The Clare Echo 19/2/26

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Landowners unhappy with Greenway chiefs

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ASH WEDNEDSDAY produced fiery scenes as farmers threatened “there will be uproar” over the proposed route for the 43km Limerick to Scariff Greenway.

Officials in Waterways Ireland late last year unveiled their proposed route corridor for the Greenway but Wednesday morning’s meeting of the Tourism Development SPC indicates it could be a bumpy road ahead.

There are five different sections to the Greenway, the first of which Waterways Ireland intend to lodge planning for in the third quarter of 2026 and potentially open next year.

Former Chairman of Clare IFA, Tom Lane criticised the lack of consultation from Waterways Ire-

land with impacted landowners in South-East Clare. “It is a disgrace that ye have brought the final route here and ye have not spoken to landowners, there will be uproar”.

Lane added, “I think it is a disgrace without having the landowners behind it, ye are undermining other greenway projects in the county which have had fantastic work behind them.”

Western regional manager with Waterways Ireland, Brian Treacy committed to meet with landowners following Lane’s criticism.

Acting Chair of the SPC, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) stressed the need for improved communication, “otherwise there’s obstacles in the delivery of such a project”.

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Shannon resident Kathleen Lyons (left) celebrates her birthday with her siblings Michael D. Higgins and John Higgins along with their wives Sabina and Maureen. A painting of their parents was presented to Kathleen for her birthday Photo by Joe Buckley

‘Highly offensive’ gra�itti in Ruan

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

GRAFITTI ETCHED at the site of a now pulled planned development in Ruan has been slammed by locals.

Plans to provide assisted living for people with disabilities lodged with Clare County Council as part of a redevelopment at Purcell’s Lounge Bar at the beginning of January were also withdrawn last month.

However at the weekend, the vacant premises was vandalised with red spray paint and the messages ‘special needs not wanted’ and ‘houses not

wanted’.

Fintan Mac Coitir of Ruan Tidy Towns said the vandalism was “highly offensive”. He added, “I have no idea who is involved in but I would be confident it wasn’t any local”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) stressed “the views that were expressed do not reflect the views of the people of Ruan or their mindset. The people of Ruan are warm, welcoming people who are very open and are anxious to see the development of more housing in their locality”.

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At The Outing Winter Pride Festival 2026 (held February 13–15, 2026, in Ennis, Co. Clare), Eddie McGuinness and other organizers along with Paul Murphy, Mayor of Clare, John Moran, Mayor of Limerick and others celebrated the official securing of the bid for EuroPride 2028.

Following a successful bid against Manchester Pride, the partnership between The Outing Queer Arts Collective, Limerick Pride, and QuareClare was confirmed, marking the first time the pan-European LGBTQ+ event will be held on the island of Ireland Photo by Eamon Ward

CBS Primary Ennis students win Intel Mini Scientist competition

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THREE PUPILS FROM CBS Primary Ennis beat students from all over Ireland to win the 2025/2026 Intel Mini Scientist competition.

Aidan Hehir, Sam O’Neill and Franky Giudici won the top prize for their project examining how does a catapult work. They fended off competition from more than 5,000 students from 75 schools in 15 counties who also participated in the nineteenth annual Mini Scientist Competition.

By investigating the principles of kinetic and potential energy, the students analysed how a catapult operates, from the initial storage of energy to its release at launch.

Sarah Sexton, Intel Public Affairs Director, and Kenny McNamee, Senior Principal Engineer at Intel presented the Ennis trio with their prizes.

As part of the prize, CBS Primary Ennis will receive a grant of €1000 from Intel.

At the Grand Final held at the TU Dublin Blanchardstown campus, the top 70 projects from around the country were showcased.

From chemical cabbages to AI chatbots, these budding scientists brought all sorts of creative ideas

to life for the judging panel.

The competition began in September for fourth, fifth and sixth class students.

Starting with projects exhibited within their own schools, Intel employees visited each participating school to select a project that was invited to move forward to the grand final.

Commenting on the overall winning project Head Judge, Sheila Porter, SciFest

presented by today’s finalists has been really impressive.

From renewable energy to artificial intelligence, the depth of thinking and teamwork on display reflects the remarkable talent and creativity of these students”.

Intel Public Affairs Director Sarah Sexton praised the commitment to such a high standard of projects by the thousands of students. “The competition is a great way

Overall winners Aidan Hehir, Sam O’Neill and Franky Giudici from CBS Primary Ennis, overall winners for the Intel Mini Scientist Photo by Marc O’Sullivan

Founder & CEO said, “The Intel Mini Scientist competition is a wonderful opportunity for young students across the country to showcase their scientific knowledge and innovative ideas. The diverse range of projects

to get children excited about science and technology and to give them the opportunity to build key skills, such as critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork”.

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Ennis woman ‘deliberately dishonest’ in ‘frankly shocking’ case of dividing farmers will of 120 acre farm & €1.5m

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has described as “frankly shocking” the length of time it has taken for litigation concerning the Will of an Ennis farmer who died in 2012.

Presiding in the High Court in Limerick on Wednesday, Ms Justice Siobhan Stack said that one of the parties in the proceedings was “deliberately dishonest in her evidence,” in a previous hearing.

Judge Stack last week upheld a decision of the Circuit Court to condemn the final Will of an 81-year-old Patrick Hogan, ruling that he lacked the mental capacity to change his affairs in the final weeks of his life.

The farmer from Bushy Park, Ennis, died in April 2012 leaving a 120-acre farm, livestock, and entitlements valued at over €1.5m.

Shortly before his death, Mr Hogan signed a will on April 4, 2012, leaving almost everything to one of his daughters, Peggy Kierse.

His sons, Gordon and Norman Hogan, challenged the

April will and last week Ms Justice Stack last week affirmed the Circuit Court’s decision to condemn that document.

In a 2008 will, Mr Hogan had arranged to split his assets between his son Gordon’s family and Peggy.

The matter was up for mention in the High Court sitting at Merchant’s Quay in Limerick yesterday (Wednesday), where Ms Justice Stack said she would make orders concerning the matter in Dublin on March 12.

She advised the two sons, Gordon and Norman Hogan who did not have legal representation at the High Court to get representation before facing into the maze of probation and land registry.

When the matter of who would pay legal costs was raised, there were applications to strike out costs awarded in the Circuit Court against Peggy Kierse and another person.

Ms Justice Stack agreed that the second named person was acting in her given role as the executor of the will

and as such, while named as a defendant, should not be liable for costs.

But she said yesterday that she would not set aside the order for costs against Ms Kierse.‘The allegations made in these proceedings are very serious,” the Judge said. Referring to her findings from the previous hearing in the court in Dublin, Ms Justice Stack said that “I made a finding that Ms Kierse was deliberately dishonest in her evidence to me. She thought that she could come in and spin a tale and there are consequences to that”.

She adjourned making any further orders in the case to her sitting in Dublin in March and explained this was for logistical reasons.

Ms Justice Stack said that “one thing which concerns me is the length of time this has taken. We are dealing with a death in 2012”. The judge expressed her hope that the March 12 court date “will bring this interminable delay to an end”.

Hearing the evidence in Dublin previously, the judge

noted there was “no satisfactory evidence” as to why the farmer suddenly abandoned his original views on how to distribute his property.

The court carefully considered the state of Mr Hogan’s health during the final weeks of his life. While the judge accepted expert evidence that he did not have dementia, she noted that he was facing the combined strain of terminal lung cancer and the side effects of strong pain medication.

She heard that these conditions led to episodes of “delirium”.

Family members, including his sister Florence Chambers, whom the judge described as a “wholly reliable witness,” testified that by late 2011, Mr Hogan was generally “unable to maintain the thread of a conversation for more than five minutes or so”.

Ultimately, the court found that this prolonged period of ill-health meant he was not in a position to fully grasp the complexities of his estate or the legal changes being proposed in his final weeks.

Bright future for Ennis students Ennis student Sarah Broderick receives her ATU Entrance Scholarship Award from Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU. Pharmacy student Sarah, a past pupil of St Flannan’s College, Ennis, was one of 55 highachieving first-year students to be awarded an Entrance Scholarship at Atlantic Technological University (ATU).

Each recipient was among students who achieved over 550 and up to 625 CAO points, receiving a €500 bursary and a bespoke trophy by ATU Connemara graduate Eoin Kirwan.

Sarah was one of four students from Co Clare to receive the award, alongside Claire Sweeney (Education: Home Economics & Irish - Coláiste Fhlannáin); Alana Ghilardi (Engineering - Common Entry - Coláiste Muire, Ennis); and Eoin Miesle (Animation & Game Design - Rice College, Ennis).

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‘We have to get off our backsides and get something done’ at Clareabbey - concerns linger on Clare’s busiest roundabout

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

PLANS to install a pedestrian crossing at Clareabbey Roundabout “will not be safe for pedestrians or cyclists”.

As part of plans to deliver an Active Travel Scheme on the Clare Rd, an upgraded crossing has been suggested for the Clareabbey roundabout which has been met with strong resistance.

At this month’s sitting of the Ennis Municipal District, a joint motion from Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF), Cllr Paul Murphy (FG), Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) and Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) labelled the Active Travel proposal as “unsuitable” and stressed the local preference was for an overpass or underpass.

However during the meeting, Cllr Murphy went “left field” and put forward the case for a flyover at the roundabout.

In their proposal, councillors called on the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) “to immediately progress

l DISCUSSION: An artist’s impression of the pedestrian crossing at Clareabbey Roundabout

and fund the long delayed pedestrian and cyclist safety scheme” at the roundabout.

They cited a recent “serious collision involving a cyclist” at the location and the “ongoing health and safety risk” that exists. “The only acceptable solution that ensures both safety and traffic flow is the provision of overpasses and/or underpasses”.

Cllr Guilfoyle noted the

solutions put forward in the Active Travel scheme “fell short of what the public perception and opinion was”. He added, “In recent correspondence, TII said the County Council has an onus to do X, Y and Z, we need to represent what the people want and what is right at the roundabout, I hope we get a positive reply and cooperation”.

Pledging to “keep fighting

the fight,” Cllr Murphy welcomed a united front from councillors. “I’ve spoken to a few road engineers, they have said that under-bridges can attract anti-social behaviour. If that is what we get to make it safe I’d take it, an overbridge though has to facilitate disabled people so it would need a slow rise going up with stopping points for wheelchairs, I’m told by en-

gineers there isn’t enough of room to do that”.

Murphy said, “Clarecastle and Ennis were both let down and let down badly when this was constructed, the main Ennis to Kilrush Rd left untouched because relief road went over it, why the hell was the Clare Rd not left alone and the road going over it, it beggars belief actually”.

Though he had signed his name to the motion criticising some of the proposed measures, the Mayor of Clare had a change of heart when going “left field”.

He commented, “This might take 20 years but maybe we should accept the safety measures that are proposed but start a lobby for the road to be constructed across Clareabbey Roundabout. I know it will cost millions but this is our county town and our former county town that we’re talking about. I’m sorry for going left field, a lot of it only came into my head in the last hour”.

“I’m glad it wasn’t me that met the engineers because it would have been a robust conversation on the basis that they have been sitting on this

for donkeys years and I’d have asked what part of the donkey department are you working in to suggest the flyover,” Cllr Guilfoyle responded. Cllr Murphy then clarified it was him not the engineers who floated the idea of a flyover.

Arguing it needed to be either a walk-under or walkover as opposed to a flyover, Cllr Guilfoyle emphasised that a pedestrian crossing would not be safe for cyclists, pedestrians or motorists.

Temporary measures must be installed if solutions will take an inordinate period of time to deliver, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) stressed.

Having suggested a Council deputation meet Transport Minister, Darragh O’Brien (FF) to discuss a rail link for Shannon Airport, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said this deputation should also raise Clareabbey Roundabout.

“Clareabbey Roundabout is the biggest and busiest roundabout in Co Clare, there is no doubt it is not safe for cyclists and pedestrians, TII sitting on the fence for many years, it is time Minister for Transport intervened and allocated required funding to advance the project”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

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‘There will be uproar’ over preferred Scariff Greenway

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“THERE will be uproar” in South-East Clare over the proposed route for the 43km Scariff to Limerick greenway, the former Chairman of Clare IFA has said.

Waterways Ireland are expected to lodge a planning application in the third quarter of this year for the first phase of the 43km Greenway which is from Blackwater Bridge to Errina Bridge.

Broken into five different routes, the Scariff to Limerick will be delivered in phases. The five sections are from UL to Clonlara Park, Blackbridge Crossing, Errina Bridge to Killaloe, Killaloe to Tuamgraney and Scariff to Tuamgraney.

Western regional manager with Waterways Ireland, Brian Treacy explained, “delivering the project in a phased manner will see sections of the greenway open and accessible in a much shorter timeframe”.

Planning will be lodged for the Blackwater Bridge to Errina Bridge section later this year, Brian advised.

“With a fair wind behind section one, we would hope to have something open on the ground for the public within 12 to 18 months”.

Officials from Waterways Ireland presented plans to elected members of the Killaloe Municipal District but on Wednesday they came under fire when briefing representatives of the Tourism Development SPC. Farming representative, Tom Lane took aim at the officials. He admitted that he was an impacted landowner and met with officials in recent years over the plans.

“Unfortunately some of our members have been trying to get in contact with the Waterways Ireland office for the last six months for a meeting but we’ve been told ye will not meet landowners”.

Lane claimed, “it is the landowners close to Parteen Weir that ye have not met, it is a disgrace that ye have brought the final route here and ye have not spoken to

landowners, there will be uproar”. He said they were left without replies for 12 months.

Senior engineer with Waterways Ireland, John Jones told the meeting he spoke with Darren Sheedy of the IFA on December 21. Parteen based Lane replied, “He said ye refused to talk to landowners... ye are undermining other greenway projects in the county which have had fantastic work behind them. I don’t know have ye adhered to the agreement with TII and landowners and I will check that out. I think ye are a disgrace”.

Consultation will take place, Treacy confirmed.

Deputising as Chair of the SPC for Cllr Shane Talty (FF), Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy stressed better consultation is essential.

