The Clare Echo 23/01/25

Clare braces for ‘historic’ storm Éowyn

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

CLARE is bracing itself for a ‘historic’ storm, with experts warning of an ‘unprecedented and life-threatening’ event tonight and tomorrow.

Schools will close tomorrow (Friday, January 24) as winds of up to 130km/h are predicted during the storm which will last from 3am to 12 noon on Friday afternoon, according to Met Éireann.

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging the public to take extreme caution during Storm Éowyn. In a statement to The Clare Echo, they said, “This is not a typical weather event — it has the potential to be a significant and historic storm that poses a serious risk to life.”

People are being urged not to travel on Friday during the red weather warning and to avoid unnecessary travel when it passes due to the extremely strong winds which will result in fallen trees and power lines, destruction to property, flying debris, and road blockages. This could also lead to cancellation of events, wave overtopping, coastal flooding in low lying and exposed areas and unsafe working conditions as well as significant structural damage and disruption and cancellations to transport.

The RSA added, “Public safety is paramount. Everyone must act responsibly to protect themselves and others while reducing pressure on emergency services and crews.”

l The Tulla Intermediate Camogie team celebrate at their victory social at the Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe with Patrick Murphy of the Tulla Pipe Band Photo by Ruth Griffin

NHL & NFL

The Shannon Airport Group raises €100,000 for charity in 2024

THE Shannon Airport Group has announced that its staff charity committee has successfully raised €100,000 through various fundraising initiatives during 2024. This remarkable achievement brings the total sum raised for charities to €500,000 since the programme commenced 10 years ago.

This year’s fund recipients are The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and Milford Care Centre, the Group’s chosen charity partners for the year.

initiatives. Their commitment has been truly inspiring, and it is heartwarming to see the positive impact we can make together. I would also like to

tia-specific service provider in Ireland, offering a range of services and supports to individuals living with dementia and their families. Milford Care

36C Abbey St., Ennis, Co Clare

Call: 065 - 6719021

NEWSDESK CONTACT US

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or

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SALES

kieran@clareecho.ie

ross@clareecho.ie denise@clareecho.ie

This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

Throughout 2024, the dedicated staff of The Shannon Airport Group engaged in numerous fundraising activities, including bake sales, raffles, a pub quiz, sponsored walks, some GAA hurling fun last summer and a number of local and business community events. Their collective efforts have made a significant impact, demonstrating the power of community and teamwork.

ford Care Centre to maintain the high standard of care they provide in the community.

“We are grateful to everyone at The Shannon Airport Group for selecting us as co-beneficiaries alongside the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. We fully recognise and appreciate the immense effort involved in raising such a significant amount of money and this support makes a tangible difference in the lives of those we care for,” said Mr Dore.

l LEARNING IN COMFORT: Matheo Boghi and Mark Sexton, Holy Family School, Ennis trying out the newly opened DeValera Library in Ennis. The brand new DeValera County Library opened its doors to the public on Monday morning. The 2,321sqm building on Causeway Link, Ennis comprises a public library over two floors which includes the local studies centre, a 100sqm art gallery and the County Library headquarters

Back row l-r: - Adam Mulkerrin - The Shannon Airport Group, Ciara Smith - The Shannon Airport Group Ciara Mooney - The Shannon Airport Group. Middle row l-r -Joanne Williamson The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, and Kieran Dore - Milford Care Centre.

Front row from l-r; - Kerri-Ann Warren - The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Vanessa McTigue- The Shannon Airport Group, and Anne Marie Hayes, Milford Care Centre, pictured as the announcement of €100,000 raised by The Shannon Airport Group for charity in 2024 Photo by Brian Arthur

Vanessa McTigue, Chairperson of The Shannon Airport Group Charity Committee, expressed her gratitude and admiration for the staff’s dedication and the work of the incredible charities:

Dowling to retire as Chief Executive

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CHIEF EXECUTIVE of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling is to retire from the role next month.

“I am incredibly proud of our team for their unwavering energy and enthusiasm in supporting our fundraising

Dowling’s exit had been expected but was confirmed in correspondence issued to the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) on Monday morning. His retirement will become effective from December 31.

commend the outstanding work of our charity partners, The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and Milford Care Centre. Their tireless efforts in providing essential services and support to those in need are truly commendable, and we are honoured to support them.”

Youth Worker with Clare Diocesan Youth Service, now Clare Youth Service and concluding it as Chief Executive of Clare County Council.

The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland is the leading demen-

Appointed to post in June 2016 on a seven year term, the Knockaderry native arrived in Áras Contae an Chláir in September 2016 as Chief Exec utive and has since Novem ber 2016 lived in Kilkee with his wife Rose. The 61 year old is a father of six.

Centre, a voluntary, not-forprofit organisation, provides specialist palliative care and older persons services in the Mid-West of Ireland.

Expressing gratitude for the financial support from The Shannon Airport Group, Milford Care Centre’s Head of Finance Kieran Dore emphasised its importance in enabling Mil-

Welcoming the funding, Interim Head of Fundraising at The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) Nikki Keegan said: “I want to Thank the team at The Shannon Airport Group for their inspiring fundraising effort over the past year. From their stylish Denim Day to their unforgettable Memory Walk, and coffee morning event, it was a pleasure to work with the team and see their creativity and passion for the cause.

Having a presence in Shannon Airport has helped The ASI generate awareness among a vast network of people working at the airport, its Business Park or passing through on their travels. We truly appreciate the huge effort and dedication.”

Graduation Day

In March 2023, he in formed the Department of Local Gov ernment and the Public Ap pointments Service that he wished to avail of the op tion of a three year extension to his seven year appoint ment. Twenty months on, he has announced he is to retire from the role. It means his first and last jobs were based in Co Clare, having started his career as a

“It has been my privilege to serve the Council and the county for almost eight and a half years and it is my earnest hope that I have made a positive contribution to the reputation and standing of the organisation and the county. Working with Clare County Council has represented the pinnacle of

and rural development with Kildare Leader Company.

euro redevelopment of the

Garden in Kilrush; and the most significant tourism project to be undertaken in East Clare with the development Inis Cealtra visitor centre. On two occasions during his tenure, Clare County Council was named local authority of

He was also to the fore in Lahinch’s hosting of the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open serving

Also under Dowling’s watch, the County Council has voted to implement the highest charge of local property tax on a consistent basis. He has always stressed the importance of the Council maintaining a balanced budget and noted his pride at the local authority never recording a deficit during his tenure. He previously issued promises that issues at Blake’s Corner would be solved during his term as Chief Executive and has been a central figure in the creation of the Ennis 2040 Designated Active Company (DAC).

National Youth Council of Ireland, Macra na

Feirme

lion

Vandeleur Walled

Photo by Eamon Ward

Pictured are business graduates L-R Gina Delbarba, Germany, Audrey Murphy, North Circular Road Limerick, Sarah O’Rourke, Ennis Co Clare and Phoebe Piper, Cork City Photo by Arthur Ellis

Halpin’s Garage gets a 1990s hollywood makeover for Liam Neeson’s new film

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

ON Saturday, January 13, Halpin’s service station in Newmarket-on-Fergus was transformed into an authentic 1990s American gas station, complete with American flags, vintage fuel tanks, and a brand-new sign. This Hollywood-style makeover was part of the preparations for filming Liam Neeson’s upcoming movie, 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank.

The film, based on a five-issue limited comic book series written by Matt Rosenberg and illustrated by Tyler Boss, which was originally released in 2016. “It wasn’t Halpin’s anymore,” said Lourda, an employee at the garage. “The place was completely unrecognizable.”

Curious locals gathered along the footpath opposite Halpin’s garage to catch a glimpse of the production, and many hoped to spot the iconic Irish actor, Liam Neeson. However, the cast and crew confirmed that Neeson’s scenes were already “done and dusted.”

into key settings for the film. The local community has been buzzing with excitement as they watch the area serve as the backdrop for Hollywood action.

At a Shannon Municipal District meeting on Tuesday, January 21, the Director of Services for Clare County Council, Allen Farrell highlighted the significant number of local crew members involved in the production. He emphasized that such projects would have lasting economic and cultural benefits for the region.

“The last film of this scale filmed in the Midwest was Angela’s Ashes. Securing an international production like this underscores the Midwest’s growing reputation as a prime film set location,” said Farrell.

While the release date for 4 Kids Walk Into a Bank has yet to be announced, the buzz around the film is already creating excitement in the local community and beyond.

Clare braces for ‘destructive gusts’ of 130km/h

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

CLARE is braced for a red weather warning for storm Éowyn this Friday as dangerous weather conditions are expected.

Winds of up to 130km/h are predicted during the storm which

er and water for days.

Founder of Irish Weather Online, Mark Dunphy, says, “The rapid development is driven by the Jetstream - a fast, narrow current of air flowing from west to east - which has been energised by the deep pool of cold air

gusts of 130km/h”.

The red warning was updated yesterday to include a further 18 counties.

will last from 3am to 12 noon Friday according to Met Éireann. The warning carries with it “extremely dangerous travelling conditions” as well as risks of “danger to life” and “wave overtopping”.

Power outages are also expected as a result of the storm, similar to those experienced in Clare during the extreme wind experienced from the 19th to the 22nd of December 2024, during which homes and businesses were left without pow-

over the United States that brought a foot of snow as far south as New Orleans and the Louisiana coastline during Tuesday. It will take only 48 hours for the system to make the 3,500+ mile journey towards Ireland and Britain”.

The red warning initially included Kerry, Cork and Limerick as the south-west of Ireland will bear the brunt of the storm with “gale force southerly winds becoming westerly”, bringing “severe, damaging and destructive

Closures for schools in Clare have already been confirmed as a result of the storm. A status orange warning is in place for the entire country that will remain in place until 5pm. Storm Éowyn will not be welcome news to many in Clare who have experienced extreme disruption in December and January as a result of high winds, excessive rainfall and heavy snowfall at the start of this month that left people in Mullagh and Cratloe trapped in their homes for up to a week. The public should monitor Met Éireann on www. met.ie for updates in the coming days.

tions across Limerick and Clare have been transformed

Fallen trees following storm Darragh in December

Halpins Service Station Newmarket-on -Fergus and above Liam Neeson

Council green light for upgrade works at Trump Doonbeg after experts says works won’t impact protected snail

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

CLARE COUNTY Council has given the green light to US President Donald Trump’s golf resort at Doonbeg for new upgrade works.

In a decision issued on Wednesday, the Council has granted planning permission to TIGL Ireland Enterprises after concluding that the works would not seriously injure the amenities of the property in the vicinity.

The Council made its decision, with 13 conditions attached, taking into account the established onsite tourism and recreation uses.

The Council has given the project the green light after eco-experts for the resort stated that the works will not have any impact on the protected snail, the Vertigo Angustior.

The application lodged in February of last year proposed the change of use of Doughmore House at the resort from office/ administration use to leisure/recreation use and the scheme included the construction of pickle ball courts, a basketball court and two soft play areas at Doughmore House.

However, in the revised plans lodged with the Council last November, a planning report stated that no works are proposed at Doughmore House and “this adjustment reduces the project’s potential impact on the surrounding area, including sensitive environmental areas”.

There are tens of millions of the tiny whorl snail at the course and at Shannon airport in 2014 shortly after purchasing the resort, Mr Trump told reporters that he would be a friend to the Vertigo

Angustior at the site.

The Council stalled the project last April due to the impact the project could have on the Vertigo Angustior and other planning issues.

In a report prepared by planning consultant, Conor Healy of Cunnane Stratton Reynolds for TIGL Ireland Enterprises, he stated that the proposed works at O’Dea’s Barn and Healy House at the resort will not affect Vertigo Angustior within the Carrowmore Dunes Special Area of Conservation.

Highlighting the painstaking work to determine the conservation status of the Vertigo Angustior, survey and monitoring of Vertigo angustior at Doonbeg was carried out on 6th and 7th May last year.

The report stated that the 200 subsamplesapproximately 20kg in total - were flown to the UK and at a lab, each subsample was laid out in an aluminium tray, and dried for several weeks.

The grant of planning permission follows the US President’s sons, Donald Trump Jnr and Eric Trump stating in their directors’ report for their Trump Resort company accounts lodged last month that they are in the process of upgrading various facilities at the Trump International Hotel and Golf Club.

They state that “it is expected that this will enhance the customer experience and have a positive impact on the group’s and company’s trading results”.

The Trump Organisation has ploughed more than €40m, including the purchase price, into

the resort since it came under the ownership of the Trump Organisation in February 2014.

The 2023 accounts filed last month show that operating profits at the Co Clare luxury golf resort more than doubled to €2.06m in 2023 in a record year for the business.

This followed revenues rising by 12pc from €14.36m to €16.12m.

Commenting on the 2023 performance, General Manager, Joe Russell said last month: “Trump Ireland, Doonbeg continued on its upward trajectory of business growth and profitability, having its most successful year in 2023, since opening in 2002, and since the Trump Organisation acquired the resort in 2014.”

Mr Russell said that “average rates for rooms and golf performed at record levels, where the lead price for an Ocean View suite during high season in 2024 set one back €2,720 per night and green fee rates peaking at €450 per person, which are now rising to €525 per person in 2025, testament to the ongoing demand for our hotel and golf course, the product and service levels provided at Trump Doonbeg”.

lGREEN LIGHT: Trump Doonbeg Golf Hotel

Man escapes driving ban after being found ‘unsteady’ near crashed car

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A 37-year man found by Gardai unsteady on his feet and with slurred speech 150 feet away from his crashed car on a motorway has escaped a drink-driving ban on appeal.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford found that Setanta Helferty’s proximity to his car was not sufficient proof beyond reasonable doubt to say that he was driving his car.

At the district court, Mr Helferty of Bruach Na Habhainn, Quin Rd, Ennis, received a three year driving ban, was fined €200 after being convicted of drink driving at Kilbreckan, Ennis on the M18 motorway on March 31st 2023.

At Mr Helferty’s appeal hearing at the circuit court, Garda Cyril Page told the court that Mr Helferty’s alcohol reading was 221 mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine - which is more than three times the legal limit of 67 mg of alcohol per 100ml of urine for experienced drivers.

At the scene just after 11.50pm,

Garda Page stated that Mr Helferty told him that he had been out drinking with friends.

Garda Page told the court that he arrested Mr Helferty on suspicion of drink driving as “I noticed that he was unstable on his feet, there was a strong smell of intoxicating liquor from his breath and his speech was slurred”.

Garda Page said that Mr Helferty confirmed that he was the owner of the crashed Volkswagen Golf but declined to answer when asked if he was driving the car.

Garda Page said the car had crashed into a concrete barrier close to Junction 12 on the M18 outside Ennis.

Garda Page said that Mr Helferty was walking with a dog 150 ft form the crashed car and he handcuffed him for everyone’s safety as he was walking on the hard shoulder of the motorway.

Counsel for Mr Helferty, Kenneth Kerins BL (instructed by solicitor, Patrick Horan) told Judge Comerford: “there is no proof of my client driving” and on appeal, Judge Comerford has overturned

the driving ban and drink driving conviction.

Judge Comerford said that “despite the likelihoods, I have to allow the appeal”.

He said: “For a criminal prosecution there needs to be something more than just proximity to the car afterwards.”

Judge Comerford said: “It is a p ossibility that there were two people in the car at the time of the accident and it is a possibility that the other person was the driver and left the scene in a different direction.”

Judge Comerford said that the factors that Mr Helferty was the owner of the vehicle; was found by Gardai 150 metres away from the car are circumstances that are suggestive that he was the driver of the car.

He said: “By themselves do they establish that he was the driver?”

Judge Comerford said that the fact that Mr Helferty wasn’t asked under Section 107 of the Road Traffic Act was he the driver meant that he could not infer anything by Mr Helferty’s refusal to confirm that he was the driver.

She said YES!

Mr Kerins told the court that he would have “grave concerns” that the court would infer that Mr Helferty was driving over his failure to answer.

He said: “We don’t have a wit-

ness, we have no identification evidence of the driver, no admissions and only speculation.”

Judge Comerford said that he had no difficulty inferring that Mr Helferty was in the car.

From graduation to engagement celebrations as University of Limerick graduates Charlotte Hannon said yes to Konan Heney’s proposal on a momentous day for the pair, who got engaged during conferring, watched on by family and friends. Charlotte, 23 from Ballynacally, Clare, graduated with a degree in Intellectual Disability Nursing on Tuesday, while Konan, 22 from Cashel, Tipperary, graduated with a degree in Computer Systems on Wednesday

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Murphy leaving Fianna Fáil to become Cooney’s PA

EX Fianna Fáil councillor

Cillian Murphy is to leave the party to become parliamentary assistant to a Fine Gael TD.

