The Clare Echo 18/12/25

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Dec31, 18 2024 2025 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Oct

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New A&E hope for Co Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

IT MAY not be a Christmas miracle but the Minister for Health’s announcement that a new hospital is to be built within the Mid-West has offered hope that an emergency department can return to Co Clare.

Health Minister, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG) on Tuesday confirmed all three options from the HIQA review would be rolled out to expand hospital capacity in the Mid-West.

This includes Option C which would allow the construction of a new

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Dec 18 2025

ALL IS BRIGHT, ALL IS ARTIFICIAL

hospital in Co Clare.

Progressing all three options is “the first time in a long time we have an announcement that will go some way to achieving parity and equity with other regions but only if it is done properly,” Friends of Ennis Hospital Chairperson, Angela Coll told The Clare Echo.

As reported by The Clare Echo last week, a number of suitable sites for the location of a hospital have been identified

by Clare County Council and brought to the attention of the HSE.

Full story p11

 In the year of AI, our last front page of the year portrays a very Christmassy scene as Santa flies low over O’Connell Square, Ennis

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We wish you a Merry Christmas

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

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

Local Chrildren singing at the Switching on of the Christmas lights recently

Photo by Eamon Ward

Ennis to have extra Gardaí on the beat for Christmas

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EXTRA Gardaí are to be on the beat in Ennis town over the festive period.

An Garda Síochána have confirmed an increased “and highly visible Garda foot presence” will be on duty across Ennis town centre for the Christmas period. This will be in the guise of both foot patrols and mountain bike patrols.

Discussions have taken place between senior staff in the Ennis Municipal District and Gardaí on a policing plan, acting senior engineer Paddy Tiernan confirmed. “The policing plan is targeted to tackle anti-social behaviour, alcohol consumption, illegal parking, professional begging and shop-lifting. A Community Engagement

Garda van will also be parked at the Height for most days throughout the Christmas Period. This targeted policing plan commenced on Friday 5th December and will conclude on Christmas Eve”.

In a proposal before this m o n t h’s sitting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) appealed for additional Garda personnel to be in the county town for the festive period “to ensure that shoppers, party-goers, tourists, staff, and businesses can fully enjoy the festive spirit this Christmas”.

“It is great to have Gardaí on the beat in Ennis over Christmas,” Cllr Guilfoyle commented.

“Having Gardaí on the beat in the town brings it back to where

it was,” he added.

Having a Garda van left at The Height “gives a good impression that Gardaí are there and keeping everyone safer and anti-social behaviour at a minimum,” Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) stated.

Clare’s Garda Division needs to be securing more resources, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) insisted.

“We have to acknowledge the great work Gardaí are doing, they can only work relative to what they have and they are certainly doing that in their town”. Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said the motion was “timely heading into Christmas time when Gardaí are extra busy”.

Having the foot patrol “is very much appreciated,” Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) noted, “it instils a sense of safety in the town, I have requested a plan for the New Year”.

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eGallery-Xmas-2025-ENN.qxp_Layout 1 17/12/2025 14:09 Page 1

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‘Extraordinary’ scenes in Ennis District Court as witness threatens solicitor Hassett

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has said a witness crossed a line when allegedly threatening a solicitor in court.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Fiona Brennan told West Clare man, Thomas Darcy that she was referring the comments he made from the witness box to Ennis based solicitor, Daragh Hassett to An Garda Siochána.

Darcy said to the solicitor, “I know who you are and I know where you live”.

Mr Darcy denied in court that he had threatened Mr Hassett and told Judge Brennan that he got excited in the witness box. He said, “I can’t help it like”.

In response, Judge Brennan said, “Mr Darcy, there is a difference between getting excited and threatening a solicitor in court doing his job. You have crossed a line sir. You have done that in court under oath and I will leave the matter with the local Gardaí”.

Mr Darcy was an eye witness in a case to an assault causing harm

by neighbour, Michael Fear (55) of Ballard Rd, Miltown Malbay on Mr Darcy’s son, Darren Egan on May 17th 2024 at Ballard Rd, Miltown Malbay Mr Hassett was representing Mr Fear and was cross-examining Mr Darcy on his eye witness testimony when Mr Darcy told him “I know who you are and I know where you live”.

Mr Hassett put it to him that Mr Darcy’s response to a straightforward question “is to threaten me in court by saying ‘I know where you live’”.

Mr Darcy replied, “No”.

Asked by Mr Hassett why where he lives is relevant, Mr Darcy said, “I just know where you live like”.

Mr Hassett said, “You are threatening a court officer”.

In reply, Mr Darcy said, “No, no. I’m not, I’m not, I’m not. I used to have a job with the bins, that’s how I know where you live”.

Mr Hassett asked, “Why would you say that”.

Mr Darcy said, “I just said it like”.

Mr Hassett commented, “Extraordinary”.

In his closing submission in the case, Mr Hassett told Judge Brennan, “ Yo u saw Mr

Daragh Hassett

D a rcy in the witness box - I have not seen anything like in almost 30 years as a solicitor representing clients in this court-house”.

Mr Hassett said, “I have dealt with very difficult cases over the years, as you have judge, but what Mr Darcy had to say when put under pressure crossed a line and it is not beyond possibility having seen him in action that he would influ-

ence his son to put him up to this”.

He said, “The best evidence in all cases is what you see in court and you see how Mr Darcy, who claims he witnessed the incident, behaves when people don’t agree with him - when you peel away the veneer he turns on you, can become quite nasty and is well capable of putting his son up to this in order to get Mr Fear removed from the area”.

In delivering her judgement in the case, Judge Brennan found Mr Fear guilty of the assault causing harm of Mr Egan but stated that “I am disregarding Mr Darcy’s evidence in its entirety for the purpose of his prosecution and I found his evidence unhelpful and I could not deal with his evidence with any degree of credence”.

Judge Brennan said, “I am leaving the allegations and references that were personal to Daragh Hassett to local authorities to deal with”.

Judge Brennan said that she found the evidence of Darren Egan concerning the assault

to be credible and imposed a 120 hour community service order on Mr Fear for the assault.

In a statement today, the Law Society stated it did not wish to comment on any individual case where the matter has been referred to the Gardaí.

However, speaking generally, a spokeswoman said, “Solicitors play a vital role in the administration of justice and should be able to perform their duties without fear or harm.

Any threat to them is an attack on the legal rights of every person, and undermines the very foundation of our legal system and the rule of law”.

The spokeswoman added, “The Law Society stands firmly behind all solicitors who are subjected to threats and intimidation for simply doing their job. We will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the legal system. Those who engage in threatening or intimidatory behaviour towards legal professionals must be held to account for their actions”.

Christmas Spirit

John , Noah and Jennifer O’Sullivan from Newmarket-on-Fergus get in the Christmas spirit at the Switching on of the Christmas lights on recently in Newmarket-on-Fergus Photo by Eamon Ward

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Bondi Beach mass murder The Bodyke Tractor Run is back to right in front of our raise funds for the Milford Care Centre ‘was eyes’ say Kilrush men

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

GET your cars, tractors, motorbikes, and even lorries ready next week for the Milford Hospice Care Tractor Run, because all vehicles are encouraged to enter.

After a successful run last year, raising €15k for Raheen Community Hospital, the Bodyke Tractor Run is back. On December 28th, participants can expect a full day filled with food, prizes, music, and (of course) the main event itself: the Tractor Run. This year, the Tractor Run is raising funds for Milford Care Centre, in memory of organiser Aisling Walsh’s Mam, who passed away ten years ago from cancer. “She was in Milford Care Centre quite a lot during her time when she was sick,” said Aisling.

Milford Care Centre specialises in Palliative Care Services in the Mid-West.

They are dedicated to delivering high-quality person-centred care, bringing comfort and support closer to home. Milford Care

Centre strive to ensure that everyone entrusted to them receives the utmost quality of care, while also providing much-needed support to their families. Aisling said, “It’s brilliant that we’re able to raise money for such a good charity that so many local people use, have used in the past, and may use in the future.”

This is the third year that Bodyke is hosting a Tractor Run. Aisling, her husband (Ger Walsh), and daughter (Chloe Walsh) began the Run initially as a way to raise money for equipment in Raheen Community Hospital, of which Ger’s mother was a resident. For their second, they fundraised for Raheen again and managed to donate a total of €15,400.

The cheque was presented to Mary Cassidy of the Raheen Hospital Support Group to ensure all funds go directly to the residents.

Over 160 vehicles registered for the Run, while over 60 spot prizes were donated by local businesses, friends, and families.

Participants will be leav-

ing from the Cobbler’s Rest in Bodyke by 12am. They will head into Tuamgraney, then Scarriff, Feakle, and finally Ballynahinch Cross before returning to the Cobbler’s Rest, where soup, sandwiches, and music by Broken Strings will be on offer.

This year, the event is offering over 30 spot prizes, “but there’s spot prizes coming in every day”.

The top raffle prize will be a €250 Peadar O’Keeffe Oil voucher, the second and third prizes are €200 hampers, and the fourth prize is a €150 of hamper.

Vouchers that can be won on the day include, two tickets to Munster Rugby vs Zebre Parma in February, two family passes to the Mondello Park History Festival (a Saturday pass and Sunday pass), two tickets to Abbaesque in Gleneagle, two tickets to the Music Network in glór, afternoon tea in the Savoy Hotel, Bunratty Castle passes, and Dublin Zoo passes. There will also be numerous vouchers for local businesses, such

as Conroy Agri Supply, Carriage Vouchers, Brian Boru Plaza Vouchers, and In Season. “We have loads of support locally,” added Aisling.

Aisling commented, “Everywhere you go is talking about the Tractor Run, so it’s amazing to get that local support from all the locals.”

Aisling will be there on the day doing the registrations along with Sara Minogue of the Frilly Box, serving teas and coffees, while Ger will be leading the vehicles in his Massey Ferguson, holding a ‘Tractor Run in progress’ sign.

Registrations will begin at 11am and the Tractor Run will start at 12am on Sunday, December 28th.

All vehicles are welcome to enter. Participants can register on the day for €20 or buy raffle tickets for €5.

Aisling is also accepting money for raffle tickets or donations in advance of the day through revolut (087 1300238). When revoluting Aisling, please add your full name and phone number in the note section.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TWO Kilrush men witnessed Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach which claimed the lives of fifteen people in Australia.

Father and son, Tom and Liam Madigan were in an apartment overlooking Bondi Beach at the time of Sunday’s attack which targeted Australia’s Jewish community at a a Hanukkah event on Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

Fifteen people including a 10-year-old girl were killed in the attack. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described it as “act of antisemitism” and also one of “terrorism”.

Liam was visiting his father in his apartment right on Bondi Beach where he could hear bangs. “It sounded like fireworks or something so I went to the window and saw shots being fired and all the people running”.

They were a few dozen me-

Tom and Liam Madigan

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tres away from the attack. Mass shootings in Australia are very rare, this attack is the country’s deadliest incident since 1996, when a gunman killed 35 people during the Port Arthur massacre.

Tom outlined, “It was right in front of our eyes. We saw about six bodies on the ground”.

Both Tom and Liam were not allowed to leave the house for a few hours, on the request of the police.

Speaking to TT, Liam said, “It’s scary. It happened right outside our door. The world is a scary place right now. The weapons they had were huge, like in a movie. Everything looked like in a movie”.

A former footballer with Kilrush Shamrocks and Kilrush Rangers, Liam left for Australia in 2022. He lined out with the Shams when they last contested in the Clare SFC in 2021 while he also represented Clare at underage level.

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Plans for €25m community hospital at St Flannan’s refused

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

PLANS to build a €25m HSE community hospital on green space at St Flannan’s College in Ennis have been refused.

An Comisiún Pleanála (ACP) have refused the development, overturning the decision of Clare County Council to grant permission in April 2023. It marks the end of a planning battle dating back to August 2022 when plans were first lodged for the 100 bed hospital.

Teaching staff at St Flannan’s along with its Board of Management had lodged appeals to ACP along with four appeals lodged by residents against the Council permission. A 75 strong group staff objection from St Flannan’s College objected to the planned hospital.

The planning application had the Board of Management and teaching staff at loggerheads with the local Catholic dioceses and Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan who had agreed to sell the diocesan-owned school green space to the HSE. The deal was subject to the HSE securing planning permission for the hospital which was earmarked to replace St Joseph’s Hospital in Ennis.

The planning commission has refused planning permission over the inability of existing Uisce Éireann waste

water infrastructure in Ennis to accommodate the hospital.

In its refusal, the Commission stated that it was not satisfied that the HSE has clearly demonstrated that the proposed arrangements for wastewater disposal from the proposed development, including the manner of the connection to Uisce Éireann infrastructure, are adequate to cater satisfactorily for the

proposed development.

Inspector in the case, Dáire McDevitt recommended a second reason for refusal stating that due to the undertaking of construction works adjoining the proposed hospital site, where Knockanean NS is currently being accommodated, it has changed the baseline environment and therefore the appropriate assessment undertaken and submitted is fundamentally

flawed.

However, that reason for refusal was not adopted by ACP. In the appeal lodged on behalf of the college’s Board of Management, it told the Council that “other suitable sites, which do not cut across existing intensive use by a large proportion of the youth of the area must be available”.

The board of management stated that “it surely cannot be the case that the provision of proper healthcare and the provision of sporting facilities for the youth of the area must be placed in conflict”.

In their objection, the staff told the Council that the hospital proposal “will have a seriously negative impact on the student population of St Flannan’s College”.

They stated that “St Flannan’s College is the only school in the town with the potential to expand if needed.

We believe that it would be incredibly short sighted were the lands to be taken away from any future development.”

They stated that the green field site at St Flannan’s “is the last remaining of its kind in Ennis. Urban sprawl is taking up much more of our green spaces each year. Once built, this land will be gone forever”.

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New hospital with emergency department to be built in Mid-West, confirms Minister

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HOPES of building a new hospital in Clare have been brought back to life with the Minister for Health confirming the Mid-West will have a new hospital built within the next 10 to 15 years.

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (FG) announced on Tuesday that all three options from the HIQA review will be implemented to improve access to emergency health services in the Mid-West.

HIQA’s long-awaited review which was published in September listed three options following its analysis of emergency health care in the Mid-West. Option A is expanding capacity at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), Option B is extending the UHL campus with a new second site in close proximity under a shared governance and resourcing model, Option C is the construction of a new hospital in the Mid-West with a second emergency department. “It is my intention to progress all three options together, immediately with Option A and

l DEVELOPMENT: The HSE Midwest region and (inset) Minister Carroll MacNeill

B, recognising Option C is a medium-term solution,” the Minister confirmed.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio One’s News at One, the Minister refused to be drawn on whether the site of this new hospital would be located in Clare, Limerick or Tipperary. “You’re asking me questions which have commercial implications, it is taxpayer’s money that will be spent to build this hospital,” she stated in response to questions from Rachael English.

She said this was a medium to long-term project

which could be completed within the next 10 to 15 years. “Over the period of the next 10 to 15 years there is no question the Mid-West needs another hospital facility at scale, we will be examining that with the purchase of site and flexibility of how we deliver Option C”. She said further conversations need to take place with colleagues at Cabinet and clinicians, “I’ve gone a bit ahead of the HIQA advice to progress all three options”.

Director of Service for Planning, Economic, Rural

and Community Development with Clare County Council, Jason Murphy last week confirmed that a host of “various sites” have been flagged to the HSE by the local authority as potential locations for a hospital.

Planning permission has been secured for a second 96-bed block at UHL “which is going to tender very shortly,” she outlined.

Capacity exists for additional 66 and 16 bed blocks, the Minister said.

Space is tight at UHL which has limited the expansion plans in Dooradoyle.

“We can’t double the size of the hospital on the site so we have to look at broader and appropriate sites in the region, we will discuss this with clinicians, we know from our experience that more outpatient clinics can

move out from UHL”.

Pain experienced by the people of the Mid-West in attempting to access health services was acknowledged by Minister Carroll MacNeill. The immediate focus is progressing in-patient beds at UHL’s site in Dooradoyle, she said.

Option B will also lead to the creation of an additional hospital, she confirmed.

“We will deliver extra beds but we’re trying to remove services that don’t need to be there”. As part of this removal of services, 10,000 procedures per annum will be removed from UHL and will instead be carried out at a surgical hub. “The scheduled procedures that don’t need to be in acute hospital which should be for very sick people or people who have experienced trauma”.

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‘We could be back here with 10 new dead cattle’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A judge has expressed concern that if a deterrent is not put in place on a County Clare farmer, “we could be back here in three months with 10 more cattle dead and carcasses all over his farm”.

Judge Alec Gabbett made his comment at Ennis District Court before imposing a three month suspended prison term on Patrick Cahir (61) of Buncraggy, Ennis, for the neglect of cattle and sheep at his farm between November 2023 and May 2024.

The court heard that only 16 cattle now remain on Mr Cahir’s farm after the Dept of Agriculture moved in due to the farm having a mortality rate of two to three bovines dying per week in 2023.

As part of the sentence, Judge Gabbett has directed that Mr Cahir comply with all directions of the Dept of Agriculture. Judge Gabbett said that “it is very hard to unsee what I saw here in the pictures provided to the court of the neglect of the animals”.

He said: “One particular photo that stands out is the calf under the gate and left there deceased for a number of weeks. It is very hard to come back from that.”

State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey said that Mr Cahir has agreed to a compliance notice with the Dept of Agriculture which limits his stock to 20 bovines and no sheep.

Mr Cahir’s 200-acre farm had 100 cattle and 200 sheep in 2023 and recalling conditions when he came across on his first visit to the farm in November 2023, Dept of Agriculture veterinary inspector, Andrew O’Connor told the court previously that the “cattle had no fodder. They were hungry. They were lean, in poor body condition and scavenging for anything they could get. There was no grass.”

Mr O’Connor said that the mortality rate was too high at two to three bovines dying per week.

Mr Hassett said that “significant improvements” have been made following the intervention of the Dept of Agriculture. He said that Mr Cahir is also benefiting from the assistance of Teagasc.

In response, Judge Gabbett said: “Teagasc is not going to be there every day and bullocks and heifers can’t feed themselves.

He said: “If he doesn’t turn up at 8am on a Sunday morning they will be bellowing all day for silage that is the problem. In the past, he hasn’t come on certain days and cattle have died - this is the difficulty the court has.”

Mr Hassett said that a suspended prison term would be a significant penalty for a man who has pleaded guilty and has no previous convictions.

In reply, Judge Gabbett said: “What else can the court do in terms of deterrent? Unless there is a deterrent he will slip back into his old ways very quickly.”

In the case, Mr Cahir pleaded guilty to neglect or was reckless regarding the health and welfare of animals, namely sheep and cattle between November 17 2023 and May 23 2024.

Mr Cahir also pleaded guilty to regulations concerning the disposal of carcasses where he had carcasses of animals, namely cattle and sheep on land which a dog may have had access to.

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Clare wind farms pose threat to Irish aviation

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

PLANNED windfarms in South-East Clare have been labelled as a threat to Irish air safety with formal objections lodged by AirNav Ireland and Shannon Airport.

Within South-East Clare, there are proposals for three developments. Ørsted are applying to build 11 turbines with a tip height of 180m in Oatfield. FuturEnergy Knockshanvo DAC is applying for permission t o construct a nine turbine farm in Knockshanvo.

