maeve O’Grady and Margaret McEnery with 35.35. The Cummins Car Centre sponsored ladies greensomes competition was won by Patricia Moroney and Joan Murphy with 44 points and they had three to spare over Mary Nagle and Marian Irwin while third place was filled by Mary Lenihan and Anna Marie Darmody with 38 points. The ladies 9 hole stableford competition was won by Caroline Magee (22) with 21 points and

the divisional winners were Flor Coffey (12) with 20 points, Mary Gardner (18) with 18 points and Dympna Hehir (22) with 18 points. The senior men’s competition for the John Doohan trophy was won by Micheal Meagher, Noel Pyne, Michael Clancy and Joe O’Brien with 74 points. They won by three from Richard O’Connell, Tom Gallery, Tim Kelly and Pat Garry with third place filled by Pat G McInerney, Noel Connellan, Jimmy Kearns and Paul Kenny with 70 points. John A. Murphy won the Abbey trophy matchplay beating Mark O’Brien in the final. Lahinch Golf Club: The Lahinch ladies won the Women’s International team challenge at Walton Heath GC last week. This is the second time the club has won this annual tournament.

Woodstock Golf Club: Last week’s mixed foursomes at Woodstock was won by Noel Moloney, Michael Coughlan and Robert Keogh with 20.4 from Joe Barry, Brian Kilker, Anne Kilker and Eilis Neville with 22.5. In third place, also with 22.5 were Tony Neville, Mary Holland and Vincent McInerney. Twenty two played in the AMR open singles last week was won by Shaun Murphy (21) with 38 points from Robert Dunne (23) also with 38 points. The weekend competition was the Sweet’n’Green September Medal which was won by Brendan Hennessy (16) with 62 while the gross was won by Alan Markham (3) with 70. Shannon Golf Club: In the men’s green tee challenge, Christopher Downes (12) cap-

Audrey McEnery

tured the honours with 38 points. He won on a countback from Darren Griffin (10) with third place filled by Vincent O’Brien who also scored 38 points. Edward Hickey (+1) won the gross with 34 points. The weekend’s team of four competition was won by Michael McInerney (17), Jim Fitzgerald

(17), Noel Morgan (19) and Kieran Considine (12) with 67 points. Wednesday’s men’s open singles was won by Niall Murphy (19) with 41 points from Thomas McMahon (15) with 40 points. East Clare Golf Club: Last Wednesday’s ladies competition was won by Ursula Hogan,

Connie McKenna, Marie A Kelly and Pauline Nugent from Breda Reid, Mary Farrell and Brid Hayes with third place filled by Noreen Skehan, Kay Grimes, Liz McMahon and Mary Hogan. The weekly senior men’s competition was won by Tom Larkin, Steve Syms and John Collins with 77 points from Mike Noonan, Jerry O’Brien and Jonathan Walsh with 71 with third spot filled by Ger Hoey, Pat Duggan and Denis Corcoran with 71. Dromoland Golf Club: Shane Collins won the men’s 18 hole stroke competition at Dromoland with 67 and he won on a countback from Frank Melody. In third place on 68 was Joe Walsh while Greg Delahunt won the category for those with handicaps of 20 and over with 69. Enda Henneghan won the gross with 70. The P and M spon-

sored ladies 18 hole stroke competition was won by Leslie O’Flynn with 71 from Dorothy Brennan with 74 while the gross was won by Joan Ryan. Kilrush Golf Club: The ladies competition at Kilrush last week was the Wild Atlantic Opticians singles stableford event which was won by Anna Moody (21) with 31 points. Gort Golf Club: The men’s competition at Gort at the weekend was for the Josie McInerney shield, an 18 hole singles stableford event sponsored by the McInerney family. The winner was Kieran Reidy (21) with 45 points while the category winners were Alan Minogue (12) with 41 points, John Dempsey (20) with 40 points and Chris Fahy (25) with 41 points. The gross was won by Joe Moran (2) with 33 points.

