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Third time lucky
Councillors ‘still in shock’ over €8m spend on land by Cliffs of Moher
Plans lodged for construction of 74 houses in Sixmilebridge
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie
A SENSE of betrayal has been felt by elected members of Clare County Council after the local authority paid €8m for two plots of land adjacent to the Cliffs of Moher without consulting county councillors.
PLANS for seventy four houses in Sixmilebridge have been lodged with Clare County Council.
The large development is earmarked for a vacant site along the R471 route, close to the Shannon Road housing estate in Clare’s third biggest settlement.
The Clare Echo reported last week that Clare County Council in 2023 acquired two separate sites adjacent to the Cliffs of Moher for a whopping €8m. The total area of the two sites is understood to be close to 55 acres meaning the local authority paid almost €147,000 per acre for the land.
On top of this, the Council also paid vendors cost which exceeded €200,000.
Elected members of the Council were shocked to uncover the information when an external audit of the local authority was published in the past fortnight.
Datcha Construction Limited have applied for planning permission for a development consisting of seventy four residential units. These are comprised of six detached houses, forty semi-detached houses and twenty eighty terrace houses. Also included in the plans are ancillary surface car parking, vehicular and pedestrian access to the proposed development, and connection to existing public water supply.
At the April meeting of the Council, it was Cllr Shane Talty (FF) and Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) who were not shy in airing their views on the gross-overspend.
This new development comes after Datcha was already granted planning permission for thirty one houses in August 2024, despite opposition from local residents who stated that the Bridge is “at or above capacity” and raised concerns about the level of traffic the development could cause.
In a statement following the meeting, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) admitted he was “still in shock” over the external audit. “There are many questions left unanswered and as an elected representative I will work with colleagues to seek full transparency and information on all matters. it is deeply troubling that elected representatives were not informed and consulted on very significant decisions and expenditure”.
A number of community amenities are included in the plans for the development such as a community seating space with benches and a natural play area for children with balance logs, play boulders, an embankment slide, balance stilts and a play mound. Environmental amenities are also featured in the plans with buffer planting and native hedgerow screening proposed to give potential residents privacy.
Lisdoonvarna native Garrihy confirmed he will not support the Cliffs of Moher Strategy as it stands. “I have a serious issue of the
Designated pedestrian and cycle paths are planned throughout the development. A speed limit of 30km/h has been suggested for the development when completed. The site entrance will be accessed by a proposed
new junction to be built on the Shannon Road. The site is designated as part of the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area and is well connected by road and rail to surrounding large settlements such as Shannon, Limerick and Ennis.
Limerick based Architects Arnold Leahy state in the application that “The proposed development is focused on the creation of a high-quality, residential environment in terms of overall design and layout, a mixture of tenure types and unit sizes, and the provision of high quality landscaped public open spaces”. The proposed development would be well connected to local amenities in Sixmilebridge such as the Bridge Kids Creche, Bridge United soccer pitch plus Sixmilebridge’s GAA facilities at O’Garney Park and Cappa Lodge. In terms of environmental impact, the development is expected to be minimal. The proposed greenfield site is located close to a number of sites in agricultural use.
draft in progress Cliffs of Moher 2040 Strategy being cited as a back-up and basis for many actions and decisions as this strategy in development has not been approved by elected representatives and furthermore I have always held the position that I will not support a strategy which is almost totally focussed on the Cliffs of Moher site alone and does not currently have sufficient commitment to the wider North Clare area, towns and villages, community and SMEs located in our area along with major legacy issues of road conditions and infrastructure deficits in the area”. He concluded, “In this context to see this level of spending, ignoring the other obvious and pressing needs of the area is beyond belief and requires major examination in how executive powers and engagement with elected representatives are carried out in Clare County Council”.
Water issues were raised by Uisce Éireann in response to Datcha’s recent development plans. The state water provider noted that the applicant must “enter into a connection agreement with Uisce Éireann” in order to -
In order to reduce pollution from run-off at this site, OBB consulting engineers state that “In the context of the proposed development, it is proposed that all surface water run-off will go through a two-stage treatment train via permeable paving, rain gardens, tree pits, and swales before discharging at a controlled rate -
cision on the proposed development before May 5th 2025. Submissions and objections to the proposed development can be issued
McDonald holds onto the ball from two Corofin opponents during their third round willwego.com Cusack Cup win
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
St.Jospeh’s Doora/Barefield ladies got over the line for their first senior title when making it third time lucky in a final against Killmurry Ibrickane in Cooraclare.
Picture by: Gerard O’Neill
Councillors seek Dáil committee to examine emergency response times
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
CO CLARE is ‘always suffering on the health front’ prompting councillors to seek the establishment of a Dáil committee to fully review emergency first response care for Clare residents.
Proposals were tabled by Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) and Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) relating to the National Ambulance Service (NAS) at the April meeting of Clare County Council.
Lynch led the call for a collaboration between the county’s Oireachtas members to set up a Dáil committee to review emergency response times in Clare. He wanted a focus of this “specifically addressing: the complete failure of National Ambulance Service (NAS) dynamic deployment, including a thorough investigation into recent County Clare failures, such as a reported threehour roadside wait following a recent road traffic collision; a full investigation into the awarding of the new Coast
Guard Search and Rescue (SAR) contract, including how it commenced without adequate training and upskilling, resulting in an 8 AM to 8 PM restricted operating period; and how a SAR contract was awarded to a helicopter lacking a forward-mounted searchlight”.
Enhanced emergency services are warranted in Clare, Cllr Guilfoyle said as he sought a formal request to go to the Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll McNeill (FG) for increased funding of the NAS in Clare. “The recent explanation of insufficient ambulance coverage due to ‘unfunded shifts’ is inadequate. Recent incidents, such as a road traffic accident victim awaiting care for nearly four hours and a sixteen-year-old student left unattended for an hour following a seizure (necessitating ambulance transport from Galway and a helicopter from Cork), underscore the urgent need for service improvements”.
Speaking at the April meeting of the Council, Cllr Lynch outlined that for the
past ten years in the Chamber and in the Dáil the matter has been raised. “We never get into the nuts and bolts, it has failed, they are looking at best practice in city areas, it takes an hour and a half to get to Limerick from some places in Clare, Doonbeg is one example where somebody was left on the roadside for three hours waiting for an ambulance”.
Paramedics deployed from Cork and Galway to West Clare who are not familiar with the N68 “can do damage” if travelling the road at speed, the Kilrush representative flagged. He said the SAR contract has been awarded without staff getting trained. He referenced the €336,000 bike shed in Leinster House, “Where is the Government, what are they like. Nobody is accountable for the bicycle shed, surely someone is accountable when there’s lives involved”.
Introduction of the ‘unfunded shifts’ to describe lack of ambulance coverage was slammed by Cllr Guilfoyle. “Unfunded shifts is an unacceptable, it is a new HR
term, it just means nobody is on the shift, it is no way to run an ambulance service. We seem to always be suffering when it comes to the health front”. Cllr James Ryan (SF) who seconded the proposal commented, “the ambulance service is certainly lacking”.
Ennis Hospital’s future will become clearer following HIQA’s review, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) noted. “It has been clearly stated if you don’t get to an emergency department within an hour for stroke or heart attack then you could be in real trouble, if you’re waiting for an ambulance for three hours then you are in trouble. We’re third world when it comes to getting sick. A real worry is the funding of the service not the people operating it”. Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) agreed with the sentiments expressed.
“We seem to be treated very poorly when it comes to health. As a Council we sent correspondence to HSE, looking for update for dialysis unit, they have not
replied, I don’t know why we are being treated like the poor cousin,” Cllr Guilfoyle added.
In parts of Clare, “you’d be very lucky to make the golden hour,” Cllr Lynch stressed.
“I have spent twenty years training community members on what to do for a heart attack, after ten minutes they begin to lose brain activity,” he flagged. “The whole thing is a mess,” Lynch concluded.
lCllr Ian Lynch (IND)
Photo by: Eamon Ward
‘Bureaucratic inertia’ putting €1.5bn Ennis Data Centre at risk warns developer
by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie
DEVELOPERS behind the planned €1.5bn data campus for Ennis has claimed that the project is being put at risk due to “bureaucratic inertia”.
An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission to Art Data Centres Ltd for the scheme in April 2024 comprising six data halls covering 145 acres or 1.3m sq ft on lands adjacent to the Tulla Rd on the eastern outskirts of Ennis near Junction 13 on the M18 motorway connecting Galway to Limerick.
The planned data centre has been stalled by a High Court judicial review challenge by opponents of the data centre, Colin Doyle, Friends of the Irish Environment CLG, Futureproof Clare, Martin Knox and Christine Sharp.
However, last month the High Court ruled an issue concerning a Leisler bat is not sufficient to halt contentious plans for the new 200MW data centre campus.
The High Court action does remain before the High Court with an issue concerning a derogation licence still to be decided upon.
CEO of Art Data Centres Ltd, Tom McNamara expressed “serious frustration” at what he called are “continued delays by EirGrid” in issuing a grid connection for the
proposed n AI-focused data centre campus in Ennis.
The project has backing from international investors, including ongoing discussions with end users in the cloud and AI spaces.
Art Data Centres has now written to Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke (FG) TD on foot of this week’s Action Plan on Competitiveness proposal to provide policy certainty regarding data centres and plans for connecting large energy users.
Mr McNamara said. “We have a project of national importance. Almost all legal, technical, and environmental requirements are met. Yet after eight years of effort, the project is being put at risk due to bureaucratic inertia”.
He stated, “I am writing to the Minister for Enterprise, Peter Burke, and relevant Cabinet colleagues to intervene urgently to ensure the project’s grid connection proceeds”.
Mr McNamara said that the project meets the needs concerning regional development, attracting AI investment and delivering climate-resilient infrastructure “and must be supported”.
He said, “Delay is not a neutral act—it actively damages Ireland’s international reputation”.
Art Data Centres has been engaging with EirGrid since 2017, first
applying for connection in 2019.
A company spokesman said that despite confirmed available capacity at Ennis and extensive engagement under the CRU’s 2021/124 guidance, EirGrid has not progressed a connection offer.
At an Ennis Chamber of Commerce lunch last year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin publicly supported and referred to the project in 2024.
When speaking to The Clare Echo at the event, he said, “I would
support that Data Centre and its connection to the grid. We’ve a lot of Data Centres in Ireland but we are living in a digital economy and that is the future, AI is coming and the demand for data will grow exponentially so we have to facilitate all of that, it positions Ireland well for the long-term, we have to expand the grid but this represents an opportunity for here and for this location, that is why for areas outside of Dublin which haven’t had
that sort of investment in the past we can’t deny them that investment, I understand the grid capacity is there”.
