The Clare Echo 23/10/25 by The Clare Echo

Car-free future for Ennis town?

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FULL-TIME pedestrianisation of O’Connell Street in Ennis will be the subject of a new public consultation process.

Ennis’ largest infrastructural project, the public realm works which began in October 2023 are nearing the nish line. e main construction phase of the project will conclude on November 26th, which is a month behind schedule and two months behind the estimated September nish as stated at the Ennis Municipal District AGM in June.

c until February 16th.

An online survey will go live at the beginning of December with subissions to be accepted until the start of January 2026 on future access, tra c ow, and possible pedestrianisation options for O’Connell Street.

When works on the €11.5m scheme end next month, vehicular tra c will return to all streets in the town centre except O’Connell Street which will remain closed to traf-

In a statement on Wednesday, Clare County Council agged that a formal Section 38 process will commence in mid-January. A Section 38 of the Roads Act allows a local authority to introduce or alter road layouts such as pedestrianisation, cycle lanes, or tra c calming by public consultation, without needing a full planning application process.

Full story p6

INTO THE FUTURE

Inner relief road to get

Ennistymon

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A HIGH COURT decision has dismissed an application to bring a judicial review challenge against the CPO for the Ennistymon inner relief road. Ennistymon’s notorious trafc blackspot Blake’s Corner is among the main aspects of the inner relief road. e project has been in the o ng since 2017 and has been subject to several delays akin to motorists stuck when travelling from Ennistymon to Lahinch.

On Tuesday, Clare County Council announced the pro-

moving

ject would now proceed to the next stage but nothing is plain sailing when it comes to Blake’s Corner with some insiders warning that the High Court case will not be approved until November 4th.

Cllr Shane Talty (FF) agged “there may still be avenues of appeal open to a ected property owners”. He added, “I hope that once the legal process concludes de nitely that the TII will give the required priority funding of this project and ensure construction can commence as soon as is practicable”.

 Pictured at the burying of a time capsule to mark eighty years since the ﬁrst scheduled transatlantic ﬂight at Shannon Airport were Ray O’Driscoll, Interim CEO The Shannon Airport Group with Hannah O’Brien, Rylana Obtinario and Lee O’Callaghan, Senior Infants

Class of St Conaires National School, Shannon and their teacher Aimee Moore

Photo by Arthur Ellis

Winter Ready

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ENNIS BOYS N.S. REUNION CLASS OF 1966–1969

1970s Lahinch house sells for €986k

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A four-bedroom house built in the early 1970s on an elevated site in Lahinch has sold for almost €1m. Described as a “rare coastal gem”, the Residential Property Price Register records that Hy Brazil at Seapark sold for €986,000 on October 7th — €111,000 above its €875,000 guide price.

Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon handled the sale, with Diarmuid McMahon con rming three bidders took part in a “competitive” online auction on August 28th that concluded in just over 30 minutes.

Hy Brazil is located two doors down from alassa, Seapark, Lahinch — the only Clare house sale this year to top €1m when it sold for €1.005m in midAugust. McMahon said the vendors were “very happy” with the price, noting it was an estate sale with deep emotional ties for the family.

He credited Covid’s lifestyle shi and Lahinch’s gol ng appeal for driving

strong prices, also citing a €900,000 sale at Circular Road, Kilkee, in August as

further proof of the west Clare market’s strength.

However, he cautioned that Lahinch’s development is being held back by limited public water and sewerage infrastructure, restricting new housing supply.

e sales brochure

Set on an elevated site in the heart of Lahinch, the property enjoys panoramic views of the surf, promenade, championship golf links, and Clare hills, with vistas stretching to Liscannor and beyond.

Just minutes from Lahinch Golf Club — host of the 2026 Walker Cup — and an hour from Adare Manor, venue for the 2027 Ryder Cup, Hy Brazil sits at the centre of a region with world-class gol ng prestige.

described Hy Brazil as “one of the most distinctive and sought-a er coastal residential locations on Ireland’s western seaboard.”

Front Row L/R: Joe Moroney, David Moroney, Gerry Kearse, Vincent Daly, William Crowley, Eamon Kenny, David Queally, Michael Quinn, Joe Considine, Michael Shanahan and Cornelius Shanahan.

Middle Row L/R: Seamus Lynch, Leo Mannion, Michael Anderson, Pat Daly, Kevin Vaughan, Seamus McGann, Séanie Barry, Noel Pyne (Former Teacher), Bobbie Earle and John O’Sullivan.

Back Row L/R: David Walsh, Johnny Kearse, Gary Stack (Former Teacher), Brian Power, Michael O’Flanagan, John Hannon, Frankie Sheehan, John O’Dea, John Glynn, Billy Taffe and Tom McGann.

Photo by John Kelly

Discover Clare’s Halloween 2025 Events Online

Halloween in County Clare has a magic all its own — filled with stories, creativity, and just the right touch of fright. From ghostly walks to spooky farms and family workshops, there’s plenty to enjoy around the County.

FAMILY FUN AND FRIGHTS

Enjoy Spooky Season at the Cliffs of Moher Experience, with clue hunts, face painting, and devilish treats at the cafés. Meet friendly animals at Spooky Halloween Fun at Moher Hill Farm in Liscannor, or drop into Dolly’s in Liscannor for Halloween face painting and festive bites. At Charm Bee Studio in Labasheeda, kids can paint their own spooky ceramics before relaxing in the cosy café. Young adventurers can burn off energy at the Lahinch Leisure Centre Halloween Camp or the Suas Climbing Halloween Camp in Clonlara. For a Halloween sleepover break, check into Treacys West County Hotel, where the kids’ club brings Halloween to life with arts & crafts, scary movie nights and more.

SPOOKY ADVENTURES AND NIGHTTIME THRILLS

Grab a torch for the Halloween Night Walk at the 12 O’Clock Hills, complete with hot chocolate and sweet treats under the stars. Step into a world of mystery on the Ennis Dark History Private Walking Tour with tales of ghosts, banshees, and the witch Biddy Early. Ghost Hunt at Ennis Friary invites families to uncover haunting figures within its ancient walls, while over in Kilrush, Halloween at Vandeleur Walled Garden offers storytelling, trails, and pumpkin workshops. At Doolin Cave, explore the underground world on Halloween tours — fancy dress encouraged!

TALES, TRADITIONS, AND ANCIENT MAGIC

Celebrate the old stories of Samhain at the Samhain Púca Storytelling Festival at the Michael Cusack Heritage Centre in Carron — featuring storyteller Eddie Lenihan, folklore, crafts, and family fun. At Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Monsters, Misfits and Mayhem return for three days of wild performances, games, and Halloween chaos. In Ennis, Halloween Storytelling with Balor Otherworld at Cruises Bar brings eerie Irish tales to life with wit and wonder.

UNUSUAL ENCOUNTERS AND AUTUMN ESCAPES

Join The Flying Alpaca in Kilkee for a Spooky Alpaca Walk –Adults Only, or bring the family for The Flying Alpaca Hugs and Craft, blending animals and creativity. Sail away with Doolin Ferry’s “Sail, Scream & Save” offer and enjoy 20% off voyages beneath the cliffs or to the Aran Islands. Round off your spooky adventures with a visit to St Tola Goat Farm, where you’ll meet the goats, learn about artisan cheesemaking, and sample local flavours.

Discover all these events and more in the Clare Halloween Events Guide — available to read or download at ... Your Guide to Halloween in

High Court quash Ennistymon relief road judicial review but nothing is plain sailing at Blake’s Corner

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A HIGH COURT decision has dismissed an application to bring a judicial review challenge against the CPO for the Ennistymon inner relief road.

Ennistymon’s notorious traffic blackspot Blake’s Corner is among the main aspects of the inner relief road. The project has been in the offing since 2017 and has been subject to several delays akin to motorists stuck when travelling from Ennistymon to Lahinch.

On Tuesday, Clare County Council announced the project would now proceed to the next stage but nothing is plain sailing when it comes to Blake’s Corner with some insiders warning that the High Court case will not be approved until November 4.

A spokesperson for the County Council said they in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) “will now proceed to the next stages of the N67/N85 Ennistymon Inner Relief Road project”. This follows a decision in the High Court to dismiss an application for leave to bring a judicial review challenge against the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the inner relief road. The next stages of the project will include detailed design development, con-

clusion of the land acquisition and planning for the construction phase.

Back in 2017, a part eight planning application for the inner relief road was proposed by Cllr Bill Slattery (FG). In June 2020, Clare County Council published the Blake’s Corner CPO, the associated oral hearing for this was held in June 2021 with An Bord Pleanála granting the CPO approval in September 2022.

As part of the scheme, a new bridge will be constructed ap-

proximately 80m upstream of the existing Michael Conway Bridge.

The existing bridge, a protected 7-arch masonry bridge, will be pedestrianised and a plaza will be constructed at the western end. The scheme will include other enhancements to the area, including footpath improvements and enhanced crossing arrangements, landscaping, lighting and services enhancements, and other ancillary elements.

Historical traffic congestion issues in Ennistymon will be ad-

Disgraced former Garda to plead guilty to PULSE disclosure

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A FORMER Garda jailed in July for inciting strangers to rape a colleague is to plead guilty to the unauthorised disclosure of Garda PULSE personal data on fourteen individuals.

At Ennis Circuit Court today, Judge Francis Comerford said that Shane Flanagan (39), pictured, with an address in Ennis, Co Clare has indicated that his intention to plead guilty to charges before the court.

Counsel for the State, Sarah-Jane Comerford BL conﬁrmed that this is the case, stating that Mr Flanagan’s instructing solicitor has been in correspondence with the State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey “to say that guilty pleas are forthcoming”.

Ms Comerford said “these are serious charges”.

The case against Mr Flanagan who resigned from the force in March was listed for trial and the trial is not now to proceed following the indication of guilty pleas.

Mr Flanagan was brought by Irish Prison Service personnel from his prison today to be arraigned on the Pulse charges before the court.

However, the arraignment could not proceed after no

lici - tor or barrister appeared on Mr Flanagan’s behalf.

Assisting the court, Aaron Desmond BL said that Mr Flanagan did not seek legal aid in the District Court “but since then Mr Flanagan’s circumstances have changed and he is serving a lengthy prison term of seven years in prison”.

Judge Comerford granted legal aid for solicitor, Martin Cosgrove and two barristers to represent Mr Flanagan and adjourned the case to Thursday for Mr Flanagan to be arraigned.

In the case, Shane Flanagan is facing fourteen separate counts of disclosing personal data on the Garda PULSE Information system to another person on dates between January 12th 2020 to September 24 2020. The charges relate to Mr Flanagan disclosing the personal data without authorisation from the Garda

PULSE system to another person of 14 separate individuals and only their initials are provided on the charges in order to protect their identity. The individuals’ initials are listed as LL, FS, LMc, RN, SH, DC, WS, LG, GL, NC, KR, KD, DD and IS. Mr Flanagan is charged under the Data Protection Act.

At the Central Criminal Court at the end of July, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon sentenced Mr Flanagan to eight years in prison and suspended the ﬁnal year.

The court heard that Mr Flanagan impersonated a female colleague online and encouraged strangers to come to her house to rape her and her young daughters.

Ms Justice Eileen Creedon said that Shane Flanagan showed a breath-taking disregard for the safety of his victims.

Mr Flanagan admitted two counts of inciting two men to rape the woman, who had been a friend, on dates between November and December 2020.

Flanagan also admitted six counts of endangering the woman and her teenage daughters through his communications online and he pleaded guilty to possessing four images of child sexual abuse material.

dressed as part of the inner relief road. A review of previous studies of the junction at Blake’s Corner, a traffic modelling assessment of the improvement options and a design of an improvement scheme have all been carried out to find the most appropriate solution to deal with the longstanding traffic problems in Ennistymon.

No definitive start date for construction has been confirmed, Director of Service for Housing Delivery, Infrastructure Provision & Land Activation with Clare

County Council Alan Farrell, admitted. “The Council remains fully committed to progressing the project in a timely and responsible manner, with regular updates to be provided to the public as milestones are reached”.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) said the High Court decision was “a major step forward for Ennistymon and the wider North Clare area. The Inner Relief Road will significantly reduce traffic congestion in the town centre, improve safety for pedestrians and vulnerable road users, and help create a more accessible, attractive, and user-friendly town environment for both residents and visitors. By diverting traffic away from the town centre, the new road will also improve access to the Cliffs of Moher and surrounding areas; support sustainable tourism and local economic development; enhance the quality of life for residents; and protect the historic character of Ennistymon”.

Cllr Shane Talty (FF) welcomed the step but flagged “there may still be avenues of appeal open to affected property owners”. He added, “I hope that once the legal process concludes definitely that the TII will give the required priority funding of this project and ensure construction can commence as soon as is practicable”.

lRELIEF ROAD: Traffﬁc at Blake’s Corner

9 THE MAPLES, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

TULLA, CO. CLARE 87

HAWTHORNS, ENNIS, CO CLARE

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BUSINESSES in Ennis must be supported when the town reopens following the conclusion of the public realm construction works next month.

Clare County Council have conﬁrmed that the main construction phase of the long-running €11.5m Ennis public realm works will ﬁnish on November 26th.

In a proposal before the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) stated, “Now that the Public Realm works are nearing completion in the town. I request that Ennis MD liaise with the Local Enterprise Board, the Chamber of Commerce and other relevant bodies with a view to either supporting the reopening of businesses that have closed or ﬁnding replacements”.

Senior engineer, Seán Lenihan outlined that “lots of exciting events” are in the works for the Christmas period in the county town to “entice people of all ages over the festive period to enjoy and support the many fantastic shops,

pubs, restaurants and cafes that the town has to offer”.

He said staff within the Ennis MD “are always open and available to assisting existing and new businesses in any way that we can and will continue to do so. While it is accepted that some businesses have unfortunately closed due to various reasons, it is great that a number of new businesses have opened and indeed a number of existing ones have expanded”.

Lenihan has raised the matter with the Local Enterprise Ofﬁce, “they advise that they are committed to engaging with all stakeholders to assess what support can be provided to facilitate the future growth of Ennis Town Centre and how to promote both Ennis as a destination and how the individual businesses can promote themselves. Moreover, our colleagues in Planning and Property are active in returning vacant and derelict properties to use. Likewise, our Finance colleagues are always available to discuss issues surrounding

Commercial Rates and Members will be aware of the various grants and relief that are oftentimes available”.

Ennis Chamber in their engagement with the senior engineer ﬂagged “that many businesses have struggled while the public realm works were being carried out and would welcome support measures and an enhanced marketing and awareness campaign to attract additional footfall to Ennis”.

Cllr Daly commented, “Ennis Town is moving into a new era and it is looking so well but businesses have struggled during the works, some are closing. It is important to set out a strategy”. The aim of securing 100 percent occupancy “of all businesses on the streets throughout the town”, must be set, he maintained.

Seconding the motion, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) stated, “The uniqueness of our town is our small niche shops, our boutiques and our cafes”. He added, “Look at the amount of car spaces in Kildare Village and it is thriving”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

VEHICULAR trafﬁc will return to all streets of Ennis town centre next month except O’Connell Street.

O’Connell St is to remain closed to vehicular trafﬁc until February 16th of next year with a process beginning at the start of December to discuss its fulltime pedestrianisation.

Work on the main construction phase of the Ennis public realm project will ﬁnish on November 26th, Clare County Council have conﬁrmed. Vehicles will access all routes of the town centre from this date, except O’Connell Street. Christmas lights will be switched on in the county town on November 26th to start the festive period.

October was the scheduled completion date for the construction of the €11.5m public realm work but businesses were informed last week of a further delay to the scheme. “We can all see progress on the public realm works, they are to be completed on time which is in October of this year, it is possible that they may be completed by

September,” commented Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) in her final address as Mayor of Ennis in June. While the primary realm works are completed, some standard snag and minor finishing works will take place in the New Year. An online survey is to go live on December 8th 2025 and will remain open to submissions until January 4th 2026. This survey is inviting the views of the public, the business community, and visitors to Ennis on future access, traffic flow, and possible pedestrianisation options for O’Connell Street. The online survey will go live on the Clare County Council website (clarecoco.ie: Have Your Say) with physical copies of the survey available at Council buildings including libraries.

In mid-January, Clare County Council will begin a formal Section 38 process, inviting further public submissions. A Section 38 of the Roads Act allows a local authority to introduce or alter road layouts such as pedestrianisation, cycle lanes, or trafﬁc calming by public consultation, without needing a full planning application process.

Reaching the end of the construction phase is a “milestone” according to Director of Service in the Ennis MD, Jason Murphy. He described it as a “positive moment for the town, as the major construction works, spanning almost two years, comes to an end. Clare County Council

es, shoppers, visitors, and the local community time to provide informed feedback on the potential and any challenges associated with the possible pedestrianisation of the street”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) stated, “I encourage everyone, residents, busi-

wishes to thank the local business community, residents, and visitors for their patience and cooperation throughout the works. The period before and after Christmas is now a huge opportunity to experience O’Connell Street without any vehicular trafﬁc and construction works. It will also allow business-

nesses, and visitors, to take part in this important consultation from December 8, 2025. Your feedback will play a vital role in shaping the future of O’Connell Street and ensuring it meets the needs of our community. Together, we can create a vibrant, welcoming town centre that works for all”.

Humphreys says Tánaiste not sidelined for campaign & Clare FG members quote Loughnane

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

INFAMOUS words of two-time All-Ireland winning Clare manager Ger Loughnane were quoted by Joe Cooney TD (FG) as Presidential hopeful Heather Humphreys (FG) stopped off in Ennis.

Unlike her opponent, Catherine Connolly (IND) who refused to speak with local media in Clare on Saturday, Heather Humphreys (FG) on both occasions was willing to face questions from the fourth estate.

Noted for his active presence on social media and for having such a prominent role at events in advance of last year’s General Election as party leader, Tánaiste Simon Harris (FG) has been a noticeably less visible figure in the campaign.

Fielding questions from The Clare Echo, Humphreys said no directive was given from party headquarters for Harris to have a less visible role, “Absolutely not, he is doing everything he can to help me as are all the Ministers and TDs”.

She said, “I met Simon yesterday, I’ve been out with him canvassing and he is doing everything he is can, he was away and had to attend duties in the UN but I am in constant con-

tact with him, he is doing everything he can to help me”.

Welcoming the Presidential candidate to his constituency office in The Market, Ennis, Deputy Cooney remarked, “We’re going to do it, Ger Loughnane said it in 1995 and nobody gave us a chance then either”. Similar sporting sentiments were echoed by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) who commented, “it isn’t over until the final whistle”. “When you come from Monaghan, you are used to being the underdog,” she responded.

Former Clare TD and current Chair of Fine Gael’s Clare branch, Madeline Taylor-Quinn (FG) stated, “there isn’t a councillor nor a parish in this county that this woman hasn’t supported”. She said,

“we need to do everything we can in the next 48 hours to get every possible vote until 10pm on Friday.”

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) said the party had “full confidence” in their candidate winning. Former TD, Joe Carey (FG) and Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) also spoke of the Presidential qualities of Humphreys.

On what she would do differently if starting the campaign, Humphreys admitted, “I’d start earlier, I’ve been going around the country, I’m getting a great reception and that is the truth.