A l l t h r e e prop o s e d developments a r e c l a s s e d a s Strategic Infrastructure Developments and are currently in the planning process which is being considered by An Bord Pleanála (ACP).

Last month, an oral hearing by ACP into a planned 50MW wind-farm was cancelled at the 11th hour. This hearing is in relation to plans of Limerick firm, Ballycar Green Energy for a 12 turbine wind- farm to be located 3km northwest of Limerick city. The proposed 140-hectare site is located within the townlands of Cappateemore East, Ballycannan East, Ballycar South, Ballycar North, and Glennagross.

74 third-party submissions have been received by ACP for this development.

FuturEnergy Ireland has said that the 50MW (Me-

ga-Watt) windfarm would provide enough clean energy to power 48,656 homes annually and save 1.6m tonnes of carbon emissions, estimating a community benefit fund in the region of €6.5m.

AirNav Ireland and the Shannon Airport Group have concerns on the impact to aviation of the Oatfield wind farm. They have objected on three previous occasions to plans at Oatfield by different developers.

In a submission to ACP, AirNav warned, "In relation to the surveillance MSSR beam deflection in the case of Woodcock Hill en route MSSR there are no mitigations possible in our view and in the absence of in-service evidence that wind turbines erected within comparable ranges of enroute radar systems do not generate deflections, AirNav cannot support this development as it stands".

Coverage gaps will arise from the shadows off the turbines posing an additional challenge for air traffic controllers, AirNav warned.

Surveillance (radar) impacts, instrument flight procedures impacts and navigation aids impacts particularly relating to the instrument landing system serving Shannon Airport have been addressed by the developer but remain a concern for AirNav Ireland.

Shannon Airport have stressed that no decision should be made on the development until the data has been collated, assessed and conclusions formed on the assessments of the NAVAIDs and IFP impacts

associated with the Oatfield development.

Safety, compliance and environment manager with Shannon Airport, Paul Hennessy in their submission stated that Shannon Airport recognises and supports the importance of sustainable energy developments, particularly those in and around the Shannon Estuary and “broadly, we remain supportive of initiatives that promote more sustainable energy provided they do not pose a risk to aviation”.

“However in relation to this development referenced above due to the significant impacts identified by AirNav Ireland and in the absence of in-service evidence demonstrating that wind turbines located within comparable ranges of enroute radar systems specifically Woodcock Hill Radar do not interfere with operations, Shannon Airport must strongly object to any further progress on this development".

When questioned by The Clare Echo on whether they could guarantee no threat to air safety a spokesperson for Ørsted outlined, “The Ørsted Onshore Ireland team have a long history of investing in County Clare with Booltiagh Windfarm operating successfully in the community for 20 years.

“Our recent proposal for Oatfield Windfarm is in the planning process.

“We have engaged extensively with all stakeholders, including internationally-recognised aviation specialists, throughout the planning process to optimise the design and await a decision from An Coimisiún Pleanála in due course”.

AirNav to brief councillors on aviation risk from wind farms REPRESENTATIVES from AirNav Ireland and Shannon Airport are to brief Clare County Council on the potential aviation issues caused by planned onshore windfarms in the county, writes Páraic McMahon.

Shannon Airport’s critical role to the economy of the Mid-West was highlighted by Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF) when she asked that the risk of onshore windfarms to aviation in the county be explored.

In a proposal, Cllr Hartigan asked that AirNav Ireland and Shannon Airport representatives brief the County Council “on the issues the industry is facing with regards to onshore windfarms planned in the county”.

Senior executive officer in Corporate Services, John Corry since issued this request to both parties but no official correspondence has been received following receipt of the invite.

Speaking in the Council Chamber, Cllr Hartigan said she has liaised with both AirNav Ireland and the Shannon Airport Group, “they are very keen to come in and speak to elect-

ed members”.

There are “significant concerns that they have on flight paths and aviation radars, these are not minor technical issues. We can all recognise Shannon Airport is critical to the economy of Clare but also to the wider region not just as an employer but for driving connectivity”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) stated, “there is no doubt that everyone in the Chamber has been approached by people in their community. We don’t seem to protect community very well whereas we are good to look after wildlife”. The Kilrush representative said he was “very interested” to hear their contributions in the Chamber.

Elected members would benefit from such a discussion, Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) outlined, “We’ve all been contacted by concerned residents, it would be something to get good and valuable information on”. Support was also issued by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) with Cllr Haritgan hopeful the meeting would be arranged “as soon as possible”.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18 2025

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Delays acquiring Dean’s Field for providing parking in Killaloe

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“I’M not an eejit but I don’t like what I’m seeing,” remarked Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) when criticising the lack of urgency within Clare County Council to improve the provision of parking within Killaloe.

Dean’s Field has been identified for proposed car parking under the Killaloe/ Ballina Town Enhancement & Mobility Plan.

As far back as 2006, Clare County Council identified one acre in Dean’s Field for the provision of 150 car spaces but lack of funding stalled the project. The land is owned by the Killaloe Church of Ireland Vestry.

Approved in January 2022, the pace at which the plans have progressed have irritated councillors with the Council top table blaming “a convoluted” legal process for stalling the development.

Raising the matter before the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) asked the Council for an update on the purchase of Dean’s Field.

Acting senior engineer, Declan Flanagan referenced Dean’s Field inclusion in the Mobility Plan, stating that it would “allow for positive connectivity to Abbey Street,

Royal Parade, John Street and to the recent pedestrianised Killaloe-Ballina bridge with a potential of bring in additional tourism to the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina”.

He outlined that engagements will continue over the coming weeks with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Tipperary County Council and the landowner of the Dean’s field.

Speaking at a Killaloe MD meeting, Cllr O’Brien commented, “We all know Dean’s Field is identified in the Mobility Plan, we need

action. Brian McCarthy (former senior planner) indicated negotiations were ongoing with proprietor of the field, I was of impression that the deal was nearly completed and we could seek funding to complete a necessary piece of infrastructure which is key parking”.

Scarcity of parking exists in Killaloe, Cllr O’Brien flagged. “There’s a few spaces which serve the top of the town, the only other parking for the town centre is in Aldi with 29 spaces which are full 90% of the time”. He added, “Parking in Killaloe for visitors is hugely scarce, it is

problematic for the schools, we’ve St Anne’s Community College with close to 700 students, we’ve a major issue with car parking in Killaloe, we all know it is identified in the plan but I was of impression it was coming on stream and that we’d be talking about design, layout and room for camper vans and coaches”.

On the RRDF funding, Cllr O’Brien remarked, “We got €1m but that has to be shared with Ballina, I don’t think it is a 50/50 breakdown. A car park in Killlaloe is a necessary piece of infrastructure, I’m taken aback and disappointed that we haven’t progressed it to a stage where we’re ready to sign documents. We’ve had major infrastructural changes in Killaloe and our traffic flow system where we had shared facilities with our counterparts in North Tipperary in Ballina, that is no longer an option, they have nowhere to pull up, I’m wondering do people at top table realise how necessary it is for town of Killaloe to progress”.

He added that he was “hugely disappointed, I’ll be bringing up at a higher level”.

Car parking and traffic calming are frequently flagged as “the usual items”, Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) noted

while referencing the villages of Quin and Tulla as other examples. “I support the purchase of the field and the delivery of car parking spaces in Killaloe, it has been highlighted as of great strategic importance as the gateway into Co Clare as part of our spine of tourism going into Lough Derg, in order to open up Killaloe I believe the delivery of car parking spaces is of serious importance”.

Understanding has been provided by elected members in supporting pedestrianisation in Killaloe and the Council must now step up, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) stated. “I can understand his annoyance, this isn’t what we planned for, our understanding is that we were progressing the field, we supported the closure of bridge and the opening of a new one, Killaloe Municipal District facilitated so much, it is time to get pay back, we need to our get ducks in a row”.

Negotiations have been ongoing on the purchase of Dean’s Field, Flanagan told councillors, “There are some legalities that we need to look into. That is where we’re sitting at the moment, we provided temporary use for lands in August and September, they have

been working well with us, there are some legal issues to resolve and they have to be brought to new management”.

Urgency is lacking from senior officials in the Council, Cllr O’Brien stressed. “We have a situation where we’re in negotiations, we have the land which is zoned properly, the owner is willing to sell and Clare County Council is willing to buy, I get back a reply which says it is stalling, I’m reading between the lines, I’m thinking somewhere around the Áras people have got their feet under table and saying section one is done by closing the bridge, the urgency of when bridge opened in May is not there, maybe I am putting one and one together and getting four, I’m not an eejit but I don’t like what I’m seeing”.

He said, “Killaloe desperately needs the parking spaces” and admitted he believed the negotiations were “further down the line”.

Director of Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty advised, “the commitment exists, nobody is dragging their heels, it is in a process and it is a convoluted process. It was not our ambition to lead you down the garden path”.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18 2025

AN COIMISIÚN PLEANÁLA Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended NOTICE OF DIRECT PLANNING APPLICATION TO AN COIMISIÚN PLEANÁLA IN RESPECT OF A STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT (PROPOSED WATER SUPPLY PROJECT EASTERN AND MIDLANDS REGION) County Clare; County Limerick; County Tipperary; County Offaly; County Kildare; South Dublin County.

In accordance with Section 37E of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, Uisce Éireann gives notice of its intention to make an application for permission to An Coimisiún Pleanála in relation to the following proposed Strategic Infrastructure Development (SID) in the townlands of: Roo West, Lakyle, Roo East, Blackwater, Ballyglass, Coolderry, Dromintobin North, Knockbrack Upper, Monaskeha, Cappakea, Bartleystown, Aughboy and Ardataggle Co. Clare; Montpelier and Fairyhall, Co. Limerick; Birdhill, Garrynatineel, Coolnadornory, Kilmaglasderry, Gortybrigane, Knockadromin, Lackenavea (Egremont), Incha Beg, Lackenavea (Dunalley), Greenhills, Kilmastulla, Boher, Cappadine, Ballinteenoe, Killalane, Gortnaskehy, Kilnacranna, Gortmore, Castlecranna, Ballycuddy More, Dromin, Carrigatogher (Abbott), Ballyhisky, Carrigatogher (Harding), Carrigatogher (Ryan), Kilcolman, Carrigatogher Bog (Harding), Carrigatogher Bog (Abbott), Monsea, Tullamore, Carrigatogher Bog (Ryan), Clareen, Belleen Lower, Ballycommon, Richmond, Boolagelagh, Ballyannymore, Ballyanny Lower, Knigh, Drumminascart, Loughourna, Ashleypark, Ballythomas, Ardcrony, Lisgarriff, Ballylusky, Lisnasoolmoy, Drumroe, Corrowle, Eminiska, Hilton, Modreeny, Killurane, Knockanacree, Loughaun, Gortavalla, Cowbawn, Newtown (Hodgins), Newtown (Guest), Behamore (Hawkshaw) and Quakerstown Co. Tipperary; Toora, Derrinclare, Cangort Park, Ballaghboy, Kilmurryely, Galbally, Tonagh, Curralanty, Tubbrid, Boveen, Clonoghil Upper, Rath More, Clonoghil Lower, Gorteenafoly or Newhall, Cree, Kilcolman, Ballyatty, Clonbeg, Clonbrone, Nadneagh, Killeenbreaghan, Fortel, Killaun, Castletown, Ballinree, Oakleypark, Kilmaine, Killyon, Rathgibbon South, Rathgibbon North, Killinure, Streamstown, Breaghmore, Coagh Lower, Cloghanmore, Coagh Upper, Ballyroe, Pass, Kiltubbrid Island, Money, Laughil, Derrinboy, Coolfin Glebe, Killeen and Lugnaboley, Knockhill and Drinagh, Ballindrinnan, Ballynacarrig, Derries, Gortacur, Clonshannagh, Rathrobin, Clondonnell Glebe, Killananny, Annaghmore, Gorteen, Killeigh, Ballinvally, Millbrook, Finter, Raheenduff, Cloncoher, Killellery, Curragh, Derryweelan, Lugmore, Alderborough, Ballyduff South, Dalgan, Clonad, Rathfeston, Island, Gorteenkeel, Clonarrow or Riverlyons, Killoneen, Esker Beg, Drumcaw or Mountlucas, Ballyhugh or Springfield, Ballycon, Newtown, Esker More, Rathlumber, Rathvilla or Rathclonbrackan Ballinrath, Ballykilleen, Ballynakill, Kilcumber, Shean, Cloncant, Cushaling and Codd Co. Offaly; Ticknevin, Kilpatrick, Ballybrack, Drummond, Kilkeaskin, Ballynakill Lower, Parsonstown, Loughnacush, Drehid, Timahoe West, Timahoe East, Coologmartin, Derryvarroge, Derrycrib, Newtownmoneenluggagh, Fanaghs, Cooltrim South, Donadea, Aghafullim, Clonshanbo, Belgard, Farranadum, Baltracey, Raheen, Barreen, Graiguesallagh, Johninstown, Baybush, Newtownmacabe, Barberstown Upper, Barberstown, Barberstown Lower, Castledillon Upper, Ardrass Upper, Reeves, Friarstown, Commons Upper, Kearneystown Upper, Dangan and Kearneystown Lower, Co. Kildare; Ringwood, Colganstown, Commons, Hynestown, Keeloges, Peamount, Loughtown Upper and Milltown, Co. Dublin.

The proposed development will primarily consist of a proposed Raw Water Intake & Pumping Station at Garrynatineel, Ballina, Co. Tipperary; a proposed Water Treatment Plant at Incha Beg, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary; a proposed Break Pressure Tank at Knockanacree, Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary; a proposed Booster Pumping Station at Coagh Upper, Birr, Co. Offaly; a proposed Flow Control Valve at Commons Upper, Celbridge, Co. Kildare; a proposed Termination Point Reservoir at Loughtown Upper, Peamount, County Dublin; c. 172km of pipeline connecting the water infrastructure sites; uprating and associated works to the existing Ardnacrusha – Birdhill 38kV line and Ardnacrusha – Birdhill – Nenagh 38kV line, works at the existing Birdhill 38 kV electricity substation, power connections to infrastructure and all ancillary works above and below ground.

The proposed infrastructure sites and pipelines will consist of the following: 1.

Raw Water Intake & Pumping Station site (RWI&PS) which will consist of: a Bankside Intake Chamber, Raw Water Pumping Station Building, 2 no. Microfiltration Buildings, Electricity Substation, (Totalling 3,165m² Gross Floor Area (GFA), maximum building height of 10.9m over finished ground level); 4 no. surge vessels; associated below ground tanks; 670m access road from the R494; 16 no. car parking spaces; telemetry mast (14.0m height); landscaping, lighting, and other ancillary above and below ground works; on a c. 4.1 ha permanent site at Garrynatineel and Kilmaglassderry, Co. Tipperary, and associated re-profiling works to the Parteen Basin.

2. Raw Water Rising Mains (RWRM) which will consist of twin steel underground pipelines (each 1,500mm diameter) extending 2km from the pumping station at the RWI&PS site to the Raw Water Balancing Tanks at the head of the proposed Water Treatment Plant, laid at a minimum depth of cover of 1.2m above crown of pipe.

3. Water Treatment Plant site (WTP) which will consist of: 2 no. Raw Water Balancing Tanks, 3 no. Water Treatment Module Buildings, 2 no. Sludge Dewatering Buildings, 2 no. Sludge Storage Buildings, Chemical Dosing Manifold Building, Chemical Dosing Building, High Lift Pumping Station, an Electricity Substation, Washwater Settlement building, Control and Visitor Building (Totalling c. 53,300m² GFA, maximum building height of 15.6m over finished ground level); associated pumping stations, lagoons, attenuation pond, above and below ground tanks, 5 no. surge vessels; 640m access road from the R445; 50 no. car and 4 no. coach parking spaces; telemetry mast (14.0m height); ground and roof mounted PV panels; landscaping, lighting, and other ancillary above and below ground structures and works; on a c.31 ha permanent site at Incha Beg, Knockadromin and Greenhills, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary.

4. A single 1,600mm diameter steel underground treated water pipeline (covering a distance of approximately 37km in County Tipperary) extending in a generally north-eastern alignment between the proposed Water Treatment Plant and the proposed Break Pressure Tank, laid at a minimum depth of cover of 1.2m above crown of pipe.

5. Break Pressure Tank (BPT) site which will consist of: a below ground covered Break Pressure Tank (volume 13,776m3); control building (c. 800m² GFA, 7.5m height); 794m access road from the L1064; 10 no. car parking spaces; telemetry mast (14.0m height); ground and roof mounted PV panels; Battery Energy Storage System (BESS); landscaping, lighting, and other ancillary above and below ground works; on a c.7 ha permanent site at Knockanacree Cloughjordan, Co. Tipperary.

6. A 1600mm diameter underground steel treated water pipeline from the Break Pressure Tank extending approximately 133km in a generally northeastern direction passing through counties Tipperary, Offaly, Kildare and Dublin to a proposed Termination Point Reservoir, laid at a minimum depth of cover of 1.2m above crown of pipe.

7. Booster Pumping Station (BPS) which will consist of a Pumping Station building (2,160m² GFA, 7.6m height), electrical substation, 1 no. surge vessel; access from the adjacent L3003; 4 no. car parking spaces; telemetry mast (14.0m height); ground mounted PV panels and associated BESS; landscaping, lighting, and other ancillary above and below ground works; on a c. 2.6 ha permanent site at Coagh Upper, Birr, Co. Offaly, and associated power connection to existing 38 kV substation at Clonoghill Upper, Birr, Co. Offaly; 8. Flow Control Valve (FCV) site which will consist of: an underground chamber, electrical kiosk, access from the adjacent L1016; 4 no. car parking spaces; telemetry mast (14.0m height); ground mounted PV panels and associated BESS; landscaping, lighting, and other ancillary above and below ground works; on a 0.5 ha permanent site at Commons Upper, Celbridge, Co. Kildare.

9. Termination Point Reservoir which will consist of: a c. 8.4 ha permanent extension of the existing Uisce Éireann site; a covered reservoir (capacity 75,000m³, maximum height 11.2m); below ground overflow storage tank (capacity 5,000m³); chlorine dosing building (1,600m² GFA, maximum building height of 8.4m over finished ground level); ground mounted PV panels and associated BESS; 342m access road from the R120; telemetry mast (14.0m height); landscaping, lighting, and other ancillary above and below ground works; on an overall 12.2ha permanent site at Loughtown Upper and Peamount, Co. Dublin.

10. Electrical works consisting of uprating of the existing Ardnacrusha – Birdhill and Ardnacrusha – Birdhill – Nenagh Line38kV overhead line, between Lakyle, Co. Clare and Birdhill substation, Gortybrigane, Co. Tipperary; replacement of polesets/structures with a cable along a section of the Ardnacrusha – Birdhill – Nenagh Line at Gortybrigane, Co. Tipperary; works at the existing Birdhill 38 kV electricity substation, including the provision of a new 38kV gas insulated switchgear building (28m²) associated electrical equipment, and ancillary lighting, fencing and associated works; and a new underground cable connection from Birdhill substation to the RWI&PS along the R494 and to the WTP along the R445.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18 2025

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The proposed development will include the following ancillary elements: • Demolition of existing structures including: derelict petrol station structures at Greenhills, Co. Tipperary, a disused house at Inchabeg, Co. Tipperary, and a farm building at Kilpatrick, Co. Kildare; • 51 no. line valves installed along the RWRM and treated water pipelines, each with an associated above ground kiosk; • Provision of 43 no. lay-bys, to be constructed at line valve locations and the FCV site; • 236 no. washout valves located along the pipeline; • 321 no. air valves located along the pipeline; • 4 no. potential future connection points, at Greenhills, and Newtown (Guest), Co. Tipperary; and Killananny, and Ballyhugh or Springfield, Co. Offaly.