Asked to respond to Mr McNamara’s comments, a spokesman for EirGrid said that “for reasons of confidentiality EirGrid does not comment on individual customers, connection agreements or applications”.
lBUREAUCRATIC INERTIA: Ennis Data Centre
Beloved Dylan taken before his time but he lived a life of laughter, adventure & compassion
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
A LIFE full of laughter, adventure and compassion was lived by Dylan White who was laid to rest “before his time” in his native Ennis on Monday.
Dylan exuded a sense of warmth with his smile, nature and manner which saw him build a wide circle of friends and come across as a friendly young man to those that didn’t know him personally.
He was universally liked and was noted as a model student with a strong sense of determination.
There is a sting in the emotional punch of seeing droves of young men and women in tears and it was visible in Ennis across the weekend for Dylan’s reposal on Sunday night at the White home in Clonroad Beg, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul and Drumcliffe Cemetery on Monday. Friends of Dylan’s gathered in the Cathedral over an hour before his funeral began at 11am on Monday.
Aged 22, Dylan died on Friday following an illness. Huge crowds of all ages and backgrounds turned out over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend to remember a friendly soul, loved by so many. Guards of honour were provided by Ennis Town FC and Éire Óg GAA club.
Fr Tom Ryan was the chief celebrant for Monday’s mass. Among those joining him on the altar was family friend, Fr Tom Whelan and Fr Ben Hughes, the chaplain at University of Galway where Dylan was a student within the Law School. Fr Ryan described Dylan as “someone so young with so much to live for”. He is a past pupil of Ennis National School and St Flannan’s College.
Addressing Monday’s funeral, Dylan’s father Peter said, “my heart is filled with sorrow and pride, sorrow for the empty space in our hearts”. He added, “I find peace in the thought that his life was full of laughter, adventure and compassion”.
Peter said, “When we remember Dylan, I think of him getting us involved in soccer with Ennis Town and GAA with Éire Óg and sometimes it is the time we spent travelling to Dublin, listening to the 2
Johnnies and not knowing what way to look and him slagging me for my taste in music”.
“It means a lot to us to see so many people who recognised what a great guy he was,” Peter added.
“All I can say is, the reality is we will grieve forever, we will not get over his loss but we will learn to live with it”.
There was a strong round of applause following this which prompted Fr Ryan to remark, “the
round of applause sums up everything”.
“Dylan closed his eyes for the last time on Good Friday,” Fr Ryan noted. As he watched Dylan’s parents Peter and Catriona walk down the aisle of the Cathedral behind their son’s coffin, he said it reminded him of them walking behind their son as they welcomed him to the Christian community twenty two years ago. “With heavy hearts, turmoil and heavy emotions we gather
at this difficult time,” he said. He continued, “We gather on this Easter Monday with heavy hearts. We mourn the death of Dylan, a beloved son, brother, nephew, friend whose life was far too short for our measure, his life was a gift. At the empty tomb we stand today bringing our pain, our questions, even our anger to God but we also bring our faith and our belief, our faith that proclaims that even through our tears that Christ is risen”.
On Friday, Dylan “died before his time,” Fr Ryan said. “We don’t understand why Dylan has died, why he has left the world so young, too early, at 22 years of age the spring of life, his life was a life full of promise with Ellen his girlfriend, Caitriona and Peter his Mam and Dad, Evan his brother”.
Twenty two years of Dylan’s life were lived well to the very end, Fr Ryan stated while pointing out that only two weeks ago he was among the participants in a five kilometre walk. He took time to observe the amount of students present “in great numbers. It is a very difficult day for you, it is also exam season so I know you are distracted by the turmoil of death and exams” while informing them that students are prayed for daily in the Cathedral. Prayers of the faithful were offered for Clarecastle Pharmacy, Clarecare and Milford Hospisce during the service.
A former player with Ennis Town FC, Dylan started out with the club at academy level before progressing through the schoolboys ranks with his father Peter among his coaches. On the GAA scene, Dylan lined out with Éire Óg and was part of the Junior B football side. The club in a statement said there was “a deep sense of sadness and shock” following his death. “Dylan, along with Evan, has been a big part of the Éire Óg family and in particular our Junior B football teams”.
Among the mourners at Monday’s funeral was Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF). She said Dylan was “a beloved young man of the town. At the funeral mass, an older lady seated beside me commented on ‘all the lovely young people’ in attendance”. She added, “A community shocked by the death of one so young, resonated in the resounding applause from the congregation in support of the overwhelming grief in the words shared by Dylan’s grieving father, Peter”.
He is survived by his heartbroken family, mother Catriona, father Peter and brother Evan, aunts, uncles, relatives, friends and his girlfriend Ellen.
lBELOVED: Dylan White
O’Dea Clan Gathering ‘an economic booster’ for Co Clare
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
A TRIENNIAL family gathering crediting with giving “an economic boost” to Clare will receive a mayoral reception in Ennis.
This June, the twelfth international O’Dea Clan Gathering will be held at The Old Ground Hotel in Ennis from Friday June 13th to Sunday June 15th.
Ennis native, Shane O’Dea since 2022 has been the Chieftain of the O’Dea Clan. He previously estimated that the family gathering was worth a quarter of a million to the Clare economy. He hails from the New Rd in Ennis but is now based in Dublin.
O’Dea Clan members from throughout the world gathered at Dysert O’Dea in 1990 for the first time since the Flight of the Wild Geese in 1691. At a meeting in Ennis, these Clan representatives formed the Dysert O’Dea Clan Association to facilitate and encourage exchange between Clan members and to promote research into the history and genealogy of the O’Dea Clan. The O’Dea Clan is Registered with the Clans of Ireland.
More than 50 clan members travelled from California, Florida, Missouri and Ohio to attend the 2022 event which was without representatives from Australia and New Zealand due to COVID-19 restrictions.
In 2014, over 170 delegates attended the gathering, arriving in Clare from the US, Poland, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy advised colleagues, “it is a recurring event, we need to have a little mayoral
reception”. Meetings administrator, Niamh O’Connor stated, “we have to get approval for a mayoral reception on Friday June 13th” which was proposed by Cllr Mary Howard (FG) and seconded by Cllr Pat Daly (FF).
“Was Eamon O’Dea the chief of the O’Deas,” quipped Cllr Daly in reference to the long-serving senior engineer with the Council, “he’s still the Chief,” responded Mayor Colleran Molloy, she added, “there is great PR and goodwill from the town to acknowledge the O’Dea Clan” and said “it was my pleasure to be Mayor of Ennis the last time to welcome them” in 2022.
O’Dea informed the meeting, “There is a clan chief but it is not me”. He said the gathering “brings quite a group of people into the town at the weekend from all over the world”.
Further detail on the O’Dea Clan Gathering was sought by Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF), “As a new councillor, could I get a history on it. What is it about,” she asked.
In response, Eamon O’Dea outlined that the gathering sees people travel from all over the world including New Zealand Australia, America, “from all over Europe and Ireland”. He said, “normally there is between 200 to 300 people attending, they go to Dysart O’Dea castle and do other things in the area”. He said it reconnects O’Deas from different generations with Co Clare. “I know a gentleman comes from Gdansk in Poland, a group comes from New Zealand each time and from parts of the United States, there is a fair gathering of people”. He detailed that the gathering provides “an economic boost” to the county.
MÓRglór award winner scoil samhraidh Willie Clancy to be celebrated in a concert featuring a host of special guests
GLÓR is delighted to announce that this year’s annual MÓRglór Award 2025 has been awarded to Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, a major traditional Irish music, song and dance event held annually in Miltown Malbay, County Clare.
Led by a dedicated organising committee, Harry Hughes; Éamon McGivney; Séamus Ó Rócháin, Deirdre Comber, David Mc Dermott and Maureen Kilduff, Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy is Ireland’s largest traditional music summer school and commemorates the town’s famous uilleann piper, Willie Clancy.
The idea was initiated by Clancy himself and implemented within six months by Muiris Ó Rócháin in collaboration with CCÉ’s timire ceoil Séamus Mac Mathúna, and local musicians Martin Talty, Paddy Joe McMahon and Junior Crehan.
The school has earned a strong reputation as a welcoming space where Irish traditional music can be learned and practiced by all. Each year, it attracts thousands of students who attend daily classes led by experts in Irish music and dance. In addition, the summer school presents a full programme of lectures, recitals, céilithe, and exhibitions, and has grown into a vibrant academy for Irish music, song, and dance since its founding. Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy’s impact on students of all ages and from the four corners of the globe is immeasurable. Now in its sixth decade, the festival continues to grow
in scale and reputation, all while staying true to its founding mission: the teaching and celebration of Irish traditional music, song, and dance. Each year, it draws thousands of participants and visitors— both Irish and international—who gather to attend classes, take part in lively sessions and céilís, or to simply enjoy the exceptional music and atmosphere.
On Saturday May 17 the people of Clare will come together to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to the committee of Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy for over 50 years of promoting Irish Traditional Music with a concert in glór featuring heady line-up of local and national traditional musicians including the O’Brien, Cotter and Kelly families; The Drôle and Cór Chúil Aodha,
along with Brid O’Donohue; Tim Dennehy; Bobby Gardiner; Kseniya Rusnak and Paul Dooley; Josephine Marsh and Mick Kinsella; Marian Curtin and Therese McInerney, Aine Hensey as MC and many more.
Director of glór, Marie O’Byrne, comments, “We are absolutely delighted to recognise and celebrate the committee of Scoil Samhraidh
Willie Clancy, who lead a festival that has rightfully earned legendary status. We look forward to a concert that will honour their outstanding contribution to the development and promotion of traditional music - locally, nationally, and internationally - in the company of many of the festival’s long-standing friends and allies.”
County Clare is renowned and celebrated globally for its rich musical heritage. Music, song and dance all play a central role in the cultural life of the county. The traditional arts are an intrinsic part of County Clare’s identity, portraying a wonderfully rich and diverse image of the county both in Ireland and abroad.
MÓRglór, named after Clare’s cultural ambassador and visionary, Muiris Ó Rocháin, is an acknowledgement and celebration by glór of the wealth of professional & semi-professional artists, alongside the talented individuals, groups and communities within the county, all of whom provide a vital stimulus for the growth and development of Clare’s unique culture.