“I’m delighted to be here in Clare and I’ve been here many times before, I’ve been all around this county in Vandeleur Gardens, in DigiHubs and Clare is one of the fantas-

tic counties for their roll out of the DigiHubs. I was in Ennis to celebrate when Ennis won the Tidy Towns and many other places in Clare, it is a great county and I always get a great welcome when I come here”.

Support from Clare TD Cooney was acknowledged by the Monaghan native. “I’m here with Joe this evening, he is doing a lot of work for me and I’m grateful for that.

“I take a common sense approach to issues and I want to be a president for all of the country, a President with a focus on community and recognises the wonderful work volunteers do and a President that brings unity to communities within the country because I know there is huge division and we can never solve anything unless we sit down and talk.

“I want to bring that unity to this country as well in terms of Northern Ireland, I feel I’m well placed to have those conversations, and to build trust.

“I want to be a President who represents the country with pride on the international stage whether it is diplomatically, culturally or to open doors for Irish businesses. I do not promise perfection but I do promise is commitment, passion, hard work and service,” she added.

Irish Presidential front-runner Connolly dodges Mid-West media

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DURING her only visit to Clare ahead of the Presidential election, front-runner Catherine Connolly (IND) refused to take questions from the media. Favourite to become the next resident of Áras an Uachtaráin, Connolly declined interview requests from The Clare Echo and Clare FM.

Latest polls show Galway East TD Connolly is in pole position to succeed Michael D. Higgins as the new President of Ireland.

Twenty four hours after appearing on Radio Kerry’s ‘Kerry Today’ with Jerry O’Sullivan where she said she has “faced the media” and answered questions wherever she went, Connolly and her campaign team refused to do an interview with The Clare Echo and drove off when door-stepped in West Clare on Saturday evening.

During an appearance on Tipp FM on Friday last, Catherine was asked multiple times for her views on gender ideology, she responded, “it is up to people to decide that”, declining to go into detail on what her views were.

Having agreed to take a question when walking to her car, Connolly said “ah” and did not provide an answer when asked what her definition of a woman is. She did not respond when her remarks about ‘facing the media’ and her honesty were put to her as she sat into her campaign jeep.

Also in Spanish Point, an organising member of Connolly’s campaign team in Clare threatened this writer “I will ruin you” if details were published about the Presidential hopeful snubbing the media were published in advance of polling day.

Catherine (68) also declined to do interviews when she visited Limerick on Saturday. On Tuesday night’s Prime Time debate, she incorrectly claimed that she has never not answered questions from the media during this Presidential campaign.

Home of Clarecastle family transformed on DIY SOS

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A CLARECASTLE family were featured on RTÉ as their house underwent a renovation to assist a thirteen year old boy awaiting spinal surgery for scoliosis.

Baz Ashmawy and his team of volunteers improved the quality of life of the Barczak family as they appear on DIY SOS: e Big Build Ireland by transforming their home in Garden View.

irteen year old Franek is severely disabled and relies entirely on his family for his care. He has cerebral palsy, severe scoliosis, is visually impaired and unable to walk. Franek lives with his parents, Tanya and Val, his twin brother Antoni and older brother Tom.

Franek requires assistance for all transfers and ideally would have a hoist, but the family house was not equipped for this. Prior to the renovation, Val carried him upstairs to access his bedroom and the only bathroom. As Franek grows older this is becoming increasingly di cult.

Tanya had surgery last year to remove a brain tumour and is now unable to assist with li ing Franek due to her own health.

At present, Franek is

awaiting urgent spinal surgery for his scoliosis. His surgery has been delayed because he will need to be hoisted a er the procedure, and the family home as not adapted for this. e family was desperately in need of a downstairs bedroom and an accessible bathroom for Franek’s life post-surgery.

As Franek’s scoliosis worsens his need for an adapted home becomes ever more urgent.

Within the space of nine

 Scór na nÓG

15 clubs took part in Scor na nOg which was held in Cois na hAbhna on Saturday Oct 18.

The winning teams will represent Clare at the Munster Semi Final on Saturday November 15 at 2pm at Pallasgreen Hall, Co Limerick.

Torthai (Results)

Rince Foirne: Droichead

Abhann Ui gCearnaigh (Sixmilebridge)

Amhranaiocht Aonair: Aoife

Shannon (LGFA Miltown Malbay)

Bailead Ghrupa: Clar Atha da Coradh (Clarecastle)

Nuachleas: Cuar an Chlair (Cooraclare)

days, the family home was renovated, the episode which aired on Sunday on RTÉ One documented the transformation, all of which was made possible by the goodwill of local people.

In every episode an army of volunteer builders, labourers, trades, suppliers, friends and neighbours come together – giving their time, labour and materials free gratis – to help a family in real need.

Ceol Uirlise: Cuar an Chlair (Cooraclare)

Rince Seit: LGFA Burren Gaels.

Trath na gCeist: Cuar an Chlair (Cooraclare) Club of the Year: Cuar an Chlair. (Cooraclare)

DIY: Tanya, Atoni, Tom, Franek and Val Barczak

Shannon woman’s family ‘haunted’ by fear she did not receive medication in time

by David Raleigh news@clareecho.ie

A YOUNG Clare woman’s family are “haunted” by the fear that her death, a day after su ering a miscarriage, could have been prevented if she had received sepsis medication faster, her inquest heard.

Leona Cusack, pictured (33), Ballycasey, Shannon, died at UHL on February 18, 2024, a er she was transferred there by ambulance from University Maternity Hospital, Limerick (UMHL), as she was at risk of a heart attack.

Following two days of evidence, the Limerick Coroner’s Court found that Ms Cusack died of cardiac respiratory failure due neu-

trophilic myocarditis, a very rare condition that, the inquest heard can be caused by sepsis or can be a source of sepsis.

However, it was agreed that, due to a “breach” in HSE sepsis protocols, while Ms Cusack was a patient at University Hospital Limerick, she was initially only given a “narrow spectrum” of antibiotics.

Ms Cusack was eventually “loaded” with antibiotics a er her blood markers for sepsis rose “extraordinarily high” on February 17, and “doubly extraordinarily high” on February 18.

Damien Tansey, solicitor for Ms Cusack’s family told the inquest, “It is haunting the family that there were clear indicators of

CAR LOANS

IN LOTS OF COLOURS

sepsis and cardiac issues, but when she went to UHL, the sepsis was forgotten about”.

Medical witnesses, who were involved in Ms Cusack’s care, agreed with Mr Tansey that sepsis medication should be administered to sepsis patients within an hour.

Despite Ms Cusack being agged for sepsis by a doctor at UMHL on February 16, she did not receive the potentially life-saving broad spectrum antibiotic until around 4pm, on February 17.

Leona Cusack was ve weeks into an IVF pregnancy when she went to UMHL bleeding and su ering from cramps, in the early hours of February 15, 2024.

Bleeding and su ering from abdomen cramps, Ms Cusack underwent blood tests at the maternity hospital before going back to her home, believing no bed available at the hospital. She returned to UMHL on

Feb-

ruary 16, very unwell, vomiting and suffering from headaches and chest pain.

A consultant gynaecologist at UMHL, Dr Suhaib Akhtar Birmani, said that he recommended Ms Cusack be admitted to UMHL on February 16, and he went to attend other patients.

Ms Cusack’s husband, Conor Cusack said it was recommended that his wife be admitted to UMHL, but

that they overheard sta say there was no bed available at the time, and they went home.

e couple returned the following morning, February 17, with Ms Cusack’s symptoms worsening.

Dr Birmani said he was concerned Ms Cusack might have had an ectopic pregnancy. He agreed with Mr Tansey that he suspected Ms Cusack was su ering from sepsis and he said he lled out a form to this effect, and he initiated the hospital’s sepsis protocol.

Dr Birmani said UMHL requested the services of a cardiologist from UHL, however he said he received a phone call from UHL telling him Ms Cusack needed to be immediately transferred there by ambulance and that this was done.

Upon arrival at UHL, Ms Cusack was seen by a cardiologist, Dr Cormac O’Connor.

Ms Cusack’s sister, Rachael Kirwan, who works as an

advanced nurse practitioner, told the inquest she asked Dr O’Connor about her sister’s condition and that he told her that Ms Cusack had “the heart of a lion” and that he was “surprised she is not shadow boxing in the corner”.

Ms Kirwan said Dr O’Connor told her he was of the opinion that Ms Cusack’s heart rate could have been “anxiety driven”. Ms Cusack’s condition worsened and she passed away at UHL on February 18, three days a er initially presenting at UMHL.

Dr Adnan Abdalla, UHL medical registrar, was managing three critically ill patients including Ms Cusack in ICU.

He agreed with Mr Tansey that he suspected Leona Cusack was “su ering from sepsis”.

e inquest heard doctors were trying to locate the source of the infection because scans did not reveal it.

She was received by UHL’s coronary care unit under the care of cardiologist, Dr Cormac O’Connor.

During his evidence at the inquest, Dr O’Connor became emotional and apologised to Ms Cusack’s loved ones for “language” he used when speaking to Ms Cusack’s sister Rachael Kirwan, a quali ed advanced nurse practitioner.

Dr O’Connor told the inquest, “I made the comment to try to comfort (Ms Kirwan), I apologise for any distress caused”.

e cardiologist agreed with Damien Tansey that, the HSE’s sepsis protocol, was “breached” as Ms Cusack was initially given a “narrow” spectrum of antibiotics to treat her infection.

Damien Tansey told the inquest the escalation of antibiotics was “too late” for Ms Cusack and she died at UHL at 7.39pm, February 18, four days a er she had rst presented at UHL’s sister hospital, UMHL.

Mr McNamara said he was not satis ed to record a verdict of death by natural causes nor death by medical misadventure.

He said the inquest was a “fact- nding” exercise and recorded a “narrative” verdict, in line with the chain of evidence heard.

Speaking a erwards, Conor Cusack paid an emotional tribute to his late wife, “Leona was the nicest bubbliest person you’d ever meet in your life, she was the love of my life.”

Irish Dolphin and Whale Group win award

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

THE IRISH Whale & Dolphin Group (IWDG) were awarded for €10,000 their outstanding contributions to heritage.

e IWDG won a Heritage award and cash prize at the 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards in Kildare.

e Good Causes Awards celebrate inspiring organisations and individuals across Ireland who bene t from Good Causes part-funding. It is made up of seven categories: Sport, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage, Arts & Culture, Community, Youth, and Irish Language. is year’s ceremony took place at Killashee House Hotel on Saturday, hosted by Marty Whelan.

Founded in 1990, the Kilrush based organsiation is dedicated to the conservation and better understanding of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Irish waters.

rough research, education and advocacy, the group plays a vital role in protecting Ireland’s marine heritage and biodiversity.

“ e Irish Whale & Dolphin Group are winners of the Good Causes Heritage Award for their volunteers outstanding contribution, working in all weathers and conditions, rallying communities across Ireland to protect marine

life and shining a light on Ireland’s unique marine biodiversity, while also playing a vital role in protecting one of our most precious natural resources”, said Daithí O’Sé, Chair of the 2025 Judging Panel. Funds raised by the National Lottery for Good Causes are transferred to the Exchequer and are used to part-nance expenditure by various Government De-

partments on projects in sport and recreation, national culture, heritage, the Irish language, the arts, health, community, youth, and the natural environment. Each Government department or body accept applications for funding on an annual basis and disperses grants accordingly.

In total, more than €6.5 billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 37 years ago.

In 2024 alone, €239.3 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.

Chief Executive of the National Lottery Cian Murphy, congratulated all the winners, saying, “ is year’s winners highlight the very best of our small nation, making an extraordinary impact in our communities. anks to our players, these projects, clubs and individuals are changing lives every day, helping to build a better, fairer and more compassionate society for all.”

 A sweet taste of success

Lydia Ferry of Quin, Clare and Lara Vieira of Rosnaree Kids Club Limerick deliver icecreams to the graduates pictured as Graduates of the 2024/25 Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Programme following their conferring ceremony at Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.

Photo by: Brian Arthur

WINNERS: Pictured at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards are Kieran Caulﬁed, Louise Overy, Tabitha Overy, Gemma O’Connor, Catherine Meenaghan, Frances Gallagher, Csilla Trungel

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Lisdoonvarna widow laments absence of restorative justice in dangerous driving case

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A Clare widow has told an inquest that the absence of restorative justice in the case where her late husband died as a result of a French tourist’s dangerous driving “is a lost opportunity” for all concerned.

At the Clare Coroner’s Court in Kilrush, Helga Himmelsbach made her comments concerning the death of her husband, Jerry O’Connor (71) on July 27th 2023.

Mr O’Connor died at the scene on the N67 leading out of Ballyvaughan a er a French motorist, Olivier Le Bozec (43) crashed into Mr O’Connor’s Yamaha motorbike while Mr Le Bozec was driving on the wrong side of the road.

Mr Le Bozec of Rue Georges Cadoudal, Locoal Mendon, France was on the second day of a family holiday in Ireland with his wife and eight year old son and they were driving to Aillwee Caves outside Ballyvaughan when the crash occurred on a blind bend at 10.30am.

Mr Le Bozec pleaded guilty to the dangerous driving causing the death of Mr O’Connor and Mr Le Bozec walked free from court a er Judge Francis Comerford imposed a suspended 17 month prison term on Mr Le Bozec.

At Ennis Circuit Court last November, Judge Comerford also imposed a four year driving ban on Mr Le Bozec and the terms of his suspended prison term are on condition that he pays a €7,000 ne within twelve months.

At the Coroner’s Court, Clare County Coroner, Isobel O’Dea found that Mr O’Connor died as a result of poly-trauma consistent with a road tra c collision.

An eye-witness, June Rouine driving behind Mr O’Connor said in her deposition that Mr O’Connor “had no chance to react” before the head on impact with Mr Le Bozec’s car.

Ms Rouine said that Mr O’Connor skidded o to the right and went under the car which was on the wrong side of the road.

A er the French-registered Renault came to a halt, Ms Rouine said that the French couple went over to the motorcyclist lying on back. She said, “I don’t know if they touched him. ey were crying and hugging each other.”

In the witness box at the sentencing hearing last November, Mr Le Bozec told the court through a translator said, “My wife and I deeply regret what happened and this will be with us until the end of our lives”.

e hospital maintenance worker said, “We will always think about

the man who died that day until the end of our lives unfortunately. We are truly, deeply and sincerely sorry for what happened”.

e inquest was told details of the suspended sentence and penalties imposed on Mr Le Bozec.

At the inquest, Ms Himmelsbach said that none of that is relevant to Mr Le Bozec because a court sentence in Ireland “does not transfer to France so Monsieur Le Bozec could leave Ireland with no obligations from his trial”.

Ms O’Dea said, “ at seems to be the situation indeed yes”.

During the summer, Ms Himmelsbach met Minister of State at the Dept of Transport, Séan Canney (IND) TD in Ennis to highlight her ongoing concerns over road safety in the Burren and tourist routes.

In September, Ms Himmelsbach went on a walk and cycle from Kilrush to Kinvara to highlight the danger of tra c on the roads in North and West Clare, especially during the tourist season

At the conclusion of the evidence and a er Ms O’Dea returned the cause of death, Insp Ronan McMa-

hon and Ms O’Dea o ered their sympathies to Ms Himmelsbach.

However, in response Ms Himmelsbach told the inquest, “I just wish that Olivier De Bozec would have extended his sympathies to me which he never did”.

Ms Himmelsbach said that unfortunately Mr De Bozec was not present at the inquest which, she said is again unhelpful, as he could not see the extent of the damage which he has caused.

Ms Himmelsbach said that it is very sad that our justice system is as lax as it appears to be and that a man whose driving resulted in the death of another man could just walk free.

Ms Himmelsbach said that the system gives no opportunity for restorative justice “which would not only have been helpful to me but also to Jeremiah’s family and friends but also to Mr De Bozec and his family”.

She said, “It was a huge opportunity that was lost yet again.”

A er the inquest, Ms Himmelsbach said nothing has happened yet concerning the road safety improvements she has highlighted. On dealing with her continuing grief over the loss of Mr O’Connor, Ms Himmelsbach said that it is getting worse commenting “it is an abyss becoming deeper and wider all the time”.

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DANGEROUS DRIVING: Helga Himmelsbach

Bright bulbs, fallen leaves and spooky wreaths mark the ﬁnal days of October

It only feels like yesterday I was talking about the start of October and here we are near the end with Halloween approaching.

A Busy month with lots of people taking advantage of the dry days and evening and adding Spring bulbs to your collection in the garden.

The most popular are the Tulips with mix colours but the daffodils are a brillant way to welcome spring too and remember if you don’t have a garden, you can always add the dwarf variety of Daffodil or tulips to pops or window boxes.

The snowdrops and blue bells are great for under tree

planting and sometimes I love to add the crocus too the colours are bright and cheerful addition to any border.

Pots are very popular for us this time of year with lots of you bringing back pots to be refreshed for the grave we are kept busy so there are lots of choices available and colour for this time of year.

The skimma are a lovely shrub and comes in a few varieties the red top berry is one I love to use and add heathers with a primroses or cyclamen depending on the request for the pot some like simple with one type of plant and some like a mix of plants.

We have lots of pots filled with variety of mixes call in to view.

At this time of year coming into ‘All Souls’ we call to graveyards and fill pots at grave side for family’s and to enquiry more about this service give us a call.

Halloween pots available and spooky wreath available to dress up the door or they make great gifts for visiting Friends.

We have lovely orange berries and orange heather to add to your autumnal theme this October.

With the leaves falling off the tress be mindful how easy it may be to slip on wet leaves so keep footpath and

driveway clear and safe to walk on.

If possible, leave the leaves they are great for the wild life this time of year and can mulch up beds and borders too.

As the weekend approaches have a check in the garden see what can you add for more spring colour, have you got the bird feeders out maybe a water bath for birds.

Getting ready for Halloween by adding a bit of hocus pocus around the front door and some fun for trick or treats Happy week ahead.

Éire Óg heroes meet future GAA stars

ÉIRE ÓG’S history-makers returned to their club last Friday to join future stars of the club.

After completing the double in Senior hurling and football - the only club in the country to do so this year - Éire Óg senior hurlers

and footballers returned to the Clonroadmore clubhouse last Friday with Jack Daly and Canon Hamilton in tow.

Club captains David Reidy and Aaron Fitzgerald were among those to be greeted by members

of the children’s academy, which begins at U5 level to U12, on their ﬁnal session of the season last Friday night.

All photos by Natasha Barton

Ciaran Russell of Éire Óg with his sons Rian and Cuan Russell

 Noah Ruane and Hugo Nevin with Manus Doherty of Éire Óg

David Reidy chats to the young Éire Óg supporters

 Éire Óg’s Aaron Fitzgerald with his daughter Marlowe

Mark McInerney and Manus Doherty of Éire Óg with Alex Flanagan and Liam Ashe

Regional News

Shannon Airport’s history of the skies goes underground with new time capsule

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A TIME capsule has been buried in the ground at Shannon Airport to mark eighty years since the first scheduled transatlantic passenger flight from Co Clare.

Predictions for the future and a snapshot of life in 2025 were contained in the commemorative time capsule which was buried underground at Shannon Airport on Tuesday morning.

Submissions opened last month for the ‘Time Sealed and Delivered’ initiative in September with entries received from schools in Clare, Limerick, Galway and Tipperary.