• A generally 50m wide temporary construction corridor, along the pipeline route; • 8 no. temporary construction compounds located at the RWI&PS, WTP, BPT, BPS and TPR infrastructure sites, and at Lisgarriff, Co. Tipperary (12.2ha), Killananny, Co. Offaly (15.6ha) and Drummond, Co. Kildare (13.1ha); • 9 no. temporary pipe storage depots: at Carrigatogher, Co. Tipperary (6.5ha), Toora, Co. Offaly (1.9ha), Boveen, Co. Offaly (4.8ha), Fortel, Co. Offaly (2.4ha), Derrinboy, Co. Offaly (5.8ha), Derryweelan, Co. Offaly (6.2ha), Rathlumber (2.9ha), Co. Offaly, Graiguepottle, Co. Kildare (2.3ha) and Barberstown Upper, Co. Kildare (11.0ha).

All ancillary development above and below ground to facilitate the proposed development.

This application relates to a project which will also require a water abstraction licence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Water Environment (Abstractions and Associated Impoundments) Act, 2022.

The application will be accompanied by a Compulsory Purchase Order under the provisions of the Housing Act, 1966 as amended.

As provided for in Section 41 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, planning permission is sought for a period of 10 years.

The planning application is accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement (NIS).

The planning application, the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement may be inspected free of charge or purchased on payment of a specified fee (which fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost of making such copy) during public opening hours for a period commencing on the 6th January 2026 and ending on the 25th February 2026 at the following locations: • The Offices of An Coimisiún Pleanála, 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1; • The Offices of Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare; • The Offices of Limerick City and County Council, Dooradoyle Road, Limerick; • The Offices of Tipperary County Council, Civic Offices, Nenagh, County Tipperary; • The Offices of Offaly County Council, Áras an Chontae, Charleville Road, Tullamore, Co. Offaly; • The Offices of Kildare County Council, Áras Chill Dara, Devoy Park, Naas, Co Kildare; and • The Offices of South Dublin County Council, County Hall, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

The application may also be viewed/ downloaded on the following website: www.watersupplyproject.ie Submissions or observations may be made only to An Coimisiún Pleanála (‘the Commission’) 64 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1 during the above-mentioned period relating to i. the implications of the proposed development for proper planning and sustainable development, and ii. the likely effects on the environment of the proposed development, if carried out. iii. The likely significant effects of the proposed development on the integrity of a European Site, if carried out.

Any submissions/ observations must be accompanied by a fee of €50 (except for certain prescribed bodies or any landowners affected by the associated CPO application) and must be received by the Commission not later than 5.30p.m. on the 25th February 2026. Such submissions/observations must also include the following information: i.

the name of the person making the submission or observation, the name of the person acting on his or her behalf, if any, and the address to which any correspondence relating to the application should be sent, ii. the subject matter of the submission or observation, and iii. the reasons, considerations and arguments on which the submission or observation is based in full (Article 217 of the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended, refers).

Submissions that do not require a fee, can be made by hand, post, or email to laps@pleanala.ie.

Submissions that require a fee can be made by hand, post, or by the Commissions online strategic infrastructure development submission portal: https://online.pleanala.ie/en-ie/sid/observation.

Any submissions or observations which do not comply with the above requirements cannot be considered by the Commission. The Commission may at its absolute discretion hold an oral hearing on the application. (For further details see ‘A Guide to Public Participation in Strategic Infrastructure Development’ on the Commission’s website www.pleanala.ie) The Commission may in respect of an application for permission decide to – a.

b.

(i) grant the permission, or (ii) make such modifications to the proposed development as it specifies in its decision and grant permission in respect of the Proposed Development as so modified, or (iii) grant permission in respect of part of the Proposed Development (with or without specified modifications of it of the foregoing kind); or refuse to grant the permission.

A decision to grant permission under paragraph (a)(i), (ii) or (iii) may be subject to or without conditions.

• Any person may question the validity of any such decision of the Commission by way of an application for judicial review, under Order 84 of the Rules of the Superior Courts (S.I. No. 15 of 1986, as amended by S.I. No. 691 of 2011), in accordance with Section 50 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended.

• Practical information on the review mechanism can be accessed under the heading ‘information on cases/weekly lists – Judicial Review of Planning Decisions’ on the Commission’s website www.pleanala.ie or on the Citizens Information Service website www.citizensinformation.ie

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18 2025

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‘Awful void’ left in Newmarket-on-Fergus with ‘unfathomable’ loss of GP practice

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

REMOVING GP services from the county’s fifth largest settlement is “unfathomable”, Newmarket-on-Fergus’ sole elected member of Clare County Council has said.

Saffron and Blue Medical Centre in Clarecastle will be transferred close to 1000 medical card holders from Newmarket-on-Fergus from January 1st.

Dr Colum Gavin of Saffron and Blue had been awarded a contract from the HSE in 2020 following Dr Colum Hackett’s retirement in May 2019 with a service provided from a chalet at Carrigoran House since June 2020.

Efforts to find a permanent premises in the village has been ongoing for six years with the HSE stating up to twenty potential sites were viewed. Agreement could not be reached between Saffron and Blue and the HSE on possible Newmarket-on-Fergus premises.

Cllr David Griffin (FF) said the HSE’s announcement that the part-time GP service at Carrigoran would cease from the beginning of January was “hugely disappointing to the community. Significant effort has been put in by the community in recent years to help the HSE source a suitable

The Green in Newmarket-on-Fergus where the GP practice of Dr Colum Hackett was located Photo by Páraic McMahon

premises in our village, and the news that these efforts were unsuccessful to date is unfathomable”.

He told The Clare Echo he would continue “to liaise with our Oireachtas members and lobby the HSE to ensure that the medical needs of our community remain on the agenda.

We are the fifth largest settlement in the county, and it is concerning for the future of all villages if the HSE have been unable to facilitate a GP in our village. As a councillor I

will continue to advocate for a longer-term solution”.

At the most recent sitting of the Shannon Municipal District prior to the HSE’s announcement, Cllr Griffin raised the matter. He tabled a motion seeking support from all elected members of the MD to “support a permanent GP presence within the village of Newmarket-on-Fergus” and for an update to be provided by the HSE “urgently”.

Speaking at the sitting, Cllr Griffin commented, “this is

going on quite some time, we all know the village is without a GP for four years and longer, it is not a Council function but it is something we should keep on the agenda with HSE and powers that be”.

Unsure on the exact amount of medical card holders at the time, Cllr Griffin estimated it was in excess of 800. He described what was on offer in Carrigoran as a “skeleton service”. He stated, “there is a real want in the village and the community to see the return of a GP, I personally don’t mind where in the village it is but on the political side we need to keep this on the agenda”.

Recalling a meeting with a local group “a few years ago,” Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) referenced patients “with mobility issues” are being forced to travel out of the village to get medical services. “Since Dr Hackett left Newmarket-on-Fergus, it has left an awful void”.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr John Crowe (FF) acknowledged the frustration in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

“A lot more areas around will have the same problem in the next year or two. It is a major problem for our area because we will be left without GPs with some of them coming to retirement age”.

€82k to Clare animal charities

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

FOUR Clare charities have been provided almost €82,000 as part of the highest ever awarded animal welfare funding.

Second Chance Animal Rescue, Burren Animal Rescue, Clare Animal Welfare, and Irish Whale & Dolphin Group received a collective €81,950 for their proven track record in education and guidance on animal welfare.

The Animal Welfare Grants Programme provided funding from €4,000 to €931,750 and this year, a total of €6,434,803 in funding was given to 94 animal welfare charities nationwide.

Shannon-based voluntary animal welfare group Second Chance Animal Rescue received the most funding in the county with €31,475.

They find homes for cats, dogs, kittens, and puppies that are unwanted or abused, and also have two catteries in

Labasheeda and Kilmurray McMahon.

Based in Tubber, Burren Animal Rescue were awarded €20,475. They offer animals a place of solace for recovery, a space for mental rehabilitation, friendship, and patience through their rehoming services, virtual adoption services, informative website providing welfare guides for dogs and equines, and online shop.

With the ultimate goal of helping all dogs find a permanent, loving home, Clare Animal Welfare received €20,000 for their work.

The 35-year-old Irish Whale & Dolphin Group were given €10,000 for their campaign for the declaration of Irish territorial waters as a whale and dolphin sanctuary. The Kilrush charity is an all-Ireland sighting and stranding scheme, made up of a diverse group of people with a passion for whales, dolphins, and the marine environment.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18 2025

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Wishing you a safe and peaceful Christmas From all the team at

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18 2025

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Families celebrate Christmas in Bunratty

Gavin O’Leary, Tess, Jamie and Mary Murphy Photos by Ruth Griffin

The Grinch with the Allen and McKeogh family

Martina, Aoife and Orla Gilligan enjoying the Christmas lights at Bunratty Castle

Quinn Hughes enjoying the Christmas celebrations at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

The Behan family

Larkin and Conway family

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18 2025

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ADVERTORIAL

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Losing 4½ Stone Since March 1st, 2025 WHEN I walked into my first Slimming World group on March 1st, 2025, I had no idea just how much my life was about to change.

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One difficult week, I nearly skipped group because I felt embarrassed about a gain. But I went anyway, and instead of judgment, I got support. Hearing others share similar struggles helped me realise I wasn’t failing—I was human.

The transformation has been deeper than I ever imagined.I feel happier, healthier, and more confident. I enjoy moving instead of avoiding it. I laugh more freely. I feel proud of the

person I’ve become One of the best moments so far was when someone I hadn’t seen in months said, “You seem like you again.”

That was such a compliment.

Comments like that help spur me on. This journey isn’t over—if anything, it’s just beginning. Slimming World has helped me rebuild healthier habits, but it’s also helped me rebuild myself.

Through losing weight I’ve sorted out a few health issues. My blood pressure has become normal again and I no longer live with sleep apnoea. That’s a major win for me.

It’s not just weight I’ve lost. I’ve shed self-doubt, guilt, and the belief that I wasn’t worth the effort. I’m finally living life instead of watching it pass me by.

If sharing my story encourages someone else to take their first step, then I’m glad I’ve told it. Because if I can do this—someone who once avoided mirrors and doubted every change—then truly, anyone can.

Mary attended Pamelas’s classes in Ennis.

20

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18 2025

News

Early bird tickets announced for Ennis Book Club Festival 2026 ENNIS Book Club Festival is pleased to announce an early bird ticket offer for a selection of key events in Ennis Book Club Festival 2026, taking place from Friday 6th – Sunday 8th March at various venues throughout the town.

As always, the 2026 Festival, this year in its 20th year, will offer an exciting programme of live events and activities for book lovers of all ages, opportunities to engage with your favourite authors and this year, a great Christmas present for the readers in your life!

The early bird events include Love and Change – new LGBTQ+ Writing, taking place on Friday 6th in the Temple Hate Hotel and featuring authors Chloe Michelle Howarth, Nicola Dinan and Seán Hewitt for a discussion celebrating distinctive narratives and the power of representation. This session promises a chance to engage with fresh stories that expand and challenge the literary landscape.

In a headline Friday night event taking place in glór, Sophie White (Such a Good Couple) and Elaine Feeney

(Let Me Go Mad in My Own Way) will be in conversation with writer and critic Declan Hughes. Irish writers are consistently producing work that is thrilling and unmissable; our guests on this panel will explore the mystery and magic that is behind their latest work.

Hugo Hamilton is one of Ireland’s most critically acclaimed writers. In his latest book, Conversation with the Sea, a man returns to the west coast of Ireland after a 20-year hiatus, bringing only a notebook which he fills with images and fragments. In this discussion with the laureate for Irish fiction, Éilís Ní Dhuibhne, in St. Columba’s Church on Saturday

morning, Hugo will talk about what lies behind the subtle exploration of truth, illusion and memory at the heart of this captivating story of love and displacement.

Ennis Book Club Festival weekend would not be complete without one of the Festival’s most popular events, 10 Books You Should Read, taking place in glór on Saturday morning. This year, 10 Books features guests Bryan Dobson and Cecelia Ahern in conversation with Ciana Campbell, exploring the books that inspire them.

Each guest picks five books to delve into and this event always throws up a few surprises and some great reading suggestions.

Debut Authors taking

place in glór on Saturday afternoon, this year features Elaine Garvey, Claire Gleeson and Shane Tivenan in conversation with cultural sociologist, writer and experimental musician Eoin Devereux. Elaine Garvey sets her debut novel , The Wardrobe Department, in London and Ireland in the colourful world of the theatre; Claire Gleeson’s Show Me Where It Hurts is a novel about how to survive in the face of unbelievable loss whilst Shane Tivenan’s To Avenge a Dead Glacier, is a tour de force that looks with sensitivity and wit on the lives of ordinary outsiders.

Nell McCafferty was one of the most remarkable journalists and campaigners

of recent Irish history. Her immense reputation and outspoken views on women’s rights, gay rights and Irish nationalism helped Ireland move on from an era of stifling social conservatism.

Remembering Nell McCafferty will honour her in a special event with Rosita Sweetman, Ailbhe Smith and Muire McCallion (Nell’s niece), taking place on Saturday afternoon in glór.

Historical Fiction with Sarah Waters, Andrew Miller and Nuala O’Connor will take place in The Temple Gate Hotel on Saturday evening. Historical fiction allows us to step inside the minds of those who have shaped the world we live in, and to imagine the all-too human side of history. This panel will be a discussion with three writers who are masters of their craft, moderated by historian and writer Juliana Adelman.

The Saturday night headline event features Anne Enright in conversation with Niamh Campbell in glór.

The festival is delighted to welcome Anne Enright to explore her writing life and

latest work in a wide-ranging conversation with Niamh Campbell. Attention is a collection of essays in which Anne turns her acute gaze on identity, power, memory and the spaces where personal and public meet. Niamh Campbell’s latest book is Make Strange. She is a winner of the Rooney Prize for Irish Literature and the Sunday Times Audible Short Story Award.

Ennis Book Club Festival is delighted to offer an Early Bird discount: book any 5 or more of the 8 listed events together and receive 10% off.

This offer is available until Wednesday 31st December 2025.

The full list of Festival 2026 events will be released and available to book in midJanuary.

Events will go on sale on www.ennisbookclubfestival. com Please note that some events are of limited capacity, early booking advised.

See www. ennisbookclubfestival.com for full details on all events.

21

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18 2025

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News

22

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18 2025

News

Kilkee woman pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of Kilmurry McMahon teacher A 33-year old Kilkee woman pleaded guilty to the dangerous driving causing the death of ‘inspirational’ school teacher, Michael Lorigan (70).

At Ennis Circuit Court on Monday, Ms Saoirse Lillis McMahon of Moveen East, Kilkee pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of cyclist, Michael Lorigan on August 16th 2023 on the N67 at Baunmore, Kilkee in West Clare contrary to Section 53 of the Road Traffic Act. The fatal road traffic incident occurred at around 12.30pm on the day.

Ms Lillis McMahon is facing other less serious charges concerning the fatal incident and counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL said “we expect that there will be guilty pleas in relation to other matters and some administrative work has to be done in the background first”.

Ms Comerford (instructed

by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said that the guilty plea has been entered at this time “to provide some comfort to Mr Lorigan’s fam-

ily”.

Judge Francis Comerford commented, “The guilty plea is a solemn acceptance of guilt in respect of the death of Mr Lorgan and it is better that it done sooner rather than later”.

Judge Comerford said that as the case involved the loss of the life of Mr Lorigan it is the most serious case that can come before the Circuit Court.

Sarah Jane Comerford said that Mr Lorigan’s widow, Dymphna will be giving a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing and Judge Comerford said that others may want to as well.

Members of Mr Lorigan’s family were in court on Monday for Mr Lillis McMahon’s arraignment hearing.

Judge Comerford asked does Ms Lillis McMahon have any previous convictions and in response, Rebecca Treacy BL said that there are some driving previous convictions.

Ms Treacy (instructed by solicitor, John Casey) asked that the legal aid certificate be extended to cover a psychologist’s report. Ms Treacy

said that Ms Lillis McMahon has been attending a psychologist at Kilrush day hospital.

Ms Treacy also requested a Probation Report and Ms Comerford said that this could be ordered after Ms Lillis McMahon has entered pleas to other charges before the court.

In the case, Ms Lillis McMahon is also charged with drink driving at the same location on the same date where there was a concentration of 93 mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine.

Ms Lillis McMahon is also charged with being under the influence of an intoxicant to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle at the same location on the same date.

Ms Lillis McMahon is also charged with driving without insurance, driving without a valid driver’s licence and driving a defective vehicle at the same location on the same date.

Ms Comerford said that there was no difficulty with Ms Lillis McMahon being remanded on continuing

bail to Ennis Circuit Court on February 3rd next.

Originally from Benvoran, Kilmurry McMahon, Co Clare and living in Kilkishen in East Clare at the time of his death, Mr Lorigan taught for a number of decades at the Model School in Limerick city.

Mr Lorigan taught there from the mid-1970s until his retirement and was remembered as an inspirational, kind, patient, dedicated and wonderful teacher in the many tributes from former students at the time of his death in August 2023.

In later years, Mr Lorigan became a keen cyclist, and took part in the Clare 250 mile cycle many times.

Saoirse Lillis McMahon

23

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

Regional News

Ennis

Ennis motorist reveals shock at lotto win

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

A MYSTERY Clare man has revealed that he “couldn’t believe” his luck when discovering he has landed over €100,000 windfall in the national lottery.

An Ennis man is amongst the biggest Lotto winners in December, a statement from the National Lottery to The Clare Echo has revealed.

Claiming their Lotto Match 5 plus Bonus prize of €122,669 from the December 3 draw was the Ennis man, who picked up his ticket while travelling through C o .

Cork.

H i s winning ticket w a s purchased at Brode r i c k ’s Shop in Midleton, Co. Cork.

Speaking about the win, he told the Lottery team, “I don’t usually play the Lotto, but I stopped for a drink and decided to grab a Quick Pick. A couple of days

lLOTTO: Ennis man wins €122,669

later, I scanned the ticket in the shop and heard the winning sound – I couldn’t believe it!

My family didn’t believe me at first, but now that we’re here, it feels very real.”

The Clare man is looking forward to upgrading his van and plans to put the remainder of the prize towards buying a house.

St Stephen’s night fundraiser in memory of Anne Loftus A COMMUNITY fundraiser in memory of Anne Loftus will take place in Ennis on St Stephen’s night.

The fundraiser will take place at The Old Ground Hotel on Friday, December 26th, with all proceeds going to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. Music will begin at 9:30pm, with €10 admission on the night.