Previous MÓRglór recipients include Corofin Traditional Music Festival (2014); Eoin O'Neill (2015); Frank Custy (2016); Geraldine Cotter (2017), Chris Droney (2018); Mary MacNamara (2019); The Shannon Family (2021); Malbay Studios (2022) and Siobhán Peoples (2023). MÓRglór 2025 tickets will go on sale at 10am on Wednesday 23 rd April at www.glor.ie and on 065 6843103.
l MÓRGLÓR AWARD WINNERS 2025: Eamon Mc Givney, Deirdre Comber, Seamus O Rochain, Harry Hughes, David Mc Dermott, and Maureen Kilduff of the Willie Clancy Summerschool committee in Miltown Malbay
lECONOMIC BOOSTER: O’Dea Clan Gathering
Pope Francis leaves ‘immense’ spiritual & pastoral legacy says Bishop of Killaloe
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
POPE FRANCIS has left an “immense” spiritual and pastoral legacy, the Bishop of Killaloe has said.
At 7:35 on Monday, Pope Francis died at the age of 88. He was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
He made his final public appearance on Easter Sunday when he wished crowds gather in St Peter’s Square a Happy Easter.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope in March 2013 after his predecessor Benedict XVI resigned. The Argentine experienced a string of health worries in recent years and spent 38 days in hospital in February and March this year.
Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan said the Pope’s death brought “great sadness”. It was Pope Francis who appointed the Tullamore native Bishop of Killaloe in July 2016. He met Pope Francis on three occasions, the first soon after his appointment at a course for new bishops in Rome, the second for the occasion of the Ad Limina visit of the Irish Bishops in January 2017 and the last was his visit to Ireland for World meeting of families in 2018.
Bishop Monahan recalled, “Even though he didn’t have much English he exuded warmth, friendliness and pastoral zeal. It was humbling
to hear him on each occasion to ask for prayers for him personally as he exercised his mission.
“Since his appointment as Holy Father in 2013 he has had a profound impact on the whole world as a spiritual leader and humble pastor. From the simple greeting, moments after his appointment along with his warm smile and asking people to pray for him he won over the hearts of so many. This was matched with a quiet and steely determination to embark on a mission of gentle reform in the Church. One of the many traditional names for the Holy Father is Pontifex, Bridge Builder and Pope Francis certainly endeavoured to be that with all determination, personal charisma and pastoral skill. In choosing the name Francis, we got a strong indication that his papacy would be one of preferential option for the poor, the marginalised and those in trouble. His enthusiasm and missionary spirit was revealed in his first big communication, The Joy of the Gospel”.
He continued, “The fact that he chose to have an extraordinary jubilee year of Mercy soon after set the tone revealing his image of God. It was little wonder following on from that that he chose hope as the theme for the scheduled jubilee this year. I am honoured this year to be the Irish Bishops’ nominee
to be delegate for encouraging the celebration of the Year of Hope. Since it began with the opening of the Holy Door by Pope Francis I have seen the positive way people have engaged with the great virtue of hope in the diocese and beyond and the great consolation it has given. The last major publication of the Pontif, his autobiography was
entitled just that; Hope. The mark of the man”.
According to Bishop Fintan, the papacy of Pope Francis was “fruitful” with a focus on care for the environment, emigrants, refugees, safeguarding children, peace, ecumenism and interfaith dialogue.
“His spiritual and pastoral legacy is immense, and he will be sadly missed”.
Tulla parish priest, Fr Brendan Quinlivan said he met Pope Francis on a number of occasions. “Each meeting was a profound experience. He had the incredible gift of making those who encountered him feel that they were the centre of his focus. He listened carefully to what you had to say and responded in a meaningful way”.
In 2018 during a visit to the Pope’s residence in the Casa Santa Marta, Fr Quinlivan along with Fr Tom Ryan and Archbishop Seamus Horgan presented him with a copy of the story of vocations from Ennis Parish edited by John Bradley. “He expressed gratitude and commended the good work. He concluded all our meetings with a request for prayer for him and his mission. This was a sign of the great humility and connection with all the faithful.
Staying in the Casa Santa Marta it was incredible to watch his ease with the other residents and guests staying there. There certainly was no sign of ego as he queued for the coffee machine along with everyone else at breakfast. His advocacy for the poor, marginalised, displaced and forgotten of the world is a true reflection of gospel values and the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi from whom he took his name,” Fr Quinlivan added.
Feel Better, Be Better: Get Summer-Ready with Bodywow EMS Studio
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lPASTORAL LEGACY: Bishop Fintan Monahan with Pope Francis.
‘False accusations’ & ‘mistrust’ kick off row between Clare TDs
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
TWO OF Clare’s TDs have become embroiled in a row with claims of ‘false accusations’ and ‘mistrust’.
Earlier this month, Sinn Féin tabled a Bill before the Dáil to prevent the Government from reintroducing water charges. This was defeated following a vote.
Over the Easter weekend, Clare TD, Donna McGettigan (SF) in social media posts accused Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independents of allowing water charges to be introduced following the vote.
In a graphic titled ‘Which Clare TDs voted to ban charges’, a green tick is underneath a picture of McGettigan while a red x is underneath images of Cathal Crowe TD (FF) and Joe Cooney TD (FG) while ‘absent’ appears under a photograph of Timmy Dooley TD (FF).
Deputy Crowe hit out at the post by McGettigan. “I think that it’s important that Clare’s voters know how their TDs are representing them in the Dáil and it is important that this false accusation is corrected.
“Deputy McGettigan posted a picture which states that both Deputy Joe Cooney
and I voted against banning water charges, and that Minister Timmy Dooley was absent for the vote. Furthermore, Donna said that – and I quote – ‘Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Independents allow for water charges to be introduced’. The phrasing that Deputy McGettigan has used on her post is very disingenuous and is not accurate. Let me explain why: Legislation to implement water charges has already been repealed. This was contained in the Water Services Act in 2017. I want to be clear on this: this Government has no intentions to introduce water charges. It is not in the Programme for Government and there has been no work done on the relevant Statutory Instruments that would be needed to change this,” he added.
Crowe explained, “The 2017 Act includes provisions to charge households for excessive water usage. This is where a house exceeds 213,000 litres per annum and this came into effect all the way back on the 1st January 2018. This is a huge amount of water and was calculated as being 1.7 times the average household use and this limit is there to encourage considerate water usage to protect both the environment and
the water infrastructure.
“This Sinn Fein motion, if passed, would have had the opposite effect as it would have removed this provision and would have required replacement legislation. The Government has a massive legislative programme to get through in the lifetime of this Dáil and the introduction and progression of a bill to change anything to do with water charges would not be a productive use of Oireachtas time. Let me say it again: this Government has no intention of imposing water charges and Sinn Fein know this. I am disappointed that such inaccurate and misleading information was shared with the people of Clare,” he stated.
Meelick native Crowe outlined, “It is only natural that we should differ on matters relating to policy and legislation, and indeed it is the basis of a healthy democracy. However, this attempt to misrepresent the actions of other TDs within the same constituency does nothing to serve the constituents of this county and I would say it does them a disservice. However, this recent misleading commentary from Deputy McGettigan shares worrying shadows of the spiteful and disjointed politics we often
see play out in other major Western countries and I would certainly not welcome its arrival here. All four Clare TDs have a mandate from
the people and – as another elected representative said this week – this “makey up stuff” benefits no one.
Speaking to The Clare
Echo, McGettigan referred to promises in the past from Fianna Fáil. “An article appeared that a recent briefing document prepared for the Minister, when he was new to the role listed finalisation of the draft household water conservation charge , as a high level priority. Fianna Fáil’s 2016 general election manifesto , 'an Ireland for all' stated that the party's core priorities included abolishing Irish Water and Irish Water charges. So just like Fianna Fáil's promise in the lead up to the last general election that 40,000 housing units would be delivered, you can see where mistrust sets in.
“The bill would repeal the aspect of 2017 act that allows Uisce Éireann to introduce a customer charge for excess Water use and because the Government refuses to support that, mistrust is also there. The final nail needs to be put in the coffin of water charges and that is what this bill is about. Minister James Browne has said that they would not be brought in at this time, we are saying not be brought in at any time,” she added.
Council external audit raises red flag & shows €1.6m spend on three Ennis 2040 projects
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
A POLICY to maintain proper controls, governance and procedures in Clare County Council as recommended by an external audit has not been implemented and has missed its timeline for completion.
In a twenty page external audit completed by local government auditor, Joanne Greene of Clare County Council’s annual financial statement for 2023 it was revealed that the local authority paid €8m for two pieces of land adjacent to the Cliffs of Moher which elected members were unaware of and €1.9m for lands in Bunratty where a complete file was not maintained. As per its annual financial statement for 2023, the Council recorded an interest in eleven companies, an increase of four from 2022, at the time of the external audit, the audited financial statements were not complete for nine of these companies.
This prompted Ms Greene to suggest, “the Council should adopt a
guideline policy on governance requirements for all its subsidiary and associate companies to ensure that appropriate corporate governance procedures are in place. Despite the Council’s efforts, this process is not yet finalised. It is the responsibility of the Council to implement and maintain proper controls and procedures to ensure propriety and proper governance are in place for all companies”.
“Obtaining fully audited financial statements for our subsidiary companies in time to align with the current financial reporting year continues to be a challenge for the auditing firms,” said former Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling in response. He said draft guidelines on governance requirements for all subsidiary and associate companies are in place, “the body of work is ongoing with a timeline for completion in quarter one of 2025”.
This timeline was not met. Speaking at last week’s meeting of the Council, interim Chief Executive, Carmel Kirby said the process had “started” and that a report would
come before the elected members when it was drafted. “I can assure members and the public there is good governance across Clare County Council and all its directorates”.
One such subsidiary is the Ennis 2040 DAC which is 100 percent owned by the Council. In her audit, Ms Greene noted, “the Council finances Ennis 2040 by borrowing funds and then releasing the money to the company when it’s needed. The Council records all cash advanced to Ennis 2040 as a debtor, while the firm records an equivalent amount as a liability”.
In 2023, Ennis 2040 carried out works on the Council’s behalf totalling €927,000, total expenditure for the end of that year stood at €1.6m, “the majority of this expenditure was in relation to Francis Street, Abbey Street and Harvey’s Quay projects,” the audit noted. Two of these three projects, proposals to build on car parks in Abbey Street and Harvey’s Quay were paused in March 2025.