Sport

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 CAM OGIE

Clarecastle/Ballyea & St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield relegated By Gearóid Howley RELEGATION fate was the crucial aspect of the final round of group games in the Clare Credit Unions Senior Camogie Championship, with Clarecastle/Ballyea and St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield both dropping down to intermediate for next year. 2025 intermediate champions Clooney-Quin ensured that they would play senior camogie in 2027 with a victory by the narrowest of margins, while Tulla secured their senior status with an unexpected win over Feakle/Killanena. Semi-final spots had been secured with a game to spare with the final-four clashes taking place in O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge this Saturday. Reigning champions Inagh/Kilnamona take on Truagh/Clonlara, while last year’s beaten finalists Scariff/Ogonnelloe take on Kilmaley. Inagh/Kilnamona secure top spot in Group 1 Inagh/Kilnamona 2-13 Kilmaley 2-07 Venue: Éire Óg, Ennis These two sides had already sealed their places in the semi-finals of the competition but it was still all to play for in terms of who would take top spot between them. Caoimhe Carmody commenced the scoring early on with a tremendous score just inches off the sideline. Aoibhín Ryan quickly responded for Inagh/Kilnamona before directly assisting Clare Hehir to put them into the lead for the first time. The next score failed to come for almost ten minutes, with Inagh/Kilnamona rattling off three points in quick succession from Danielle Griffin, Aoibhín Ryan before Laura Rynne superbly turned over a Kilmaley puckout and teed up Aoife Keane. Andrea O’Keeffe then got in on the scoring act, taking off on a lung-bursting solo run before laying it off for a one-two and neatly tapping the sliotar over the bar. Clare Hehir notched over a free and Keane got her second of the afternoon shortly after and with twenty minutes on the clock, they held a 0-8 to 0-1 lead. Five minutes later, Kilmaley grabbed the first green flag of the

game with an attempt from Kate Hayes finding the Inagh/Kilnamona net for their first score in over twenty minutes. At half-time, the title holders were ahead on a scoreline of 0-10 to 1-3 after an extremely clinical opening half display. Clare Hehir hit the net five minutes into the second half and very nearly grabbed a second moments later when she took off on a sensational solo run and saw her effort skim the post. Kilmaley responded with their second goal shortly after when Inagh/ Kilnamona goalkeeper Cara McInerney was caught in possession by Claire McMahon who dispatched the ball to an empty net to reduce the deficit to six points. Inagh/Kilnamona struck three of the final four points of the tie, the pick of those was an intricate team move which included Aoibhín Ryan and Andrea O’Keeffe before being finished by Clare Hehir. Scorers Inagh-Kilnamona: A Ryan (0-6, 3f), C Hehir (1-2, 0-1f), K Dowling (1-1), A Keane (0-2), A O’Keeffe (0-1), D Griffin (0-1) Scorers Kilmaley: C McMahon (1-1, 1f), K Hayes (1-0), R Conway (0-2, 2f), M Maher (0-1), C Carmody (0-1), G Carmody (0-1) Referee: Andy McMahon (Cratloe) Clooney/Quin maintain senior status & relegate Clarecastle/Ballyea Clooney/Quin 2-09 C l a re c a s t l e / B a l l ye a 0-14 Venue: Fr McNamara Park, Doora In what was a relegation battle, there was a lot on the line for both Clooney/Quin and Clarecastle/Ballyea. A win for Clarecastle/Ballyea would have left both sides tied on points alongside Newmarket-on-Fergus meaning scoring difference would dictate who dropped down. Emma O’Loughlin opened the scoring with a point for Clarecastle/ Ballyea which was followed by a free from Evie Scanlon. Ciara Grogan responded with her first placed ball of the evening shortly after. Clarecastle/Ballyea got the next four points of the tie through Emma O’Donoghue, Hannah