The event is being organised to acknowledge the Trust’s support in helping bring Anne home from San Francisco to Ennis following her passing in October 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Anne, originally from Ennis, had lived in San Francisco for 30 years and was wide-

lIN MEMORY: Anne Loftus

ly known for her warmth, humour and love of life.

Enter tainment on the night will be provided by a line-up of local musicians including Kevin Glynn (Bass), Trevor

Hansbury (Guitar/ Vocals), John Hanrahan (Drums), Seanie Vaughan (Sax) and Fergus O’Sullivan (Vocals), with guest performers also expected.

Organisers say the night will be

a celebration of Anne’s life and a chance for the community to support a charity that helps Irish families at their most difficult times.

Additional free parking announced for Christmas UP to 600 extra carpark spaces are now available in Ennis during peak Christmas shopping times, as people are encouraged to shop and celebrate locally this festive season.

Clare County Council has announced that over 50 free spaces are available at the Old Boys NS until January 5, from 8am to 8pm.

Up to 200 free spaces will also be available at the Holy Family NS on weekends and all day from December 20, 2025, to January 3, 2026, inclusive.

Furthermore, free parking will be available at council offices in Áras Contae an Chláir and Waterpark Campus each weekend before Christmas, as well as Christmas Eve. Clare County Council has also announced that all Ennis public car parks

will be free of charge from 2pm daily, and free all day on Sundays, until January 1, 2026.

Director of Services of Planning, Economic, Rural & Community Development at Clare County

Council, Jason Murphy, said, “Clare County Council is encouraging people to shop locally as much as possible this Christmas. We are fortunate to have a wide range of local businesses offering unique Christmas gifts and services in towns and villages across the county. The new parking measures provided in Ennis this Christmas will provide extra parking spaces to facilitate an increase in shoppers and visitors to the county town during peak Christmas shopping times.”

Private carparks will also be available at usual prices.

A full list of Christmas carparks is now available to view here and on the Clare County Council website, as well as on the council social media pages.

24

Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

West Clare

Lack of progress pushing Greenway off track

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WEST CLARE’s Greenway has gone off track with little momentum exerted to power the project forward.

Several bumps have been encountered along the track for the West Clare Greenway which officials within Clare County Council had initially targeted an opening of 2025 for.

However the project which was first announced in 2019 has recorded little progress.

When local authority officials spoke of their aspiration of a 2025 opening five years ago, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) queried if it was not more accurate to say that the project completion was at least a decade away.

Estimates initially indicated that the project would surpass €80m in costs. The 85km route is split into four sections, Kilrush to Kilkee, Ennis to Ennistymon, Ennistymon to Miltown Malbay and Miltown Malbay to Moyasta.

In April of this year, a funding application for the Ennistymon to Moyasta section of the Greenway was not approved by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

“I have grave concerns for the development of the Gre-

enway project from Ennistymon to Miltown Malbay and Miltown Malbay to Moyasta North,” Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) stated at the time.

TII’s funding allocation for this year did provide €850,000 for the progression of the Kilrush to Kilkee section and earmarked €500,000 for the Ennis to Ennistymon section.

Meetings with affected landowners for the Kilrush to Kilkee section which were scheduled to take place in November did not proceed.

The negotiations according to Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) are “a very sensitive issue”.

Raising the matter before the County Council this month, Cllr McInerney ap-

pealed to the top table to provide an update on the major project.

Despite having every seat full at the top table, none of the Council’s management team able to give an update on where the project was currently at. Director of Service Transportation, Climate Action, Recreation, Environment & Emergency Services, Carmel Kirby stated, “Alan Farrell is dealing with it, there is a meeting with landowners that will be a very important part of the process”.

Council sources have said draft alignment and accommodation drawings have been shared and reviewed with affected landowners for Section 1. Futher discussions are to take place with landowners. Once drawings are finalised, the next step will move to the compensation process.

Regarding Section 2 which is from Ennis to Ennistymon, “work continues on the options selections report,” the local authority advised.

Former senior engineer, Seán Lenihan stated in November 2020 that he expected that the pilot phase of the project would be delivered by 2025 and the entire scheme by 2029.

Footpath to Amigo’s Holiday Park to be built next year

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WORK on providing a footpath from Carrigaholt village to Amigo’s Holiday Park is expected to commence construction “early in the New Year”.

An update on the proposed footpath was sought by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) at a recent sitting of the West Clare Municipal District. Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) seconded his motion.

Senior executive engineer, Alan Kennelly said, “I hope that we will be in a position to commence this project early in the New Year.

The proposed footpath should be of much benefit to the residents of and visitors to Carrigaholt, particularly during the summer.”

Carrigaholt will benefit enormously from the infrastructure, Cllr Keating predicted. “This is great news for Carrigaholt, it is something we’ve been waiting for, for quite a while. The design is done as the engineer said, there

might be one signature outstanding but that has been resolved. It is good to see the work will commence in the New Year”.

His mind then turned to other works in Carrigaholt, “hopefully when the footpath is done, we can do the outstanding works on West Street, the rest of the village has been completed”.

Kennelly was hopeful to outcome of the Section 38 process would be discussed with elected members before Christmas. “Section 38 doesn’t need member approval,” Cllr Shane Talty (FF) flagged with Kennelly confirming, “it is an Executive not a reserved function”.

There are “some concerns locally,” Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) highlighted, “the width of the road is a concern”. The road will not be made wider, Kennelly advised, “There is drainage involved, there is a large drain on footpath and will be pipe across the road. We haven’t made the road any wider, we don’t want people to speed up”.

North Clare Inagh locals willing to support Ballyea bus stop

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN ACTIVE community group in Inagh are appealing to have an additional bus stop.

Three years on from an initial request for a bus stop to be built at Ballyea Cross in Inagh, the matter will once again be brought to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

In 2022, Clare County Council raised the prospect of adding bus stops on the N85 at Ballyea Cross with TII. “The location in question was considered unsuitable on a number of safety grounds,” senior executive engineer in the Council’s transportation section, Anne O’Sullivan recalled.

Cllr Shane Talty (FF) in a motion before the West Clare Municipal District asked the Council, TII and the National Transport Authority to “revisit previous proposals to add Bus Stops at Ballyea Inagh. There is an active community group willing to support any landowner discussions required to facilitate the stops”.

O’Sullivan was not optimistic that the views of TII would have changed in the intervening three years.

Cllr Talty’s proposal was seconded by Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) while Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) stated, “We’ve a really good system running through North Clare, we need to identify markers and have some shelters or a stop there”.

Council receive ‘unreal legal letters’ over hedge cutting

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“UNREAL” legal letters have been received by Clare County Council regarding hedge cutting in 2025.

A rising amount of legal threats were issued to the local authority this year on the subject of hedge cutting.

Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) speaking at a meeting of the West Clare Municipal District remarked, “there was a threat that if something happens I’ll sue you and if you cut my hedge I’ll sue you”.

He was supporting Cllr Joe Killeen’s (FF) call for “a collaborative workshop” between councillors and “relevant Council Staff on roadside hedge cutting in the Municipal District”.

Senior engineer, Cyril Feeney confirmed the workshop would be arranged. “It is the intention that this would be for all Municipal Districts, as this is a topic that is raised in each MD”.

With such a small window for hedge cutting, a stronger plan is needed, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) maintained. “I’ve had a few motions on hedge cutting, I do believe we have to look at in our Municipal Districts especially our regional roads which are the main arteries, the national secondary roads are being cut at the moment, we’ve a small window over the winter, the end of February is the last time we can cut them”.

Engineers in the West Clare MD, Alan Kennelly

and Tony Neville confirmed work has started on the N67 and N85.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) said they have brought in the IFA and the County Council’s solicitor “to explain who is responsible” for hedge cutting on certain pieces of land. “I don’t think a workshop will work on,” he admitted.

25

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

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Contributors

Decorating your flower pots for Christmas CHRISTMAS time is a busy time, but let’s not forget the joys it brings too; The days are nice and crisp, when dry, it’s nice to be out, and the garden is asleep for the most part with some shrubs looking very nice this time of year.

The holly tree and the viburnum are very

lCHRISTMAS: Holly and primroses

popular this time of year. We also have other shrubs that can be lovely features in pots, such as ferns or even carex grasses.

To dress up your containers, pots can be easily done. You can have a mix shrub display, like a tall berry tree with some

ivy. This can be dressed up with a Christmas pick, like a Santa or a robin pick, to add a bit of a Christmas feeling to it.

For a more flowery selection, I like cyclamen. I add grit around them to help with longevity and use the primrose as a lower piece. This is also a nice display. There are so many ways to be creative!

Christmas time means gifts, and we have lots to avail of.

As always, we customise to suit your requirements. Whether it’s an arrangement or lovely Christmas pots, we have something to suit all your needs.

Centrepieces are available and lots of gift arrangements too. With such a wide range, we are sure to have something to suit everyone.

Let me take this opportunity to thank you all for the support throughout the year and to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year!

lBLOSSOMS ON THE GO: viburnum

26

Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

East Clare

‘Dream come true’ for Scariff Bay Community Radio to sign full-time broadcasting contract

by Páraic McMahon

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

paraic@clareecho.ie

SCARIFF BAY Community Radio has been awarded a ten year broadcasting licence.

For the first-time, Scariff Bay Community Radio (SBCR) has signed a full-time broadcasting contract in what is a historic step for popular East Clare station.

Newly elected Chairperson of SBCR, Pat O’Brien put pen to paper on the contract at the headquarters of Coimisiún na Meán in Shelbourne Buildings on Dublin on Monday alongside SBCR Compliance Officer Tom Hanley, co-founder and station manager Jim Collins, board member Pat McNamara and PRO Eoin O’Hagan. Broadcast Commissioner Aoife MacEvilly oversaw the signing of the new deal.

Jim Collins, the chief driving force of the station since its first broadcast in August 2015 said securing the ten-year licence was a “dream come through”.

A decade ago, he floated the idea of launching a radio station to serve the local community. “Our first broadcasts were from a broom closet in Scariff GAA but we soon outgrew this tiny space as our schedule and roster of volunteers grew. With the support of Scariff GAA and later the Derg Active Alliance

Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience records 5,784 admissions in opening season

 BROADCASTING: Board members of SBCR, Eoin O’Hagan, Jim Collins, Pat McNamara, Tom Hanley and Pat O’Brien sign the contract

Group, Scariff Bay Community Radio moved into a first floor meeting room which we utilised as a studio, before building a fit for purpose radio studio on the ground floor of the Derg Active Alliance Building where we now broadcast from,” he reflected.

Part of its growth includes jumping from a team of six people to a roster which now have over eighty volunteer broadcasters, sound engineers and producers, The Local Media Show which stemmed from an idea by Pat O’Brien has gained a strong reputation for its dissection of the

local newspapers in Clare. The addition of young broadcasters, Stephen Minogue and Isabella Danaher has also showcased the station’s ability to hone the abilities of up and coming reporters.

As a result of securing the ten year licence, SBCR will broadcast on FM (88.3 and 92.7FM) on Friday evenings as well as all day Saturday and Sunday.

The station will also be on FM for St Patrick’s Day, Christmas Day and other special occasions which may fall on weekdays.

Online broadcasting will continue.

SENIOR TOURISM officials have said they are not disappointed with the county’s newest attraction welcoming under 6,000 visitors in four months.

Located in the restored rectory in Mountshannon, the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience opened at long last to visitors this summer with an official opening held in September at the end of the tourist season.

Clare County Council acquired the Rectory in 2021 and the Visitor Centre was part of an overall €5.3m refurbishment project in Mountshannon.

From its opening on June 25th to its closing on October 26th, there was a total of 5,784 visitors to the Inis Cealtra Visitor Experience which had free admission for the 2025 season.

Over the course of sixteen weeks, 419 visitors availed of boat trips to Holy Island which were booked via the Clare Tourism Development DAC operated portals.

The boat trips operated from July 7th to September 14th with four sailings per day seven days per week and on week-

ends only with three sailings per day from September 15th to October 26th.

Theresa Hughes Lannon, Administrative Officer, Tourism. Festivals & Events with the Council detailed that they ran a social media brand awareness campaign from June 9th to October 26th. “This campaign generated a total reach of 166,300, total impressions of 532,211 and total clicks of 1123”. She said a second campaign promoting the boat trips “ran from mid-July 2025 to the end of October 2025 generating a total

reach of 45,799, total impressions of 99,126 and total link clicks of 2,452”.

Director of Services for Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty stated, “We opened it late in season, we didn’t do any significant advertising campaign, it is local interest and word of mouth. We’re not disappointed with it. We have a good start made”.

She continued, “Next year we will see an improvement on it but it is a good start”. McNulty said an opening date for 2026 was not confirmed but was aiming for “around St Patrick’s Day”.

OÍCHE SHAMHNA: Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Gordon Daly, Director of Tourism Development, Siobhán McNulty, Minister of State, Timmy Dooley (FF), Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) and Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Pat Burke (FG)

Photo by Brian Arthur

CÓRAS NUA RABHAIDH BRAITE TRAENACH Tá córas rabhaidh braite traenach suiteáilte ag Iarnród Éireann - Irish Rail i gContae an Chláir ag an gCrosaire Comhréidh XE056 in aice le Cluain Ráda Mór, Inis, Contae an Chláir ar an líne idir Luimneach agus Baile Átha an Rí.

Soláthraíonn na córais seo faisnéis fheabhsaithe faoi thraenacha atá ag teacht agus cuidíonn sé le húsáideoirí na gcrosaire comhréidhe a chinneadh cén uair a bheidh sé sábháilte an líne iarnróid a thrasnú. Beidh feidhm leis na córais seo an tseachtain dar tús an 15 Nollaig, 2025.

DEARG

Ná trasnaigh

ORÁISTE

tabhair aire agus tú ag trasnú

Bí ag súil i gcónaí le traein

NEW TRAIN DETECTION WARNING SYSTEM Iarnród Éireann - Irish Rail has installed train detection warning systems in Co. Clare at Level Crossing XE056 near Clonroad More, Ennis, Co. Clare on the Limerick to Athenry Line.

The objective of these systems is to provide level crossing users with improved information about the approach of trains and to assist with user’s determination of when it is not safe to cross. These systems will become operational during week commencing December 15th, 2025.

RED

Do Not Cross

ORANGE Cross With Caution

Always expect a train

IE WARNING SYSTEM CLAIRE ECHO 157x265 BG.indd 1

09/12/2025 11:02:52

27

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

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Shannon

Shannon man goaded Gardaí on social media with ‘catch me if you can’ message

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A 26 YEAR OLD Shannon man goaded Gardaí on social media with a ‘catch me if you can’ type message as officers were searching for him concerning alleged assaults committed by the man, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court, Det Sgt Kevin O’Hagan gave details of Garda efforts to apprehend Daniel Harty Jnr of Inis Eagla, Shannon concerning three alleged assaults he carried out on three males in Shannon on October 26th last.

During a contested bail hearing, Det Sgt O’Hagan stated that Garda were looking for Mr Harty in relation to the assault matters before the court having called to his house on numerous occasions looking for him.

He said, “When we were looking for him on this investigation he even posted on social media goading Gardaí with a ‘catch me if you can’ kind of message”.

Det Sgt O’Hagan made his comments when objecting to bail for Mr Harty and after Judge Fiona Brennan remanded Mr Harty in custody, solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick for Mr Harty told the court that Mr Harty was previously the victim of a shooting.

Mr Fitzpatrick asked that security measures be put in place when Mr Harty is brought to prison telling Judge Brennan that “there is an active threat on his life”.

In 2023 at the Central Criminal Court, Tony McInerney (30), formerly of Glenina, Gort Road, Ennis, Co Clare, was jailed for 17 years for the attempted murder of

Mr Harty at Pound St, Sixmilebridge on January 18th, 2020.

Concerning the three assault charges against Mr Harty from October 26th last at Bru na Sionna, Det Sgt O’Hagan told the court that “all are very serious offences and the evidence is very strong”.

In the case, Mr Harty is charged with the assault causing harm of Conor Kelly and Alex Horgan and the assault of Dylan Fitzgerald.

Det Sgt O’Hagan said that it will be alleged that shortly after 6pm on October 26th, Mr Harty assaulted Conor Kelly with the result of Conor Kelly being knocked unconscious and lying on a roadway in the Bru na Sionna area.

Det Sgt O’Hagan said that it will be alleged that Mr Kelly received kicks and punches from the accused where Mr Harty allegedly struck Mr Kelly eight times with head punches and face punches.

In relation to the alleged assault on Alex Horgan, Det Sgt O’Hagan said that it will be alleged that Mr Harty kicked him twice in the head while on the ground and there were others also involved in the assault on Mr Horgan.

Det Sgt O’Hagan said it is his belief that the matters will be dealt with in the Circuit Court.

He said that unfortunately none of the three alleged victims have made statements of complaint to the Gardai. Det Sgt O’Hagan said that it will be alleged that Daniel Harty was “the main aggressor”.

Refusing bail, Judge Brennan remanded Mr Harty in custody to appear via video link from prison at Ennis District Court on December 17th next.

Regional News

Attempts to build 400m running track continue

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

SHANNON Athletic Club’s efforts to build a 400m running track continue as they reapply for the first time since their revival.

Shannon Athletic Club (AC) has reapplied for permission for an Olympic running track with track facilities, an enlarged car park, floodlighting, and changing rooms after receiving €740 funding from The Clare County Council under the Clare Local Area Grant Scheme 2025. This is the first attempt made by the club to continue building the track since its suspension in 2020.

The Clare Local Area Grant Scheme encourages and assists community and voluntary groups to take part in the development of their communities and improve the quality-of-life experience in their areas. After being awarded €740, Shannon AC were able to hire a new planner and pick up where they left off on the 10-year-long attempt at building a 400m running track.

The sports club based in Tullyvarraga were originally conditionally granted permission for the development in 2015 and was further granted an Extension of Duration in 2020 for another five years (July 31 st , 2025). However, according to Planning Consultant Andrew Hersey in November of this year, “This extension has now expired and the works are not completed on site.”

In 2020, it was noted in a Planner’s Report that “a portion of the development has commenced, namely a section of the running track. However, none of the buildings have commenced.”

The 3.130-hectare site to the south of Shannon Town currently contains the exist-

ing grounds of the athletics club, with a portacabin and floodlighting. Assistant Planner Garreth Ruane and Senior Executive Planner Brian McCarthy stated in a 2015 report, “Parts of the grounds have become dilapidated and do not appear to have been used in some time.”

The track is planned to surround a sports field containing a hammer and discus cage, pole vault, and shot put, with a long jump track just outside the track. The changing rooms would consist of a small toilet block, decorated with black powdercoated metal cladding and larch cladding details.

According to Shannon Community Partnership, a community development advocating for improved services and facilities in Shannon, Shannon and the surrounding area do not have any athletics facilities, apart from the 100m track currently on the Shannon AC site. On their website, they add, “A full 400m track will provide an additional sporting option for the area.”

Shannon AC announced on Facebook the continuation of the development since their reestablishment last year. In November, they posted, “It’s been months (ok… YEARS!) of hard work, fundraising, emails, meetings, coffees, more meetings, and a few grey hairs - but today is a MASSIVE milestone for Shannon Athletic Club and for the future of sport in our town.”