The audit found that in 2023 a
further €408,000 was incurred by Ennis 2040 for works undertaken on behalf of the Council but the works were funded from the Council’s own resources. “By the end of 2023, the Council had advanced €2.2m to Ennis 2040 by way of a cash advance, this was recorded as a long-term debtor in note three of the AFS. Ennis 2040 had a corresponding liability included in their 2023 draft accounts. In 2022, a loan of €5m was drawn down by the Council. At the end of 2023, €1.2m of this had not passed over to Ennis 2040 and the corresponding liability is included in accounts”.
Dowling said Ennis 2040 was in “its early stages of delivery” and that the €10m loan “will be repaid from the success of the project implementation. As projects within the Ennis 2040 strategy moves through planning and into construction, the remainder of the loan will be drawn down as required”.
Expenditure for the county library project which officially opened in November 2024 hit €17m while at the time of the external au-
dit it was listed as €16.1m, this increase will have to see the Council “provide additional financing from their own resources,” warned Ms Greene if the figure went above the €16.1m.
“Assessment of Council exposure if any to additional costs will be reviewed at final account stage which will fall due in January 2025 and available for the auditor to review during audit 2024,” Dowling commented.
Also in the county town, the external audit outlines that the Ashline Housing Project on the Kilrush Rd had a final budget of €11.2m agreed by the Department of Housing. The project was to redevelop an abandoned traveller accommodation site and adjacent site to construct forty housing units with access roads. “Works commenced in late 2020 at a budget cost of €10.5m and was substantially complete by June 2022. However due to agreed charge orders, ex-gratia payments for COVID closures, inflation, supply chain delays and utility costs, the original budget increased”.
lMISTRUST: Cathal Crowe TD (FF)
Why idling outside schools is harming our health, planet, and pockets
Idling — the act of leaving your engine running whilst parked has negative consequences for the environment, health, vehicle and wallet. Many newer vehicles have a “stop-start” function, which automatically turns the engine off when the car is at a standstill.
However, you don’t need to buy a new car to be more environmentally friendly and cash conscious. All you need to do is turn off your engine if you are stopping for more than a minute, which includes waiting to drop off or pick up your children from school.
Waiting with your engine on for just ten minutes a day will produce enough excess fumes across the year to fuel two jumbo jets! In case that figure wasn’t striking enough, we’ve come up with four more reasons to turn off your engine outside the school gates.
1.Help the Environment
Everyone knows that idling emits hazardous pollutants, which lead to climate change and health issues. Did you know that turning your engine off for that ten-minute waiting period could prevent 450 grams of carbon dioxide from being released? That could make a huge difference to the air quality outside your child’s school.
Anti-idling experiments around Irish schools saw levels of black carbon — a pollutant associated with car exhausts — drop by 36%
after “no idling” action days. Just imagine what a difference such behaviour would make if implemented across the entire school year!
Many idlers argue that turning your engine off and on again actually causes higher levels of pollution, but this is only the case if you’re restarting your car within a minute or less. If you’re waiting for longer than 60 seconds, which is usually the case around schools, it’s always best to switch off your engine.
2.Better for Your Health
The pollutants from idling vehicles (especially diesel cars) have been linked to asthma, heart disease, bronchitis and cancer. This leads to the tragic death of hundreds of people in Ireland each year and puts a huge strain on the our health service.
In fact, air pollution has been found to cut the average person’s life expectancy by six months. Children are particularly vulnerable to these issues because their lungs are still developing and they breathe at a much faster rate than adults. Furthermore, they’re physically closer to the ground and to those dangerous exhaust pipes.
You don’t need to be outside to suffer the consequences of idling; sitting in a stationery vehicle with the engine on means you’re breathing in dirty fumes that leak into the car cabin. So, if your family is sitting in the car waiting for the
school gates to open, remember to turn off that engine!
3. Save Money
It’s a common myth that restarting the engine uses more fuel — and therefore costs more money — than keeping the engine running. We’ve already discovered this isn’t the case! In fact, idling for ten minutes will cost you at least one-tenth of a litre in wasted fuel. Switching off your engine will ensure you get the best bank for your buck and miles out of your tank, which is especially important as fuel prices continue to rise.
4.Protect
Your Vehicle
Once upon a time, drivers needed to keep their car running to keep the battery charged. Luckily for the environment, this is no longer the case. It’s also untrue that the most efficient way to warm up your engine is to leave the car running. The best way to heat up the vehicle is to drive it, as long as it is safe to do so (e.g. once snow or ice is cleared from the windscreen). And if you feel a bit chilly waiting without the heating on, it is both cheaper and better for your car to make a flask of hot coffee and put on your thickest woolly gloves.
Please turn off you car engine outside our schools!!
Annual Ann Maher memorial fundraiser in Kilmaley
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
KILMALEY hosts the annual Ann Maher memorial fundraising dance this weekend.
On Sunday (April 27th), the Kilmaley Inn is the venue for the annual Ann Maher memorial fundraising dance which begins at 9:30pm and is expected to continue until midnight.
Music will be provided by Tommy O Flaherty and Francis Fahy. Tickets cost €10 and are available at the door with all funds going towards Milford Hospice.
There will be a spot raffle on the night where the prizes include two tickets for the Munster senior hurling final.
Ann died in March 2008 and was Chairperson of Kilmaley Camogie Club at the time, a role she held for many years. She was well-known by every voluntary group within the parish of Kilmaley and epitomised the traits of a true volunteer. She baked for cake sales, knitted for the apostolic society, ran a home produce stand at the
Meitheal sports, packed bags, organised flag days, hassled for sponsorship, made camogie skirts for teams, organised the jerseys. organised the arm bands for countless guards of honour.
Her commitment to camogie both at club and county level is still remembered across Clare. Her church and faith played a central part in her life and school holidays were always marked by a visit to Knock. Her love of gardening and flowers were there to behold and enjoy. She was the soul mate of her husband Michael for over 36 years and she was a supporting and guiding hand to her children, Siobhán, Rachel, Grainne, Edel, Michelle and Declan.
Regional News
Missing footpath on Mill Road to be tackled in LTP
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
PROPOSALS within the Ennis Local Transport Plan are to allow for a new footpath to be installed on the Mill Rd.
Absence of a footpath on a section of the western side of the carriageway along the Mill Rd in Ennis was flagged by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF).
In a motion before the Ennis Municipal District, she asked that the “the dangerous lack of footpath from the Centra on Mill Rd which cuts off abruptly forcing pedestrians to walk onto the busy road,” to be assessed. She continued, “There is a relatively high footfall in this area due to the many shops and activities in the area, so it would be worthwhile to examine options to address pedestrian safety”.
Acting senior engineer in the Ennis MD, Paddy Tiernan advised that solutions to having footpaths on both sides of the Mill Rd were being examined as part of the Ennis Local Transport Plan.
He explained that the three-bay, two-storey former corn store which was constructed in approximately 1790 is a protected structure is the
reason why a footpath does not exist on the western side of the Mill Rd carriageway. “The presence of this structure results in insufficient space being available for both a two-lane carriageway with a footpath on either side. We are confident the proposals within the Local Transport Plan will address and solve this issue and allow for a new footpath to be installed at this location”.
Seconding the request, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua outlined, “the fact there is shops, hairdressers and spa treatments on that road there is a lot of people using it. I was thinking how they’d put a footpath there because it is directly adjacent to where I live, I’d welcome a timeline if we could get it, it is a danger and quite a fast road, the whole road could be up for inspection safety wise to try slow down the speed, I could be wrong on that”.
Traffic movement cannot be impacted by any proposal, cautioned Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF). “This is a main tributary accesses road to Ennis, I would stress anything to prevent traffic movement would be a very poor engineering decision, I looked at the footpath in detail, it
is skinny in places and if you are on a wheelchair you would have a difficulty. If you use your head and look at it, when you come from the Cloughleigh side to the old building and had a zebra crossing, you can cross the road at the zebra crossing and go onto the wider footpath. I would stress not to do anything to impact on traffic movement, I’d stress on any plans that they don’t
talk about anything other than protecting pedestrians and the flow of traffic”.
Memories of “legging it to Downes & Howard which used to be our local shop,” were recalled by Cllr Mary Howard (FG). She suggested a corridor be put through the corn store to improve accessibility. “It is quite dangerous, cars are only getting faster, that is the
Moving taxi rank from Harvey’s Quay can free up prime parking spaces in Ennis
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
MOVING THE location of the taxi rank in Ennis can free up parking spaces, a long-serving county councillor has argued.
Citing “the serious shortage of parking spaces in Ennis town centre,” Cllr Pat Daly (FF) called on the Ennis Municipal District to examine sourcing an alternative location for the taxi rank in the county town.
Ennis’ taxi rank moved from the Height in O’Connell Square to Harvey’s Quay (Parnell Street car park) following a proposal from Ennis Town Council in 2005 which was met with backlash by local taxi drivers.
Acting senior engineer in the Ennis MD, Paddy Tiernan said they were “not aware of any significant issues in relation to the current location of the taxi rank” but was happy to
speak with taxi providers to discuss the current arrangements and understand and difficulties that they may have in terms of their requirements”.
He added, “Taxis provide an important service within Ennis and make a valuable contribution to the economy of the town. Therefore, we are willing to consider alternative locations if required and suggest that with councillor assistance, a meeting would be arranged between both the executive and the taxi providers in order to understand the current issues and examine any alterations if necessary”.
Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Daly stated, “it was a bad decision to move the taxi rank into the area of Parnell Street car park and take away parking spaces, it caused serious damage to Parnell Street at the time and now it is a serious damage to the town, it is forty spaces, it is time the
Ennis Municipal District sought a new site for the taxi rank, it would make a huge difference to the town”.
“I wasn’t aware of this,” commented Cllr Mary Howard (FG) on the push to move the location. “Town is quieter since COVID,” she observed. “There are five or six taxis waiting there most days, have the conversation with them to see if they think it should be moved, we’ve got used to where it is and I don’t see it going back to the square, once the refurbishment is done it will look amazing”. She added, “it needs to be in a place where they can get out of the town quickly”.
Reviewing the current set-up was welcomed by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF).
“There is nobody passing judgement with the taxi organisations, we embrace and support them”.
Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) stated, “I don’t agree
with the premise of the motion, I don’t accept there is a serious shortage of parking spaces in Ennis, I do agree that we should reconsider the location of the taxi rank”. She explained, “As a woman if you are out at night, it is nice to have something smack bang in the middle, the Carraig Donn is a great location worth considering”.
Responding to his party colleague, Cllr Daly commented, “the whole idea is to free up parking, that is the whole idea. The taxi rank was originally planned to move to Abbey Street near the Queens but it was moved to Parnell Street and the business people were upset”.