Cillian who was a county councillor from 2019 until 2024 has been appointed as parliamentary assistant to newly elected TD, Joe Cooney (FG).

Cooney’s team will also include Maureen Cleary who runs the marketing business, Marketing & More. The O’Callaghans Mills woman spent ten years as the Marketing Executive of Clare Tourism. Her husband Robbie Madden was unsuccessful in his bud to be co-opted to Clare County Council following Cooney’s election.

Bodyke based Frances O’Mara was in the running for the co-option but did not contest the selection convention. The Mills native is also joining Cooney’s constituency team. She formerly ran O’Mara’s Bookmakers in Scariff.

Both Maureen and Frances will serve as administrative

assistants.

Cooney’s constituency office will be located in The Market in Ennis in the building which up until the end of October functioned as a post office. The office is expected to be fully operational by the end of the month.

The Clare Echo has learned that Murphy recently resigned his position on the Clare Fianna Fáil CDC (Comhairle Dáil Ceanntair) and will let his party membership lapse in 2025. He was elected to the CDC at its AGM in July of last year following his unsuccessful bid for re-election to the Council.

During his five years on the Council, he served for a year as Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District and was praised from councillors across the political divide for his ability to source data through motions. Former Mayor of Clare, Patrick Keane (FF) described him as “one of the best county councillors in Ireland” when reflecting on his five year stint. Alongside his wife Mary, Cillian ran Murphy Blacks

restaurant in Kilkee for fifteen years up until the end of 2019. Prior to this, they ran a bar for five years. He is also a qualified tourism consultant and is a founder of Loop Head Tourism. His defeat in the local elections was among the biggest shocks in the county with

party strategists critical of the directive from headquarters to run four candidates in the competitive Kilrush local electoral area (LEA). Indeed party leader, Micheál Martin (FF) lamented the defeat, he told The Clare Echo in July, “I was very disappointed at losing Cillian Murphy, I dealt

with him and Deputy Christopher O’Sullivan on coastal matters, nature restoration and ecological issues, it is an awful pity… It is one that got away and we should not have lost that seat”.

His vote dropped from 1,100 in 2019 to 1,011 in 2024. Speaking to The Clare Echo after losing his seat, Cillian commented, “I was left a little to fly my own aeroplane with a very small team, Cathal Crowe and his family gave me great support, Pat Keane, Paddy Hurst, I had guys that did a great job as a small team but I think if you were to be critical and analyse it we’ve lost a seat, that is down to party management that we’ve lost the seat”.

In 2004, he contested the local elections in the Kilrush LEA as a Green Party candidate but was the first candidate eliminated.

After ex Clare FM reporter James Mulhall stepped down as PA to Cathal Crowe TD (FF), Murphy’s name was among the potential replacements, however former Morning Focus producer Ben Sweeney was appointed

to the role in June. Deputy Cooney confirmed the appointments to The Clare Echo. “I am delighted that Cillian is joining my Constituency office team as Parliamentary Assistant. He will bring a blend of political knowledge and experience working with local communities to the role that will contribute greatly to the work of my team, which also includes Maureen Cleary and Frances O’Mara in the role of Administrative Assistants. I will operate a Constituency Office that is responsive to the needs of everyone in Clare and to achieve this, it is important I have the right people in place to deliver such a service”.

Cillian told The Clare Echo, “My interest in politics has always been about what can be done for the communities I represent. I see this new role as being another way of doing just that and I think it’s great that Joe has chosen to have someone from West Clare as part of his team”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Clare hospitality sector ‘struggling to stay open’ despite year-round trade

by Lisa Mullaly news@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S leading hospitality providers believe the Government are moving too slowly in introducing supports for the sector.

The Government’s decision to reduce the VAT rate to nine per cent for ‘parts of the hospitality sector’ last week will be introduced later this year. The current VAT rate for the hospitality sector is 13.5%.

Seán Kelly, MEP for Ireland South and Leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, said the new rate “will provide these businesses with the breathing space they desperately need to recover, grow, and thrive in a competitive market.”

However, speaking to local hospitality business owners, The Clare Echo received a mix of reactions to the news.

Alan Flynn, owner of the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis, said, “We do welcome the reduction in VAT rates but we still feel the Government needs to go further in terms of prioritizing the hospitality industry.

“Recently, there has been an increase in minimum wage. The reduced VAT rates won’t even compensate for the increase in minimum wage. We have to deal with escalating costs such as heating, lighting, and electricity, which

have seen no reduction in the last three years. Absolutely, the government has moved too slowly.

“I would have been much happier if the change had happened before the dissolution of the last government. Any changes to VAT have to happen instantly. We cannot afford to wait until October for the new budget. Even with the

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

• Caretaker – Traveller Accommodation Unit

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section.

Closing date: 12 Noon Wednesday 12th February 2025.

• Retained Fire-Fighter Panels (Part-time)

Clare County Fire & Rescue Service is currently recruiting staff for inclusion on panels for the following stations:

• Shannon

• Killaloe

• Kilrush

• Kilkee

Garda vetting will apply prior to any appointment(s) that are made.

Closing date: 12 Noon Friday 21st February 2025. Only applications completed online will be accepted. Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

year-round business we have here in Ennis, businesses are still struggling to stay open.”

Flynn also highlighted the importance of further support for the sector, stating, “We need an increase in marketing initiatives to bring people into the region. The Government has to look at commercial rates for the hospitality

industry. We’ve faced a massive increase in rates in Ennis, and in the past two years, the rates have doubled. The Public Realm works have also slowed business in the area. We have been banging on doors for the last two years. There is no doubt in my mind that there were a huge amount of closures during that time. With the escalating costs, it’s just so hard for anyone to stay in business.”

Sean Lally, co-owner and director of Hotel Woodstock, said that hospitality in Clare has a bright future but that the Governement needs to work with the sector.

“It is a very welcome move that the new government is looking at a 9% VAT rate on food-related businesses. It would greatly assist the many vulnerable food-led businesses that have faced an uncertain future and escalating cost challenges in recent years. This would be an important step toward putting these businesses on a more stable footing.”

Lally noted, “There are enormous opportunities for further development of tourism and hospitality as a major engine for growth and economic prosperity across the country. With the right policies and a positive business environment, we believe tourism and hospitality have a bright future ahead.”

However, he stressed that the Government needs to go further:

“On average, the cost of doing business here is 42% higher than in other European countries, and that’s not where we want to be.

“We could also tap into the potential of wind and wave energy off the West Coast of Ireland. This could not only reduce energy costs for businesses but could also make us a net exporter of energy, offsetting potential threats to our corporation tax from foreign direct companies. It’s time to cut red tape and push these energy projects forward.”

Dermot Kelly, co-owner of Shannon Springs Hotel and the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis, echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “We’d like to have the new VAT rates in place now, but they say that it’s not possible. We welcome any measures that will help cut our costs. A lot of food and beverage-led businesses are struggling now with costs constantly increasing. You want to offer a fair and value-led proposition to the customers, but you also want to stay open for business and stay afloat. It’s about finding that balance.”

Kelly added, “The new VAT rates are certainly a positive thing. At the moment, Ireland has the second-highest VAT rate in the EU, and 9% is certainly the correct rate for Ireland. It’ll make us more attractive to international tourists and businesses.”

Bunratty marks start of spring with Imbolc celebration

BUNRATTY Castle and Folk Park welcomes the arrival of spring with its annual Imbolc Celebration, a vibrant festival honouring Celtic traditions and Saint Brigid, on Sunday, February 2 from 11am to 5pm.

The County Clare attraction’s family-friendly event offers the public the opportunity to meet an array of native Irish animals and embrace the vibrant crafts, traditions, and customs that characterise the spring season.

Visitors can witness authentic demonstrations of Saint Brigid’s Cross weaving and traditional butter making by skilled Bean an Tís, while the Clare Vintage and Engine Tractor Club will showcase century-old agricultural machinery in action.

“Our Imbolc Celebration will bring visitors on a journey back to old Ireland to experience and learn more about Ireland’s pastoral traditions,” stated Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Bunratty.

“At Bunratty Folk Park, we pride ourselves on showcasing what life was like in Ireland at the turn of the last century and how traditional crafts were a prominent feature in communities across the island,” added Ms. Brennan. “Imbolc represents the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and has been celebrated in this country since ancient times. We are keeping this tradition alive on February 2 and are promising people of all ages

Bunratty’s Bean an Tís will guide the public through the craft of butter making during its annual Imbolc Celebration

a fun-filled, interactive and educational experience.”

Visitors can learn to make Saint Brigid’s Cross, an iconic symbol that has graced Irish homes for centuries. Bunratty’s experienced Bean an Tís will guide the public through the traditional craft, demonstrating the meticulous process of weaving straw or rushes into the distinctive cross shape. Butter-making demonstrations also will take place throughout the day.

The art of willow weaving will be on full display as Tom Delaney of Ould Crafty makes traditional baskets and other items. Regularly featured on TV, Tom also uses willow to make bird feeders, plant supports, boats and willow houses.

A variety of native animals from Peafowl and Kerry Bog Ponies to Irish Red Deer and Bunratty’s resident Irish Wolfhounds Rian and Mide will be on display as part of ongoing work to increase awareness of native Irish breeds and how they have formed part of Ireland’s social and cultural history down through the centuries.

There also will be children’s entertainment from a host of characters located throughout the 26-acre Folk Park, including a rousing traditional music Seisiún and the resident Seanchaí Mickey Joe who will recall tales of bygone days and traditional ways preserved over the centuries at Corry’s Pub on the Village Street. Meanwhile, Konor the Clown will be performing magic, juggling and music in the Corn Barn where there will be a ball pit and giant games for toddlers to enjoy. The Bunratty Express Train also will run throughout the folk park on the day.

As the Folk Park farm springs into life for the new season, the Clare Vintage and Engine Tractor Club will showcase an array of vintage agricultural machinery at work including water pumps and stationary engines that are over 100 years old. See www.bunrattycastle.ie for more on the Imbolc Celebration at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, County Clare on February 2nd from 11.00am to 5.00pm. Standard entry prices apply.

l

l Allen Flynn of The Old Ground Hotel believes the Government must introduce stronger supports for hospitality in Clare and Ireland

Trump visit to Doonbeg in first 100 days of office not likely

by Mike Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

IT’S NOT looking likely that newly-elected US President Donald Trump will visit County Clare during his first 100 days in office.

Bookmakers Boylesports have set out odds of 8/1 for 45th president of the United States and West Clare hotelier to visit Ireland during his first one hundred days in office.

While matters such as the pardoning of January 6th rioters and a visit to UK prime minister Keir Starmer have better odds, the twice-impeached president has always shown great appreciation for Ireland and his Doonbeg golf resort in particular.

During his memorable visit to Ireland in 2019, the president spent two nights at his hotel in Doonbeg and visited Shannon Airport where he first spoke with Chairperson of Shannon Group, Rose Hynes who said at the time, “The visit has been a huge sign-post for Shannon, something that will grow awareness of the airport as the premier access to this wonderful part of Ireland”.

Mr Trump was also very well received in Doonbeg where he owns the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel.

The president spent two nights there during the course of stay and found time to work in two rounds of golf, bringing worldwide media attention to the small West Clare village. Secretary of Doonbeg Community Development Cathal Bunnie said at the time, “For Doonbeg, for West Clare it is massive because there isn’t a

person that I could pick out anywhere that doesn’t know where Doonbeg is and that has got to be a good thing”.

While the visit was mostly a success, protests in Shannon and Dublin slightly soured the occasion.

English born poet and former Doonbeg resident Martin Vernon called the events “stomach wrenching and embarrassing” as he and many others spent days at Shannon airport protesting at its use by the US military and President Trump’s visit.

l Donald Trump at Shannon Airport meeting then toiseach Leo Varadkar with his wife Melania

Ennis Book Club Festival 2025 Line-up: Andrew O’Hagan, Ann Cleeves, Ian McEwan, and More

ENNIS Book Club Festival Committee is pleased to announce the full programme for the 19 th Ennis Book Club Festival taking place this year from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 March at various venues throughout the town and county.

This year’s festival will offer a vibrant programme of live events and activities for book lovers of all ages. As always, the festival will offer opportunities to engage with your favourite authors and features an additional programme of events for younger readers.

Festival events kick off on Friday with Five Books that Could Save Your Life as Sarah Harte, Irish Examiner columnist and writer, joins Madeline Mc Aleer from Haven Horizons, Helen Crickard from Reclaim the Agenda, and Noelle Collins from Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid to discuss the impact of coercive control.

Later, Booker Prize nominee Andrew O’Hagan joins Wendy Erskine to talk about his ambitious novel, Caledonian Road.

At 4pm in an interactive event, poet Pat Boran will combine text, photos and moving images and will read from his latest collection, Hedge School.

The Art of the Short Story with Cathy Sweeney, Maggie Armstrong & David Butler in conversation with Olivia Fitzsimons, will examine what makes the short story such an intriguing form.

Ennis Book Club Festival celebrates Clare-based writers Tracy Fahey, Kitty Murphy and Eilís Haden-Storrie who join Ciana Campbell to discuss their work.

Saturday morning in Ennis Courthouse sees author of Ghost Mountain, Rónán Hession in conversation with Neil Hegarty followed by festival favourite, Ten Books you Should Read in glór.

This year the event features con-

tributions from Mark O’Halloran and Oliver Callan, and is moderated by writer Tara Flynn.

Another Festival staple, Debut Novelists this year features Aimée Walsh, Patrick Holloway and Cathy Sweeney in conversation with Declan Hughes.

A writer from Clare who carved out an impressive literary career internationally that lasted 60 years, Edna O’Brien was one of a kind and in a very special event, her wit and knowledge, beauty and talent as a writer will be explored and

celebrated in this panel discussion with writers Andrew O’Hagan, Danielle McLaughlin, Eoin McNamee & Sally Hayden in conversation with Rachael English.

The Saturday night event is an indepth interview with Ian Mcwan taking place in glór at 8pm. Ennis Book Club Festival is delighted to welcome Ian McEwan, author of Atonement, On Chesil Beach, Machines Like Me and many more, to discuss his life in writing with journalist and broadcaster Seán Rocks.

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. At 11am the ever-popular Sunday Symposium takes to the stage with panellists Sally Hayden, Paulo Nunes dos Santos and Vincent Durac in conversation with journalist Katie Hannon to discuss international conflict in a globalised World. In many parts of the world, conflict and civil war are not just a threat to local populations but also have

global impacts. The unstable picture keeps changing and our guests will explore what this means for the coming years.

Another festival favourite, The Literary Lunch is this year hosted by Cónal Creedon and Mairéad Hearne in The Old Ground. Mairéad and Cónal will explore the journey through books and writing they both undertook in this engaging and warm-hearted event.

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.

Ennis Book Club Festival, in association with Clare Libraries also features an extensive programme for younger readers, with readings and workshops with young adult authors, facilitators and visual artists.

Events will take place in De Valera Library, Ennis and Edna O’Brien Library, Scariff.

Commenting on the 2025 programme for the Artistic Director Martina Durac notes, ‘We are delighted to welcome you all to this edition of the Ennis Book Club Festival. Our mission is to bring people together to celebrate the beauty and mystery, drama and reflection, the hope and sometimes horror to be found within the pages of a book.’

All events will go on sale on www.ennisbookclubfestival.com from Monday 20 th January with selected events already on-sale. Please note that some events are of limited capacity, early booking advised.

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

Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel is set for an expansion

by Mike Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

Capacity at the Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel in Shannon is set for a significant increase, after conditional planning permission has been approved.

The seven conditions are yet to be published at the time of writing. Shannon Estuary Hotel Limited are seeking to expand the hotel’s second floor as they look to add 29 bedrooms, along with a 6 room expansion to the hotel’s first floor.

The reason for the significant expansion is believed to be an attempt to capitalise on the accommodation of coach tours.

The value of these tours is estimated to €2.6 million according to a letter attached to the document by Abbey Group tour operators. The document states that “The proposal will result in an additional 35 rooms which will accommodate a coach tour of up to 50 people”.

Also included in the document are plans for an expanded car park to match the in-

crease in rooms at the hotel. An extra 2 bus parking spaces are proposed as well 95 additional car parking spaces. These proposals are explained in the attached letter by Abbey Group which states its current levels of business are greater than the Oakwood can provide for. Abbey Group propose that with the addition of extra rooms, they “would be in a position to book a lot more dates in the hotel”.

