The Clare Echo 22/01/25

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Jan 22 2026

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THAT WINNING FEELING Largest housing scheme in Ennis’ history green-lit

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

l Katie O’Halloran, Aisling Downes, Alex Keating, Moya Downes Rigney & Megan Downes Rigney at the Kilmihil Victory Social which took place last weekend at Hotel Woodstock in Ennis. More pics on p17 Photo by Gerard O’Neill

THE way has been cleared for the largest private housing development in the history of County Clare to be constructed.

It comes after a High Court challenge by engineer, Michael Duffy was dismissed. Duffy had appealed a decision by An Coimiúsin Pleanála (ACP) to grant planning permission to Glenveagh Homes in April 2023 for the €65m 289 unit scheme on a 28 acre site close to Ennis Golf Club at Ballymacaula, Drumgeely, Keelty, Circular Rd, Ennis.

It comes after Kilfenora chartered civil engineer, Mr Duffy, in a separate High Court challenge previously, had stalled plans by Pat McDonagh’s Supermacs for

a €20m drive-thru plaza outside Ennis and Mr McDonagh’s Banner Plaza.

The publication of Ms Farrell’s High Court decision follows Clare Co Council last week granting planning permission to Glenveagh Homes for 298 homes on the same site adjacent to Ennis Golf Club.

Mr Duffy also objected to that scheme.

Glenveagh can now proceed with the 289 unit scheme cleared

by Ms Justice Farrell in the High Court as the Council permission from last week is subject to a planning appeal to ACP. FULL STORY P4

Clare back in League action

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

CLARE senior hurling manager Brian Lohan and his football counterpart, Paul Madden, are putting together final preparations ahead of their sides’ return to competitive action this weekend.

The Allianz National Leagues get underway this weekend which will see Clare’s hurlers take their place in Division 1B following their relegation last season.

They welcome All-Ireland semi-finalists from last season, Dublin, to Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg this Sunday.

Ahead of that game, The Clare Echo spoke to Clare’s goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan as he returns from a cruciate injury, and selector Tommy Corbett.

Meanwhile, we get insight from Paul Madden in his maiden season, as well as new captain Cillian Rouine on his pride in representing his county ahead of their side’s opening battle against the hotly tipped County Down.

FOR MORE P22-25

l We speak to Paul Madden and (inset) Eibhear Quilligan ahead of the league campaigns Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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Jan THE 22, CLARE 2026ECHO THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Thursday, Nov 13, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 6, 2025

News News News

Social celebrations Milestone forfor Ask the Expert Kilnamona & Kilmihil Ennistymon NS

Wave of local support Trump ballroom lFarewell Victory for for Cilléin Mullins

Banner support in Ennis

P.P.20 15 & 17 p28-31

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

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

l An artist’s impression of Trump’s Doonbeg ballroom

Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

Councillors encounter gridlock in Mountshannon lion was attempts to get Blake’s Corner Positive plan-led scheme will ‘support local update employment’

actually a ‘friendly mouse’

planning guidelines” high quality tourism destinaHe adds: “I am confident tion; sensitive development that it will have a positive im- within a coastal and environELECTED PLANS to members construct

by Dearbhla Parry aofnew have discovered that was amentally deer. “I’m designated not saying landpactnow on the wider community. news@clareecho.ie permanent ballroom Clare County Council are at the ‘lion’addition is in factofa the beautiful for certain it isinvestment a lion, but confiThe ballroom scapethat and Donald Trump’s resort encountering theirgolfown dog, the withresort’s a it does look in to rural have west a mane KILLALOE GARDAÍ have Newfoundland will strengthen dence Clare. insolved west Clare “represents haircut, nameddriver and a long Some gridlock inthe attempts to get mystery of a very rolesnazzy as a key economic Shetail. said thatpeople “from a comHats and off west to the even munity think perspective, that someone positive developreported ‘lion-like’ clarity on theplan-led status ofanimal plans in ‘Mouse’. for Doonbeg Clare.” continued clearing all also of thisopermightre-investment have shaved their thattraffic local guards the woods ofsupports East Clare. to ment alleviate congesCllrforMcInerney in dog this facility up I think this is one of the as a joke,” O’Reilly remarked Reported sightings and employment”. tion at Blake’s Corner. ates a stories long-standing retail has clear knock-on benefits that will at the time, a comment which footage aonpotential Thatweeks is ofaccording local humorous Three from tothelion business in Doonbeg village forout local trades, acgo down in the lore of our turned to besuppliers, true. emerged last weekof Clare with Fianna Fáil dismissing member and she has told the Council commodation providers and High Court an county”.

“At a time when AI imagery reports made to Gardaí.

County Council, Cllr Rita that the application “proposes the wider hospitality sector application to bring a judicial The video was captured by and confusion as to whether However, once on the McInerney who is part of a apassing significant review challenge against the truckinvestment driver whoin the onlineacross contentthe is region”. real or fake scene Woodpark wave of inlocal support Forest for the a renewal enhancement of so rampant, Doonbeg Tidy has proposed compulsory purhad been and hauling timber. It is it fell on Towns the Park in Mountshannon, any ballroom proposal that will shows the hotel’s and into function also lodgedStation a submission Mouseevent walking guards in Killaloe to chase order for the Ennistytrace of the lion was gone have the capacity to accom- the facilities”. which and states that it supports woods and disappearing. investigate to establish and garda investigators were mon inner relief road, elected modate 320 guests.

Cllrmanager McInerney states that thefacts,” grantDeputy of permission Forest John O’Reilly the true Crowe for the unable got to stuck confirmin whether members their lGRIDLOCK: Blake’s Corner To identity date, four submissions harvesters working explained. “thethat proposal represents proposed ballroom developthe of the animalinwas said efforts to source further have with the“The site commitment had the a the clear to Municipal the ment.District, can you in factbeen afrom lion.lodged They outcome of spotted the High formation the topreported tableand on Council on the proposal “lion” before, but only from that “enquiries were carried Court long term sustainability and However, the week”. sole objector case in relation to the have a reply for next of three Clare County Council. are locally based and a competitiveness distance and assumed it Director out” accordingly. of one of to Kirby date is Liam Madden of inner relief road at Blake’s confirmed a In a statement released last all three favour of the west Clare’s most significant Convent Rd, Longford.

Gardaíare in inKillaloe have Corner, it said it dismissed a reply would be furnished for month the that Highthe scheme. sincefollowing confirmed tourism and employment Mr Madden claims that review project allow- anthe meeting.

Court Council Theruling, show ofwas local so-called lionthe in support fact a judicial chors”. there is no doubt, project to proceed. Is Ennistymon’s inner reliefscientific for the TIGL Ireland Enter-ing theShe said they “in partnership Newfoundland dog named states position, that the re- isand otherwise, that the comthat the definitive ” road intended to address ‘Mouse’ whose coat and prises Ltd’s scheme coin- placement of temporary and bined developments would with Transport Infrastructure notorious traffic congestion tail (TII)” had been shaved to he asked. cides with US President Ireland would proceedDonoutdated structures with a cause significant effects on of Services of Corner.

The scheme resemble that of the a lion.

“The Director Trump’s son and director to ald the next stages of N67/ permanent, purpose built at fa-Blake’s this, the most protected of all of Enterprises, a Relief lion-like Transportation, Carmel Kir- includes the construction of ofrecent TIGL video Ireland N85 Ennistymon Inner cility “is a positive and logical EU sites. animal roaming around the by offered little detail when a new bridge upstream of the that a Ericproject. makingThese a private visit Road stages in-factto progression for the site, visitor Mr Madden stated woods in this Eastweek.

Clare is in replying, “I will come back to Michael Conway Bridge, the resort clude detailed design Mouse, devel- a experience while enhancing statement in the pecompanion the veryrole friendly In his as President in the coming days on it destrianisation the exist-suggests efficiency”. planning of application opment, conclusion of who land isofyou operational Newfoundland dog the Local Links Golf Club, ing bridge, and development public realm will be TIGL Ireland Enterprises that the acquisition planning for delightedand with his recent viral with correspondence”.

Michael Waters More surprisingly was the improvements.

A in CPO wasHe says: Ltd have also lodged a comcarried out 2026. theDoonbeg, construction video clip”. phase. hasClare told TD, the Cathal council Crowe that “Ilack panion of reaction from elected approved bycan An Bord application for other “You forgetPleanáthat!”

At Monday’s meeting of believe thatThe this development Cllrworks Bill at Slattery la in JuneThe 2022, however thefor subupgrade the resort closing date (FF)County told Clare Cllr Echo, members.

Clare Council, will bring significant benefits stated, have a motion processmissions was pausedisas February the reCllr “I McInerney states that 3rd “Like many people, I to was (FG)and Shane Talty (FF) referred toamused the local area by enhancand intrigued by the down taken together, these applicaa decision later next on the exact question sult of with a judicial reviewdue until theing project’s mention in the the functionality of the reported sighting of a lion in as Cllr tions represent month.

Talty has askedpositive for our planthe High Court decision. monthly management report. property”.

Mountshannon.

The guards led development that supports Mr Waters states that “the local employment and indirect proposed design is in keeping economic activity. with the character of the area, Cllr McInerney states that respects neighbouring prop- they also support the ongoing erties and adheres to relevant success of west Clare as a Gordon Deegan byby Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie paraic@clareecho.ie

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

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Thursay, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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High Court clears way for Ennis’s largest ever private housing scheme

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THE High Court has cleared the way for the construction of the largest ever private housing scheme proposed for Ennis.

This follows Ms Justice Emily Farrell dismissing the High Court challenge by engineer, Michael Duffy against the decision by An Coimiúsin Pleanála (ACP) to grant planning permission to Glenveagh Homes in April 2023 for the €65m 289 unit scheme on a 28 acre site close to Ennis Golf Club at Ballymacaula, Drumgeely, Keelty, Circular Rd, Ennis.

Previously, in a separate High Court challenge, Kilfenora based chartered civil engineer, Mr Duffy had stalled plans by Pat McDonagh’s Supermacs for a €20m drive-thru plaza outside Ennis and Mr McDonagh’s Banner Plaza is now in operation after opening last November.

The publication of Ms Farrell’s High Court decision follows Clare Co Council last week granting planning permission to Glenveagh Homes for 298 homes on the same site adjacent to Ennis Golf Club.

Mr Duffy also objected to that scheme.

However, Glenveagh can now proceed with the 289 unit scheme cleared by Ms Justice Farrell in the High Court as the Council permission from last week is subject to a planning appeal to ACP. In his High Court action concerning the scheme first lodged in August 2022, Mr Duffy claimed that there were various errors in the board’s decision, including that it failed to consider relevant material, such as the Ennis local area plan.

Mr Duffy also claimed that the board acted irrationally and unreasonably in how it came to its conclusion on

the scheme. Also, Mr Duffy claimed that the density of the scheme, at 32 units per hectare, is beyond what is allowed under the zoning of the build site.

He said the site has been zoned for low density residential development, which sets a maximum of 15 residential units per hectare.

However in her 28 page judgement, Ms Justice Farrell has dismissed the proceedings

by Mr Duffy.

Ms Justice Farrell concluded that the complaint about material contravention of zoning has already been rejected in two separate High Court cases and Mr Duffy now accepts that there is no basis for not following those legal authorities.

Ms Justice Farrell stated that the complaint about a letter from Uisce Éireann concerning water supply for the scheme is based on the incorrect premise that a need for minor works amounts to a statement that capacity is lacking.

Ms Justice Farrell stated that would be an unduly restrictive reading of the regulations stating that she was satisfied that the application was not invalid having regard to the terms of the Uisce Éireann letter.

Ms Justice Farrell also stated that the evidential basis for contending that the permission granted breached the State’s obligations under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive or Water Framework Directive is absent.

On the issue of the failure

by ACP to notify the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the application, Ms Justice Farrell stated that she would assume in favour of Mr Duffy that there was an error on the part of the Commission in not requiring the EPA to be notified of the application.

She stated that however, in all the circumstances, this is not a basis for quashing the planning permission.

230 houses on track CLARE County Council is on course to deliver 232 social and affordable homes this year, with the support of local developers and in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies.

As many as 195 social houses are earmarked to join the housing stock, with a further 37 affordable homes also coming on stream.

Construction is underway on 150 homes planned for delivery in 2026 in Ennis, Kilrush, Doonbeg, Crusheen and Sixmilebridge, with additional projects planned for Ennis, Lisdoonvarna and Kilrush.

Construction is also underway on 27 developer-led affordable homes for planned delivery in 2026 in Ennis, Shannon and Tulla. In addition, Clare County Council is progressing designs for the provision of affordable serviced sites in Lisdoonvarna and Feakle, planned for

delivery in 2026-27.