Adding his view, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) said he supported the sentiment of the motion but cautioned, “I’m not sure how easy it will be find to an alternative”. He admitted, “I seldomly walk to the taxi rank”.
reality and cars are not coming off the road any time soon”.
Having studied the reply again, Cllr Colleran Molloy observed, “The response doesn’t say if there will be an additional footpath. I was thinking of an additional footpath”. In response, Tiernan flagged that the local transport plan is referenced in the reply. “There will be proposals that I don’t want to get into today and undermine process ongoing at the minute. When there is space issues we can’t make the roads wider because we’ve private property on either side, the option of a zebra crossing is something we’ve toyed with or a single lane on that road, I’ve looked at Cllr Howard’s proposal to go through building because the width of a wall is the width of the footpath, we’ve spoken to owner of the building, fortunately or unfortunately it can’t be knocked and won’t be knocked because it is a protected structure, I don’t want to get caught up in undermining what is going on with the local transport plan, ye had a briefing with Eamon (O’Dea, senior engineer). I’d like to wait until everything is discussed holistically”.
lFOOTPATH: Mill Road Ennis
lFAMILY FUNDRAISERS: Recently, two fundraising events were held by families and communities affected by suicide to support Clare Suicide Bereavement Support (CSBS). A group of greyhound enthusiasts organised a race event and raised €5,060.06. Oran Fitzgerald presented the cheque to Dan O’Connor of CSBS, along with Eoin Browne, Colm Fitzgerald (Trainer), Liam Fitzgerald, and the winning dog, Flyers Effect. The Malone Smyth family also held their second ‘Shine for Smythie’ tractor run in memory of Aaron Smyth. They raised €10,145 and presented it to members of CSBS. We are very grateful for their generous support.
Ennis
Traffic calming stuck on the agenda in East Clare
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
“SOMETIMES I wonder do we have anything else to talk about,” remarked Cllr Pat Burke (FG) at the latest sitting of the Killaloe Municipal District.
His comments were in relation to yet another appeal for traffic calming measures in East Clare. Whether it is Kilkishen, Killaloe, Flagmount, Feakle, Tulla or Tuamgraney, for each bi-monthly meeting of the Municipal District the chances of a county councillor tabling a motion on roads or trying to slow down the cars using such roads is as good as guaranteed.
For the latest sitting, traffic calming measures on the R463 approaching the village of Tuamgraney was the request issued by Cllr Burke.
Acting senior executive engineer, Declan Flanagan acknowledged, “It is clear there are relatively high traffic speeds approaching Tuamgraney on the R463 from Killaloe, and in common with other areas, traffic calming measure are required. Any such traffic calming proposals need to be considered and undertaken in a holistic manner with other initiatives in the area”.
He reminded councillors that the Killaloe MD successfully sought and obtained funding through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) to provide an off-road outdoor trail from Tuamgraney to Raheen Hill to join up with the existing sections of pathway and walk way along the existing amenity Trail to Ballycug geran and also towards the East Clare Way.
Flanagan advised, “Part of this ORIS scheme includes for proposals of a zebra crossing proximate to the entry of Tuamgraney. As part of the ORIS scheme, we have drafted plans for an off-road section of footpath from Tuamgraney to provide a safe, pleasant and Accessible amenity for pedestrians, cyclists of all ages and abilities. ”.
Once agreement is reached with the stakeholders, draft drawings will in clude a zebra crossing as a traffic calm ing measure. It is envisaged the project
would be submitted for planning consent through a Part VIII process.
Speaking at the latest Killaloe MD meeting, Cllr Burke remarked, “Every meeting we’re putting down motions for traffic calming and trying to slow down traffic, sometimes I wonder have we anything to talk about”.
Tuamgraney’s handball alley is “a very busy facility” with children getting collected by their parents on dark evenings in the winter prompting the need to slow down traffic, he said.
Seconding the proposal, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) stated, “Every two months there is bound to be a couple of motions relating to speeding, this is positive feedback, we can only do so much, there is a huge lack of enforcement for speeding in our towns and villages. We need to get the Gardaí back in here to see what is happening in our Municipal District.”
Raised tables are one effective of slowing down traffic, Cllr Burke believed. “Any town or village we approach and you meet a raised table like we have in Whitegate which isn’t as busy as the road in Tuamgraney but the difference it makes to people is visible. Locals can be more guilty than visitors because they can come flying into Tuamgraney, a raised table gives a reminder that you need to slow down in
Flanagan confirmed a raised table for Tuamgraney will be included as part of the application. He said councillors would be briefed before any Part VIII process progresses.
Tulla GAA lodge plans for astro-turf, all weather pitch & indoor hurling wall
by Michael Fitzgerald
TULLA GAA are proceeding with plans for an indoor hurling wall and astroturf as well as a new all weather pitch.
The East Clare club has produced further information as part of a planned expansion at their grounds in Knockadoon.
On the April 9, Tulla GAA Club applied to Clare County Council seeking permission to “construct an indoor hurling wall and indoor astro turf playing area 35m x 25m together with demolition and replacement of existing public toilets” and “to construct a new all-weather pitch served by 6 no. 6 metre high floodlights and perimeter fencing and all associated site works”.
Clare County Council has ordered Tulla GAA to produce further information in their plans however, citing a number of concerns. The local authority has noted safety issues due to the lack of public lighting near the club’s grounds and the increase in volume of traffic the development is likely to cause.
The planning department stated that “The footpath and lighting network in the town of Tulla does not extend as far as the proposal site and there is concern that the proposed development of additional facilities, which is likely to increase the level of pedestrian and cycle activity along the regional road, may endanger pedestrians and cyclists and create a traffic hazard”.
The proposed new indoor astroturf, all weather pitch and hurling wall are planned for winter training only and are not expected to be used for adult games. The planning department also asked that drawings of the proposed floodlights be submitted, stating that “insufficient detail has been provided”.
Jamie Vaughan Design has now changed the plans however in response to Clare County Council by saying that “We now wish to omit the floodlights, the proposed all weather pitch will only be used in the daytime and the indoor space will cater for all nighttime training”.
Clare County Council is now due to make a decision on the proposed development by the 14th of May 2025.
West Clare
Keating confident of Strand Line improvements in Kilkee
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
“MONEY won’t be an issue” to get the Strand Line in Kilkee a tarmac overlay according to a West Clare councillor. A request for Clare County Council to carry out a tarmacadam overlay on the section of the road from the Carrigaholt Roundabout to Minister’s Cross at the Miltown Road, Kilkee was made by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG). He flagged, “This is part of the main route from Loophead to the Cliffs of Moher”.
Senior executive engineer in the West Clare Municipal District, Alan Kennelly detailed, “A section of the Strand Line is included for overlay on the 2025 Schedule of Municipal District Works. The Minister’s Cross Junction is due for a junction upgrade and a design has been prepared by TII. The scheme is working its way up the priority list and funding is awaited. The 2025 TII allocations have not yet been published”. Speaking at a sitting of the West Clare MD, Cllr
Keating stated, “We’ll be going further with the reply”. He said. “the design team are nearly there, money won’t be an issue, I understand we acquired some land from the Department or the Government”. He continued, “the whole thing would do justice to the area in Kilkee, maybe we could rename it”.
To “Gabriel or Keating’s Cross,” questioned Cllr Ian Lynch (IND). “We won’t go into that,” replied
Keating. “It is one of the projects up for discussion,” Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) said. A public meeting was held on the matter, Kennelly advised councillors. “The outcome is always positive,” remarked Keating but the senior engineer offered a health warning, “TII might not have as much funding as we think”.
‘Moneypoint’s potential would be maxmised if it was in Kerry ’
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
WEST CLARE is at risk of being “shortchanged” when it comes to offshore wind projects while Kerry would take better “advantage” of Moneypoint if it was in their county, according to elected members of the Council.
Last week, plans for the 450MW Sceirde Rocks offshore windfarm off the coast of Clare and Galway after the developers Corio Generation and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan opted not to proceed with their plans for the €1.4bn project.
Offshore energy offers potential for Co Clare but the continued trend of developers leaving the field is a concern.
In 2021, ESB announced details of their future vision, Green Atlantic at Moneypoint, which will see the site redeveloped into a renewables hub which will include the commissioning of one of the largest Synchronous Condensors in the world, a 1,400 MW offshore wind farm, delivered in two phases, a wind turbine
construction and service hub plus the development of green hydrogen production, storage and generation facility. Equinor initially partnered with ESB on the project but withdrew in November 2021 citing local regulatory uncertainty. In 2022, energy giant Shell exited the Irish offshore wind energy market, having been working in partnership with Irish marine renewable energy developer, Simply Blue. In June 2023, ESB confirmed they would jointly develop with Ørsted an offshore wind energy farm portfolio off the west and east coast including Moneypoint.
In a proposal before the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) requested a briefing with Clare County Council’s planning department to discuss applications on the installation of HV cables for offshore wind projects across the county’s landscape. This engagement was to focus on the Council’s statutory functions along with current and future projects.
East Clare
lSTRAND LINE: The Carrigaholt Roundabout in Kilkee
l TRAFFIC CALMING: Cllr Pat Burke (FG)
Photo by: Martin Connolly
Shannon
Community collaboration takes off with Shannon Community Network meeting
by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie
THE Shannon Community Network brought locals and community groups together for the organisation’s first meeting of the year.
The event, held at the Hope Café in Shannon was facilitated by the board of Shannon Community Partnership: Siobhán Boyd (Chairperson), Denise O’Brien, Joanne Begley, Sam Stephens, Sue Corcoran, Derek Clune, Don O’Sullivan, and Geraldine Lambert.
The Shannon Community Network was established to move away from groups working in isolation and instead foster collaboration, information sharing, and collective action. The purpose of the Network is to provide a forum for groups and individuals to connect, share ideas, and work side by side on the issues and opportunities that matter most to Shannon.
Speaking to the Clare Echo about the motivation behind the organisation Boyd said:
“We felt there was no voice for Shannon to link between the community and the main stake holders in the town. Decisions were being made and the community was getting input because there was no voice for them at the time.”
“This network meeting is about
linking in with the community and getting ideas from the community.”
The evening featured opening remarks from Siobhán Boyd followed by Densie O’Brien outlining the aims and objectives of the meeting.
Guest speaker Helena McElmeel,
architect and community advocate then shared her experience of community-led regeneration and the power of a shared mandate, drawing on her work with the Ennistymon Town Team. Her presentation reinforced the importance of col-
laboration, inclusive engagement, and a clear vision for the future.