Inagh/Kilnamona’s Aoibhin Ryan tries to stop Kilmaley’s Sinead O\Keeffe Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Mai Neylon and two more Scanlon frees, and midway through the first half they were ahead on a scoreline of 0-6 to 0-1. Sheena Beirne found the net for Clooney/Quin on the brink of the interval to reduce the deficit, and at half-time Clarecastle/Ballyea led by the minimum, 0-8 to 1-4. Scanlon opened the scoring after the break with her fifth placed ball before the goalscorer Beirne pointed for Clooney/Quin to bring the gap back to the minimum once more. It was midway through the second half when the crucial blow came as Nicole O’Riordan netted Clooney/Quin’s second goal to put them ahead for the very first time. Scanlon responded with yet another free before Emer Moynihan pushed the gap out to two points once more. Scanlon then levelled things up with a further brace of placed balls. Emily Costello answered back with a point of her own, which was followed by a converted free from both sides, before Clarecastle/Ballyea levelled things up once again with Leah Kelly scoring the equaliser. Ciara Grogan landed what ended up being the decisive score for Clooney-Quin late on. Clarecastle/Ballyea did have a dead ball opportunity of their own which went

to the wrong side of the posts, although a share of the spoils wouldn’t have been enough to keep them in the top tier. Scorers Clooney/Quin: C Grogan (0-5, 5f), S Beirne (1-1), N O’Riordan (1-0), E Moynihan (0-1), E Costello (0-1), S Costello (0-1) Scorers Clarecastle/ Ballyea: E Scanlon (0-9, 9f), H M Neylon (0-2), E O’Donoghue (0-1), E O’Loughlin (0-1), L Kelly (0-1) Referee: Kevin Corry (Sixmilebridge) Sinéad Conlon stars as Tulla stun Feakle/Killanena Tulla 3-11 Feakle 1-11 Venue: Dr Stuart Park, Ogonnelloe Already missing Lorna McNamara due to an ACL injury, Feakle/Killanena were dealt another blow with the absence of fellow county player Zi Yan Spillane due to suspected broken fingers. Tulla got off to the ideal start with Orla Mulconroy finding the net inside the opening three minutes of the all East Clare encounter. Brídín Dinan then pushed the gap out to four with her first free of the tie. Feakle/Killanena responded with points from Eileen Daly and a brace of points from Shauna Canny before they grabbed a goal of their own through Canny following a high ball into

the Tulla square. Tulla answered back with points from Sinéad Conlon and another Dinan free and at the break there was nothing to separate the sides having scored 1-5 each. Tulla came bursting out of the traps after the interval with Conlon grabbing their second goal to give them a three-point lead. Shauna Canny kept Feakle/Killanena in the fight from placed balls before Conlon grabbed her second major after Lisa Nicholas caught a ball out of the clouds and laid it off to the onrushing Conlon who rifled to the net. Aoife Dooley pointed the insurance score late on and with that, Tulla had guaranteed they’d remain in the senior ranks for 2027. Most impressive for Johnny Brigdale’s side were midfielder Sinéad Conlon, who scored an astounding 2-6 from play, Gillian Ryan, Orla O’Brien and Brídín Dinan. Scorers Tulla: S Conlon (2-6), B Dinan (0-4, 4f), O

Mulconroy (1-0), A Dooley (0-1) Scorers Feakle-Killanena: S Canny (1-9, 6f), R Conway (0-1), E Daly (0-1) Referee: Joseph Mullins (Clonlara) Truagh/Clonlara cruise to victory as Doora/Barefield face the drop Truagh-Clonlara 3-21 St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield 1-08 Venue: Dr Daly Park, Tulla St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield got off to a bright start with Éabha O’Driscoll scoring a superb free from distance before Ciara Duggan grabbed a goal in the eighth minute to send them into a 1-2 to 0-3 lead. Truagh/Clonlara soon found their rhythm with Róisín Begley, who scored 1-5 of their total in the opening half, finding the net during a spell where they scored an unanswered 1-3. Doora/Barefield responded with an Amy Reynolds point from play which was followed by a pair of Siobhán Flynn