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Ruan act of vandalism does not reflect locals

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN ACT of vandalism in Ruan does not reflect the views of the local community towards people with disabilities, local activists have said.

On Saturday night, the vacant building which was formerly Purcell’s Lounge Bar was vandalised with messages spray painted at either end of the building. The graffiti which was covered in red had the messages ‘special needs not wanted’ and ‘houses not wanted’.

Gardaí visited Ruan on Sunday morning to study CCTV footage after receiving a complaint from a local resident.

However, the Garda Press Office despite multiple queries from The Clare Echo this week stressed that they had no record of a criminal damage incident in Ruan that was under investigation.

Fintan Mac Coitir of Ruan Tidy Towns was disgusted with the contents of the graffiti and helped to cover over the messaging. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Fintan stated, “The message was about special needs, of all the sectors of society to be picking on, it seems highly offensive.

It is an absurd cohort sector of society to be picking on. It had to be covered over immediately. I’ve no idea why it was done or the context or why somebody would be picking on them. I have no

idea who is involved in but I would be confident it wasn’t any local”.

Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) told The Clare Echo, “the views that were expressed do not reflect the views of the people of Ruan or their mindset. The people of Ruan are warm, welcoming people who are very open and are anxious to see the development of more housing in their locality”.

Last month, fresh plans to redevelop Purcell’s Lounge Bar were withdrawn, they had only been lodged on January 5th. It was the fifth time since 2005 that Noel O’Loughlin Developments Limited had submitted a planning application to Clare County Council at the location.

As part of the latest plans, the pub was to be demolished along with an adjoining residence and shed at the rear of the property. The applicant had proposed building a commercial unit to include a two-bedroom apartment on the first floor.

The development also included five two-storey three bed terrace houses, eight single-storey bungalows for the elderly, one two-storey assisted living apartments for people with disabilities and one single-storey threebed assisted living house for people with disabilities. The application also included a car parking area, vehicular and pedestrian access, a connection to the existing

public water supply, a stormwater drainage system and a wastewater treatment system.

In 2005, planning permission was granted for a simi-

lar project and an extension granted in 2012, amended applications were later lodged in 2020 and 2022 both of which were withdrawn by the applicant.

Dooley says Ireland should play Israel fixture in Dublin

CLARE TD and Junior Minister, Timmy Dooley (FF) has said the Republic of Ireland’s UEFA Nations League game against Israel should go ahead in Dublin, writes Páraic McMahon.

Heimir Hallgrímsson’s Republic of Ireland side have been drawn in Group B3 of the UEFA Nations League alongside Kosovo, Israel and Austria.

Games between Ireland and Israel and scheduled to be held in September and October. The away fixture will take place on 27 September, while the return leg in Dublin is scheduled for 4 October. The FAI said in a statement on Sunday that it intends to fulfil the fixtures.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine and Minister of State at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Dooley said the games versus Israel should go ahead and backed the call for the second leg to be played in Dublin.

Government figures have suggested a neutral venue might be a better option with Minister for Further and Higher Education, James Lawless (FF) of the view such a setting “makes more sense”.

An Garda Síochána have raised concerns about policing the fixture while Sinn Féin have said the FAI should give Israel “the red card” and not fulfil the fixtures.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Dooley maintained that the games should proceed. He said Ireland has been “steadfast” in criticising Israeli actions in Gaza and had taken the view there should be a two-state solution. He added, “I think it’s a challenge for the FAI for sure but I think the game should go ahead”.

When asked about the concerns raised by Gardaí for hosting the fixture in Dublin, Dooley stated, “The Gardaí will rightly identify the security issues in relation to any event but I think as a State, we should be capable of providing that level of security. Yes, it’s a challenge, but I think it should be possible”.

Strong merit in restricting social media use for teens - McNamara

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PLANS to introduce a social media ban for teenagers can be completed in Ireland but are unlikely to be backed on an EU level, an MEP has flagged.

In a memo brought before Cabinet this week, the Government is to propose introducing a social media ban for under sixteens as part of its consideration for a new artificial intelligence strategy.

Australia was the first country to introduce such a social media ban for teenagers last year with similar plans afoot in France and Spain.

Last year, the Government announced a trial of a ‘digital wallet’ age verification tool for accessing social media platforms.

Research to gather the views of parents and youths is set to begin soon as the Government seeks to influence EU policy in this area ahead of the beginning of Ireland hosting the EU presidency in the second half of the year.

As part of the memo brought to Cabinet, Ministers were told the the system which is being developed is privacy-protective, legally sound and workable across every device.

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary (FF) said the Government will have to “be careful” if the Public Services Card is to be used as part of the age verification method.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Michael McNamara MEP (IND) who is Co-Chair of the AI Act Working Group in the European

Union said it is “feasible” that a social media ban for teenagers would work in Ireland and voiced his support for the plans. “The central issue is on use of social media and smart phones, I do see a lot of merit in the proposal to restrict it. I have very young children and I’d be very worried about them going on social media”.

He added that such policies will need to be driven by individual states of the rather than the European Union, “I don’t see any proposal coming at an EU level, France is proposing something similar, there is a leak from a proposal to the Cabinet in Ireland.

Only the commission can propose something for Europe and I don’t see them proposing anything because the direction of travel is responding to the lobbying from these big companies and relaxing laws rather than strengthening them”.

Restricting the use of social media is necessary to help children’s development, the Scariff native felt. “I would welcome some restriction on the use of social media. AI does bring with it risks, we know children have a particular vulnerability, it is a key part of the development process to distinguish what is real and what is artificial, the use of companionship bots risks that. We have seen some cases in America where children were actively encouraged or at the very least not discouraged to commit suicide by these bots which is very worrying. This is covered by the AI act which is coming into force in August of this year”.

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Threefold increase in roads funding for Co Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CO CLARE has received a threefold increase in its national roads funding for 2026.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has announced a three-fold increase in funding for Clare’s national primary and secondary roads this year, with Clare County Council set to receive €6,581,824. Last year, Clare received one of the lowest per-kilometre capital allocations in the State.

Clare’s national secondary road network is 184 km long, and includes the N67 from Killimer through Kilrush, Kilkee, Miltown Malbay and onwards to North Clare and into Galway; the N68 between Ennis and Kilrush; and the N85 between Ennis and Ennistymon.

As part of Clare’s 2026 capital package, there is €750,000 for an upgrade of the N85 near Ennistymon from Glen South to Monreel South, as well as funding for Vulnerable Road User (VRU) facilities in Lahinch (€130,000) and Inagh (€75,000). A further €750,000 has been allocated for works at Blake’s Corner in Ennistymon and €140,000 for works at Mountcharles Terrace in Kilkee.

Major pavement upgrades on the N68 Ennis to Kilrush Road also feature, including €2.5 million for the Drumeen East to Darragh section, €300,000 for Caherea and

€400,000 for the Knockalough to Crag stretch. €110,000 is provided for pedestrian and cycle crossings at Clareabbey Roundabout, along with €300,000 for the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road and €40,000 for a pedestrian crossing at the junction of Shanaway Road and the Lahinch Road.

Clare TD, Joe Cooney (FG) made repeated representations to the Department of Transport after last year’s low allocation of just above €2m said the funding will deliver significant investment in West and North Clare and “will make a real difference”.

He said he wants to see most of the works carried out before the busy tourist season and the major golfing events in Lahinch and Doonbeg this September.

Deputy Cooney told The Clare Echo, “While many rural residents of West and North Clare grudgingly accept the low population density results in lower levels of services and infrastructure, the least they can expect is that they would have a reasonable road to travel on. The N85, N68 and N67 are the primary routes for residents to access work in Ennis and Shannon, also the main routes for the millions of tourists who visit West and North Clare annually, one of the principal drivers of the coastal and rural economy in Clare”.

According to Junior Minis-

ter, Timmy Dooley TD (FF) and Cathal Crowe TD (FF), there will be over €38m invested in regional and national roads in the county.

Junior Minister Dooley stated, “Securing over €38 million for Clare is a very substantial investment in our county’s infrastructure. I have worked closely with Government colleagues and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to ensure Clare receives strong support across national, regional and local routes. This funding will support major pavement renewal schemes, bridge rehabilitation, climate resilience works, safety improvements and strategic connectivity projects right across the county.

“The investment will strengthen road safety, protect the quality of our existing network and support economic activity, tourism and daily commuters. Investment at this level ensures that Clare continues to benefit from reliable, resilient and well maintained roads. Strong infrastructure is essential for balanced regional development. I will continue to work to ensure Clare secures its fair share of national investment,” he added.

Meelick native Crowe said, “I am delighted to welcome significant investment in our regional and national roads here in Clare. This funding will make a real difference in communities right across the

county allowing safer roads and more efficient journeys.

I am particularly delighted to

see Blake’s Corner included today. This project is critical across the county, and it is

essential the project now proceeds.”

TII grant allocation to Clare County Council for National Roads 2026 (€6,581,824)

Both NP & NS Fencing Retrofit 2026 CL - (€25,000) Local Authority Support (Improvement) 2026 CL - (€120,000) Safety Support Grant 2026 CL - (€100,000) National Primary N19 Shannon Airport Access (€300,000) National Secondary N67 Mountcharles Tec. Kilkee RSIS (€140,000) N67CL Clohanes RSI Type B - (€20,000) N67CL Doonbeg L2030 Junction RSI - (€10,000) N67CL Doonbeg Ped Crossing - (€50,000) N67CL Lahinch VRU Facilities RSI - (€130,000) N67CL Minister’s Place RSI Implementation (€20,000) N67CL/R484 Caherfenick (Doonbeg) Type B (€20,000) N68 Cranny Cross RSIS - (€20,000) N68CL Rocky Road Roundabout VRU Facilities (€30,000) N85 Shanaway Lahinch Road Pedestrian Crossing Ennis RSIS - (€40,000) N85CL Clareabbey Roundabout pedestrian/cycle crossings RSIS - (€110,000) N85CL Inagh VRU Facilities RSIS - (€75,000) N67/N85 Blake’s Corner - (€750,000) N68 Cahera Pavement - (€300,000) N68 Drumeen East to Derragh Pavement (€2,500,000) N68 Knockalough to Crag Pavement - (€400,000) N85 Glen South to Monreel South Pavement (€750,000) Both NP & NS Local Authority Support (Maintenance) - (€14,200) Local Authority Support (Winter Maintenance (€10,000)

National Primary NP Motorway MMaRC (€119,123) National Secondary • NS Ordinary Maintenance (€237,009) • NS Route Lighting (€110,841) • NS Winter Maintenance (€180,651) • Regional and Local Roads Allocation (€31,788,700) • Protection and Renewal Grants (€26,628,700) • Restoration Improvement (€15,169,000) • Restoration Maintenance (€1,790,500) • Supplementary Restoration Maintenance (€1,656,000) • Discretionary Grant (€3,687,500) • Bridge Rehabilitation (€740,000) • Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience Works (€715,000) • Community Involvement Scheme (€786,600) • PSCI Survey Support (€33,000) • Training Grant (€85,100) • Drainage Works (€792,000) • Strategic Rehabilitation Regional Roads (€500,000) • New Roads and Road Improvement Grants (€5,160,000) • Specific Improvement Grants (€160,000) • Ogonnelloe Traffic Calming Scheme (€60,000) • R478 Liscanor Village (€100,000) • Strategic Regional and Local (€5,000,000) • Shannon Crossing (€5,000,000)

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AI sexualised images must be criminalised immediately says Clare TD Donna

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ONLINE SEXUALISED images are inflicting real harm and will leave long-term psychological impact, a Clare TD has warned.

Speaking in the Dáil on Sinn Féin’s private members bill to criminalise the creation and distribution of sexualised images, Donna McGettigan TD (SF) stressed, “Speedy action on this is required now; not next year, not after another review, but now”.

In an eleven day window, she claimed that Grok “is estimated to have generated approximately three million sexualised images, including 23,000 that appear to depict children.

Let us be absolutely clear on this, these are children”. Deputy McGettigan questioned why the Government did not act immediately on the matter.

She quoted C h i l d re n ’s Health Ireland which said the tools “pose significant Donna McGettigan TD (SF) risks to

children and young people, including psychological distress, loss of dignity, coercion and long-term trauma. This is real, live harm being inflicted right now. This erosion of basic societal norms cannot be tolerated. It strikes at the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of women, men and children and it needs to be sorted now”.

Shannon based McGettigan outlined, “Violence against women remains pervasive in Ireland and the digital space now plays a central role in enabling and amplifying that violence. AI has become a new weapon of abuse, humiliation and control. Perpetrators of digital domestic abuse, sexual violence and gender-based violence must not be allowed to evade accountability or to hide behind a veil of anonymity because of weak or inadequate rules imposed on platforms and digital service providers”.

“Every day that the Government delays, these images remain available. Every hour of inaction compounds

that harm and every failure to legislate sends a dangerous message that protection does not matter. The generation of non-consensual intimate images and videos through AI must be criminalised,” Donna added.

Minister of State responsibility for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth (FF) speaking following the initial Grok controversy stated, “Under existing regulation, Coimisiún na Meán leads on online safety and platform duties as Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator; An Garda Síochána investigates criminal offences; the Data Protection Commission oversees compliance with GDPR and privacy law; and the European Commission enforces the Digital Services Act in cooperation with Coimisiún na Meán. I will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders.

“If anyone is concerned about images shared online, they should report it to An Garda Síochána. Reports can also be made to the Irish national reporting centre, Hotline.ie. I would also encourage users to report illegal content to the online platform there they encountered it and to Coimisiún na Meán”.

‘Chaotic’ use of e-scooters in Kilrush

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CURRENT LAWS continue to be ignored on e-scooter regulations and public safety is at risk, a West Clare nurse has warned claiming that their use in Kilrush is “chaotic”.

June Dillon (AON) who contested the 2024 General Election for Aontú has called for the urgent introduction of a nationwide enforcement campaign on e-scooter regulations.

Her party has written to the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien (FF) and to the Office of the Garda Commissioner, calling for a coordinated national initiative between the Department of Transport and An Garda Síochána to ensure e-scooter legislation is properly enforced on the ground.