The regional importance of this expansion is also made clear in the document. Abbey Group cite Fáilte Ireland figures published for the Midwest region in 2022 of “1,322,000 million trips to the region with an estimated spend of €261 million in this region. This will surely lead to a greater expansion of revenue for Shannon Estuary Hotel Limited who recently filed accounts showing an increase in shareholder funds from €1.7 million to €2.5 million in 2024.

l BIGGER AND BETTER: Treacys Oakwood Hotel Shannon

l Sara Clancy and Ken O’Sullivan in conversation at the launch of the Ennis Book Club Festival and Beyond Borders Book Club with Ken O’Sullivan at last years event.

Photograph by Eamon Ward

Ferns family vie for Ireland’s Fittest Family crown

THE Ferns family from Ennis, known within the community as the faces of the local health store, Ferns Wellness and Ferns Fitness, will represent the Banner County in the 12th installment of Ireland’s Fittest Family.

After an extended wait, the competition is underway and the Ferns family can finally share this once in a lifetime experience with the local community.

Although they can’t give away too many details just yet, The Clare Echo spoke with the Ferns Family to hear about their experience on the iconic show.

James Ferns, the veteran athlete of the team, tackled the IFF challenges alongside his three children; Jaime (14), Bobby (15) and Kaitlyn (18).

Tracey and James encouraged their children from a young age to be active and spend time in nature. Whether that was playing football in the garden or going for walks in the Burren. It was this love for exercise and sport that prompted Tracey’s sister Laura to sign the family up for Ireland’s Fittest Family.

There were mixed reactions to the news initially but after sitting down on a zoom call with an RTE producer, everyone was on board and wanted to give the competition their best shot. Before they could take on the infamous hay bails, ramps and walls The Ferns had a long process to get through. However after setting two records in the fitness test; Bobby hitting over 2 meters in the frog jump and James

for the longest plank hold, the Ferns were confident they had a good chance of being selected to compete.

When they finally got to tackle “The Lake,” in their first set of challenges, the Ferns worked together, each of them bringing their own strengths and skills to the team.

Although she wasn’t competing, Tracey got stuck in and supported her husband and children whatever way she could.

Whether it was supplying vitamins to give the team some much needed energy or patching up cuts and bruises, the five Ferns face Ireland Fittest Family together.

The Ferns were matched

with another Clare native Davy Fitzgerald. From watching Davy on past seasons of the show, James and his children were a bit apprehensive about what to expect from Davy’s coaching style. Their fears were short lived as Davy turned out to be the best mentor they could possibly have asked for. “We thought he’d be all shouting and roaring,” said James. “And, okay, he is—but in the best way possible!”

Davy quickly became the motivator they didn’t know they needed, pushing them to dig deep and find their competitive edge. “He knows exactly what to say at the right time,” shared Bobby, “whether it’s behind the scenes or during the events.

heats and made it through to the quarter finals after winning the eliminator. After the filming of the show was completed the Flaherty’s suffered the sudden loss of their youngest son Cillian.

Tracey said that although the competition was exciting and she is proud of everything her family has achieved, her biggest takeaway from the competition was the reassertion that family is so important. The past year has put everything into perspective for her.

He’s like a personal cheerleader, but with more yelling.”

Davy’s experience in coaching and competing at a professional level worked as a great motivator for the Ferns.

“He’s competitive. He’s so passionate. He’s an athlete himself, and he’s programmed to win, but also he really wanted the best for us as well. So there is so much more than what you see on TV,” explained James.

Tracey expressed how thankful she was for all of the help and support Davy provided, especially for her youngest child.

“I couldn’t thank him enough. He looked after them, he really supported

Jaime through a challenging time and you couldn’t have asked for better.”

Every member of the Ferns team agreed that the highlight of their experience in Ireland’s Fittest Family was getting to compete alongside their family.

“The best part was being able to spend time together. It was just the most unbelievable experience being in that kind of environment.

And I suppose, just working together as a team and using our individual strengths was really amazing,” said Kaitlyn.

While reflecting on the experience; both James and Tracey made reference to the Flaherty family from Blanchardstown, who competed in the second round of

“It’s been really grounding. It makes you appreciate what really matters. And it’s fun and exciting, but your family matters, your health matters, showing up for each other matters. That’s what it’s all about at the end of the day.”

With the big day nearly here, the Ferns are excited to finally get to share their experience with their friends and family. They have been overwhelmed with the support they have received from their community.

The family will be sharing more details about their experience on Ireland’s Fittest Family here in The Clare Echo and on their new TikTok channel, ferns_family.

The Ferns family will take on their first set of challenges in the fourth and final heat of the season on Saturday January 25. Will they make it to the quarter finals? Make sure to tune in and support this local family.

As Jaime says “Up the Ferns!”

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

l Leader Davy Fitzgerald (centre) with (l-r) James, Kaitlyn, Jaime and Bobby Ferns

Name: James Ferns Age: 44

Occupation: Personal Trainer / Community Development Organiser

Favourite Sport: Soccer Favourite Athlete: Roy Keane

Name: Kaitlyn Ferns Age :18 Education: Moving on Programme Favourite Sport: Camogie

Athlete: Katie Taylor

Name: Jaime Ferns Age:15 Education: Ennis Community College

Sport: Soccer

Athlete: Katie Mc Cabe

Name: Bobby Ferns Age: 16

Education: LCA1 Clare Youth Centre

Favourite Sport: Soccer Favourite Athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo

Bunratty housing plan ‘a huge blow to tourism’

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

PLANS to construct a 67 unit housing scheme on the site of the former Shannon Shamrock Hotel in the tourism hot-spot of Bunratty in Co Clare “would be a huge blow to tourism in the region”.

In December, Limerick based company, Crescent House Ltd lodged plans with Clare Co Council for the housing scheme along with one retail convenience store and six retail/office units.

The site accommodates the former 115 bedroom Shannon Shamrock Hotel which has remained vacant for many years and has fallen into a state of disrepair.

The proposed planning application seeks to demolish the hotel to facilitate the mixed use scheme.

The existing conference centre, located to the north west of the site is to remain as it forms part of a future phase of development, intended to accommodate a 76 bed hotel with 14 short stay apartments.

A planning report lodged with the scheme states that “the current proposal now seeks to deliver an appropriately scaled mixed use development which should have the agility to react to different market conditions and deliver much needed housing in the centre of the village”.

Twenty-one third party submissions have been lodged with the Council and co-owner of the Bunratty Manor Hotel, Maureen Wallace has told the council that “the approval of the appli-

Bunratty has also expressed concerns over the housing scheme.

Mr O’Sullivan said that he recently included Bunratty in Conde Nast’s selection of Ireland’s most beautiful villages.

In a submission, he has told the Council that “the proposed high density housing development adjoining one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks would drastically undermine Bunratty’s character and appeal”.

Mr O’Sullivan said: “In an era where drone footage and social media amplify a destination’s visual identity, this development risks diminishing Bunratty’s picturesque allure, deterring both visitors and coverage in the global press”.

cation as a site for primarily housing would be a huge blow to tourism in the region”.

As a local resident and business owner, Ms Wallace states that she supports the addition of housing for Bunratty but losing such a central site to residential purposes “would have a substantial impact on both regional tourism and the local economy in Bunratty”.

Planning consultant, Andrew Hersey for Dun Ri Management Company has told the council that his clients "purely object to the proposed primary residential use and they would consider that a more appropriate use for the site would be for a tourism venture”.

Travel journalist, Victor O’Sullivan who also lives in

A decision is due on the application next month.

l The site of the former Shannon Shamrock Hotel in Bunratty has remained vacant for years and fallen into disrepair

Thought for the Week - The Power of Your Hug

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

“NATIONAL Hug Someone Week” is being celebrated this week.

‘Huggie’ is the nickname I often call one of my best friends. Every time I meet them, before ever a word is spoken, I know they are glad to see me and that they care about me. Why? Because of the warmth of their hug!

I completely and totally believe in the adage - Hugging is a good medicine. To me genuine hugs spell love, compassion, friendship, generosity, kindness, warmth, reliability, patience and real-love. Feel’s Good

Hugs are wonderful and you don’t know how wonderful they are until you don’t get them. But hugs are a bit more complicated than we think. Not anyone can hug us and make us feel good. There needs to be a relationship of trust and affection if the hug will be meaningful or not. If I had everyone stand up and begin hugging each other, it would be embarrassing for many of us. It is not appropriate to go around hugging everyone indiscriminately. But when a relationship of trust has

been established, then a good hug is well received and meets a need deep inside us. You can be hugged when you are at a party and everyone is in a good mood. You can be hugged at a family reunion. You can be hugged when life is good but the best hugs come when you are in need. To be hugged by someone who loves you and whom you trust in that circumstance is the most wonderful thing. A long, sustained, full-body hug.

A hug is a part of that purpose of being loved and is a powerful means of communication. It is made up, not only of parted arms, but also of eyes, which sparkle or weep, eyes, which are full of tenderness, acceptance, humour, forgiveness, love, caring, kindness and compassion. Many people speak the language of hugs, especially children. I remember the hugs from orphaned and abandoned children in Africa recently and also the many I worked for and with in many parts of Africa and Asia and Eastern Europe over the years and the unspoken words of love and appreciation in their hugs is a memory I will never forget. Hugs transform the faces of all people, giving them charm, grace and a beautiful radiance. Such hugs portray the presence of love. They pour into others a portion of that love. Love changes people and it encourages them. So let us

remember that love comes from God and that ‘Gods Love’, similarly, pours courage and strength into us. I want to share these powerful words of this beautiful plaque I copied that really touched my heart. I saw this hanging on the wall of a coffee shop recently. “Take care of each other, Be kind with your words, Don’t hold grudges, Laugh each day, Be yourself, Have a sense of humor, Take responsibility, Have direction , Embrace differences, Learn from your mistakes, Hug a lot, Respect each other, Be grateful, Show compassion, But above all love each other! Stay Strong, Stay Safe, and Keep the Faith.”’ Thought for the week

As your thought for this week, see what your hug does for you. You might find that you should hug more often and that the power of a hug will do wonders for you and for others. No matter whether you’re the sender or receiver, hugs touch your inner being and soul. From friends, to family, to loved ones, to neighbours to those in need; a hug warms the cockles of the heart and soul. A hug is truly amazing. It brings blessings to those who give and joy to those who receive. Hugs are one of the reasons God gave us arms. So, stretch out your arms to someone this week, especially to those in need. Reach out to those you love. It will warm the

heart of the giver and give light to the soul of the recipient. Reach out to your neighbor. It will show that you care. Reach out to someone in need. It will show that you are responsible. Reach out to the world. It will show God that you care for His creation. A genuine hug is a light in the window of the soul, indicating that the heart is at home. God gave us arms to hug so that we would see that the world needs that aura to lighten the darkness of iniquity and inequality that we live in today. A day without a hug is a day wasted. It can penetrate the soul and release good into the world. It can make friends of strangers. It can bring friends closer together. It can bridge the generation gap. It can fill the heart with love. Give someone a genuine hug this week and if you see me, my arms are always open for one, for God knows we all need one!! Let’s start a hugging epidemic!! I’m giving you a spiritual hug today through my thoughts for this week, because I know we could all use more hugs these days. I ask that you please share this thought for the week with anyone you believe needs some extra love or a spiritual hug today. Let them know that you care about them by sharing this with them. We are the hands and mouth of God. When we show love and support for one another we are doing the work of our Cre-

ator. The love that has been shown to you, you are sharing with others. Go ahead. Give a spiritual hug or a real hug of love to someone today. I think the power of a hug these days is way underestimated. I believe a hug can heal hearts, soothe away pains, and infuse a sweet feeling of love like nothing else. The hug cures the hate. The hug heals resentments, The hug cures anger and misunderstandings, The hug cures tiredness and cures sadness, When we embrace we loosen our ties, we instantly lose the things that have made us lose our cool, The hug gives us peace in the soul, When we hug, we stop being defensive and allow the other to come closer to our hearts. The arms open and the hearts snuggle in a unique way! There is nothing like a hug, An “I love you” hug, a “It’s good that you’re here” hug, A “Help me” hug, A “See you soon” hug, a “Forgive me” and “I forgive you” hug, a “How much I missed you” hug. When we hug we are more than two, we are family, we are accessible, we are possible dreams. The hug should, yes, be prescribed by doctors, because it rejuvenates the soul and the body.” “And that’s why today, I leave you here... My Hug”. Have an amazing week! Consider yourself hugged!

Beidh Inis Cealtra ar TG4 anocht/ Inis Cealtra on TG4 tonight

Macalla an Chláir

Tá Sharon & Caoilinn beagnach ag deireadh a dturas ar abhainn na Sionainne ach sula bhfágfaidh siad slán leis an abhainn, bainfidh na siad taitneamh as spórt uisce i nDerg Isle agus tabharfaidh siad cuairt ar Inis Cealtra. Sharon and Caoilinn are coming to the end of their journey on the River Shannon but before they part ways the girls enjoy some paddle boarding at Derg Isle and visit the historical site of Holy Island.

Imeachtaí/Events:

lCILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar lLUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach lClare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm lINIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

lLUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389.

lAN SCAIRBH – Lón i nGaeilge, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé An Gáirdín fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus

Twitter muid

ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@ gmail.com

lHeartlands (le Sharon Shannon agus Caoilinn Ní Dhonnabháin): Anocht ag 8pm ar TG4

All-Ireland champion Mark Rodgers celebrates graduation from University of Limerick

ALL-IREALND

hurling champion Mark Rodgers swapped the sliotar for the scroll this week as he celebrated his graduation from University of Limerick (UL)

The 23-year-old Clare man was conferred with an MSc in Business Analytics from Kemmy Business School on Monday, January 20, joining 1,705 others graduating as part of UL’s Winter Conferrings.

It was the cherry on top of a monumental 12 months for Mark, a former UL Sports Scholar, who leaves behind an incredible sporting legacy at the University.

A lauded player with both his club Scariff and his county, Mark brought that same level of passion and performance throughout his five years on UL’s GAA scene. The former Young Hurler of the Year, who played a starring role in the University’s back-to-back Fitzgibbon

Cup victories in 2022 and 2023, holds “brilliant memories” of those campaigns –particularly, his days playing freshers hurling.

“Some of my best friends currently are still people that I met on that freshers team,” said Mark.

“Once college came back mainstream [after the pandemic], and COVID finished up, it was brilliant being on a Fitzgibbon team. I know it’s a cliché, but you’re playing with guys who you would never otherwise play with, and there is something amazing about that.

“Winning it for the first time was an amazing, amazing feeling. I was actually injured for the final [in 2022], but it spoke to the sort of unit we had, that I didn’t feel in any way different that I wasn’t playing – obviously, a bit disappointed; but very much delighted that we had won.”

Reflecting on 2024, it was

of course an incredible year for Mark, who won his first All-Ireland wearing the saffron and blue of The Banner back in July and went on to receive a coveted All-Star

for his consistently stellar performances on the pitch.

“It was an insane highlight. A lot of people spend their lives trying to win an All-Ireland, so to win one is

amazing, along with all the moments that follow that.

In that sense, it’s been a brilliant year for me.”

Away from the pitch, Mark counts his time as a postgraduate student in Kemmy Business School as one of his most enjoyable experiences. Moving directly into the MSc in Business Analytics was a natural progression from his undergraduate degree in Technology Management, he says, having found his niche in the intersection between business and technology.

As any high-performing student athlete will know, getting the balance between sport and studies is yet another challenge to add to the list. It’s clear that Mark has exemplary focus when it comes to both his sport and his studies, but he says the supports available to him across the University – from advisors in UL Sport to his lecturers and course direc-

tors – were also invaluable. Indeed, he reserves special praise for staff and coaches who were “only an email away” if he needed them.

Having access to top-class facilities, of course, also made the balance “all the easier”.

“I spent some time as a student athlete on a scholarship, and the facilities that you have access to are just brilliant – it makes life as a student athlete on campus just so simple,” he explained.

“You have these 4G pitches, if you need to do a pitch session or a ball rush session. Then, you have these new Wallball facilities, down by Maguire’s [all-weather pitch], and they’re brilliant as well.

Looking to the future, Mark is keen to reap the rewards of his hard work off the pitch and embrace the exciting career opportunities ahead.

Make the most of the mild weather by planting some primroses and sarcococca flowers

IT SURE does feel like gardening weather at times over the last week.

With the nice days and the wee bit of sun, I see people are getting ready to prepare pots and gardens for the spring.