Senior Infants from St Conaire’s NS in Shannon included AI generated portraits of future selves where they were joined by teacher Aimee Moore and principal Peter Walsh.

Poetic reflections were made by students at the Brothers of Charity in Shannon who gave a moving perspective on the importance of inclusive journeys.

Predictions about driverless cars and prosthetic technology also featured while a glimpse into daily school life, the spirit of rural communities and small schools were also emphasised in the submissions.

Sustainability was another focus of the contributions. A branded Visit Clare cup celebrated Ireland’s first countywide Certified Sustainable Tourism Destination. The Shannon Airport Group’s own, award-winning conservation grazing project was documented alongside other green initiatives - a reminder that environmental stewardship is central to the region’s identity.

Shannon’s distinctive business landscape was also acknowledged in the time capsule via contributions from companies that represent both its legacy and future.

El Electronics, one of the earliest to establish in the Shannon Free Zone in 1963 shared materials that speak to its enduring local presence and global success. Mbryonics who are preparing to join

the Shannon Airport Business Park, offered a message about its mission to deliver the internet in space, capturing the spirit of cutting-edge Irish innovation.

Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) shared a message about its work in next-generation mobility and infrastructure, expressing hope that today’s innovations will shape tomorrow’s reality.

The Shannon Airport Group’s own contribution offers a detailed snapshot of the organisation in 2025, including a staff photo, key statistics such as passenger numbers, routes and carbon emissions, and airport ground plans that may look very different in 80 years’ time.

Interim CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll was

the first to begin burying the time capsule. He stated, “This Time Capsule isn’t just about honouring where we’ve come from, it’s about sharing who we are today with the future. Since that first scheduled transatlantic passenger flight in 1945, Shannon Airport has grown into a place of global significance and local pride.

“From welcoming over two million passengers a year to pioneering world-firsts like Duty Free shopping and US Preclearance, Shannon has consistently led the way in aviation, innovation and accessibility. As we mark eighty years of progress, it’s exciting to imagine where we’ll be in another eighty. By preserving a snapshot of life today, we’re giving future generations the chance to look back, reflect, and see just how far we’ve come,” he added.

Sealed at Shannon Airport, the time capsule will remain buried on the grounds of the Airport until 2105 when the 160th anniversary of the first scheduled transatlantic flight is celebrated.

Further charges brought against pro-Palestinian activists for Shannon Airport breach

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

FURTHER charges have been brought against three female pro-Palestinian activists concerning an alleged security breach at Shannon Airport in May.

At Ennis District Court, Det Garda Noel Carroll of Shannon Garda Station has told the court that the DPP has directed that the cases are going to be heard in the Circuit Court before a jury.

In the new charges, Badhbh Ní Chathasaigh (26) of Fr. Murphy Place, Midleton, Co. Cork and Claire Brennan (25) of Seaview Wood, Shankill, Dublin 18 are now both charged with interfering with the operation, management or safety at Shannon Airport by entering a runway at Shannon Airport on May 1 causing its closure.

The charge is contrary to Section 47 of the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act, 1998.

In a second new charge before the court, Ms Ní Chathasaigh and Ms Brennan are also charged having under their control

at Shannon Airport, a Ford Transit Van, a sledgehammer, a bolt cutters, an axe, a battery operated angle grinder and spray paint intending without lawful excuse to damage the property of Shannon Airport which they

knew was likely to endanger the life of persons within Shannon Airport.

This charge is contrary to section 4 Criminal Damage Act, 1991.

Ms Brennan is also facing a dangerous

driving charge of the Ford Transit Van at Shannon Airport on May 1st contrary to section 53(1) of the Road Traffic Act, 1961.

Sgt Frank O’Grady said that a third accused, Sinead Ní Fhaoláin (22) of Korthion, Barnhill Road, Dalkey, Dublin is to also face additional charges and Judge Alec Gabbett adjourned Ms Ní Fhaoláin’s case to next Wednesday for the purpose of charge.

Already, all three accused were facing charges of trespass in a restricted area adjacent to Hangar 20 and the Main Apron adjacent to the light aircraft parking area, Shannon Airport and the criminal damage of the perimeter fence at Shannon Airport on May 1 last.

The court was told that Ms Ní Chathasaigh and Ms Brennan made no reply after charge and caution before court.

All three are on bail and Judge Gabbett extended the current bail terms on the new charges. Judge Gabbett adjourned the cases concerning Ms Ní Chathasaigh and Ms Brennan to November 5th for the Book of Evidence to be served in the case.

lTIME CAPSULE: Interim CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll with Casey Divinny and Ronan Keane, Brothers of Charity Shannon. Photo by: Arthur Ellis

lSECURITY BREACH: Pro-Palestinian activists at Shannon Airport

Shannon

West Clare

Cooraclare’s Aaron awarded €25k scholarship

New traditional music archive gig for Miltown Malbay’s Liam

COORACLARE’s Aaron Townsend has been awarded with a Naughton Foundation Scholarship worth €25,000.

Aaron’s alma mater, St Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point has also received €1,000 towards the science facilities in the school for their support of their winning student.

Spanish Point school awards in June 2024, Aaron received a leadership award from the school.

Aaron is now studying engineering at the University of Limerick.

MILTOWN MALBAY concertina player Liam O’Brien has taken on a new role with the Irish Traditional Music Archive.

Start planning ahead this season

AS October continues to show us her beauty and amazing fall blooms there are still things to do around the garden and lots to plan for One of the many autumn tasks is to take cuttings to propagate new plants. This method can be a great way to expand your garden by cloning your favourite perennials, shrubs and herbs.

On Saturday, Aaron was awarded the Naughton Foundation Scholarship at a ceremony in Trinity Business School, Trinty College where he was joined by his former principal, Paul Reidy.

including hydran geas camellias, and roses. Deciduous shrubs: Forsythia, viburnum or dog wood and ever greens: like box wood or holly are also some excellent choices.

Some of the best plants for autumn cutting are; herbaceous perennials; like lavender, mint, or rosemary,, semi hard wood shrubs:

Founding patrons of the Naughton Foundation, Dr Martin Naughton and his wife Carmel were joined by Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation Jack Chambers (FF), TD to present winning students with their awards and cheques.

Supporting academic and innovative excellence in Irish students,

There are two main cutting methods. Semi hard wood cutting is taken from the current season’s growth, which has partially matured. This stage of growth is perfect in autumn because the wood is firm but still pliable. Root cuttings can be taken from plants that are dormant in

the Naughton Foundation Scholarship Awards are an investment in the future of Ireland’s reputation as a country with outstanding graduates promoting the study of engineering, science, and technology at third level.

and are sold and planted without soil around the roots. This is a less expensive way to plant some new hedging and trees. Some of the most common variety of hedging available are laurel, beech, griselinia, hawthorn, privet and box hedging. These a usually become available in garden centre when the weather starts

ere is one guaranteed scholarship (€25,000) for each participating county, with some counties awarded

to get cooler at the end of October and are usually available till end of March. So, if you were need to cover a boundary, now is the time to consider what hedge type you like best.

“October is a symphony of permanence and change, a startling dance between the crisp bite of autumn air and the warm glow of golden leaves.”

more than one scholarship and each scholarship is worth €6,000 for each year of a student’s three- or four-year undergraduate degree.

Townsend joins thirty seven other exceptional Irish students who were awarded third level scholarships towards their studies in the areas of engineering, science, technology, and maths.

At the St Joseph’s

A prominent footballer with Cooraclare, he captained St Joseph’s Spanish Point to win the Clare PPS Senior A Football Championship last year when they defeated Ennistymon Community School. He was introduced for Cooraclare’s intermediates in their ve point loss to Coro n in the Clare IFC nal a fortnight ago. A hamstring injury saw him drop out of the starting een prior to the semi- nals.

Speaking about the growth and development of the programme over the past seventeen years, Dr Naughton commented, “Both Carmel and I are delighted by the growth of this program and the incredible community of alumni who are doing extraordinary work in education, research and industry at home and abroad”.

Liam has been hired to the post of Digital Access and Development Ofﬁcer for Co Clare with the ITMA, a role that has been supported by the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation.

Steeped in a musical family, Liam began learning music at the age of four from his mother Bríd O’Donoghue. He studied concertina under Noel Hill and was awarded the TG4 Ceoltóir Óg na Bliana/Young Musician of the Year Award in 2017.

A BA graduate in Irish Music and Dance from the University of Limerick, Liam also has a Masters in Film Production and Direction. He has previously worked with both Nuacht RTÉ and TG4.

As Clare Digital Access and Development Ofﬁcer, Liam will facilitate the digitisation, cataloguing and increase in access to the more than 10,000 Clare-related materials currently housed in ITMA’s extensive collection in Dublin.

As a result, this three-year position will provide the people of Clare with unprecedented access to their musical heritage inspiring cultural engagement and contributing to the social, economic and cultural sustainability of the county.

CEO of ITMA, Liam O’Connor

commented, “Along with being one of the country’s ﬁnest traditional musicians, Liam O’Brien’s deep grá for the music of Clare, along with his technical expertise and experience, uniquely qualify him to help ITMA archive, make accessible and collect Clare-related materials. This new position will advance ITMA’s mission to provide free, universal access to archival materials and will set an unrivalled standard for archival preservation and accessibility, making Clare a world-leader when it comes to digital access to its musical heritage”.

On his new position, Liam stated, “I’m thrilled to be working with ITMA to archive, catalogue and make available the traditional music, song and dance of Co Clare. Growing up surrounded by music in Miltown Malbay, I know ﬁrst hand the importance of documenting and collecting from musicians in order to keep our tradition alive and thriving. I look forward to liaising with local communities and collectors who wish to have their archival collections digitised and made accessible by ITMA”. ITMA’s upcoming ‘Drawing from the Well’ concert on November 2 in the community hall at Miltown Malbay will see Liam perform as a special guest. He commences the new gig later this month from a desk at Oidhreacht an Chláir, Miltown Malbay. He will also spend time training at ITMA’s ofﬁce in Merrion Square, Dublin, where he will have access to staff expertise and digitisation resources.

Halloween Spiced Pumpkin and Coconut Soup

INGREDIENTS

n50grams butter

n1 medium white onion diced

n50grams fresh ginger, ﬁnely chopped

nOne pint of vegetable stock

nOne small pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cut into cubes

nOne teaspoon of ground cinnamon

nOne teaspoon of ground nutmeg

nOne can of coconut milk

nOne mild red chilli, chopped

nTwo cloves of garlic, chopped

nOne tablespoon of red thai curry paste

nA few sprigs of coriander, optional

nGrounded sea salt and milled black pepper

METHOD

Step 1

In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Add onions, chilli, garlic, ginger and dry spices until sweated, but not coloured Add in pumpkin, and sweat it off a little, stirring continuously before adding vegetable stock and coconut milk. Reduce heat and simmer for twenty minutes

Step 2

Puree your soup, using a stick blender or jug blender

Season with salt and pepper.

Option: drizzle with coconut cream or creme fraiche, garnish with

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

 SCHOLARSHIP: Carmel Naughton, Paul Reidy principal of St Joseph’s Secondary School Spanish Point, Aaron Townsend, Minister Jack Chambers TD and Martin Naughton at the 2025 Naughton Foundation Scholarship awards held at Trinity Business School, Trinity College Dublin. Photograph by: Kieran Harnett

Community plans for Kilfenora Corner Project scrapped

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

COMMUNITY LED plans to acquire Linnane’s Pub for use as a cultural hub in Kilfenora have been scrapped.

Over €22,000 had been raised for the Kilfenora Corner Project since July but the property has been withdrawn from the market ending the vision of the voluntary community group.

A spokesperson for the Kilfenora Corner project stated, “Regrettably, the owners have withdrawn it from the market and are going in a different direction”.

Generosity from the public and philanthropic donors had the group almost in a position to make an offer for the venue. “Thank you sincerely for the support and encouragement shown over the past few months. Thanks to the generosity of philanthropic donors and everyone who donated, we were nearing a position to make an offer. Despite our best efforts, circumstances outside our control brought the process to a halt”.

Estimates from the group were that €35,000 was required to secure a deposit, €350,000 to purchase the premises and €500,000 would cover the legal costs and building upgrades.

All persons who contributed via GoFund will receive their money “back shortly,” the spokesperson confirmed. “The issues we hoped to address, rural decline, the loss of village spaces, pub closures, are still very real, and we hope our efforts might encourage others to keep pushing for positive change. Whatever happens with the building, we hope it will still become an asset to

the village”.

Members of the Kilfenora Corner project included Sonja O’Brien, Sue Targett, Gerard Linnane, Cara O’Donoghue, Orla Vaughan, John Morgan, Aoife Kelly and Daithí O’Reilly. Their aim was to reopen Linnane’s pub as a community-driven social enterprise that safeguards the musical tradition, promotes local culture and fosters sustainable community initiatives.

Linnane’s would have been the heart of traditional music activities with the adjacent property and land supporting broader community projects including a kindergarten, community garden, social housing and a farmers’ market. The pub has been closed since 2022.

Boston childcare granted expansion

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

A BOSTON pre-school will soon be able to facilitate an extra 20 children after being granted conditional permission to expand.

The 158.83sqm Boston Community Childcare building in Kylecreen will feature three multi-purpose rooms, a nappy changing room, a sleep room, reception, admin ofﬁce, and kitchenette.

Boston’s community childcare facility, ‘Little Rockers’, has offered full-day care services for preschool children in the area since 2012. This small school sits across the Boston National School, divided by the Drumnadeevna road.

These extensions came after the school secured around €429,000 in government funding in May. According to gov.ie, Norma Foley commented, “I absolutely recognise that we need to go further to support parents, educators, practitioners and providers across the early learning and childcare sector, with the focus always on ensuring positive experiences for children.”

At the time, Cllr Joe Garrihy also announced funding for extensions and new childcare buildings in Lisdoonvarna, Loughgraney, and Newmarket on Fergus.

The development directly adjoins the village’s Protected Structure, All Saints Church, with which it shares an access and car parking area. The site currently comprises a portacabin-style building on an elevated concrete base with a detached timber shed to the rear and a maintained lawn area to the west, surrounded by dense hedgerows. Being located within the East Burren Complex Special Area of Conservation (SAC), it is surrounded by limestone pavement, a qualifying interest feature of the SAC.

However, after assessments, the Clare

Vaughan Lodge & Mark Nolan honoured at ITGOA awards

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

VAUGHAN LODGE Hotel in Lahinch scooped a two in a row when it was once again recognised for its hospitality to golfers while Mark Nolan was also honoured for his contribution to the industry.

At the 28th Annual Ireland Golf Tour Operation Association (ITGOA) Conference and Gala Awards, Vaughan Lodge won Boutique Property of the Year for the second year running.

Co-founder Maria Vaughan and long-term staff member Martina Greene accepted the accolade at the K Club in Kildare on Monday night.

Tour operators, golf clubs, resorts, hotels and transport providers all convened on The K Club for the two-day event.

Themed ‘Staying On Course’, the conference addressed the challenges and opportunities ahead for the industry. Economist Jim Power delivered a keynote on the wider economic landscape and its implications for tourism, while AI and digital transformation expert Ciaran Connolly provided real-world

demonstrations of how emerging technologies can drive growth and innovation in golf tourism businesses.

Michael Vaughan, co-owner of Vaughan Lodge said they were thrilled to be recognised for the second year in succession. “Thanks in no small part to the wonderful team members at Vaughan Lodge Hotel and the wonderful guests that provide the majority of our business each year from the Ireland Golf Tour Operator Association (IGTOA) members”.

He said, “we are honoured by this unprecedented accolade. We strive to continue to provide a great service to all your members and guests”.

Mark Nolan’s contribution to the industry was also recognised when he was presented with the Jerry Donworth Outstanding Contribution to Golf award.

After thirty five years as Managing Director and General Manager of Dromoland Castle Resort in, Mark stood down in February 2025. He remains a Board Member, Investor/ Shareholder and Consultant with the five star resort in Newmarket-on-Fergus. Since his exit from Dromoland, Mark has been appointed President of Shannon Chamber. He has also set up a new company Hallmark Hospitality that offers expertise to the luxury hospitality industry.

County Council have decided that the proposed development would likely have no signiﬁcant impacts on the SAC as a result of construction.

The Clare County Council have granted permission for the site with 11 conditions. Of these conditions, they have required that the childcare facility shall operate between 7:30am and 6pm from Monday to Friday and that the shared use community rooms shall be utilised between 8:30am and 9:30pm from Monday to Sunday.

As well as this, they have stated that the maximum number of children permitted to use the childcare facility shall be 25, and any trees, hedgerows, or dry-stone wall on the periphery of the site shall be protected from damage.

The proposed building is amended from a previously granted development from 2020. The new planning development is of a sim lar nature, with the same elevational design, external materials, and ﬁnishes.

The unit will be extended in overall length by approximately 1m to the rear of the building on the south-east and 2.6m to the rear of the building on the south-west. The eastern element of the building will be extended in width from its original 5.1m plan to 5.6m.

The development will comprise the same number of multipurpose rooms with an increase in size.

According to planning permissions, it is outlined that it is the Clare County Council’s objective to “encourage the provision of affordable and accessible childcare and preschool facilities on well-located sites that are close to the populations they intend to serve throughout County Clare and in line with population and employment growth” and to “facilitate the development of additional childcare services for vulnerable or disadvantaged groups in the community”.

lPROJECT: Members of the Kilfenora Corner project

lAWARD: Maria Vaughan and Martina Greene accept the award for Vaughan Lodge

East Clare

Lovely entrance to O’Callaghans Mills at risk of removal

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

REMOVING a tree lined landscape on “a lovely entrance” to O’Callaghans Mills “would be a shame”, a senior engineer in Clare County Council has said.

In order to construct a footpath linking sections of O’Callaghans Mills, Cllr Conor Ryan (FG) has said that new trees could be sewn if the existing ones have to be removed in order to add the link in the East Clare village.

While he seconded the motion, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) voiced his opposition to removing the trees in the Mills. The local authority are also reluctant to interfere with the “beauty” of the village.

Cllr Ryan proposed that the County Coun-

lAT RISK: Entrance to O’Callaghan Mills

cil “in consultation with residents and landowners design plans and secure funding for the construction of a footpath and associated lighting to link the two halves of O’Callaghan’s Mills along the R466”. Senior executive engineer, Declan Flanagan stated, “The connection between the two halves of O’Callaghan’s Mills is of huge importance to the local community in linking the existing

housing developments to the National School, Community Centre, Church and GAA Grounds. A project of this nature will require a significant funding stream and detailed design. Approval will be required to dedicate lands to the project as land take will be involved”.

Recent meetings on the subject of traffic calming have been held in the Mills community,

Flanagan outlined. The request for a potential path connecting both halves of the village was acknowledged.

Flanagan explained that further discussions would be required with the local community before progressing a detailed design.

Speaking at a meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Ryan noted of the response, “You have identified or acknowledged the serious need for a footpath linking the two halves of the village. It is something the community has been crying out for for years, it is reaching boiling point, we’re hitting winter and travelling the road at night is highly dangerous”.

Building a footpath is a must but not at the expense of the scenery, Cllr O’Callaghan flagged.

Limerick to Scariff Greenway ‘has gone off the agenda’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A 43KM GREENWAY planned for East Clare “has gone off the agenda,” a former Mayor of Clare has lamented.