Compliance on the legislation governing e-scooters is poor with enforcement inconsistent according to June. “People are regularly witnessing e-scooters being used on footpaths, by underage riders, without helmets, carrying passen-

gers, and weaving through busy pedestrian areas. This behaviour puts older people, children, people with disabilities, and the riders themselves at serious risk”.

She claimed that prob-

lems associated with e-scooters are particularly evident in Kilrush. “Kilrush has been particularly affected by the chaotic and dangerous use of e-scooters by groups of children, teens and young adults, operating e-scooters at speed weaving between driving cars or on footpaths, without care of roundabouts or pedestrian crossings”.

In her correspondence, Ms Dillon proposed a clearly branded, time-limited national enforcement and

awareness initiative, such as a ‘Smart E-Scooter Month’, combining strong Garda visibility with clear public education. She said such a campaign should include, visible Garda enforcement in both urban and rural areas, clear public messaging on legal requirements and penalties, engagement with schools, colleges and workplaces plus collection and publication of enforcement data to ensure accountability “Public confidence in e-scooter regulations will only be restored when people see that the rules actually matter. That requires leadership and coordination at national level. This cannot be left to piecemeal or adhoc local enforcement. A national campaign will only work if An Garda Síochána and the Department of Transport work hand in glove. High Garda visibility, consistent enforcement and clear messaging are essential if we are serious about safety in our towns and villages,” the Kilmurry McMahon woman said.

11

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

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News

Clare Leader Forum pushing for once-off emergency cost of disability payment

by Páraic McMahon

paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE LEADER FORUM is calling on the Government to provide a once-off emergency cost of disability payment.

Disability brings with an extra cost of between €455 and €555 per week, the Government’s own Indecon Cost of Disability Report from 2021 detailed.

Over the past two winters, disabled people received a total of €1,400 in once-off payments. Citing an increase in energy, food and transport costs, disability activists are pushing for the a once-

off emergency cost of disability payment for this winter while longer-term measures are developed.

A severe financial strain is placing an extra burden on disabled people, Clare Leader Forum have stressed.

They have suggested that for those in receipt of social welfare payments, the emergency payment could be delivered through the social protection system.

For disabled people in employment, who incur substantial additional costs, it could be provided as a tax credit. The additional cost of disability arises from Impairment-related needs, employ-

ment status. Not addressing this or paying it to people in receipt of disability allowance risks keeping people in poverty and forcing people to remain longterm unemployed.

On Saturday next (February 28th), a number of Clare activists will gather at the Garden of Remembrance, Dublin, at 13:00 to highlight the cost of living crisis and its disproportionate impact on disabled people.

Chairperson of Clare Leader Forum, Padraic Hayes stated, “The cost of disability is real, it is measured, and it is felt every single week by disabled people. Government

has the evidence. An emergency Cost of Disability payment would provide immediate relief while the longer-term scheme is being finalised. Disabled people should not have to travel to Dublin to make the case for protection that is already justified by the Government’s own data”.

Hayes pointed out that the Leader Forum has made repeated representation to Clare politicians and continues to urge Government to act as a matter of urgency and introduce a once-off emergency Cost of Disability payment.

Clare Leader Forum Chairperson, Padraic Hayes Photo by Tom Micks

Warring couple living in same home but only communicating via email

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A WARRING couple going through the throes of separation both remain in the family home with their children and communicate only via email, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett told the couple that the really sad part of their situation “is that ye’re children are watching all of this”.

Judge Gabbett said that with the children living under the same roof as the two “I don’t know how ye can subject ye’re children to this”.

He said, “They might not be as robust as you think and it is a form of emotional abuse believe it or not and there is certainly emotional abuse going between two of you”.

Judge Gabbett said that the children “are probably tip-toeing around ye” and “I really urge both of you as parents today to consider the welfare of your children”.

Judge Gabbett made his comments when dismissing a crimi-

nal charge against the husband that he had breached a Protection Order obtained by his wife in a row over brown sauce and fallen photographs of her at the family home.

Judge Gabbett said that while the wife may view the fallen photos of her and the brown sauce around the kitchen as ‘sinister’, he was of the view that what occurred arose from marital disharmony.

Judge Gabbett said that he was not satisfied that there was any criminal intent by the husband to put his wife in fear.

He said, “This has happened because ye can’t move out of the house because of financial circumstances or perhaps you just don’t want to - I don’t know which it is”.

He said, “Who is

going to blink first and move out? This is much more common than you realise and a particular problem in Clare for some reason”.

Judge Gabbett said that the allegation against the husband was at the extremely low end of Protection Order breaches.

Judge Gabbett said, “The marriage is over and the divorce needs to happen”.

In evidence, the woman said that she was left “terrified” after returning home to find wall photos only of herself on the floor and brown sauce had been sprayed around the kitchen. She said, “The house had been thrashed”.

The woman said that her husband locks himself in his room every day “and I knocked on the door and I said ‘I know what

you did and I know why you did it and there is a mess downstairs that needs to be fixed”.

The woman told the court, “I just want peace in my own house. It is not what he did, it is why he did it”.

In evidence, the husband said that in relation to the fallen photos “I had nothing to do with that, those photos keep falling off ”.

The man said that the brown sauce was on the floor after a bottle of brown sauce fell on the floor while he was making a latenight sandwich.

He said that he did clear up the mess in the kitchen.

Asked by his solicitor Daragh Hassett had he put his wife in fear, the man replied ‘no’.

The husband said, “In the house I am like a prisoner. I lock the door every night because I don’t trust what she is going to do next to be honest”.

The man said that he had blocked his wife on WhatsApp and on his phone and they communicate via

email as a mediator told them they must keep an agreed line of communication open.

Mr Hassett said that the wife had secured a Protection Order in court last year when her husband wasn’t present.

Mr Hassett said that his client subsequently contested a Safety Order and that case didn’t go to court after both sides provided undertakings to behave themselves around each other.

Mr Hassett said that two “are in the throes of separation”.

Under cross examination from Mr Hassett, the wife denied she had to come to court to give evidence in order to get her husband out of the house.

She said, “Of course I don’t want to live in this situation - half the house is mine and half the house is his. He ended the marriage 18 months ago but he is still there”.

She said, “I can’t leave because of my children. I have tried everything to find somewhere to live”.

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Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional news

End of an era for Kilrush-based research vessel Celtic Mist

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

The yacht once owned by Charles Haughey will carry out its final surveys this year The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) has announced that 2026 will be the final season for its dedicated research sailing vessel, Celtic Mist. The 17-metre yacht was donated to the IWDG by the Haughey family in 2011 and has surveyed more than 100,000 km of Irish inshore and offshore waters since 2012.

The vessel undertakes systematic visual surveys for whales, dolphins, porpoises and wider marine wildlife around the Irish coast, contributing essential long-term data for marine conservation, research and policy.

Celtic Mist has circumnavigated the island of Ireland on five occasions, sailed to the Isle of Man and the Inner Hebrides, Scotland twice to connect with like-minded groups in the UK. In 2018 she embarked on a seven-week expedition to Iceland where she rounded

lON ITS LAST LEGS: Celtic Mist

the famous Hornstrandir, Iceland’s most northernmost peninsula, entering into Arctic waters in search of humpback whales.

Last year, the Celtic Mist completed a 3,300 km survey with Fair Seas as part of the campaign

for Marine Protected Area (MPA) legislation to protect, conserve and restore Ireland’s marine environment. Over 11 weeks, volunteer skippers and crew recorded more than 2,000 individuals of eight species of whale and dolphins.

IWDG Celtic Mist Officer, Andrew Shine said, “We’re sad to see the end of the Celtic Mist’s journey with the IWDG. Our members have had an incredible experience over the last 14 years living, sailing and surveying along Ireland’s stunning coastline. They have encountered some of the most spectacular marine wildlife in the northeast Atlantic and that would not have been possible without the Celtic Mist and the generosity of the Haughey family.

“This wonderful vessel is now 50 years old and the rising cost of maintenance and challenges in finding willing and experienced volunteers to skipper and crew her means that 2026 will be her last year with us. Grand Canal Basin in Dublin was her winter home for over 10 years but now she is based in Kilrush, Co Clare and this season will find her plying the waters of the south and southwest coast for the final time on behalf of the IWDG.” IWDG Marine Advocacy and Policy Officer, Eva Lambert said

“Celtic Mist is about far more than numbers and maps. Year after year, volunteers give their time, energy and skills to Celtic Mist, often in challenging conditions. It’s about people working together at sea, learning from the wildlife around them, and turning those experiences into data that genuinely helps protect the places that matter most for whales and dolphins, including areas now being considered for Marine Protected Areas.”

Celtic Mist has completed 30 weeks of research surveys on behalf of Fair Seas since 2023.

Fair Seas Campaign Coordinator, Dr Dónal Griffin said, “I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to spend two weeks on board the Celtic Mist over the last few years. There is something really special about living on board for a week, learning about sailing, maritime heritage and marine ecology.

While the list of recorded species sightings was long, I must admit it was the people on board that impressed me most.”

Kilmihil driver guilty of causing boy’s injuries

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

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A 36-YEAR OLD west Clare man has pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm to a boy in a road traffic accident in February 2024.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Flan Donovan of Croi Na Mbaile, Kilmihil, Co Clare has pleaded guilty to two charges arising from a road traffic accident at Leagard South, Miltown Malbay on February 18, 2024.

Mr Donovan has pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm to Jesse Sherlock at Leagard South, Miltown Malbay on February 18, 2024.

Mr Donovan has also pleaded guilty to breaching his duties to offer assistance when injury had been caused to a person and this was done with intent to escape civil or criminal liability where he knew that injury had been caused to such a nature as to require medical assistance.

This charge is contrary to Section 106 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.

After Mr Donovan pleaded guilty when ar-

raigned on the two charges, counsel for the west Clare man, Patrick Whyms BL (instructed by solicitor, Patrick Moylan) said that the matter now becomes one of sentence.

Counsel for the State, Sarah Jane Comerford BL (Instructed by solicitor, Aisling Casey) said that there would be a number of victim impact statements required for the sentencing hearing even though there is only one person named in the indictment.

Ms Comerford said that there were four occupants in the vehicle and that Jesse Sherlock was a back seat passenger.

Ms Comerford said that Jesse’s parents and his brother were also in the vehicle. She said that all four received injuries and they are therefore victims in respect of Count 2 before the court.

Ms Comerford said that Jess’s mother and father were both present in court for Mr Donovan’s arraignment.

Judge Francis Comerford further remanded Mr Donovan on bail and adjourned the case to March 5 for a call over of sentences to fix a date for sentence.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

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

13

Tulla Pipe Band celebrates 90 years

l The 90th anniversary drum is unveiled as the Tulla Pipe Band entertain a packed house at Cnoc na Gaoithe on Saturday night

l Eileen & Eamon Doran with Pipe Band member Fintan Leamy, and Michael & Breda Malone All photos by Joe Buckley

l The Tulla Comhaltas Choir entertain the crowd and (right) Tom Burns, Patrick Hogan, Noel Leamy, Seán Greene and Mike Durog Photos by Joe Buckley

l In attendance at Cnoc na Gaoithe in Tulla were Margaret McGrath, Tim Moloney, Helena Byrnes, Siobhan Shanahan, Mirina Culloo, Aoife Leamy and Catherine Leamy from the Tulla Comhaltas Choir; Valerie, Roisin and Maura Leamy enjoying the show; Jim and Veronica Hogan with Oliver Quigley Photos by Joe Buckley

14

Thursday, Feb 19, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Ennis

Almost €8k raised in memory of Anne Loftus

lNiamh, Lucy, Adam and Aoife enjoying the Outing Winter Pride Festival on Valentine’s Weekend at Treacy’s West County Hotel, Ennis Photo by Eamon Ward LIVING WELL HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare are running the ‘Living Well’ programme which is a free of charge group self-management programme for people with long term health conditions or their carers. The programme, which is ran in a friendly and non-intrusive manner, addresses topics such as fatigue, sleep, pain, stress, physical activity, healthy eating, difficult emotions, low mood, de-

pression and general wellbeing. It takes place over 6 weeks, 2.5 hours per week with up to 15 people on the programme. A programme will commence on Wednesday March 4th at Ennis Primary Care Centre at 10.30am and continues for 6 weeks, finishing on Wednesday April 8th.

Prior registration is necessary, numbers are limited. Call Philip at 087 1799396 or Ailish at 061 461362 to register or for more information.

The family and friends of the late Anne Loftus have expressed their deep appreciation following the success of a St Stephen’s Night fundraiser held at The Old Ground Hotel in her memory.

The event raised an impressive €7,843.00, generated through online donations and generous support at the door on the night. All proceeds have been donated to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which helped bring Anne home to Ennis from San Francisco after her passing last October.

Anne’s family said they were sincerely thankful to everyone who contributed, attended, or supported the fundraiser in any way. Special thanks were also extended to the talented local musicians who volunteered their time to ensure the night was such a success.

“It was incredibly moving to see such support, both online and on the night,” a spokesperson said. “The funds raised will support the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust in continuing its invaluable work for Irish families facing unimaginable loss abroad.”

The night was described as a fitting celebration of Anne’s life, with organisers noting that the large turnout re-

flected the high regard in which she was held both in Ennis and in San Francisco.

A cheque presentation has since taken place with Colin Bell, founder of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, marking what organisers called a proud and emotional conclusion to a very special community effort.

Smithstown Light Engineering fuels Ennis students’ Formula 1 dreams

encouraging more young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Gerard Henn, CEO of Smithstown Light Engineering, said: “We are very proud to once again support the talented students of Coláiste Muire as they take part in the F1 in Schools competition. Initiatives like this play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators.

“At Smithstown Light Engineering, we are passionate about supporting STEM education locally and we are excited to be backing Ignite Eire all the way as they prepare for the competition in May.” As well as the sponsorship, the team at Smithstown Light Engineering will offer Ignite Eire guidance and support in the design and development of their car.