frees and as the sides headed for the dressing rooms, Truagh-Clonlara held a slender 1-7 to 1-6 lead. The girls in sky-blue got off to a flyer when they re-emerged, with Niamh Ryan finding the net on two occasions inside the opening three minutes of the half. Those two majors were followed by a burst of six points to put them firmly in control. During this spell, Doora/Barefield managed to score just a single point which came from Sophie Torpey. Scorers Truagh-Clonlara: R Begley (1-14, 6f), N Ryan (2-1), J Egan (0-2), E Begley (0-1), L Hawes (0-1), E Kelly (01), H Horgan (0-1) Scorers St Joseph’s Doora-Barefield: S Flynn (0-5, 2f, 1 ’45), C Duggan (1-0), S Torpey (01), A Reynolds (0-1), É O’Driscoll (0-1, 1f) Referee: Ian Daly (Newmarket-on-Fergus)

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Sinead Conlan

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

STELLAR DISPLAY SEES SINEAD WIN PLAYER OF THE WEEK SURVIVAL was on the line for Tulla and a specatular display from Sinead Conlon not alone helped them avoid the drop but also resulted in her winning the Clare Credit Unions / The Clare Echo player of the week. A 3-11 1-11 victory over Feakle/Killanena consolidated Tulla’s senior status for 2027 with former county player Sinead playing a huge role in getting them over the line. She scored a remarkable 2-6 of this tally, all of which stemmed from play as Tulla caused an upset but recorded a merited victory. Both of her green flags arrived in the second half and helped to put a gap between the sides who were level at 1-5 apiece at half time.

27 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

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

Sport

S OCCER

Tulla Utd’s Adam Kilker keeps the ball from Fiachra Roche and Chuks Obadeyi

Bridge Utd’s captain Liam Buckley heads the ball into the back of the net

Photo by Ruthie Griffin

Photo by Joe Buckley

Tulla Utd players celebrate Daragh Corry’s goal Photo by Ruthie Griffin

Newmarket Celtic’s Messiah Chirwa keeps the ball from Shannon Town Utd’s Eoghan Gough Photo by Joe Buckley

Tulla Utd’s Darragh Baker gets treatment from Keith Hassett as Kevin O’Connor and Jamie Roche give their views Photo by Ruthie Griffin

Tempers flare between Tulla Utd and Avenue Utd

The experienced David McCarthy in possesion for Newmarket Celtic

Tadhg Noonan celebrates scoring for Newmarket Celtic against Shannon Town Utd Photo by Joe Buckley

Photo by Ruthie Griffin

Photo by Joe Buckley

Sport

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 COMMU N ITY GA MES

RU G BY

Clare youngsters prosper at National Community Games OVER 100 children from Clare headed to Carlow town for the National Community Games Art and Cultural weekend. Clare had children participating in talent competitions (singing, dancing, music, drama), handwriting, art & model making, project work, choir and skittles. All those who attended enjoyed the event and expressed gratitude to all the Area, County and National volunteers without whom Community Games would not happen. Congratulations to all the medal winners. The next big event on the Clare Community Games calendar is the highly anticipated St Francis Credit Union All Star Awards night in Treacy's West County Hotel on Friday October 16 - names to be announced soon! The County AGM is fixed for Tuesday, November 3, 8pm in Treacy's West County Hotel. Gold Medals U13 Projects: Newmarket on Fergus (Jack Collins, Ide Deans, Hannah Devitt, Megan McMahon) Silver Medals U8 Boys Art: Cathal Gleeson (Moylusa) U12 Boys Handwriting: Jamie Hartnett (Newmarket on Fergus) U14 Boys Art: Calder Brown (Moylusa)

Ennis U18s in flying form by Dearbhla Parry

(main) the U14 Skittles team, who received bronze; (far left) members of the U11 Projects team from Newmarket-on-Fergus including Freddie Betts, George Betts, and Tadhg Deans; (left) U12 handwriting silver medalist Jamie Hartnett (Newmarket on Fergus) (above) U13 Projects: Newmarket on Fergus (Jack Collins, Ide Deans, Hannah Devitt, Megan McMahon)