These new homes, combined with targeted acquisitions and leases, will add significantly to the local housing stock by the end of the year, exceeding the Council’s targets of 167. This progress reflects a sustained effort to increase supply and provide quality homes for individuals and families in Clare.

Director of Services of Housing Delivery, Alan Farrell, said, “We are making real progress on housing in Clare.

Over the lifetime of the Housing for All plan, we have built 743 homes, acquired 61, and leased 13 properties for social housing. These homes now provide secure accommodation for 817 individuals and families.

Our continued focus is on developing and acquiring quality and sustainable homes and building communities that meet the needs of people in Clare.”

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

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Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Shannon-Bunratty Greenway not included in over €1m funding - ‘Are we being forgotten about?’

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

THE Shannon-Bunratty Greenway has not been included in the over €1m funding announced for Greenways in Clare.

Over €1.2m has been allocated to deliver Greenway projects in Clare as part of the €360m Government funding announced for Active Travel and Greenways in 2026.

After spending the whole of last year fighting for funding for the Shannon-Bunratty Greenway, Shannon councillors are disappointed. With no mention of the Greenway in the €62m Greenway announcement nationwide, Cllr Patrick O’Gorman (FF) asked at Tuesday’s Shannon Municipal meeting, “Are we being forgotten about?”

As part of the Active and Sustainable Transport Investment Programme in the National Transport Authority (NTA), Greenway projects in Clare that will benefit are the Kilrush-Kilkee section of the West Clare Greenway (€500,000), the O’Briensbridge-Scariff section of the Limerick-Scariff Greenway (€350,000), the Ennis-Ennistymon Greenway (€200,000), and the Ennistymon-Miltown Malbay Greenway (€65,000).

“We were looking for a simple enough Greenway,” he continued.

With a route nearly in place and landowners spoken to, councillors received €100,000 last year to go toward consultants for the project, but were stopped by TII. O’Gorman, sceptical that TII were the

reason for their lack of funding, asked, “Is it ever going to be feasible with TII’s restrictions?”

Seconded by Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG), he questioned whether the Clare County Council had actually applied for funding for the Greenway. “Did we apply for that

scheme?,” he asked, further requesting a list of what was applied for.

O’Gorman added, “We were talking about joining 10,000 people living in Bunratty, we don’t want to lose our section.”

Overall, €3,985,000 has been

granted to the Clare County Council as part of the funding for projects such as the Ardnacrusha to Athlunkard Bridge, Ennis Cycle Links & Quietways, Ennis Town Enhancement, Bus Stop Enhancement, the Gort Road Cycling Scheme and the Ennis Local Trans-

Clare nurse & doctor served at Normandy in 1945 - calls for their stories to be retold FAMILIES and communities across Ireland are being invited to help recover and share the stories of Irish men and women who served with the Irish Red Cross Hospital in St Lô, Normandy, between December 1945 and January 1947.

In the aftermath of the Second World War, the town of St Lô lay in ruins. In re-

sponse, Ireland made an extraordinary humanitarian gesture by sending medical and support staff to establish and run a Red Cross hospital for the local population.

Doctors, nurses, orderlies, cooks, drivers, and volunteers left home to help a community they had never met, offering care, compassion, and hope at a time of great

need.

Amongst those who worked there included County Clare doctor Desmond John Leahy, and Liscannor nurse Nora O’Connor.

Catherine Gagneux, French Honorary Consul based in Galway, is reaching out to the public to help reconnect those individual stories with the wider Irish community. She is gathering memories, family records, photographs, letters, and personal recollections for a forthcoming exhibition dedicated to the Irish Red Cross Hospital in St Lô.

Many families may know that a parent, grandparent, aunt, or uncle “went to France after the war,” without realising the historical importance of their contribution. Others may have kept quiet mementoes—an old photograph, a diary, a Red Cross badge, or a letter home — that could now help complete the picture of this remarkable chapter in Irish humanitarian history.

Relatives, descendants, and anyone with information — no matter how small — are encouraged to come forward. Every memory helps, and every contribution matters.

port Plan. Several Active Travel Schemes have also been included for the Gort, Tulla and Limerick Roads. As well as this,14 schools in the county will benefit from funding for the Safe Routes to School Programme.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR DEVELOPERS AND BUILDING CONTRACTORS FOR THE PROVISION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN COUNTY CLARE – EXTENSION OF DEADLINE Clare County Council is extending the deadline for expressions of interest for the provision of turnkey housing developments by Housing Developers and Building Contractors for delivery of affordable housing across County Clare.

Further details of this scheme and a guide to making a submission are available on the Clare County Council’s website under www.clarecoco.ie or by emailing affordablehousing@clarecoco.ie The latest date and time for receipt of submissions is 4.00pm on Tuesday 31st March 2026.

Please note that Clare County Council is not obliged to enter into any agreement with a developer as part of this process.

Dated 22nd January 2026.

Signed: Adrian Headd, Senior Engineer, Housing Department.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

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Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

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Clare gears up for Mother’s Day Tribute Run A 5km fun run aimed at raising awareness of the needs of families facing sudden loss will take place in Barefield this Mother’s Day weekend.

Run for Your Mum will be held on Saturday 14 March at 11am and is being organised by Rebecca Walsh from Ennis in memory of her mother, Caroline Walsh, who died in 2020 after an unexpected illness.

The event aims to bring people together to share memories, support wellbeing and highlight the challenges faced by families dealing with sudden bereavement.

All proceeds will go to Sláinte an Chláir, the Clare Cancer Support Centre that supported Caroline during her illness.

Speaking ahead of

the event, Rebecca Walsh said, “Losing my mother to illness opened my eyes to how deeply sudden loss affects the people left behind, and it showed me the value of connecting with others who have been through something similar.”

“My hope is that the day will be a positive space for remembrance, connection and gratitude, reflecting the spirit her mother brought to those around her,” she added. “The 5km route is designed as a celebration of movement and remembrance, with each kilometre marking a year since my mother’s passing and honouring her love of running and exercise.”

Rebecca continued, “I want to thank the event’s key sponsors,

the Irish Waste Management Association (IWMA) and Clean Ireland Recycling, for their commitment to community initiatives and for helping to make the run possible.

Michelle Nagle of Clean Ireland Recycling, where Caroline worked for more than a decade and also served as Chair of the IWMA, said, “The run is a tribute to a much-missed colleague and to Caroline’s strength during her illness. We are encouraging people of all ages to take part, whether running or walking, and to join in remembering Caroline and supporting a cause that mattered deeply to her this Mother’s Day.” Run for Your Mum is a chipped event with medals for all

finishers and event jerseys for the first 150 registered participants. Other event sponsors include Taylor’s Bar, Crossfit Ennis, Blackbird, the Flynn Hotel Group and Haven Pharmacy.

Registration for Run for Your Mum 2026 is available through Eventmaster by scanning the QR code below.

Further information is available via the Run for Your Mum social media pages or by contacting Rebecca on rebeccawalsh1234@gmail. com/0873894520.

lMEMORIES: Rebecca Walsh (left) pictured with her late mother Caroline

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

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Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Shannon

‘Cat eyes’ to make their way to more Shannon roads

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

CAR mirrors are being hit weekly on a dark Clare road, according to Cllr Patrick O’Gorman (FF).

On a weekly basis, “mirrors are being clicked off each other” and “buses have to go across the road” due to a lack of visibility on the Sixmilebridge-Cratloe Road, O’Gorman told councillors at the Shannon Municipal meeting on Tuesday.

“It’s the only way to go to Limerick City, but once you leave the Cratloe, it’s pitch black all the way down,” he explained.

Considered an exceptionally busy road with both vehicles and pedestrians, O’Gorman continued, “That’s the only road in Cratloe that’s taking that volume of traffic,” therefore requiring improved safety and visibility.

When redoing similar roads in the surrounding area, reflective road studs, otherwise known as “cat eyes”, were implicated, making the roads “safer and better to drive on”, said O’Gorman. “This put it into people’s heads and they’ve started ringing me.”

In the same meeting, Cllr John Crowe (FG) highlighted the lack of visibility on the road going toward Barry’s Cross in

Shannon. “There’s no way that isn’t dangerous,” he said. With no public lighting, he also suggested reflective road studs, even temporarily. He asked councillors, “Do you think there is a possibility of that?”

Cllr James Ryan (SF) answered Crowe’s question with, “Until I get my budgets, then we can look at that.” “If there was cooperation, it could be done,” replied Crowe.

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World’s largest passenger aircraft touches down at Shannon THE world’s largest passenger aircraft made a spectacular landing on Ireland’s longest runway as the Lufthansa Airbus A380 touched down at Shannon Airport.

The double-decker “superjumbo,” which can carry more than 500 passengers, landed at 11am this morning showcasing its extraordinary scale at 73 metres in length and 24 metres high.

Speaking today Airport Director of Shannon Airport, Niall Kearns, said: “It’s always exciting for the public when a big plane like the A380 flies into Shannon, and it’s very impressive sitting on the runway, dwarfing more regular aircraft. With the longest runway in the country, we are well equipped to accommodate these larger scale aircraft, and we handle them quite regularly. This Airbus A380 is rarely seen in Ireland, and we’re delighted to welcome it back.”

In addition to the A380,

Shannon Airport welcomed what was the world’s largest commercial aircraft, the Antonov AN-225, on many occasions prior to its demise in 2022. In 2020, the six-storey

aircraft landed with Ireland’s largest single consignment of PPE, at a pivotal moment during the COVID-19 response. It’s smaller sibling, the Antonov AN-124, now the

world’s largest cargo aircraft, is a regular visitor to Shannon Airport, most recently touching down in December 2025.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

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Regional News

North Clare

East Clare

X-PO film screening: ‘When all is ruin once again’

East Clare Musical Society presents ‘The Addams Family’

X-PO is delighted to announce the rare public screening of the documentary film ‘When All is Ruin Once again’.

The screening will take place at the X-PO on

Thursday 22nd January at 8.30 p.m.

Firmly embedded in Gort and Crusheen in the west of Ireland, this powerful documentary essay quickly transcends the local to reveal national, even universal, truths. Capturing a rural community as a motorway carves through their land, director Keith Walsh (a Gort resident) weaves an epic recessionary tapestry of his neighbours in bog lands, farms, fire-sides, race tracks and hurling pitches and reflects on the value of memory and the impermanence of existence.

X-PO is located in the former post office in Killinaboy. It is a small community hub for social and cultural activities.

All are welcome to the film. Admission is free, but donations to X-PO are welcome.

We’ve taken off and landed just across the road Aviate Credit Union, Shannon office, has relocated from the link corridor office to its new location, just across the road in front of the terminal building (adjacent to short-term parking).

New Address: Aviate Credit Union Ltd Offices 42 & 43 Wings 4 & 5 V14 X726

Tel (01) 844 5187 • aviatecu.ie Aviate Credit Union Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Loans subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. Must be an Aviate Credit Union member.

THE East Clare Musical Society are returning to the stage this February with an hilariously ghoulish show that is sure to blow the January cobwebs off our audience.

We are delighted to announce ‘The Addams Family’ running from the 19th to the 22nd February 2026 in Scariff Community College Hall with curtain up at 19:30pm Thurs-Sat and 18:30pm for the Sunday performance.

Led by our brilliant Director & Choreographer Sarah Allen, and our trusty Musical Director Sarah King, this ‘spooktacular’ musical brings the delightfully demented Addams family to life in an original, kooky adventure, promising to captivate audiences of all ages!

Step into the ghoulishly grand world of Gomez (Conor McGrath), Morticia (Louise O’Callaghan), Wednesday (Cara Hely), Pugsley (Laura Dawson), Uncle Fester (Michael Hartigan) and the whole macabre clan! This hit Broadway musical faces the Addams with every parent’s worst nightmare: their daughter, Wednesday, has fallen in love with a sweet, ‘normal’ boy, Lucas Beineke (Rhys Mc Namara) from a ‘respectable’ family. When the Addams meet Mal (Stephen Byrne) and Alice Beinke (Aoife Daly) for dinner, chaos,

MUSICAL: Cara Hely (Wednesday Addams) and Rhys McNamara (Lucas Beineke)

Photo by Eoin O’Hagan

confusion, and spectral ancestors ensue! With a fantastic score and witty book, this show is a celebration of what it truly means to be ‘normal.’

A Talented Local Cast: Our passionate performers have been working tirelessly to bring you a show filled with energy, emotion, and exceptional talent, embodying the spirit of this iconic, creepy family. You will see some recognisable faces in some unforgettable performances (Ger Treacy as Lurch and Patricia Coyne as Grandma Addams, for example). This is an ECMS debut for Cara Hely as Wednesday and Stephen Byrne as Mal Beineke and boy, are they going to blow your socks off ! And of course, we have ‘The Ancestors’, our ensemble cast, some of whom are returning members and others that are taking to the stage with ECMS for the first time.