Contracts for the design of the Limerick to Scariff Greenway were signed in June 2021 yet the project remains in the option selection phase with very little progress recorded. In the ﬁrst quarter of this year, a peer review of the preferred route corridor was completed.

Landowners who have held meetings with Waterways Ireland on the potential use of their land did not receive an update for over a year and a half.

Raising the matter at a meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) stated, “the Greenway has gone off the agenda. We need to come back here, it doesn’t seem to me that we have been given information”. He said councillors were led to believe results would be visible by now.

Senior executive engineer in the Killaloe MD, Declan Flanagan reminded councillors that Waterways Ireland gave a presentation to them earlier this year and in March 2024. He advised the meeting that the individual leading the project has just

returned from sick leave and will attend the November meeting of the Killaloe MD. “It was circumstances outside his control, they will be here for our next meeting”.

Meanwhile, Live95 FM have reported that a brieﬁng of Limerick City and County Council with Waterways Ireland that the Black Bridge in Plassey would be restored and incorporated as part of the Greenway. It is expected to form phase one of the overall route. Since 2010, the Black Bridge has been closed due to safety concerns. It links the Canal Bank Walk near the University of Limerick with Co Clare. It dates back to 1840 and was a popular meeting spot for families and ﬁshermen for decades.

Local elected members in Limerick were informed the project is hoped to get underway in the second quarter of 2026.

As part of the Shannon Tourism Masterplan, the Limerick to Scariff Greenway is listed as a signature project and would link Limerick City with Lough Derg and East Clare. Villages such as Clonlara, O’Briensbridge, Killaloe, Ogonnelloe and Tuamgrane have been touted as potential connections along the route.

Focus on friendship for Cois na hAbhna show

‘CAIRDEAS’, a new show from Comhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann, with a focus on friendship and celebrating connections, will take to the stage at Cois na hAbhna, Ennis, on Thursday October 30.

Through words and music, song and dance, ‘Cairdeas’ will bring the audience on a unique journey celebrating how the ancient Irish concept of ‘cairdeas’ or ‘friendship’ is central to our culture, forging connections between people and communities throughout our history and down to the present day.

Once an annual event, this is the first tour of Ireland by a Comhaltas group since covid restrictions forced their cancellation, and this welcome return features some of Ireland’s best traditional musicians, singers and dancers.

Many of those performing are multi-instrumentalists and, between them, have claimed more than fifty All-Ireland titles.

‘Cairdeas’ will also feature a rich weave of prose and poetry and song from narrators Ciana Campbell, former RTÉ broadcaster, and acclaimed actor Diarmuid de Faoite, known for

his compelling stage and screen work.

Joining them will be celebrated vocalists, Anthony Kearns of the Irish Tenors, and the renowned traditional singer Karen Trench from Kerry, completing an exceptional line-up.

‘Cairdeas’ has strong Clare connections with both producer Ray Conway and narrator Diarmuid de Faoite hailing from the town of Ennis, while Ciana Campbell, though originally from Co.Mayo, is a long time resident of the county town.

Frank Whelan, Chairman of Cois na hAbhna, is looking forward to welcoming ‘Cairdeas’ to the Ennis venue.

“We are delighted to have been selected as a venue for this Comhaltas tour with such a great line-up of per-

formers. And in keeping with the theme of friendship, I’m delighted that we’ll be joined on the night by Inisowiacy, a Polish traditional music group based in Ennis, to share with us some music and song from their own culture. All in all, it promises to be a fantastic night.”

The ‘Cairdeas’ tour will start at Cultúrlann na hÉireann, the Comhaltas headquarters in Monkstown Dublin on Saturday October 25 and this will be followed by performances in Dundalk, Belfast, Letterkenny, Ballina and Ennis, finishing at Brú Boru in Cashel on Friday 31 of October.

For booking see www. coisnahabhna.ie or call 065 6824276.

For further information contact Frank Whelan 086 826 0300

Ennis Chelsea supporters club celebrate thirty years

Ennis Chelsea Supporters Club will celebrate thirty years in existence.

THIRTY YEARS of the Ennis Chelsea Supporters Club will be marked this weekend.

On Saturday (October 25), Lucas’ Bar on Parnell Street in Ennis is the setting from 8pm where the

Founded in 1995 with the aim of bringing Chelsea FC supporters from Co Clare and Co Limerick to attend games in Stamford Bridge and away stadia, the members have witnessed some historic

lWorld Mental Health Day

moments in the history of the London based club. There are 103 members of the supporters club, both young and old. The club is always represented by members for Chelsea’s home games in the Premier League and European competitions.

Grow Mental Health fundraiser in Kilmaley

ENNIS’ branch of Grow Mental Health will hold a social dancing fundraiser this weekend.

On Sunday night (October 26th) from 9pm to 11:30pm, the social dancing fundraiser takes place in The Kilmaley inn. Micheál Sexton will provide music on the night.

Spot prizes will be available for those with admission tickets. Admission for Sunday’s fundraiser is €10.

lCAIRDEAS: Members of Comhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Chapel Lane Community Counselling and Psychotherapy, an affordable counselling service for the public conveniently located in the heart of Ennis town hosted a series of free workshop on Friday, October 10 to mark Wold Mental Health Day

Ennis

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

lMENTAL HEALTH DAY: Dipankar Biswas, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Eileen Breen, Shirley Butler, Ann Lynch, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) Mayor of Ennis, TD oe Cooney (FG) and TD Cathal Crowe (FF)

Gort & South Galway

Students of Gort Community School lead the call for a safe cycle and walk lane

STUDENTS at Gort Community School are leading a campaign for a new walk and cycle lane along the busy Ennis and Galway road, stretching from Shanaglish to Ardrahan.

According to the students the route, which connects six primary schools, several GAA pitches, town halls, and the town of Gort itself poses a serious risk to pedestrians and cyclists, especially to students who travel it daily.

The students argue that the road’s narrow layout, lack of footpaths and heavy traffic make it unsafe for anyone not travelling by car.

They’re calling on Galway County Council to prioritise safer, more inclusive infrastructure that allows students and residents to walk or cycle without fear.

Over the past year, the students have gathered more than 1,000 signatures from members of the community, reflecting strong local support for the pro-

posal. The campaign’s plan would provide a dedicated walk and cycle lane along the R458, linking schools and amenities used by over 2,000 students and nearly 3,000 local residents.

The campaign began when Gort Community School student Clara Blodau decided to speak out after realising just how unsafe her journey to school had become.

“Cycling makes me feel good. The fresh air blowing in my face, the rush of excitement zooming along our beautiful country lanes in hot pursuit of my little brother, is magical,” Clara explained.

“The exercise and fresh air before a long day of school put me in a good mood for the rest of the day with a positive mindset and better concentration made school so much more fun!”

Due to constant safety concerns from the busy roads leaving Clara feeling vulnerable, she stopped cycling to school, much like her fellow students.

After realising the extent of the safety concerns on

her local roads Clara began to contact councillors, the Gardai, and other stakeholders to collect ideas, information and discuss possible solutions.

In her research Clara found that cycling is much less common in Ireland in comparison to other European countries.

“Nearly half of the population of the Netherlands and over one third of the population of Denmark, Finland and Hungary cycle

Severe weather tech used during Storm Éowyn wins award

SEVERE weather technology utilised in Galway during Storm Éowyn has received a national award.

Galway County Council and Galway Fire and Rescue Service have been recognised for leadership in emergency technology after their Severe Weather Event Management System (SWEMS) proved instrumen- tal during Storm Éowyn and was recently showcased by Government as part of its storm review.

At the 2025 Business Post Public Sector Digital Transformation Awards, held at the Mansion House in Dublin, the local authority received the Best Local Government Authority Project Award.

Developed in-house by Galway County Council and

built on the ESRI ArcGIS platform, SWEMS provides emergency teams with a live, interactive map of severe weather events, enabling faster and more informed decision-making. The system also connects to public-facing platforms, including social media and a text alert service, giving residents real-time updates as conditions change.

“Up to now there has been a lag getting information, and we found we were behind the curve straight away,” said Paul Duffy, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Ofﬁcer. “This system means all our information is there in front of us. From an organisational point of view, hours could be saved during severe weather and wildﬁre events”.

He continued, “The award recognises exceptional innovation in digital public service

delivery, particularly in the face of increasingly frequent and severe weather events. With national rollout now underway, the SWEMS team is proud that our technology is set to redeﬁne how Ireland prepares for and responds to climate-driven emergencies”.

Michelle Hennelly, Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer, confirmed that the system was recently demonstrated to the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment (DCEE) as part of its storm review. She also highlighted a multi-county exercise led by Galway at the National Emergency Coordination Centre (NECC), involving eight local authorities and coordinated by the Office of Emergency Planning (OEP) under the Department of Defence.

everyday. Meanwhile, 82% of adults in Ireland rarely or never cycle at all,” says Clara. Clara attributes this statistic due to the design of Irish roads.

She explained that Ireland’s roads have long been designed with cars in mind, leaving little room or protection for cyclists. The country’s narrow, rural routes make cycling feel unsafe for most people.

In April Clara met senator P.J. Murphy and Cllr.

Paul Killelea to look at the proposed route of the walk/ cycle lane. The councillors agreed that the road was much too dangerous for cyclists or pedestrians.

She then presented the proposal for this cycle lane at the May Municipal District meeting of Loughrea. All councillors were in full agreement that the road was in need of safety amendments.

“They voiced their full support of the proposal but made it clear that funding and the engineering aspect would be a key issue in its implementation.

I would like to express my gratitude towards Cllrs. Martina Kinane, Geraldine Donohue and all attending councillors for their work and support” said Clara.

In addition to this campaign the students the group has begun mapping the backroads in the area which most students would use to access Gort.

They plan to present our results to the County Council and propose to take appropriate action to turn

these into quiet roads to make them safer for everyone.

“Our long-term goal is to promote cycling in our area for all its benefits; from getting out into the fresh air with friends and family to enjoying our countryside and staying fit and healthy to using a more sustainable mode of transport. These roads are for everyone,” says Clara.

Gort Community School are currently involved with the “An Taisce, #andshecycles campaign” and are enrolled in the “Safe Routes to Schools programme” to promote cycling and to improve the safety of students travelling to school. Clara and the students of the Gort Community School are thankful to their supportive community especially to Megan Dixon Flynn, Paula Gallagher, Kathleen Bell and Síle Ginnane whose work and help have led the project. They also appreciate all of the help and support given to them by their principal Brian Crossan and all teachers involved.

€762k climate fund launched

A €762,000 COMMUNITY climate action fund has been launched in Galway. Galway County Council has announced the fund which is aimed at supporting grassroots efforts to implement climate action projects across the county.

Launched during Climate Action Week, the initiative offers full ﬁnancial support to not-for-proﬁt organisations, including community and voluntary groups such as Tidy Towns committees, development associations and sports clubs.

Eligible projects will align with one or more of ﬁve key climate themes: community energy, sustainable transport, local food promotion, circular economy and waste reduction, and local environmental action.

To celebrate the launch, the Council hosted a showcase event at the weekend at Brigit’s Garden in Rosscahill, where attendees explored successful projects and received guidance on applying for the 2025 fund. Applications opened on Tuesday via Galway County Council’s application portal galwaycoco. submit.com and will close on 16 December.

The 2024 round of funding backed 32 diverse initiatives across County Galway, from solar panel installations and energy-efﬁcient lighting to cycling infrastructure, community gardens, and water reﬁll stations.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, praised the impact of the 2024 projects, noting the Council’s pride in supporting a wide range of climate-fo-

cused initiatives. “The range and quality of projects supported in 2024 show the positive impact that communities across County Galway are having in addressing climate change. These initiatives are also delivering tangible beneﬁts for communities, helping to reduce energy expenses and enhance the comfort of community buildings”. To further support applicants, Galway County Council has partnered with the Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board to offer a free online Climate Action Course on October 22 and 29. The course will help community groups identify practical climate actions and navigate the funding process. Contact climateaction@galwaycoco.ie for more information or for assistance with Climate Fund applications.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

lCYCLE: Clara Blodau (right) and her sister Ruth (left)

Arts & Culture

Boyfriends brings a modern queer love story to Ennis this October

by LISA

AFTER a sold-out debut at Dublin’s Project Arts Centre in June 2024, Boyfriends, a modern queer romance starring and written by Ultan Pringle will come to glór, Ennis on Wednesday, October 30, as part of a national Irish tour.

Developed throughout 2023, the play is a sharp, funny, and emotionally charged look at love and connection in the modern age. Starring Ultan Pringle and Emmanuel Okoye, and directed by Joy Nesbitt, Boyfriends captures the intensity of early relationships, the uncertain, intoxicating stage before things are clearly dened.

When writing the play, Pringle told e Clare Echo he wanted to capture “that

beginning stage of a relationship when everything is fun and exciting, or ‘ zzy,’ as he describes it.

Boyfriends follows two men through the early stages of what might be called a “situationship.”

At rst, it’s light and exciting, but as the story unfolds, their fear and lack of communication lead to a more “poisonous situation.”

“I was really interested in our generation’s fear of labels and commitment,”

Pringle said. “We live in an era of ultimate choice online. What’s that doing to romance? What happens when everything feels possible, but we still can’t say what we want?”

ough the play centres on a gay relationship, Pringle notes that audiences of all backgrounds have connected with its themes.

“When we did Boyfriends in Donegal, it was mostly mid-

Pringle’s writing nds humour in them.

dle-aged women,” he said. “ ey cried their eyes out. ey told me they forgot the characters were gay.” e story explores more than the ups and downs of modern dating. It touches on grief, body image, addiction, and loneliness, blend-

ing humour with heartache. “It’s a Trojan horse,” Pringle said. “It’s framed as a romantic comedy, but it’s also about bodies, beauty standards, loss, and how people connect.”

Although Boyfriends deals with delicate topics,

Mamó: Songs my grandmother gave me with Lisa Lambe and Steve Cooney comes to glór

THIS November glór collaborates with Ennis Trad Fest to present Mamó: Songs my grandmother gave me with acclaimed folk singer Lisa Lambe and multi-award-winning guitarist Steve Cooney.

Can you remember your grandmother? Can you recall the sound of her voice and the stories she told or the songs she hummed? Join us for Mamó: Songs my grandmother gave me, a collection of traditional songs and melodies our grandmothers might have sung around the kitchen re.

Join renowned folk singer, actress and folklorist Lisa Lambe and celebrated guitarist Steve Cooney and immerse yourself in the nightscape around those cherished songs. ese songs carry traditions passed down through generations, resonating with warmth, comfort and the echoes of the past.

From lullabies whispered in the quiet of the evening to spirited tunes, echoing across the elds, Lisa Lambes latest show celebrates the richness of our cultural heritage.

Each track is a thread connecting us to our ancestors and honours the legacy of our grandmothers through the songs they held dear.

Lisa Lambe is a Billboard no.1 acclaimed international artist, and one of Ireland’s best-known singers, songwriters, actors and folklorists.

Described by the Irish Times as

MUSIC: Lisa Lambe and Steve Cooney

‘ e nest singer and actor of her generation’. BBC have hailed her as ‘an absolute standout artist’.

She is currently touring nationally and internationally with her new project Mamó, which is based on research of old traditional folk songs, folklore and stories of Ireland.

Steve Cooney is best known for his development of an in uential style of guitar accompaniment to traditional Irish dance music which he developed in West Kerry, and for which he won the National Entertainment Award with Séamus Beg-

ley in 1997.

He has participated in making more than 250 CD’s, either as a guitar or bass player or as producer and engineer. Also a poet and songwriter, he has worked with many iconic international artists in rock and country music but his primary focus is Irish traditional music, and fusions of that genre.

Mamó: Songs my grandmother gave me will take to thestage in Ennis at 8pm on Friday November 7. Tickets are available from the glórbox o ce and cost €20.

“I never think about humour as a writer,” he said. “It always has to be character rst. e humour comes from how these two characters spark, they have good craic together, they pop.” at energy between the two actors is a key part of the show’s charm. “Sometimes you’re on a date with somebody, and you’re popping, it’s hot,” he said. “I wanted to capture that on stage. at feeling when someone’s cheeky and zzy, and you can’t help but fall for them.”

Boyfriends doesn’t follow a traditional theatre structure. e production shi s between genres and styles

throughout. “At one point it’s a period drama, then it’s a sitcom, then it jumps 300 years into the future,” he said. “One scene is set in e George nightclub in Dublin, but it’s presented like a Jane Austen novel.”

Produced by LemonSoap Productions, the 2025 national tour includes eight theatres across the country, bringing the show from Dublin and Donegal to venues like glór in Ennis. For Pringle, bringing the play to audiences nationwide is both exciting and uncertain. “I have no clue how this sort of gay sex rom-com is going to go down across the country,” he admitted. Still, he’s optimistic that audiences will connect with its honesty. “I go to the theatre because I want to fall in love,” he said. “And I hope that’s what people feel when they come to Boyfriends.”

Award-winning Limerick soprano Eve Stafford brings candlelit concert to Ennis

AWARD-WINNING and acclaimed Limerick soprano Eve Stafford will bring her captivating Candlelit Concert to St. Columba’s Church, Ennis, for the very ﬁrst time on November 8.

Following a series of sold-out performances across Limerick city and county, the celebrated Limerick Songbird is set to enchant Clare audiences with an evening of timeless music and song in the atmospheric candlelight of one of Ennis’s most beautiful churches.

Renowned for her angelic voice, vocal versatility, elegant style, and heartfelt storytelling, Eve will present a classical crossover programme blending:

l Traditional Irish songs spanning the ages

l Beloved classical favourites l Movie and musical highlights

The programme will include highlights from her acclaimed Songbird album, as well as her No. 1 single “The Room Next Door”, alongside favourites such as Danny Boy, Time to Say Goodbye, Libertango, I could have danced all night, The Sound of Music, and many more.

Eve will be joined by her award winning musicians Fiona Linnane (piano) — a Clare native and celebrated contemporary composer — and Anna Jane Ryan (violin).

A well-known and respected businesswoman, Eve also serves as President of Network Ireland Limerick, representing and supporting professional women in business, the arts, and leadership. Speaking abouot her upcoming performance Eve said; “Clare has always been such a special place for me. “I’ve had the privilege of performing at so many beautiful weddings and events across the county, so it’s truly a joy to bring my ﬁrst full concert to Ennis. To share the stage with the wonderful Clare composer and pianist Fiona Linnane makes it all the more meaningful — we can’t wait to ﬁll St. Columba’s with music and light.”

QUEER ROMANCE: Ultan Pringle and Emmanuel Okoye on stage performing ‘Boyfriends’ [inset image:writer and actor Ultan Pringle]

SOPRANO: Eve Stafford

Green Clare

Burren/Cliﬀs Explorer review ongoing with addition of Ennistymon stop ‘a no brainer’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

REVIEWS on the pilot season of the Burren and Cliffs Explorer must realise that the inclusion of an Ennistymon spur for 2026 is “a no brainer,” one county councillor has stressed while another has said there was a “positive pileon” for the shuttle service.

Officials with Clare County Council’s tourism directorate are in the process of conducting a review in

ing in November which will identify the learnings, effectiveness and potential for service improvements for 2026”.