Here are some easy things you can do to make the most of the mild weather and prepare for the spring ahead;

You an use some compost to top dress beds at moment giving a nice clean look and adding nutrients to beds.

Farmyard manure can be added to the vegetable beds and to roses to give them an added layer for spring.

The Christmas pots may need some additional spring colour so

the new range of bulbs available are are oerfect for bringing new growth to the planters.

The viburnum, with its white flower, can make a nice addition to garden beds.

If you want to add a bit of colour to the pots at the front door a nice mix of bulbs and primrose will do best. Don’t forget to deadhead the primrose to keep them at their best.

There is plenty to do in the garden if you are out and about.

We have a lovely selection of shrubs availbale at the minute.

The sarcococca commonly known as the sweet box is an evergreen shrub. Its small inconspicuous flowers emit a strong sweet fragrance. It’s one of my favou-

rites this time of year. The flowers are white /creamy coloured and followed by shiny black /red berries.

Sarcococca thrives in shady spots and is drought tolerant once established and very little maintenance. It’s my fragrant plant for January

The birds are making lovely music in the gardens I have notice they are favouring the Fatballs and the wild bird seed at the moment. We have our feeders and bird seed on special offer while stock last. Enjoy the days in your garden over the next week.

l BACK OF THE NET: All-Ireland champion Mark Roadgers

lPrimrose flowers

Students and teachers from Lisdoonvarna bring home awards from BT Exhibition

MARY IMMACULATE Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna brought home four wards from the 61 st . BT Young Scientist and Technology exhibition.

Béibhinn’s O’Loughlin’s project entitled ”looking for tiny fossils hidden in the Burren limestone” won second prize in her category, junior in dividual Chemical, Physical and Mathematical sciences. She also earned the prestigious Geological Survey Ireland special award for her work.

Liam Hynes with his project entitled “investigating the effect of light and temperature on the bleaching of Corallina officinalis” won a special rosette for his research on this topic.

John Sims, a tecaher at the

lBT YOUNG SCIENTIST: Bebhinn O’Loughlin [Inset image: Liam Hynes]

school who has mentored projects for this competition for the past 36 years won the Amgen Biological & Ecological Educator of Excellence Award for his work in mentoring young scientist projects and promoting STEM subjects.

The other mentors were

Molly Crilly, Nicole Downes and Cathal Finucane.

The school was represented by a total of eight projects at this yeasr exhition. All our students worked hard on their projects and were great ambassadors for our school.

Tony Kirby as guest speaker for X-PO’s heritage talk

X-PO’s first heritage talk of 2025 takes place on Thursday January 30 at 8.00 p.m.

The talk is entitled “Voices from the Dawn - The Folklore of Archaeological Monuments” and the guest speaker is Tony Kirby.

The talk will look at the rich and imaginative folk beliefs pertaining to archaeological monuments down the generations.

The beliefs were widespread right up to the advent of the science of archaeology. Remarkably, some of the beliefs survive in 21st century globalised Ireland.

Individual monuments will be discussed in chronological order. They will include megalithic tombs, Bronze Age forts, medieval castles, holy wells and killeens.

Almost all of the monuments featured are located in North Clare. The cast on the evening is star-studded and includes fairies, “false men”, saints and restless infants.

Tony Kirby is a full time walk leader in the Burren. He is the author of “The Burren and the Aran Islands A Walking Guide” (Gill).

The event is free of charge. Donations to X-PO welcome.

X-PO is an intimate venue so please come early to guarantee yourself a place.

It is a community hub based in the former post office in Killinaboy. A wide range of social and cultural events take place at the venue

https://www.facebook.com/XPOKillinaboy/live

Clare musician finalist of Seán

Ó Riada Bonn Óir competition

HARPIST Lily Ní Chonchubhair is a multi instrumentalist from Ballygriffey Co.Clare and will be competing with five other harpists on Friday night to win the Seán Ó Riada Bonn Óir.

She comes from a rich musical family steeped in tradition and plays regularly with her mother Frances Custy, founder of Custy’s music shop, and sisters Eve and Maisie.

She learned to play the concertina from Mary McNamara and Liam O’Brien, and the harp from Fionnuala Rooney. Lily was drawn to the music of east Clare where she was encouraged greatly by the likes of Seamus Bugler and Pat Mullins.

Lily is now a secondary school science teacher in Ashbourne Community School, Co. Meath.

How you can use technology to make your driving safer

In today’s fast-paced world, technology plays a pivotal role in improving road safety. From smart traffic management systems to vehicle safety features, the advancement of tech can help reduce accidents, mitigate risk, and save lives.

This week Martin Daly Autos is sharing how you can use technology to enhance road safety

1. Take Advantage of Advanced Vehicle Safety Features

Modern vehicles come equipped with numerous safety features, many of which can actively assist drivers in preventing accidents. These include lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot detection.

2. Use GPS and Navigation Apps to Avoid Hazards

GPS and navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, or Apple Maps help drivers navigate unfamiliar roads and avoid traffic congestion, accidents, and hazardous conditions such as construction zones, ice, or flooded areas.

Always use a navigation app to check real-time traffic data before you head out. These apps will alert you to incidents like accidents, road closures, or dangerous conditions and suggest alternate routes.

3. Use Vehicle Maintenance Apps to Monitor Car Health

Many apps allow drivers to track their vehicle’s health and maintenance needs, providing alerts for scheduled maintenance, tire pressure, oil changes, or brake

inspections. By staying on top of vehicle upkeep, you can avoid mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.

4. Use Dash Cams for Improved Awareness and Accident Documentation

Dash cams record footage of the road while you drive, offering both safety and legal protection in the event of an accident. These devices can provide clear evidence of what happened in a crash, helping resolve disputes and ensuring accountability.

5. Leverage Mobile Apps for Real-Time Weather and Road Condition Alerts

Weather and road condition apps, such as Met Éireann, or specific local apps, provide real-time updates on hazardous driving conditions, including snow, ice, fog, or flooded roads. These

apps allow drivers to plan their trips and avoid dangerous conditions.

6.Embrace Anti-Distracted Driving Apps

Several apps block incoming notifications or lock the phone entirely while the driver is on the road, preventing distractions caused by texting, social media, or phone calls. Some apps also track driving behavior to help identify dangerous habits.

7.Utilize Parking Apps for Safer Parking

Parking apps help drivers find available parking spots in busy areas and avoid illegal or unsafe parking. These apps often provide real-time information, helping drivers park more efficiently and avoid accidents in parking lots or on the roadside.

Public realm works in Ennis set to continue until the end of 2025

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

THE PROJECT to enhance the streetscape of High Street, Bank Place, O’Connell Square, O’Connell Street, Old Barrack Street and Barrack Square in Ennis, which commenced in October 2023 is scheduled to continue until at least October 2025.

Construction on the newest phase of the town’s public realm works recommenced on January 6, after the holiday construction moratorium, This phase will focus O'Connell Street particularly the Carmody Street, High Street and Market Street to Station Road areas.

At the recent Ennis Municipal District Meeting, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) highlighted that the ongoing construction on the main shopping streets has had a direct impact on traders and the general public.

O’Callghan told the Clare Echo;“It is essential to speed up the resolution of these challenges if long-term plans for the town’s comprehensive revival are to be delivered and public satisfaction is to be achieved.”

In response, Shane O'Grady, Executive Engineer, acknowledged the temporary disruption caused by the return of machinery and construction fencing to the area. While recognizing that

such disruptions are inevitable in large-scale infrastructural projects, O'Grady emphasized that the contractor and project team are committed to minimizing impact where possible.

To help mitigate traffic and accessibility impacts, street closures will remain necessary for safety reasons. However, efforts are being made to ensure minimal disruption to business operations, particularly through the completion of works in narrower streets during out-of-hours periods to allow for pedestrian movement and to limit disturbances to local commerce.

As the project progresses, the contractor, project team, and Clare County Council’s Resident Engineering staff are available to assist traders and the public with any concerns, ensuring that Ennis remains open for business throughout the works.

“Noting the transformation of O'Connell Street and High Street as witnessed during the Christmas period, we look forward to an exciting future for the remaining areas to be completed (Cathedral area, Barrack Square, O'Connell Square, Bank Place). We trust that the long term benefits as delivered under this project will far outlive the memory of the challenges currently being navigated as the works proceed throughout 2025,” said O’Grady.

LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS AT UL

Asma Jedir, Lorna Treacy and Eve Kaur from Ennis Community College conducting a one enzyme immobilisation biology experiment. Almost 400 students from various second-level schools across Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, Galway, and Roscommon are taking part in laboratory experiments aligned with the Leaving Cert Biology curriculum at University of Limerick this week.

A FULL-WEEK of Irish language meet-ups are set to start in various locatiosn around Ennis.

Cáint agus Comhrá Ennis who facilitate Irish language conversation in the town is currently adding more venues to accommodate the growing numbers who enjoy an in-

formal chat as Gaeilge.

There are two new get-togethers due to start up in Ennis in the month of January.

The first new meet-up will begin tomorrow Friday 24 January in The Market at 11:00a.m. followed by a second new meet-up on Tuesday

28 by Mondo also at 11:00a.m. Both of the new locatiosn are in Merchants Square.

These new locations means that gaeilge enthusiasts can embrace the language everyday of the week.

Lovers of Irish are invited set a little time apart for coffee spiced with blas na Gaeilge, and some great company.

Cuireann Cáint agus Comhrá fáilte freisin roimh chách le bheith páirteach leo ina gciorcail comhrá éagsúla eile a bhíonn ar siul ó thus deireadh na bliana ar fud na hInse: Dé Luain san Copper Jug; Dé Céadaoin in O’Brien’s Cafe; Dé Sathairn, Cafe glór, agus iad sin go léir ar 11:00a.m. Tráthnóna amháin, Déardaoin, bíonn comhrá iontach le fáil chomh maith san Temple Gate Hotel ar 8pm.

Speakers of all ages, nationalities, and levels of knowledge of Irish are welcome to take part in any of their informal convos.

Contact caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

l PUBLIC REALM WORKS: Ennis O’Connell Street works in November

Ennis

Mick Guinee to step down as CEO of Ei Electronics

FOUNDER

and long-serving CEO of Ei Electronics in Shannon will step down as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 31 2025.

While stepping down as CEO, Mick is not stepping away from the business. He remains as Chairman of the Board and will be actively involved in the future strategic direction of the Company.

Originally appointed as Managing Director of the GE owned EI Company in April 1983, Mick led a Management Buyout and established Ei Electronics, as a fully owned Irish Company in March 1988.

Under his visionary leadership, Ei Electronics has grown from a fledgling enterprise into a worldclass organisation, renowned for its innovative technology, quality and manufacturing excellence in fire and home life safety products. World-wide sales exceed €420m and Group employment totals 1,250 of which 1,000 are in Shannon.

There are subsidiaries in the UK, Germany, France, the USA and Australia. It is an exemplar Irish company, achieving international scale while maintaining manufacturing in Ireland.

Reflecting on his time as CEO, Guinee stated: “I am proud of my role in establishing and growing such a successful Irish company. It

New Speed Limit Signs Installed Ahead of February Changes

by Lisa Mullaly

lisa@clareecho.ie

In a bid to improve road safety, Shannon Municipal District will see brand new road signage.

The district has recently installed a new batch of highly visible 30km/h signs, which also feature children-atplay symbols and designated school zone indicators. The new signage is considerably more visible than the previous markers, according to Tom Mellet, Senior Executive Engineer for Shannon MD.

The signs have been gradually rolled out throughout various housing estates and school zone areas over the past month, particularly in December.

This initiative comes as part of ongoing preparations for an upcoming

reduction in local speed limits. As part of the new legislation, certain local roads within the district will see their speed limit drop to 60 km/h starting February 6. In response, crews have been busy installing additional signage to reflect the changes. Currently, the new signs are covered with black bags, and they will remain concealed until the new speed limit regulations come into effect next month. Once the legislation is enforced, the covers will be removed, and the updated signs will be fully visible to the public.

The changes are set to come into force on February 6, with local officials urging drivers to stay alert and respect the new regulations.

has been an honour and privilege to lead a dedicated and skilled team of people.

There were many challenges along the way, but we had the grit, the vision and above all the skilled workforce to succeed. At the heart of our success has been our commitment to our core values of Quality, Integrity and Respect.

In addition to the jobs, we have benefitted the community by supporting educational, sporting, cultural and charitable activities.

Above all, it is very rewarding to be manufacturing life-safety products which have safeguarded lives in millions of homes, worldwide.’’

Ei Electronics, non-executive Director, Con Quigley commented: “Mick’s contribution to Ei Electronics and Irish Industry cannot be overstated. His vision, leadership and tireless dedication have made Ei a global success. And in his continuing capacity of Board Chairman, the company will continue to benefit from his strategic leadership’’

The Ei Board of Directors will shortly announce Mick’s successor.

Ei Electronics, headquartered in Shannon, Co. Clare is a 100% Irish owned multinational, a global leader in fire and home life safety products from its Shannon manufacturing base.

SCIFEST CHAMPIONS

ST. PATRICK’S Comprehensive School students Chloe O’Loughlin and Caoimhe Ashton (both in 2nd year) teamed up with Biella Pulido (1st year) to take first place in the Junior Social Science Category at Project Squad hosted by IBM in Dublin. The three girls worked on their project during Teen-Turn’s after school programme, creating an analysis of Autism and ADHD diagnoses.

Shannon MD covers over 12,000km during cold snap by Lisa

Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

THE SHANNON Municipal District used up “every square inch” of their salt and grit supply to ensure the roads were safe for travel, according to Tom Mellet, Senior Executive Engineer of Shannon MD.

Between January 1 and 10, the district used 1,650 tonnes of salt across 12,250 kilometers, with nine gritters, seven drivers, and four rotating engineers working around the clock to combat icy conditions. Locally, 23 tonnes of grit and salt were distributed to agreed-upon locations, where local groups collected the supplies. In addition, areas of concern were gritted by the district’s own crews. To ensure continued effectiveness, a further 10 tonnes of grit and salt were received to replenish local stockpiles. Despite these successes, local councillors have voiced concerns over the adequacy of gritting efforts, particularly in rural areas. Cllr. Patrick O’Gorman (FF) criticized the distribution system, pointing out that having only two tonnes of grit available at Six Mile Bridge School did little to assist residents in hazardous conditions. “Being told there is 2 tonnes of grit below at the school in Six Mile Bridge isn’t much good to you,” he remarked.

Cllr. James Ryan (SF) also raised concerns about disparities in gritting attention, noting that some housing estates and larger population centers seemed to receive more care than others during the cold snap. He argued that certain areas within the district were overlooked.

In response, Alan Farrell said; “it is impossible to reach every road.” “Where there is the possibility for services to be stretched, we tend to do so”. The Council remains committed to improving its response and will address these concerns during the upcoming review of the Winter Maintenance Plan.

lSTEPPING DOWN: Mick Guinee, CEO of Ei Electronics

Michael Killeen remembered for work with Ray of Sunshine Charity

MICHAEL KILLEEN of Clarecastle has been remebered for his contribution to the voluntary work in Mombasa, Kenya on behalf of the Ray of Sunshine charity foundation.

Michael was aged 71 years and a native of Kilfarboy, Miltown Malbay. He had been ill for some time and his death took place at University Hospital Galway on Sunday, January 12. His popularity and that of the Killeen family was reflected in the large crowds at his reposing in Clarecastle church on January 14, and the funeral mass followed by burial at the local Clare Hill cemetery on the following day.

Chief celebrant of the mass was parish priest Fr. Pat Malone who paid tribute to Michael as a family man and referred to his kindness and generosity in using his talents to assist others.

He also spoke of his voluntary work with the Ray of Sunshine Foundation in Mombasa and read a tribute from Olive Halpin, Clarecastle, on behalf of the Ray of Sunshine Foundation. She said; “Mi-

chael travelled as a volunteer on building projects with the Foundation from 2014 to 2023.”

“He was a great worker and got on quietly, without any fuss, with any job that had to be done on site. He had a great rapport with all the volunteers and also with local workers, whom he was always very polite and respectful towards.

Michael had a big part in his heart for the children of Mombasa, from building schools to rescue centres for boys and girls. He was always very generous to the Foundation’s school sponsorship and feeding programme.”

On behalf of all the volunteers of the Ray of Sunshine Foundation she wished to offer her sincere sympathy to Kitty and the Killeen family and extended family on the sad passing of Michael. They were currently in Mombasa on a project and were sorry to miss Michael’s funeral. Mass would be offered for Michael in their local church.