From the gothic glamour of the Addams’ mansion to the macabre costumes, every detail is crafted to create a visual feast of gloom and glee. Perfect for audiences of all ages (who enjoy dark humour!), this production is a wonderful way to enjoy live theatre with a dash of the dramatic and the morbid.

Come join The East Clare Musical Society as we take to the stage, once again, to entertain you with your favourite songs from the musicals, sung by these highly talented people from all over the hills of East Co. Clare. Tickets are €25 (plus booking fee) and available by scanning the QR code.

‘Passage’, an exhibition by John Stokes

CLARE Arts Office in conjunction with the Edna O’Brien Library, Scarriff, will host ‘Passage’, an exhibition by John Stokes.

The exhibition will take place in the library’s gallery during opening hours from January 12 through February 14, 2026.

John Stokes is a creative of visual arts and music. Through various media he explores ways to evoke and access dimensions beyond ordinary consciousness. Instead of describing the material world, John’s work contemplates states beyond what is considered normal.

As a child, John was very creative, but that fell away as his education progressed. By the time he left school, it had vanished under the stress of exam competition. A personal tragedy — the death of both his father and brother at the same time — opened him up again. The creative process was the only way that he could navigate through the grief he found himself in.

Creativity is now a natural strand

of his being, and he believes it’s inherent in each one of us. John works spontaneously in an inner-directed discipline.

EXHIBITION: ‘Passage’

Painting by John Stoke

12

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Ennis

UL graduates Ennis Book Club Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary

THE Ennis Book Club Festival is taking place this year from March 6th-8th at various venues throughout the town and county.

The opening event of the Festival, The Hare’s Corner – Making Space for Nature is a celebration of the quiet, hopeful revolution in Ireland, where people are restoring habitats and reconnecting with the land, taking place at 12pm on Friday 6th.

Continuing with this theme, at 2pm environmental campaigner, John Gibbons discusses the crisis in Irish farming and agriculture with environmental consultant Féidhlim Harty, whilst offering solutions for a sustainable future.

Love & Change - New LGBTQ+ Writing with Seán Hewitt, Chloe Michelle Howarth & Nicola Dinan in conversation with Jackie Lynam celebrates distinctive narratives and the power of

l FESTIVAL: Author Anna Carey

Photo by Bríd O’Donovan

NOTES Clare adults with Type 1 Diabetes meetup

THE next meet-up of the Clare Adults with Type 1 Diabetes Group will take place on Wednesday, January 28th from 7:30pm-9:30pm in The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis.

The meetings are free to attend, open to anyone who wants to learn more about Type 1 Diabetes and an excellent opportunity to meet others.

Newcomers and parents of children with type one diabetes are welcome!

More information is available via email diabetesinClare@gmail.com.

representation.

EBCF is delighted to give voice to our poets who consistently shine a piercing light on the business of living. Poetry 2026 features Karen J McDonnell, Erin Fornoff & Molly Twomey and takes place in De Valera Library.

New Perspectives in Writing will bring together three of the most exciting writers in Ireland today, Wendy Erskine, Oona Frawley & Oisín Fagan who play with form and content in surprising and inventive ways and will be in conversation with Aoife Barry in The Temple Gate Hotel.

The annual Clare-based Writers event takes place in St Columba’s Church and this year features Karen Fitzgibbon, Joe Queally & Michael McTigue in conversation with Diarmuid de Faoite.

Join the EBCF team and Artistic Director Martina Durac for a warm welcome at the opening of the 20th Festival, taking place in the at the beautiful Súil Gallery at 7pm and one of the highlight events of the Festival takes place at 8pm in glór celebrating Irish fiction and featuring authors Michael Harding, Edel Coffey & Anna Carey in conversation with Declan Hughes.

Saturday morning events kick off with one of Ireland’s most critically acclaimed writers, Hugo Hamilton in conversation with Éilís Ní Dhuibhne at 10am in St Columba’s followed by Festival favourite Ten Books You Should Read at 11.30am, this year with Bryan Dobson & Cecelia Ahern, moderated by broadcaster and journalist, Ciana Campbell.

Another Festival favourite, Debut Novelists with Elaine Garvey, Shane Tivenan & Claire Gleeson takes place in glór where the authors will be in conversation with Eoin Devereux.

Beyond Borders Book Club showcases great writing from countries beyond Ireland and this year features Cecilia Brizuela, Aneta Stepien & Mercedes Verona in conversation with Sarah Clancy at the Temple Gate Hotel.

Celebrate the joy of reading together in a welcoming discussion led by our visiting book club The Tired Mammy Book Club at De Valera Library.

In Climate Fiction, EBCF is delighted to welcome Abi Daré, winner of the inaugural Climate Fiction Prize 2025 & Caoilinn Hughes, a New York Times Editor’s Choice author to chat with editor of The Moth, Will Govan at 4pm.

One of Ireland’s most remarkable journalists and campaigners Nell McCafferty will be remembered in a special event taking place in glór with Rosita Sweetman, Muire McCallion, (Nell’s niece) & Ailbhe Smyth.

Clare Youth Theatre present The Freedom to Read is the Liberation of the Spirit, a site- specific performance in De Valera Library, exploring free access to books and the role of libraries.

Historical fiction lets us explore the human side of history, bringing the past alive through vivid detail. The genre is explored by authors Andrew Miller, Sarah Waters & Nuala O’Connor in conversation with Juliana Adelman in The Temple Gate Hotel.

The Festival is honoured to welcome Anne Enright for the 8pm event in glór where she will explore her writing life and latest work in a wide-ranging conversation with Niamh Campbell.

An early start on the closing day of the festival as we step into Hush Hour in Sweet ‘n’ Green, a reading party that redefines social gatherings for book lovers.

With a simple format of short essays, memoir pieces and the occasional poem, Sunday Miscellany has been part of the lives of listeners for over half a century on Irish radio.

Another highlight of Sunday’s events is the Literary Lunch, featuring Dr Marie Cassidy taking place in The Old Ground Hotel. This promises to be a fascinating encounter as Marie will be in conversation with fellow crime novelist Catherine Kirwan.

As always, there are lots of other terrific events taking place across the festival weekend including the beloved Books n’Bun’s event on Saturday morning, testing your knowledge of all things literary and fascinating Walking Tours with Jane O’Brien.

Festival hosted events for children and teenagers will take place in glór and include Alex Dunne in conversation with Sarah Moore Fitzgerald for primary school goers and a Talk on the work of Seamus Heaney for leaving cert cycle students with Gillian Chute.

On Saturday, the Festival will host Interactive Writing Workshop for Children with Alex Dunne & Laura Keohane for children age 9-12.

Events taking place as part of Teen Week include Word Power with Deirdre Devally; Fighting Words Workshop for Teens; Kel Menton in an interactive writing class; Eco Soap Making with Aoife Munn and a poetry workshop with Winner of the An Post Teen & Young Adult Book of the Year 2025, Grainne O’Brien all taking place in De Valera Library, Ennis and Seán Lemass Library, Shannon.

Commenting on the 2026 programme, Artistic Director Martina Durac notes, “It is a huge pleasure to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the festival in 2026.

When a passionate group of book lovers first started dreaming of a way to bring book clubs together with writers, they lit a hopeful spark. Since then, we’ve welcomed writers and readers from all over the world to Ennis.”

lA total of 2,038 students, including 78 PhDs, will graduate from University of Limerick this week as part of the Winter Conferring Ceremonies. Pictured is MSc Human Resource Management graduate Hellen Gyamfi from Ennis.

(Inset) Graduates Hollie Prendergast from Kerry and Alannah Meaney from Ennis

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Irish dancing comes to The Banner Plaza MINOGUE School of Irish Dance to Host Fundraiser in Ennis for 2026 World Championships.

The Minogue School of Irish Dance will host a special fundraising event on Sunday, February 1st at The Banner Plaza, Ennis, from 12 noon to 4.00pm, in support of dancers who have qualified to compete at the 2026 World Irish Dance Championships in Chicago.

The event will feature live music and dancing, with performances from many members of the school, including the dancers

who will represent Ennis and Ireland on the international stage.

Funds raised will help cover the significant costs involved in international competition, including travel, accommodation and entry fees.

The fundraiser is family-friendly and open to all, and community support is warmly welcomed.

Event details: lDate: Sunday, February 1st lTime: 12.00pm – 4.00pm lVenue: The Banner Plaza, Ennis

13

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

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Regional News

14

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

West Clare

GAA dad ‘lost the plot’ and saw red before headbutting another father

by Gordon Deegan

news@clareecho.ie

A FATHER who head-butted another Dad at an East Clare GAA ground in a row over missing footballs told Gardai that he “lost the plot” and saw red before the assault, a court has heard.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford has dismissed the appeal

by Maurice Crotty (44) of Millstream, Killaloe against his district court conviction for assault on Aidan Fleming in May 2024 at Smith O’Brien’s GAA club in Killaloe.

Solicitor for Mr Crotty, Tara Godfrey said that a conviction will prevent Mr Crotty getting security work as he can’t obtain a security licence with an assault conviction.

The court heard Mr Crotty was in line to be employed as an Area Manager by a Galway security firm next month - but only if he can obtain a security licence.

Ms Godfrey said that the incident “was completely out of character for Mr Crotty” and he has no previous convictions related to violence.

However, Judge Comerford said that he couldn’t see any basis for not affirming the order of the district court as he said that Mr Crotty, whatever he might believe about being justified to do so, carried out an unprovoked assault on Mr Fleming in front of children.

Judge Comerford said: “Very serious consequences flow from the commission of criminal offences and that is what occurred here - there was a serious criminal offence committed and it was dealt with by the district court appropriately.”

Judge Comerford said he is being asked to find there was no offence committed and he can’t do that.

In a statement to Gardai read out in court by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey, Mr Fleming (52) said that he was “in shock” after the head-butt carried out by Mr Crotty on May 29 2024. On the evening, Mr Fleming said that he was at Smith O’Brien’s GAA’s grounds watching his son’s U9 training session.

Mr Fleming said that he had received a phone call from his wife stating that a Maurice Crotty had called to their home looking for him.

Mr Fleming said he could see Mr Crotty approach him in an aggressive manner and he accused him of sending texts about a 12 year old child known to Mr Crotty taking footballs. Mr Fleming said: “I replied that I did not send any text messages.”

Mr Fleming said Mr Crotty then said that the boy “‘will not play hurling anymore because of you’ and I replied ‘I don’t know what you are talking about’. He was in my face shouting when he suddenly head butted me”.

Mr Fleming said

Maurice Crotty

that “as a result of this assault I sustained a cut to my nose. I have a black eye and sore teeth”.

He said: “The only reason I can think of for this assault is that footballs were stolen from my housing estate recently. A text message was sent into a housing estate WhatsApp group regarding the theft of footballs but I did not send it.”

He said: “I may be a case of mistaken identity. This incident has caused me and my family great upset as it was an unprovoked attack.”

In his statement to Gardai read out in court by Ms Casey, Mr Crotty told Gardai that in April/May, 2024 a child known to him was accused of stealing footballs in a neighbouring

Table Quiz Winners

l1st place winners, Kilmurry McMahon National School (Ciara O’Connell, James O’Connell, Jamie Downes, and Iarlaith Dillon), of Table Quiz at Teach Ceoil

house estate at Ard na Deirge, Killaloe.

He said one parent in particular was accusing the child of stealing the balls when they were just missing and were found in a nearby field. Mr Crotty told Gardai that the man’s name is Aidan Fleming.

Mr Crotty alleged to Gardai that Mr Fleming sent emails to a local primary school complaining about the child and also mentioned in a WhatsApp group that the boy was taking footballs and this continued for a few weeks. Mr Crotty said that the child was very upset by the accusations and that he gave up hurling over it.

Mr Crotty said that on May 29, 2024, he came home from work “and my wife was very upset and I was losing sleep myself” over the situation.Mr Crotty said that his wife told him that Mr Fleming approached the boy at the GAA field and told him “go down and find the footballs he stole”.

Mr Crotty said he “lost the plot” and went looking for Mr Fleming in his housing estate and then he went to the GAA grounds.

Mr Crotty said that at the GAA grounds, he approached Mr Fleming and asked him why he was sending emails to the school blackening the boy’s name

and why was he approaching him accusing him of stealing soccer balls.

Mr Crotty said Mr Fleming denied it all.