Speaking at a meeting of the West Clare MD, Cllr Talty commented, “We were all happy to see the trial begin, it was supported and funded by the Cliffs of Moher in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It is an innovative project and it shows the intent to invest in our communities. The feedback

nistymon and The Falls Hotel in particular”.

Multiple spin-offs have been provided by the hop on hop off shuttle service, Cllr Garrihy maintained. “We were targeting one or two benefits but it is recognised nationally and internationally, it is unusual it got such a positive pile-on”. He added, “once communities woke up to the opportunity of it, you could see the Miltown Malbay Heritage Plan, the start of a heritage trail in Kilfenora, it is like a catalyst,” he

the free shuttle bus service which ran from the beginning of May to the end of August.

While a review had commenced soon following the end of the peak tourism season, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) in a proposal to the West Clare Municipal District requested the local authority to “conduct a thorough review of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher Explorer service following its instigation in 2025. The review should then guide any amendments for 2026”.

Director of Services for Tourism Development with Clare County Council, Siobhán McNulty confirmed, “A review of the Burren and Cliffs Explorer shuttle is ongoing in collating and validating data gathered during the 2025 pilot. The report will be brought to the Tourism SPC meet-

has been very positive from towns impacted by it, from accommodation providers and small businesses”.

Areas such as Miltown Malbay and Doolin were “very positive” regarding the Explorer according to Cllr Talty who flagged that such a feeling was “less so” towards the direction of Ballyvaughan. “It is trying to collate as much information as possible in the off-season so we can review what went right and what are the gaps”.

Both Cllr Talty and Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) have previously told The Clare Echo that Ennistymon and Fanore need to be included as stops when the service resumes in 2026. Flagging the matter before the local authority, Cllr Talty stressed, “having no link to Ennistymon is a no brainer, it should include some kind of a spur to En-

stated. Long-term commitments must become evident for the Explorer to thrive, he felt. “When Google invest in an initiative they do it for five years because it takes time, adding benefits would be welcome”.

“It was innovative and new,” remarked Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) of the service. He asked if councillors were able to feed into the ongoing review and recommendations for 2026. The manner in which the review would be completed was queried by Cllr Rita McInerney (FF), “the public and businesses have the best idea of what worked”.

Throughput was received in both directions of the service, Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) noted. “It took the first couple of weeks to get up and running, some people thought it was too good to

be true, that was a factor”. The input of elected members could be based on the data from the review if that was provided to councillors, he said.

Responding to elected members, McNulty outlined that they were currently collating the data. “Significant data has been gathered from the numbers, stops and locations. We haven’t gone out

but we can go out to elected members and ask for feedback, there is a website address which I can circulate after which can receive feedback, we might formally invite feedback from councillors and you can circulate among communities,” she stated. The Director said they were “open to feedback. This is a pilot for this year and next year, it is a free service and we have to be

mindful of the sustainability of that”.

Bus drivers were worth talking to, “they hear a lot”, said Cllr McInerney to which McNulty confirmed they were included “as part of the hard data”. Cllr Killeen said the staff of the Burren Centre should be liaised with as part of the review and McNulty again confirmed they were included.

lBURREN/CLIFF EXPLORER: The launch of the Burren/Cliffs Explorer at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Photograph: Eamon Ward

Clare County Council welcomes phase two of the Community Climate Action Programme

CLARE COUNTY Council has announced that Phase Two of the Community Climate Action Programme is open to organisations and community groups across County Clare.

The €572,000 allocation to support community-led climate projects under Strand 1, is available for the development of local projects and initiatives that address the urgent challenge of climate change.

This funding will help deliver the county’s five-year Climate Action Plan, which aims to position Clare as a national leader in placebased climate action.

Supported by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) in partnership with

Clare County Council, the programme empowers the development of low-carbon, sustainable communities that actively contribute to Ireland’s climate and energy goals.

Ahead of the launch of the Community Climate Action Programme, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy, said, “Communities across County Clare have shown a strong commitment to meaningful climate action. The Community Climate Action Programme puts local leadership at the centre of our response to climate and environmental challenges. It empowers community groups and organisations, supported by Clare County Council, to actively

contribute to Ireland’s transition to a climate-neutral economy and a resilient society by 2050.”

Funding is available for small, medium, and largescale projects, with a focus on scaling up climate action from each community’s unique starting point. Projects should address one or more of the following themes: community, energy, travel, food and waste, shopping and recycling, and local climate and environmental action.

Senior Executive Engineer at Clare County Council, Conor McDonagh, said, “This programme empowers communities to take meaningful climate action at a local level. By fostering local leadership, it helps build

climate awareness and supports communities in making a positive impact.”

Climate Action Officer at Clare County Council, Dara Dever, said, “Clare County Council is proud to support communities across Clare in leading local climate action through the Community Climate Action Programme, driving practical steps for adaptation and mitigation.” Applications for the Community Climate Action Programme open at 9am on October 21 and close at 5pm on December 16, 2025. To apply, and for more information on the Community Climate Action Programme, visit: https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/community-climate-action-programme

l COMMUNITY CLIMATE ACTION PROGRAMME: (L-R) Conor

McDonagh, Senior Executive Engineer, Clare County Council; Carmel Kirby, Director of Service of Transportation, Climate Action, Recreation, Environmental and Emergency Services, Clare County Council; and Dara Dever, Climate Action Ofﬁcer, Clare County Council.

Green Clare

Uachtarán ar son na Gaeilge/ A president for the Irish language

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

COSÚIL le hUachtarán na hÉireann, Micheál D. Ó hUigín, is cainteoir líofa Gaeilge í Catherine Connolly a bhfuil ceangal láidir aici le Gaeltacht na Gaillimhe.

Is cinnte, i mo thuairim éin agus go leor eile, gur gné fíor-thábhachtach é seo den t-uachtarántacht. Níl amhras ar bith ormsa cé dhi a thabharfaidh mé mo vóta amárach.

 Ó labhair an teanga Gaeilge liom! Cainteoir líofa Gaeilge, Catherine Connolly

Imeachtaí/Events:

SIONNA – Gaeilge le Chéile, Ionad Siopadóireacht Skycourt, 11am, chuile Dé Domhnaigh

CILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar

SIONNA – Siúlóid Dúlra/Nature Walk, Dé Domhnaigh, 11am, Community Room (Gaeilge le Chéile ar Facebook)

LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach

CLARE FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM

Clár spéisiúil ar TG4 san oíche amárach faoin oileán draíochtúil Hy Brasil/ Interesting programme about the mythical isaland of Hy-Brasil on TG4 tomorrow evening

Is é iontráil na hÉireann ag Bienniale Ailtireachta na Veinéise a spreag an clár faisnéise ‘Ag Lorg Hy-Brasil’ agus beidh an dream a chruthaigh an taispeántas ag tabhairt léargas ar a gcuid oibre.

‘Ag Lorg Hy-Brasil’ ruminates on an ancient, mythical island west of e Aran Islands and asks why it inspired Ireland’s exhibit at the Architecture Biennale in Venice. TG4, Dé hAoine, 7.30pm

 CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal

Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm  INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Máirt ag Zest 11am, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), Dé hAoine The Market Bar 11am, agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm.

LUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.

AN SCAIRBH – Lón i nGaeilge, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé An Gáirdín

Le er to the Editor

Dear Editor,

Isn’t it a sad state of affairs that instead of rising above it, the contenders for the high ofﬁce of President have gone down in the mire to the extent that all they can resort to by way of justiﬁcation for said position, is mudslinging.

There’sanoldsaying;itisn’twhatgoesinatthemouthofaperson so much as what comes out of the mouth that deﬁles them ... “ Jesus said, “What comes out of the mouth deﬁles a man.” Whatever is in our hearts comes out of our mouths through our words and reveals our inner condition.”

Surely our votes could be won more so by words of kindness and positivity towards each other, and our future betterment.

AsYeats said “You have disgraced yourselves again”

And it is indeed a disgrace that the whole government coalition of convenience are right down there in the mire with them encouraging as much muck as can be thrown at the proverbial wall with them.

Not an iota of discretionary decency, not an ounce of intellectual integrity, not a modicum of decorum to be found fromThe Dáil to the Deal!

Yours sincerely.

Patrick Cuddihy

New shop opening

allows Midwest Electrical to offer customers an even greater selection of leading brands, competitive prices, and trusted local service.

Halloween photo competition

THE CLARE Echo has teamed up with Arc Cinema Ennis for a Halloween photo contest!

We’re inviting readers to submit their spookiest Halloween-themed photographs over the next two weeks. Whether it’s a chilling costume, eerie makeup, or haunted house decorations, we

want to see your best efforts as Oíche Shamhna approaches.

The top three entries will each win a family pass to Arc Cinema Ennis, and the photograph deemed the most spooktacular will also be showcased on the front page of The Clare Echo.

Winners will be re-

vealed in our special Halloween edition on Thursday, October 30. To enter, simply email your photograph to lisa@ clareecho.ie. Remember, one entry per person. By submitting, you give The Clare Echo permission to feature your photo on social media and in print.

Macalla an Chláir

Midwest Electrical are proud to announce the launch of their new Euronics store, marking an exciting new chapter for the business. The new partnership with Euronics

(L-R) John Moran (owner) , Joshua Ryan Phelan, Tracey Queally, Rory Halpin, Michael O Neill, Michael Healy and Ryan Taylor

How to be ready for winter driving

IRELAND’S winter weather can be unpredictable, and the icy roads, snow, and rain can make driving a challenging task.

Prioritizing your safety, along with the safety of others on the road, is essential during the colder months.

To help you stay safe during the winter months in Clare, we’ve joined Martin Daly Autos to compile a list of practical road safety

tips that emphasise tyre safety and the use of essential safety gear.

Choose the right tyres:

Invest in quality winter tyres which area designed to provide better traction on slippery roads. Before driving on winter roads, check the tread depth and ensure your tyres are properly inflated. Adequate tyre pressure

is crucial for maintaining control on icy or wet surfaces.

Safety gear:

Keep essential safety gear in your vehicle, including; a high-visibility vest, warning triangles, and a flash- light. In case of an emergency or breakdown, these items can make you more visible to other drivers and help you stay safe while addressing the situation.

Slow down and maintain distance:

During winter, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Slower speeds and greater spacing between vehicles can give you more time to react to unexpected situations and prevent accidents.

Antifreeze and de-icer:

Stock up on antifreeze and de-icer for your windshield. These products can help prevent ice from forming on your windshield and side mirrors, ensuring clear visibility while driving even on cold winter mornings.

Know your brakes:

Familiarise yourself with your vehicle’s braking system. It’s important to know the how sensitive your vehicles brakes. In slippery conditions, take extra care to use gentle breaking rather than slamming on your brakes. Sudden harsh breaking can cause skidding. Consider having your brakes inspected before winter to ensure they’re in good working condition for the cold months ahead.

Emergency kit:

Carrying a well-equipped winter emergen-

cy kit is a good way to be prepared for any unprecidented accidents. Your emergemncy kit should inculde; warm clothing, blankets, a first-aid kit, non-perishable food, and a fully charged mobile phone. In case you get stuck or stranded, these items will keep you safe and comfortable while waiting for assistance.

Check your lights:

In winter, days are shorter, and visibility can be limited. Properly functioning headlights, tail lights, and fog lights are essential for both your safety and the safety of others on the road. Make sure all of your vehicle’s lights are in working order before winter.

Avoid sudden maneuvers:

Winter weather brings with it treacherous road conditions. Maintain tracttion and stability on slippery roads by refraining from making sudden lane changes or sharp turns.

Plan your journeys:

Stay informed about weather conditions and road updates. When possible, plan your trips to avoid driving during extreme weather. Delaying your journey or opting for an alternative route can significantly enhance your safety.

In the West of Ireland, winter road conditions demand a practical and safety-focused approach. Navigate the roads with confidence by following these road safety tips and making sure your vehicle is fully equipped to tackle the Irish winter.

Visit Martin Daly Autos to check that your tyres are roadworthy: 065 686 7336.

Moloney Fuels unveil refurbished showroom

CLARE’S leading fuel specialist, Moloney Fuels have unveiled their stunning new showroom after more than a quarter of a century in business.

Moloneys have been serving customers across Clare for just over 26 years and in recent years have become a market leader in fuels and eco friendly fuels. Heating homes across the county, Moloney Fuels are the county’s leading supplier of Kiln Dried timber, wood pellets, wood briquettes and smokeless coal.

The Moloney family business is based on Drumbiggle Road, Ennis and is led by Clarecastle native Seán Moloney who carries on the business from his parents, Andy and the late Noreen.

Seán told The Clare Echo, “In recent years we have seen a big push to more eco friend-

ly fuels. To reflect the increasing demand for kiln dried timber, we have recently refurbished our showroom on the Drumbiggle Road where you can see our different types of wood including Birch Ash and Oak lighting in outer new wood burner.”

With the business operating Monday to Saturday, 9-6pm, customers can visit to see the different products available in-storewhere they now also stock wicker log baskets - or make delivery orders. Father of three Seán, who is married to secondary school teacher Síle, says he is thankful of family support when it comes to running the six-days-a-week delivery service.

Reflecting on 26 years of growth,

“We are very luck to have a strong local customer base, some who have been with us from the beginning and continue to support us. We provide a county-wide service

Seán adds,

and are proud to welcome all customers, old and new, to visit our new showroom.”

Visit Moloney Fuels Showroom on Drumbiggle Road, Ennis or check them out at Moloneyfuels.ie.

Move through the cold: Staying active over the Winter

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

AS the clocks go back and the temperatures drop, it’s all too easy to retreat under a blanket and wait for Spring.

But, staying active in winter is vital, not just for physical health, but for mood, energy, and resil-

ience. With shorter days and fewer opportunities to be outdoors, The Clare Echo explores how to adapt your fitness routine and find motivation when it’s cold, dark, and damp outside.

As well as the obvious physical benefits, such as preventing weight gain, maintaining cardiovascular

fitness, supporting immune system health, and reducing stiffness and joint pain, staying active can combat low energy levels and Seasonal Affective Disorder by boosting endorphins and maintaining emotional balance.

Wrap up and get moving; Even a 30-minute walk a day makes a difference. For those looking for something more social, park runs and local walking groups have great motivational benefits. However, walking outdoors can be difficult in the coming cold months. Watch out for ice or wet paths and wear reflective clothing if walking in dim lighting. Don’t forget to layer up to combat the cold or a waterproof coat if raining.

Indoor workout ideas for cold days:

l At-home bodyweight routines: Squats, push-ups, planks, and lunges.

l Fitness apps & YouTube channels: Free, guided routines from yoga to cardio.

l Dance workouts: Zumba, aerobics, or even just dancing to your playlist.

l Use your space creatively: Stair climbing, resistance bands, or even using a wall for strength exercises.

Nutrition is so important during Winter. Fuel your energy by eating wholegrains, healthy fats, and warm protein-rich meals. With

the sun gone away until next year, find Vitamin D supplementation or through dietary sources. Even though it’s cold, hydration matters. Carry around a water bottle if known to forget to stay hydrated and constantly drink water throughout your workouts.

Tips:

l Set realistic goals

l Use trackers or journals

l Involve others

l Sign up for a challenge

l Do a five minute warm-up before heading outside

l Use commercial breaks to stretch or move

l Try a pedometer or app for motivation

l Set a “movement reminder” alarm daily

You don’t need to train like an athlete. A little movement every day makes a big difference, even in the cold.

Winter workout plan:

Monday: 15 minute home workout.

Tuesday: 30 minute walk.

Wednesday: 20 minute yoga class.

Thursday: 30 minute online dance workout.

Friday: Rest or gentle stretching.

Saturday: Park walk with a friend.

Sunday: Family nature trail.

Warning issued over illegal disposal of waste and ﬁrework use during Halloween

THE Clare County Council has once again advised the public not to light bonfires or use illegal fireworks this Halloween.

The Council has highlighted the dangers associated with bonfires, as well as the strain put on the fire services and the environmental impact of such illegal activities.

Chief Fire Officer at Clare County Council, Adrian Kelly, said, “Illegal bonfires are a serious hazard to public safety and personal wellbeing as the burning of highly combustible materials can lead to serious injuries or even death. We advise people to avoid bonfires or using fireworks this Halloween. Halloween is one of the busiest times of the year for the fire services and responding to bonfire callouts puts pressure on existing resources. Unfortunately, we have also experienced anti-social behaviour on a small number of occasions when attending these fires. I would appeal to people to respect the role of the firefighters in

this regard and let them carry out their duty in a safe manner.”

Executive Engineer in Waste Enforcement at Clare County Council, Maria Carey, said, “Businesses and members of the public are asked not to supply any waste material to people who do not have a valid waste collection permit. Dealing with waste material on any other basis is an offence and can result in prosecution. The uncontrolled burning of waste in a bonfire is an illegal, costly and dangerous practice.”

The public are also advised not to buy, use, or supply fireworks. Illegal fireworks may be manufactured without safety standards and can cause serious damage to users, particularly children. Throughout the country, every year, children end up tragically injured and often scarred for life, after using illegal fireworks.

In the period before and during Halloween, Clare County Council and Clare

County Fire and Rescue Service will work with an Garda Síochána to closely monitor and note any stockpiles of bonfire material. Clare County Council endeavours to collect this waste where possible. If you have any concerns about material being gathered for illegal bonfires in your area, please contact Clare County Council’s waste enforcement section on enviroff@clarecoco.ie, 0656846331 or visit www.clarecoco.ie.

Natural Green Energy offers stylish, affordable, and effortless heating solutions

ORIGINALLY a Galway company with more than two decades of experience, Natural Green Energy now has shops based in Craughwell and Ennis, sharing their expertise in the installation of renewable energies, including wood pellet stoves & boilers, wood burning stoves, and air to water heat pumps, with the community of Clare.

They were one of the first businesses to import pellet stoves into the country, all with the help of owners Declan Horan, Gerry Moloney and Aidan Spellman. Since opening its state-of-theart showroom this summer in Ennis, managed by Seán Flannery, Green Energy now employs 12 people.

They have a wide range of products available, including the La Nordica/Extraflame Peggy. Considered Ireland’s smallest cast-iron wood pellet stove, the Lad Nordica delivers an impressive 5kW of heat. With automated ignition and up to eight hours of warmth for just €1.90, it combines

efficiency with convenience. The stove includes four built-in timers, allowing you to wake up or come home to a warm house, and it also offers optional app control, perfect for shift workers or holidaymakers. Whether you’re upgrading your current stove or moving away from

solid fuel, this beautifully crafted cast-iron pellet stove offers a stylish, affordable, and effortless heat-

ing solution. With an impressive 5/5 Google review customer rating, customer service is what sets Natural Green Energy apart. Local

response has been excellent since opening their Ennis store in August. “People were delighted that we were coming into the unit; sales have been really good,” said Declan. To see the full range of wood-

burning, wood pellet, fireplaces and electric fire products, visit Natural Green Energy’s website: naturalgreenenergy.ie. Call them on 091 876 816 or email info@naturalenergy.ie.

Autumn’s windy weather could be costly for drivers in Clare

by Aran Buma news@clareecho.ie

DRIVERS in Clare could be at risk to get ned up to €320 and served up ve penalty points during these Autumn road risks. However, here at e Clare Echo, we’ve given you scenarios to watch out for during this breezy season.