After hearing from the speakers the attendees were organised into groups which focused on one aspect of community development; Culture, Health, Wellbeing, Sports & Recreation; Environment & Sustainability; Learning & Education; Local Economy & Enterprise; and Community, Housing & Neighbourhoods. Supported by a board member the groups worked together to identify priorities, discuss challenges, and agree practical next steps—including nominating a lead contact and committing to meet again before the end of May to continue their progress.
Following on from the success of last weeks event the The Shannon Community Partnership board will continue to support the groups, with the leadership and energy coming from within the network itself. Task groups will meet again before the end of May, and people are still welcome to join if they have a particular interest.
Boyd encourages those within the Shannon community to attend future events and to get involved in projects.
“There are things lacking but there is no point sitting at home and giving out about it and doing nothing about it in turn. So what we are saying to everyone is even if you think you have no ideas, come to an event like this and you will be surprised what will come when you sit with a group of like minded people who want to better the town.”
Chemifloc’s expansion plans hit stumbling block
by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie
CHEMIFLOC have had plans for a major expansion in their Shannon facility stalled by Clare County Council.
The chemical giant has been asked to produce further information in relation to a large proposed development at the Smithstown Industrial Estate.
In February, the Irish chemical manufacturer had applied for the construction of a new two storey office building including laboratories and a gym, as well as a truck maintenance facility, a number of solar panels and over one hundred new car parking spaces.
Clare County Council has found a number of issues in the firm’s application however and have asked that further information be produced.
The local authority has raised concerns over traffic safety at the site, whose main entrance is primarily used by HGVs. They stated that “the proposed exit from the car park and offices area appears to have minimal sightlines onto the Smithstown road. Conflicts may arise between cars waiting to exit this site via this access and other vehicles
using the Smithstown Road. Serious concerns arise that the proposed arrangement may lead to vehicular conflict and may result in traffic waiting to access this site queuing along the Smithstown Road”.
Clare County Council has asked Chemifloc to meet with the Planning Authority in order to produce a Road Safety Audit for the site.
A lack of pedestrian and sustainable transport accommodation has also been noted at the site. The proposed new 104 parking spaces is viewed as excessive and in conflict with the Clare County Development Plan 20232029. The planning authority has stated that the high volume of parking spaces may “discourage consideration of more sustainable travel modes to and from this facility”.
The Irish Aviation Authority has also commented on the planning application. Due to the site’s close proximity to Shannon Airport, the planning authority has stated that a preliminary screening assessment must take place in relation to the cranes that will be used during construction. This is so they do not impact on “instrument flight procedures, communications, navigation and surveillance equipment or on the safety of flight operations at Shannon Airport”.
Concerns have also been raised over the impact the proposed solar PV panels could have on passing aircraft. The planning department has asked Chemifloc to conduct a glint and glare report to gauge the effect the solar panels may have. There are also concerns that light may shine onto motor-
ists travelling on the N19 national route and Smithstown Road which are in close proximity to the development.
Chemifloc Ltd have at least six months to provide the necessary information to the local authority.
lCOMMUNITY SPIRIT: Discussion group at the Shannon Community Network meeting in The Hpe Cafe
lEXPANSION PLANS: Chemifloc Shannon facility
Gort & South Galway
Teachers highlight understaffed and overwhelmed school system at INTO Congress
by Páraic McMahon
Nearly 1,000 primary and special education teachers have gathered in Galway this week for the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation’s (INTO) Annual Congress.
Monday marked the start of the three-day conference which featured an address from Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee (FG), on Tuesday.
Resourcing, workload and staffing of the primary education system have been some of the areas causing growing frustration among teachers.
Debate and discussion centred around chronic underinvestment in primary education, unsustainable teacher workload, and an escalating teacher supply crisis.
Despite Ireland’s strong economic performance, primary schools remain underfunded compared to international standards. INTO General Secretary John Boyle described the situation as “untenable”, highlighting that over 250,000 pupils are in classes of 25 or more, and more than 100,000 children are waiting for essential therapies.
Primary school’s core grant, the capitation grant is €224 per pupil compared with €386 per student at post primary. “Our members are delivering exceptional results in under-resourced schools. Irish pupils rank at the top of the OECD in reading literacy, and yet their learning environments are stretched to the limit,” said Boyle. “It’s past
time the Government recognised the real cost of primary education and allocated funding accordingly. We’re not calling for the impossible—just a 5% increase in the share of overall government spending to be allocated to the education sector by 2030. The children of this country deserve better. This echoes a similar call made by the union last year.”
INTO delegates called for a reduction in class sizes to improve learning conditions, and guaranteed substitute cover for all teacher absences. The government has conceded to the union’s campaign to cut class sizes to 19:1, but action is needed in the forthcoming budget to deliver on this commitment.
Over the Easter weekend, Minister McEntee announced that national education therapeutic services will begin rolling out in special schools in the next academic year, starting with speech and language and occupational therapy, with the new scheme expanding to schools with special classes from the 2026/27 academic year. This was welcomed by the INTO who flagged that for this initiative to be truly effective, it must be made available to all primary and special schools and has to include all wraparound services. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, counselling and psychological supports must be made available to every primary and special school. The INTO will continue to press for a comprehensive and fully resourced approach
that meets the real needs of pupils with additional needs, their families and their schools.
Increasing workload is proving concerning for INTO members.
Delegates called for protected time for in-service training and school development planning, particularly in relation to the redeveloped primary curriculum, alongside additional supports for school leaders.
“Our job is to teach, but too often,
teachers are being pulled in every direction,” Boyle noted. “Workload has become unsustainable, and that’s affecting recruitment, retention, and the wellbeing of our members. Unless this is taken seriously, industrial action is a real possibility”.
An INTO workload survey published by the union in 2023, completed by over 4,000 teachers and 1,100 school leaders, paints a stark
picture of an increasingly unsustainable profession – one characterised by excessive demands, poor planning at national level, and a growing sense of burnout.
Among the findings were, nine out of ten primary teachers report struggling with excessive workload, with the teaching role described as increasingly “stressful”, “demanding”, and “inflexible”. Principals work an average of 600 additional hours per year outside normal school time, including an average of 15 extra hours weekly during term time and nearly 8 hours weekly during holidays.
Teachers cite a bureaucratic burden of paperwork which delivers no tangible benefit to teaching and learning. The profession is overwhelmed by a flood of initiatives, an overcrowded curriculum, and a lack of support structures. School leaders are facing serious consequences for their health and wellbeing, amid growing frustration with the Department of Education’s failure to support schools effectively. Thousands of teaching posts currently remain unfilled each day, with schools in urban areas, DEIS schools, Gaelscoileanna, and special schools facing the greatest strain. Nearly 9,000 unqualified people are taking classes based on information provided by the Department of Education, a clear example of the extent of the crisis.
400 national & international planners attend Galway conference
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
CELEBRATING the launch of the Galway City and County Metropolitan Area Socio Economic Profile at the National Planning Conference 2025, Salthill, Galway City, 9-11 April 2025 are Faolán Hamilton, People and Place; Emy Pye, People and Place; Justin Gleeson, People and Place; Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council; Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services, Galway County Council; Eoghan Lynch, Senior Planner, Galway City Council; Valarie Loughnane, Senior Planner, Galway County Council; Brian Corcoran, Senior Executive Planner, Galway County Council; Brendan Dunne, Senior Executive Planner, Galway City Council; and
Helen Coleman, Senior Executive Planner, Galway City Council.
400 senior national and international planning professionals were in Galway for the prestigious National Planning Conference in Salthill.
Taking place on what was the fiftieth anniversary of the Irish Planning Institute, the National Planning Conference also marked the launch of the Galway City and County Metropolitan Area Socio Economic Profile. The European Council of Town Planners also held their AGM as a parallel event in Salthill, with 25 senior international planning experts participating. In addition to keeping Galway City at the centre of conversation around planning and delivery, the event generated approximately 500
bed nights and associated spend in the city, with visitors benefiting from a spell of warm spring weather to enjoy Galway.
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive delivered the opening keynote address, where he outlined the strategic priorities for the City in the coming years, and strategy for delivery. “Galway City Council recently restructured to create new Urban Development and Project Development directorates, which will support the future sustainable growth of the city in line with the Government’s revised National Planning Framework (NPF) published this week - where Galway City continues to provide a focus for the Northern and Western Region. Nearly 30% (29.9%) of all workers in the Western Region live in Galway city
catchment, up 3% since last Census, with the city playing home to an internationally noted MedTech business cluster and a strong, emerging ICT cluster. Galway City is projected to grow by 50% by 2040 to 122,000 people. Significant public investment is required to unlock sustainable development within the City at present, and to enable the proposed growth of the city as outlined in government policy.”
He emphasised the importance of the role of local elected members to develop a common understanding of the importance of national strategic outcomes, and the urgency of local delivery, stating. “I note emerging change as the relationship between local authorities and the Office of the Planning Regulator matures and as the role
beds in – in both oversight and education - my hope is that we can again recognise the value and insight that local Elected Members bring and in harnessing that, facilitate them in taking responsibility and support some of the difficult decisions required to build a better city”.
Cleary flagged the need for a shared vision and sense of purpose to transform Galway, referencing the twelve principles of sustainable urbanism reflected in the ‘Greater Galway Charter’, developed by staff of Galway City Council in cooperation with the Academy of Urbanism, the Royal Institute of the Architects in Ireland, and other stakeholders.
Highlighting the potential for investment and renewal in Galway City, Mr Cleary said, “Significant opportuni-
ties are currently being progressed in partnership with the Land Development Agency, at Sandy Road and Dyke Road. Ceathrú an Ghainimh – The Sandy Quarter will have a strong sense of place for the entire local community, providing approximately 750 new homes at a density of approximately 70 dwellings per hectare – in a brownfield site where education, wastewater, transport, health and community infrastructure already exist. In Dyke Road, just last month a Part 10 planning application was submitted for the delivery of 219 homes on a cost-rental model – close to services and transport. This is what regeneration looks like when it is guided by clear vision, enabled by public investment, and delivered in partnership”.
l UNDERSTAFFED AND OVERWHELMED: INTO President Carmel Browne opens the Annual Congress of Irish National Teachers’ Organisation in the Galmont Hotel, Galway.
Thought for the weekBe smitten with kindness
Spreading the word of positivity
RONAN SCULLY
At the start of each new week during the Lenten season just past I always tried to dedicate the week to kindness and trying to be kind to people and to try and treat people the way I would like to be treated. Also I looked or tried to imagine ways I could “Be Kind” for the good of others during that coming week. I am now hoping as we enter into the Easter season after Lent to continue doing this for as long as I can hopefully well into the future.