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

SMITHSTOWN Light Engineering (SLE) is delighted to announce its continued sponsorship of a team from Coláiste Muire, Ennis, as they prepare to compete in the F1 in Schools Ireland competition this May. The all-female team called “Ignite Eire” comprises Abby Cantillon, Asha Sikder, Síofra Lahiff, Oishy Nahar, Maebh Hawkins and Eva Kelly.

The six students will represent their school at this year’s competition, showcasing their skills in engineering, design, teamwork and project management as they design, build and race their own miniature Formula 1 car.

Supporting teams from Coláiste Muire for three years in a row, Smithstown Light Engineering’s ongoing involvement reflects the company’s strong commitment to promoting STEM education and

lSUSTAINABILITY: The Ignite Eire Racing Team — Asha Sikder, Oishy Nahar, Abby Cantillon, Maebh Hawkins, Eva Kelly and Síofra Lahiff, Colaiste Muire pictured with Patryk Gowacz and Niamh O’Halloran, Smithstown Light Engineering Photo by Eamon Ward

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

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Shannon

Construction starts on €15m upgrade at Shannon Airport

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CONSTRUCTION has commenced on a €15m upgrade of the Shannon Airport terminal building.

Forming the first airport-focused element of its €40m investment drive for 2026, the Shannon Airport Group have started upgrading the Shannon Airport terminal building.

As part of the work, the 1970s section of Shannon Airport’s main terminal building will be replaced with a modern, curved architectural façade, designed to dramatically improve energy performance. The project is scheduled to be completed in May 2027, no significant disruption is expected for passengers while work is ongoing.

This upgrade will help to facilitate the terminal’s transition to electric heat pump

lRay O’Driscoll, Interim CEO The Shannon Airport Group, Grainne McInerney, Head of Group Capital Projects; Peter O’Connell, MD OCC, Tara Leech, Health and Safety OCC, Gearoid O’Leary, Project Manager, Shannon Airport Group, John O’Connell, Senior Contracts Manager OCC and Niall Kearns, Airport Director of Shannon Airport Photo by Arthur Ellis

technology and new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems, enabling a move away from fossil fuel systems and signifi-

cantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Passengers will also notice the physical impact to the terminal, with a striking, fresh,

new look for the exterior.

In addition to its environmental benefits, this wider project will also deliver substantial improvements to the customer experience. The immigration and baggage halls will be completely upgraded. Arriving passengers can expect brighter, more contemporary spaces featuring upgraded toilets, improved lighting and flooring, clearer signage and new layouts.

These refurbishments are designed to reduce queues and streamline passenger movement, including a dedicated new entrance for European passengers.

An approximate 62 tonnes CO₂ will be saved annually by the removal of the old 1950s link corridor, this will eliminate the requirement to heal and cool the old structure.

As part of this change, new accommodations for Fixed Based Operators will be con-

Nobody puts Baby in the corner!

Clare Animal Rescue save kitten found in Shannon skip

by Bianca Locklee news@clareecho.ie

AN ABANDONED fiveday-old kitten discovered in a skip outside Shannon Airport has made a remarkable recovery, thanks to the volunteers at Clare Animal Welfare who provided urgent care and found him a loving, permanent home.

Found in a critical condition last September, the tiny kitten was quickly placed with an experienced fosterer, receiving round-the-clock care during such a fragile stage of his life.

Clare Animal Welfare (CAW) consists of more than 70 volunteers, including adoption coordinators, social media managers, fosterers, and drivers. Each year, they work tirelessly to rehome hundreds of surrendered or abandoned animals while providing ongoing support to local pet owners.

Baby’s rescue and recovery is a testament to the organisation’s dedication to giving vulnerable animals a second chance. Five months on, he is thriving in his forever home in County Cork with Jacqui.

l Baby on the day he was discovered in a skip outside Shannon Airport and (inset) with his new owner Jacqui

“You would never know that he had such a scary start to life,” Jacqui says.

“He’s a little crazy – he loves running around and just launching himself at furniture or me. But when he’s tired he turns into the sweetest, most gentle cuddle bug.”

While Baby’s story had a happy ending, many kittens abandoned each year are not so fortunate. CAW volunteer Cathy says that the rescue organisation receives a constant stream of calls about cats – a “chronic problem” largely caused by pet owners leaving their animals unneutered.

Cats can begin breeding from as young as four months old, meaning just one unneutered female can produce multiple litters in a single year. In an uncontrolled environment, this can lead to rapid population growth and heartbreaking consequences. Kittens born in the wild often have weaker immune systems, leaving them susceptible to infections and disease. Additionally, if their mothers are undernourished, they may struggle to feed them properly – cutting many of these young lives tragically short.

Neutering cats is about m u c h m o r e than preventing unwanted litters.

According to The Irish Blue Cross, it also includes numerous health benefits and can reduce unwanted behaviours such as roaming, fighting, and spraying. The procedure is considered routine and low-risk with a typically speedy recovery – particularly for male cats, who often bounce back to their normal selves within 24 hours post-surgery.

Clare Animal Welfare holds a general neutering program each September for both cats and dogs, as well as providing support throughout the year for pet owners in need. They want cases of abandonment like Baby’s to become less common, so that every pet can enjoy the healthy, happy start to life they deserve.

For neutering enquiries, please contact Clare Animal Welfare on 0851911369 or fill out a support form on www.clareanimalwelfare.ie.

structed within the arrivals area of the terminal building.

Galway‑based OCC Construction, a leading Irish contractor known for delivering high‑quality commercial, residential and med‑tech developments, has been appointed to carry out the works.

Interim CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll described the start of the €15m arrivals area upgrade as “a significant step forward in our commitment to lowering emissions, improving energy performance and enhancing the customer experience at Shannon Airport”.

He added, “As part of our overall €40 million investment programme, this project will enable major carbon reductions while also modernising one of the most important parts of the terminal.

This work builds on the numerous enhancements we’ve

15

already delivered and is a further investment in our passengers and in a sustainable future”.

This investment follows the introduction of C3 security scanners, the addition of 1,000 new car parking spaces, installation of six new state‑of‑the‑art airbridges, enhanced flight information displays, introducing the Shannon Airport App and, in 2025, launching Ireland’s first on airfield Solar PV farm as well as newly refurbished European Gates 1-5.

Additional projects included in The Shannon Airport Group’s 2026 €40m investment programme include upgrading taxiways and the completion of Blocks Y & Z, two state-of-the-art industrial units which will add approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of flexible, sustainable space at the Shannon Airport Business Park.

Bon jour, Paris

AER LINGUS are to run an extra weekly flight from Shannon Airport to Paris from the beginning of May. A new Tuesday service will depart Shannon Airport at 07:10 for Paris Charles de Gauille from May 5. It aligns with the existing Aer Lingus flights to Paris on Thursdays and Sundays. The extra flight will run from May 5 to October 20.

Increased frequency will offer passengers more flexibility when travelling to Paris for business or leisure, as well as improved options for onward connections via this European hub.

Last year, Aer Lingus boosted its Shannon–Boston schedule from three to ten flights per week during the summer season.

Interim CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll stated, “We are delighted with Aer Lingus’ decision to increase frequency on the Shannon to Paris route. This enhancement is a significant boost for the region, strengthening our international connectivity and supporting the growing demand we have seen since the service launched in September 2024”.

O’Driscoll said the extra flight per week offers more opportunities to showcase the Mid-West to the French market. “The additional weekly flight will not only offer greater choice for business and leisure passengers travelling to the French capital but will also open up more opportunities for visitors from France to experience the Wild Atlantic Way and all that our region has to offer”.

He added, “Aer Lingus continues to play a vital role in connecting the Mid‑West via its existing services from Shannon to New York, Boston, London Heathrow, and now an expanded European schedule. We warmly welcome this latest investment, which further strengthens Shannon’s position as a key international gateway”.

16

Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Gort & South Galway

Student art exhibition in Kinvara

Anti-social behaviour group set up in Ballinasloe

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

AN ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour action group has been established for the Ballinasloe area.

At the second meeting of the newly established Galway County Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP), members were briefed on the draft Galway County Council Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy 2025-2030.

This strategy sets out a more proactive approach to preventing and managing anti-social behaviour in Council properties and estates. The strategy is expected to be presented at a plenary meeting of Galway County Council in the coming months.

Held at Áras an Chontae, the meeting included an outline of the structure and roles of the LCSP subgroups, which cover youth engagement, education, drug prevention and substance misuse support and a dedicated Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Action Subgroup for the Ballinasloe Municipal District.

The new ASB subgroup, which has been set up in response to ongoing community concerns, includes An Garda Síochána, Galway County Council, youth and community organisations, education and family support services, local businesses and people with lived or professional experience of community safety.

The subgroup aims to identify patterns and hotspots in anti-social behaviour in Ballinasloe, improve coordination between

agencies, and develop short and medium-term actions that focus on prevention and early intervention. It will also improve communication with residents, businesses and community groups, support young people and families through positive alternatives and outreach, and provide updates and recommendations to the LCSP. The subgroup will meet in the coming weeks to set its work plan, agree priority issues and outline early actions. Regular updates will be shared through the LCSP and Galway County Council social media channels.

Meanwhile, a working group has also been formed to prepare Galway County’s statutory Local Community Safety Plan, a threeyear strategy that will address safety concerns beyond policing, including anti-social behaviour, environmental issues and community wellbeing. As part of the plan’s development, the public is being encouraged to complete the National Office of Community Safety questionnaire, available on the Galway County Council website at galway.ie. Responses will inform both the national Community Safety Plan and Galway County’s own plan.

LCSP Chair Cllr Andrew Reddington (FG) thanked members and agencies for their continued involvement. “I wish to acknowledge the Partnership members, agencies and community representatives for their continued commitment to making Galway County a safer, more connected

county. I am looking forward to building on this collaborative momentum throughout 2026.”

LCSP Coordinator Marie Nicholson said the creation of the subgroups was a significant step.

“The establishment of our subgroups marks an important step in strengthening community safety across Galway County. By bringing together the right expertise and lived experience, each subgroup will be able to focus deeply on the issues that matter most to our communities.”

The LCSP was established in late 2025 as the national replacement for the Joint Policing Committee model. It brings together up to 30 representatives from Galway County Council, An Garda Síochána, the HSE, Tusla and local organisations working in youth services, social inclusion, education, business and community development.

Over the next three years the Partnership will draw up a safety plan for the county, coordinate new initiatives, engage with residents and contribute to the work of the National Office for Community Safety. The National Office will provide training and support and will oversee the Community Safety Fund, which uses proceeds of crime to support local projects.

In line with national guidance, the LCSP confirmed that one meeting per year will be open to media attendance. This year’s public meeting will take place in June.

lSeamount College and KAVA Courthouse Gallery are proud to present their annual student art exhibition, “Essence,” at the KAVA Courthouse Gallery, Kinvara, from Tuesday February 24 to Sunday March 1, open daily from 10am to 4pm.

“Essence” showcases a diverse and compelling body of work created by the talented students of Seamount College. The exhibition features an exciting range of paintings, photography, ceramics, drawings, and stone-carved pieces, highlighting the creativity, technical skill, and personal vision of the young artists.

Seamount College’s annual exhibition continues to be a highlight of the local arts calendar, celebrating student achievement while strengthening links between the school and the wider Kinvara community.

Members of the public, families, neighbouring schools, and art enthusiasts are encouraged to attend and support these emerging young artists.

CCTV delays criticised DELAYS rolling out CCTV has been criticised by the Mayor of Galway who has hit out at “a growing pattern of needless vandalism” across Galway City.

Damage to the community changing facility in Bohermore last week is only the latest incident, Mayor of Galway City, Cllr Mike Cubbard (IND) stated.

He said pitches and facilities were now being targeted almost every week. “This is not a onceoff. The pitch at Bohermore, home to Galway Hibernians has also been torn up by a scrambler bike. We have similar damage in Miller’s Lane, Corrib Park, Renmore and South Park. It is happening right across the city”.

Repeated vandalism is wearing down volunteers, affecting children and families who rely on the facilities, Cubbard commented. “It is very frustrating for councillors, but it is even more frustrating for the volunteers who keep these clubs going and for the kids and parents who use these pitches every day”.

An overuse of data protection

measures is blocking CCTV, he lamented. “I am getting fed up of hearing reasons why we cannot do things. We are told CCTV cannot be installed because of GDPR, because of protections for the person causing the damage.

That nonsense must stop”.

He said the current approach meant communities were being penalised while those responsible faced few consequences. “We get stuck in red tape and the people who suffer are the ones trying to do the right thing”.

Mayor Cubbard said he has asked the City Council's chief executive and director of services to accelerate the rollout of CCTV. "Any compliance issues could be managed through clear rules on data storage, access and retention. If protections are needed, put them in place. But stop using GDPR as an excuse not to protect public amenities."

He pointed to recent damage at tennis courts in Crestwood which left what he called a fantastic facility out of use.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 19, 2023

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Columnists

17

Thought for the week: Lent Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY

T Clare Camera Club exhibits ‘Vibrant Captures’ in Kilkee A SELECTION of ‘Vibrant Captures’ will be on display from February 16 through March 21, 2026, at Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee, for Clare Camera Club’s latest exhibition.

Facilitated by Clare County Council’s Arts Office, the exhibition features a variety of photography by members of the Clare Camera Club.

Clare Camera Club is a vi-

brant and energetic camera club based in Ennis which caters for Clare and its surroundings. Focusing on photography and camera-loving people, their membership ranges from hobbyists to professional photographers, concentrating on styles such as portraiture, nature, sport and landscape.

The group is the current shield winner of the South-

ern Association of Camera Clubs’ competition and over half of the club’s membership have either a Licentiateship, Associateship or Fellowship from the Irish Photographic Federation.

The club’s previous exhibitions have been in the Enda O’Brien Library, Scarriff and Clare Museum in Ennis.

For more information, visit clarearts.ie.

HIS year Lent is a Holy Season in a Broken World.

We begin Lent this year not in a quiet or settled world, but in a wounded one.

A glance at the headlines is enough to tell the story. Our world feels heavy.