Not leaving distance:

Failure to leave an appropriate distance between you and the vehicle in front could lead to you getting hit with three penalty points on payment, then another two on conviction, and let’s not forget about the ne which could nd yourself getting ned €160 in 28 days, €240 in the next 28 days and €320 as a third option of payment. But as always, there’s ways to avoid getting ned.

To avoid getting ned, drivers will need to increase their stopping distance from two seconds to four seconds to prevent accidents on road. Failure to do so could cost you andyou could be shown ve penalty points and a costly ne of €320.

Parking dangerously:

Parking your vehicle in a dangerous position could see you getting slapped with another three penalty points on payment and another two points on conviction, as well as paying €80 in 28 days, €120 in the next 28 days, and €160 as your

third payment option, which isn’t as much as the rst scenario but isn’t ideal either way.

To avoid this mishap, avoid parking in places that could be an

Driving with worn tyres:

Using worn tyres could see you getting hit with another big penalty ne in two penalty points in

check your tyre depth and make sure it is within the legal minimum depth, which is 1.6mm but the recommended depth would be 3mm. Consider the chance to get Winter

obstruction or hazard to the area, and take more consideration to it in heavy rain or foggy areas. Take even more precaution to this if you are driving a truck or van since visibility is limited.

payment then another two in conviction and with the payment could see you paying €80 in 28 days, €120 in the next 28 days, and €160 as your third payment option.

To avoid this, you would want to

Instantly enjoy a warmer, cosier home Heat is retained, preventing it from escaping into your

tyres which o er more improved grip and shorter braking di erences, they are more expensive but may save you from the nes and penalty points you could get.

Not using your lights:

Not adhering to lighting-up hours could see you getting two penalty points in payment. Another two in conviction and with the payment could see you paying €60 in 28 days, which is one of the lesser nes that we’ve seen so far but still not one you want to pay.

If you aren’t keen on paying it, you may just have to use dipped headlights a half an hour a er sunrise to a half an hour before sunset which stops visibility risks during the Autumn and Winter months.

Dangerous overtaking:

Dangerous overtaking during these windy months could be highly risky and could cause big collisions. If you are deemed to be dangerously overtaking, you could get hit with another whopping three penalty points on payment, then another 2 on conviction. Don’t forget about the ne which could end up getting you ned €160 in 28 days, €240 in the next 28 days and €320 as a third option of payment, which is not ideal.

To avoid this massive ne, you should keep more of a distance between the vehicles near you and if you are overtaking.

Hopefully this has given you a good view on how small risks could have its downsides, especially in the cold seasons.

Instant Eco Homes making Clare houses more energy eﬀ icient

COUNTY Clare homeowners are starting to feel the impact of inadequate insulation as we enter the colder months. SEAI estimates that up to 50% of heat can escape through poorly insulated attics and external walls. At Instant Eco Homes, we specialize in retro t insulation, focusing on attic and cavity wall upgrades that enhance your home’s heat retention. With our expertise, we’ve secured SEAI insulation grants of up to €3,250 for hundreds of homes across county Clare, making energy e ciency accessible for all.

Our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction distinguishes us in the retro t insulation industry. We work closely with each homeowner to understand their unique needs and provide tailored solutions that t every budget. is commitment is re ected in our impressive 5-star Google reviews from our delighted customers.

Upgrading your insulation

not only boosts comfort but also protects your family’s health by minimizing damp and mold. In a time when sustainabilityand e ciency are critical, investing in an insulation upgrade is a smart choice that can lead to significant savings on your heating bills.

Recent enhancements to the SEAI grant process have

made securing funding easier than ever, potentially covering up to 100% of the costs. For a free survey and quote, visit us at instantecohomes.ie or call Nick at 083 1521595.

Together, we can create a warmer, more energy-e cient future for your home.

Bracing for the worst: Preparing Clare for Winter storms

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

WITH the colder months approaching and as the weather from the Atlantic gathers strength, get ready for a season of heavy rainfall, ice, and snow.

Along with this severe weather, travel can grind to a halt, power can go out, and rural communities can become isolated. Prepare now, not when the storm hits.

Storm Amy brought the first storm of the season at the beginning of the month, with an orange weather warning, heavy rain, and power outages all over Clare. The west of Ireland is known for its wet whether and therefore will more than likely see Atlantic lows and strong winds over the next few months.

What are the risks for Clare?

l Travel disruption: With snow and ice, roads may become impassable.

l Power cuts and communication failures: Storms and high winds can bring down power lines, trees falling, etc.

l Vulnerable populations: Older people, those living alone, rural farms, and livestock may need checking up on.

l Home and property risks: Wind damage, roof damage, and flooding from heavy rain can occur during storms. For those living near the coast, watch out for waves overtopping in exposed spots.

l Health risks: Be cautious for slips/falls on ice, difficulty accessing services in remote areas, colds, and hypothermia.

How to prepare for bad weather:

Before bad weather approaches, monitor any warnings issued by Met Éireann and ensure you are aware of weather alerts for Clare. Check your heating system, ensure your fuel supply, and check your tyres and vehicle if

you need to travel. Check on older people or those living alone. For households with farms, check on the animal shelters, feed supplies, and ensure access routes are cleared. During bad weather or storms, stay indoors if warnings are severe If you must travel, allow extra time, reduce speed, and be extremely cautious on icy roads or if there is poor visibility.

Remember: During severe weather, stay

community members. Report any hazards such as fallen trees, power lines down, or flooding, to the ESB (1800 372 999) or Uisce Éireann (1800 278 278) if needed.

You can get local weather updates on the Met Éireann website (met.ie) and if in an emergency, contact Gardaí by calling 999 or 112. Refer to the Government’s online Be Winter-Ready booklet to prepare for Winter.

Quick reference checklist for bad weather:

l Monitor weather warnings

l Charge devices & gather torch/batteries

l Stock up on food, water, medicines

l Secure outdoor items

l Check fuel/heating supply

l Clear gutters and drains

l Check on neighbours

l Avoid travel in severe conditions

well back from exposed coastal areas and do not put yourself in a dangerous position near break ing waves.

After this weather or storm has passed, check for any proper ty damage and check on vulnerable

l Report hazards promptly

Review your insurance cover

Winter weather may feel inevitable, but major disruption isn’t. Being prepared early gives you the best chance of staying safe, warm, and connected.

60 seconds with ... Michael Henchy

Ahead of the Clare Business Excellence Awards 2025, e Clare Echo’s editor Stuart Holly speaks to Michael Henchy from Campion Insurance

Name and position: General Manager

Age: 53

Lives: Sixmilebridge

Family: Married to Olivia. ree children; Ella (19), Heather (17), and James (14)

Pets: Labradoodle, name: Peggy.

Favourite thing about Clare: e coast

Least favourite thing about Clare: e rain

One thing you would change about Clare: e climate, I’d like some more sunshine.

When you were smaller, what did you want to be when you grow up? A mechanic.

Tell us about your career progression today?

My father was an insurance broker, and I ended up getting work experience when I was in UL with an insurance company in Dublin, and I just progressed. I came back down a er a couple of years and worked in my dad’s business.

I always wanted to run my own business, and I did that for 25 plus years, a er taking over the business from my Dad.

What’s the most enjoyable aspect of what you do?

Seeing customers getting their claims dealt with.

What motivates you?

Seeing a job well done, seeing a business grow and seeing the people working in that business growing in their careers. is allows us to give our clients good service,

value and peace of mind that’s what motivated me.

What advice do you have for your 15 year old self? Travel.

If you weren’t in this job, what do you think you’d be doing now?

Something outdoors.

What’s your greatest life or career achievement to date?

My family

Who or what is the biggest inﬂuence on your life?

My dad. We just got on well together, and he always gave me good advice. You know, helped me.

I would also have to acknowledge the Role my Mother played too

What’s the life dream now?

Get my kids educated and plan for retirement so I can travel.

How do you switch off?

Go to Lahinch and watch the kids play sports.

When are you at your happiest?

When I am by the seaside on a sunny day.

Do you have any hidden talents? No.

What might we be surprised to know about you?

Nothing. I’m very boring.

Is there anything else that you’d like to share?

I just want to say thank you to the people of Ennis and Clare for supporting Campion Insurances as we’re growing it, thanks to all our sta as well.

DNG O’Sullivan Hurley named Mid-West branch of the year

by Páraic McMahon

CELEBRATIONS continue at Clare estate agents DNG O’Sullivan Hurley who have been recognised for their outstanding service. At the DNG National Awards ceremony held at the Curragh Racecourse, they were named as branch of the year in the Mid-West region. e award is sponsored by DNG Financial Services.

Based on 74 O’Connell Street in Ennis, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley hold more than half of the property listings in Ennis and almost one third across Clare.

Insights into the future of Ireland’s property market were also

provided at the event which also heard of the latest developments in the DNG exclusive partnership with Hamptons International. Over 150 delegates from DNG ofces nationwide attended the ceremony.

Managing Director of DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, Cormac O’Sullivan stated, “We’re honoured to be recognised as Clare’s leading property agency. Holding over 50% of listings in Ennis and nearly one third across the county is a testament to our dedicated team, our clients’ trust, and the strength of the DNG network. For us, it’s more than sales — it’s about supporting our community and embracing innovation so we continue to raise

the bar for years to come”. Founded in 2002, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley is one of the county’s leading estate agents with a track record of awards, recognising its outstanding service and extensive local property knowledge across the county. Among their accolades include winning DNG Large Branch of the Year in 2023. eir latest win caps o a busy month for Managing Director Douglas Hurley who along with celebrating turning y also watched his beloved Coro n footballers secure promotion back to the senior ranks of Clare football for 2026.

Campion Insurances Limited trading as Campion

AWARD: Orla McMorrow DNG Deputy Chief Executive - Cormac O’Sullivan, Douglas Hurley & Cian Carolan MD of DNGFS

Collaborative Finance Launches Greenify –A National Credit Union Green Loan Initiative

COLLABORATIVE Finance

CLG officially launched Greenify, a new national green loan initiative designed to help credit union members access affordable finance for home energy upgrades and sustainable transport solutions.

The launch took place at the ILCU Sectoral Strategy Forum at the Heritage Hotel, Killenard, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of credit union collaboration and the delivery of ethical, sustainable financial services in Ireland.

To mark the occasion, Minister for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Robert Troy TD, joined the event and formally launched Greenify following a Strategic Update presentation by Collaborative Finance CLG.

Greenify builds on the success of a pilot scheme launched in October 2021 by eight credit unions within the Collaborative Finance network. Since then, the initiative has grown to include 30 credit unions, offering a standardised green loan product with consistent terms and interest rates, making it easier for members

to navigate their options and access sustainable finance.

Greenify loans are available for energy-efficient home improvements, green transport, or equipment. Members can borrow up to €100,000 (subject to individual credit union board approval) at a competitive variable interest rate of 5.5% (5.7% APR), with repayment terms of up to 10 years.

To find out more about how to access a Greenify loan, visit our local offices Derg Credit Union, Ennistymon Credit

Union & Kilrush Credit Union or visit www.Greenify.ie.

Minister Robert Troy TD said:

“Climate change is having a real and lasting impact around the country, underlining the importance of working towards a green transition. Wider supports for improving energy efficiency and adopting greener transport are to be welcomed, and credit unions can play a vital role in ensuring their members can access the necessary funding. Deeper

€207k in profits for Niall Gilligan’s farm firm

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A FARM enterprise operated by All-Ireland winning Clare hurler, Niall Gilligan recorded proﬁts of €100,000 last year.

New accounts filed with the Companies Office for Niall Gilligan Farms Ltd show that it recorded post tax profits of €99,999 in 2024.

In July at Ennis Circuit Court, Mr Gilligan (49) of Rossroe, Kilmurry, Sixmilebidge was found ‘not guilty’ by a jury of a stick assault of a then 12 year old boy at the Jamaica Inn Hostel, Sixmilebridge on October 5th 2023.

Mr Gilligan was ﬁrst charged with assault causing harm of the boy in July 2024 at Ennis District Court and the new accounts show that the publicity connected to the case and Mr Gilligan’s court appearances in 2024 did little to dent proﬁts at his thriving agricultural business last year.

The accounts show that the post-tax proﬁts of €99,999 for 2024 follow post tax proﬁts of €107,590 for 2023.

The proﬁts 2024 and 2023 contributed to accumulated proﬁts of €285,452 at Mr Gilligan’s agri-company at the end of last year.

The abridged accounts

where companies are not required to provide revenues show that its current assets made up of cash and debtors last year increased from €405,039 to €496,697.

The book value of the company’s ﬁxed assets increased from €127,641 to €131,137 while the amount owed to creditors reduced from €344,997 to €340,032.

Mr Gilligan who also operates an auctioneering business in Sixmilebridge paid his legal bills from his six day circuit court trial and related district court appearances from his own resources where no application for legal aid was made.

The buoyant 2024 enjoyed by Mr Gilligan’s farm enterprise coincided with rising beef prices and a substantial recovery in family farm income (FFI) across all farm systems in Ireland in 2024 according to a report by Teagasc.

Mr Gilligan added to his coffers last year when selling the property that was the location of the October 2023 incident, the former Jamaica Inn Hostel in Sixmilebridge to Shannon-based Atlantic Aviation Group (AAG) for the purpose of turning the property into co-living accommodation for newly hired staff.

The accommodation

collaboration and standardisation across the sector is important for members and their future, and Greenify is a good example of the sector coming together to tackle a real issue.”

Therese Conway, CEO of Collaborative Finance, added: “Greenify represents the next chapter in credit union collaboration. It’s about making green finance accessible, consistent and member focused. By working together, credit unions can offer a standardised product that supports climate action while staying true to our values of simplicity, transparency and community impact.”

Claire Neylon from Kilrush Credit Union said: “We’re proud to be part of the Greenify initiative. It reflects everything we stand for as a credit union. Our members know they can count on us for personal service and trusted advice, and Greenify allows us to support them in making smart, sustainable choices for their homes and transport. It’s about putting people first while helping build a greener future together.

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.

• Creative Places Shannon Co-ordinator –

(Analogous Grade V)

Closing Date: 12 Noon Friday 7th of November 2025

• Retained Part-Time Firefighter Panel – Kilkee & Killaloe

Closing Date: 12 Noon Friday 14th of November 2025

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

Only applications completed online will be accepted. Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

includes 36 en suite bedrooms for employees, along with shared recreation areas, living rooms, kitchens and gardens.

At the trial, Patrick Whyms BL for Mr Gilligan, said that on the evening in question at the Jamaica Inn hostel, Mr Gilligan “didn’t know that he was dealing with a child and did not create this situation”.

Mr Whyms, instructed by solicitor, Daragh Hassett, said that Mr Gilligan “was at the end of his tether” by the vandalism being done to a vacant property he was trying to sell.

Putting forward the defence of reasonable force against the charge, Mr Whyms said that Mr Gilligan was at the Jamaica Inn hostel on the night of October 5 “in the dark and believed that he was under siege”.

In the aftermath of the case in a newspaper interview with The Sunday Independent, the boy’s father said that he was “stunned, shocked, disgusted, deﬂated,” when asked to comment on his own feelings at the outcome of the trial.

Mr Gilligan was a star forward for the senior Clare hurling team which defeated Tipperary to win the 1997 All-Ireland Final and was named an All-Star in 1999.

Clare Champion 13x2 (83)

Clare Echo 13x2 (73)

l CREDIT UNION: Launch of Greenify Credit Union Finance: Robert Troy TD, Minister for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Therese Conway, CEO of Collaborative Finance at the launch of Greenify Credit Union Finance at the Heritage Hotel, Killenard

Photo by: Karl Hussey

National Women’s Enterprise Day, forging connections, fostering collaboration

ON OCTOBER 17, the Local Enterprise O ce Clare proudly participated in the National Women’s Enterprise Day at the impressive Cashel Palace, a gathering that highlighted the incredible contributions of women entrepreneurs across Counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.

e event featured esteemed guest speaker Oonagh O’Hagan, CEO Meagher’s Pharmacy, a prominent gure in the business community, alongside inspirational local business owner Maeve Sheridan, of Western Herd Brewery whose journey embodies the spirit of resilience and innovation.

e day began with a warm welcome from MC Ciana Campbell, setting a positive tone for what promised to be an enriching experience.

Women from diverse sectors and varying stages of their entrepreneurial journeys came together, eager to share experiences, network, and gain insights into overcoming the unique challenges faced by female business owners.

Oonagh O’Hagan kicked o the proceedings, captivating the audience with her powerful story of resilience and success. Her insights were particularly resonant, emphasizing the importance of building strong networks and supporting one another in the entrepreneurial landscape.

She shared her experience of navigating obstacles and highlighted the value of resilience in achieving one’s goals.

Local entrepreneur, Maeve Sheridan represented Clare as one of the three panelist

speakers alongside Sarah O’Sullivan of SOS Cookies and Leah O’Dwyer, Founder of ZeroMission.

Maeve spoke about the challenges of starting a business, including funding, marketing, and the inevitable setbacks that come with entrepreneurship.

Yet, her story was also one of optimism and perseverance; she shared practical advice and strategies that have worked for her, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.

eresa Mulvihill, Senior Enterprise Development O ce at Local Enterprise O ce Clare said “NWED is a date for all female entrepreneurs to look forward to in the calendar year.

Each year this event gives excellent op-

portunities to take and re ect on strategy, to allow for networking, where attendees connect with one another and forge new partnerships.

e interactions which take place on the day, spark ideas and collaboration, which cannot happen when working in silo within your business. Local Enterprise O ce Clare is dedicated to fostering this spirit of enterprise, collaboration and innovative forward thinking, ensuring that women in Clare continue to have the resources and support they need to succeed.

We look forward to our next Women in Business event which will take place locally at e Old Ground Hotel on Wednesday December 10th.”

 Deirdre Keating, LEO Clare, Bernie Haugh, LEO Clare, Oonagh O’Hagan, Meaghers Pharmacy & Theresa Mulvihill Killeen, LEO Clare

 Deirdre Keating & Bernie Haugh, LEO Clare, Maeve Sheridan, Western Herd Brewery & Theresa Mulvihill Killeen, LEO Clare

 Panel Speakers, Sarah O’Sullivan, SOS Cookies, Maeve Sheridan, Western Herd Brewery, Leah O’Dwyer, ZeroMission & Ciana Campbell, MC.