Jodie McNamara, Jenny O Brien, Neasa O Brien, Meadow Slattery, Louisa Troy) U16 Boys Art: Michael Singleton (Corofin/Kilnaboy)

Bronze Medals U10 Boys Handwriting: Donnacha O'Sullivan (Crusheen/Ballinruan/Tubber) U14 Skittles: Newmarket on Fergus (AJ Grogan, Finn O'Malley, Oliwier Rudzinski, Rob Sheedy, Catherine Crimmins, Max Kelly, Ruby Kelly)

U14 Boys Handwriting: Evan O'Brien (Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry) U16 Girls Model Making: Aoibheann Hill (Ballynacally/Lis-

sycasey) U16 Mixed Choir: Quin/Clooney (Heather Broderick, Aoibhe Burke, Nessa Clune, Sinead Clune, Sadhbh Dinan, Brighid Felle, Isabelle Flemming, Camille Hammond, Katie Hayes, Orla Hoey, Hannah Killeen, Ciara McDonnell,

4th Medals U10 Girls Model Making: Shauna Coleman (Clarecastle/Ballyea) U11 Projects: Newmarket on Fergus (Freddie Betts, George Betts, Tadhg Deans, Ellie Shally, Cora Tighe U12 Girls Model Making: Laoise Galvin (Doora Barefield) U13 Mixed Group Music: Doora Barefield (Clara Doolaghty, Anna Garvey, Fionnn Kilkenny, Caragh Rynne) U16 Mixed Solo Music: Lily Mescall (Kilkee)

Ennis were dominant in their away success to Newport in round two of the North Munster league, winning on a final score of 19-42. The match began well as Ennis went straight into attack mode. The forwards carried hard and the backs went wing to wing, setting Cormac Dinan up to score four minutes in from a scrum, converted by Tadhg Bane. However, Newport hit back with a converted try after just nine minutes, undoing Ennis’ early good work and the Tipperary side struck again after Ennis conceded a string of needless penalties to go 14-7 up at half time. Stern words were needed at half time, and a few changes in personnel sprung the Clare men into action. After 44 minutes, Ennis took a scrum instead of a penalty on the 22 and slick handling allowed Stephen O’Neill to scoot in for a converted try to tie the sides up at 14-14. On 50 minutes, Oran Considine burst clear to score his first try to make it 14-21.

From the kick-off, a strong Ennis tackle was deemed high by the referee. Following that, a bit of a quarrel broke out, resulting in two Ennis and one Newport player being sin-binned. With a one-man advantage, Newport scored from the penalty to make it 19-21. Newport piled forward with the extra man, but Ennis kept on guarding their line. All that heroic effort paid off when the forwards turned over the ball and marched upfield. A great break from Ciarán Sheehan set up Harry O’Donoghue to use his quick feet to put Oran Considine away for a killer try and a 19 – 28 lead. As Newport began to tire, Ennis scored twice more through Sheehan and Tadhg Bane. A healthy winning margin, and a tough game only put to bed in the last 10 minutes for the final 19 – 42 score. Fixtures: U15 Boys North Munster League: Newport v Ennis Sunday 20th September Kick-off at 12:00pm in Murroe

JU N IOR TE N N IS

2026 winners crowned at junior club championships MORE than 50 children took part in the Ennis Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club Junior Tennis Championships over the past week, culminating in a fun-filled Finals Day on Saturday with a series of singles finals and an action-packed doubles tournament. In the U8 competition, Aodhla O’Neill won the girls’ title, beating Abhainn Cunniffe, while Charlie Gallagher claimed the boys’ title with victory over Idris Derguech. In the U10s, Abbie Flanagan defeated Kate O’Neill in the girls’ final, while Ilyes Derguech beat Rhian O’Connor to take the boys’ title. Willow Feeley won the U12 girls’ title, defeating Nina Nic Oscair. Finn Gleeson and Jasper Badenhorst contested both the U12 and U14 boys’ finals and, after more than three hours of tennis between the two matches, honours were shared. Jasper won the U12 title 7-5, while Finn came out on top in two closely fought sets in the U14 final, 7-6, 7-5. In the U14 girls’ final, Emma Gleeson defeated Áine Crowley to take the title, while James O’Connell was crowned U16 boys’ champion, with Lonan Feeley finishing as runner-up. The week-long championships were kindly sponsored by The Ennis Bookshop, whose support for the event was greatly appreciated by the club.