“Just imagine… Kids sprinting their hearts out, future champions discovering new talents, international standard facilities right here in Shannon, a place where the whole community can walk, run, roll, throw and grow together…

The future of Shannon starts here.”

Shannon AC was first estab-

lished in 1969, but was forced to suspend in 2020 due to the pandemic. In 2023, a meeting was organised to assess the level of interest within the community. With an overwhelming response of locals eager to join the club, a new committee was formed to revive Shannon AC. Since last year, Shannon AC have been fighting to improve their facilities and numbers, now having over 235 members and counting.

In 2024, the club were able to reopen, and with the help of Contractor John Crowley, they started working on improving their facilities: Clearing and levelling the grounds to ensure safety and usability, installing gravel layers at the entrance for better accessibility, constructing a secure wooden fence, building a perimeter jogging track, and upgrading and repositioning lighting fixtures.

As well as this, former Councillor Gerry Flynn assisted in securing funding to develop a brand-new, gravel-layered car park, accommodating approximately 40 cars. Shannon AC’s new Layout Plans now show the site’s carpark to facilitate a total of 107 car parking spaces, including three disability spaces, and four coach spaces.

The plans for this site date back as far as 2004, when the club were granted permission to construct “dressing room facilities, car parking, boundary fencing, entrance, floodlighting, to service proposed all-weather facilities incorporating a 400 metre running track, all all-weather training facilities, and all associated ancillary site works.”

A decision will be made about this proposal by January 29th, and public submissions can be made up until January 8th.

Senior citizens attend Christmas party OVER 200 senior citizens attended the annual Christmas party in Shannon on Tuesday.

The Goalpost Bar owned and operated by Wolfe Tones GAA club was the setting for the Christmas party.

Senior citizens from Shannon, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Sixmilebridge, Cratloe and Bunratty were in attendance where they were treated to tea, coffee and sandwiches from Tea and Tones with Zest providing cakes and buns.

Music from St Tola’s NS, St Aidan’s NS, St Connaire’s NS and Gaelscoil Donncha Rua set the scene with local singer Mikie Wall also singing some tunes. Helpers were on hand from Ei Electronics, Premier Investigation, Shannon Fire Station, AIB and An Garda Síochána. Gift vouches from Denver Morrissey Butchers, Tesco and Easons were among the prizes in the raffle.

l CELEBRATIONS: Inspector Morgan O’Donoghue, newly appointed HR manager at Ei Electronics Marie Goggins, Production Supervisor at Ei Margaret Whelan, Superintendent John Ryan and Garda Tom Downey

Photo by Joe Buckley

28

Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Gort & South Galway

Ennis man opens Galway’s first coffee drive-thru

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN ENNIS man is behind the opening of Galway’s first coffee drive-thru.

Conor Mullen has partnered with James Leonard to open Jack & Harry’s Drive Thru Coffee which is located on the Tuam Rd in Claregalway and employs ten people.

A two-time Oscar Traynor with Clare, Conor has teamed up with James who himself has won multiple Sligo SFC titles with Tourlestrane for the new venture. The duo both have worked together for the past thirteen years with IrishJobs.ie.

Jack & Harry’s is a name with great personal meaning for the duo, Conor outlined. “I came up with the name a couple of years ago. Me and James were chatting about it, James’ eldest son is called Jack, my only son is called Harry, we were chatting about if we ever got a site and what we’d call it, he has Coláiste Laichtín and I have Hustle, we said Jack and Harry’s has a nice ring to it, it is the two sons.”

Other business interests of the duo include Conor owning Hustle Fitness which has facilities in Ennis, Shannon and Galway while James owns Coláiste Laichtín, an Irish college on Inisheer.

James’ commute up and down from Sligo to Galway showed “there was never anywhere healthy to get something quick and easy which wasn’t bad for you,” Conor explained.

“I’ve always had an interest in it, it is always something I’ve wanted to dip my toe in, a café, restaurant, pub scene because I worked in pubs all up along as a teenager so I’ve a bit of a background in it. We said that the drive-thru model had potential, my wife Rachel has travelled in Australia and there’s plenty of them over there so it was a model we always had in our heads”.

Similar models have become popular in Ennis, Inagh, Lissycasey and Coonagh but this venture is unique to the Galway market. “It is the first drive-thru which does fresh sandwiches. Since we’ve opened, there’s been a few replicas to try take us on but our model is unique in the sense that we have multiple staff on at any given time, all our food is cooked from scratch so there is actually a kitchen in the forty-foot container”.

Though only open a month, Mullen is already looking towards expanding the model. “We do want to go for more lo-

l DRIVE-THRU COFFEE: James Leonard and Conor Mullen

cations. We’re always on the look-out for more locations but it is very hard to get them these days, if anyone is reading this article and they are a business owner with land or feel they could potentially lease a site, definitely reach out to us”.

An emphasis is placed on fresh and healthy food with porridge cooked every morning, the offering also includes overnight oats and sausage rolls “cooked from scratch” with four types of sandwiches available from lunch plus acai bowls and some sweet treats. “It is not one of the ones where it is prepacked food like the Ryanair model where it’s all microwaved, everything is freshly cooked. We’re only opened a month now, we’ve had thousands of customers through the door, we’ve had plenty of teething issues and we’ve made loads of mistakes but we’re learning from them”. Open from 06:30 to 18:30 from Monday to Friday and 08:00 to 16:00 on weekends, activity has been busy in its opening month.

He stressed, “People’s lives are only getting busier and busier, James has three young kids, I’ve a young lad, we know how tough it is if you are going from camogie training to basketball to soccer, you haven’t got ten minutes to jump out and go do the mini-shop before getting back into the car. From a speed perspective, and to make life easier we thought this could work, let’s offer really good quality food and make sure it is nice and quick.”

Beacon Recrutiment founded by Clarecastle’s Kieran McDermott were the “one-stop shop” for hiring and sourcing the chefs who provided training. Jack & Harry’s are supplied by Calendar Coffee who also oversaw the barista training. “They came in and gave all our staff barista training, it was fairly intense,” Conor reflected.

Mindset shifts towards health and wellbeing has led to increased opportunities for businesses in the fitness and coffee space. “The trends have changed in that people are not going out every Friday, Saturday and Sunday like they were ten or fifteen years ago and having heavy drinking sessions, people’s mindsets have changed and COVID changed a lot of people.

I know people would prefer to spend €30 to go have a couple of coffees, acai bowls and sandwiches, go walking with their friends on a Saturday morning with the dogs rather than going out with their friends on a Friday night having ten pints and waking up with a stinking hangover,” Conor added.

Photo by Saibh McDermott

Community water quality forum launched in Loughrea

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NEW pilot river catchment programme has been launched in Loughrea.

Last month, the Local Authority Waters

Programme (LAWPRO) launched the new Galway Bay South East Catchment Community Forum at an inaugural at Comworks in Loughrea.

It is one of five pilot river catchment projects across Ireland, established under the

l NEW FORUM: Luke Drea, LAWPRO Senior Community Water Officer in the Western region, addressing the members of the Galway Bay South East Community Catchment Forum

new River Basin Management Plan to support public participation. The meeting was follow-on from previous scoping meetings to figure out the most suitable format for communities around Galway Bay to deliver better water quality.

Representatives from Cuan Beo, Irish Farmers Association, Abhainn Dá Loilíoch Woodland Group, Oyster Country Heritage Group, Burren Action Group, Gort River Walk, Talamh Beo, CELT, Atlantic Technological University Galway, and Bord Iascaigh Mhar form part of the Galway Bay South East Catchment Community Forum.

Other members include representatives from local community groups, agriculture, angling and recreational interests. Further applicants from north of the catchment and the forestry sector are still welcome.

John Kelly and Aisha Phillips, a local farmer and member of Loughrea Tidy Towns respectively were elected as Co-Chairs of the forum. LAWPRO will continue to provide secretariat support to the forum as agreed in the initial scoping meetings.

Actions agreed for the group going forward include working on catchment scale projects, promoting local public awareness and understanding of water quality issues, and developing greater collaboration and cooperation

across the Galway Bay South East Catchment. Their next meeting has been scheduled for early 2026.

Luke Drea, Senior Community Water Officer for LAWPRO in the Western region explained: “The purpose of the Galway Bay South East Catchment Community Forum is to identify what the members, assisted by LAWPRO, see as the priorities for the catchment and then to develop a plan of action to address these issues”.

In a joint statement, the Co-Chairs stated, “The Galway Bay South East Catchment is a diverse and unique catchment that extends from the Slieve Aughty mountains in the East to Galway Bay in the West. The water that connects these and the communities that it flows through need to be protected and restored. The Galway South East Catchment Community Forum is about bringing together communities with an interest in improving and protecting water quality in the catchment, and giving them a strong voice in how it is looked after into the future”.

For more information about the Galway Bay South East Catchment Community Forum and LAWPRO’s work, contact Janet Laffey, LAWPRO Community Water Officer covering East Galway and Roscommon at jlaffey@lawaters.ie.

29

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

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Thought for the week Christmas in a wounded world

Nollaig mhór mhaith dhaoibh uilig!

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY CHRISTMAS comes again. Lights shimmer. Carol’s rise. Laughter fills homes. Tables overflow. Children run with joy. We call it the most wonderful time of the year.

And yet, beneath the music, another sound is heard, that of the quiet cry of the world.

Christmas does not arrive in a peaceful world. It never has. The first Christmas came under occupation and fear. A ruler planned murder. A family fled in the night.

Innocents died. Mothers wept.

And still, God came anyway.

We have watched the world grieve during the past year and we recognise the grief. Fifteen people were murdered for celebrating Hanukkah. Children and families killed and maimed in so many wars and conflicts across our world. A four-year-old boy, Tadhg Farrell, burned to death in his own home. His grand-aunt killed. His grandmother fighting for life. These are not statistics.

They are names. Faces. Beloved, irreplaceable lives. Christmas in22 sists on this truth: God does not hover safely above our pain. God Contributors enters it. God lies down in it. God weeps within it.

What unsettles us most is not

only the violence, but how familiar it feels. It is moral exhaustion.

Christmas disrupts that numbness. It refuses to let us normalise the unbearable. The child in the manger is not protected from the world’s violence. He grows into it.

That is why Christmas matters.

God’s sign is not dominance, but vulnerability. Because He came, God is not absent from grief. Because He came, love is stronger than death. Because He came, violence does not get the final word.

Because He came, we are accountable, not to despair, but to hope made real. Christ’s birth calls us to gratitude, repentance, forgiveness, courage, and compassion. To centre our lives on Him. To embody His love every day. Because He came, be the Christmas Spirit in a wounded world that enters places of pain. That refuses hatred. That insists every life matters. That protects the vulnerable before tragedy strikes. That chooses love when fear feels easier. This is not sentimental. It is fierce. Demanding.

Courageous. Because He came, be the Christmas Spirit not just at Christmas, but all year long.

Thought for the Week As your thought for the week, let this Christmas, allow grief to unsettle you, not into despair, but into wisdom. Ask yourself honestly, Where am I being called to act, not just feel? Whose dignity depends, in some small way, on

Contributors

my courage? What would it look like to live Christmas and not just celebrate it?

Choose one concrete act of love this week. One act of generosity.

One act of attention. One refusal to accept what should never be normal. Reflect on how your actions bring Christ alive to those you serve and how they change you from within. Ask: Who is waiting for the gifts I am keeping? Who is God calling me to see, serve, and bless?

Christmas is God’s sign of affection for this world, as it is. God has not walked away. God has come closer. May we recognise Him in the manger, in the grieving, in the hungry, in the wounded, and in one another. And may this Christmas not leave us unchanged.

Let me leave you with one of my Christmas Prayers, “God of mercy, born into a wounded world, hold close all who grieve, those who have buried children, those shattered by violence, hate, war and conflicts, those whose homes are no longer safe. Break our hearts open, not hard. Disturb our comfort. Strengthen our courage.

Teach us gratitude, forgiveness, hope, and fierce love. May we welcome You not into tidy celebrations, but into the real, trembling, compassionate hearts where You choose to dwell. This Christmas, make us instruments of Your peace not tomorrow, not someday, but now. Amen”.

DIA dhaoibh! Cén chaoi bhfuil sibh?

Níl mórán le rá agam an tseachtain seo ach go bhfuil súil agam go mbeidh Nollaig dhraíochtúil, shona agaibh, agus go mbeidh an bord ag cur thar maoil leis an mbia agus deoch is fearr agaibh! Agus bainigí sás as an t-am deas sin idir dhá Nollaig.

Make sure to listen to a bit of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, watch a bit of TG4, and check out amhráin Nollag on spotify etc.

Go dtí an bhliain seo chugainn, tógaigí go réidh é agus Nollaig Shona!

Gluais/Glossary (Irish/Gaeilge – English/Béarla): l Nollaig mhór mhaith dhaoibh uilig! - A very Merry Christmas to you all! l Níl mórán le rá agam an tseachtain seo – I don’t have that much to say this week l Nollaig dhraíochtúil – A magical Christmas l Ag cur thar maoil – Overflowing l Idir dhá Nollaig – Between two Christmases (Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day) l Amhráin Nollag – Christmas songs l Dinnéar Oíche Nollag – Christmas Eve dinner l Dinnéar na Nollag – Christmas dinner l Lá an Dreoilín – The Day of the Wren (St. Stephen’s Day) l Fuílleachaí bia – Leftovers l Oíche Chinn Bhliana – New Year’s Eve l Lá Nollaig Beag – New Year’s Day (Little Christmas)

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook, Instagram agus Twitter (X)muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com. Is féidir r-phost a sheoladh chugainn má bhíonn scéal ar bith agaibh nó imeacht Gaeilge éigint ag tarlú in bhur gceantar, ag macallaanchlair@ gmail.com Imeachtaí/Events: Dec 12, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO l 24ú Nollaig, Dinnéar Oíche Nollag (iascThursday, b’fhéidir?) l 25ú Nollaig, Dinnéar na Nollag l 26ú Nollaig, Imeachtaí Lá an Dreoilín l 27ú Nollaig, Ceapairí le fuílleachaí bia dhinnéar na Nollag l 31ú Nollaig, Oíche Chinn Bhliana l 1ú, Eanáir, 2023, Lá Nollaig Beag – á thógáil go réidh

Harbour Christmas roast turkey An Teach Bia Mhaith Roast Turkey Ingredients

l30ml rapeseed oil or vegetable oil l1 x 5kg/11lb good-quality turkey l40g butter, softened to room temperature l1 onion, roughly chopped l1 carrot, roughly chopped l2 sticks of celery, roughly chopped l3 Bay Leaves lBunch of thyme l3 sprigs of rosemary l1 bulb of garlic, broken not peeled l2 pinches sea salt l2 pinches freshly ground white pepper l300ml water lsalt and freshly ground black pepper l1-2 tsp ground arrowroot or cornlflour(depending on how thick you like your gravy), dissolved in 1 tbsp cold water Method Step 1: Remove the turkey from the fridge and bring to room temperature - this will take at least an hour. When you are ready to cook, preheat the oven to 230C Step 2: In a large, heavy based roasting tray,

sweat off all vegetables, onion, carrot, celery, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary and garlic. This will be your base to place the turkey on.

Step 3: Soften the butter, then season with the salt and freshly ground white pepper.

Step 4: Using a pastry brush or your hands, smear the seasoned butter all over the turkey.

Try and get butter up in between the skin and flesh of the turkey, you do this by pulling back the skin.

Step 5: Put some of the vegetables and herbs inside the cavity of the turkey.

Step 6: Place the turkey on top of the remaining vegetables, then roast in the oven for 30 minutes. Baste turkey intermittingly.

Step 7: Reduce the oven temperature to 160C. Step 8: Pour the water into the roasting tray, then return the turkey to the oven and continue to cook for a further 1 hour, keep basting intermittingly.

Step 9: At the end of the cooking time, test that the turkey is cooked through by inserting a probe into the thickest part of its thigh. The temperature should be 75C. Remove the tur-

key from the oven and transfer the bird to a large, deep-sided tray, reserving the roasting juices. Set the turkey aside to rest for a minimum of 30 minutes Step 10: Now your gravy, return the roasting tray used to cook the turkey to the stove top.

Bring the cooking juices to the boil over a medium heat, scraping up any burned bits from the bottom of the tray using a wooden spoon Step 11: Collect the juices released by the turkey as it was resting and add them to the gravy. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper, if needed.

Step 12: Reduce the heat until the gravy is simmering, then stir in the dissolved arrowroot or cornflour and cook until the gravy has thickened to your preference.

Sep 13: Strain the gravy through a fine sieve into a warmed jug. Keep warm.

To serve: bring the turkey to the table and carve into slices. Pour over the gravy.

Enjoy.

30

Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Green Clare

Ennis cafés unite to launch Cupa an Chláir

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FOUR ENNIS cafés have come together to introduce Cupa an Chláir.

In a bid to reduce the prevalence of single-use coffee cups, Sweet n Green Café, Sourdo’Farrell, Beo The Well and Kaiféin have launched Cupa an Chláir.

At a cost of €6, the reusable Cupa an Chláir can be purchased at any of the four Ennis cafés. Customers will then have the option to bring their cup back to be swapped for a freshly washed one or they can keep reusing their own Cupa an Chláir.

Full returns are made at the café where the cup was originally purchased.

Initial conversations on the project began over a year ago when a host of different café owners came together in a bid to help the environment and improve sustainability. Ennis Tidy Towns are also involved in the initiative.

Co-owner of Sweet n Green, Siobháin Landy is one of the central figures behind the initiative, “It is all about trying to reduce single use cups”. Previous attempts have been made by Sweet n Green to get customers taking ceramic cups and to-go cups but both trials were interrupted by the pandemic.

“I was always very passionate about this, I was thinking of having a Sweet n Green styled cup ready for Christmas but I said it

SUSTAINABILITY: Sharon Connellan and Aoibhin Garrihy of Beo, Siobháin Landy of Sweet n Green, Ennis Tidy Towns Chairperson Mary Howard, Kaiféin’s Sam Miotto and Sourdo’Farrell founder Keith O’Farrell

Photo by John O’Neill

would be great to reach out to other cafés and see if we could all do something together. It has been done before in other towns, there’s a pilot project ongoing in Killarney with reusable cup schemes also running in Fermoy and Dun Laogháire.”

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Siobháin flagged that many coffee drinkers are unaware their single-use cups are not compostable and end up in landfill.

91 bicycles donated in reuse scheme

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

91 BICYCLES have been donated by the Clare public as part of a bike reuse initiative.

Completed in the month of October, the bike reuse initiative was a partnership between Clare County Council’s integration and environment

teams along with Clare Sports Partnership.

Bikes were accepted at the Central Waste Management Facility in Inagh, with environmental community wardens assisting some members of the public with transport to make donations. The bikes were then sent to Landscape

CYCLING: Back-Front (L-R): Áine Sexton, Principal, Mullagh NS; Margaret Cleary, SNA, Mullagh NS; Connie Sexton, Class Teacher, Mullagh NS; Enda Breen, Apprentice, Environment Department, Clare County Council; Padraig McMahon, Integration Support Worker, Rural & Community Development & Migrant Integration, Clare County Council; Pat Sexton, Program Manager, Clare Sports Partnership and pupils of Mullagh NS

Photo by Eamon Ward

and Leisure Cycles, Kilrush, for safety checks and necessary repairs to ensure they were roadworthy, before being distributed across the county.