 Bernie Haugh, LEO Clare, with representatives from businesses located in Co. Clare

LEO Clare Female Entrepreneurs

Anna Murphy

Ruadhan Casey

James Considine

Erickson Alackal

Charlie Vaughan

Lourda Walsh with Paula and Leah Titley

Robert Crowley

Raymond and Sharon O’Mahoney,Billy Sanderson,Paul Murphy and Mary Howard

Maria and Conall Bogue

Kate, Pauline, Seán, and Lauren Morrissey with Grace McGrath

Ruadhan Casey

John Cleary

Marie Roche and Ikem Ugwueru

Mary Howard and Ikem Ugwueru

Kate Kennedy,Elaine Bowe,Ken Kennedy,Oran Kennedy and Enid Kennedy

Mary Howard Mayor of Ennis

Maria and Conall Bogue

Kate, Pauline, Seán, and Lauren Morrissey with Grace McGrath

Ruadhan Casey

Ivy O’Donoghue

John Cleary

Marie Roche and Ikem Ugwueru

Mary Howard and Ikem Ugwueru

Kate Kennedy,Elaine Bowe,Ken Kennedy,Oran Kennedy and Enid Kennedy

Mary Howard Mayor of Ennis

Foudy overjoyed by title victory

CLARE CREDIT UNIONS SNR CAMOGIE FINAL INAGH-KILNAMONA 2-14 TRUAGH-CLONLARA 1-14

Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

INAGH/KILNAMONA:

Frees For: 16 (6/6/3/1)

Wides: 8 (5/3/0/0)

Scores from play: 1-8

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Clare Hehir (1-4 1-3f)

Bookings: N/A

Own puckouts won; 15 out of 21 (71%)

TRUAGH/CLONLARA:

Frees For: 12 (5/4/1/2)

Wides: 6 (4/1/1/0)

Scores from play: 0-9

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Roisin Begley (0-7 5f)

Bookings: Michelle Powell (34)

Own puckouts: 18/24 (75%)

REFEREE: Kevin Corry (Sixmilebridge)

INAGH/KILNAMONA

are overjoyed to end a ﬁve year wait for senior camogie championship honours and will put their “best foot forward” when lining out in Munster.

Manager Eugene Foudy has had a part to play in many good days with the camogie club. Saturday’s extra time win over Truagh/Clonlara certainly falls into that category. He maintains the hard yards paid off for Inagh/

Kilnamona to lift the McMahon Cup. “Credit to our girls for their display in extra time. "From the second minute of the extra time we took over and we held them to one point. I knew we had the ﬁtness and I said that to them in the dressing room. I know they have been giving out to us about all the runs and the hard slogs but that’s what it about. Look they are a credit to the club and to the parish”.

With full-time coming, they trailed by two points until Clare Hehir hit the net from a free. “I thought it was going from us bur then we won that free and Clare stuck it and we were ahead. Then Roisin (Begley) struck a superb free from the sideline and I said this is 2024 all over again,” he admitted.

Celebrations were the immediate focus but attention now switches to the Munster club championship. “To win

l Action from the ﬁnal at Cusack Park and (inset) Aoife Keane and Eugene Foudy

today was huge as we hadn’t won this title in ﬁve years. We will put our best foot forward. We will re-group early in the week and we will be ready for Sunday. Hopefully the game will be on in Inagh in front of a big crowd and we will represent Clare well”, the Inagh man told The Clare Echo Newly appointed as the Clare senior camogie

We'll take inspiration from previous Clare champions

by Seamus Hayes paraic@clareecho.ie

ANDREA O’Keeffe’s contributions from midﬁeld throughout the Clare Credit Unions senior camogie championship was a key factor in Inagh/Kilnamona taking the title for a ﬁfth time.

On Saturday, she hit two points as Inagh/Kilnamona defeated Truagh/Clonlara 2-14 1-14 to win the senior championship.

After delivering another superb performance on Saturday she was unsurprisingly very happy with the outcome. “We are delighted”, she told the Clare Echo. “We knew it was going to be a massive battle. We were delighted last week when we won the semi-ﬁnal. That was a really tough game. We only had a week to re-focus for the ﬁnal and a week is a short time to do that”.

Encounters between

Inamona and Truagh/ Clonlara are generally very tight, she noted. “It’s always a great match when we meet and the fact that today’s game went to extra time shows that there is very little between the teams”.

Clare Hehir goaled with a 20m free in the ﬁnal minute of normal time, only for Roisin

Begley to equalise with a pointed free to force extra time. “It’s never over till it’s over. They levelled and we had to start all over again,” she recalled.

Hunger had been mounting within their dressing room, she explained. “It’s been a few years since we won this title. We were disappointed last year and we

felt we had a lot to make up for”.

Jason McCarthy’s influence was to credit for their ﬁtness levels, Andrea stated. “Fair play to Jason (McCarthy) and the lads. They had us running up and down and we weren’t happy at times but it paid off today. We knew we had the ﬁtness when it came to extra time. We just had to put our heads down and take off the shackles”.

She continued, “we will enjoy tonight and then we will think about the Munster club championship. We will take inspiration from what Scariff/Ogonnelloe and Truagh/Clonara have done in the past few years. Clare camogie is up there with the best and we hope we can keep that going”.

manager, he is pleased by the standard in the club championship. “The workrate of the 37 or 38 girls that played today was unbelievable. The standard of the game and that of last week’s intermediate ﬁnal was unbelievable and I hope to drive that on. If I get a fraction of that with the Clare team, it will be great”.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Clare Hehir -

LEADERSHIP and quality came to the fore when Clare Hehir produced a storming display for Inagh/Kilnamona to be named the Clare Credit Unions/Clare Echo player of the week. Inagh/Kilnamona’s five year wait for senior championship success was helped in no small part by Clare Hehir. She had a huge influence on the game, scoring the goal in the dying stages of normal time which gave Inamona the lead only for Truagh/Clonlara to force extra time. Not just was her tally of 1-4 impressive but it was the manner in which Hehir stood up to the pressure of assuming freetaking responsibilities in the absence of the injured Aoibhin Ryan and how she constantly led by example throughout the championship for her side.

She will be presented with a €100 Torpey voucher courtesy of Clare Credit Unions, sponsor of our senior club camogie championship coverage.

Hehir delights in return to top

by Seamus Hayes paraic@clareecho.ie

RETURNING to the summit of Clare camogie after a five year wait “means so much” to Inagh/Kilnamona.

Player of the match in Saturday’s extra time final win over Truagh/ Clonlara, Clare Hehir said the victory “means so much as girls are putting in hours upon hours each week and dedicating their lives to this”.

Speaking shortly after being presented with the player of the match award she said “we do this because we love it. We do it for our parish, our family and for those who aren’t with us anymore. We dedicate this to everyone that has supported us and to those who are no longer with us. It means so much”.

Continuing she said “we were a successful team a few years ago and I suppose we let it slip by us. Our main aim today was to come here and get the job done”.

On her approach for the last-minute free which she scored a goal from, Clare recounted, “I looked to the line and they said go for it. It was just one of those lucky days and it went in”.

It looked like it may have been a title-winning score but extra time was soon on the cards. “He had to play the allotted time and they managed to level the tie. In the extra time we dug deep”.

Aoibhin Ryan’s absence meant the All Star nominee took up the mantle as freetaker. “Aoibhinn Ryan has been a phenomenal free taker all year and I had to take over today when she was injured. Someone had to work hard to win the frees and It was my job to convert them when I took over”. Scorer of a crucial goal in the semi-final win over Scariff/Ogonnelloe she said, “all the credit for that goes to Andrea O’Keeffe who made the run and I just had to finish it off. Some days they go for you and some days they don’t. Everyone was just

l Clare Hehir celebrates after the ﬁnal

Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

l Andrea and Teresa O’Keeffe celebrate Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

'We had one eye on this': Mighty Mills seal their senior hurling return

TUS CLARE PIHC FINAL

O'CALLAGHAN'S MILLS 2-19 CLARECASTLE 1-16

Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

O’CALLAGHANS MILLS

Frees for: 8 (4/4)

Wides: 12 (8/4)

Spread of scorers: 8

Scores from play: 2-16

Top scorer: Jacob Loughnane (1-4 3f)

Bookings: Aidan Fawl (37), Seán Cotter (51).

Own puckouts won: 19 from 29 (65%)

CLARECASTLE

Frees for: 12 (4/8)

Wides: 12 (7/5)

Spread of scorers: 8

Scores from play: 1-11

Top scorer: Harry Doherty (1-3)

Bookings: Filip Wiechinski (32), Rory O’Connell (55).

Own puckouts won: 22 from 33 (66%)

REFEREE: Niall Malone (Éire Óg)

FITNESS levels were “through the roof” which helped O'Callaghan's Mills to glory in the Clare Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship (PIHC) their victorious manager maintained.

Bodyke’s Seán Doyle oversaw The Mills’ successful return to the senior ranks after they were six point winners over Clarecastle in Sunday’s decider in Cusack Park.

Outlining that one game at a time was the approach, Seán admitted they also kept one eye ﬁrmly on lifting the Paddy Browne Cup to bounce back to the top tier. “You

can’t rush into it and you have to take it game by game but still we had one eye on this from the start because the Mills are a good outfit”. He told The Clare Echo, “We started on January 11 and it shows because we were good and fit out there, we came up against a good team who will get better as the years go on, they have fantastic hurlers coming on but I thought our fitness levels were through the roof and really drove it on near the end. We

controlled the game in the ﬁrst half and really took control once we got the goal. We played the ball around and we tried not to panic, the guys at the back used the ball and put it in the right places, that is what got us over the line”.

Once Gary Cooney pulled on the sliotar to the back of the net, the Mills regained a lead which they would not

Cotter revels in defense

O’CALLAGHANS Mills will look to “push on” when they make their return to senior hurling next season, wing back Seán Cotter says.

For the sixth time, O’Callaghans Mills lifted the Paddy Browne Cup, this was their first time winning the second tier for the first time since 1977. They had lined out in the senior championship ever since, losing their status in last year’s relegation final to Corofin.

Seán Cotter was wing back on the Mills side who prevailed in Sunday’s Clare PIHC ﬁnal, dominating Clarecastle to record a 2-19 1-16 victory. He said, “In the second half our ﬁtness stood to us. We have done savage work earlier in the year, it stood to us coming down the last 15 minutes.

"Clarecastle came with us along the last ten and they threw everything at us. Their forwards are very dangerous but we battled it out. Our own forwards were serious, Seán Boyce, Colm Cleary, Gary Cooney, it is a pleasure working in the backs to look up and hit the ball into them lads”.

Under Seán Doyle, Cotter was moved from attack to wing back on The Mills side. Speaking to The Clare Echo, the electrician remarked of the positional switch, “It has been coming for a while. I wasn’t doing the business in the forwards. We had the likes of Colm coming back. At the start of the year, we had 13 lads going for six positions in the forwards, there’s a bit more freedom in the backs, I’m just happy to get my place in the starting 15”.

Full-forward on the O’Callaghans Mills side which contested the 2020 senior ﬁnal, Seán outlined that they needed to get back

to the top tier as quickly as they could. “We wanted to get back to senior and get the job done this year, we knew it wouldn’t be easy with teams like Tubber, they are all good teams even Killanena who were relegated gave us a good battle in the ﬁrst round, you can’t take anything for granted, we’re delighted with the win and try drive on from here”.

Experience and energy played a part in their success, the St Caimin’s Community School past pupil felt. “With the likes of Bryan and Paddy Donnellan coming on, they have been stalwarts for the clubs for the last ﬁfteen years, they have given everything and they are still pushing on training every day of the week, it is great to have the balance with the young lads and experienced guys. Hopefully in the next few years we’ll push on for a senior championship maybe”.

Kerry champions Abbeydorney await The Mills in the Munster club quarter-final on November 2. He said goalie Killian Nugent will be the figure to determine if Hamilton Park in Kilkishen will fit the bill as a suitable venue for the tie. “He’s the main groundskeeper there so we have to see what he says”.

of the Donnellan brothers to come on which saw us down the ﬁnal furlong”.

For the second game in a row, The Mills had eight different scorers over the hour, once again demonstrating their balance across the ﬁeld. Doyle, who managed the Clare minor (2017 & 2018) and U20 hurlers (2019, 2020 & 2021) said, “Darragh Moroney was outstanding getting 0-4 from play, he was injured going into the game as was Aidan O’Gorman but they played through the injury.

"Another man we introduced was Cathal Mc (Namara) at the back, he did really well and our other corner back Keith Donnellan, they are well able to play the position.”

relinquish for the remainder of the game. “It was a killer blow for them. Through the second half, I thought we were controlling the game well, then a penalty came and it was a great save, things could have changed if that penalty went in so we started to look around and make sure lads didn’t panic but these lads don’t panic. We had the experience

Munster Club has yet to enter the thoughts of the Clare PIHC champions. “I haven’t even thought about it, this was the main aim at the start. When I went to a house and they asked me to take the job, they said our aim is to get back senior, that is the ﬁrst job done and we’ll worry about Munster club next week”.

'Clarecastle gave us a lot to think about - they have a bright future'

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SEALING a return to the top tier of Clare hurling brought a sense of “relief” for O’Callaghans Mills and their full-back Conor Cooney.

Having been relegated by Corofin last year, O’Callaghans Mills defeated Clarecastle in the Clare PIHC decider to jump back to the top tier in place of the side that sent them down.

Tough tests were par for the course in what was the first intermediate campaign for the long-serving Mills full-back. “We wanted to be in a final at least or a semi-final, the business end of the season anyway. It is relief that we’ve got there, we’ve had very challenges throughout, very strong teams like Tubber, Tulla, Parteen/ Meelick, Killanena, we got tested right throughout which stood to us.

"In the semi-final we were building a bit of momentum, we got over Ruan and took control in the second half but in the first half it was there or thereabouts, we got the scores when they were

needed most but we got there thank God”.

Thirty-eight year old Cooney believed the miles on the clock stood to The Mills. “We haven’t too much experience of winning; we haven’t won a lot but we have experience of playing the senior grade which stood to us.

"Clarecastle gave us a lot to think about, they are a

young team with a bright future ahead”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the 2013 All-Ireland winner explained, “Everyone’s aim is to go up no matter what.

"The view was that it would be nice to get back in year one, if we didn’t so be it and we’d have more to work on but we’ve gone up now and we need to

be competitive up there or competitive as we can because it is a very competitive standard in senior hurling, there is no mercy up there unfortunately”. For a spell in the closing moments of Sunday’s final, he faced off with another member of that All-Ireland winning panel when Patrick Kelly was sent to the edge of the square for Clarecastle.

Conor recounts, “Pat is a great guy, we horsed off each other, he is a very nice lad”.

Forwards have been performing well for The Fireballs all season, the quantity surveyor noted.

“We had a good spread of scorers, our forwards very good, they held the ball well, they made great runs and got vital scores, our forwards really dug deep”.

Advancing to Munster is bonus territory for the Mills, the ex Clare U21 captain said.

“We haven’t really thought about it, anything outside of Clare is a bonus. Winning this was the main thing, we’re relieved and happy”.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Mills & Clarecastle players show their hunger for possession last Sunday and (inset) O'Callaghans' Mills manager Seán Doyle

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Rojhgfan

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l Seán Cotter tackles Harry Doherty Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l There was great excitement for young supporters from O'Callaghan's Mills as they shouted their team to a county championship

Photos by Ruth Grifﬁn

l O'Callaghan's Mills players showcase the cup and celebrate with teammates, family, friends and supporters after defeating Clarecastle in the Clare Intermediate Club Hurling ﬁnal.

All photos by Ruth Grifﬁn

l Glynn accepts his award

Christy Ring award for Killanena's Glynn

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

KILLANENA’s Seán Glynn has been named as the Christy Ring Cup hurler of the year.

Having captained London to win the Christy Ring Cup with a 1-27 1-24 win over Derry in June, Seán capped off the year with not one but two more accolades.

He was named at centre forward on the GAA Champion Team of the Year which is made up of hurlers in the Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher competitions.

On Friday, he was announced as the Christy Ring Cup hurler of the year. Glynn scored 2-17 across the campaign for London. It was their second time winning the competition, the last person to captain the Exiles to success was Colm Quinn of Parteen in 2012.

Seán was formerly part of the Clare minor hurling panel and lined out with his club’s intermediate side before moving to London in September 2021 for work at Stansted Airport following COVID-19. He now plays his club hurling with St Gabriel’s in London with the iconic Wembley within their backdrop for training sessions.

Though wearing the green and white of London, he said he still feels as if he is representing Killanena and is conscious of continuing to do the club proud. “For me personally I love the game and have devoted my life to it, when you play a game from the age of four you forget about the sacrifices when you play to a high level”.

Sliotar throws in on U21 championship

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

KEENLY CONTESTED clashes await when the sliotar is thrown in for the U21 hurling championships this weekend.

Thirty seven teams will begin the challenge for under 21 hurling success across four grades (A, B, C and D) this weekend, all hoping to be preparing for finals come the end of November.

There are eight teams, divided into two groups of four, in each of the A and B championships.

Twelve teams in three groups of four will compete for the C championship while nine teams, divided into three groups of 3, will battle it out for the D title.

The recommendation from a special meeting last month to remove one round from the original schedule was carried at the November board meeting.

With a strong likelihood that a number of teams will end on the same points, this will lead to score difference being applied to separate sides. If it’s just two teams finishing level on points, the outcome of their meeting will determine placings.

It’s a particularly difficult grade to make fixtures for such is the crossover between club adult teams and college sides. Colleges fixtures are in full swing at this time.

The championships were due to commence two weeks ago but because of numerous requests for clubs for postponements, a special meeting was arranged at which the majority view was for the amended format. This resulted in a new draw to determine the groupings

Last year’s A winners, Scar-

iff-Ogonnelloe, having lost a big number of that squad, are now in the B competition as are the club they beat in the 2024 A final, Feakle-Killanena.

Less than twenty four hours after they do battle for the minor A title on this Saturday, Sixmilebridge and Clarecastle will be in opposition again when they meet in Sixmilebridge in the first round of the A competition.

The other two teams in this group, St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield and Cratloe will do battle on this Friday evening at Gurteen at 8pm.

Neighbours Ballyea and Éire Óg will meet on this Saturday at Ballyea at noon. The other two teams in this group are Inagh/ Kilnamona, beaten semi-finalists last year and Clooney/Quin who won the shield title in 2024 and they will meet at Kilnamona on Sunday at noon.

Some well contested games are expected in the B competition where Newmarket-on-Fergus entertain Kilmaley while Scariff/ Ogonnelloe will take on their East Clare neighbours Tulla. Those four clubs make up division 1 in the under 21 B grade.

Division 2 in this competition includes Corofin/Ruan who will take on Feakle/Killanena this week while Broadford will face their neighbours, Clonlara.

Twelve teams will compete for the C title, divided into three groups of four. The top team in each group plus the best runner up will go through to the semi-finals.

In the first round Bodyke play Crusheen and Wolfe Tones take on Whitegate in group 1.

In group 2 Ennistymon host Ruan and O’Callaghans Mills take on Tubber while group 3 will

see Corofin entertain the Banner with Parteen/Meelick entertaining their South Clare neighbours Smith O’Briens.

The race for the D title is between ‘second teams’ from clubs competing in the A and B competitions.

In group 1 this week St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield entertain Éire Óg with Inagh/Kilnamona having a bye.

Group 2 sees Clooney/Quin at home to Clarecastle with Sixmilebridge having a bye while group 3 will see Clonlara with a bye while Ballyea entertain Scariff/Ogonnelloe.

Management teams for the eight clubs in the A title race are St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield: Raymond Power (Manager), Eamonn Corry (coach), Adam Mungovan, Alan O’Neill, Eoin Burke Cratloe: Shane Gleeson, Cathal McInerney, Enda Boyce, Alan Neville

Ballyea: Derek O’Connor (Manager), Pat Joe Keane, Shane McNamara (S&C) Éire Óg: Niall O’Connor, David Reidy, Kevin Brennan, Liam Corry, Darren O’Brien, Gerry O’Connor. Inagh/Kilnamona; Kevin Hehir (Manager), Flan Hegarty, Sean Mahoney, Brian Foudy, Noel Hehir Clooney/Quin: Pat Markham, Tony McMahon, Trevor Lee, Conor Harrisson, Brian Shally, John Conneally

Sixmilebridge: Martin Conlon (Manager), Kieran Liddane, Declan Murphy, Jamie Keane, Adrian Hogan, David Kennedy Mikey Russell, Ger O’Halloran

Clarecastle: James McMahon (Manager), Pat Healy (coach), Michael O’Donoghue (Selector), Stephen O’Halloran (coach), Trevor Slattery (S&C), Ken Hickey (Stats).