(main) competitors in the U12 category at the Ennis Club Championships and (left) Jasper Badenhorst and Finn Gleeson, who competed in both the U12 and U14 finals; (above left) U8 girls finalists Aodhla O’Neill and Abhainn Cunniffe; (top inset) U14 girls finalists Emma Gleeson and Áine Crowley

Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

To place a notice email kieran@clareecho.ie

Planning

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL I, Michael McMahon, intend to apply for planning permission for development at Gortaderra, Scariff, Co. Clare. The development will consist of: the alteration, restoration, and refurbishment of an existing stone cottage dwelling (currently in ruins); the construction of a linked dwelling extension to same; the construction of a domestic garage; the construction of a new vehicular entrance and access driveway; the installation of a new wastewater treatment system; the drilling of a new bored well; and all associated site works and services. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

to apply for permission for development consisting of the construction of a dwelling house with an attached carport and domestic garage, a site entrance and access road, the installation of a proprietary wastewater treatment system and percolation area, including all associated site works at Drumedrehid, Ennis, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO COUNCIL BALLYSHEEN, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO CLARE Permission is sought to construct a dwelling house, domestic garage, shared vehicular entrance, wastewater treatment system including all associated site works and services at above address. Applicant: Kevin Fennessy “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. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission”.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL. 5 SAINT JOSEPH’S TERRACE, CLARECASTLE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 DAF4. Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www.diarmuidkeane.ie) intends to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Anna & Ciarán Kelly for planning permission for the following development at the above address: a). to renovate an existing dwelling including elevational changes and rear extensions; b). to construct a new external carport; c). change of use of an existing detached single storey salon to Ancillary Living Accommodation; d). all associated site works and services. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL JOANNE CONSIDINE KUNZ, DRUMEDREHID, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. Take notice that I, Joanne Considine Kunz, intend

CLARE CO. COUNCIL TULLYCOMMON, CARRAN, COUNTY CLARE Permission for 1.) Change of use from dwelling house to staff facilities

building, 2.) demolition of existing rear extension and construction of new extension to staff facilities building, 3.) elevation alterations 4.) upgrade of septic tank to EPA standards and 5.) all associated site works is being sought by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. 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 CO. COUNCIL SHANBALLYSALLAGH, TUBBER, CO. CLARE H91 P827 Permission for (1) the change of use from industrial to industrial training purposes (2) the erection of a climbing frame/tower for training purposes and (3) the erection of associated signage is being sought on behalf of Sinnott Training & Certification Limited. 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 CRAGLEIGH, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Roisin Keane intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a Dwelling House, Garage, effluent treatment system and associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, New Road, Ennis, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the

application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILRUSH RD, CLONROAD MORE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Eoin & Mags O’Neill for permission to renovate and extend existing cottage together with all associated site development works and connections to public services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS Planning Ref: P25/60693 Development Description: the construction of a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, wastewater treatment system and ancillary works Location: Lissane East, Clarecastle, Co. Clare. Take notice that Marie Reidy & Stephen O’Halloran have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P25/60693. 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 MOYREE COMMONS, RUAN, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Aoife Bane intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, wastewater treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYDONOHOE, KILMALEY, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Aileen Barrett intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, wastewater treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CUAIN MAOILE, CONNOLLY, ENNIS, CO.CLARE Take notice that Hazel Cullen intends to apply for planning permission for the installation of a PE6 proprietary Wastewater Treatment System and Ter 3 Packaged tertiary unit at the above property. Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of mak-