Divided. Unsteady. Hearts ache. Minds search for peace. Souls hunger for hope. Many people are simply trying to get through the day carrying burdens no one else can see. And yet, into this fractured landscape, God does not withdraw. God does not abandon the world in its brokenness. Instead, God speaks softly and persistently into the noise: “Return to me with all your heart.” (Joel 2:12). Not with perfection. Not with answers. But with honesty.

Lent is not an escape from reality. Lent is an invitation to step more deeply into it with God. EMPOWERMENT OF LENT As we all know, Lent is a season of prayer, fasting, giving, reflection, and unity with God. But sometimes, in the midst of it, we miss its

deeper power. For me, Lent is an attitude, an attitude of honesty and humility. It is a time to pause and ask, “Where do I really find God in my life?” Especially now, when the world feels so fragile.

This Lent, let us gather, break bread, and allow ourselves to be filled, so that we may go out and share what we have received.

God is waiting for that moment when we finally realize that the way He fills us is deeper, richer, and more sustaining than anything else we chase.

THE SIX PILLARS: A PRAYER IN MOTION The Church gives us six pillars to guide us, prayer, fasting, eucharist, adoration, confession and charity. They are not punishments. They are invitations. Prayer and adoration grounds us. Fasting clears space. Eucharist feeds us and nourishes us and others. Confession turns love inward. Charity turns love outward. These pillars work together. Fasting without charity becomes self-absorption. Charity without prayer becomes burnout. Prayer without action becomes empty words. Prayer, adoration and eucharist must run through everything, not only the familiar prayers of Mass or habit, but the deeper prayer that brings us face to

face with God in silence, adoration, reconciliation, and truth. The prayer where we finally hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit beneath the chaos of our lives. Lent is an opportunity to reconcile, reassess, realign, refocus, reset and re-empower our hearts.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the week, remember that every person you meet is loved by God. Every encounter holds holy possibility. Fast from fear; feast on faith. Fast from despair; feed on hope. Fast from bitterness; feed on forgiveness. Fast from words that wound; feast on words that heal. Above all, do not pass by. If someone needs help, perhaps God has sent you. Let me leave you with one of my prayers for your Lenten Days, “God of life and love, in this holy season of Lent, draw us back to You. Help us to let go when it is time to let go, and to trust You in seasons of uncertainty. Keep our hearts from growing cold. Open our eyes to the suffering around us. Give us courage to love when it is costly and patience when we do not yet see the harvest. Renew us.

Restore us. And send us out so that in a wounded world, we may be signs of Your mercy, love and compassion for all. Amen.”

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Thursday, Feb 19, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Healthy Clare

SMART addiction recovery meeting in Ennis A NEW year has brought a new support option for people in recovery from addiction in Clare, with Ennis now hosting SMART Recovery meetings in St Joseph’s Hall, Tuesday evenings.

SMART Recovery — Self-Management and Recovery Training — is open to anyone seeking support in addiction recovery and is part of the wider international SMART Recovery programme.

It follows the successful launch of a SMART group in Limerick in May 2025 by the Mid-West Regional Drugs and Alcohol Forum.

SMART offers a practical, evidence-based approach, focusing on helping people manage difficult thoughts and emotions, overcome urges, and work towards a healthier, more balanced life.

The programme is built around a structured four-point approach: 1 Building and maintaining motivation 2 Coping with urges 3 Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviours 4 Living a balanced life The group is being facilitated by Kate and Rebecca, who completed SMART facilitator training with support from the Mid-West Regional Drugs and Alcohol Forum.

“SMART Recovery provides another option for people looking for support from addiction,” Kate explained. “Like the 12-step approach, it is abstinence-oriented, but it differs in its scientific foundation”.

Rebecca added that SMART is centred on the “Power of Choice”, helping each person find the recovery path that works best for them. “People in recovery often draw on many different supports,” she said. “Now SMART Recovery is available here in Clare as another local option.”

Anyone interested in attending the Ennis group, held every Tuesday evening, can contact Kate on 085 114 4715 or Rebecca on 086 994 9410.

SMART Recovery Ireland also offers online meetings through www.smartrecovery.ie.

New Co-Production Group in Clare and the Mid-West A new Co-Production Group is being set up in Clare, giving people with lived experience of addiction an opportunity to have a real voice in shaping recovery supports across the county and the wider Mid-West.

Co-production is about working together. It brings people in recovery, community organisations and services together to develop ideas collaboratively, ensuring supports are shaped with — not without — the input of those most affected.

The aim is to make sure recovery supports reflect real life. Members will help identify what works well locally, where improvements can be made, and where gaps remain. This may include access to services, education and employment pathways, sport and wellbeing initiatives, and how different community supports connect.

The group is not about expecting anyone to share personal stories. Instead, it offers a supportive space where people can contribute in a way that suits them, with clear boundaries and practical supports in place. No formal qualifications are needed — lived experience and a desire to make a difference are what matter.

Recovery does not happen in isolation, but within families, neighbourhoods, clubs and communities. By involving people with lived experience from the beginning, the Co-Production Group aims to strengthen recovery supports across Clare and the Mid-West, making them more relevant, connected and effective.

For further information, contact Liam Cantwell at lcantwell@mwrdtf.ie or 086 834 3121.

Drug & Alcohol Supports in the Midwest There are several free supports for people in addiction and also for their loved ones, who are affected by that person’s drug use. These range from drug specific services ie. Cocaine Initiative with Bushypark Treatment Centre, Integrated Alcohol Service offered by the HSE to servic-

es for young people offered by the Community Substance Misuse Team (CSMT), gender specific support as well as the family support services offered

by Bushypark, Novas Respite House and others.

A full list of supports is provided on the MWRDAF website, and help is only a phonecall away – /www.mwrdtf.ie/ supports, or through the QR code

lThe meetings will take place at St Joseph’s Hall in Ennis on Tuesday evenings Community Addiction Studies Courses For the past number five years, the Midwest Regional Drugs & Alcohol Forum have been working with Ennis College of Further Education and Training in supporting learning and awareness by providing a Community Addiction Studies evening course free of charge.

The course leads to a QQI Level 5 qualification and attracts people interested in addiction from personal, professional and wider community perspectives. It runs over 14 weeks at the Clonroad Campus, with one evening class per week.

Course tutor Lynn Collopy described it as an interactive learning space that encourages discussion and shared understanding.

“Substance use and addiction is a broad and complex area,” she said. “This course offers an introduction that is open to people with lived experience, family members, and those interested in working in the field.”

The course explores issues such as stigma, shame, the impact of addiction on families, and local community responses.

“We look at the substance, the mindset of the person, and the environment,” Lynn explained. “The strongest learning comes through participation and helping people become more aware For information on the course, check www.fetchcourses.ie/ (keyword addiction) or email michael.j.ryan@lcetb.ie.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

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GREEN CLARE

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OR ELECTRONICS IN ANY BIN OR SKIP

VISIT responsiblerecycling.ie

Pressure to grant more renewable projects?

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

A legal decision regarding a wind farm in Laois will reverberate in planning departments around the country, including County Clare.

That’s according to Green Party member Bridget Ginnity, reacting to the Supreme Court ruling that the climate impact has to be a core consideration in planning decisions.

This ruling for Coolglass Wind Farm means that the planning authorities must strive to achieve climate objectives for all projects with a climate impact. Such projects include renewable energy farms, data centres and gas storage facilities.

In the last year, Clare

lThe High Court is due to hear a challenge on the Ennis Data Centre in the coming months

County Council has refused permission for wind farms at Illaunbaun, near Miltown Malbay, and Moanmore, near Kilrush, as well as a solar farm near Shannon.

All are being appealed to

An Coimisiún Pleanála and according to Green Party member Bridget Ginnity, the Coolglass ruling means that the refusals are less likely to be upheld.

“The grounds for refusal

were aspects such as noise, visual impact and biodiversity. The climate advantage was not even considered, much less balanced against any negative impact.

“According to this ruling, the planners should have seriously considered climate impact and aim in their decision to achieve our climate objectives. I think the chance of the appeals succeeding is high. It also means that the bar for refusal of new renewable energy farms is a lot higher than it has been in practice up to now. ” There has been considerable opposition by local residents to proposed renewable energy farms over the years. “I recognise that there can be adverse impact

on the local community and think that conditions should be imposed to mitigate these as much as possible and to compensate those most impacted.” said Ms Ginnity.

“But the climate crisis can only be mitigated by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A major reason the world is no longer heading for a 5-degrees increase is because of the huge advances in renewable energy. We are currently hitting 1.5-degrees celsius warming and our recent floods, storms and upheaval of seasons are a taster of what we can expect as warming continues.”

The ruling has relevance for all projects with a significant climate impact such as data centres and gas stor-

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age/regasification units and for all public bodies.

“In the coming month or two, the High Court will hear the challenge to the decision to grant permission to the Ennis Data Centre.

A core ground is that the climate impact was not adequately assessed. That hearing was postponed to await the outcome of the Coolglass case, because of the relevance of that decision.

“The courts are one way to address these questions” added Bridget Ginnity. “A better way is for the individuals within public bodies, including Clare County Council, to take their responsibility to climate objectives seriously and to make decisions that give the coming generation a chance.”

20

Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Michael Harding features in celebration of Irish fiction THE 20th Ennis Book Club Festival takes place this year from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th March at various venues throughout the town and county.

This year’s festival will offer a vibrant programme of live events and activities for book lovers of all ages.

As always, the festival will offer opportunities to engage with your favourite authors and features an additional programme of events for younger readers.

One of the highlight events of the Festival takes place on Friday at 8pm in glór, celebrating Irish fiction and featuring authors Michael Harding, Edel Coffey & Anna Carey in conversation with Declan Hughes.

Irish writers consistently produce work that is thrilling and unmissable; guests on this panel will explore the mystery and magic that is behind their

latest work, in conversation with writer and critic Declan Hughes.

Michael Harding’s new book, Midwinter is a poignant exploration of a season of loss, and the glimpses of hope that can follow even the longest nights.

“Michael Harding has bestowed on us a beguiling meditation on life and death, in these quiet and profound reflections on how he endures the midwinter months,” reviewed The Irish Times.

Michael Harding is a writer, podcaster and commentator. He was born in Cavan in 1953 and has received both the Stewart Parker Award and an RTÉ Arts Show/Bank of Ireland Award for his theatre work.

In Glass Houses, the new book by Edel Coffey, the character Eddie sees how far the rich and powerful are prepared to go when their way of

life is threatened.

Edel Coffey is an Irish novelist, journalist and broadcaster.

She has worked as an editor for The Irish Independent, a presenter and reporter for RTÉ and is a regular contributor to The Irish Times.

Anna Carey is an Irish Book Award-winning novelist, journalist, editor and scriptwriter.

Her first adult novel, Our Song, published in June 2025, was shortlisted for Popular Fiction Book of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards. A nostalgic and heartfelt love story, it features richly drawn, memorable characters. Her second romance novel, Love Scene, will be published in summer 2026.

Tickets for all events are now on sale on www.ennisbookclubfestival.com

‘Very special’ opening weekend at Gate 96

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’S newest culinary offering had a bumper start to life last weekend with more than 150 diners visiting on opening weekend.

Gate 96 is the newly-refurbished restaurant at Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis headed up by head chef Stephen Higgins, who is bringing a contemporary dining experience to the town.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Temple Gate hotel co-owner John Gavin said the opening weekend “went really, really well”.

“Yes, we were extremely happy with how the weekend went. I’m very proud of the team both in the kitchen and front of house.”

Launching the new restaurant to coincide with Valentine’s Weekend, Gate 96 did 150 covers of the 5-course menu over the two days. “We were fully booked for the Saturday evening which is brilliant,” John noted.

“We had a lovely mix of tables of two and four people over both days, with friend and families celebrating together.”

Head chef Stephen recently told The Clare Echo that the menu at Gate 96 will change every month to reflect fresh local ingredients, however diners won’t want to miss out on the

Beef Wagu main course which was “a clear favourite” with visitors. “It had the wow factor both in flavour and presentation,” John noted, adding “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and exceeded our expectations.”

“It was a very relaxed atmosphere but there was a real connection between the staff and customers. It felt very special for an opening weekend.”

Formerly known as Legends Restaurant, the restaurant refurbishment and introduction of new head chef ushers a new era at Gate 96 - the name referencing Temple Gate and the year the hotel was established some 30 years ago.

The team are aiming to achieve a ‘from field to fork’ experience for local diners in a tasteful, modern restaurant which preserves the charm of the historic building.

Looking ahead, John said, “We really want to build on the momentum of last weekend and offering the public a new dining experience in Ennis.”

Gate 96 will be open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays while a Carvery offering will continue to be available on Sundays. For booking please call 065-6869472.

PICTURED: John Gavin with the waiting staff at Gate 96

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

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News

21

22

Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

Over 50 companies sign up to meet hundreds of jobseekers at Shannon recruitment fair

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

Shannon Chamber, in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection and the Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT), will host a Recruitment Fair in Shannon, as part of the Department’s annual Work and Skills Campaign.

The Fair, which takes place in Building 7000, Westpark Innovation Campus in Shannon on Tuesday, 3 March from 10:00an until 1pm has already attracted the attention of over 50 companies, an increase on the 2025 number of 40.

The event will provide an important platform for employers to connect directly with prospective employees, showcasing a wide range of employment opportunities across multiple sectors. Companies signed up to attend are from sectors as diverse as aviation, engineering, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, recruitment, financial services, insurance, public sector organisations, education.

The full listing can be found at www.shannonchamber.ie/events/shannon-jobs-fair/ The Recruitment Fair

willoffer job seekers an invaluable chance to meet employers face-to-face to explore career options and take the next step in their professional journey, while enabling businesses to engage with skilled and motivated candidates actively seeking employment in the region.

In preparation for this event, which attracted over 600 attendees in 2025,

companies with current vacancies were invited to submit job listings and register to attend on the day to meet potential candidates.

Commenting on that rationale for an event of this nature, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes said: “We first organised this event last year in collaboration with the Department of Social Protection the Local Authority Integra-

tion Team (LAIT) teams as we felt that it would offer job seekers an indispensable opportunity to explore career possibilities and enable businesses to engage with talented individuals in the region actively seeking employment.