Executive Engineer in Waste Enforcement at Clare County Council, Maria Carey, said, “The number of donations received reflects a growing awareness of the importance of supporting a circular economy, through reuse and repair, among the wider community.”

Clare Sports Partnership played a key role in ensuring the fair allocation of all donated bicycles. An inventory of bike sizes was created, and each donated bike was matched to the most appropriate recipient. Priority was given to those needing bikes for work or education, with allocations also directed to children with disabilities.

Programme Manager at Clare Sports Partnership, Pat Sexton, explained, “Whether it’s children cycling to school or adults using bikes to get around, it’s all about becoming more confident as a cyclist and at the same time getting active and staying healthy.”

Founder of Sourdo’Farrell, Keith O’Farrell is optimistic the project will be a success.

“What these reusable cups aim to achieve versus your €30 keep-cup at home is people have

various keep-cups at home but they don’t always have them when they need them, with this you don’t have to fear buying a second or third one because you get your money back and it suits our busy lifestyles”.

Keith also trialled attempts in the past with Returner Cups, a cup that launched in Australia, the stainless steel cups cost €6 and could be returned or customers got their money back “but it didn’t work in Ireland, it was possibly the price or just not enough cafes getting involved”.

Ennis is an ideal location to show that the scheme can work, he maintained. “There’s a massive coffee culture growing in Ireland.

In Ennis it’s probably a really good town to make a project like this viable, we have a lot of repeat customers, we’re not on the high street but it is a town frequented by locals, it is not a major tourist hotspot but we’ve ability to educate our own residents on how we can evolve the coffee culture.”

“It is important for customers to know that we can try put a procedure in place so that we can reduce waste and make a difference together. If any other cafés want to get on board and get in contact with any of us then please do. We can order more cups and hopefully this will grow,” Keith concluded.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

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Over 50 environmental groups and 500 individuals declare opposition to proposed Clare LNG terminal

OVER 50 environmental groups and approximately 500 individuals have signed an open letter sent to Minister for Environment, Climate and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, to indicate opposition to the recently proposed Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in Cahiracon, near KIldysart.

The letter was initiated by environmental group Futureproof Clare (FPC) who have campaigned for several years against the importation of fracked gas in the Shannon Estuary, as well as against other significant developments in the surrounding area including the expansion of Aughinish Alumina and the proposed Ennis Data Centre.

Group signatories of the open letter include local campaign groups, such as Fracking Free Clare, Stop Shannon LNG, and Safety B4 LNG. National group signatures included Friends of the Earth, Uplift and Irish Doctors for the Environment. International groups also signed such as Scientist Rebellion in France and Peru. Many of the individual signatories are from concerned locals from the Shannon Estuary area

as well as further afield in Clare.

A number of TD’s and councillors from Labour, Social Democrats, Independent and People Before Profit added their names to the open letter.

“The Shannon Estuary is already under environmental pressure from extractive and polluting industries, including Aughinish Alumina and Limerick Cement Factory. The proposed LNG terminal will only add to these pressures and threaten hopes for the development of sustainable tourism in the area,” said Sinéad Sheehan, Scariff-based member of Futureproof Clare.

“Futureproof Clare are extremely concerned about the proposed LNG terminal at Cahiracon, and we want to make sure that Minister O’Brien understands that there is significant opposition to this development. We expect a proper consultation process that allows for sufficient local input as well as national engagement,” said Tom Spillane, a 4th year student of Planning and Environmental Management at TU Dublin, residing in Lahinch.

Several anti-fracking campaign

OPPOSITION: An impression of the proposed Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in Cahiracon groups from the United States also signed the letter, such as Protect PT (Penn-Trafford), FracTracker Alliance and Physicians for Social Responsibility, Pennsylvania and indigenous group, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.

Orla Gaynor from Irish Doctors for the Environment commented, “The construction of an LNG terminal in Clare, or anywhere in Ireland would cause significant harm to public health, both in the short and long term. Such a measure

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would contradict Ireland’s emission targets for 2030 and we cannot afford to continue business as usual and act in inertia. Fossil fuels are a health hazard and affect every system of the body. As healthcare professionals we have a duty of care to the health of our population and as such, strongly condemn the project’s construction in the interest of public health and wellbeing.”

Cllr Eddie Mitchell, member of Stop Shannon LNG coalition and spokesperson for the Love Leitrim anti-fracking group said, “Just like in Clare, Leitrim people know the dangers associated with fracking.

A big question is being asked of the people of Clare now - Importing fracked gas to meet the demand of future Data Centres at the expense of affected communities is a form of attack against people living in the Clare Gas Basin. If you accept this fracked gas import terminal, will you accept fracking in your own future?

If you decide to stand on your feet you will likely find Leitrim people standing beside you”.

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Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Advertising

Fair Deal Property steps dedicated focus on new Established in 2021, Fair Deal Property continues FAIR Deal Property has officially launched its Ennis operation, marking the latest phase in the rapid expansion of Ireland’s fastest-growing residential property agency and signalling a strong strategic focus on Clare’s new homes and development sector.

Established in 2021, Fair Deal Property has grown quickly across the West of Ireland building a reputation for modern sales execution, strong market insight and a results-led approach to residential property.

The Ennis launch represents a deliberate move into a county that is increasingly central to housing delivery in the Mid-West, with Ennis emerging as a key location for both urban and suburban residential development.

Central to the firm’s Clare strategy is its New Homes Division, which has been developed specifically to support builders, developers and landowners navigating an increasingly complex delivery environment.

Rather than operating purely as a sales outlet, the division works with clients from the earliest planning and design stages through to phased sales, completions and scheme close-out.

The Ennis team will provide developers with detailed market intelligence, buyer profiling, pricing strategy, absorption analysis and launch planning, alongside professional branding and marketing execution for new schemes. This integrated approach is designed to protect scheme viability while maximising sales velocity and longterm value.

EXPANSION Fair Deal Property’s expansion into Clare mirrors its earlier growth across Connacht, where demand for its services was driven by a combination of market performance and a clear understanding of local buyer behaviour The company believes similar fundamentals now exist in Ennis, supported by strong demographic demand, regional employment growth and continued pressure on housing supply.

A notable aspect of Fair Deal Property’s offering to developers is its emphasis on buyer education and qualification, particularly for first-time purchasers.

By actively guiding buyers through mortgage approval, Help

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

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into Ennis market with homes & development its rapid expansion across the West of Ireland

“

l Members of the Fair Deal Property team including (l-r) Clodagh Gannon, Administrator, Tamara Gannon, Head of PR, Johnny Gannon, Founder, and Avril Campbell, Head of Buyer Acquisition; (opposite page) Fair Deal Property founder Johnny Gannon with Tamara Gannon

to Buy, contracts and build timelines, the firm has substantially reduced fall-through rates leading to improved certainty of delivery, an increasingly valuable attribute for developers operating under tight funding and construction schedules.

The Ennis operation will allow Fair Deal Property to develop deep, on-the-ground knowledge of Clare’s micro-markets, including town-based schemes, edge-of-town developments and smaller-scale housing clusters. This local insight

is supported by the firm’s wider marketing infrastructure, which delivers national exposure and buyer reach along with structured sales campaigns for new developments.

Importantly, the company is positioning itself for the next phase of the residential market.

As buyer expectations evolve and development economics become more nuanced, Fair Deal Property has signalled a move toward more flexible, partnership-led commercial models tailored to individual schemes rather than one-size-fits-

all approaches.

For Clare’s development community, the arrival of Fair Deal Property in Ennis introduces a new option: a growth-oriented agency with a clear focus on delivery, professionalism and long-term collaboration.

As housing delivery remains a national priority, the firm’s entry into the Clare market reflects both confidence in the region and a commitment to supporting its next wave of residential development.

Clare, and Ennis in particular, is entering a critical phase for housing delivery.

Developers are operating in a far more complex environment than even a few years ago, where pricing accuracy, sales velocity and buyer qualification are central to viability. Our decision to launch in Ennis is about working alongside developers at an early stage to help bring schemes to market in a way that is commercially realistic and deliverable. If you are a landowner or a developer, we would be delighted to hear from you and to discuss how we help you to achieve the optimal exit strategy” - JOHNNY GANNON Founder, Fair Deal Property

34

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

ADVERTORIAL

Scan Me

Email: careers@eielectronics.ie Full details on www.eielectronics.com/product-builder/

Evening shift with Ei Electronics in Shannon delivering perfect work life balance and career advancement opportunities I’M KAREN, a team lead at Ei Electronics — and just as importantly, a busy mum of two. For me, working on the evening shift has been a real game-changer. It’s given me the balance I never thought

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State of the Art Ei Campus in Shannon

was possible: the chance to grow my career while still being fully present for my children and all the important moments in their dayto-day lives.

the afternoons, I’m there to help with homework, catch up about school, and spend that quality time that means so much to us as a family. By the time I head into work at

4:30 pm, I already feel grounded, connected, and fulfilled. It’s a routine that works perfectly for us.

During school holiday time I get to spend time with the kids, not to mention the flexibility to schedule personal appointments during the day without impacting my work schedule.

My career journey at Ei Electronics is something I’m really proud of. I started out as a product builder, learning the foundations and getting to understand the Company from the ground up. From there, I progressed to production cell team leader, which challenged me in all the right ways and helped me grow my confidence. What makes it even more meaningful is knowing that Ei has supported me every step of that journey — through training, encouragement, and opportunities to develop new skills.

The team atmosphere on the evening shift is truly special.

A Great sense of Teamwork and Support

We’re supportive, close-knit, and always looking out for one another.

Whether it’s helping each other through a challenging task or just sharing a laugh during a busy night, there’s a genuine sense of teamwork. It’s the kind of environment where you feel valued, respected, and part of something bigger.

For me, Ei Electronics has offered stability, progression, and a work schedule that fits seamless-

ly around my family life. It’s rare to find a role that supports both career growth and personal life balance so well. For any working parent — especially mums trying to juggle it all — Ei has been the perfect fit. I’m grateful to be here, continuing to grow, both professionally and personally, and being able to show my children that you really can build a career you love while still being there for the moments that matter most.

Follow Karen’s path. Ei is now hiring Evening Shift Product Builders. Details here; https://www.eielectronics.com/ product-builders/

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

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Business & Recruitment

35

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

• Permanent Lifeguard (Ennis Leisure Complex) Closing Date: 12 Noon Friday 30th January 2025

• Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 30th January 2025

• Sports Facilities Assistant H.E. Nicola Faganello, Ambassador of Italy to Ireland and Honorary Consul Maria Gabriella Caponi (centre) pictured with Shannon Chamber president, Mark Nolan; CEO, Helen Downes; The Shannon Airport Group deputy CEO and chief commercial officer Ray O’Driscoll and the delegation of Shannon Chamber members, at the briefing in Shannon Airport Photo by Stephen O’Malley

Shannon Chamber welcomed H.E. Nicola Faganello, Ambassador of Italy to Ireland, to Shannon last week.

The visit, hosted at Shannon Airport, brought together a diverse group of member companies from both the industry and tourism sectors. Ambassador Faganello was accompanied by Honorary Consul Maria Gabriella Caponi, who represents the Italian Embassy in the Munster region.

The meeting opened with introductions from representatives from Shannon Chamber, The Shannon Airport Group, Jaguar Land Rover, Ei Electronics, BBNet, Fáilte Ireland, Trump International Hotel Doonbeg, Clare County Council, and Dromoland Castle.

A comprehensive briefing on the activities of The Shannon Airport Group was delivered by the Group’s deputy CEO and chief commercial officer, Ray O’Driscoll. He highlighted the airport’s strong performance in welcoming 2.3 mil-

lion passengers this year, the highest figure in sixteen years, and operating 40 routes, the most in over two decades. He also showcased developments within the 600-acre Shannon Airport Business Park, where 1.2 million sq. ft. of commercial property has been built or refurbished in the past decade, along with ongoing infrastructure upgrades and sustainability initiatives at both the airport and the business park.

The Ambassador received an overview of the region’s growing tourism strengths, particularly in hospitality, leisure, and golf. With major international golf events scheduled over the next two years, boosted visibility is expected to drive significant growth in golf tourism.

Collaborative golf packages are being developed to extend visitor stays and enhance the visitor experience.

Presentations also highlighted County Clare’s rich cultural offering, vibrant music scene, and community events. The

slogan “Clare is Cool” resonated as a unique tourism message, especially for central European visitors seeking a cooler climate during increasingly hot summers. Of further note was Clare’s achievement in becoming the only county in Ireland to secure Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, reflecting strong sustainability practices across local businesses.

Participants expressed a interest in building business links with Italian counterparts; an initiative Shannon Chamber intends to advance in partnership with the Italian-Irish Chamber of Commerce. Commenting after the event, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes remarked: “The key takeaways from the meeting were the importance of building relationships between Shannon, the wider region, and Italy; leveraging enhanced connectivity to boost tourism; and promoting GSTC

125k Xmas passengers for Shannon SHANNON AIRPORT is to welcome over 125,000 passengers for the Christmas season in what is a 10 percent increase on the festive period last year.

Friday December 19th and Friday January 2nd are anticipated to be the two busiest days over Christmas at Shannon Airport when 8,000 passengers are forecast on each day.

Shannon Airport will also be open on Christmas Day. To set the festive tone, passengers arriving between December 17th and 21st will be greeted with live performances from local choirs, including St Aidan’s National School, St. Flannan’s Senior Choir, the Denis Liddy Group, Timahoe Male Choir and the Shannon Gospel Choir.

Passengers departing in the coming days are invited to spread the joy by making a wish, or leaving a message for a loved one, on the Wishing Tree in the Transit Lounge. While those flying home can capture the magic by snapping a seasonal photo in Santa’s Sleigh or in the giant, sparkling photo frame in Arrivals.

Niall Kearns, Airport Director at Shannon Air-

port stated, "We’re delighted to welcome over 125,000 passengers this Christmas - a 10% increase on last year and ending 2025 on the same upward trajectory of passenger numbers that we’ve seen across the past 12 months”.

He added, “Christmas at Shannon is always a special time as people gather to meet loved ones returning home for the festive season, and families reunite in Arrivals. Our team works really hard to make the experience of flying to and from Shannon at Christmas as festive and friendly as possible, and we look forward to welcoming all our passengers across the coming weeks”.

certification as a unique selling point. We look forward to strengthening Shannon–Italian relations following Ambassador Faganello’s visit.”

Faganello thanked all contributors and expressed his enthusiasm for future collaboration, noting the significant opportunities created by the growing connectivity between Shannon and Italy, via Rome, Naples and Turin.

Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 23rd January 2025 Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.

Only applications completed online will be accepted.

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

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

36

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

Women

IN BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Clare hosted a Women in Business networking event at The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis on Wednesday. The event, entitled Building Resilience in Business: Starting with Self Care, was attended by more than 70 female business leaders from across County Clare.

Guest speakers included Peigin Crowley of GROUND Wellbeing, Georgie Browne of AxisBIC, and Sinéad Crowley of Awaken Hub. Scan the QR code above for LEO Clare events and training programmes in 2026.

Photographs by Eamon Ward

Laura Jane Ellis of Breakthrough Dance and Joanne Skehan of BORÚ Health & Beauty

Martina Daly, Mary Killeen McCarthy and Rosaline Griffin

Some of the participants and attendees of the LEO Clare event

Peigin Crowley of Ground Wellbeing (centre) with Catriona Considine of Moher Cottage and Rosie McMahon of Shannon Estuary Way Retreat

Helen Pilkington and Theresa Mulvihill of LEO Clare pictured with Peigin Crowley of Ground Wellebing, Sinead Crowley of Awaken Hub and Georgia Browne of Access Bic

Eileesh Buckley and Marina Pogreeva

37

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18 2025

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News

38

Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Cratloe come under fire for attempts to alter parish rule

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

CRATLOE GAA club were accused of delaying a long-running issue with Parteen/Meelick with their attempts to let a player living in another parish line out with the club of their parent.

At Tuesday’s Clare GAA Convention, Cratloe’s motion was heavily defeated and drew criticism from Parteen/ Meelick. Both clubs have been involved in a dispute over players; tensions were evident with the remarks made in Hotel Woodstock.

In their proposal, Cratloe GAA sought to change by-law seven by allowing “a player where the parent(s)/guardian are registered /playing/active members of a club that that player is then entitled to become a member of the same cub under the parent rule”.

Proposing the motion on behalf of his club Jim Hickey noted , “The biggest problem now is getting to build homes

in rural areas. Most of the people who have moved to urban areas for work are settling there and their kids are going to school there”.

“As a referee I see it when I referee school games. The schools in the big urban areas have numbers but when I go back to West Clare I see that the schools have to have girls playing to make up numbers,” Hickey commented.

“This is not a local issue, it’s a national issue”, the Cratloe clubman stated noting that “many clubs in the bigger areas can field second teams in the same grade whereas clubs in the rural areas haven’t enough to field one team and must amalgamate. “If children from their parent’s club want to go back and play for that club they should be allowed”, he said.

Shortage of houses is hurting clubs like Cratloe, Jim said. “I am from a club that never had an issue with regard to employment as we

l Jim Hickey (centre) proposed the motion for Cratloe

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

are close to Shannon Airport, Shannon Industrial Estate, Ennis and Limerick.

The problem we have now is finding houses and sites to buy and live in the parish.

They can’t do that and have to move to other areas”.

Following a query from Clondegad delegate Seamus

O’Reilly as to whether or not the motion was seconded, St Joseph’s Miltown delegate Gordon Kelly seconded before later suggesting it should be withdrawn. “This is a very topical discussion. We are all very aware of the issues. We see merit in the proposal. We are seeing a vast decline and

it's quite clear in the demographics the parish rule does need to modernise. We need to look at this thoroughly. We need to look at this strategically and we recommend that the motion be withdrawn until the work of the strategic committee is done and a full report is presented”.

Newly elected Chairman of Parteen/Meelick, Colm Davoren opposed the motion. Pointing out that he hails from the Burren having played with Michael Cusacks, he said he is “fully aware of the challenges in fielding teams and on the face of it, this motion could be interpreted as an effort to address the issue. This motion is clearly fundamentally flawed on a number of areas. It’s a significant risk to many rural clubs. There is a lack of clarity in the motion. How can the county Board judge what is an active member.

“Laws open to interpretation are open to abuse. There

is no time limit in this motion. The lack of clarity in this motion is the abandonment of the parish rule and should be opposed. There is no mention of restriction this to the county boundary. This motion was drafted with a specific agenda in mind. We have a long running dispute with Cratloe GAA and this continues. This motion is another tactic to delay resolving the issue. We reject this ill-advised motion,” Davoren added.

Fintan Ward of Cratloe in response to the comments from the floor outlined, “I am from Cratloe but for the past number of years I live in Bunratty so, technically my club would be Newmarket-on-Fergus. I have got three kids and I am a five minute drive from Cratloe GAA pitch and I would like my kids to continue to play for Cratloe”.

On a show of hands the motion was heavily defeated.