Kindness is not just a passive state but an active choice to be loving, compassionate, empathetic, and merciful, ulti-
mately contributing to a more loving and peaceful world.
Helping and being kind to others is not only a good thing to do, it also makes us happier. Giving also connects us to others and helps to build a happier society for everyone. So if you want to feel good, do good! Doing things for others, whether small, unplanned acts or regular volunteering is a powerful way to boost our own happiness as well as those around us. The people we help may be strangers, family, friends, colleagues or neighbors. They can be old or young, nearby or far away. Giving to others can be as simple as a single kind word, smile or a thoughtful gesture. It can include giving time, care, skills, thought or attention.
Thought for the week
As your thought for the week, make it your goal and habit to be actively looking for opportunities to show kindness and “To Be Kind”, to one another and to others when it is possible and needed. Our world is in desperate need of the fruit of the Holy Spirit of kindness. We need tender hearted people with a desire to share generously with others. In kindness, the Holy Spirit gives. Let’s live by doing things differently. Let’s live in the Holy Spirit with a merciful, gracious temperament in true love and “Be Kind” to ourselves and others. Kindness is a lifestyle and a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a daily practice.
Seoladh albam amárach/ Album launch tomorrow
Macalla an Chláir
LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA
Mar chuid d’Fhéile Chonsairtín beidh seoladh albam nua ag an tamhránaí áitiúil, Emer O’Flaherty, Dé hAoine, an 25ú Aibreán ag 3pm in Eaglais Naomh Cholumba, Inis/Ennis. Ceolchoirm saor in aisce a bheidh ann. Beidh aoí speisialta, Pádraig Jack as Oileáin Árann, i láthair freisin. Tuilleadh eolais: www.emeroflaherty.com
Imeachtaí/Events:
lSIONNA – Gaeilge le Chéile, Ionad Siopadóireacht Skycourt, 11am, chuile Dé Domhnaigh lCILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar lLUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach lClare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM lCILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm
lINIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé 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. lLUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389. lAN SCAIRBH – ‘Lón i nGaeilge’, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé ‘AnGáirdín’.
AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?! Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com
Scór long-service award for Cratloe’s Jim Enright
CRATLOE’s Jim Enright will be honoured for his contribution to Scór.
A livestock farmer from Cratloe and a life-long member of Cratloe GAA club, Jim will be presented with the Munster Scór long-service award at the All-Ireland senior scór finals which take place in Castlebar on Saturday (April 26th). He was nominated to receive the honour by PRO of Munster Scór, Anne Hayes from Lissycasey. He will be presented with the award by GAA President, Jarlath Burns who he previously faced off with in a Scór competition.
Scór is a GAA competition that combines all the colour and rivalry of gaelic games with the social element of Ireland’s traditional pasttimes. The competition was established by the GAA in 1969 with the aim of promoting Ireland’s traditional pastimes and culture while offering club members the chance to meet up, have fun and represent their club during the winter months while Football and Hurling had ceased.
Jim’s first involvement with Scór was on Bloody Sunday January 1972 but the event was postponed. He recalled, “Nobody knew what was happening, I was asked by two
other people who have sadly passed away to go to Quin Hall for the first round of senior Scór and when we got there we discovered that it was cancelled because Bloody Sunday, nobody was in the humour to do anything”.
Every year since then Jim has been involved in Scór. He won numerous county titles in Tráth na gCéist, four Munster titles and one All-Ireland title on the Cratloe team alongside Ballynacally native Flann O’Reilly now a staunch Cratloe resident and Michael Thorne originally from South Tipperary. They won the All-Ireland title in 1977.
Enright has been a quiz master at Scór competitions all over the country. “I made a lot of friends, it was fantastic,” he recalled of his involvement. He praised Anne Hayes, Joe Garry and Flann O’Reilly for helping to keep Scór alive and in a healthy state in Clare, “it is stronger than it has ever been”.
He has been a member of Coiste Scór na Mumhan for many years and has also served as Cathaoirleach of Scór na Mumhan. Jim is the current Cathaoirleach of Coiste Scór an Chláir.
Within Cratloe, he served for five years as Chairman of Cratloe GAA club and was a long-serving PRO. He was also Chairman of the now defunct South Clare GAA board.
l Ceolchoirm in aisce/Free concert amárach ag 3pm. CD Launch/Seoladh CD
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
Steps we can take to reduce our risk of bowel cancer
APRIL is Bowel Cancer Awareness month.
Here, Bernadette Mullins (Senior Health Promotion & Improvement Officer for Cancer Prevention with HSE Mid West) provides an overview of how to reduce the risk of bowel cancer, information on possible signs of bowel cancer and details of the HSE’s free BowelScreen programme.
Bowel Cancer
Nearly 2,500 bowel cancers are diagnosed in Ireland each year. Not all cancers can be prevented, but we can all take steps to reduce our risk of cancer. Even after a cancer diagnosis, we can take action to reduce our risk of future cancers.
Reduce your risk of bowel cancer
Take part in BowelScreen: Ireland has a free HSE screening programme for bowel cancer (for men and women aged 59-70). Screening can help detect polyps in the bowel, which may develop into cancer if left untreated. These polyps can be removed, reducing your risk of getting bowel cancer in the future.
Don’t start smoking: If you are already a smoker, it is never too late to quit. Tobac-
co is linked to at least 15 types of cancers, including bowel cancer. The risk of developing a smoking related can- cer decreases the sooner you quit. For free HSE support to quit contact your local stop smoking service Quit Mid West on 065 6865841 or visit www.quit.ie
ing physically active, getting enough sleep and taking care of your mental health can all help to maintain a healthy body weight.
Maintain a healthy body weight. Higher body weight can affect hormone levels and your immune system increasing cancer risk. Eating a healthy balanced diet, be-
Avoid alcohol: Any amount of alcohol in creases cancer risk. The less you drink, the lower your risk. Visit www. askaboutalcohol. ie to find out how your alcohol intake affects your health and wallet. If you are living in the Mid West you can contact the HSE Mid West Integrated Alcohol Service on 061-492016 if your drinking is becoming a problem. The team can support you or your loved one to make positive changes around alcohol. Eat a healthy balanced diet: Eat foods high in fibre such as fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses. Avoid processed meat (e.g. bacon/rashers, ham, salami, chorizo, and hotdogs) as these contain nitrates, which can increase bowel cancer risk. Limit the amount of red meat you eat to no more than 3 portions a week (approximately 350500g cooked weight) as consuming large amounts can increase risk of bowel cancer.
Be physically ac tive every day: Any activity is better than none. Being active reduces the risk of 7 cancers, including bowel cancer. Adults should aim for at least 2hours and 30mins of moderate physical activity a week or 1 hour and 15mins of vigorous intensity physical activity.
lUnexplained weight loss lFeeling very tired all the time, more than is normal for you
BowelScreen
Know the signs, find bowel cancer early
We cannot prevent all cancers so we should be aware of the potential signs and symptoms of bowel cancer. Most people diagnosed with bowel cancer in Ireland are aged over 50 years, but it is important to remember you can get bowel cancer at any age.
Treatment options and survival rates are better than ever - especially when bowel cancer is found early. Call your GP TODAY if you notice any of the following lA change in your bowel habit for more than 6 weeks (e.g. looser poo, pooing more often, or constipation)
lUnexplained bleeding from your back passage
lUnexplained pain in your tummy or back passage
lUnexplained lump or swelling in your tummy
The HSE BowelScreen programme offers free bowel screening for men and women aged 59-70. It aims to detect signs of bowel cancer where there are no symptoms. Screening involves taking a sample of your poo (stool sample) using a home test. This may sound embarrassing or unpleasant, but it only takes a few minutes and you do it at home in your own bathroom.
You should receive your first BowelScreen invite by letter through the post. If you haven’t received yours when expected:
lCall 1800 45 45 55 (freephone) lE-mail to: info@bowelscreen.ie lRegister online at www.bowelscreen.ie
Remember, it is still important to be symptom-aware, because screening doesn’t find every abnormality, and cancer can develop between screens.
Council target summer start for Active Travel Scheme
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
ENNIS’ €1.8m Active Travel scheme on the Tulla Rd is expected to commence construction this summer.
Funding for the project was secured by Clare County Council in February 2023 from the National Transport Authority (NTA) with approval granted under Section 38 of the Roads Traffic Act in June of that year. Elected members of the Ennis Municipal District all backed the project, allowing it to proceed to design, procurement and construction.
Over two years on, the start of the construction stage of the scheme is almost in sight. A change in design from a steeped cycle track to a protected cycle lane has been approved in new plans. Changes to what was initially planned were also influenced by the Ennis Bus Service.
Revised designs were backed by Ennis MD councillors when they were proposed by Cllr Mary Howard (FG) and seconded by Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF).
R352 regional roads in Lifford,
Knockanoura, Cappahard, Newpark, Roslevan and Knockanean are included in the scheme.
Executive engineer in the transportation department of the Council, James Keane briefed elected members of the Ennis MD on the new plans. “We hope to be on ground this summer,” he said.
In his report to elected members, he advised of the proposed traffic calming measures to be installed.
“From the junction with Saint Senan’s Road to east of the junction with Hillcrest Estate on the Tulla Road, upgrade of existing cycle lanes, raised pedestrian and cyclist crossings, raised speed table at Ballymacahill crossroads, modified junctions and roundabouts, reduction in roadway width and removal of ghost islands,” he stated.
Associated works include landscaping, planting, drainage, alterations to footpaths, installation of new kerbs and shared surfaces, dropped kerbs and tactile paving.
Traffic signs, road markings and road reinstatement will be installed to upgrade the existing cycle infrastructure on the Tulla Rd.
Two formal submissions were
received by the Council during the statutory public consultation period. Both were in favour of the scheme but did raise concerns.
Traffic queuing on the R352 onto the public road (R352) from Coffee Rush was flagged in one submission, “currently during busy times vehicles are using the existing cycle lane to queue, the proposed scheme will prevent this and may cause delays on the public road”.
In response, the Council stated that vehicles should not be using the cycle lane to queue for the premises, “Clare County Council will consult with the business owner in relation to this and work on a solution”.
Lack of a controlled pedestrian crossing at the mini-roundabout between Kevin Barry Avenue and Tulla Rd was also flagged. “Currently there is an uncontrolled crossing at this location, Clare County Council will monitor this area once the Active Travel Scheme is implemented and assess the need for this crossing upgrade”.