“We were impressed by the level of interest, which indicates that we have a ready pool of talented people who simply need to

make the right connections to progress their careers.

“The interest this year by employers has surpassed our expectations so we are anticipating an attendance level well more than the 600 people who joined us in 2025.

“There is no doubt that a fair of this nature gives those seeking employment an unsurpassed opportunity to discover exciting career possibilities, network with local employers, ask questions, and gain insights into available roles and career pathways.

“We would also encourage secondary schools and universities to raise the profile of this event. While meeting employers at an event like this allows for meaningful discussions, it also creates awareness of what employers do business wise which can be of tremendous benefit for anyone deciding on a career direction,” added Ms Downes.

Employers with open vacancies are encouraged to send a list of available positions to Shannon Chamber at admin@shannonchamber.ie , and to have a company representative on-site to speak with prospective candidates.

Employers are invited to register the vacant positions on www.jobsireland. ie prior to enable the positions to be simultaneously advertised nationally, and European wide, on the EU portal www.eures.europa. eu. EURES Officer Cathy Moran will host an online lunch briefing for employers attending the Jobs Fair to brief them on EURES and the benefits of using this portal for their recruitment needs.

The Shannon Recruitment Fair represents an important opportunity for collaboration, career growth, and networking within the community, helping companies to source employees while supporting job seekers in meeting their new employers.

A sign language interpreter will be available at the Recruitment Fair to assist attendees who require additional support.

For more information on the Shannon Recruitment Fair log onto www.shannonchamber.ie/events/ shannon-jobs-fair/. To register as an employer please contact: admin@shannonchamber.ie

Brothers of Charity rebrands as Corlann BROTHERS of Charity Services Ireland has announced its rebranding to Corlann, marking a new chapter for one of Ireland’s largest providers of intellectual disability services.

The new name follows extensive consultation and direct feedback from the people the organisation supports, who asked for an identity that better reflects who the organisation is today.

Since 1885, the Brothers of Charity have supported individuals with intellectual disabilities. While the name is changing, the organisation’s ethos, mission and values remain the same.

The name Corlann

combines cor, the Latin word for heart, and lann, the Irish word for place.

“Together, they express a simple but powerful idea: that heart is at the centre of everything the organisation does, and that its purpose is to create a place of belonging for every person supported,” said the group in a statement.

Michael Hennessy, CEO of Corlann said “Our new name follows extensive consultation across the organisation and reflects the views of the people we support, who wanted an identity that represents who we are today. While our name is changing, our ethos, mission and values remain the same.

Our commitment to the people we support, our staff and the quality of our service is unchanged. This is a new chapter for the organisation, but our purpose remains constant.”

Corlann supports more than 6,400 people with intellectual disabilities, including those who are also autistic, across Counties Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Roscommon, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford. Services include residential and respite care, day services, host family placements, home-based supports and multidisciplinary services, delivered by over 6,000 staff from a wide range of professional backgrounds.

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.

• Biodiversity Officer Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 5th March 2026.

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.

23

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

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O’Callaghan’s Mills team

All photos by Ruth Griffin

Sport

24

Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Clare footballers release four weeks of tension by collecting �irst league win

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PICKING up a coveted first league win of 2026 can be a turning point in igniting Clare’s season, football manager Paul Madden is hoping.

Four weeks of tension for the county’s footballers was released with a superb Brendy Rouine hit late in Sunday’s game at Brewster Park.

The timing of the shoulder was only matched by the power of Brendy’s hit which won Clare a turnover and led to their seventeenth point of the afternoon, converted by Shane Griffin, putting them five ahead and effectively securing their first win of the National Football League.

After losing to Down and Westmeath, Clare needed to leave Enniskillen with a win, they delivered in this aspect and it keeps them tied with Sligo in the relegation zone but had them leaving Fermanagh with a pep in their step.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, manager Madden was hopeful their first win of the league would propel them forward. “We needed the two points from the perspective of the table, we’re not out of the dark yet, we have to win more matches but again I’ll go back to it the pressure the lads put on themselves, we knew we were training really well and working really hard, we were doing all the right things but there was still so many parts of our play that were poor today if we call a spade a spade, our own kickout retention was the only

stat at half time that wasn’t great and it won’t read great in the second half, that is something to work on but I think we did well on the other things”.

Though he may not admit it, there was a sense of relief on the face of the Ennis man following the final whistle. Following their poor showing versus Westmeath, it was important for his charges to bounce back and they duly did. “The only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself, for the lads we talk about belief, the need for them to start believing they are as good as any team they play, you can talk about and say it but you have to experience it so we needed to get a win, for the lads I’d say it is a huge release. I said to them during the week, if we could get one win I feel we can get better and better.

We’ve tough games ahead, we’ve Laois on Sunday and then Limerick after that, we’re under no illusions”.

He added, “In the end it was a fantastic victory with the manner of the second half performance, it was real Jekyll and Hyde, we started really poorly and couldn’t get a kickout away, we couldn’t get any break but then something clicked. The one thing the lads have in abundance is physical strength and fitness, you could see that at the end, from the full-back line up we were bombing up the pitch, we were completely running them ragged, we needed that. In the context of where we are, we needed to get some breaks”.

“When you get a little bit nervous or you’re under a bit of pressure you

don’t release the football you have in you. Pound for pound, fitness wise our lads are as fit as anyone but your legs don’t work as fast when things are going against you”.

Goals in either half from Aaron Griffin and Daniel Walsh “won the game”, he said of their 2-18 0-18 victory. “We needed to reduce our turnovers, we had twenty two weeks ago against Westmeath and only two in the first half, we had a few more in the second half but we halved our turnovers which in the modern game and Jack O’Connor was talking about it on Saturday night, turnovers are a killer, we were better on our turnovers today and I think we wanted it more than them in the end, it really boiled to the basics. We got a sucker punch with the injuries early in game, losing our midfielder and losing our captain again.

Cillian Brennan was very unlucky not to start today, he came in and grafted hard, Connor Meaney did fantastic when he came in”.

Minus Darragh Bohannon and Cillian Rouine for the second half, Clare needed leaders and they certainly stood up in the final quarter.

“If you want to talk about lion hearts then Alan Swee-

ney will give you everything until he is dead, Manus, Ronan Lanigan and Cillian Brennan got some great blocks in. Brendy’s hit was literally four weeks of tension released in that hit, we were on top at that stage but it made sure they knew they weren’t getting up the pitch easy”.

Not so pleasing was their third quarter when they allowed Fermanagh kick five points on the bounce, to fall two behind. “I never fully gave up hope. Two points is nothing in these games, if you fall behind by two points it is nothing so I never gave up hope, we needed some bit of a spark and we won a couple of turnovers, we started making better runs out of defence so we were creating overlaps and we got a great impact off the bench”.

Retaining their kickouts was an issue for Clare throughout the third round tie, Paul acknowledged.

“They did a lot of work on our short kickout so we only got two short kickouts away and one of them was adjudged to have been touched on the ground by Ikem

which I thought was harsh, we didn’t get short kickouts away, we said we shouldn’t force them if they were not working but we didn’t concede any goals, normally if you get a short kickout intercepted it a goal chance and we didn’t concede. We got on top of some of their kickouts for most of the game and we got some good scores from that”.

Cutting down basic errors will be a focus as they prepare to welcome Laois to Ennis this Sunday, he outlined. “What will give me more pride is if we can eventually cut out the errors and get better at certain things, retaining our own kickout is one of them. As a manager and management team, the one thing I can influence is the environment and you can create that, you hope the lads give you everything back in spades in terms of effort and honesty and have a great attitude, I can say to a man even though lads didn’t play that is what we have in the group but as we saw in the first two weeks it didn’t work for us on the pitch in terms of result but today it did, we’re not under any illusions we have a tonne of work to do and Laois had a huge win in round three, there’s no easy games in this division. We’ll be back training on Tuesday, we’ve some sore bodies, we’re assessing where they are but we trust the thirty nine members of the squad we have, if we draft in lads that weren’t on the bus today we’ll be happy”.

Hammer blows leaves Bohannon & Rouine as big injury doubts

Clare v Fermanagh

by Páraic McMahon

CLARE Frees for: 15 (7/8) Wides: 5 (3/2) Spread of scorers: 6 Scores from play: 2-14 Top scorer: Mark McInerney (0-9 1TP 1TPf 1f) Bookings: None.

Own kickouts won: 12 from 26 (46%)

paraic@clareecho.ie

POTENTIAL hammer blows for Clare footballers have midfielder Darragh Bohannon and captain Cillian Rouine as major injury doubts for the fourth round of the Allianz National Football League.

Clare recorded a six point win over Fermanagh in Enniskillen on Sunday to pick up their first win of the league.

The victory came at a small price with both Bohannon and Rouine forced off with injuries in the opening half.

Shannon Gaels’ Darragh had to leave the field with fifteen minutes played while Lahinch’s Rouine was forced off with twenty seven minutes on the clock. The duo both sustained hamstring injuries, the extent of which has yet to be detailed.

However with such a tight turnaround, the prospect of the pair playing a full seventy

minutes against Laois in Cusack Park this Sunday are said to be very unlikely.

Bohannon’s loss from the middle of the park was felt after his exit with Clare struggling greatly to retain their own kickouts. The towering midfielder has made a massive difference to the Clare cause, he was travelling for last year’s inter-county campaign. He is one of the most experienced members of the panel, having first joined the squad in 2016.

Rouine has had a very frustrating start to the year on the injury front. Sunday’s appearance was his first of the year after recovering from a broken bone in his hand. The Ennistymon clubman was one of Clare’s best performers in the first half against Fermanagh, his interception helped to create Aaron Griffin’s goal while he brought stability and aggression to the

spine of the Banner attack.

There is some better news on the injury front for defender Fionn Kelleher. The St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield clubman has missed the second and third round ties due to a hamstring injury sustained in training. Kelleher is understood to be available for selection for Sunday’s game.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Clare manager Paul Madden expressed confidence in the ability of his panel to cope with whatever injuries come their way. “Lads will only be available if they are one hundred percent fit, we trust our bench and our squad, the lads that didn’t get games today will be awful disappointed, we can’t play everybody but if lads are out next week, other lads will be in, we’ll drive on”.

Currently sitting second from bottom in Division 3,

Clare need to keep winning to both secure their status and put themselves back in contention for promotion to the second tier.

A win over Laois on Sunday would see Madden’s side overtake the O’Moore men in the table with the meeting of Sligo and Limerick to determine how much the middle to bottom end of the table will alter by the end of the weekend.

Last year, Clare came from six points down at half-time to defeat Laois 2-22 1-21 in one of the highlights of Peter Keane’s short tenure in charge. Emmet McMahon had a storming performance on that evening in Portlaoise with a seven point tally, the Kildysart man continues his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Sunday’s game throws in at 14:00 in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg.

Clare 2-18 Fermanagh 0-18 Venue: Brewster Park, Fermanagh Compiled by Páraic McMahon

ALLIANZ NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 3 ROUND 3:

STORY OF THE GAME FERMANAGH: Frees for: 17 (7/10) Wides: 8 (4/4) Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 0-16 Top scorer: Ronan McCaffrey (0-4) and Garvan Jones (0-4 1TP 1f) Bookings: Ronan McCaffrey (11).

Own kickouts won: 11 from 23 (48%)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Aaron Griffin celebrates scoring Clare’s first goal

Photo by Ruth Griffin

25

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

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Sport

Coughlan hopeful Clare Mid-Term break allowing will kick on after picking Clare’s injuries to heal up first league win

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

HAVING COLLECTED their first win of the National Football League, Clare are looking to kick on and climb the table, vice captain Dermot Coughlan outlined.

A six point win on Sunday against Fermanagh saw Clare put their first points on the Division 3 table. Backing this up against Laois will see them climb out of the relegation zone and securing successive victories is firmly the focus within Paul Madden’s camp.

Joint vice-captain Dermot Coughlan has been one of Clare’s most consistent players in the first three rounds of the National Football League. He labelled Sunday’s 2-18 0-18 win over Fermanagh as “massive” for their cause.

“It is typical Division 3 where every game is going to be fifty fifty, even though we were slightly happy with the performance against Down, we weren’t happy against Westmeath but the whole objective was to get up here, get two points and get back down the road again so we’re delighted with that”.

Clare’s strong finish demonstrated their character, the Mullagh man noted. “The only pressure that was put on was by ourselves to be honest, the boys were telling us all week not to put pressure on ourselves, go out and play football, we were here to get the win, they have full belief in us and that showed today, we were under the cosh for fifteen minutes in the second half but we regained our composure and finished the game strong”.

Added with the composure was the resilience to withstand losing midfielder Darragh Bohannon and captain Cillian Rouine to

hamstring injuries early in the game. “It is a real competitive panel, even from training you won’t know who is going to be on the starting team or twenty six, it is really showing and lads took the chance again today, lads came on and nobody blinked an eye when they did, everyone did what they could for the cause, we’ve two points on the board and we’re looking forward to next week”.

There was relief within the Clare camp to finally get pick up points, for the St Caimin’s Community School teacher it also meant the Mid-Term break could be enjoyed somewhat. “The journey home from Down wasn’t that enjoyable when we came down the road with nothing, there is a lot of work-ons and we wouldn’t be entirely happy with that performance but that is the league, a new management in place and in fairness they are putting good structures in place, it maybe took us a while to get used to it but there’s great positive aspects to our play, if we can correct the few minor things we could be a force yet in Division 3”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Kilmurry Ibrickane clubman expressed hope that they will continue to climb the table, now that their first win is under the belts. “The thing with the league is that it is game on game, when you win and you’re playing again the following week you are playing with great confidence and there’s no doubt, if you keep getting points on the board you don’t feel them build up and you just need to keep looking to put in a performance week in week out”.

CLARE’S Mid-Term break in the Allianz National Hurling League has been focused on getting players back to full fitness.

On Saturday, Clare make the trip to St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge to meet Brian Dowling’s Kildare in the fourth round of the Allianz National Hurling League.

With three wins from three outings, Clare remain on course to bounce back to Division 1A. Speaking following Clare’s 29 point victory against Down, manager Brian Lohan stated, “We still have twelve guys out injured, we had an opportunity to use the full panel today so that was good”.