‘Safari Salama’-safe journey home Michael.

Michael’s attachment to his birthplace was remembered in the

song “Lovely Old Miltown” by local singer, Pakie Hynes at the conclusion of mass.

Michael’s son, Micheál, thanked everyone for their kindness to the family and also to all the medical staff who looked after his father during his illness.

A retired member of the staff of Telecom Eireann, Michael was also an electrician and had his own Killeen Photography business in Miltown Malbay. For over 20 years he photographed the presentations to winners and supporters at all the Clare coursing meetings for publication in The Clare Champion and Sporting Press. Despite his illness he was on duty at most of the coursing meetings in 2024,Liscannor, Ennis-Clarecastle and finally in his own parish in Miltown Malbay.

After mass former Telecom Eireann work colleagues provided a guard of honour at the church and also as the funeral made its way to the local cemetery.

Michael is survived by his wife Kitty (née Murrihy), children Maria, Micheál and Áine, daugh-

ter-in-law Aoife, brothers Christy (Listowel), Marty (Kilfarboy) and Tony (Kilfarboy), sister Mary McInerney (Ennis), sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

IBTS Blood stock levels crictically low

THE MEMBERS od the Kilrush communiyt are being asked to help with the with critically low blood stock situation

Blood donations were severely impacted by the bad weather so a PRE-AMBER ALERT letter was issued all Irish hospitals asking hospitals to reduce their blood stock holding.

This enables the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) to manage the limited blood supply available more effectively across the health service.

If the IBTS has to issue an ‘amber alert letter’ which is the next escalation level of the blood shortage plan, it would have an immediate implication for hospitals and for elective surgical procedures requiring blood support’ This situation has been brought about by reduced Donor attendance due to the bad weather at a time when the service is coming out of the Christmas period, combined with ever increasing demand for blood products.

The IBTS is appealing to Blood Donors old and new to help by attending this Blood Donation Clinic.

There is no measure for this one: How to quantify trauma in our homes

ISN’T IT true to say that our homes are a safe haven, a place of refuge, a place to be safe. Yes, for many thankfully this is so.

I digress here to the many homes that receive a diagnosis of a member of the family. It can be a child or parent. It can be a diagnosis that is life threatening or life altering. From one day to the next the lives of the whole family can be altered forever.

Family is an amazing unit and it is the support that the family gives, that helps the person get through. Support for the person with the diagnosis is without question vital and paramount.

I want to shine a light on the silent trauma of the members of the family who are also dealing with an inner trauma of worry, guilt, trying to be strong, stress, supressing their own feelings. A sense of false strength that must be upheld. A sense of trying to hold everything together.

What is trauma? It results from exposure to an incident or a series of events that are emotionally

disturbing or life threatening with lasting adverse effects on the individuals functioning mental, physical, social, emotional and/ or spiritual wellbeing. Within that there are three types of trauma: acute, chronic and complex. I believe that when a person in the family unit receives a diagnosis that not only should they receive treatment but the other members of the family should also receive further support. They need individual, emotional and psychological support which would be of great benefit .

Trauma is not the same for everyone. We tend to assume that trauma is for someone who has been at war or in a serious accident. Many traumas happen in the mind in out subconscious and leave a lasting mark. We need to recognise it, allow it, befriend it, sit with it and let it move on, this is where we take ownership of our feelings.

Many emotions arise like frustration, anxiety, self-blame, shock and worry all come into the mix and are most unwelcome and

they all arrive at different times to different members of the family. Survival can become a constant. Emotions can get cemented in and cracks form. It is silent and there is no measure.

There is truly another way to look at this. We all know the serenity prayer “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” A beautiful prayer but a tall act of acceptance, not so easy!

Perhaps allowing the family members to voice their feelings, look and recognise their trauma, allowing them to accept how they feel they can moreover start a new journey looking at self-acceptance and recognising their emotions. This is where change can happen, where emotions can be teased out. Family members can get a new perspective on the events in the family dynamic. The beauty of each individual explored, allowed, expressed.

You are allowed to struggle. You

are allowed to talk, to express your feelings and emotions. What happened does not define you. How you feel matters. When change comes into our homes it is important that we

adapt to this change with the correct understanding, that we allow the awareness of the emotions to be part of the journey moving forward.

lA GENTLEMAN: Michael Killeen

South Galway Flood Relief Scheme going through final reviews

by Lisa Mullaly

GALWAY County Council announced that the South Galway Flood Relief Scheme has finally gone to review with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and are optimistic that the scheme will be submitted to the Office of Public Works (OPW) by the end of February.

The Project started in 2017 as a response to the severe flooding in the area of South Galway in 2015 and 2016.

The project was supported by a local councillor Sean Canney, who at the time, had been appointed as Minister for Flooding.

As part of the preparation of the proposed scheme, a flood risk assessment was carried out between 2017 and 2020. The assessment highlighted that over

73 homes and 65 non-residential properties will be liable to flooding. It also highlighted extensive pollution brought into Galway Bay.

“Though we haven’t had a major flood event in several years, South Galway is still highly vulnerable to extensive flooding This scheme simply has to be delivered – as we won’t get another chance at this.” said David Murray, Chairman of the South Galway Flood Relief Committee (SGFRC)

David highlighted that the red warning announced by Met Eirean could put South Galway in “a very bad scenario” over the next few weeks.

Over the past seven years, the South Galway Flood Relief Scheme has faced significant challenges due complex karst landscape across a vast area (470 km²), which includes un-

derground rivers, 37 interconnected floodplains, and over 10 turloughs, many of which are protected as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Extensive data collection, intricate flood modelling, detailed flood channel design and meticulous environmental assessments bound by stringent regulatory requirements have caused significant delays in the project. Despite these hurdles, progress has been constant, with the scheme aiming to balance effective flood relief solutions with environmental and community considerations.

“Though progress has been slow, the scheme has successfully progressed through every milestone and we are now at the tail end of the design process. ” said David Murray, chair of the South Galway Flood Relief Committee (SGFRC).

“The design and environmental consultants have navigated and iterated through an inordinate amount of complex design and environmental challenges to produce a scheme that can deliver a lasting flood relief solution. When the OPW conclude their review the next major milestone is a final Public Consultation that outlines the scheme to the community and other stakeholders. The next stage after that is ministerial confirmation of the scheme.

The South Galway Flood Relief Comittee will be organising a meeting with public representatives in the coming weeks to ensure that the project has continued support at local authority and Government level.

‘HARD

MOUTH SHOW & TELL’

by Ella de Búrca opening Feb 1, 2025

A new art exhition is set to open in The Cash Shop in Gort in February.

Ella de Búrca a visual performance artists is bringing her latest creation; “HARD MOUTH SHOW & TELL” to Gort. The project consists of paintings, sculptures and live performance.

In an interview with art critic Hugh Hick Ella explained this piece centres around the female voce and how the audience interacts with the art in the moment.

“The act of looking at a work of art and having the time to think about it is not a pleasure gifted to everyone. If you looked at my work and really thought about it, I’d be okay with that.

This project is supported by the Irish Arts Council’s Agility Award.

Ella works through mixed media and performance and is especially interested in how we perform as ‘viewer,’ and the discourse surrounding active versus passive experiences.

Her work is in the collection of the Irish Arts Council and Fingal County Council. She received the Irish Arts Council’s Next Generation Award in 2016, as well as receiving artist bursaries from the Irish Arts Council, Fingal County Council, andCulture Ireland.

In 2021 she received the Platform 31 Award from Laois CountyCouncil.

“HARD MOUTH SHOW & TELL” will be on display in The Cash Shop on Bridge Street in Gort from 1 February – 29 March 2025, with the opening performaces taking place at 1pm, 3pm, and 5pm on February .

lisa@clareecho.ie

lSOUTH GALWAY FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME: James and Jimmy Curley from Gort passing Thoor Ballylee in Gort in 2020

Photo by John Mangan

lMEDICAL: oil painting be Ella de Búrca

Clare County Supports conservation of the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly at Clonlara Farm Project

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

SHEEDY’S bog near Clonlara will be the site of the Clonlara Marsh Fritillary Farm biodiversity Pro ject.

This butterfly species, a legal ly protected member of Ireland’s wildlife, is under significant threat due to habitat loss across Europe, including Ireland.

The farmer who owns the land along with the community has devised a conservation scheme to create a safe habitat for this rare species of butterfly. This project is funded by both Clare County Council and the National Wildlife Protection Service.

The Marsh Fritillary (Euphy dryas aurinia), with its distinctive orange and cream wing pattern, is one of Ireland’s few legally protect ed butterfly species. The butterfly’s main source of food and habitat is

less abundant in many areas. This decline in the plant has contributed significantly to the dwindling Marsh Fritillary population.

The Irish Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (2021) highlighted a troubling 35% decline in Ireland’s butterfly population, further underscoring the importance of projects like the one at Clonlara, which aim to preserve both the butterfly and its critical habitat.

Plans to be lodged for 30 turbine off-shore windfarm in Atlantic off Clare/Galway coast

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

PLANS are to be lodged in the coming days with An Bord Pleanala for a ‘landmark’ 450 MW wind-farm with 30 turbines over 1,000 ft high in the Atlantic Ocean off the Co Clare and Co Galway coast.

The 30 turbine Sceirde Rocks Offshore Wind Farm by Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta is to be located 5km to 11.5m km off the west coast with Carna in Galway the nearest settlement.

The project is to be the first off-shore wind-farm off Ireland’s west coast to go

through to An Bord Pleanala for planning permission and is to power 350,000 Irish homes, save an estimated 550,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, and invest up to €70m in local community initiatives.

The proposed wind farm will have a maximum tipheight of 325m (1,066ft).

The project also involves landfall works at Killard on the Clare coast that lie close to US President elect, Donald Trump’s golf resort at Doonbeg.

At Killard, which lies south of the Trump Doonbeg resort, the renewable energy

firm is planning to construct an underground Transition Joint Bay (TJB) connecting the off-shore cable to the onshore grid connection cable. Power from the wind farm will be brought onshore through a 68.5m km sea cable passing to the west of the Aran Islands and making land at Killard.

The planning notice states that the TJB consists of an underground concrete chamber measuring 20m x 5m wide with a depth of 2.5m where the proposed off-shore cable will be connected to the onshore grid connection cable. A tempo-

rary construction compound will be built at Killard.

The onshore grid connection will be placed underground for 19.3km to a new 220kV ‘onshore compensation compound’ at Ballymacrinan, Co Clare.

Accounts recently filed by Fuinneamh Sceirde Teoranta show that the company has already invested €31.7m on project costs in 2023 and 2024.

The accounts show that the company had accumulated losses of €35.93m at the end of March last as the company steered the project during various regulatory hurdles.

The company is a joint venture between the Australian based Macquarie Group and global infrastructure investor, the Ontario Teachers Pension Board.

The planning application

follows the company in June 2023 being successful in the State’s Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme where it received a capacity award of 450MW.

Stakeholder Manager for Sceirde Rocks Windfarm, Michael Cloherty said: “This planning application marks the culmination of around three years of surveying, data analysis and community engagement activity.

He said: “We have worked closely with the local community to design a project which we believe will deliver on their needs and expectations and we are grateful to everyone who met with our team and engaged with us throughout this process.”

Project Director of Sceirde Rocks Windfarm, Paul Concannon said: “Sceirde Rocks Windfarm has the potential

to deliver enduring benefits to Ireland and to local communities in Galway –reducing Ireland’s carbon emissions, improving energy security, and stimulating vital investment in local skills, employment, infrastructure and business development.”

Subject to the 10 year long consent being granted, construction is currently expected to begin in 2026 with the first generation of electricity from 2030. The wind-farm is to be operational for 38 years. According to the statutory planning notice, third parties can lodge submissions until 5.30pm on March 24th.

From Setbacks to Comebacks: Revitalising Your 2025 Goals and intentions

HAVE YOU ever observed a bird tending to its nest?

After laying its eggs, the bird constantly adjusts the nest and repositions the eggs to ensure optimal conditions for hatching.

Similarly, when it comes to the goals and intentions that we set for ourselves, it is essential to monitor our progress regularly and make necessary adjustments.

As the new year unfolds, many of us start with enthusiasm, setting ambitious goals and intentions. Speaking with friends and professional connections, I have noticed that while some are diligently working towards their aspirations, others are struggling or have even abandoned their plans. Life gets in the way and we are no longer our priority.

Well Begun is Half Done

The adage “well begun is half done” reminds us that starting is only the first step. Why, then, should we abandon something we began with so much passion and intent?

This article aims to inspire you to stay committed to your New Year goals and intentions by sharing actionable steps to reflect, adjust, and progress towards your aspirations. Sometimes we need to give ourselves permission to prioritise ourselves.

Step 1: Regularly Check Your Progress

Begin by evaluating your progress. Ask yourself: Am I moving towards my initial goals as intended? If the answer is “yes,” congratulations—keep up the momentum! If the answer is “no,” take a moment to reassess. Are your goals realistic and practical? If not, consider adjusting them to align with current circumstances. Remember, it’s okay to recalibrate; the key is to keep moving forward.

Step 2: Identify the Constraints

If you find yourself lagging or far from your original intentions, it’s time to identify and understand the challenges and obstacles that are holding you back. Common challenges include: Procrastination or laziness, Resistance to change, overcommitment or a packed schedule, Lack of alignment with core values, etc. Conduct a root-cause analysis to pinpoint the exact issue. Identifying these challenges allows you to take corrective action. Additionally, evaluate whether your goals align with your core values. If they don’t, this is the perfect opportunity to adjust them for greater harmony and sustainability.

Step 3: Evaluate the Conse-

quences of Inaction

Once you have identified the roadblocks (ask yourself what is preventing me?), think about the potential losses of not achieving your goal. These losses may not always be financial; they could include missed opportunities, stagnation in personal or professional growth, declining health or fitness and strained relationships. Use this awareness as a source of motivation. Visualise the benefits of achieving your goals and let this vision reignite your drive. Modern tools and technologies, like reminder apps or habit trackers, can also help keep you focused and motivated.

Step 4: Develop Micro-Habits for Sustained Progress

True growth and development are not instantaneous; they require consistent effort. I am reminded of a story about a tourist visiting Stratford-upon-Avon, who asked a local if any great personalities were born there. The local replied, “I don’t think so, everyone born here was a baby, but they grew up to be big personalities like William Shakespeare who was my neighbour.”

This anecdote reminds us that success is a gradual process. To ensure sustained progress, focus on creating micro-habits that support your larger goals. For instance, if your goal is to walk every morning, first

build the habit of waking up early. If your goal is to eat healthier, start by including one nutritious meal in your daily routine.

These small, consistent habits act as stepping stones to achieving your intentions. The more micro-habits you develop, the stronger your foundation for success.

Step 5: Accountability/ Language

Have an accountability buddy/partner that supports and encourages you when you are struggling.

Write down your goals, studies show that people who wrote goals down, made a plan, and enlisted friends to help them by sending regular progress reports succeeded closer to

75% of the time. Your inner voice, be aware of how you speak to yourself, use assertive language and non-judgemental language. For example, the language I use is intentional and assertive i.e. ‘Today my intention is go to the gym at 6 pm’. Use clean, firm language. Using language such as ‘if,’ ‘maybe’ and ‘might’ does not set you up for success.

Encouragement for the Year Ahead

The journey towards your goals will not always be smooth, but persistence and self- discipline can make a significant difference. At Elaine Ryan & Associates Ltd, through years of experience in NLP coaching and training, we’ve witnessed how these qualities transform lives. Monitor your progress, tackle obstacles head-on, assess the consequences of inaction, and develop micro-habits to support your growth. Above all, remember that growth and success are not about perfection, they’re about steady and determined progress.

Wishing you a year filled with achievements, growth, and lasting success

Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon welcomes a new team member

SHERRY FITZGERALD McMahon is delighted to welcome Róisín Lennon to the team.

Róisín is a dedicated real estate profes sional who graduated with an honour’s de gree in Property Valuation and Manage ment from TUS.

She began her career as a graduate surveyor working initially in Galway before returning to her home roots in Limerick.

During this time, Róisín gained excellent experience working on all types of assets, including retail, office, industrial, and residential portfolios. This experience allowed her to devel op a strong understanding of the re gional market, which she continues to leverage in her career.

Known for her exceptional cus tomer service and commitment to going above and beyond for clients, Róisín is an excellent fit for Sherry FitzGerald McMahon.