He said: “I saw red at this point and head-butted him in the face.”

He said that he told Mr Fleming that he won’t bully the boy anymore.

Mr Crotty said he left the field and went home and told his wife what had occurred and then informed gardai.

Ms Godfrey referred to a character reference from a John Daly who said that what has occurred “has had a catastrophic effect on the whole Crotty family - they have paid a heavy price”.

Ms Godfrey also referred to a character reference from a friend and former work colleague of Mr Crotty’s who said that Mr Crotty is “a family orientated man who genuinely cares about the well being of others”.

Doonbeg back in the spotlight

PREPERATIONS are well under way in Doonbeg as the West Clare Drama Festival 2026 of full-length plays will take place in the Community Hall, Doonbeg from Saturday, 7th to Sunday 15th, of March 2026.

Under the auspices of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland, (ADCI), the festival promises nine exciting nights of dramatic performances, featuring a variety of plays from comedy to tragedy, from hilarity to serious drama, presented by theatre groups from across Ireland.

This year’s Festival welcomes five groups competing

in the Confined Section, hoping to reach the Finals in Carrickmore, Co Tyrone. We particularly welcome neighbouring Cooraclare Drama Group with their production of “A Wake in the West”

by Michael J Ginnelly. Four groups, Holycross / Ballycahill Drama Group, Corofin Dramatic Society, Kilmeen Drama Group and Ballycogley Players in the Open Section will vie for points, culminating in reaching the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival Finals, which take place every year at the Dean Crowe Theatre in Athlone. The winner of the Con-

fined Finals in Carrickmore will open the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival on the 30th of April.

Audiences can look forward to an eclectic mix of plays each night, highlighting the incredible talent of amateur theatre groups in Ireland.

Season Tickets are available to purchase for €90 each by visiting clarewestdramafestivaldoonbeg.com.

Doors will open each night at 7.15pm with curtains up at 8pm, except on Sunday 15th (the final night) when doors will open at 6.45pm and curtain up at 7.30pm.

lSPOTLIGHT: West Clare Drama Festival 2022

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

Regional news

15

Inagh-Kilnamona celebrate successful season

l Inagh-Kilnamona Camogie Senior County Champions 2025 and the Inagh Kilnamona GAA Premier Junior B Champions 2025 celebrated their achievements with a social in Hotel Woodstock last month. Pictured (clockwise from top left) are Danielle Griffin & Laura Lynne; Sinead Power, Andrea O’Keeffe, Theresa O’Keeffe and Hannah Shannon; Ailbhe Devitt & Rhea Foudy; Luke Kelly, Jack Cullinan and Gearoid Barry; Ellie Coote, Ailbhe Devitt and Emer Burke; Laoise, Aoibheann, Cathal, Joe and Deirdre Ryan; Brian Foudy, Flan Hegarty, Noel Hehir, Kevin Hehir and Sean Mahony of the Management Team; Tara Rynne & Paul Kelly Photos by John Sheridan

16

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Gort & South Galway

Brigid’s celebration brings community to Gort GORT will come alive this winter as Brigid’s Celebration 2026 unfolds across the town.

With a rich programme of music, art, storytelling, workshops, and community gatherings, Gort are honouring Brigid and the ancient festival of Imbolc.

Running from January 24th to February

1st, the celebration centres on a vibrant community procession and evening of performance on Saturday, January 31st, alongside a full week of creative and cultural events for all ages.

At the heart of the festival is the Main Event on Saturday, January 31st, beginning at 5:30pm in Market Square, Gort.

The evening opens with performances by the Gort Community Choir, Foróige Drummers, Sean-nós dancers, and Sonic Strings, creating a lively gathering point before the procession begins.

Brigid’s Procession sets off at 6:30pm, featuring Big Brigid and puppets, music, and performance as it moves through the town, arriving at Sullivan’s Hotel at 6:45pm.

The celebration continues into the evening with performances by Fionnuala Fahey, Uilleann piper Eugene Lamb, Martina Carey (storytelling), Sonic Strings, and Slipper Street Band, who take the stage at 8:00pm.

Beyond the main event, Brigid’s Celebration offers a wide-ranging programme throughout the week.

Arts & Culture The Brigid’s Windows on the World shop window art trail runs from January 30th to February 6th, transforming the town’s shopfronts with creative responses to Brigid’s themes of light, craft and renewal.

A guided tour takes place on Saturday, January 31st at 3:30pm, departing from Market Square.

Workshops & Community Events Hands-on workshops include Straw Hat Making on Thursday, January 29th (11am–

Step into another world with ‘Portals’

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

A KINVARA-BASED artist is inviting viewers into another world with her newly opened exhibition in Ballyvaughan.

Trudi van der Elsen’s exhibition, curated by Sharon Murphy, runs from January 22nd to February 20th at the Burren College of Art gallery.

‘Portals’ invites the viewer into a threshold a gateway into another world, a multi-dimensional field where perception expands and the boundaries between the visible and the unseen loosen. Each painting becomes a portal of fiction: a space for projection, meditation, and the gathering of information.

Trudi van der Elsenis a contemporary multi-media artist, based in Ireland since 2004. Her practice includes painting, drawing, installation work, performance and lens-based media. She exhibits regularly both nationally and internationally.

The process of making these works is itself a kind of crossing. Through repeated gestures, erasures, re-markings, and the slow accumulation of surface, a portal

gradually comes into being.

The paintings evolve through cycles of emergence and disappearance – spaces growing, contracting, dissolving, and re-forming.

Time here is dynamic: it is embedded in the movement of paint, in each trace of revision, and in the perceptual shifts that unfold over the duration of making.

The works draw on multiple spatial registers: hyperspace and the digital web, natural space and bodily space, atmospheric and cosmic space.

As the layers build, the canvas becomes an experimental terrain where these dimensions meet. The strata of marks form an abstract language, a conversation between lines and openings, between interior and exterior worlds, between what is known and what lies beyond recognition.

To make or to view a portal requires courage. It asks for a loosening of perception and an openness to transformation. These paintings trace that journey, the subtle psychic shifts, the emotional thresholds, the moments where one crosses into a wider field of experience and

lART: Energy Networks (2025), acrylic on canvas

Painting by Trudi van der Elsen

emerges altered.

Portals may be narrow at first, but once passed through, they release the viewer into unfamiliar expanses: spacious, resonant, and alive with possibility.

Recent exhibitions have included; Súil Gallery, NOSTOS, Looking Out, Cap-

turing Nature, and Beyond Brushstrokes.

Throughout the exhibition, the gallery will be open Monday-Friday, 9:30am-5pm, with an opening reception on Thursday, January 29th from 6-8pm in the Burren College of Art gallery (H91 H299).

1pm) and Sean-nós Dancing at Sullivan’s Hotel on Saturday, January 31st at 4pm. Booking is essential for both workshops.

Brigid-themed workshops will also take place in local national schools, led by Gortbased artists on various dates throughout the week, placing creativity and heritage at the centre of community life.

Storytelling, Music & Ritual Story Time for children takes place on Saturday, January 24th, featuring storytelling and craft workshops facilitated by Martina Carey (see Gort Library for details).

Brigid’s Ecstatic Dance, described as “where ritual meets rave”, happens on Friday, January 30th, 6pm–9pm at Gort Movement Collective, Georges Street.

A Riverwalk to Honour Brigid takes place on Sunday, February 1st at 11am, meeting at the back of Aldi at the beginning of the Riverwalk.

The programme concludes with The Ploughed Field, a poetry reading at The Hidden Gem on Sunday, February 1st at 1pm.

The event is rooted in community participation and aims to celebrate Brigid as a symbol of creativity, care, and renewal, while welcoming people of all ages to take part.

All events are free and family-friendly, unless otherwise stated.

Cllr Geraldine Donohue to host information session for family carers INDEPENDENT Councillor Geraldine Donohue will host a free Information Session for family carers across Galway on Friday, January 30th at 11.00am in Sullivan’s Royal Hotel, Gort.

The event aims to provide vital, up-to-date information and practical guidance for those caring for family members in their homes and communities.

The session will feature Clare Duffy from Family Carers Ireland, who will deliver an informative presentation titled “Family Carers and the State Pension: Understanding the New Long-Term Carers Contribution Scheme.” This new scheme represents an important development for carers, recognising the significant contribution they make to society and addressing how long-term caring can impact pension entitlements.

Family carers often

face challenges accessing clear information about their rights and supports. This session will break down the details of the State Pension changes in a clear and accessible way, giving carers the opportunity to better understand how the new scheme may apply to their individual circumstances. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions and engage directly with Family Carers Ireland.

Speaking ahead of the event, Councillor Donohue said the session is about ensuring carers are informed, supported and recognised. “Family carers play a crucial role in our communities, and it is essential they have access to accurate information about their entitlements and future security,” she said.

The event is free of charge, and all carers are welcome to attend.

No booking is required.

17

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

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Regional News

Photos by Gerard O’Neill

l Eimear & David McNamara

l Kayleigh & Rosie Currane celebrate Kilhimil’s senior football county championship at the club’s victory social last weekend at Hotel Woodstock

l Una Downes & Rosie Currane

l Ronan, Ciara, Raymond, Niamh & Maureen Quinlivan

l Renae, Elke & Karol Downes

l Eamon Donnelly, Timmy Ryan, Veronica Finucane & Conor Crowley

l Ladies panel

l Ailish & Eimear Considine

l Dervla Higgins, Rosie Currane & Becky Mahon

l Emer Finucane, Catríona O’Gorman, Katie Mullen, Aisling Downes & Alex Keating

18

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Green Clare

Shannon Airport achieves level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation THE Shannon Airport Group has announced that Shannon Airport has achieved Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation.

Airport Carbon Accreditation is a globally recognised programme which independently assesses the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions.

Since 2018, Shannon Airport has reduced its carbon emissions by 43%. Energy efficiency measures including LED lighting upgrades and Building Energy Management System (BEMS) improvements, electrification of airport vehicles, collaboration with airport partners and investment in renewable energy have played a central role in the Group’s comprehensive decarbonisation plan, and the achievement of Level 3 accreditation.

These efforts were boosted in November 2025 with the launch of Ireland’s first on airfield solar PV farm at Shannon Airport. The 5.5-acre, 1.2-megawatt installation is expected to supply up to 20% of the airport’s annual electricity needs and plays a pivotal role in its long-term decarbonisation strategy.

Backed by a €30m sust ainable i nve s t m e nt plan between now and 2030, the airport will further improve energy efficiency and reduce its emissions through operational footprint consolidation, upgraded building i n s u l at i o n , and the adoption of advanced heating and cooling systems including heat lCARBON: Shannon Airport has reduced its carbon emissions by 43% pump techPhoto by Stephen O’Malley nology.

The anCommenting on the announcement, Head nouncement follows a year of strong sus- of Sustainability at The Shannon Airport tainability achievements for The Shannon Group, Sinead Murphy said, “We are delightAirport Group, having won the Chambers ed to have achieved Level 3 Airport Carbon Ireland Biodiversity & Environment award, Accreditation. It reflects the hard work of and secured ISO 50001 energy management my colleagues in the Sustainability team, as certification. well as the dedication of everyone here at The The Group has also advanced its circular Shannon Airport Group, and our partners, economy goals by fitting out its new Oper- which underpins our sustainability strategy. ations Centre and two meeting rooms us- From electrifying our operations to genering 92% remanufactured furniture, recycled ating renewable energy onsite, we are makpaint and second life carpet tiles. By extend- ing real, measurable progress toward our ing the life of more than 70 items through long-term climate goals. This accreditation high-quality remanufacturing, the project is evidence of the momentum building right prevented 4.4 tonnes of carbon emissions, across the organisation as we all work to crerepresenting an 80% reduction in embodied ate a more efficient and sustainable airport carbon of the furniture fitout, while deliver- for the future.” ing a modern, comfortable workspace. All items can be remanufactured again in future, further preventing unnecessary waste.

lRECOGNITION: Shannon receives a level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation

Photo by Stephen O’Malley

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

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Green Clare

19

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Retired UL lecturer to give talk on seaweed in Ennistymon

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

THE North Clare Historical Society are back in action to discuss the seaweed, kelp, and iodine industry in Ireland.

The utilisation of Ireland’s prolific seaweed resources goes back centuries, well into the 17th century. It was, and it still is, widely used a green manure for enriching soil.

A past President of the Irish Science Teachers’ Association and of the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland, Dr Peter Childs is a retired senior lecturer in chemistry at the University of Limerick. He retired in 2009 after 40 years teaching chemistry. In retirement he has pursued interests in the history of chemistry in Ireland and in particular in the history of the seaweed industry.