Clare GAA elects new President THREE new officers have joined the Executive of Clare GAA with a new President also announced, writes Páraic McMahon.

Hotel Woodstock was the setting for Tuesday’s County Convention. What was the last Convention during Deirdre Murphy’s term as Head of Operations saw no contests for any of the positions on the County Executive.

Bishop Willie Walsh’s death in February left the position of President of Clare GAA vacant.

Vice President, Willie Boland of Broadford was elected to the role at Convention. A stalwart within the East Clare club, he won a Junior A championship in 1958.

Joining the Executive are Cathal Kilmartin of Newmarket-on-Fergus as Treasurer, Fintan Leamy of the Clooney/Quin club is the new Coaching Officer while Kilmurry Ibrickane’s Leah Talty joins the committee as Irish and Cultural Officer.

Talty’s predecessor Joe Garry is now a Munster Council delegate alongside two-time National League winner John Callinan. Bernard Keane’s five-year term concluded but he is now seeking election as PRO of Munster GAA. Brian Fitzpatrick who had been Treasurer since July 2023 has stepped down.

Returning unopposed to their positions were Michael O’Connor (Vice Chairman), Deirdre Chaplin (Asst Secretary), Seán Chambers (Asst Treasurer) Aaron Carroll (PRO), Robert Frost (Central Council delegate).

Bord na nÓg Iomáint secretary Pat Gavin and Inagh/Kilnamona delegate Paul Gannon proposed and seconded the election of the officers.

Appointed positions approved on the night included Amrbose Heagney (Safety & Facilities Officer), Joan Crotty (Children’s Officer), Paddy Smyth (Planning & Training Officer) and Neil O’Brien (Demographics Officer).

Their appointments were proposed by Michael O’Regan of Ruan and seconded by Parteen/ Meelick’s Kieran O’Halloran.

Chairman Keating told the meeting that Heagney had agreed to stay on despite expressing reluctance in the past.

Addressing the Convention, new Treasurer Kilmartin said he has been working on Clare GAA’s finance committee for the past two years. “There are a lot of exciting opportunities, we’ve Caherlohan, Ballyline, Cusack Park and Clareabbey. Hopefully I can continue the work of Brian (Fitzpatrick) and his committee to push Clare GAA to a better position”.

Thanking Clooney/Quin for nominating him, Leamy told Convention he has been involved with Clare squads for the past eight years, with his home club Tulla at intermediate level for the last two seasons and with Clooney/ Quin for 11 years. Schools, clubs and county squads will be the three stools he will primarily work with in the new role, Fintan outlined. “I am a coach at heart and I want to make sure all young fellas play as many games”.

Planning and training officer with An Clár as Gaeilge, Talty said, “this is my day job so I’m looking forward to continuing it with this new role”. She praised the “fantastic work” of Joe Garry and thanked her club for proposing her.

Clare GAA Executive: President: Willie Boland (Broadford) Head of Operations: Ann Marie Moran (Corofin) Chairman: Kieran Keating (Naomh Eoin) Vice Chairman: Michael O’Connor (Crusheen) Asst Secretary: Deirdre Chaplin (Cratloe) Treasurer: Cathal Kilmartin (Newmarket-on-Fergus) Asst Treasurer: Sean Chambers (Cooraclare) Communications Officer: Aaron Carroll (Cratloe) Irish & Cultural Officer: Leah Talty (Kilmurry Ibrickane) Coaching Officer: Fintan Leamy (Clooney/Quin) Central Council Delegate: Robert Frost (O’Callaghans Mills) Munster Council Delegates: John Callinan (Clarecastle); Joe Garry (Cooraclare) National Congress Delegates: Michael O’Connor (Crusheen); Gabriel Keating (Naomh Eoin); Michael O’Regan (Ruan) Munster Convention Delegates: Des Farrell (Coolmeen); Robert Frost (O’Callaghans Mills); PJ McGuane (Cooraclare); One Committee representative to be appointed Safety & Facilities Officer: Ambrose Heagney (Corofin) Children’s Officer: Joan Crotty (Scariff) Planning & Training Officer: Paddy Smyth (Éire Óg) Demographics Officer: Neil O’Brien (O’Callaghans Mills)

39

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

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Fringe footballers take giant step to preserve Clare spot

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

SOME 28 points separated the Clare senior and U20 footballers when they met in a challenge on Sunday, the exercise may have been of little value but will be significant for certain players keeping their place on the panels.

Paul Madden and Dermot Coughlan are coming close to finalising their panels for the 2026 campaigns. Sunday’s challenge in many ways will have been pointless but for some footballers, it may have worked out as a morning which preserved their status as a county footballer.

Stephen Ryan’s availability to the squad from the off has been confirmed with the former vice captain back between the posts.

The Kilrush man and AIB employee wasn’t overly busy in Sunday’s challenge but was vocal and drifted up field when the seniors had the ball in their attack.

The Clare Echo cast an eye on the top performers with 28 footballers featuring for the seniors over the course of three periods of 25 minutes. Over 25 players took to the field for the U20s.

Making a welcome return to action was Eoin Cleary at corner forward. There was no element of rustiness for the St Joseph’s

Miltown man in his first challenge game of the season for Clare.

The former captain finished with 1-4 during a 45 minute stint, he also chipped in with an assist.

Though only on the pitch for half an hour, Dermot Coughlan was very influential. Facing off against a side managed by his father, Dermot shipped plenty of tackles. He was still able to elude the hits when assisting three of the first four scores in the game.

Coughlan had been in the halfback line last week for the seniors, a role he did well in with his club but there was more scores created off him for Clare when back in the half-forward line. Of course, he also contributed on the scoreboard and kicked 1-1.

For the second game in a row, Fionn Kelleher was Clare’s top defender, tasked with minding Diarmuid McMahon and keeping him scoreless. Also making a big contribution was wing-back James Curran, who had Clare’s first goal on four minutes. Other notable performances included Kildysart's Diarmuid O’Donnell (1-4), midfielder Michael Nash, Gearoid Cahill, and for the U20s, most impressive was wing forward Donnacha O’Dwyer (1-01).

For a more detailed report, visit www.clareecho.ie.

Sport

Girl power rules in Clarecastle

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARECASTLE GAA has entered a new era with an all-female top table within the club.

Existence of the GAA in Clarecastle stretches back to October 1887 with records noting the involvement of Killone hurling club and Clarecastle football club in a funeral procession of a Clarecastle Fenian in March 1888.

A new page in the history of Clarecastle was turned on Saturday with the election of a first female Chairperson with Olivia Cullinan-Hickey

l Olivia Cullinan-Hickey

succeeding Niall Tuohy.

Mary Kearney’s second year as Secretary together with the election of Sarah O’Neill as Treasurer means the three core roles on the Executive are all filled by women.

Clare FM reporter Daragh Dolan continues as the club’s communications officer while Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) was returned as County Board delegate.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Olivia pointed to the ongoing intergration plans between the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association as an added incentive to become Chairperson.

Not alone is Olivia the first female Chairperson but the outcome of Saturday’s AGM marked the first instance when at the same time the Chair, Sec-

retary and Treasurer were all women. “It is historic in many ways,” she acknowledged. Mary enters her second year as Secretary with Sarah put forward to replace Mark McNamara who has been praised for helping to put the club in a strong financial position.

A native of Ennis, Olivia has been involved with the club since 2021 through coaching and then in the post of Registrar in 2024.

The 47-year old is married to Ronan Hickey and his family have held a strong association with the GAA club.

History in Ruan with first female Chairperson RUAN GAA club made history this week with the election of its first female Chairperson as Patricia O’Donnell entered the hot-seat, writes Páraic McMahon.

Monday’s AGM of Ruan GAA Club witnessed history when Patricia O’Donnell was elected as Ger Lyons’ successor.

Having been Secretary since 2019, Patricia takes on the top job with

Claire McDonagh succeeding her as Runaí. Club stalwarts like Cyril Lyons (Coaching Officer), John O’Sullivan (PRO) and Michael O’Regan (County Board Delegate) continue in their posts.

Ongoing progressive work in the club such as the opening of a 3G 60×30 astro turf and wall ball facility has shown how the GAA club can lift the entire community of Ruan, Patri-

cia felt. “We have seen the huge drive and the development these facilities can bring to our underage section of the club and also its huge ability to drive forward and progress a small community like Ruan”. Becoming the first female Chairperson of Ruan GAA club “is a privilege and an honour,” she told The Clare Echo.

For an in-depth report, visit www. clareecho.ie ADVERTORIAL

A thank you from Local Motion THREE years running strong for Local Motion on O’Connell Street in Ennis. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported us and helped our small local business grow on O’ Connell Street.

It has been a pleasure hearing from our regular customers about the incredible distances they’ve covered near and far. From marathon majors in Boston, Paris, Sydney and Tokyo, to the paths of Lees Road, it means so much to know that we have played a small part in your walking and running journeys.

In recent weeks, many of you have visited

l Oana and Darragh, owners of Local Motion, with 2024 Irish Olympian and track & field star Kelly McGrory; (right) Local Motion on O'Connell Street, Ennis

us to purchase gift vouchers for family and friends this Christmas. We are truly grateful for your continued support and for choosing to shop local. We are open from 10am-6pm over the coming days, and 10am-2pm on Christmas Eve. Please feel free to call in to us or if you have any queries, you can contact us on 065 672 4496.

We would like to wish all Local Motion customers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we look forward to supporting you in reaching your goals in 2026.

40

Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Clare trio make a Munster seeding return 'a lowlight' for Keating racket in Galway

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

l Three junior tennis players from Ennis Tennis Club represented their club at the National Go-Tennis Series Finals in Galway Lawn Tennis Club on Saturday. After five qualifying rounds and over a thousand players taking part, Ennis was well represented on finals day. Congratulations to Lena Palgan who won the national U16 competition, Finn Gleeson (right) who was runner-up in the U12 competition and Luke O'Brien (left) who finished in third place in the U10 competition

BRINGING back seeding to the Munster SFC has been labelled as “one of my lowlights of the year” by Clare GAA Chairman, Kieran Keating.

In his address to Clare GAA Convention, Keating who was returned unopposed for a fifth term, criticised the move of Munster Council to reintroduce seeing to the provincial football championship.

He stated, “The decision to reintroduce seeding into the Munster Senior Football Championship is, I believe, a regressive and unnecessary move.”

Looking back on the year, Keating noted, “This year of course didn’t match 2024 in terms of major success and silverware; nonetheless there were some small wins, and some not so small, on and off the fields of play”.

Peter Keane’s season as Clare football manager was not helped by the absence of the McGrath Cup which deprived them of a chance to adapt to the new rules, the Chairman acknowledged.

Keating continued, “After the review of the season and meeting with the board and players, Peter Keane decided he wouldn’t be able to continue to travel to Clare and commit the time required

l Clare GAA Chairman

Kieran Keating

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

by senior inter-county management. We moved quickly to appoint Paul Madden to the role, a job he has taken on with great enthusiasm as his team begins preparation for 2026”.

The hurlers' were impacted by their All-Ireland win, the Naomh Eoin clubman said. “Our senior hurlers had the joyous formalities that come in the aftermath of an All-Ireland success; the various functions and club events, the team holiday, the medals presentation night, all of which undoubtedly ate into preparation time for the current season. A hospital-ward worth of injuries added to the early-season challenges, and relegation to Division 2 for 2026 was the outcome”.

Well wishes were issued to Brian Lohan and his management following the

extension of his term by a further three years.

One of Keating’s highlights for 2025 was the Munster semi-final win for Terence Fahy’s Clare U20 hurlers against Cork in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. “The Munster U20 Final against hot favourites Tipperary saw another rare occurrence, the black card penalty in hurling, which unfortunately for us appeared to be both harsh and significant. Our lads battled against the odds but couldn’t hold Tipp, going down by five points having led by three at the time of the sending off. This group have given us some great performances through their underage years with county teams and we are delighted that Terence will again take charge of our U20s in 2026”.

According to Keating, there was “notable achievements” off the field in 2025.

“Planning permission was secured for the full development at Caherlohan, a major milestone in that project."

He noted that the first part to go to tender "a few weeks ago was the full-sized 4G pitch" which is supported by a Sports Capital grant of €489k plus substantial support from Munster Council.

The balance of the funding required for that element will be taken from last year’s

Win a House profits.

Keating was “optimistic” the Cloister Car Park would be completed in 2026, two years on from the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Clare County Council. The agreement of this deal for the Council to lease the car park from Clare GAA in February 2024 had intended for works to be finished by the end of 2024.

Bernard Keane’s departure from the County Executive after five years as Munster Council delegate was acknowledged by the Chairman. “Bernard is seeking election in the upcoming Munster GAA Convention in January, to the position of Munster PRO, and we need to seek support for Bernard in that contest from other counties that we may have influence in”.

Patrick O’Connor’s efforts as demographics officer while also managing family, work, farming and hurling commitments were also referenced by the Chairman.

Work commitments were among the factors for Brian Fitzpatrick not seeking re-election as Treasurer, Keating said in thanking him. He also reserved praise for soon-departing Head of Operations, Deirdre Murphy, noting she "has done outstanding work on many fronts".

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

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Sport

41

O'Malley returned as CSSL Chair Hynes hits out at with 7 new additions to Committee 'embarrassing' pace of Frank Healy Park

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AVENUE UTD’s John O’Malley has been returned unopposed as the Chairman of the Clare Schoolboys/Schoolgirls Soccer League (CSSL) with seven new additions to the top table.

At Wednesday’s AGM held in the Abbey Room of Treacy’s West County Hotel, there was no contests for any of the positions on the CSSL Committee with all officials proposed en bloc by Tulla Utd’s Denis Corry and seconded by Eddie Crowe of Sporting Ennistymon.

Vacant posts include that of Fixtures Secretary and PRO with officials looking to fill these in the next month.

O’Malley enters a second year in the Chair, he was appointed as the successor to the CSSL’s first-ever female Chairperson, Deirdre Shannon Dromey at last December’s AGM and will be continuing for 2026.

In 1990, John was player/manager of the Avenue Utd side which lost 2-0 to Cherry Orchard in the FAI Junior Cup final. He

have joined as committee members. They include the podcasting pair of Paul Bugler and Thomas Bottcher, presenters of El Politico on Scariff Bay Community Radio but also key figures within Mountshannon Celtic.

Bugler served as a Fine Gael county councillor for seven years.

Kilmihil duo, Thomas and Jack Lineen were l John O'Malley elected as committee Photo by Joe Buckley last managed the Avenue members along with Tulla first team in 2014 and has Utd’s Samantha Hassett, remained active in the Treaty Utd U19 women’s manager Irene Hehir, forclub academy.

Emily Bradbury of mer SFAI delegate TomCoole FC was returned my Molloy and Connolly for a third season as Celtic’s Seán Cregan who Secretary with Corofin last year’s AGM was told Harps’ Wayne Skerritt was in the mix to take back for a fourth year as on the SFAI delegate role which no longer exists.

Treasurer.

On the fresh blood Ex Treasurer, Cathal Jones, Bridge Utd’s Bar- joining the committee, ry Downes and top soc- Chairman O’Malley comcer coach Denis Hynes mented, “I’m delighted by have all returned in their it. Jack (Lineen) brings roles as committee mem- down the average age by bers. Avenue Utd’s Brian several years” to which O’Grady, Lorraine Harri- Treasurer Skerritt regton of Coole FC and Tul- marked, “and increases la Utd’s Conor McFadden the amount of hair”. The all of whom were elected Corofin man informed to the Committee last De- the meeting there has also been interest expressed by cember have departed.

Seven new volunteers volunteers willing to join

CSSL sub-committees.

“It is great to see new interest in people joining the committee, ye have done great work over the last year with a very small number of people. It is very reassuring going forward to see new people coming into the committee and it is a grounds for optimism,” stated Tulla’s Corry.

Absence of a Fixtures Secretary is “a pity”, Corry noted to which Skerritt remarked, “since they closed down Our Lady’s, that type of person doesn’t exist”.

CSSL Committee 2026 Chairperson: John O’Malley (Avenue Utd) Treasurer: Wayne Skerritt (Corofin Harps) Secretary: Emily Bradbury (Coole FC) Committee Members: Barry Downes (Bridge Utd); Cathal Jones (Bunratty Cratloe FC); Samantha Hassett (Tulla Utd); Thomas Botcher (Mountshannon Celtic); Irene Hehir (Lifford AFC); Jack Lineen (St Pat’s AFC); Seán Cregan (Connolly Celtic); Paul Bugler (Mountshannon Celtic); Tommy Molloy (Avenue Utd); Denis Hynes (Sporting Ennistymon); John O’Malley (Avenue Utd); Wayne Skerrittt (Corofin Harps); Emily Bradbury (Coole FC); Thomas Lineen (St Pat’s AFC)

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FAILURE to progress plans for Frank Healy Park has been labelled as “embarrassing” by one of the most respected soccer coaches in the county.

Delegates to the Clare Schoolboys/Schoolgirls Soccer League (CSSL) AGM voiced their frustration with the lack of detail issued from the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) regarding their plans to develop Frank Healy Park.

In September 2024, the CDSL was allocated €410,656 to upgrade Frank Healy Park. The funding was issued under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme.

Initial plans were to develop an all-weather Astro on the county grounds but little progress has been fed back to clubs on where the project currently lies.

Seán Cregan of Connolly Celtic questioned what did the CSSL do with grants it had been awarded.

“We’re repurposing and drawing it down, we have to do something with it,” Jones advised. "Hopefully this year we will see a unity of purpose”.

Following further questioning from Cregan, the CSSL Treasurer Wayne Skerritt said they were paying Lees Rd between €10,000 to €12,000 per annum for pitch use.

“If we marry the CDSL, we have the use of their training facilities and we’ll never have to use Kilmihil or Kilmaley,” Cregan responded. The Treasurer said the CSSL

“get a brilliant rate” for Lees Rd, “I know clubs are paying twice what we pay”.

“It is about time we have a home, it’s ridiculous,” Cregan stated.

His views were shared by Oscar Traynor manager Denis Hynes who felt, “It is embarrassing”. He added, “If we had a facility, we wouldn’t have to pay registration fees, we have missed the window”.

Hynes noted, “We have €400,000 and we can’t get around a table to discuss it, leaving a grant in Dublin and not activating it for seven to eight years, those days are gone”.

Raising the matter initially, Tulla Utd’s Denis Corry remarked, “What is happening, where is the movement and unity of purpose between the CDSL and CSSL to get something concrete off the ground”.

Chairman of the CSSL, John O’Malley told the AGM he spoke with Donal Magee six weeks ago, “I’m waiting for him to come back to me to move it on, I’m in favour of sitting down”. He noted, "There’s a proposal where they were looking at going all weather at Frank Healy Park and putting out to get quotes.

I’d love a situation where all county squads have the use of the Frank Healy Park”.

O’Malley said Magee’s election as CDSL Chairman in the summer has led to the CSSL getting use of the county grounds “far more regularly” for games.

42

Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

double marks Nash elected Woodstock captain Murray latest success for Clare

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: THE annual general meeting of the Woodstock ladies section took place at Hotel Woodstock last week when Mags Nash was elected as captain in succession to Chaye Kelly.