Of the twelve sidelined a fortnight ago, Adam Hogan has already returned to action and will be available for selection this weekend. The Feakle defender was introduced as a substitute for Mary Immaculate College in their Fitzgibbon Cup final loss to the University of Limerick.

Three of the six Clare panellists on the victorious UL squad remain sidelined. Seán

David McInerney is among the Clare injuries

Rynne, John Conneally and Keith Smyth have all been deprived of vital game time and a chance to put themselves in the frame for championship due to injury.

A knock for Diarmuid Ryan meant he was a last-minute omission from Clare’s team in the third round which afforded Niall O’Farrell the chance to make his starting debut in the unfamiliar surrounds of wing back.

Two-time All-Ireland winner David McInerney is continuing his return from injury with wing back Cian Galvin unavailable since the firs round.

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Groin injuries have kept Ian Galvin and Robin Mounsey sidelined, Clonlara’s Ian is closer to a return than his Ruan counterpart.

Wolfe Tones trio, Rory Hayes, Daithí Lohan and Aron Shanagher are also dealing with injuries. Lohan was unavailable for Mary I’s entire Fitzgibbon Cup run. Hayes who impressed when returning to corner back for the first two rounds, missed out with a foot injury in round three.

Lohan said, “that is the big thing from our perspective to have everyone on the field, get them training and present ourselves as best we can”.

Tristan & Brian Mc shine as UL win Sigerson Cup for first time

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TRISTAN O’Callaghan and Brian McNamara played starring roles as the University of Limerick were crowned Sigerson Cup

champions for the very first time.

UL won their first-ever Sigerson Cup title with a 0-17 1-11 win over UCC in Croke Park on Wednesday evening.

O’Callaghan produced a man of the match display,

producing five vital saves between the goals while UL’s ability to retain his kickouts served as a key platform in their victory. It was one of the finest performances from the St Breckans custodian who hails from Ballinalacken.

When the need was greatest, Brian McNamara of the Cooraclare club stood tall in the centre of the park. The Cree native is captain of the side and will go down in UL history as the first man to lead them to Sigerson Cup glory.

The midfielder was one of the most controlling players in the first twenty minutes of the tie.

He also had the distinction of captaining UL to win their first Division 1 senior football league and this win caps off a historic double.

Managed by David Power, the side is coached by former Cratloe footballer Killian Phair.

O’Neill among the goalscorers as six Clare hurlers win Fitzgibbon Cup & UL seal historic double

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SIX Clare hurlers have claimed Fitzgibbon Cup medals as part of the victorious University of Limerick side.

UL capped off one of its most successful sporting weeks by winning a tenth Fitzgibbon Cup title in Croke Park defeating Mary Immaculate College 4-31 3-21 in Croke Park on Friday evening.

It is the first time the college has completed a Fitzgibbon and Sigerson Cup double. UCC in 1988 and 2019 plus UCD in 1977 previously completed the feat.

Clooney/Quin’s Jack O’Neill was the only starting Clare member of the UL side. He scored their first

goal with five minutes played after making an excellent run down the right wing, linking up with Aidan O’Connor and then finishing low to the back of the net.

Clonlara’s Diarmuid Stritch was introduced in the final quarter of the contest while injury kept Seán Rynne (Inagh/Kilnamona), Keith Smyth (Killanena) and John Conneally (Clooney/Quin) out of action with Patrick Crotty (Scariff) among the unused substitutes.

For Conneally, Smyth, Crotty and Rynne, it is their second time winning the competition.

Managed by Brian Ryan, UL’s backroom team included Kieran McDermott of Clarecastle as part of their video analysis team.

Ronan O’Connor of Feakle fea-

tured for the full hour in midfield for Mary Immaculate College, his clubmate Adam Hogan was introduced as a substitute in the second half.

Also part of the Mary I set-up were Seán Boyce of O’Callaghans Mills, Inagh/Kilnamona’s Mark Callinan, Patrick Daly from Feakle and Aaron Hayes of Clarecastle.

Their coach was Cratloe’s Podge Collins with his clubmate Shane Gleeson also part of Jamie Wall’s backroom team.

26

Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

We want to build steel and the skills will follow’ - Foudy focused on building spirit of Clare side

Clare v Dublin

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

NEW CLARE senior camogie manager Eugene Foudy is putting a strong emphasis on building a fighting spirit within his side.

Lorna McNamara’s late free forced a draw for Clare in the opening round of the Centra National Camogie League on Saturday. They came back from behind twice in the last two minutes of normal and additional time to leave the capital with a share of the spoils.

Foudy said they have been focused on building spirit within their ranks. “It is something we’ve been working on this year, workrate, honesty, determination,

Lorna McNamara Photo by Gerard O’Neill

never giving up and working for each other, we want to build a bit of steel of us, if you can build that and get that right, the skill will follow that”.

A tally of 1-8 from McNamara demonstrated her value to the side, the Feakle/Killanena missed most of last year’s county campaign through injury while Muireann Scanlon was also welcomed back to the fold at corner back.

Starting debutants Roisin McMahon and Maeve Milliea fared very well, Foudy felt. “Roisin McMahon for her first start was really good and added strength around the middle of the field, Maeve Milliea for her first start was a threat for forty minutes,

Andrea O’Keeffe won a vital ball in injury time and kept running at them. You can do all the training you want but when you go out and play the first competitive game, you see what the bodies are like, what the determination is like and I think our girls stood up really well”.

Saturday’s draw will be the first of Clare’s clashes with Dublin, they are guaranteed at least one more meeting when it comes to their championship opener.

“Dublin are in our group in the championship so we will meet them again, we don’t know how the league will go, we could meet again in a league final if we were lucky enough to get there. We

could be playing teams three times this year, they are a big physical team with a couple of girls to come back, we had Roisin Begley which was a bonus, we’ve some injuries like Ellen Casey”.

For the first round of the league, Clare sported new jerseys heralding the start of their four year sponsorship with Pat O’Donnell & Co. “Pat O’Donnell is synonymous with Clare GAA, any success with Clare he has been there, he is a good Crusheen man and we’re delighted to have him on board, hopefully over the next four years Clare will be able to go from strength to strength in camogie,” the Inagh native said.

Philpott wins Munster junior singles title

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

IN AN all-Clare Munster ladies junior singles championship final at the weekend Chloe Philpott overcame Orla O’Brien in a game that went the full distance.

Orla won the first game 21-19 but Chloe bounced back to level the tie with a 21-133 second game success. In the third Chloe emerged with an 11-5 victory to claim the title.

Elsewhere there was disappointment for Clare players in Provincial action. At junior B level Cork’s Brid Horgan proved too strong for Clare’s Angela Floyd on a 21-2 and 21-4 scoreline while, in the same grade, Clare’s Niamh O’Brien went down to Aisling Shanahan from Limerick on a 21-14 and 21-16 scoreline.

In the ladies junior B singles: Cork’s Anna Dunne defeated Clare’s Marie Long 21-05, 21-08 while in the ladies masters singles Tipperary’s Ann Marie Ryan overcame Clare’s Annemarie Hegarty 21-19,

17-21, 11-08.

Meanwhie in the Munster doubles championship Clare’s Seanie Doyle and Tiernan Slattery defeated JP O’Connor and Cian Ó Dalaigh from Limerick 21-9 and 21-7 in the junior quarter final while Tony Leyden and Evan Corbett overcame Cork’s Darragh Ducey and Aidan Lenihan 21-19, 21-12 Fixtures: On this Thursday (February 19th) at Silvermines Clare’s Cathal Noonan and Jack Browne will play Tipperary’s Conor Ryan and Daniel McKelvey in minor doubles while in the master B doubles Care’s Shane Walsh and Mike Baker will take on Tipperary’s John Casey and John Ryan.

On this Friday in Nenagh at 8p.m. Clare’s Darren Cullinan and Darren O’Neill will play Limerick’s Keith Heelan and John Keyes in the over 35 doubles.

At Liscarroll at 8.15pm this Friday Clare’s Alan Cummins and Alan O’Keeffe will play Cork’s

Tadhg Murphy and Tomas McEllligott in the silver masters B doubles.

National senior championships.

Colin Crehan, Colin Corbett and Diarmaid Nash are all in action this weekend in the national senior championship.

In this Round of 16 Diarmaid Nash and Colin Crehan will be part of a double bill in Crinkle in Offaly against Kilkenny’s Shane Dunne and Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy. Colin Corbett will play Eoghan McGinty of Monaghan in Roscommon.

The winners will progress to quarter finals in Croke Park on February 28 In the ladies championship Caitriona Millane will play against Fiona Tully. Leah Minogue was beaten by Kilkenny’s Amy Brennan prior to the collegiate trip to America.

Munster Juvenile A championships: Clare had a very successful weekend at juvenile level and will be well represented in finals this coming weekend as fol-

Tulla thump Fair Green

lows.

U14 singles Eliah Kenny, Newmarket-Clare v Conal O’Connor Cork Friday February 20th @ Liscaroll U17 Singles: Colm Whelan, Toonagh v Micheal Enright, Cork U17 Doubles: Sean Garvey/Cillian Cummins, Clooney/Toonagh v Jack Walsh/Alex Stuart, Tipperary Saturday February 21st @ Mallow U15 Singles: Walter Moroney, Kilkishen v Cian Buckley, Cork Sunday February 22nd @ Silvermines 1pm U14 Doubles: Iarla Kelleher/Ross McInerney, Tuamgraney/Tulla, v Jim O ’ M a h o n y / Ta d g h Malone, Tipperary U16 Singles: Jack Cahill, Clooney-Quin v Michael Bea Reilly,Tipperary U16 Doubles: Charlie Collins/Conor Littleton, Tuamgraney/Tulla v Darragh Crosse/Billy Murphy, Tipperary Sunday February 22nd @ Tuamgraney 4pm U17 Singles: Abby Dil-

lon, Kilkishen v Freya Mortell, Cork U14 Doubles: Orlaith F l a n a g a n /S a m a n t h a Vaughan, Toonagh v Shauna Dennehy/Lucy O’Connor, Cork U14 Singles: Anna Madden, Tuamgraney v Doireann Doherty, Tipperary U15 Singles: Sinead Doyle, Tuamgraney v LucyAnne Cleary, Tipperary U15 Doubles: Ava McInerney/Elaine Littleton, Toonagh/Tulla v Jenny Talbot/Aisling Ryan, Tipperary U12 Girls: Saoirse Frost, Kilkishen in singles and Ava Considine, Clarecastle/Ella Howard, Tuamgraney will be in Liscarroll from 5pm Sunday.

U13 Girls will be in N ew m a rket- o n - Fe ru gus Sunday from 10am where Sophia Moroney of Newmarket-on-Fergus in singles and Ella Kirby also Newmarket-on-Fergus with Sophia Treacy, Toonagh wil be in action in doubles.

U13 Boys will be in Silvermines at 4pm Saturday with Jack McMahon,

Kilrush scale Callan to make last 16

Daragh Corry

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

l Chloe Philpott

Clooney/Quin in singles and the doubles pair of Cian Donovan, Kilkishen and Gearoid MacDonnacha, Clooney/Quin will compete.

U12 Boys will be represented in singles with John MacDonnacha, Clooney-Quin, Oisin O’Keeffe Tulla and TJ McMahon Clooney-Quin wil be in action Club Leagues The club league semi-finals take place in all divisions in the coming week. Kilkishen and Tulla

Thynne is on Avenue’s side Avenue Utd’s Eoghan Thynne Photo by Gerard O’Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

have qualified for the final of Division 1 Division 2: Tuamgraney v Kilkishen; Clooney v Toonagh.

Division 3: Tulla v Kilkishen; Toonagh v Clarecastle Division 4: Kilkishen v Tulla and Clooney v Newmarket, Cumann na mBunscoil: Boys finals in Cumann na mBunscoil took place last week with the following results U11 singles: Conor Donovan, Kilkishen NS defeated Coley Sweeney, Clarecastle NS U11 Doubles: Sean Neville/Enna Frost, Kilkishen NS defeated James Quinlivan/Aidan Reynolds,Quin NS U13 Singles: Callum Counihan, O’Callaghan’s Mills NS defeated Jack McMahon, Quin NS U13 Doubles: Jack Kirby/Conall Early, Clonmoney NS defeated Cian Donovan/Daniel Shanahan, Kilkishen

27

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

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Sport

Weather a spoilsport for golf competitions

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

INCLEMENT weather conditions at the weekend saw golf courses closed for periods leading to a scaled back competition schedule.

Heavy frost on Friday night and early on Saturday disrupted Saturday’s schedule while heavy rain later in the weekend resulted in further disruption of schedules.

Some competitions did go ahead and these resulted in big entries and impressive scoring.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: The men’s modified fourball at Ennis last week was won by Kieran (17) and Senan Ryan (7) with 44 points and

they were one ahead of Alfred Jones (6) and Fergal Croke (12) with third place filled by Dermot Doheny (3) and Jim Griffin (10) with 42 points.

In week one of the ladies 13 hole singles sponsored by Michael and Fiona McMahon MMEL, Kilmaley the winner was Martina Corbett (33) with 28 points.

The overall winner of the ladies 8 hole singles was Anne Kelly (12) with 15 points. Division 1 was won by Elaine Kelly (8) with 14 points, Dvision 2 by Maueen Lynch (17) with 15 points and division 3 by Sarah Connolly Byrnes (24) with 14 points.

Fifty members took

part in the senior men’s outing on Thursday when the winners were Tony McInerney, Peter Quinn, Matt Flynn and Jimmy Kearns with 70 points.

In second place with 64 points were Pat G McInerney, Noel Connellan, Gerry Kelly and Declan Hanley followed

by John McEntee, Kevin Murray, Pat Garry and James Corcoran with a similar score.

Fourth spot was filled

by Johnny Kearse, Michael Kerin, Fintan McEvoy and Ferdie O Donoghue with 63 points one more than the score returned by Ger Donohue, Michael Sharkey and Willie Donnellan. In sixth place with 60 points were Noel

Pyne, John Gavin, Ronnie Guinnane and Paul Kenny.