In the 18th century seaweed was burnt to produce a hard, dense slag known as kelp, which was used as a source of alkali (soda) for the glass, alum, textile, soap and other industries. It had an important role in the industrial revolution but was superseded in the early 19th century by soda made from salt.

In 1811, a French industrial chemist, Bernard Courtois, was using kelp to make potash salts for gunpowder and accidentally discovered a new element, iodine. Seaweed was then the only known source of iodine and

this initiated a new seaweed-based industry extracting iodine.

The first iodine factory in Ireland was opened in 1845 in Ramelton. Later, there were factories in Galway, Buncrana, and Freagh.

New discoveries of iodine in South America and potash in Germany threatened to kill the kelp from seaweed industry. However, it struggled on into the mid-20 th century.

At its peak, it employed thousands of people in Ireland, involving whole families, and was an important source of cash income.

Clare was a major centre for collecting seaweed and burning it to give kelp. When this outlet closed, seaweed was still collected for producing seaweed meal as animal feed, and Irish Marine Products in Kilrush was an important producer from 1941 to 1993.

New industries utilising seaweed have sprung up along Irish coasts, including Clare, keeping the tradition of seaweed harvesting alive. The seaweed industry played an important role in Ireland’s economy and deserves to be more widely recognised and known.

Dr Peter Childs has written articles on the industry in Donegal, Clare, Galway and Guernsey, as well as general articles on the industry in Ireland and Scotland. He has also worked closely with Irish chemistry teach-

ers and has been producing the magazine ‘Chemistry in Action!’ since 1980.

The talk will be held on Monday, January

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26th at the Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon at 8pm. Admission is €8. All are welcome.

20

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Contributors

Sinead’s top beauty picks

My journey with Slimming World

Sinead Walsh

LAST year, through my weekly column in The Clare Echo, I shared my Slimming World journey honestly — the highs, the challenges and the lessons learned — along with the life-changing impact it had on my health, confidence and mindset.

What began as a personal decision to take back control of my health quickly became something far bigger. Week by week, I discovered that Slimming World isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about freedom from guilt, learning how to enjoy food again, and building habits that last a lifetime.

When I first joined Slimming World, I weighed 14 stone 3 lbs and wore a size 18. Like many people, I had tried countless diets before, always starting with good intentions but never finding something I could sustain long term. From the very beginning, Slimming World felt different.

Through Food Optimising, I learned that no foods are banned, that family meals don’t have to change completely, and that lasting weight loss comes from understanding food rather than fearing it. I learned how to fuel my body properly while still enjoying the meals I love. Small, realistic changes added up — week by week.

Today, I weigh 11 stone — a weight I have successfully maintained — and I now wear a size 10. But the biggest transformation wasn’t what happened on the scales.

It was the confidence, energy and belief in myself that returned along the way.

One of the most powerful parts of my journey was the weekly group support. Walking into a room full of people who genuinely understand the struggles, setbacks and victories makes all the difference. That sense of encouragement, accountability and community is something you simply can’t replicate on your own.

Over the past year, I’ve been incredibly grateful for the messages sparked by my weekly updates in The Clare Echo.

POST-Christmas, we all search for that something to boost our skin.

Whether it is that uplifting fragrance or a product that targets discomfort or dryness on the skin, pop into Haven Pharmacy Holly’s, 23 Abbey St, Ennis, Clare and treat yourself to a product to help alleviate those January Blues.

Here are some of my Favourites for your bathroom cabinet...

(In my opinion it’s the little things...)

Clarins Tonic Sugar Polisher - €45 Gently reset your skin post the tanning season or before applying a fresh layer!

This body scrub formulated with organic sugar crystals and hazelnut oil instantly eliminates dead cells and impurities. The skin is left soft, smooth and nourished. Its creamy, melting texture combined with the olfactory power of essential oils has a toning effect and creates an instant sense of well-being. 99% natural ingredients.

Nuxe Intensive Repair Hair Mask - €37 We can’t forget about treating our hair to a pamper, this Silicone - free hair mask will repair and nourish the hair fibre for shinier, stronger hair.

Simply leave in the hair for 3 minutes before rinsing out made from 96 % natural ingredients envelops the hair for a truly sensorial ritual.

Bia Belle Gradual Tan - €25 Enrich your face and body with buildable sun kissed radiance so skin maintains a healthy glow!

Keep your skin hydrated and achieve a natural, healthy-looking glow that will leave you feeling confident and radiant. With a combination of incredible ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Seaweed Extracts, and Vitamins. Suitable for use on the face and body.

La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum - €46 (30ml) La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Anti-wrinkle Replumping Serum . Now infused with a new technology that combines 4 forms of Hyaluronic Acid with Vitamin B5 to deliver twice as much H.A. and enhance penetration of the upper to deeper epidermis layers. Repairs and re plumps the skin, corrects wrinkles, and restores lost firmness, volume and elasticity. Clinically proven on all skin types and tones, even sensitive and oily skins.

Hollys have currently 20% on selected La Roche Posay products including this powerhouse serum, please call in to learn more about this replumping and repairing range. While stocks last.

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream - €28 Finally to finish a pamper evening and to keep our hands soft and our nails strengthened and cared for. This is a staple product for any night stand or hand bag.

Apply throughout the day working into the hands nail and cuticle.

From personal transformation to opening my own groups

So many people told me my story resonated with them — that they were ready to make a change but didn’t know where to start.

That’s why I’m delighted to announce that I will be running two Slimming World groups at the Desmond Complex, Newcastle West (Eircode: V42 WT20), starting Wednesday, 28th January: Every Wednesday from 28th January 5.30pm and 7.00pm Desmond Complex, Newcastle West, V42 WT20

Everyone is welcome

For more information or to book your place, you can contact me directly:  shamazingswjourney@yahoo. com 085 855 9760 These groups will be a warm, welcoming and supportive space for anyone who wants to lose weight, improve their health or simply feel better in themselves. I’ve walked this path myself, and I would love to welcome you.

Sometimes, the bravest step is simply walking through the door.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

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

SK Tes cuts ribbon on new Shannon facility

SK tes, a global leader in secure technology lifecycle and IT asset disposition (ITAD) services, has opened its new state-of-the-art facility in Shannon.

The opening event was held on January 15, marking the culmination of a journey that began with the announcement in 2025 of plans to establish a purpose-built facility.

The grand opening was hosted by Jin Mo Lee, SK Tes Group CEO at SK tes and guest of honour, Minister of

State Timmy Dooley who cut the ribbon.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the official opening of our Shannon facility - a site that embodies our commitment to Ireland’s technology sector, to the local community, and to a sustainable future,” said Thomas Holberg, President EMEA at SK tes. “Our Shannon site will support Irish businesses in achieving their reuse and sustainability targets while creating meaningful employment and strengthen-

ing the region’s role as a technology and innovation hub. We are delighted to welcome Minister Timmy Dooley to officially open the site.”

The site, which has been operational since Autumn, delivers comprehensive ITAD, data center decommissioning, and technology lifecycle management services to some of Ireland’s largest enterprises – including hyperscale data center operators – while also supporting national sustainability and circular economy goals.

Business & Recruitment

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Karen Ronan is appointed president of Network Ireland

Network Ireland, the country’s largest business net- and regions. While progress has been made, equality working organisation for women, has appointed Ka- for women in business cannot be taken for granted.” ren Ronan, Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Visit networkireland.ie for more.

Commerce, as its National President for 2026.

The organisation, established in 1983, supports more than 1,400 female entrepreneurs, SME owners and senior professionals across sectors ranging from multinational business to non-profits, the arts and the public sector.

Ms Ronan, who succeeds Amy O'Sullivan of AOS Consulting as National President, has more than three decades’ experience in business and tourism in Clare County Council is currently inviting applications Ireland and overseas. She previously led the Shanfrom suitably qualified persons for the below non Region Conference and Sports Bureau for 22 competitions. Clare County Council will, following the years, during which time the agency generated an interview process, form panels for the areas set out below estimated €160m in economic impact for Clare and from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject Limerick by attracting international conferences and to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, sporting events. She was appointed Chief Executive Local Government & Heritage. of Galway Chamber in 2025.

A graduate of the Kemmy School of Business at • Senior Beach Lifeguard & the University of Limerick, she said her priorities as Beach Lifeguard President will include strengthening commercial links Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 12th February 2026 between Network Ireland’s 17 branches and expanding opportunities for women-led enterprises.

• Retained Part-Time Firefighter Ms Ronan said she plans to drive more than 3,000 business leads and introductions Panel (Kilkee, Killaloe, Scarriff, between members during 2026, Ennistymon, Shannon & Ennis) a target she believes could unlock millions of euro in new Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 12th February 2026 commercial activity.

Please complete online application form available on “It is a great honour to www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. take on the role of President of Network Ireland for Only applications completed online will be accepted. the coming year,” she exClare County Council is an equal opportunities plained. “My theme employer and welcomes applications from all sectors for the year, of the Community.

‘Building BridgScriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat. es’, reflects the need to connect people, ideas, sectors

22

Photo by Gerard O'Neil

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Madden delighted with response from players OPENING their league campaign against a team most see as favourites to win the division - and playing away from home is really good for Clare.

That’s the view of team manager Paul Madden who leads the county into the league for the first time, writes Séamus Hayes.

Speaking this week ahead of their trip to Newry to face Down on Saturday evening, he said, “We are entrenched in Division 3 and we can always have beliefs of where we would like to get to but the reality is this is where we are. Since we came into the role, January 24 was always the weekend we were looking to.

The Éire Óg clubman believes that “on paper division 3 is stronger than it was last year. The two teams that came down from Division 2 and the two that came up from Division 4 are very strong. The target is to get into the top two but I have always believed that you end up playing at the level that you should be at.

"We all have ideas about

where we want to be but until you are where we want to be, you are where you are”.

Continuing he said, “It’s never been the be all or end all that we have to be targeting X, Y or Z. We have to set out our stall as a group that we are going to work really hard and be honest and put ourselves in the best position to compete and I believe that if we were fit enough, strong enough and hungry enough we will be able to compete with anyone”.

The manager is very happy with the response from the players. "I am very aware of club teams in Clare at all levels and the local lads involved with me have a good knowledge. We had an initial list of 70 which we knocked down to 55 and two or three declined because of travel or work. We ended up with 52 including two long-term injuries. We added one or two after in-house matches”.

One of the toughest decisions any team manager has to make is to cut players from a panel. “This week we had the tough decision to cut the panel down to 40.

It was harder than picking a team to play against Kerry or Waterford in the McGrath cup. From the minute they came in we asked for honesty and hard work and we couldn’t have gotten more from them”, Paul told The Clare Echo.

He went on to say that he has a very close relationship with the U20 manager Dermot Coughlan and the minor manager Joe Hayes.

"And we have a strong relationship with the executive of the county board and with Joe Considine as chair of Bord na nOg. There is great work going on. We are all working towards the same goal. There is great good will all around and the lads have put in a savage effort.

When it comes down to it we will be judged on our results on the field. It is a very short window, seven weeks to prepare and we prepared as well as we could have in that period and hopefully we will hit the ground running”.

Noting that the team will have seven league games in ten weeks he said, “The first three are really tough with

three trips to the North and Westmeath, another of the favourites to win the group, in between. We have a big challenge but that’s what we want and what we need and our lads must start believing that we are good enough”.

With the various Third level colleges competitions also taking place at this time, there are big demands on a number of the Clare panel. The manager is a strong supporter of these competitions. “I am very open about that, I made it clear to anyone involved in Sigerson or Trench Cup competitions that we would give them full support to play games.

"There were seven playing tonight which was brilliant.

We encourage them to play as much football as they can."

Madden added, “The result in Newry is not the be all, it won’t define our year but we want to go up there and give a good account of ourselves. The one thing we want from this group of players is to consistently work hard right to the end , that’s the minimum requirement”.

Difficult league opener

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Four players who are all vying for positions in the half back line, will not be available for Clare’s opening game in division 3 of he Alllianz football league on this Saturday evening Injury will keep team captain Cillian Rouine from leading the side at Pairc Esler in Newry while also ruled out are James Curran from St; Josephs and the Clondegad pair of Morgan Garry and Sean McAllister.

Curran is out for the inter county season due to a cruciate injury while the others are expected back in the next couple of weeks.

With Rouine ruled out for this week’s fixture the team will be led by either Dermot Coughlan (Kilmurry-Ibrickane) or Mark McInerney (Eire Og) who have been confirmed this week as the vice captains for the year.

The team to take on Down on Saturday evening (throw in at 6p.m.) has yet to be named but amongst those challenging strongly for a league debut are Michael Nash (St Josephs), James Killeen (Doonbeg), Josh Vaughan (Ennistymon) and Caoilfhionn O’Dea (Kilmurry-Ibrickane).