ing a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. FERMOYLE, FANORE, CO. CLARE, H91 R6PK Take notice that Joan and Adrian Howard intend to apply for permission to retain the sunroom onto the dwelling and for permission to install a Glamping Pod for short term letting/ air bnb purposes and all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. TOONAGH, FOUNTAIN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. V95 EC9R Take notice that Teresa Roseingrave Corry & Damian Corry intend to apply for permission to carry out alterations and renovations to the existing dwelling, upgrade the existing septic tank, build a roadside boundary wall and entrance & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the au-

thority 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. LEMENAGHBEG, NEWMARKET-ONFERGUS, CO. CLARE, V95 HK26 Take notice that Karl King intends to apply for permission to extend and carry out alterations to the existing office building, change the use of the building to residential use & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. COOLSHINGAUN, MAURICES MILLS, ENNISTYMON,CO. CLARE Take notice that Noel Walsh intends to apply for permission to build a new dwellinghouse, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority 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.

Thursday, Sep 17, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Classiﬁeds ACCOUNTANTS

CONSTRUCTION

GARDENING

CLEANING

PRINTING

CHILDMINDER WANTED

U YOT A YOUR BRAND GOEW N N? ON THE ROAD VA

@realprint_ennis

065 684 4545

info@realprint.ie www.realprint.ie

ROOF MOSS CLEANING

WEB DESIGN

PAINTING

WIND ER S DER

PAINTING & DECORATING . Domestic & Commercial . Only top quality paints used, giving a high quality finish . Thorough and reliable service guaranteed. . C2 & VAT Reg. All areas Covered Call Mark on (086)-0561995 winderspaintinganddecorating.ie/

VANS CARS TRUCKS TRAILERS

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Sep 17, 2026

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

Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz

How old is the limestone in the Burren? 100 million years 350 million years 750 million years

When was Black Head Lighthouse built? 1640 1902 1964

What does Boirinn, the Irish word for Burren, mean? Dry place Wet place Rocky place

Approximately how many of Ireland’s native orchid species are found in the Burren? 12 24 32

What type of ﬂower is the Burren particularly famous for? Dandelion Heather Orchid Approximately how high is Slieve Elva? 314m 334m 344m

What is a turlough? A brackish lake An oligotrophic lake A disappearing lake Which of these Burren plants was traditionally used medicinally to treat arthritis? Wild marjoram Guelder rose Red clover

Approximately how old is Poulnabrone Dolmen? Around 5,800 years old Around 10,000 years old Around 12,000 years old

Around 5,800 years old 1902 24 A disappearing lake Guelder rose

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Scan here to see what’s on

ANSWERS 350 million years Rocky place Winterage Orchid 344m

What is the ancient grazing practice in the Burren called? Winterage Strip grazing Seasonal grazing

Movies to see this week

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

Previous Answers . Golf ball missing . Cherry picker missing in background . Towel different colour in crowd . Nike logo missing on shoe

. Paddle missing (background right) . Lanyard missing on man in crowd (right) . Writing on Josh’s arm missing

Luke Donald takes a shot at the Irish Open last weekend at Trumps International Golf Links & Hotel, Doonbeg Photo by Joe Buckley

Gleneagle Presents...

Book Now

Must-see live gigs, top entertainment, and the ease of staying right on-site!

FEBRUARY

THE 30+ CLUB

MARTI PELLOW FRI 25 SEPT 2026 | FROM €59.85

SUN 25 OCT 2026 | FROM €18.25

80'S ICONS SHOW

HOTHOUSE FLOWERS

SAT 26 SEPT 2026 | FROM €28.00

SUN 25 OCT 2026 | FROM €39.20

ABBAESQUE

ONÓIR

FRI 23 OCT 2026 | FROM €23.00* *FREE FOR RESIDENTS

SAT 21 NOV 2026 | FROM €35.00

MACK FLEETWOOD

THE BIG DAY OUT PRESENTS:

I LOVE 00’S

SAT 24 OCT 2026 | FROM €39.20

Make a night of it...

064 6671550

FRI 27 NOV 2026 | FROM €30.00

Dinner • Drinks • Entertainment • Stay • On-Site

Tickets and hotel packages available gleneaglekillarney.ie