She is passionate about helping clients find the perfect property and is ded icated to deliver ing results with care and atten tion to their needs..

l Róisín Lennon

CLARE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DAC

Clare Tourism Development DAC is a subsidiary company of Clare County Council that oversees the management, development, and promotion of a portfolio of signature visitor attraction sites throughout Clare.

We are seeking applications from suitably qualified persons for a Booking Administrator for the Clare Tourism West and North West Visitor Attraction Sites.

Clare Tourism is now hiring for

• Booking Administrator

HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you are interested in applying or wish to obtain further information about the position, contact the HR department at careers@claretourismdev.ie or email your CV with a cover letter to careers@claretourismdev.ie

Closing date for applications is Friday, 31st January 2024, at 5pm.

Airport Security Search Officer

We are growing our Airport Security Search Unit Team!

This key role will provide security and protection for all passengers, staff and vehicles entering security restricted areas in the airport. Together, the team deliver consistent, targeted levels of safety, security and services, as well as a quality passenger experience.

At Shannon Airport we offer:

• Full uniform and safety shoes

• Comprehensive training and development

• Paid accredited training to meet national and international standards as defined by the IAA, EU, ECAC, TSA and ICAO

• Fortnightly salary

• Free onsite parking for the duration of the contract

• Discounted rates for Shannon Duty Free & onsite food vendors

• Attractive PRSA scheme

• Access to the Bike to Work Scheme

• Employee wellbeing initiatives to include a complimentary flu vaccine and Employee Assistance Programme

• Pathway to career progression at Shannon Airport

How to Apply:

Applications in the form of a cover letter and current CV (MS Word or PDF) should be sent to: recruitment@snnairportgroup.ie not later than 12 noon on Friday, 7th February 2025. Ensure your email and telephone number (including mobile) are included with your application. As these are shift positions, applicants must be over 18 years of age on date of application. Candidates will be required to successfully complete an assessment and interview, Garda Vetting and enhanced background check in accordance with National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) requirements and pre-employment medical.

DNG O’Sullivan Hurley are delighted to offer for sale this five bedroom detached family home located in the popular residential area of Lissane within walking distance of Clarecastle Village and all the amenities it has to offer including shops and services. Access onto Ennis bypass and M18 motorway is just 1.5 km from the home making it ideal for those commuting to Ennis, Shannon, Limerick and beyond with Ennis Town Centre accessible within minutes drive.

Set on a site of 0.27 acres (0.11 hectares) this home is presented for sale in good decorative order both internally and externally and benefits from a number of upgrades such as solar panels for electric and hot water, upgraded wall and attic insulation and new oil boiler helping this home to achieve a fantastic B1 energy efficient rating.

DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200

002295

A four bedroom detached home set on a landscaped site of 0.69 acres with distant sea views from the front of the dwelling and within a short stroll of the town of Miltown Malbay (500mt) and the West Clare Coast (2km).

The dwelling is a block built, bright, spacious and well-proportioned family home with the living accommodation spread over two floors. To the ground floor is a main reception, open plan kitchen dining, separate utility, ground floor wc, main bathroom, bedrooms one and two and access to the adjoining garage is also from the ground floor. The first floor boasts a shower room and two large bedrooms with the master being en-suite. The dwelling is connected to mains water, septic tank and is heated by oil fired central heating.

O’Sullivan Hurley

684 0200

Sherry FitzGerald McMahon are delighted to present this quality three bed semi-detached home. The property is situated in the much sought after An tSean Dun development just off the Tulla Road in Ennis.

Built in 2005, the property is well situated to the rear of the development overlooking the green and is within walking distance of Roslevan shopping centre. It would be ideally suited as a family home as the accommodation is bright, spacious and well laid out. The internal decor is finished to a very high standard throughout.

On the first floor there are three bedrooms (two of which have fitted wardrobes, and one has an en-suite and large walk walk in wardrobe) and the main bathroom completes the accommodation. The property also has the benefit of a large attic that has potential for conversion subject to planning.

Quinn Property Management are delighted to present to the rental market this tastefully finished 3 Beds - 3 Bath in Carrownakilly, just outside Killaloe.

This property is located close to the waterfront with scenic views and walks in abundance and is a short drive from the picturesque town of Killaloe.

Ground floor accommodation comprises of entrance hallway, modern style kitchen/ dining area, large living room and downstairs bathroom. First floor accommodation comprises of 3 bedrooms, master with ensuite, and main bathroom.

The property is fully furnished throughout and heated by gas central heating.

Please note this is a rural setting & you must satisfy yourself in relation to the broadband quality in the area.

This prominently positioned property is situated on an elevated 0.13 ha (0.32 acre) site right in the heart of Ennistymon Town. With well proportioned, generous accommodation comprising 208 sq.m. this property may be suitable for a number of residential or commercial uses (subject to the necessary planning permissions). This property may also qualify for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant which is up to €50,000. While the property is in need of some remedial attention, rarely does such a well located, detached property become available in this area. Contents are included in the sale. Viewings are highly recommended to appreciate what is on offer.

To Rent- 4 Beds - 4 Bath in marina Walk, just outside Killaloe. This property is superbly located close to the waterfront with scenic views and walks in abundance and is a short drive from Killaloe/Ballina Village in the picturesque town of Killaloe. Ground floor accommodation comprises of entrance hallway, toilet, two bedrooms(one en-suite), living/dining/kitchen area.

The living area includes French sliding doors leading onto a Sunny patio area. First floor accommodation comprises of storage closet and two bedrooms(both en-suite). The property is fully furnished throughout and heated by electric heating. Refuse is also included. The site is located a short drive from all amenities. There is an abundance of activities in the local area with the advantage of remarkable lakeside walks readily available.

42 An TSean Dun, Roslevan, Ennis Co. Clare

Carrownakilly Quay, Ballycuggaran, Ogonnelloe, Killaloe, Co. Clare

Prague House Shrohill, Ennistymon Co Clare

Marina Walk, Ballycuggaran, Ogonnelloe, Killaloe, Co. Clare

Lissane East, Clarecastle, Ennis, Co. Clare

Cashtra, Cloonbony, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare

Sherry

The Hawthorns, Limerick Road ENNIS

13 Cluain Ard KILMALEY

36 Maigh Dara QUIN

37 Ashfield Park ENNIS

Lough Garr House, Dromore RUAN

Clonreddan, Cree KILRUSH

Moyriesk QUIN

13 Georges Head KILKEE

13 St. Senan’s Road ENNIS

64 Inis Clair, Kildysart Road ENNIS

Connolly ENNIS

9 Cois Eilbhe LISDOONVARNA

32 Rathban, Tulla Road ENNIS

Creggaun, Doora ENNIS

Ballyashea, Kilnamona ENNIS

72 Acha Bhile, Lahinch Road ENNIS

'Line has been drawn under 2024' says Taylor

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

The 2023 All-Ireland hurling semi-final is not an occasion that Clooney-Quin and Clare midfielder/forward Ryan Taylor has fond memories of.

In that game he suffered a cruciate knee injury which would keep him out of action for twelve months. To add to the woe, Clare lost out to Kilkenny in that tie in Croke Park.

Fast forward a year to the 2024 All-Ireland semi-final and a meeting with the same opposition. This game holds sweeter memories for Ryan as it marked his return to the playing fields. To add to the celebrations, Clare won and qualified for the All-Ireland final which resulted in a thrilling win over Cork with the Quin native playing his part.

“That was a great day and a great occasion and it was celebrated. We had a great ten day holiday which was a nice reward and it was also nice to be acknowledged with the medal presentation recently. These things have to be acknowledged”,

according to Ryan who helps run the family pub in Market Street in Ennis.

“That’s all over now and the focus is very much on 2025,” according to Ryan. “As great as last year was, it’s finished and a line has been drawn. It’s a new year and it is starting against Kilkenny, a great team that will be coming here on Sunday with a strong line up. They will want to have a cut off the reigning champions who beat them in the league final and the All-Ireland semi-final last year”.

According to the midfielder Clare have had “a very good pre-season and we are all looking forward the matches. The pre-season has to be done and we are all looking forward to the games now. It’s a heavy schedule of games but the championship is in April which isn’t too far away. We know how hard Munster has been for the last few years. We have Cork coming to Ennis in April and we are under no illusions as to the task we are facing.”

Continuing, he said, “We will be taking each game as it comes, Home advantage is very important

and Cusack Park is a fortress for us. In Munster anyone can beat anyone so we need to be ready.”

For now the focus is on Sunday’s opening league tie and the meeting with Kilkenny. “They are first on the list in what is a very competitive league. We will be playing all the top teams and we can’t afford to be ghosting through any game. All are important and all teams are strong so we are sure to face some very hard games”.

For a number of players in the Clare panel, there is the added task of Fitzgibbon cup games. Pointing out that “it’s a little while since I had to deal with that”, he went on to say “it is a very demanding schedule. It is a tricky one which has to be managed”.

Having missed out on last year’s successful league campaign, the Clooney-Quin clubman is, understandably, looking forward to this season’s competition. Given the impact he has made since joining the squad, Clare fans are confident that he is set to play a big part in the team’s 2025 schedule of games.

by Gerard O'Neill

National Hurling League Division 1A: Clare's fixtures

Clare vs Kilkenny (H) WWLWL Jan 26

Cusack Park 2pm

Galway vs Clare (A)

LLLWW Feb 8, Pearse Stadium 7.30pm

Clare vs Wexford (H) LWLWW Feb 23, Cusack Park 1.45pm

Limerick vs Clare (A) LDLDL Mar 2

TUS Gaelic Grounds

3.45pm

Clare vs Cork (H)

WDLLW Mar 9, Cusack Park 3.15pm

Kilkenny looking to restore parity after two defeats to Clare

by Mike Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

CLARE will begin the defence of their 2024 Allianz League title this Sunday at 2pm in Cusack Park as they take on Kilkenny, last year’s opponent in the final.

The Banner go into the fixture in high spirits after an exceptional double-winning campaign last year and will no doubt look to maintain their title as both league and All-Ireland Champions.

Clare have the pick of the results against the Cats in the sides’ last five meetings with Clare, coming out on top on three occasions, including two famous wins last year in the league final and All Ireland Semi.

Kilkenny will look to right the wrongs of 2024 after last year’s defeat in the final in Thurles andwhere Aid en McCarthy scored 2-10 and Adam Hogan put in a memorable shift in de fence.

Manager Derek Lyng will also be keen to avoid a similar collapse to the 2024 Semi Final on July 21 where Clare trailed by five at the break before Tony Kelly, Shane O’Donnell and Ryan Taylor forced a late surge that saw Clare outscore Kilkenny

0-12 to 0-4 in the third quarter.

Although beaten by Galway 1-30 to 1-24 in a challenge match on the January 11 in Clarecastle, Clare should go into this fixture confident of a victory.

Following the retirement of veterans Paul Flanagan and Séadna Morey, it will be interesting to see if new recruits Ian McNamara (I/K), Daithí Lohan (Wolfe Tones), Shane Woods (I/K) and Rian Considine (Cratloe), make an appearance either starting or on the bench as both Considine and McNamara featured in that defeat to Galway in the side’s last outing. These additions should come as no surprise after a strong club championship with Clare manager pictured) looking to bring fresh blood into an increasingly senior looking

Overall, it looks as though an exciting curtain-raiser is on the cards for Clare this Sunday and one that would serve as a great boost if they were to win.

Photo

Kilkenny will be a huge challenge - Corbett

by Seamus Hayes

CLARE begin the defence of their Allianz league title on Sunday at Cusack Park when they take on Kilkenny in what will be a repeat of last year’s final.

They will do so without almost half of the team which helped the county to both league and All-Ireland senior honours last year.

“Our approach will be game by game and right now we are not looking psst the Kilkenny match. We have a lot of injuries but this presents an opportunity for members of the panel to get game time”, according to selector Tommy Corbett.

Conor Cleary, Diarmuid

Ryan, Peter Duggan and Mark Rodgers are all out at present due to injury while John Conlon and Shane O’Donnell will be rested in the early games in the league.

In addition up to nine members of the Clare panel are involved with Limerick colleges, Mary I,, University of Limerick and LIT in the Fitzgibbon cup (Third Level colleges championship) which is taking place at present.

“The load is big for these players and we must take cognisance of that but our S and C coaches and physios will take care of that”, according to Clooney-Quin clubman Corbett.

While the team to face Kilkenny won’t be named until later in the week, it is expected that Cian Galvin, Shane Meehan, John Conneely, Darragh Lohan, Robyn Mounsey, Colm

O’Meara and Patrick Crotty are just some of those who are likely to feature over the coming weeks.

“Any time you play the All-Ireland champions it’s a step up and that’s how all the teams that will be facing us will see it. We have our own plans and, as I said, we are not looking past Kilkenny at the moment. Kilkenny don’t ever go to games just to turn up, they always go out to win. They will put their best foot forward so it will be a huge challenge as always”, the Eire Og native told The Clare Echo

Noting that the Leinster side “beat us three times last year”, the Clare mentor said “they will be trying to put

down a marker. They have won four Leinster titles in a row, they were in the league final last year, they are never too long out of the limelight”. In Tommy’s view “we can’t switch off at any stage as we will be playing division 1 teams all through and its going to be tough.. Only two (Seadna Morey and Paul Flanagan have retired) have gone. We have a strong panel and the players wouldn’t be there if we didn’t feel they are good enough. We had a decent club championship with plenty of good hurling. The injuries give an opportunity to players and it also gives us an opportunity to see the players in action”, he concluded.

Great opportunity to show Clare panel's depth

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

The 2024 GAA season will always hold a special place for he Clare senior hurlers and their management and this is particularly true for outstanding defender Adam Hogan from Feakle.

His season started with Fitzgibbon cup success with Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

National league and All-Ireland success followed with Clare before attention switched to the domestic scene where he played a key part in helping his native Feakle bridge a 36 year gap with success in the Clare senior championship. There was further success when Adam was named as the young hurler of the year, the accolade going to Clare for a second successive year

following Mark Rodgers in 2023.

Just recently, in the space of seven days, Adam collected his county championship medal, his national league and All-Ireland medals and both were presented to him by another Feakle great, Ger Loughnane.

For now, that’s all in the past and the focus is on Kilkenny who face Clare in the opening round of this season’s Allianz hurling league on this Sunday.

“We have been back training for the past month or so and we know we are facing a big test against Kilkenny on Sunday. We beat them a few times last year so they are sure to be determined to reverse those results”, Adam told The Clare Echo this week.

With a number of last year’s first choice fifteen ruled out

for the early season games, Adam believes “this is a great opportunity for players to show where they are at and it will show the depth that is in the panel”.

Agreeing that “it was good to celebrate last year’s successes”, the skillful defender added “we must now strive for bigger things in the yer ahead. That brings a bit of pressure but te lads will relish that a we can do is work as hard as possible and take each game as it comes. Right now the target is Kilkenny on Sunday There is sure to be a great atmosphere in Cusackk Park. They will be coming here determined to beat us and we know the test they will present”.

Given his schedule at present with Fitzgibbon cup competition and being part of the Clare set up, is he concerned with the workload?

“The S and C guys manage that and Brian (Lohan) is very accomodating. We all want to be paying games, we train all year for that and its all about managing the load”, he re-

plied.

Adam has no hesitation in saying “Feakle’s championship win was special, coming after a 36 yer wait and most of the player’s fathers had

played on that one. It was great for the community and it was the icing on the cake at the end of a great season. It was well celebrated but it’s allover now and the focus is on the year ahead”

Continuing he said “its all about getting fitter and better now and to do wellin the league which will be a great test ahead of the championship. The Munster championship is huge and hopefully this league will see many of the panelists get valuable game time. It’s about building a squad and we all saw the importance of a squad in the All-Ireland final”.

Concluding Adam said “it will be a similar approach to last year, go out to win every game. On Sunday Kilkenny will be gunning for us, it should be a great occasion with a great atmosphere”.

l Tommy Corbett celebrating the All-Ireland final win with Shane Meehan and Cian Galvin Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Adam Hogan with Mark Rodgers at Clare's homecoming ceremony in Clarecastle last year Photo by John Mangan

'We were late coming into the Clare role; the players have responded well,' says Keane

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

PETER Keane’s appointment as Clare senior football manager may have come as a surprise but the former Kerry senior manager is “very happy” with the response he has got to date.

“There has always been footballers in Clare. These are a lovely bunch of lads," Keane reflected.

"Colm (Collins) did a fantastic job during his time in charge. We have got a great response and we are very happy. The lads are very willing, very committed. They have taken to us and we to them”, Peter told The Clare Echo as he headed back to Kerry following a training session.