Manus Doherty, Ronan Lanigan, Ikem Ugwueru, Gavan Murray and Mark McInerney from county champions Eire Og are all strongly in contention for starting places this week along with Cillian Brennan (Clondegad), Fionn Kelleher (St Josephs), Brendy Rouine (Ennistymon), Brian McNamara (Cooraclare), Darragh Bohannon (Shannon Gaels), Dermot Coughlan (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Eoin Cleary (Miltown St Josephs), Stephen Ryan (Kilrush), Alan Sweeney and Tristan O’Callaghan (St Breckans).

It’s widely agreed that division 3 this year is particularly strong and Clare could hardly have asked for a tougher start than an away game against a Down side hotly tipped for league honours.

The Banner side was desperately unlucky not to have won promotion last year. They finished with ten points, a tally which would have ensured promotion in most seasons.

To compete for the Sam Maguire cup a team must be in the top sixteen and if Clare are to maintain their place amongst the All-Ireland contenders they must win promotion from division 3. It’s the same for all teams in the division and this means that there will be a particularly strong battle for promotion.

With home advantage and with the involvement of players from the Kilcoo club, Down carry the favourites tag into this weekend’s opener. With two games in the McGrath cup and with challenge games against Galway and Mayo selections behind them, Clare have put in strong preparation over a couple of months and they can be relied upon to put in a big performance.

Allianz Football League Division 3 Round 1 (Saturday, January 24) v Down in Newry Round 2 Sunday (February 1) v Westmeath in Ennis Round 3 Sunday (February 15) v Fermanagh in Brewster Park Round 4 Sunday (February 22) v Laois in Ennis Round 5 Saturday (February 28) v Limerick in Rathkeale Round 6 Sunday (March 15) v Wexford in Ennis Round 7 Sunday (March 22) v Sligo in Sligo

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

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Sport

23

'Massive honour' to captain Clare

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

BEING appointed Clare senior football captain is “a massive honour". "It’s an honour because of the lads I play with. They are such a good group and any one of them could have been appointed. They are all leaders and we will need many leaders” So said Ennistymon’s Cillian Rouine following the announcement by team manager Paul Madden and his backroom team tht Cillian will lead the side for the season .

Speaking ahead of the team’s opening game in the Allianz league against Down in Newry on this Saturday evening (6pm) he said “the appointment of this management team has given us a new lease of life.

"The last two or three years hasn’t gone to plan for us. The new management

team are all good Clare people who want the best for Clare football. We want to make Clare people proud to support Clare football and the management are of that view also which is a massive bonus.”

Cillian, a primary school teacher at Knockanean in the Doora-Barefield parish, continued, “A large amount of players were called in and a power of work has been put in to date.

"The McGrath Cup helped fellas to get a feel for what is required, it is good to get games in early on in the season.

CHALLENGES "We missed it last year, and as a result teams were going a bit raw into the first round of the league. There were good challenges in the McGrath cup. We were happy with some aspects of the peformance against Kerry last week. They are

the All-Ireland champions but while happy with some aspects, there is still a lot of work to be done”.

The Ennistymon clubman readily accepts that Clare face a tough challenge in Newry on Saturday evening.

“We played Down in the last round in 2022 and they were at their lowest, they have been on a big building journey since and they are a serious outfit. We will go and give it all we have and see where it gets us.

“The target is to be in the league final”, he continued “but we will be approaching it game by game.

"We finished with ten points in each of the last two years and in other divisions that would have got you out. This is an exceptionally strong division. We are chasing performances”.

The captain agrees that “there will be little time to rest".

WISHING THE CLARE TEAMS THE VERY BEST FOR 2026!

SHANNON TOWN CENTRE AND ENNIS.

"We have seven games in about ten weeks. There are plenty lads seeking to get their hands on the jersey and it's likely they will have opportunities because with the games coming hot and heavy.

NEW RULES "There will probably be injuries. There are players capable of stepping up.

The standard at club level in Clare is strong. Éire Óg are that step ahead at present. The championship last year was entertaining, the new rules have added to the game”.

For now the focus is very much on Saturday’s opening league tie in Newry.

“Our aim is to win in Newry but we know it’s a massive task, there is no point in beating around the bush.

We will give it our best shot and see where it takes us”, he concluded.

l Cillian Rouine, Clare captain

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

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Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Quilligan itching for league action

by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

ONCE the new year cheer is upon us, all inter-county players are eager to get back to competitive fare.

Even just to lessen the arduous block of winter training, the prospect of embracing the National League brings an inevitable giddiness and optimism to all supporters and players.

However, for Eibhear Quilligan, getting back on the field takes on an even greater significance as having suffered a medial collateral knee injury (MCL) in Feakle’s opening county senior hurling championship defence against Wolfe Tones in late July, the prospect of playing in the National League at all was initially a stretch.

“I’m back a bit ahead of schedule alright,” outlined the 2024 All-Ireland winning goalkeeper.

“It was just one of those things that if you went off the original date which was the end of March, then you’re almost out of the picture for the season really.

"So it was just a case of, I’m 32 in a few weeks and therefore you never know when it will be your last inter-county year so you want to make the most of the time you have.

“So I just put the head down for a few months and got back a lit-

tle ahead of time which was great."

How was it even possible to halve the expected recovery time?

“After the surgery, they’re telling you that six months is a realistic comeback target so work to a deadline of the end of March and we’ll see where you are then.

"So my thought process was that any month that I could shave off that was good progress, so I just set little targets that I wanted to hit over the course of each month."

He continued, “With an injury like that, it was just a case of seeing how things were going each day and how the knee reacts in order to keep pushing the boat out in an effort that it will hopefully come good.

“And it’s a work in progress, the nature of it means that it’s not gone away, I’m always going to have to keep on top of it now.

“So it’s just a case of so far, so good as I haven’t picked up any niggles or anything yet so fingers crossed that continues.”

Indeed, the Feakle goalkeeper made his competitive bow for 2026 in the final group outing against

l Eibhear in action for Clare and (inset) at the homecoming celebrations

in 2014

Main photo by Gerard O'Neill

Cork in Mallow just over a week ago.

“That was the target, to get back in a Clare jersey as quickly as possible so it was great to be back but equally we all left Mallow with a bit of a sour taste in our mouths after losing a game we could have won.

“So it was kind of mixed emotions in that way because you want to win but we didn’t but it was still lovely to be involved again because when you’re injured, you feel that you offer nothing to the set-up and are no good to anyone in that position.”

It sounds like you’re not the happiest of supporters when you’re injured then?

“Awful. The first game I couldn’t play, I’d say I was annoying everyone in the Feakle dressing room as I was just pacing up and down and couldn’t sit still so it was a terrible feeling.

“After winning the championship the year before, we struggled with injuries last year so that was disappointing as we wanted to back it up so it was so frustrating watching the lads going at it and you can’t be part of it.”

Feakle’s plight could be viewed as a microcosm of what Clare also endured in their National league and All-Ireland Senior Championship title defences as injuries to key players certainly disrupted Clare’s

Dub step is Clare’s sole focus, insists

by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

CLARE supporters could probably name their starting line-up for the opening round of the Munster Senior Championship series now but as they found out to their cost in 2025, an inter-county team is only as good as it supporting cast.

Consequently, there’s a need to develop more potential starters for this year’s provincial round-robin so while a demotion to Division 1B of the National Hurling League initially seemed a disaster, it may yet be a blessing in disguise for Clare to develop strength-indepth over the course of six group matches.

That’s not an immediate contemplation for the backroom team though according to Clare selector Tommy Corbett, as last year’s All-Ireland semi-finalists Dublin come to Ennis this Sunday, “We haven’t really looked much beyond

Dublin because that’s a massive first game.

We saw exactly how strong Dublin were last year in the All-Ireland Quarter-Final so we have to be ready for that big challenge on Sunday and then after that, you’re planning for a long trip to the Glens of Antrim.

“So there isn’t the immediate scope to look too far ahead but of course the whole idea of a panel is that, when injuries arise that you have lads to be able to bring in. And if lads are putting their hands up in training, they will get a run at some stage but we’re definitely not looking at Division 1B as a means to solely blood young players or anything like that.

We’re out to win every game.”

That said, Ennis native Corbett knows more than most about the health of Clare hurling as along with being part of the senior set-up, he also had first-hand family knowledge of the development squad system along with being a committee member of Club Clare, the supporters club that fund hurling and camogie inter-county panels from U14 to senior.

“There is a real buzz about Clare hurling now and we even saw that last Saturday with the Hartyy Cup semi-final between St. Flannan’s and St Joseph’s Tulla which was a great occasion.

“All you have to do is drive through any small village or even the town

l Tommy Corbett at Croke Park in 2023 with Shane Meehan and Cian Galvin

Photo by Gerard O'Neill of Ennis and you’re bound to see two or three young boys or girls carrying hurleys which augurs well.

“The clubs are doing massive work, the standard of coaching has come up to an unprecedented level in recent years and that is then complimented by the refreshing catchall mentality of the development squads.

“I mean, if you have a development squad of 60-70 young lads on it, you are really broadening the net far and wide so you’d be hoping then that no-one slips through that net. I think you’ll find in every county, lads that may not have shone at 13 or 14 and suddenly they’re starring in minor and U20 teams

so it’s important to keep the net wide for as long as possible.”

Clare’s sustained larger squads for every underage group has begun to pay real dividends at senior level too as there is now a consistent conveyor belt of talent for Brian Lohan and his set-up to tap into.

“Especially in the likes of S&C,” admits Corbett. “In reality now, when they come into us at 20 or 21, they’ve probably six or seven years of S&C done by that stage. So predominantly they’re ready from a physical point of view to sustain that training schedule that you’re going to meet when it comes to senior.

“From a hurling perspective, there is a

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

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after injury stint challenge.

However, being the competitor that Quilligan has proven to be, he’s not willing to fall back on that as a means of fully explaining a disappointing inter-county season.

“That’s true to a certain extent that injuries were influential but you could also make a case for club and county that we still needed to do more with the guys that we had on the field.

“Our standards could have been a bit higher at certain times and our performances could have been better no matter who was on the field so I wouldn’t use it as an excuse that we were missing players last year.

“Yes of course, guys like Conor [Cleary], Diarmuid [Ryan], Shane [O’Donnell] and Tony {Kelly] are big players to be without and you’d much rather them be on the field than not but I

“

still think our performances didn’t justify us getting out of Munster so I definitely wouldn’t be using that as an excuse.”

In an effort to get off to

Dublin and put ourselves on the front foot again.

“The league is always a balancing act though as you want to try out new things and new players but at the end of the day, you want to win every game as well so the overall target is to hopefully make the final at the start of April.

“I’ve seen Dublin play already this year and they look really good. They’re in great shape, are moving the ball well and seem well organised so it’s going to be a big challenge on Sunday.

“But that’s what you want, you want a challenge to see where we’re at as a group and see how far we’ve to go.

“So although it’s only the end of January, it’s still a great test for us and definitely a good measure of what work we’ve put in over the last few weeks and months.”

It was lovely to be involved again because when you're injured, you feel that you offer nothing to the set-up and are no good to anyone in that position a much brighter start this season, Quilligan is determined to hit the ground running, starting on Sunday with a first National League tie against Dublin in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg at 2pm.

“The target is to get back up to the top division and you just have to go and earn that now by winning enough games. So the goal this Sunday is to try and get over

selector Corbett

huge step up though, that’s for sure. There is a massive leap from U20 to senior hurling and not everyone will make that transition. So we’re delighted with the consistent talent coming through."

It puts Clare on an encouraging platform for the medium to long range future but Corbett and Co. are equalling focused on getting the county’s flagship side back to the top of the national hurling ladder and that means gathering early pace in the upcoming National League.

“Momentum is huge in any competition and the habit winning is huge too. Take 2024 when we won the league and were straight into championship two weeks later, of course momentum was a massive factor. I mean there’s a big difference in mindset coming off a successful league campaign where you’ve won most of the games and you’ve a trophy in the boot of the car coming home and only counting down the days until the championship compared to last year when we didn’t have a good league. We were just carrying a few injuries that we couldn’t seem to get on top of and just when we did get on top of them, it turned out to be a little bit late unfortunately so we’re very mindful of that.

“We’re also very mindful that while Division 1B is the second tier, it’s still hugely competitive. You have Dublin that knocked out Limerick last year; you’ve Carlow who drew with Kilkenny in Leinster two years ago; Antrim away is always difficult; Wexford beat us in the Park last year in the league while Kildare are also buzzing at the moment so realistically if you’re not on your toes every day you go out, you’re going to come out second best.