Martin Coffey had a hole in one on Thursday at the seventh hole.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: In the Johnson’s Bar Spring series qualifier last week at Kilrush the winner was Dominic Enright (6) with 27 points from Fergal O’ Connor (11) with 26 points with third place filled by Cyril Kelly (11) with 25 points.

Jim Young Jnr won the gross.

SPANISH POINT GOLF CLUB: Eileen Murrihy with 28 points was the winner of the ladies singles sta-

Pat O’Donnell & Co on board as new sponsor of Clare Camogie

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE CAMOGIE has agreed a new sponsorship deal with Pat O’Donnell & Co. Currently the main sponsor of Clare GAA, Pat O’Donnell & Co have now extended their sponsorship to include Clare Camogie in a new partnership.

The Clare Echo understands that a four year deal has been agreed between Clare Camogie and Pat O’Donnell & Co. Senior, U23 and minor camogie sides in Clare will now be sporting jerseys sponsored by Ireland’s leading supplier of heavy plant machinery.

Crusheen native Pat who is Managing Director of the company, has been a synonymous figure with Clare GAA for generations with his company logo now to adorn the jerseys of Clare’s leading camogie sides. The company was founded in 1970 and represents global brands such as Volvo Construction Equipment, Volvo Penta, and Rammer.

On the new sponsorship, he said, “It has been one of my greatest pleasures to give back to the county of my birth. Having seen the incredible dedication of the Clare Camogie players who recently reached an AllIreland Senior Quarter-Final, we are thrilled to support their journey and help ensure they

have the resources to compete at the highest level”.

In a statement announcing the new deal, Clare Camogie outlined that the partnership reflects a growing commitment to the women’s game during a period of significant development and rising standards within the sport. The partnership arrives as the Gaelic Games family moves toward full integration.

The Steering Group on Integration, chaired by Dr. Mary McAleese, continues to work toward a unified ‘One Association’ by 2027. Pat O’Donnell & Co succeed Ei Electronics as main sponsor of Clare Camogie.

According to Chairman of Clare Camogie, Fergal O’Brien, the partnership arrives at a pivotal moment when Clare Camogie is embarking on a transformative five-year Player Pathway Development programme, focusing on elite strength and conditioning, nutrition, and a unified playing style across all grades. “The backing of an established brand like Pat O’Donnell & Co. provides a further vote of confidence in the sport’s future in Clare”.

O’Brien said they were delighted to welcome Pat O’Donnell & Co on board as sponsor. “Their name is legendary in Clare sporting circles, and their support will be instrumental as we continue to improve our coaching and development setups and inspire the next generation of players. At the heart of this collaboration is a deep alignment of core values. For over 55 years, Pat O’Donnell & Co. has built its reputation on reliability, hard work, and a commitment to excellence—the same traits exhibited by Clare’s elite camogie players on the pitch,” the Broadford clubman added.

Clare kick off their Centra Camogie National League campaign this Saturday versus Dublin in Abbotstown.

bleford competition at Spanish Point last week.

Yvonne O’Keeffe with 25 points was second.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: Round 3 in the Ozone Health and Fitness Spring league took place a Woodstock at the weekend when the format was Texas scamble.

The winners were Pat and Joe Barry with 43, three ahead of Colin Higgins and Pa O’Brien.

Paul and Tony Coote were third with 47 followed by Mike Kelly and Jack Duffy with 49, Brian Kilker and Eugene Conroy with a similar score, John McGrath and Tommy Flynn with 50, Oisin and Cathal Kelly with 50, Colm O’Callaghan and

Kieran Frawley with 50, Michael Guerin and David Quinn with 50, Aaron Lavery and John Baker with 50. Fifty teams played.

Round 4 takes place this weekend when the format will be modified fourball.

The weekend club singles was won by Denis Ryan (14) with 32 points from Jonathan Clohessy (8) with 31 points and Mark Sweeney (6) with 30 points.

In the 2’s competition, Ken Horgan was a winner at the 4th hole.

Thirty four played in the singles. There will be another singles competition this week.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

Last week’s ladies Wednesday competition at East Clare was won by Noreen Skehan, Marie A. Kelly and Deirdre Tuohy from Brid Hayes, Mary Stritch and Pauline Nugent with third spot filled by Connie McKenna, Margaret. O’ Brien and Phil Burke.

In the ladies 9 hole re-entry competition the winner was Trish Nash with 21 points on a countback while the winning team with 55 points comprised Kathleen O’Brien, Maureen Clune and Siobhan Shanahan.

The club mixed foursomes concluded recently with victory going to Deirdre Tuohy and Kieran Quinn.

Colossal Journey makes winning trip to Galway

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS OWNED Colossal Journey made the trip to Galway worthwhile when winning one of the top feature cards in Galway over the weekend.

Saturday night’s Galway card featured two A3 graded 525 yards contests which shared top billing on a bitterly cold night at the College Road Venue. In race two, Affleck Troy was away well in this A6 graded 525 contest and this sixtime winner led by two lengths from Winnie Be Slick and Ballistic John racing towards the opening bend. Turning down the back Affleck Tony led Winnie Be Slick by a length with four lengths back to Colossal Journey in third place who had been hampered at the opening bend.

Exiting the back straight Winnie Be Slick was now in front but the Colossal Syndicate of Ennis owned Colossal Journey was now in the cat bird seat as they approached the home bend. Off the home bend the front pair settled down to scrap it out with Colossal Journey trained by Niall Warren just proving the stronger by a neck in 30.08.

In the A3 graded sixth contest the red jacketed Charming Ciara trapped really well and led That’s My Honey and Grangeview Scoob on the run towards the opening bend where the Tom and Ciara Kelly owned lady led That’s My Honey by a length and the pair proceeded to kick three lengths clear of their rivals turning into the back straight. Racing down the back, Charming Ciara gradually began to increase her advantage on her rival and as the penultimate bend loomed the daughter of Grangeview Ten and Marley Star was now four lengths to the good and on her way to success with the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained lady scoring by four lengths from That’s My Honey in 29.17.

Quin owner Kay Lynch was delighted to welcome back her great kennel servant to the winners encloser for the eighth time in her career as she made all the running to defeat Hollywell Raptor by two lengths in 29.57 in this A5 graded contest . Hampered at the opening two bends on her two most recent outings the daughter of Skywalker Logan and Drombeg Dancer had no trouble

this time as she bounced out and was three lengths clear entering the back straight from Lexis Sydney. Striding out well she was in control throughout and although Hollywell Rapytor looked a threat off the home bend Cragataska Black had other ideas.

Poppys Oreo was away best in the S6 graded sprint contest but she was outpaced by Skirk Bud on the run towards the opening bend where Skirk Bud was joined on her inside by the rapidly improving Flyers Penney who powered through along the rails to take control of the contest on the crowns of the home bend. On straightening for home the Flyers Racing Syndicate owned daughter of Signet Ace and Pennylane Sheba extended her advantage and the Colm Fitzgerald of Kilrush trained lady scored by three and a half lengths from Darraghs Fly in 19.53.

28

Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Plannings

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

PLANNING Ann White (née O’Connell) Tullyglass Court, Shannon, Co. Clare Died 20th January 2026 On behalf of the White and O’Connell family we would like to acknowledge and give thanks to the following for the overwhelming support and kindness given to us on Ann’s sudden loss.

Fr. Tom Whelan for a beautiful Mass, Annette, Ger and Aisling for the music at Ann’s funeral and Mary sacristan of Mary Immaculate Church.

Thanks to all who attended the reposal and funeral, sent Mass cards and messages of sympathy. Thanks to Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel Shannon for their wonderful catering on the day of the funeral.

Grateful appreciation to the guards of honour from Spanish Point Golf Club, Ennis Golf Club, PROBUS Club of Shannon and Shannon Musical Society; McMahon Funeral Directors: the manager and grave diggers of Illaunamanagh Cemetery.

A special word of gratitude to Catherine Stack who helped to make Ann comfortable on the night she fell.

Dr. Ronan and all at Flynn Medical Centre and Feidhlim at Sean Hiller’s Pharmacy. Dr Korpanty who helped Ann to remission from cancer over the last 4 years and to all the staff at the Midwest Cancer Centre Limerick for their care and friendliness throughout those years and the staff of University Hospital Limerick.

Ann’s Months Mind Mass will be celebrated on 22nd February at St John and Paul’s Church at 12 noon.

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CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISHEENCRONY, KILKEE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Michael McNamara and Annette O’Shea intend to apply to the planning authority for (a) retention permission for an extension to the rear and side of an existing dwelling house along with alterations to the house, (b) retention permission for a garage raft foundation and (c) permission to construct a domestic garage along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DRUMQUIN BAREFIELD CO CLARE Take Notice that Gary and Emer Lynch intend to apply for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, detached garage, on site waste water treatment system, formation of a new site entrance and all 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 planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MEELICK, WHITEGATE, CO. CLARE Please take note that Deirdre McCarthy and Odran Burke intend to apply to Clare County Council for permission to build three tourism pods for short term rentals, access road off an existing private entrance, wastewater treatment sys-

tem + percolation area and all associated site works at Meelick, Whitegate, Co. Clare The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL WHITEGATE, CO. CLARE Please take note that Rory O’Kelly intends to apply to Clare County Council for permission to demolish existing buildings on site, the construction a new dwelling house, new site entrance, connection to public services and all associated site works at Whitegate, Co. Clare The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARROWMORE, SCARRIFF, CO. CLARE Take notice that Nora O’Shiel & Aurelio Ballester intend to apply for planning permission for development at Carrowmore, Scarriff, Co. Clare. The development will consist of a new dwelling house, domestic shed, site entrance, wastewater treatment system and associated site works and services.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and 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 QUAY ROAD, KILDYSART, CO. CLARE. Take notice that David Hehir & Doreen Gannon intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a wastewater treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISMULBREEDA, DARRAGH, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95 VWY0 Take notice that Atlantic Plant Hire & Contract Crushing Ltd. c/o P. Coleman &

Associates, Engineers, Architects & Planning Consultants, 5 Bank Place, Ennis intend to apply to the Planning Authority for retention planning permission for (a) variations and modifications to the building elevations and site boundaries as granted permission under P17-18; (b) the existing use of the building as a workshop for servicing/repair of vehicles and plant hire machinery and for storage of plant and machinery, and the existing use of the site for the storage of plant and machinery and associated site cabins; (c) hardstanding / concrete and gravel surfaced yard areas for the storage and associated use of plant and machinery; (d) 2 no. storage containers; (e) temporary portaloo; (f) retention of the existing entrance and access road from the public road; (g) provision of secure boundary treatment, screening and all associated works; (h) provision/retention of a petrol interceptor, surface water drainage/attenuation works, connection to water supply, and all associated ancillary site works, at Lismulbreeda, Darragh, Ennis, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of 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 CO. COUNCIL BURRANE LOWER, KILLIMER, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Jason Meaney intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works at the above address.

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

Thursday, Feb 19, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Puzzle

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Feb 19th THIS WEEKS PUZZLES DEC 8th

WORD SEARCH

12/5/22, 10:22 AM

Actions

Lining

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Moss

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Leap

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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.

4

Home

How to play

8

Hand

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Dog

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Beggars

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

Angels

55

SUDOKU

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The Clare Echo Crossword

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Daily Quick Crossword: 5 December 2022 ,12/5/2022 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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DOWN 1 Speak huskily (5) 2 Rebuke (7) 3 Part of the eye (4) 4 Cloudy (8) 5 Additional (5) 6 Nap (6) 11 Announce (8) 12 One who attends to horses (6) 13 Repeat (7) 15 Eject (5) 17 Stories (5) 18 Cans (4)

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ACROSS 1 Meat-eaters (10) 7 Marine mammal (8) 8 Melody (4) 9 Be acquainted with (4) 10 Eight-sided figure (7) 12 English county (11) 14 Elongate (7) 16 Encounter (4) 19 Profound (4) 20 Friendly (8) 21 Great painters of the past (3,7)

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Daily Quick Crossword: 5 December 2022 ,12/5/2022 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

nds to horses (6)

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PUZZLE

How to play

THURSDAY, DEC 8 2022

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Supporting Journalism in Clare

31

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 19, 2026

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

Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz 1.

What colours do Clooney-Quin play in?

Yellow and black Blue and white Red and green

6.

2.

What river flows through Quin?

River Shannon River Rine River Fergus

7.

What is the population of Quin as per 2022?

1155 897 922

3.

Amby Power from Quin was the first All-Ireland winning captain of Clare. In what year was this?

1912 1917 1914

8.

Who built a castle on the site of Quin Abbey in 1280?

Thomas de Clare Oliver Cromwell Brian Boru

9.

4.

Clooney-Quin last won the Clare SHC in what year?

2010 1987 1942

Which Clooney-Quin hurler suffered a devastating ACL injury in 2023?

Peter Duggan Diarmaid Ryan Ryan Taylor

5.

Clooney is the setting for which famous ballad?

Spancil Hill The Foggy Dew The Rising of the Moon

Quin is how many kilometres from Clare?

12 11 15

Movies to see this week

Scan here to see what’s on

10. Arthur Quinlan was a famous journalist from Quin. Which paper did he write for?

The Clare Echo The Irish Times The Irish Press

ANSWERS 11 922 Thomas de Clare Ryan Taylor The Irish Times Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Red and green River Rine 1914 1942 Spancil Hill

Spot the Difference

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

Last weeks Answers . Line on floor missing . Balloon different colour . Mary’s Badge missing (right) . Light missing on ceiling

. Design missing on Linda’s top . Kamila’s necklace pendant missing . Buckle on Linda’s boot missing

L-R Ray O’Driscoll, Interim CEO The Shannon Airport Group, Grainne McInerney, Head of Group Capital Projects, The Shannon Airport Group, Peter O’Connell, MD OCC, Tara Leech, Health and Safety OCC, Gearoid O’Leary, Project Manager, The Shannon Airport Group, John O’Connell, Senior Contracts Manager OCC and Niall Kearns, Airport Director of Shannon Airport Photo by Arthur Ellis

FEBRUARY

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