“We are training in Caherlohan and Clareabbey and we have got into Cusack Park on an odd day. We are very happy with what is going on”,

he added.

Looking ahead to the upcoming league campaign and the team’s first competitive game under his stewardship

on Sunday, he said, “Whatever division you are in, your level is your level and we will be playing teams at our level. Antrim have had good success under Andy McEntee. We will go there and do as good as we can”.

Keane and his backroom team must plan for the trip to Corrigan Park without Stephen Ryan, the team’s goalkeeper in recent seasons. He is recovering from injury and the Kilrush man isn’t expected to be available until later in the season.

Sunday’s opening league game is expected to be too soon for Éire Óg defender Ronan Lanigan who is recovering from an injury he picked up with his club in the club championship.

On the plus side for the new Clare boss is the return

of experienced players Eoin Cleary and Keelan Sexton.

“They are two very good forwards and it’s great to have guys of their calibre coming back into the side. They are scoring forwards as well”, according to the Kerryman.

“We were late enough coming into this role. The lads we have brought in have performed well so far”, Peter added.

At this time the Clare management is “not looking past Sunday’s game with Antrim".

"We have seven games in the league and it’s a fairly intense schedule. It’s a bit of a boost that we will have four games at home. I would love to have had the Antrim game at home. It’s a long journey and it will involve travelling overnight”.

Continuing, he said, “The priority is to try and find a team with some bit of rhythm and to get to know each other. Look, it’s a learning curve for both sides, players and management.”

The Clare manager agrees that “there will be mistakes as teams try to get to grips with the new rules. It will be very difficult for everybody. We haven’t had much of an opportunity to trial them. There has only been a short window for challenge games. It will be a steep learning curve”, he said.

Concluding, Peter expressed the wish that support for the team will be strong. “We would love to see a lot of support for the team, get people coming to the games and shouting the lads on”.

l Peter Keane takes over as Clare football boss from fellow Kerryman Mark Fitzgerald

Cleary's return a big boost for Clare football

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

HEADING into his eleventh season as a member of the Care senior football squad Eoin Cleary will be familiar with the routine.

Putting in the hard work in early season training and getting points on the board in the early league games are key to a good season, according to the Miltown St Josephs clubman.

Having taken time out to travel in 2024, the key forward missed last year’s league and championship campaigns with the Banner county.

His availability this year is a massive boost to the team’s hopes of doing well. After a decade with the squad its natural to assume that nothing will be new to Eoin in relation to training and games.

Heretofore Eoin has only

trained and played senior inter county football under the management of Colm Collins. After ten great years Cratloe clubman Collins stepped down as Clare boss at the end of the 2023 season.

Kerry’s Mark Fitxgerald was in charge last year when Eoin wasn’t available.

Kerry man Peter Keane was appointed Clare manager back in November. “He is very honest in his approach and it’s very exciting to see a different approach.

"He has plenty of experience of the biggest of days. He has a lot to offer and everyone is excited to learn from him. Everyone feels they are starting a new year with a clean slate”, Eoin told The Clare Echo

Ahead of Clare’s opening game in the 2025 Allianz league, Eoin believes, “the league is the best competi-

tion, every team is so evenly matched and the majority of games are so close.

"It is probably played at the wrong time of the year. You need to be ready for every game. You have seven games in ten or eleven weeks and this is very exciting as a player. You are coming up against teams whose styles you know. Our approach will be game by game”, he said. Travelling to Belfast to take on Antrim on Sunday is “a tough start. We are well accustomed to Andy McEntee teams over the years. We have seen that with Meath. His teams are always well prepared, very physical and they will present a tough challenge.

We have a few players back from last year but it is generally a new team. Those who came in last year will have grained great experience”,

National Football League Division 3: Clare's fixtures

Antrim vs Clare (A) WWLL Jan 26 Corrigan Park 1pm

Clare vs Leitrim (H) DWWLW Feb 2 Cusack Park 2pm

Clare vs Fermanagh (A) WWLL Feb 16 Cusack Park 1.30pm

Sligo vs Clare (A) WWWL Feb 23 Markievicz Park 1.30pm

Clare vs Kildare (H) LWWLL Mar 2 Cusack Park 2pm

Keane will want Division 2 return

THE Clare footballers will begin their 2025 league campaign by making the long journey up to Corrigan park to play Antrim this Sunday at 1pm.

This will be new manager Peter Keane’s first season in charge of the Banner as he looks to return the side to division 2 status and steady the ship after Colm Collins’ departure in 2023 followed by Mark Fitzgerald’s one season in charge, opting to leave for the Kerry U-20s in 2024.

The Kerryman’s panel is bolstered by the return of two-time All Star nominee Eoin Cleary of Miltown Malbay, fresh from winning a national title with Chicago Wolfe Tones.

After a less-than competitive club championship that saw Eire Og claim the Jack Daly for a second year running, it will be interesting to see how Clare line out under Keane after Mark Fitzgerald brought the

side to its second Munster final in a row last year, when the Banner were beaten 1-13 to 0-23 by Kerry.

This was achieved notably without thirteen members of the panel, largely due to the exploits of Eire Og man Ikem Ugwueru and Kilmurry-Ibrikane’s Keelan Sexton whose transfer to Dublin side Na Fianna has been much discussed recently.

Following Antrim, Clare will play Leitrim, Fermanagh, Sligo and Kildare with the latter surely being the strongest test so far with the Lily Whites reaching the Leinster semi-final last year. Antrim go into this match having beaten London and provincial rivals Fermanagh to reach the semi-finals of last year’s Tailteann Cup where they lost out to Laois 1-13 to 3-12.

Following a year that will surely be known for the hurling, Clare’s footballers will no doubt look to produce something worth remembering for 2025.

according to the Garda There will be additional focus on this season’s league as

the new rules will be in play. “In that regard we are all starting on the same footing.

The FRC have the power to make tweaks if they feel they are necessary. There will be plenty of mistakes by players, managements and referees but the game needed some sort of change”, according to one of football’s key forwards.

Continuing he said “injuries will come into it. It’s so intense, there will be plenty of knocks, that’s why building a squad is so important. So many young players got game time last year”.

Concluding Eoin said “we can’t really look past the next couple of weeks. The football legue is more important that the hurling competition as where a team finishes will influence where they will be in the championship. Every game is so important and so competitive and you have to have a full deck every day”.

l Eoin Cleary Photo by Gerard O'Neill

by Mike Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

Attempting to tame a beast in Wicklow...

by PÁDRAIG

ON MY journey to the European Club last week, I had to drive across the Wicklow Gap to avoid a car crash on the motorway.

This route surprised me because it was very well surfaced and the 45-minute journey across the mountains was quite pleasant.

It was promised a tough day weather wise and it did not disappoint. We had to contend with some 55kmph gusts along with sprawling rain. For those of you who are familiar with this course it certainly needs no introduction, on a calm day this course is easily the toughest course in Ireland and surely a top five in the world. For those of you who have not played here yet, it is like going home every evening to a beating from your loved one, yet you keep making that journey home.

It is possibly the challenge of one day taming the beast, yet it has a 100% record of chewing me up and spitting me out to date. The winds were so strong, my punched 5 iron on the first did not make it to the green front only 124 yards away.

A well hit drive into the wind was losing over a hundred yards of distance. But yet we had fun all day and I reminded myself once again that there is plenty of golfers in a hospital who would cherish the opportunity to play golf even in the conditions.

The course itself plays just under 7,400 yards from the back tees which I would recommend only for long hitters and if it is a calm day. The white tees alone play over 7,000 yards so this course truly is a monster.

What makes it even more difficult is the deep potholes bunkers that are cleverly positions throughout the course and it is all but impossible to avoid all of them over your five-hour round.

The rough it possibly the most difficult aspect of this course they had it cut quite short however even at the height you could only advance a ball 80-100 yards from the first cut. You simply must find the fairways on this course because any missed fairways you will be extremely punished.

A lot of the holes get quite narrow as you reach 240280 up the fairway. The clever design of these narrow tight areas means you must choose a club from

the tee box that you hit the straightest. You are definitely better off fifty yards shorter off the tee to make sure you are on the short grass. The greens are no slouch either they were running fast for winter golf at I would guess 9.5 - 10 on the Stemp meter, so it was easy to race a putt past the hole location which I managed to do one several occasions.

I first played the European Club in 2006 in the Irish Amateur Championship that was won that year by Rory McILroy.

I was blown away by the course and it was love at first sight even though it was ridiculously difficult, any ball that missed the fairway was a lost ball.

I had my chance to return here as a PGA Golf Professional in 2009 when the course hosted the Irish PGA Championship that was won by Padraig Harrington. Padraig won the Irish PGA Championship here in 2007, 2008 and 2009, the event having been scheduled in the week before the British Open in order to prepare him for that classic, and the plan worked so well that he won the PGA in a playoff the week before, winning The Open at Carnoustie in a playoff; and retained the PGA by four strokes at The European the week before retaining his Open title by four at Birkdale!

He recalls: "There is no question that there were

Ennis & Dromoland Ladies committees confirmed

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WITH the new golf season swinging into action clubs are busy putting their programme of competitions in place and ratifying their officers and committees for 2025.

Ennis and Dromoland have elected their ladies committees and are preparing for what promises to be a busy season.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB

Mary Curley is the new lady captain for 2025 at Ennis golf club and the vice~captain is Mary T. McMahon.

Carmel Verling will take charge of the senior ladies' group in Ennis for 2025.

Last Wednesday’s ladies 13 hole stroke competition was won by Helen Harnett (28) with 28 points. In second with 22 points as Patricia O’Reilly (34). The 9 hole competition was won by Monica Finnerty (14) with 14 points.

Last week’s senior ladies scramble was won by Jean Moloney, Josephine Tone and Marina Varden. with 20.2. In second with 24 were Marie Dilleen, Ann Kelly and Maureen Moloney followed by Nuala D'Auria, Alice D'Arcy and Kathleen Pyne with 26.5.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB

The ladies committee for 2025

comprises captain Sandra Moylan; vice-captain - Deirdre Cooney; Secretary - Anne Fahy; Treasurer - Siobhan Doohan; Handicap secretary - Mairead Bergin’ Ex officio - Jean Colleran; Junior convenor - Marie Meaney; and Niamh McDermott, Trish O’Brien; Mairead Toomey & Frances Bergin.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

Last Sunday’s Winter singles was won by Paul McGibney (14) with 29 points who had one to spare over Geremiah Brennan (8). In third, also with 28 points, was Pat Shannon (12) followed by Eoin Fitzgerald (9) also with 28.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

Ozone Health & Fitness Spring league got underway last weekend when the winners were Joe and Pat Barry with 59 points. They had three to spare over Ross Kenny and Vinny McInerney with third spot filled by Pat O'Brien and Colin Higgins who scored 55 points. Round 2 takes place this weekend when the format will be modified better ball.

Last week’s slub singles was won by John McGrath (12) with 38 points, from Edward Casey (11) with 36 points with their spot filled by Liam Browne (23) with 35 points.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

The winners of the ladies Wednesday competition at East Clare last week were Mary Healy; Brid Hayes and Helen Conway. In second place were .Kay Grimes, Ursula Hogan and Mary Hogan and they were followed by Breda O'Loghlin, Mary Fitzgerald and Margaret Egan.

The senior men’s competition on Tuesday was won by Danny Minogue, Jackie Mc Hugh and Jim Bradley from Willie Roche, John Fielding and Steve Symes with third spot filled by .Pat McNamara, Jackie McHugh, and Jim Bradley. In the mixed scramble on Friday the winners were Noel Earley, Michael Heffernan and Breda Reid.. Second place was filled by Jim Willis, Mary Hogan, and Jackie McHugh with Terry Coughlan, Noreen Doyle and Siobhan Mulcahy filling third spot. Round 2 of the Winter League is currently being played.

GORT GOLF CLUB

Barry Cahill (8) was the category 1 winner of the 14 hole singles at gort at the weekend with 33 points. Michael Cahill (15) won category 2 with 34 points, Alan Fogarty (17) on category 3 with 36 points and Tom Casey (28) took the category 4 honours with 33 points.

shots at The Open that I was better at because I had played links golf at The European Club the week before. I would specifically pick my 7-iron into the first hole of the playoff. The weather had turned, the temperature had dropped, and I had learned the week before to allow for this as I hit a 7-iron 162-yards as against my normal 180-yards. It must have won me The Open. The European Club is a great links that you have to think your way around."

The 7th and 12th holes always excite me. The 7th Index 1 is a tight tee shot that has a water hazard to the left-hand side of the fairway and it has a line of out of bounds all the way up the right-hand side just a few feet away from the fairway. I set myself a target to par this hole last week even though it was into the wind I hit a great low drive followed by a well hit 5wood that carried only 175 yards leaving me only 15 yards short of the green surface. I chose to chip and run a 6 iron to 4ft and managed to hold the par putt. Anytime you walk off this hole with a par you feel like you have gained a shot or possibly two on most of the field.

The 12th hole is an exceptional par four that sweeps from the beach right to left and it is one of the more generous fairways in relation to size. The green however is 138 yards long so for your second shot you may be hitting anything from a wedge to a 3w depending on where they decide to locate the pin. For instance, I had 121 yards to the front of this green and over 250 yards to the rear edge of the green for my second shot. This green truly is a huge talking point for anyone who plays golf here it is so unique. I ended up with a 44-yard putt from the front of the green last week all because I missed the fairway from the tee box. I have heard they are running an open single event every day for only €100 a day, so it is the perfect opportunity for you to test your game in what truly is the hardest, toughest golf course in Ireland, Europe and one of the most difficult in the entire world. But be warned playing here leaves you with a longing to return the next day. I highly recommend also stopping at Jack Whyte's Inn after your round you have to pass by it on your way home and the food is amazing.

Hehir's Yahoo Candice wins Sweepstake Final in Galway

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

Following two false starts due to the inclement weather, the racing year finally got under way at Galway Greyhound Stadium on Friday last where the final of the Merry Christmas From All At Galway A3 525 was the top graded contest on the ten race card.

As the traps rose for the €1200-to-the winner final, Lissatouk Dave was best away along the fence and showing pace he led by a length from Creevy Bird and Eastern Express with Yahoo Candice in fifth rounding the opening bend.

Racing down the back Lissatouk Dave led Creevy Bird by three lengths as Ya-

hoo Candice began to get into gear passing halfway. Beginning the swing for home the lead was still three lengths but the Noel Hehir of Inagh-owned Yahoo Candice (Malachi-Geelo Celticaold) was in full flight and ran the leader down with a devastating late burst to win by a neck in 29.24.

The third contest was an S7 graded affair and in the early strides Colossal Trilogy and Bumblebee Fergus disputed the lead with Drombeg Bailey a length adrift of the pair as the closed in on the opening bend.

Rounding the bend the Colossal Syndicate of Ennis and Kilmaley-owned Colossal Trilogy took command

along the rails and kicking three lengths clear racing round the crown of the home bend the son of Malachi & Droopys Megan eased to a seven length success over Pallasmore Bud in 19.53. Galway Greyhound Stadium announced some welcome news in recent days with the return of the Connacht Derby scheduled to get under way on the 21st of February. Kindly sponsored by Kilcolgan Castle, this event was a feature some years ago and it certainly is a major addition to the racing calendar for 2025. Boasting a brilliant first prize of €9,000,and will be for A0/A1 graders over the 550 yds distance.

l The European Club in County Wicklow

Mixed luck for Clare clubs in FAI Cup

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

THERE was mixed luck for Clare clubs in this Sunday’s FAI junior cup last 32 ties.

Avenue United have progressed to the last sixteen in the competition but there as heartbreak for Bridge United who were down to Evergreen FC from Kilkenny. They scored the winner from the penalty spot a minute from the end of extra time.

Avenue United 2 Corkhill 0 Avenue United took a major step towards FAI junior cup glory when they qualified for the last sixteen in this prestigious national competition with this victory at Roslevan on Sunday.

Corkhill from Inishowen in Donegal came to Ennis as title holders having captured the crown when defeating Gorey in last year’s final.

The opening minutes suggested that the visitors would be difficult to overcome but Avenue quickly settled into the game and as the match proceeded they grew stronger.

Exchanges were hard and officials of the visiting club weren’t happy with some refereeing decisions in the opening period.

Midway through the opening half the home side came close to opening the scoring when E;liaz Kunz latched on to a Jamie Roche corner but Corkhill managed to clesr their lines.

Ten minutes later another Roche corner led to the opening score, Avenue captain Ronan Kerin rising highest to head to the corner of the net. This score separated the sides at the interval.