Clare men return to Limerick roles

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE coaches have returned to the roles with the Limerick senior hurlers and footballers for 2026.

Limerick GAA have conﬁrmed that John Kiely will remain in charge for a 10th season while Jimmy Lee will enter his third year in charge of the senior footballers.

Shannon’s Alan Cunningham returns as part of Kiely’s management. The ex-principal of St Caimin’s Community School has been part of the Limerick set-up since 2017.

Cunningham coached Na Piarsaigh to win their ﬁrst and only All-Ireland club title in 2016. A former Clare hurler, he had been coach to Clare’s senior hurlers on two occasions, ﬁrst during Anthony Daly’s tenure and again under Mike McNamara.

He was coach of the Offaly senior hurlers when Ollie Baker was in charge in 2012 and 2013. He has been involved with Wolfe Tones

for the past two seasons, guiding their intermediate success and consolidating their senior status this year.

Regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the game, Paul Kinnerk will remain an integral part of Kiely’s management. Kinnerk’s parents are from West Clare, his mother hails from Kilkee and is father is from Doonbeg, they reside in Cratloe. Paul was coach of the Clare senior hurlers who won the All-Ireland SHC in 2013 and coached the county’s U21 hurlers to win three Munster and All-Ireland U21 titles from 2012 to 2014 following on from their Munster minor success in 2010.

Kinnerk formerly taught at St Caimin’s Community School in Shannon where Cunningham recommended him to Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor when they were looking for a coach to the Clare minor hurlers.

Quilty’s Evan Talty is returning for a second season with the Limerick footballers. A ninetime Clare SFC winner and two-time Munster

club medallist with Kilmurry Ibrickane, Talty had been touted as a potential addition to Paul Madden’s Clare management. His title with Limerick is that of skill acquisition coach and it is the only one of its kind with an inter-county team in Ireland.

In his ﬁrst season with Limerick, Talty helped them to secure promotion to Division 3 of the League and they were narrowly defeated by Kildare in the Tailteann Cup ﬁnal.

In 2024, he was coach of the Roscommon U20 footballers who were crowned Connacht champions. He also managed the Clare intermediate ladies footballers and coached the Galway senior ladies football side.

Dylan Kenny of Labasheeda is remaining on board as S&C coach with the Limerick footballers. He had worked alongside Rob Mulcahy with the Clare senior footballers and is a masters graduate from Setanta College. Mungret man, ex-Clare S&C coach Micheál Cahill remains as Head Coach with Limerick.

l Clooney/Quin’s Jerry O’Connor

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FORMER Clare ladies football boss Wayne Freeman has been appointed as the new Meath manager.

Meath LGFA have conﬁrmed the appointment of Wayne as successor to Shane McCormack. He was ratiﬁed as their October County Board meeting for a three-year term.

McCormack guided Meath to reach this year’s All-Ireland ﬁnal where they lost to Dublin 2-16 0-10. Freeman had been head coach to the side this season and makes the step up to manager.

Kildare native Wayne served as manager of the Clare intermediates for two seasons and called time on his tenure in June 2024. Clare reached the All-Ireland intermediate decider in 2023 losing to Kildare by a single point and they

were eliminated in the quarter-ﬁnals the following year to Tyrone, again losing by a single point.

Clare won the Division 3 National League during Freeman’s stint and were promoted to the second tier for 2025 but have been relegated back down for next year. He cited the commute from Kildare to Clare as a big factor for his exit when speaking to The Clare Echo.

Prior to taking charge of Clare, Wayne was manager of the Louth ladies for three seasons, winning Division 4 of the National League during this time. The Monastervan’s clubman playing career was cut short by injury at the age of twenty one.

Wayne said of his new role, “I am very happy to accept the opportunity to manage this brilliant group of players. I thoroughly

enjoyed working with the group as the head coach throughout 2025, and I am excited about building on the foundations we've built as a group, continuing to develop and improve in 2026”.

Under Eamonn Murray, Meath won back to back All-Ireland senior titles in 2021 and 2022. The Royals defeated Clare in the 2020 All-Ireland intermediate semi-ﬁnal before securing promotion to the top tier. Murray was the most decorated ladies football manager in the county. He is now involved with the Cavan gaelic football side.

Meanwhile, Mullagh's Patrick O’Connor has been appointed as the new manager of the Limerick junior ladies footballers.

O’Connor was joint manager alongside Niall Hickey of the Kilmurry Ibrickane

side that won the senior ladies football championship last year for the ﬁrst time in the club’s history. He was coach of the Clare minor ladies footballers managed by Cooraclare’s

David O’Brien who won the All-Ireland C championship in 2022.

Patrick was part of James Murrihy’s management with the Clondegad intermediate footballers this season who reached the Clare IFC semi-ﬁnals, losing out to eventual winners Coroﬁn.

On the professional front, Patrick is the owner of O’Connor Hospitality Group which runs Vaughan’s Pub in Kilfenora, The Edge in Lahinch, The Half Barrell in Whitegate, O’Donohue’s in Fanore and The Good House in Inagh. His uncle Gus owns the historic Gus O’Connor’s Pub on Fisher St in Doolin.

Limerick were managed by Mike Quilligan and Seán Kiely for the past two seasons. During their term, they achieved promotion from Division four into Divi-

sion three. Limerick did not make the knockout stages of the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship this year but retained their Division 3 status.

Ex Limerick U20 football manager Shane Kelly joins O’Connor’s set up as coach. He was part of the Fr Casey’s set-up in 2024 which they reached the county ﬁnal, losing out to Adare. The Newcastle West man was a selector for the Limerick senior footballers under Billy Lee and has coached Gerald Grifﬁns, St Senans and Newcastle West.

Next year’s National League will see O’Connor face off with his native Clare. Clare managed by Graham Shine lost ﬁve of seven games which saw them relegated in April.

PICUTRED: Patrick

BRIDGE KNOCK AVENUE UTD OUT OF MUNSTER JUNIOR CUP

O’Connor

Burren Eye Photography

Killimer players celebrate at the ﬁnal whistle

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Filip Mostowy celebrates scoring the winner for Bridge Utd

Photo by Joe Buckley

SCAN

Loretto wins Ladies Masters in East Clare

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

Loretto O’Donnell (17) won the ladies masters competition at East Clare on Sunday with a nett 66.

In second place with nett 77 was Deirdre O'Neill (33). The ladies Wednesday competition was won by Ursula Hogan, Kay Grimes and Mary Jo Minogue from Mary Collins, Pauline Nugent, Emer Imholff and Mary Brennan with third spot ﬁlled by Mary Stritch, Hannah Guinnane and Breda McCarthy.

Last week’s men's stableford competition was won by Martin Breen (9) with 40 points. In second place with 39 points was Seamus Mason (13) with 39 points who finished ahead of Ray K. McInerney (11) on a countback. The gross was won by Ben Rittweger (1) with 36. In the senior men's competition last week the winners were Ger Shortt, Jackie McHugh and Tadgh Murphy from Denis Corcoran and Ailbe McDonnell with third spot filled by Tom Larkin, Steve Symes and Pat Duggan. The mixed scramble winners on Friday were Pat Duggan, John Nihill and Helen Downey. In second place were Teddy O' Hanlon, Carmel Duggan and Ger Shortt with third place filled by Willie Roche, Breda O' Loghlin, Brendan Moloney and Vivian Cahalane. Pat Duggan had a hole in one on the 8th. ENNIS GOLF CLUB:

Last week’s senior ladies competition at Ennis was won by Marie Dileen, Josephine

Tone and Martina Corbett with 27.

In second place with 28.5 were Pat Leacy, Mary Woulfe and Sarah Bermingham followed by Therese Lillis, Brid Cunningham and Margaret Flanagan with 29.7.

The weekly ladies competition was the October league, an 18 hole singles stableford event sponsored by Sheils Motor Group.

The winner was Patricia Moroney (17) with 36 points from Suzanne Deane (13) with 33 points with Nuala Corry (25), also with 33 points, in third spot.

In the October league 9 hole competition, sponsored by Helen Gallery Auctioneers/Valuers and Or na hOige Jewellery, the winner was Audrey McEnery (20) with 19 points from Mary Woulfe (16) with 16 points with third spot ﬁlled by Josephine Tone (17) with 16 points.

Last week’s senior men’s competition was a modiﬁed scramble with forty two playing. The winners were Senan Ryan, Ollie Kennelly, John Vaughan and Brian Considine with 66 points, two more than Michael Cummins, Tom Gallery, Seamus Hanrahan and Tim Kelly.

In third place with 63 points were Johnny Kearse, Ronnie Guinnane, Brian Tuohy and Jimmy Kearns followed by Pat G Mc Inerney, Pat P McInerney, John O' Flynn and Dave Boylan, also with 63 points. Fifth spot was ﬁlled by Gerry Daly, Conor Murphy, Eugene Quinn and PJ Hehir with 62 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

The Munster Insurance Group men’s singles at Kilrush at the weekend was won by

Sean Moran (25) with 38 points from Geremiah Brennan (14) with 37 points. Brian Scanlan (12), also with 37 points was third.

Jack Foley (3) won the gross with 31 points while the nines were won by Tony McMahon (16) with 20 points and Michael Shannon Snr (22) with 21 points.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

Eoghan Smith was the winner of the men’s 18 hole strokeplay competition at Dromoland at the weekend. He won on a countback from Paddy Ryan with Conor Sheils in third spot on 71 followed by Conor Barry on 72. Jason Ryan won the gross with 72.

The ladies 9 hole competition was won by Mary O’Donnell O’Brien with 18 points. Mary Arthur, also with 18 points, was second with Aislinn Keogh in third spot with 17 points.

The ladies team of three competition was won by Joan Ryan, Leslie O’Flynn and Mairead Toomey with 78, two more than Lina Kocchar, Katrina O’Neill and Trish O’Brien.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:

The category 1 winner in the club singles at Woodstock at the weekend was Ross Darmody (3) with 38 points. Kieran Cunnane (-1) won the gross with 36 points

Stephen Clancy (13) with 39 points won category 2 while Luke Fitzsimons (23) won category 3 with 36 points.

Winners in the club fourball better ball competition were Frank McEnery (20) and Martin White (19) with 53 points.

In the 2’s competition Sean Herber was a

winner at the 6th hole. There will be a club singles this weekend as well as a modiﬁed team of 2 competition with preferred drives on the par 4’s and 5’s and with two scores to count.

SIXMILEBRIDGE GOLF SOCIETY:

Members of Sixmilebridge golf society ended their season on a high at Loughrea last Saturday where the outing also determined the order of merit.

In dry but demanding windy conditions, Conor Murphy returned the winning score and he won from Ian Mulready with Joe Murphy third and David Purcell fourth. The prizes for the nines went to Conor Collins and John Collins.

The accolade of golfer of the year went to Dermot McNamara who pipped Alan Murphy in a close contest.

KILDYSART GOLF SOCIETY:

The ﬁnal outing in Killdysart golf society's year played out at Mahoney’s Point golf course in Killarney at the weekend. Secretary Brian Hayes prevailed with 37 points, his back 9 superior to runner-up Liam Browne. Two points behind was newly crowned golfer of the year, Mark Cottam.

Mark's excellent year saw him score 185 points from his 5 best rounds which included victories in the Vincent Ward cup and the captain’s prize. In a tightly-contested competition, Liam Browne ﬁnished close behind on 175 points, marginally ahead of Bryan Hayes and Gary Brooks on 174.

Stalwarts Cronin & Stud Moloney honoured

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

STALWARTS of the Clare greyhound brigade have been honoured while wins were recorded in Galway and Limerick by Clare trainers.

An eight race card featured at Galway Greyhound Stadium on Friday night and while the final of the ‘Greyhounds Make Great Pets 525’ served as the main course, the performance of Tiermana Hunter was the standout on the night.

Trained by Colm Fitzgerald of Kilrush for the Supping-Away Syndicate, Tiermana Hunter has been in fine form in recent weeks, having reached the final of the valuable O’Connor Julian Vets Cashel Tri-Distance at Limerick.

After finishing on the podium there, the powerful brindle returned to the standard 525-yard trip at the Connacht venue and he did so in style.

Drawn in trap one, the 6/4 favourite broke smartly from the inside and muscled his way past Derrymoyle Bono at the opening turn. Once in front, the son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Tiermana Jetty quickly opened up a three-length lead by halfway and powered clear to win impressively.

Liscannor trained Notsobadnow as he recorded a double within a week with victories on Saturday and Sunday evening. A 19.29 victory on Saturday was followed by a 19.36 win for this son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Raha Gogo.

Mirabel notched her tenth career success for Harper Ward and her Grandad Joe Ward from Spancill Hill with a 29.56 victory, she is a daughter of Droopys Sydney and Cactus Sapphire.

From Thursdays SIS meeting at Limerick Greyhound Stadium, there was success for Sixmilebridge’s Stephen Murray with Run for Mary, a daughter of Broadstrand Bono and Risky Reward, she recorded career win number 3 in 29.31.

Shanakyle Valley has been in remarkable form for Parteen’s Joe Collins, a son of Malachi and Aarons Sensation he won his fifth race in a row with a career best 29.29 performance.

consumed at The Own Pride Bar in Cooraclare after Over Excited duly obliged in the Coote Cup All Age Bitch Stale owned by publican Tomas O’Doherty, Pa Geaney, Paudie Browne and Owen Gallagher, all these members of the Good Mix syndicate were delighted with her victory, she is trained by Dermot O Donovan from Ballina and is a daughter of Boylesports Magic and Breska Wild,

The Reserve Derby Trial Stake went to the Sixmilebridge team of Rachel, Stephen Murray and Sean O'Riordan with Derra Chaser, he is a son of Glenhouse wonder and Oilean Swift.

Another Clare winner was Wartime who duly obliged in the Working Members Stake for the established partnership of Noel Hehir and Rachel Wheeler.

A consistent performer over the 350 yards trip for Ballyea’s Noel Gavin is Ballyea Jet, he recorded his 14th career win at Galway Greyhound stadium with a 19.24 victory, he is a son of Jaytee Jet and Seekers Vision.

Showing his trademark stamina, Tiermana Hunter crossed the line five and a half lengths ahead of Scarlet Ella in a superb 28.70.

Tulla based trainer Donie Duggan was in the winner’s enclosure with Charming Ciara for Tom and Ciara Kelly, after she landed the spoils in 29.66, a daughter of Grangeview Ten and Marlay Star this was her fourth career success.

The Galway circuit is really suiting the Declan McDonagh from

Ennis and Clarecastle Coursing Club held their annual meeting in the past fortnight, despite starting with gusting winds it finished in glorious sunshine and the feature been the exemplary hare husbandry that was evident by strong running hares.

There was a few celebratory pints

Two stalwarts of the Clare Greyhound Brigade were honoured for their membership of the club for 75 years, Jerry Stud Moloney and Patsy Cronin were both presented plaques acknowledging their dedication to the club over the last seven decades.

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

We, Ard Services Limited, intend to apply for permission for development at the Circle K Shannon Service Station, Tullyvarraga, Shannon, Co. Clare, V14 K201. The proposed development will consist of modifications to the permission granted under Application Reg. Ref. 24/294 to include (1) changes to internal floor area incorporating a change of seating area in permitted extension to back filled drinks fridge, an increase in the net retail area from a permitted 74sqm to a proposed 83sqm, incorporating an increase in the area of the permitted off licence use from 9.5sqm to 12.9sqm and revisions to staff and back of house areas, (2) associated elevational changes including new fire escape door, and (3) the provision of a new accessible car parking space and associated changes in forecourt.

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 ROXTON, COROFIN, CO. CLARE.

I Mary Greene intend to apply to the above authority for permission for retention of (1) 2 No. sheds and erection of wall 2.1m in height. (2) changes to the elevations of the dwelling house to include revisions to windows, velux window and chimney of the dwellinghouse and revisions to colour of fascia (3) changes to the site entrance (4) closing of pe-

destrian entrance onto the public road (5) Revised boundary of the property (previously granted planning under P07/701) at Roxton, Corofin, Co. Clare, V95 NF82. 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 of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL KILTANON, TULLA, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Gerard Coughlan intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of an agricultural wood / biomass drying storage unit and associated site works at the above address. The planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL AGHAGLINNY NORTH, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Stephen Hynes intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works at the above address.

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

prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL CRININISH, BALLYNACALLY, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Brian Murphy intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of an agricultural loose house and associated site works at the above address.

NEWSPAPER NOTICE

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LACKANNASHINNAGH, KILDYSART, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Joanne Finn intend to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission to -

• Construct a dwelling house and garage

• Provide a proprietary wastewater treatment system and soil polishing filter

• Provide all ancillary site 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, Clare County Council planning department, Aras Contae on Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare 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 with the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISBIGGEEN,

KILMALEY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Kilmaley GAA intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a machinery shed, extend the existing ball wall area ,add floodlighting to a playing pitch and all associated site works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, New Road, Ennis, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DEERPARK UPPER, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE.

Take notice that Aisling Garrahy intends to apply for planning permission to extend and reuse the building on site as a dwelling house, install a waste water treatment system and all associated and ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

SITE NOTICE

WE MICK REILLY/GERARD CUFFE/EDWARD GEOGHEGAN INTEND TO APPLY FOR PLANNING PERMISSION For development at this site 1 TO 9 TOWN SQUARE, SAINT BRENDAN’S ROAD, LISDOONVARNA, CO. CLARE. The works are to a protected structure reference RPS No.455. Planning permission will consist

of change of use of 9no. holiday home dwelling houses including 1no. reception/office previously granted under Planning Reference P04/2594 to 9no. permanent dwelling town houses including 1no. residents Multi-Purpose Building 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 working hours. (Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, County Clare, V95 DXP2). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) 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 FURTHER INFORMA-

TION/REVISED PLANS

PLANNING REFERENCE: P25/195

DEVELOPMENT DE-

SCRIPTION: permission to build a dwelling house, garage, install a wastewater treatment system and all other associated site and ancillary works

LOCATION: Ballinahown, Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare.

Take notice that Bridget O Brien and Niall Donlon have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P25/195. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application ac-

companied by an EIS within 5 weeks of the receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

DOONBEG ROAD, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

Take notice that N & J Thornton, intend to apply to the planning authority for retention permission at this site for bungalow as built, montessori as built and shed.

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.

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e 2nd Anniversary mass for Annemarie Joyce (Mc Teggart ) 55 Tradaree Court, Shannon, Co. Clare. Who died on 24th of October 2023

ere is a corner of our hearts that you visit everyday. It’s a place for you alone and there you will stay. Your smile was made of sunshine, Your heart was made of gold. ank you for the precious moments, and the memories that we hold.

Mass will be celebrated on Saturday the 25th of Oct in St John and Paul church in Shannon at 6:30pm