“So it is very important that we treat every game with the respect that it would be given and that’s the way were going to approach it.

“And basically that was the same for the Munster League. I mean while we were trying out a couple of players, we were taking it seriously as we were disappointed to lose to Cork. We would have liked to have been in

the final but at the same time, it’s the National League that we’re gearing up for and after that of course, championship.”

So what of Dublin and the threat they pose to Clare’s optimism levels come Sunday evening?

“I watched back the Walsh Cup Final and I thought they were very impressive. They looked a very fit and physical team, moved the ball through the lines pretty well and were well able to take their scores when the chances arose. So if we don’t have our best foot forward, we’re going to get dumped so it is important that we go in with the right attitude and have everyone that’s available to us in good shape and good form.

“I mean Limerick were 1/4 on or was it even 1/5 to beat Dublin in last year’s All-Ireland Quarter-Finals and when Dublin went down to 14 men early on, I can’t even imagine what the odds were then.

“So to turn that around and knock Limerick out of the championship was just phenomenal.

“So they’re looking to build on that and they have a very shrewd manager in Niall Ó Ceallacháin as well so we’re under no illusions as to what we’re going to be facing come Sunday.”

Allianz Hurling League Division 1B Group A Round 1 (Sunday, January 25th) - Clare v Dublin at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg Ennis, 2pm Round 2 (Sunday, February 1st) - Antrim v Clare at Pearse Park Dunloy, 1pm Round 3 (Sunday, February 8th) - Clare v Down at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg Ennis, 1.30pm Round 4 (Saturday, February 21st) - Kildare v Clare at Cedral St. Conleth’s Park Newbridge, 6.30pm Round 5 (Saturday, February 28th) - Carlow v Clare at Netwatch Cullen Park Carlow, 6pm Round 6 (Sunday, March 8th) - Clare v Wexford at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chiosóg Ennis, 1.15pm Round 7 (Saturday, March 21st) - Clare a bye Final (Weekend of April 4th/5th) - 1st Placed Team v 2nd Placed Team

Sport

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26

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

St Flannan's came good when it mattered - Bugler DR HARTY CUP QUARTER-FINAL

ST FLANNAN'S 2-19 ST JOSEPH'S TULLA 3-11 Venue: Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog, Ennis Compiled by Seamus Hayes

St. Flannans came good when it really really mattered according to the coach of the school’s senior hurling (Dr. Harty cup) team Brendan Bugler.

Speaking moments after the team had qualified for yet another final in this prestigious hurling competition, the Whitegate clubman said, “We have proven this year that we can play really well in the second half.

"Some people might say we are a second half team.

We came good when it mattered and the introduction of the finishers as we call them was really positive. I am delighted that we have qualified for another Harty cup final”.

Asked if he was worried that the side trailed their opponents, St. Josephs Tulla at half time he said.

“There was no panic at half time. It was disappointing to concede those goals before the break but you can’t dwell on that and

we didn’t dwell on it at half time.”

Continuing he said he was “never as nervous” before a game as he was on Saturday.

“This was a big game and I was extremely nervous. I have played the game for many years and coached as well and I was never as nervous as I was this week.

"I am delighted that we are through to another Harty cup final”.

Commenting on the performance of the defence when pressure came on he said, “They are very good players and they thrive on that man-to-man battle and that was the way we went about it today.

"We went man to man and it was up to them to go and win their battle.

"That said, they had tough periods as well in the fist half but they did well and we are delighted with them.

Understandably he was

Dublin opener in the camogie

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Clare will open their Glen Dimplex All-Ireland senior camogie championship campaign on the weekend of May 23/24 This year’s championship is divided into two groups, one of six and the other of four and Clare, under new manager Eugene Foudy, have been drawn in the group of six. They will have two home and three away games as follows.

May 23/24 at home to Dublin May 30/31 away to Wexford June 6/7 at home to Limerick June 20/21 away to Kilkenny June 27/28 away to Offaly.

The championship semi-finals are down for Saturday July 25 with the final scheduled for Sunday August 9.

The four team group comprises Cork, Waterford, Galway and Tipperary

disappointed to see Ballyea clubman Darragh Kennedy suffer a recurrance of injury within a minute of his introduction.

"He had done an awful lot of work to get back into contention and he had trained really well in the last two weeks. Hopefully its not too bad”.

In the final St. Flannans will face Nenagh CBS in a repeat of the opening round in this season’s title race. “I haven’t really thought about that. We will enjoy this evening for what it is and go again next week”, he concluded.

The eagerly awaited final will take place at Zimmer Biomet Pairc Chiosog on Saturday week, January 31 at 1pm.

The venue was decided on a toss between and Clare headquarters and Semple stadium, Thurles.

St Flannan’s will take on the Tipperary side who claimed the Harty Cup in Ennis two years ago in a win over Ard Scoil Rís.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l St Flannan's were forced to come from behind after conceding two first-half goals against St Joseph's Tulla at Cusack Park last weekend to set up a final tie with Nenagh Photo by Ruth Griffin

Fixtures plan presented at County Board

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

A FIXTURES schedule has been proposed for 2026 at the first County Board meeting of the year, where it was also debated whether minor grade should be extended from U17 to U18.

It was a first board meeting in their new roles for newly appointed Ann Marie Moran (Head of Operations), Cathal Killmartin (treasurer), Cathal Leamy (coaching officer) and Leah Talty (Irish officer), while former Irish officer Joe Garry was attending in his new role of delegate to the Munster Council Fixture schedule In the proposed fixture schedule outlined by Colm Browne, chairman of the masters fixture

committee, the race for division 1 to 4 football leagues will begin on the weekend of March 7 with round 2 a week later when the divisions from 5 upwards will get underway. Some of the games that week may be played on St. Patricks Day, Tuesday March 17 The race for the hurling leagues will begin a week later, March 21 and round 2 following the next weekend.

Should clubs not agree to playing two rounds of football league games on successive weekends, the alternative will be to have a full round of hurling and football league games over the June Bank holiday weekend.

In the draft presented at this week’s meeting there is no dual week-

end of fixtures (hurling and football).

Turning to the U21 hurling and football championships, the recommendation is to revert to the format used in 2024 with groups of 8 playing a knock out competition. Clubs were asked to come back with any recommendations before the February meeting on Tuesday, February 10 when the schedule for the year will be ratified.

Committees Sub committees for 2026 were ratified including; Competitions control committee (CCC); Deirdre Chaplin, Aidan Bohannon, Ann Marie Moran, Eoin Brennan, Gavin Moroney, Martin Hehir, Rory McGann, Rory Hickey(referee administrator), Tom Duggan, Kieran Keating (board

chairman) plus one to be added Masters Fixtures; Colm Browne (chairman) Tom Duggan, Padraic Boland, Martin Hehir, Tony O’Donnell, David O’Brien (Miltown); Hearings committee; Dan O’Connor (chairman), Gerry O’Malley (secretary), John Morris, Concepta O’Connor, Michael O’Regan with David O’Connell as a standby member.

A full list will be available on www.clareecho.ie from this afternoon (Thursday, January 22, 2026).

Under 17 or Under 18 Clarecastle want the minor championship returned to an under 18 competition instead of U17. The magpies delegate Tommy Guilfoyle spoke passionately in favour of the change.

Some delegates were supportive but only if under 18’s were not allowed to play adult competition.

Others asked if the change to under 18 happens would it mean that the other underage grades would then revert to under 14 and under 16 (currenty it is under 13 and 15).

Board chairman Kieran Keating told the meeting that any change cannot happen in 2026 as the board’s bye-laws had been signed off by Croke Park.

Clubs were asked to discuss the matter at their meetings and come back with their views to the February meeting.

For a detailed report from the meeting, visit www.clareecho.ie.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 22, 2026

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

Sport

27

Big attendance at captain's drive-in at Ennis Golf Club

by Seamus Hayes

was filled by Brendan Pyne, Eugene Quinn, John McEntee and Dave Berry.with 64 points one more than Noel Pyne, Fintan McEvoy, Ronnie Guinnane and Michael Clancy.

news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS GOLF CLUB

In keeping with tradition, Ennis Golf Club held its annual ‘Drive-In’ ceremony for the incoming President and Captains on New Year’s Day. In front of a large gathering of members and guests, the occasion was marked by the ceremonial first drives from the 1st tee by incoming President Philip Brigdale, Captain Noel Pilkington, Lady Captain Mary T. McMahon, Junior Boys captain Ryan Fox, and Junior Girls captain Lilly May Horgan. Each delivered an impressive drive, formally ushering in what is hoped will be a very successful year for all members at the club.

In conjunction with the drive-in a modified 10 hole scramble took place which was won by Thomas Gallery (16) Ann Pyne Gallery (29) and Barry Lee (16) with 57 points.

In second place with 53 points were Mary T. McMahon (11), Audrey McEnery (36) and Mary Curley (51). In third place, also with 53 points were Mary Lenihan (14) , Anna Marie Darmody (27) and Keith Lenihan (15).

Last week’s scotch foursomes was

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

l Pictured are (L to R); Captain Noel Pilkington, Junior Captain Lily Mary Horgan, President Philip Brigdale, Junior Boys Captain Ryan Fox and Lady Captain Mary T. McMahon

won by Fergal Croke and Alfred Jones with 38 points. Second place was filled by Ends and Steve Burns who had a similar score. Third place with 37 points was filled by John Kearse and Paul Kearse.

Last week’s ladies 13 hole stableford competition was won by lady captain Mary T. McMahon (13) with 26 points followed by Geraldine O'Rourke (29) with 22 points with third spot filled by Sinead O'Sullivan (40) with 21 points.

Last week’s senior men’s competition, a team of four with two scores to count, was won by Tony Lawler, Ollie Kennelly, Declan Hanley, Paul Kenny. with 71 points. They had one to spare over Steve Burns, Paul Mockler, Padraig Larin and Michael Ball. In third place with 66 points were Johnny Kearse, Tom Fox, Michel Meagher and Brian Tuohy followed on 65 points by Flan Lyons, Dave Boylan, Willie Donnellan and Tim Scanlon. Fifth spot

Last week’s men's v par yellow tees competition at East Clare was won by Paul Hayes (13) with 9 up with second place filled by Shane McInerney (7) with 3 up.

The senior men’s competition last week was won by Brendan Magill, Kevin Grimes and Dominic Stuart from Terry Coughlan, Seamus O'Dwyer and Teddy Murphy with third spot filled by Ted Harrington, Teddy O' Hanlon and John Fielding.

Mary Jo Minogue, Brid Hayes and Breda Reid were winners of the Wednesday ladies competition last week. They were followed by Margaret Lynch, Deirdre Tuohy, Noreen Doyle and Siobhan Mulcahy with third place filled by Phil Burke, Ursula Hogan and Pauline Nugent.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

The 15 hole club singles at the weekend was won by Noel Mulcahy (10) with 36 points while the gross was won by Alan Markham (3)

with 30 points. One hundred and one members played in the competition. Cat 1(+ to 10) was won

by Colm O'Callaghan (9) with 36 points from Paul Sherlock (9) with 32 points.

Kenneth Fielding (13) with 34 points won category 2 (11 o 18) from Brian Mulcahy (11) also with 34 points. The winners of category 3 (19+) was William De Oliveira (19) with 25 points.

Winners in the 2’s competition were Brian Mulcahy (4th & 14th holes), Aidan Mulcahy (7th), David Quinn (14th), Paul Sherlock (8th), Ronan Horgan (4th) and Frank Landy (14th).

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB

The McDonnell Cup mixed fourball competition will be played on Sunday February 1 at Lahinch and the timesheet will open, online on Monday next, January 26..

GORT GOLF CLUB

The men’s competition at Gort last weekend was a 13 hole singles.

Category 1 was won by Chris Murphy with 29 points, category 2 by Diarmuid Collins with 31 points, category 3 by John Collins with 30 points and category 4 by Tommie Kelly with 29 points.

Ennis raid Cobh Pirates to claw back 19-point defecit

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

Senior Men’s 1st XV: Cobh Pirates 19-19 Ennis The Ennis men's team returned to action last weekend, taking on the Cobh Pirates.

Cobh scored the first try of the match seven minutes into the game from a lineout maul, without a conversion. After 18 minutes, Ennis knocked on in their 22 when Cobh quickly gathered the loose ball and scored a converted try under the posts.

Cobh scored their 3rd try following a scrum, bringing the halftime score to 19 - 0.

Ennis kicked off the second half while Cobh were penalised for holding on, and a penalty was given to Ennis, which was was kicked to the corner.