Avenue returned clearly determined to build on that lead and they had the better of he early second half exchanges.

They doubled their lead just three minutes after play resumed and it was an very well worked score.

Eoghan Thynne raced past a number of defenders before passing to Eliaz Kunz who gave the visitors defence no chance when firing home to the corner of the net.

The winners were a little unlucky not to have added to this led in the ensuing minutes as they piled on the pressure but credit to the visitors defence as they stood firm. They tried hard to get back into contention but they couldn’t find

MUNSTER JUNIOR SOCCER

a way past a strong Avenue side in which Cullen McCabe, Na and Stephen McGann were prominent.

Goalkeeper Jakub Ruminowicz produced a couple of good saves in the final quarter as the Clare outfit deservingly seled their place in the last sixteen of this competition.

Exchanges go a little heated on a few occasions resulting in red cards for Avenue official Michael Dinan after seventy five minutes and for Corkhill substitute Odhran O’Byrne-Daly two minutes from the end.

Avenue United; Jakub Ruminowicz; Cullen \ McCabe, Conor Hehir, Jamie roche, Sean O’Callaghan; Eoghan Thynne, Stephen McGnn, Na Buike Nnlti, Ronan Kerin (captain), Jack Ryan, Eliaz Kunz

Subs; Mark Roche for Ryan (55), Dylan Casey for Hehir (61); Jack Dunleavy for Kunz (70); Kaden Herihy for Kerin (85) Referee; Shane Hayes; Linesmen Mark Rellis ansd Paudie Hayes

Bridge Utd 2 Evergreen FC 3

With everything pointing to a penalty shoot out, Evergreen FC from Kilkenny struck for the winning goal in the last minute of extra time at Sixmilebridge.

The home side had come from behind twice to bring the tie to extra time

Bridge United didn’t get off to the best start, going behind after just a minute to a Mikey Drennan penalty and this score separated tshe sides at the interval

Bridge introduced Aidan Moloney at half time and within a minute he struck for the equaliser

Soon after they found themselves behind again when Ify Nzewi scored for the Kilkenny visitors but, again, the home side responded and Ger Myles fired home the equaliser on the hour mark. They grew in confidence as the game progressed and were a little unlucky not to have taken the lead.

This was particularly true in extra time when Brian Corry’s volley rebpunded off the crossbar

However, with just a minute of the second period of extra time remaining, disaster struck when referee Michael Rock awarded the visitors a penalty, a harsh call in the view of many at the game and, for the second time in the tie, Mikey Drennan converted for what proved to be the winning score. Bridge United; John Mulready; Luke Fitzpatrick, Lee Mulready, Alan Mulready, Liam Flynn; Mikey Guerin, Jack O’Halloran, Eric Carr, Ger Myles, Scott Kirkland, Filip Mostovy Subs; Aidan Moloney for Carr; Leon Kelly for K. Fitzpatrick; Brian Corry for Myles; Liam Buckley for M. Guerin; Witness Oridile for L. Mulready (inj);

The Munster junior cup last sixteen games involving Avebue United and Bridge United, postponed on Sunday week last, have been re-fixed for Sunday week, February 2.

Both Clare sides have home advantage with Avenue entertaining Coachford from Cork at Roslevan while Bridge United have home advantage against Dungarvan United.

Fresh from their impressive win over title holders Corkhill from Donegal in the FAI cup last weekend, Avenue will be fancied to advance to the quarter finals in the Munster competition.

Last week proved disappointing for Bridge United as they bowed out of the FAI competition, losing to a penalty goal in the final minute of extra time to Evergreen from Kilkenny. They will, understadably, be keen to bounce back to winning ways and advance to the last eight in the \Munster competition.

CLARE YOUTHS ADVANCE

Clare qualified for the semi-final of the inter youths cup when they defeated Waterford last Saturday.

In a game played at Frank Healy Park in Doora, the only goal came in the first period of extra time. Frank O’Sullivan was the scorer. In the semi-final next week, Clare travel to Tralee to play Kerry.

Clare handball successfully hosted a weekend of ladies competitions at clubs across the county.

The largest number of entries to the She’s Ace tournament resulted in top class fare. Over 100 players took part with Clare having 60 entrants. There was an U11 fun event and a Mothers and Daughters doubles competition

Martina McMahon, of Limerick, fresh from the World championship and Golden Gloves proved too strong in a keenly fought final against Roscommon’s Fiona Tully.

Clare’s Leah Minogue finished second in her group and bowed out at semi-final of the Plate section.

With strong Clare entries the Ladies B was keenly contested, Chloe Philpott, Kilkishen held out for honors defeating Clare Conway ofrom Tyrone. The Kilkishen player partnered her mother Susie won the Mother’s and daughters doubles.

Claire Minogue won out in the 17 and U final against Stephanie Walsh Galway to the delight of the home crowd in Tuamgraney. Indeed the home club had double

delight as Anna Madden won the 13 and U against another local, Sinead Doyle.

All games were played to a very high standard and with TG4 in attendance to stream on YouTube it provided great exposure for female handball.

Juvenile A semi-finals

Pairings are almost complete for the Juvenile A county finals. These will be played over the bank holiday weekend with 20 finals across girls and boys from u-12 to u-17. These will be keenly contested with the winners going on to represent Clare in Munster competition.

Boys pairings are complete with just an U12

semi-final remaining and all girls semi-finals will be completed this weekend with games on Saturday evening in Clooney-Quin and Tulla.

Gael Linn

The Gael Linn County finals will be played over the weekend. An under 13 pair (boy ad girl) from the sme club team up for this which sees two singles games (girl v girl and boy v boy) before they team up for a double game with the aggregate score from the three games deciding the winner.

Clare were hugely successful last year with Tuamgraney winning the Gael Linn All-Ireland and Kilkishen winning the Solas grade. There

Ladies handball tournament a huge success

are 4 entries in this years Clare competition with Tuamgraney(Iarla Kelleher and Anna Madden), Toonagh (Jack Casey and Orlaith Flanagan), Clooney-Quin (Ben Fahy and Anna Brooks) and Killkishen (Darragh Donovan and Kate Madden).

Games will take place in Tuamgraney on Sunday evening.

Southern Classic

This is a men’s invitational ranking tournament played in Cork. It has become a prestigious event. Clare will have Diarmuid Nash and Sean Coughlan play in the open singles.

Meanwhile the Irish Singles championship takes place in Belfast over the Bank Holiday weekend and Clare will have numerous players attending.

Munster Convention

The Munster handball convention takes place this weekend in Adare, Limerick. Clarecastle’s Tommy Hegarty is heading into his second year as chairperson. Clare also have Michael Hogan as Children’s Officer. Paula Carr Whelan as Promotions Development officer and Orla Considine as assistant juvenile secretary.

Ennis RFC U13s defeat Shannon

by Dearbhla Parry

news@clareecho.ie

U13 Boys North Munster League: Shannon RFC 12 –31 Ennis RFC

Ennis’ U13 boys took part in the North Munster League resulting in a 12 – 31 victory against Shannon on Sunday.

Only ten minutes into the game, Ennis’ Darragh Fitzgerald scored the team’s first try. Then within the next ten minutes, Liam McMahon scored Ennis another try just before Shannon scored their first. Oisín Mangan scored Ennis’ third try after running it under the posts. It was converted by Callum McCormick, who also converted the next try by Liam Frawley.

At the 40-minute mark, Shannon managed to score a converted try under the posts. That is until Eoin Keane scored Ennis’ final try, converted by Eoin Keane, and gave the Clare team their win with 12 – 31.

Senior Men 1st XV Junior League: Kinsale 29 – 27 Ennis

The senior men’s team travelled to Kinsale for a 29 –27 match as part of the Junior League.

Kinsale scored the first try of the game following a kick through to touchdown for a converted try. They then scored their 2nd try through a penalty try. Ennis went through many phases with forwards and backs making ground before Jack Dillon scored their first try, converted by Dylan Kenny. Great defence from Ennis kept Kinsale out, allowing Kenny to kick through, pull

back, and be awarded a penalty try. By halftime, the score was 14 – 14.

In the second half, Kinsale knocked on in defence and Brendan Keane ran through Kinsale’s defence to score, converted by Kenny. Ennis’ penalty was also converted by Kenny and Ennis led 24 – 14 until Kinsale scored their third try with several pick-and-go’s. Kinsale won numerous penalties and went up the line to score a converted try, giving them the lead 26 - 24. A penalty to Ennis inside the Kinsale half was converted by Kenny and a penalty was also converted by Kinsale for a final score of 29 - 27 to Kinsale.

Ennis take on Carrick On Suir in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup this Sunday at 2pm, away. Ennis: Ben Benko, Jack Colleran, Cian Enright, Cormac Browne, Cillein Mullins, Osgar O’Gormon, Dale Watson, Seán McDonagh, Cian Guilfoyle, Brendan Keane, Jack Dillion, Joey Keane, Jack Scahill, Shane Punch, and Dylan Kenny. Their substitutes were Jonathan O’Donoghue, Ryan Murphy, Gavin Lawlor, Seán Healy, Luke Carmody, and Ben Geraghty.

Additional Results:

Ennis Senior Men 2nd XV: Ennis 0 - 28 Thomond U18 Girls League: Ennis 14 – 29 Dolphin U18 Boys Munster Cup: Ennis 40 – 7 Midleton U14 Girls League: Ennis 40 – 26 Ballincollig U14 Boys Munster Plate: Abbeyfeale 17 – 12 Ennis

U16 Boys Munster Plate: Ennis 36 – 12 Dungarvan

Senior Women’s League: Shannon/TUS 22 – 42 Ennis/Kilrush

U16 Boys Munster Plate: Tralee 34 – 22 Ennis

O’Gorman cup held this weekend

by Seamus Hayes

news@clareecho.ie

The 2025 O’Gorman cup football tournament will take place for the 20th time in 2025

Promoted by Doonbeg GAA, it honours the late John O’Gorman who served as an official with his native Doonbeg and also as an officer with both the Clare football and

county GAA boards for many years.

With clubs across the county looking to arrange games so that they can become familiar with new rules which come into play this season, it is expected that there will be a lot of demand for places in this season’s competition

The tournament sees clubs compete without their representatives

who are on the Clare senior inter county panel.

Given the interest already being shown in the 2025 competition, it is expected that the race for the title will begin in February

The tournament organiser is Doonbeg clubman Michael Neenan and details can be had from him at 086-3165877

l U13 finalists Sinead Doyle and Anna Madden

Tulla Camogie celebrate intermediate success

l Tulla Camogie Club celebrated a succesful year at Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe on Saturday with a victory dance and medal presentation for the intermediate champions. Pictured are (clockwise from above); Marie, Lisa, Jennifer & Pat Nicholas; Sorcha Corry with Joe Love; Lorraine, Éabha & Ray McInerney; Anne Marsh McMahon, Bríd McNamara, Joe O Donnell, Gillian Ryan, Lorraine O Loughlin; Aoibhinn Rochford & Leah McInerney; Amy McNamara, Gillian Ryan; Lisa Nicholas and Sophie Murphy; Sally McInerney receives her medal from Clare GAA Head of Operations Deirdre Murphy; Valerie & Mary Hogan; Aoibhinn Rochford and Éabha McInerney take a selfie; Aoife Dooley, Bridin Dinan, Orna Mulconroy, Sinéad Conlon

Photos by Ruth Griffin

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKSAGGART TLD., BALLYNACALLY, CO. CLARE, V95XP77

Take notice that Michael Keating (Dip. Arch.) intends to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Laura Corbett for full permission for: (1) the change of use from residential townhouse as Granted Permission under Planning Ref. No. 24/178, to a wobbler/ toddler room, sleep room, two toilets and store on the Ground Floor. At the First Floor an after school, two toilets and storage; (2) new toilets at both levels to be connected to the wastewater treatment system Granted under Planning Ref. No. 24/178; (3) to demolish existing store adjoining existing creche to the East; and (4) all ancillary site works, all at Knocksaggart Tld., Ballynacally, Co. Clare, V95XP77. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be

made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CROSS VILLAGE, KILKEE

Take notice that A. Ingram intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to demolish existing workshop, to convert existing store to living area, to erect 2No dwelling houses, 2No site entrances and connect to existing ancillary services at the above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision

on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

FAHEE SOUTH, CARRON, CO. CLARE, V95 AP90

Take notice that Chris & Marietta Hickey intend to apply for planning permission for development at Fahee South, Carron, Co. Clare, V95 AP90. The development will consist of (a) replacement dwelling house (b) renovation and reuse of existing barn (c) upgrading domestic wastewater treatment system (d) retaining existing sheds (e) associated site works and services. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority

of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

We, ESB Telecoms Ltd, 27 Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2, intend to apply for development at ESB Telecoms Ltd Compound, ESB Cratloe 38kV Substation, Ballymorris, Shannon, Co. Clare. The development will consist of a 3.5-metre extension to the existing 21.5 metre-high monopole telecommunications structure (overall height to be 25-metre), carrying antennae and dishes, along with ancillary finial and all 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 planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision

on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAHERMACLANCHY, DOOLIN, CO. CLARE

Take notice that L. Mantoan intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain barbeque area at the above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Dunleavy (née Duddy), Anne Liscannor

Hogan (née Moylan), Nancy Feakle

KEARNEY (née Chaplin), Margaret Sixmilebridge

Quinn, Mark Corofin

Crawford McGrath, Helen Meelick

Kinlan, Robby Quilty

O’CONNELL, Patrick J. Clonlara

Langan, Don Mullagh

Recent Deaths

Scales (née Murphy), Claire Ennistymon

Clancy (née O Dea), Elizabeth (LIZ) Corofin

FERNS (née Devereux), Ellen Shannon

HOWARD (née RYAN), MARY Kilrush

Lennon (née Wynne), Susan Inagh

McCABE, David Newmarket-on-Fergus

QUINLIVAN (née Kelly), Catherine (Kitty) Kilmurry McMahon

CAULFIELD(née Quinn), Peggy (Margaret) Shannon

Considine (née Nagle), Kathy Liscannor

DAVITT(née Downey), Moira Six-Mile-Bridge

Hynes, James Ruan

McMahon (née Scullane), Diane Ennistymon

Moloney, Liam Clarecastle

O’Connor, Al Kilmihil

O’DONNELL, William Kilrush

Heaney, Gilbert Kilkee

The Clare Echo Quiz

1 The first farmers settled in Clare over how many years ago.

a. 3,000

b. 4,000

c. 6,000

2The first farmers practiced crop cultivation in which age?

a. Mesolithic

b. Neolithic

c. Stone Age

3Field systems emerged on Clare farms in from which century onwards?

a. 14th and 15thc

b. 16th and 17thc

c. 18th and 19thc

4What ancient farming apparatus is located at Caherconnel?

a. Stone Fort

b. Well

c. Castle

5How many ringforts are located in Ireland?

a. 30,000

b. 45,000

c. 65,000

6A fulachta fiadh was used for?

a. Hiding

b. Cooking

c. Living

7Over 226 _______ have been recorded in County Clare?

a. Fairy Forts

b. Holy Wells

c. Castles

8Basin and Blanket are two types of _____ which reside in County Clare?

a. Rock Formations

b. Rivers

c. Peats

9Teagasc’s head office in Clare is located in?

a. Kilrush

b. Shannon

c. Ennis

10Clare contains over ________ lakes.

a. 100 b. 300

c. 500

300

Ennis

Peats

Holy Wells

Cooking

Spot the Difference

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the 7 differences

Last weeks Answers

45,000

Stone Fort

18th and 19thc

Tulla Camogie celebrate their success: Sophie Murphy, Amy McNamara, Lisa Nicholas, Jennifer Nicholas, Leah McInerney, Aoibhinn Rochford, Lorna Power, Aoife Leyden, Niamh O Sullivan

Photo Ruth Griffin

Patricia Clune, Yvonne Purcell and Niamh Brady at the Ennis Toastmasters event celebrating 50 years

Photo by Vivian Daly

l QUESTION 10 : Clare contains over ________ lakes.

Photo by Patrick Bolger

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Jan 23rd

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES FEB 10th

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The Clare Echo Crossword

Airman

Apprentice

Author

Censor

Champion Citizen

Companion Court

Dictator

Director

Doctor

Fellow

Friend

Hard

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Lord

Member

Owner Partner

Seaman

Showman

Town

1 Section of a book (7)

2 Of a pope (5)

3 Assuaged (7) 4 Idea (6) 5 Inflexible (5)

Alike all over (7) 7 Wood nymph (5) 13 Deserved (7) 15 One of the senses (7)

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