Others elected to serve on the committee for 2026 are Anne Kilker (vice captain) Hannah O’Brien (secretary), Marianne McGough (handicap secretary), Catherine Lyons (treasurer), Anne Marie Russell (competitions secretary), Chaye Kelly (Ex officio), Kathleen McEnery, Mary McNamara and Eilis Neville (committee).

A number of presentations were made at the meeting.

Kathleen McEnery was presented with the golfer of the year award while she was also presented with the bronze medal. The silver medal was presented to Chaye Kelly. Mary Howard received the club championship winner’s prize with the runner up award going to Chaye Kelly.

The AMR golf Christmas hamper competition was won

by Mags Nash with 37 points from Anne Kilker with 32 with

third place filled by Eilis Neville with 31 points.

Kathleen McEnery won the October league, sponsored

by Marianne McGough, with 91 points and she was one ahead of Mary Gleeson.

The men’s annual meeting also took place before a big attendance at Hotel Woodstock when outgoing captain Gerry O’Malley was succeeded by Pat Barry, with Johnny Clune as the vice captain while Mary McNamara was elected to the role of club president.

Jimmie Kelly continues as club secretary while Cathal Nagle is the new treasurer.

Others elected were Stephen Dunne (competition secretary), Tony Neville (handicap secretary), Mark Hogan as junior conveynor and Gerry O’Malley (ex officio).

Congraulations were extended to Callum Hayes on being awarded a scholarship to Royal Dornock in Scotland to pursue a career in professional golf management.

Congratulations went to all of the teams that represented the club during the year with the J. B. Carr team getting to the All-Ireland final.

Congratulations was also extended to Aideen Walsh on winning the ladies Bridge-

stone order of merit in 2025.

The men’s singles 15 hole competition at the weekend was won by Vinny McInerney (16) with 33 points. ÁINE SPARKLES: Áine Donegan was in sparking form in Morocco last week where she won the first qualifier in her challenge for a tour card on the ladies European tour.

She won by a whopping eight strokes at the Samanah golf club in Morocco. The final qualifying round is taking place this week at Royal Golf Marrakech DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: Week 2 of the men’s wine competition was won by Chris O’Donovan with 19 points and he was one ahead of Niall Geraghty with third place filled by Denis Mulqueen with 17 points.

The gross was won by John Greer with 18 points while Pat Keogh with 16 points won the category for those with handicaps of 20 and over.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: The ladies mince pie 9 hole scramble last week was won

by Mary Nagle, Marian Irwin and Audrey McEnery with 31 and they won on the back six from Ethna Murphy, Patrice

Ryan and Maureen Lynch. In third, also with 31, were Ann A Gallery, Ann Pyne Gallery and Helen Gallery followed

by Josephine Tone, Judith Brassil and Mary T. McMahon with 32.

Sinead O’Sullivan was named as the ladies golfer of the year while the Mary Pyne Brogan most improved player award went to Martina Corbett.

Due to inclement weather conditions the weekly mens, senior ladies and senior men’s competitions were cancelled.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Bernard Coleman (6) with 28 points was the winner in week 5 in the men’s singles stableford turkey competition and he had one to spare over Paddy Donohoe (10).

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB: The ladies 9 hole re-entry competition for November and December was won by Evelyn O'Brien, Mairead O'Shea and Brid Gurnett from Deirdre O'Neill, Liz McMahon and Noreen Doyle with third place filled by Catherine Minogue, Ursula Hogan, Marie Donnellan and Brid Hayes. Pat Madden (12) with 44 points won the men’s Christmas turkey stableford competition.

National gong for Leah LEAH Minogue of Tuamgraney was awarded Handballer of the year 2025 in Killarney on Saturday night at the Munster GAA Awards.

Minogue was recognised for her achievements in 2025 which included Singles All-Ireland titles in two codes; Winning 40x20 and 60x30 Munster and All-Ireland titles and also a 40x20 All-Ireland doubles title with clubmate Amber Nolan. Leah also won many Irish Collegiate singles and doubles titles during the year and reached the final of the USHA Ladies singles in Missouri last February, bringing home a silver medal.

Club Singles Championships Adult and Juvenile Finals in Clare Club singles championships began over the weekend.

Gael Linn County finals took place this week in Clarecastle with 6 clubs taking part on the night the winners and Clare

Champions are Jack McMahon and Sarah McGrath of Clooney Quin and runners up were Connall Early and Sophia Moroney. Both doubles pairs will now go to represent Clare in Munster Gael Linn in January.

Tournaments: There are a number of tournaments being run over the Christmas and early new year period to keep all levels of handballers busy. Mick Kerr is hosted in Tyrone and has U11 boys and girls and Open Men’s sections.

The U11 groups will be run of the coming weekend and Ava Considine of Clarecastle is representing Clare.

There is Killshot Shootout in Kingscourt, Cavan in the new year and a number of Clare players usually make the trip for these events.

There are still some places on the Saturday event for that.

Liscarroll, Cork will host their annual U13 & U15 boys and girls tournaments from

Dec 27-31.

Clare players will also be getting ready for the Clare Challenge in early February for 13,15&17 and under

age grades in boys and girls in the National tournament which will be hosted throughout the county.

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

CLARE trainers continue to reel in the winners, this time it was the turn of Sixmilebridge’s Stephen Murray.

At the recent Thursday meeting at Limerick, Murray scored a double. First up, it was Crockers Primrose owned by the Blessmefatherfori Syndicate. Crockers took control at the opening bend from trap three and went on to win by one and a half lengths in 28.88.

Completing the Murray brace in the A3 525 was Run For Mary, owned by the How deep Is It Syndicate, securing her fourth win in a fast time of 28.89.

The final of the Coisir Na Nollaig A7 525 Yards Stake was the feature on Thursday night in Galway. In the top graded seventh contest for A3 graded runners, the outcome was effectively settled at the opening bend. As the traps rose Mirabel from trap one and Brickhill Como in five were smartly into stride and led towards the opening bend. At the bend though, the Declan McDonagh of Liscannor-trained Notsobadknow who had switched inside slipped through and took command. Turning down the back, the son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Raha Gogo swiftly set sail for the judge and at halfway led by over three lengths. Tracking well throughout the Going Well Now Syndicate runner was home for all money turning for home as he scored by four lengths from Brickhill Como in 29.42.

Having met some sort of trouble on her three most recent outings the Tom and Ciara Kelly-owned Charming Ciara (Grangeview Ten and Marley Star), trained

by Donie Duggan of Tulla, returned to winning ways in the A5 graded sixth contest as she made all the running to score by four lengths from Cragbrien Hero in 29.25.

The opening contest of the night was an A6 graded 525 yards affair and from traps Pronto Bucks was prominent. Rounding the bend Lexis Sydney took over in front as Bumblebee Nova went into third place. Racing along the back the front pair exchanged

the lead twice before the Frank Casey of Newmarket-on-Fergus owned Pronto Bucks (Burgess Bucks & Churchtown Minnie) took command approaching the home bend as he eased away to defeat Lexis Sydney by four lengths in 29.58.

In the concluding A4 graded 525 contest Cragataska Black began well in the centre but approaching the opening bend Burnpark Cashout took over in front and turning down the back he led from My Boy Cooper and Cragataska Black. Racing along the back Burnpark Cashout continued to show the way and out of the back straight, the Maria Browne of Cree-owned son of Ballymac Cashout and Burnpark Blossom eased home two lengths clear of Killaruss Jet in 29.45.

The final of the Paddy O’Gorman A3 525 Yards Stake sponsored by the W.G.O.B.A was the feature event on Friday night at Galway. As the traps rose for the €2000 to-the-winner feature, Rinnwood Leo was away well. Exiting the back straight, Rinnwood Leo led by almost two lengths but he drifted wide approaching the home turn. This allowed the Colm Fitzgerald of Kilrush-trained Flyers Swiftly, owned by Michael and Master Liam Fitzgerald, the freedom of the inside as the daughter of Ballyhimikin Jet and Milldrige Dolly powered home to land the spoils by a length and a half in 28.91.

As the traps rose for the novice Sprint Final, Barntick Swift began well towards the rails and towards the opening bend led from Flyers Penny with Ballyea Warrior tucked in behind the pair. At the turn, Flyers Penny came through to lead and as they straightened for home led by a length but the Noel Gavin of Ballyea owned Ballyea Warrior was now beginning to find his stride. Quickening well on the run home the Declan McDonagh of Liscannor trained son of Ballymac Kingdown and Wolfofwallstreet went on away to defeat the staying on Drombeg King by a length and a half in 19.50.

43

Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

To place a notice email kieran@clareecho.ie

Planning

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

CREGGAUNNAHILLA,

CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE. V95 C3HX. Take notice that Matthew Fahy intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to demolish an existing dwelling house and garage and to construct a replacement dwelling house and granny flat along with a connection to the public sewer 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 CO COUNCIL KILKISHEN DEMESNE, KILKISHEN, CO CLARE Permission is sought to construct a dwelling house and domestic garage, vehicular entrance, wastewater treatment system including all associated site works and services at above address.

Applicant: Joe O’Dwyer & Mary Barry ‘’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 KILCLOGHER, KILMALEY, CO. CLARE Planning permission being sought by Luke McMahon for proposed private dwelling house with attached garage, new site entrance,

wastewater treatment system and all associated site works at the above address.

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

Opening hours 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOYRIESK, QUIN, CO. CLARE Planning permission being sought by Brian Hoey to (a) change design of proposed detached garage to Ancillary Living Accommodation and (b) amend the finished floor level of proposed dwelling house previously granted under Planning Register Reference P23/60262 and all associated site works at the above address.

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

Opening hours 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS Planning Ref: P25/60171 Development Description: Full Planning Permission to construct 60 no. dwelling houses, comprising 4 no. detached houses, 20 no. semi-detached houses and 36 no. duplex units and all associated site works and services including a playground and road re-alignment.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been included in the application.

Location: Gortgarraun Td., Meelick, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Coast to Coast Energy Solutions Ltd has lodged

significant further information in respect of planning application P25/60171. 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 5 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. A Natura Impact Statement has been lodged as part of this application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, GROVEMOUNT HOUSE, CLOONAVEIGE, ENNISTYMON, CO. CLARE Take notice that MMD Atlantic Ltd. intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to alter and extend the planning drawings as granted under P24/60400 along with ancillary site works at the above address. The works involve a) revisions to the external façade of the building b) a single storey extension at the rear of the building c) new first floor apartment within the existing roof structure d) a new single storey extension at the front of the building e) internal alterations That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, MONASTERY LANE, ENNISTYMON, CO. CLARE Take notice that G. Quinn intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to alter an existing structure and to change its use to an Artist’s Studio along

with ancillary site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, BALLYCOTTEEN NORTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that D. Logue intends to apply to the Planning Authority for retention permission for the following; a) the extensions and alterations to the existing dwelling house b) the front boundary wall, site entrance wall and internal site works and for permission for a new proprietary wastewater system to replace the existing system on site along with associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 5 GLEANN NA SMÓL, SHANNON, CO. CLARE. I John O’Keeffe intend to apply to the above authority for permission for retention of a shed, garage, and extensions to the front and rear of the dwelling house (previously granted planning under P818144) at 5 Gleann na Smól, Shannon, Co. Clare, V14 C580. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the pre-

scribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLINGADDY EAST, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE. Take notice that Sarah J Daly intends to apply for permission to build a new dwelling house, install a wastewater treatment system and all associated and ancillary 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, during its public opening hours.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BLACKWATER, ARDNACRUSHA, CO CLARE. V94 H04V. Take notice that Mary and Liam Buckley intend to apply for permission to retain the detached garage on site, the altered fenestration to the dwelling house, the existing entrance as built and all associated and ancillary 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, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL OFF MONASTERY LANE, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE. Take notice that Brian McMahon intends to apply for permission to replace the existing substandard storage shed with a new enlarged shed and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the rea-

sonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYMACKEA BEG, MULLAGH, CO CLARE. V95 Y9T7 Take notice that The Killeen Family intends to apply for permission to build an ancillary residential unit for the enjoyment of the occupants of the main dwelling house and all associated and ancillary 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, during its public opening hours.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DOONAGORE, DOOLIN, CO CLARE. Take notice that Richard Hynes intends to apply for permission to build a new dwelling house, install a wastewater treatment system and all associated and ancillary 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, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILMACDUANE EAST, COORACLARE Take notice that J. Lillis intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to extend existing structures, to

install foul sewerage system, percolation area and new site entrance at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, 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.

NOTICES AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 Roslevan SVR Limited Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Roslevan SVR Limited of 2 Kilquan, Shanaway Road, Ennis, Clare intends to apply to the Court at Ennis District Court on the 21 January 2026 at 10:30 for a certificate to hold a WINE RETAILER’S OFFLICENCE in respect of the premises known as Supervalue Roslevan Shopping Centre Tulla Road, Ennis Co Clare and situate at Roslevan Shopping Centre, Tulla Road, Ennis, Clare, in court area and district aforesaid.

Dated this 01 Dec 2025 Signed MHP Sellors LLP Solicitor for Applicant

Plannings Continue on p.45

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Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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ANNIVERSARY

PRINTING

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Classifieds

BETTY MURPHY (NEE DALY)

Merry

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& sparkly wishes for 26!

WE WILL BE CLOSING ON 20

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CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL QUIN ROAD BUSINESS PARK, QUIN ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE V95 D592 Take notice that Kevin Lernihan t/a Clipex Fencing & Stockyards intends to apply for permission for change of use of the existing retail building to an indoor sports facility with 6 Padel Courts, changing rooms, toilets, seating/ reception area, using the existing entrance and parking area & all 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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FORTWILLIAM, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO CLARE. Take notice that Angela Howard and Padraig Mac Giolla Phadraig intend to apply for permission to retain the attached garage which is converted for domestic use; extend the existing dwelling and alter the internal layout and fenestration; permission to build a new garage and a new ancillary residential unit for the enjoyment of the occupants of the main dwelling and all associated and ancillary 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, 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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL We, TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd, intend to apply for Permission for development of this site at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Doonbeg, Kilrush, Co. Clare, V15 KH39.

The Development will consist of: a) The construction of new golf tee boxes serving Holes 3 and 17, including associated turfing, edging, contouring and grading works to integrate the golf tee boxes into the existing golf course layout and design; b) The demolition and removal of a section of the existing internal access road, and the realignment and construction of a new and upgraded internal access road, including all associated works and services; c) Landscaping and remodelling of adjoining improved grassland areas, including minor contouring, low earth mounding to improve visual screening, integration of the new golf tee boxes and associated

walkways, the formation of a pond and associated wetland areas, and the expansion and enhancement of the existing improved grassland; and, d) All associated site development works, including earthworks, temporary fencing, reseeding, landscaping, ground reinstatement and any ancillary works required to facilitate the development.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared for this development and is submitted with this planning application.

The Planning Application and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) 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 con-

sidered 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 We, TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd, intend to apply for Permission for development of this site at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Doonbeg, Kilrush, Co. Clare, V15 KH39.

The Development will consist of: a) The demolition of the existing event marquee and its associated service areas; the demolition of Doughmore House, including its associated shed, concrete yard, boiler and plant room to the rear. All associated hardstanding, access roads, foundations, services, utilities and site infrastructure relating to the above elements will be removed. b) The construction of a new single-storey ballroom building, comprising a main function room; lobby and pre-function areas; reception space; bar

“In a quiet garden where the morning settles soft, your memory rises with the light, a daffodil’s bright trembling gold, sure as the first warm breath of spring.

A year has passed, yet you are here, rooted in the soil of our days, blooming in the smallest moments, living on in every colour this garden brings.

Today we walk this path for you, feeling your presence in each quiet blossom, and we whisper into the fading light: You are missed. You are loved. You are ours, still.”

Your loving family

Contact 065 671 9021 or email sales@clareecho.ie

CONTINUED FROM P.43

In loving memory of Betty Murphy(nee Daly), Kilnasoolagh Park, Newmarket on Fergus who died on 17th Dec 2024.

1st Anniversary Mass takes place on Dec 20th at 6pm, Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Newmarket on Fergus

and lounge areas; champagne and tea stations; bridal suite; guest WCs; staff facilities; kitchen and catering areas; chair and bar stores; internal service and plant spaces; an external service yard; and a partially covered external terrace. c) The reconfiguration, upgrading and extension of existing car parking and internal circulation areas, including revised vehicular and pedestrian routes, set-down areas, bicycle parking provision, resurfacing, lighting, and all associated hard and soft landscaping works. d) Site development and landscape works, including embankments, regrading and contouring, footpaths, paved areas, planting, boundary treatments, surface water and foul drainage works, services and utilities connections, and all works required to integrate the development into the existing hotel campus. e) All ancillary site development, excavation and infrastructural works necessary to facilitate the proposed development.

A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been

prepared for this development and is submitted with this planning application The Planning Application and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) 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.

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Dec 18 THIS WEEKS PUZZLES JAN 20th

WORD SEARCH Blips

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

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9

HOW TO PLAY

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The Clare Echo Crossword 6

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ACROSS

DOWN

1 European language (6) CROSSWORD ANSWERS 1 Quicker (6) 4 Second sign of the zodiac 2 African grassland (7) 3 Eagle’s nest (5) (6) 5 Side by side (7) 8 Young eel (5) 6 Circular (5) 9 Large tent (7) 7 Not tottering or wobbling (6) 10 Nuts from a horse 9 Wretched (9) chestnut tree (7) 13 Melodious (7) 11 Helped (5) 14 Felled (3,4) 12 Polar region (9) 15 Animal at home in a sett (6) 17 Fire-raising (5) 16 Moves aimlessly (6) 19 Long pillow (7) 21 Long-necked animal (7) 18 Thick sweet sticky liquid (5) 20 Defeated contestant (5) 22 Satirical imitation (5) 23 Small wave (6) 24 Dried plums (6)

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Daily Quick Crossword: 13 January 2022 ,1/13/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

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Daily Quick Crossword: 13 January 2022 ,1/13/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

Phone 065 6820914

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#supermacs heart of Ennis

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

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Order through Supermac’s app O'Connell Street, Ennis

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Introducing our extended delivery service available from 1pm daily

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THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

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How to play

38

Thursday, Dec 18, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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

46

47

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 18, 2025

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

Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz In what year was Michael Cusack born?

1850 1847 1870

7.

In what year did Michael Cusack die?

1910 1906 1908

2.

What parish were Michael Cusack from?

Carron Ballyea Doora-Barefield

8.

Which character in Ulysses is based off Michael Cusack?

Leopold Bloom Buck Mulligan The Citizen

3.

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

9.

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

4.

Where is Cusack buried?

Glasnevin Drumcliffe Clarecastle

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

Dublin Westmeath Sligo

5.

Where did the meeting to found the GAA take place?

Dublin Thurles Cork

6.

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

2022 2023 2024

Scan here to see what’s on

ANSWERS 2024 1906 The Citizen Maurice Davin Westmeath

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Movies to see this week

1847 Carron 1884 Glasnevin Thurles

1.

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

Last weeks Answers . holes missing on green helmet . grip on hurley different colour . GAA missing on jersey . addidas missing on white boot

. stud missing on bottom of boot . line missing on pitch . wristband missing (right)

Geraldine Hansbury and Ramona Hayes and families at the Switching on of the Christmas lights recently Photo by Eamon Ward