Ennis claimed their lineout and after linebreaks from Cormac Browne and Matty McNamara, Brendan Keane broke two tackles to score a try, converted by Calum Barrett.

With six minutes left, Barrett broke through but was taken down by a Cobh play-

er with a high tackle, which resulted in Cobh receiving a yellow card and another penalty was given to Ennis.

Ennis kicked to the corner, and after several pick-andgo's after the lineout, Keelan Butler scored in the corner, with no conversion.

Into the last minute, Shane Punch kicked a 50/22 to give Ennis the lineout. After an initial maul, Keelan Butler passed to Calum Barrett to score a try in the corner.

With time up, Barrett converted the conversion from the sideline to draw the match 19-19.

their lead with an early try.

While Ennis had an extended period of time inside the opposition's 22, resolute defending kept denying them from crossing the whitewash.

Ultimately, the Limerick side would finidh much the stronger and they ran in a couple of additional tries in the final quarter, bringing the final score to 28-8.

Ennis RFC want to acknowledge and congratulate the father and son combo of John and Seán Queally, who played on the same team for the first time - a special moment.

Senior Men 2nd XV: Newcastle West RFC 28-8 Ennis RFC On Saturday, Ennis’ men’s 2nd team faced off against an experienced Newcastle West.

A great start to the game saw Ennis take a 3-point lead after three minutes. Both teams were evenly matched in the first half, with Newcastle West taking an 8 - 3 lead, until Jarlaith Collins scored a fine try after Caoimhin Enright opened up the defence with a strong carry.

In the second half, Newcastle West quickly extended

Additional Results: U14 Boys: Ennis 12 – 19 UL

Bohemians U18 Boys: Ennis 24 – 26 Kanturk U14 Girls: Old Crescent 21 – 21 Ennis

Fixtures: U18 Girls Friendly: Ennis v

Kilrush Saturday 24th January Kick-off at 11am in Lees Road

Senior Women’s All-Ireland League: Ennis/Kilrush v Blackl Seán Queally lined out alongside his dad John at the weekend, fulfilling a long-time ambition for the Inagh men

rock College Saturday 24th January Kick-off at 12:30pm in Drum-

biggle

Senior Men 2nd XV: Ennis v

Kilrush Saturday 24th January Kick-off at 2:30pm in Lees Road

U12 Mini Blitz

Sunday 25th January Kick-off at 10am in Drumbiggle

U11 Blitz

Sunday 25th January Kick-off at 10am in Newport

U9 Blitz

Sunday 25th January Kick-off at 10am in Richmond

U10/12 Girls Blitz

Sunday 25th January Kick-off at 10am in Galbally U14 Boys Pan Munster: Tralee v Ennis Sunday 25th January Kick-off at 1pm in Tralee U16 Boys Munster Cup: Ennis v Waterpark Sunday 25th January Kick-off at 1pm in Lees Road

Senior Men 1st XV Junior League: Ennis v Castle Island

Sunday 25th January Kick-off at 2:30pm in Drumbiggle U16 Girls Munster League: Ennis v Shannon Sunday 25th January Kick-off at 2:30pm in Lees Road

28

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

Classifieds ACCOMODATION

ROOFING

PAINTING & DECORATING

CLEANING SERVICES

W IND E RS INDE

Seeking Accommodation: Seeking room to rent in Acha Bhile (Estate) or around, Ennis, Co. Clare Call: Bea on 087 323 6822

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

ACCOUNTANTS

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CONSTRUCTION

ALPINE ROOFING SERVICES

CAR REPAIRS

PRAYER

PETS PRINTING SERVICES

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

065 684 4545 VACANCIES

SEEKING STAFF Person required to work with racehorses. Must have previous experience. Phone (087) 8100045

info@realprint.ie www.realprint.ie

THE MIRACLE PRAYER Lord, Jesus, I come before You, just as I am.

I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me.

In Your name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me.

VANS CARS TRUCKS TRAILERS I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works.

I give You my entire self.

Lord Jesus, now and forever, I invite You into my life Jesus.

I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.

Heal me, change me, strengthen me in

body, soul and spirit.

Come Lord Jesus, cover me with Your precious blood, and fill me with Your Holy Spirit, I love You Jesus.

I praise You Jesus.

I thank You Jesus.

I shall follow You every day of my life.

Amen.

Say this prayer faithfully, no matter how you feel. When you come to the point where you sincerely mean each word with all your heart, Jesus will change your whole life in a very special way. You will see.

P.H

Thursday, Jan 22, 2026 THE CLARE ECHO

To place a notice email kieran@clareecho.ie

Planning

29

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, Leagard South, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare Take notice that D. & C. Hillery intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to demolish a sub-standard shed and to construct a new shed in its place along with ancillary site works at the above address. The development is located within an architectural conservation area.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL Clonloghan and Caherteige, Co. Clare We, GP JOULE IRELAND LIMITED, intend to apply for permission for development at this site in the townlands of Clonloghan and Caherteige, Co. Clare.

The proposed development consists of an amendment to Condition No. 4 of the previously approved parent planning permission (Planning Ref. 18585), which relates to the operational life of the development. The proposed amendment seeks to extend the operational life of the permitted development from 25 years to 37 years.

This development is covered by the provisions of the Renewable Energy Directive III (Directive (EU) 2023/2413) and it is important to note that the planning application may be subject to section 34D of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

When a notice issues in accordance with section 34D(b), the provisions of article 26A of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 to 2025 shall apply.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee

not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of— (a) 5 weeks, or (b) 2 weeks, in the case of a planning application for small-scale solar energy equipment development or development that is the installation of a small-scale non-ground source heat pump, beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission. For this application the submission period is 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, Armada House, Leagard South, Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Armada Hotel Holdings Ltd. intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission and retention permission for development at Armada House, Leagard South, Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare which is a protected structure (RPS No. 025). The works involve the following a) permission to install an external fire escape stairs in the internal courtyard b) permission to replace two existing windows with two doors to allow for access onto the external stairs, a roller shutter over an existing window in the courtyard and to move the boiler house door to the side elevation c) to retain the hipped roof on the porch extension to the east of the courtyard and landscaping works to the front and internal courtyard of Armada House along with associated site works at the above address.

That the planning application may be inspect-

ed, 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 Further Information/ Revised Plans Planning Ref: P25/205 Development Description: 3no. tourist rental cabins, upgrade vehicular access entrance and associated site works and services.

Location: Main Street,

Mountshannon, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Neil & Eibhlín Dunne have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P25/205. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co.Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the news-

paper notice and the site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL Ballytigue, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare Take notice that Sean Neville intends to apply for permission to build a new dwelling house install a wastewater treatment system and all other associated site and ancillary works.

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

fee of 20.00 euro, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL Anna & Co., The Promenade, Lahinch, Co Clare V95 YV60 Take notice that Paddy Murphy, t/a Meisca Ltd., intends to apply for retention permission to retain the change of use of the premises to a coffee and food retail business which includes a takeaway food and hot/cold drinks service and all other associated site and ancillary works.

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

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

Puzzle

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ACROSS DOWN 1 Item of jewellery (8) 1 Prying (4) 2 Chic (5) 3 Direct (8) 4 Song bird (6) 9 Section of book (7) 5 Gather (5) 10 Thespian (5) 11 Classical language (5) 6 Recover from illness (3,4) 12 English county (6) 7 Mountain lake (4) 14 Nursery (6) 16 King Arthur’s magi- 8 Horrible smell (6) 13 Unseemly (8) cian (6) 15 Foes (7) 19 Funeral car (6) 17 Rubbed out (6) 21 Astound (5) 18 Folk (6) 24 Motionless (5) 20 Regulations (5) 25 Exact (7) 22 Sprightly (5) 26 Catastrophe (8) 27 Compass bearing (4) 23 Second-hand (4)

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Mar 7, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 11, 2026

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

Quiz Quiz

51 31

The Clare Echo Quiz Clare GAA Quiz A: 1901 B: 1896 C: 1884

The GAA was founded by Clare 2 man Michael Cusack, but where was Cusack born?

A: Ennis B: Carron C: Clonlara

In 1932 the Clare senior hurlers 3 won their third Munster championship, who captained the side?

A: Amby Power B: John Joe Doyle C: John Considine

In 1992 the Clare senior foot4 ball team shocked Kerry in the Munster final, after the game which famous phrase was uttered during this occasion?

A: “There won’t be a cow milked in Clare tonight” B: “We’re no longer the whipping boys of Munster” C: “You can’t win a derby with a donkey”

In 1995 the Clare senior hurlers 5 made history bridging an 81-year All-Ireland gap defeating Offaly on a scoreline of 1-13 to 2-08, but which substitute scored the winning goal?

A: Cyril Lyons B: Eamon Taaffe C: Ger O’Loughlin

From that legendary ‘95 team 6 how many players have gone on to manage the Clare senior hurling team?

A: 2 B: 3 C: 5

What is the name of the Clare 7 senior football championship trophy?

A: Jack Daly B: Canon Hamilton C: Sean O’Duffy

Which club has won the most se8 nior hurling championships since its inception in 1887 with 23 titles?

A: Sixmilebridge B: Newmarket-on-Fergus C: Éire Óg

l QUESTION 6: From that legendary ‘95 team how many players have gone on to manage the Clare senior hurling team?

Which club has won the most 9 senior football titles since 1887 with 21?

A: Éire Óg B: Doonbeg C: Kilrush Shamrocks

In the 1970’s the Clare senior 10 hurlers famously went 13 league games unbeaten in which club grounds?

A: Dr Daly Park, Tulla B: O’ Garney park, Sixmilebridge C: Clarecastle GAA grounds

ANSWERS

1.1884 6. 5 2. Carron 7. Jack Daly 3. John Joe Doyle 8. Newmarket-on-Fergus 4. “There won’t be a cow milked in Clare tonight”9. Kilrush Shamrocks 5. Eamon Taaffe 10. Dr. Daly Park, Tulla

what year was Clare GAA 1Infounded?

Quiz by Jack O’Halloran

weeks answers Spot theDIFFERENCE Difference returnsLastnext week...

SPOT THE Can you spot the 7 differences

. Light missing on ceiling . S missing on pint of Coors . Red piece on door different colour . Dartboard different colour

. Zip missing on jumper . Sticker missing on cigarette machine . poster missing in Abackground total of 2,038 students, including 78 PhDs, will graduate from University of Limerick this week as part of the Winter Conferring Ceremonies.

Students from the faculties of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Kemmy Business School, Science and Engineering, and Education and Health Sciences, along with a cohort of more than 50 Garda College graduates will be conferred across three days.

Pictured is Sarah (Sally) O’Shea, Clarecastle, MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology with her partner Nour Mrabiye, Ennistymon.

Picture taken of Molli - Ann O’Halloran (Limerick Rose of Tralee 2023) presenting a cheque of €5700 to Gerry O’Doherty (Board member of Mid West Cancer Foundation at UHL), which were the proceeds of a Charity Concert at Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel, Shannon on the 6th January 2024. Pictured at back row from Left to right are Noel Murphy (Concert Director/Compere), Gerry O’Doherty(MWCF), Aidan White (Concert Producer), Molli-Ann O’Halloran (Limerick Rose and Concert Singer), Tommy O’Shea (Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel).

Front row L - R. Anne Barnes (Concert Committee), Michael Collins (Concert Committee), Aoife Hennessy (Concert Singer), Ann White(Concert Librarian).

Photo by Joe Buckley (Concert Photographer) Photo by Arthur Ellis

FEBRUARY

Stay, dine & enjoy the best live entertainment in Killarney!

PAT & FAYE SHORTT SHORTT STUFF

REMEMBERING JOE THE JOE DOLAN SHOW

SUN 01 FEB 2026 | ARENA

FRI 06 FEB 2026 | BALLROOM FREE FOR RESIDENTS

ADAM KAY

IMELDA MAY

SUN 01 FEB 2026 | CLUB

SAT 07 FEB 2026 | ARENA

THIS IS GOING TO HURT

RAISED ON SONGS & STORIES

DAVID MCSAVAGE

THE FUREYS

FRI 06 FEB 2026 | CLUB

FRI 13 FEB 2026 | BALLROOM

THE OCCASIONAL RIDE

CORNELIUS O'SULLIVAN PULL HARD

FRI 13 FEB 2026 | CLUB

ONE NIGHT OF ADELE FRI 27 FEB 2026 | CLUB

FOSTER & ALLEN FRI 27 FEB 2026 | BALLROOM

Make a night of it... Enjoy dinner, drinks & live entertainment, then stay on-site at GLENEAGLE or HOTEL67 Tickets and hotel packages available at gleneaglekillarney.ie All ticket prices exclude service charge plus facility fee.

Reservations

064 6671550