Cycle and pedestrian safety in front of the filling station and former convenience store prompted
the Council to engage with the owner of the commercial units at this point to implement one vehicular entry and exit point but Keane confirmed the talks were “unsuccessful”. The protection kerb will be lowered 25mm to allow vehicles access this section. He stated, “in relation to the service station, a planning permission application was submitted in relation to its upgrade, this included a more formal entry and exit arrangement which will address this section”.
Cappahard Roundabout is to be considered for the installation of a sheltered bus stop, he outlined. Keane told elected members, “the purpose of this scheme remains the same and that is to improve safety and continuity for cyclists via the provision of a suite of traffic calming measures including protected cycle lanes, shared surfaces, tightened junctions together with raised cyclist/pedestrian crossings and associated works”.
lSUMMER START: An artist’s impression of the original plans for the Active Travel Scheme
Over 75 stalls and expert speakers to feature at Clare Garden Festival
LAST year was the 10 year anniversary of the popular mid-west Garden Festival and for its 11th year the festival is returning strong, fun and exciting as always.
Clare Garden Festival will be held again on Sunday 27th April, as usual the last Sunday in April, at Ennis Showgrounds opening its gates at 11am.
The popular event will feature its huge Garden, Plant, Craft and Food Fair as with over 75 stalls from all over Ireland featuring some of the old favourites as well as 17 new stallholders. All-day expert garden talks will run on its accessible stage. And there will also be large-scale outdoor demos as well as workshops, masterclasses and displays this year.
The festival theme ‘Extending the Season’ supported by Healthy Clare wants to inspire to grow and eat healthy foods throughout all the seasons.
From 12pm the talks' series with expert gardeners will commence from the festival's main stage located in the indoors arena featuring Master Gardeners including Klaus Laitenberger, Jim Cronin and Jo Newton for Organic Gardening and Ornamental talks and demonstrations by Christopher White and Vick Ind of Individual Plants Nursery. Festival organiser Carmen Cronin said, “Following on from our anniversary last year, we wanted to retain as many add-ons as we could. As a result, we will again have two workshops for children, two bands bringing us joy all day and the Pop-Up Gardens are going to be coming back stronger this year.
“Our new additions are going to be mostly in the stallholders with a geodesic dome onsite, solar energy & outdoor lighting stalls and a new timber stall. Personally, I am particularly excited about the demo by Klaus Laitenberger about Bionet Cloches, the Flower arranging on stage and Jim’s talk on Growing and Glowing. There really is something for all gardeners this year.”
A full day schedule of the talks as well as demonstrations in the Greenfield and Masterclasses, is available from the festival's website www.claregardenfestival.com or to receive details email info@claregardenfestival. com.
Joe Lillis, Chairman of Clare Agricultural Show Society said: “We are always looking forward to welcoming ‘the Gardeners’ each April again at Ennis Showgrounds.
“At Clare Garden Festival huge visitor numbers and a great amount of stalls come from all over Ireland. Over half of the exhibitors will be located in our large indoor arena with many others on our tarmac courtyard. As usual, we hope to be blessed with good weather, but are prepared for all conditions.”
He continued by saying: “We are delighted to see Clare Garden Festival grow and expand at Ennis Showgrounds year-on-year and we hope that visitors will stay with us the whole Sunday enjoying competitive and healthy lunch options and making use of our free car parking.”
The venue Ennis showgrounds featuring a huge indoor arena as well as outdoor spaces and plenty of parking is conveniently located just off the M18 and in walking distance of the county town of Ennis. In addition to
the huge variety of stalls - of which over 30 are under cover - much fun for children and young gardeners is guaranteed including outdoor and crafts workshops, face painting, small children’s rides, archery and a fantastic food offering with options for everyone.
Tickets to the festival will be available on the gate at Ennis Showgrounds on Sunday, 27th April, with adult admission of €8, 2 adults for €15 and children under 16 go free when under supervision of an adult and parking is free-of-charge.
Clare Garden Festival is running in partnership with Co Clare Agricultural Show Society and is held annually at Ennis Showgrounds this year on Sunday, 27th April.
The festival is proudly supported by Fruithill Farm, Healthy Clare, Pobal, Clare County Council Local Community Development Committee, Ennis Municipal District, IOMST Insurance, Blossoms on the Go Garden Centre, Colourful Creations Garden Centre, ClareEcho, Deerpark Timber Products, Frequency Domes, Gee-Up Soil Enricher and MrBinman.
For regular updates see the festival Facebook and Instagram feed and Visitor information and full festival details are available from www.claregardenfestival.com.
l There are a wide range of events happening during the Clare Garden Festival from music, to children’s entertainment, and of course stalls and talks from experts
APRIL bloom everywhere and lots more appearing, this weekend we are looking forward to the Clare Garden Festival.
At Blossoms On The Go, we have been participating in it for many years and it is well worth a visit.
With lots to see and many workshops and talks, it’s a great day. We have lots of special offers on the day and it’s lovely to meet people in a social setting and have the chats.
This week has been busy with lots filling up the vegetable gardens and the poly tunnel. I can see that strawberries are a big hit this year and lots just putting them into hanging baskets as they have limited space.
The cherry tomatoes are another veg that can be growing in a hanging basket so if you are space poor, they are options to allow you have some of your own vegetable, the lettuce mix
looks lovely and lots are growing in a window box.
Rhubarb is another popular plant this time of year. It needs to be fertilised with farmyard manure and they will give you lovely stalks from which you can make rhubarb tarts or stew. It’s recommend that you just allow it to grow the first year and on second year you will have a better harvest.
So, if you find you have some room in the garden vegetable patch, we have still a good availability here.
Herbs are not just for cooking but I like to mix them in with containers when I make up arrangements; for example, the fennel has a lovely soft touch and is wavey like grass and comes back each year.
Rosemary has just a lovely scent that can look lovely with Bidens and petunias around it.
Thyme, one of my favourites:
there are so many varieties of thyme available and they all have a scent. The golden thyme looks lovely in a container or a border so not just to add to food for cooking, there are many more herbs in stock - pop in to see what’s available.
Summer bedding grows each week with different variety coming in six pack and trailing plants. We are making up lots of mix basket and pots so if you want to get started on the pots and baskets, a good variety are available at moment with lots of colour. Millions bell trio are a favourite, they look lovely over trailing in basket or pots.
Hope ye all are enjoying the garden and look forward to seeing you on Sunday in the Showground in Ennis.
l Strawberries (top left) and rhubarb stalks (left); (main) thyme looks beautiful on display
O’Gorman Tarmacadam, trusted for over 40 years
FOR over 40 years, O’Gorman’s Building and Tarmacadam has been a trusted name across Clare and beyond.
Founded in 1982 PJ and Donal O’Gorman and now run by brothers Don and ConorO’Gorman, the business has grown from humble beginnings to a company with a broad reach across the domestic, industrial, and public sectors.
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Since Don and Conor took over the business in 2014, O’Gorman’s Building and Tarmacadam has continued to expand its services, workforce, and equipment.
The family-run business began using traditional methods of laying tarmacadam using rakes and shovels. As technology has progressed, so too have the companies’ work practices.
“We used to use the traditional method of laying tarmacadam with rigs, and shovels, and wheelbarrows and now we use new machinery. It was a big a investment a big step up for us.”
Don explained to The Clare Echo that he and his brother are committed to ensuring that the business is using the most up-to-date technol-
ogy available.
“Technology has moved on and O’Gorman’s has moved with it. We have invested heavily in new technologies and machinery to make sure we have the best end product possible.
LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS
O’Gorman’s Building and Tarmacadam started it’s journey paving driveways for domestic privately owned houses. As the company has grown so has their projects. They have now expanded toninclude industrial and commercial projects.
Over the years, O’Gorman’s Building and Tarmacadam has worked across all sectors of the community—from education and tourism to healthcare and aviation.
Local schools, hotels like the Old Ground and Dromoland Castle, and facilities in Shannon Airport have all benefited from the company’s expertise. They’ve even worked with local councils, churches, and transport services.
While the business now tackles large-scale industrial and public projects, it has never forgotten its roots.
“Over the years, we’ve moved into
the industrial fields, but we have never forgotten where we came from. We started out doing domestic jobs and we still, to this day, do private domestic housing. So even though the company has expanded and got better, we do the smaller jobs within our community.”
Their work is visible across Clare, South Galway, and North Limerick, with over 6,500 homes completed in the past four decades
CORE VALUES
At the heart of O’Gorman’s Building and Tarmacadam are three key values: trusted, proven and reliable.
“We’re trusted because we’ve been doing it so long, we are ‘proven’ because we have over 40 years of experience and we are ‘reliable’ because we always provide our customers with the best product possible” explained Don.
Over the past 40 years, the O’Gorman family have developed a trustworthy reputation for providing the best quality service possible. The company continues to stand by the values PJ and Donal O’Gorman established at the very beginning.
“People know we’ll show up, do a good job, and stand over our work” Don said.
FUNCTIONALITY AND AESTHETICS
For homeowners, investing in tarmac can make a huge difference to a property. Don explained that he sees tarmacadam as the finishing touch to building a house. He likened it to exterior painting on a house.
“Tarmac puts the finishing touches on a home,” Don says. “It transforms the driveway from a rough gravel surface to a clean, durable finish—just like painting a house gives it a completely new look.”
Power washer show & sale day at Midwest Electrical Wholesale Ltd
A YEAR on from the official open day of their new location, Midwest Electrical Wholesale Limited are delighted to be hosting their annual Power-washer Show & Sale Day on Friday, 25th of April.
Owner, John Moran, is extremely grateful to his ever-growing customer base who continue to support him and he sees this Show & Sale Day as a way of saying thank you, by offering massive reductions on their range of power-washers and power-washing accessories.
There will be power-washers available to suit all budgets and Midwest Electrical offer customers the ultimate experience of testing out any of the power-washers that they might be interested in. This is of great benefit to potential buyers as they will have the opportunity to physically try out the power-washer on-site, get a true feeling of the power of the washer and then can be confident of its suitability for the job in mind. As always there will be complimentary fin-
ger food provided throughout the day, and all customers are welcome to help themselves to a tea or coffee, or even a hot chocolate, from their in-house express machine.
Much has changed in-store over the past year and John and his staff look forward to welcoming, both new and existing, customers to browse the aisles and see for themselves. Due to the success of the outdoor porcelain patio tiles, there is now a larger section dedicated to housing samples of the various tiles and this is a must-see for anyone intending on taking their garden to the next level this Summer.
Midwest Electrical are also stockists of electric ride on toys which can currently be viewed on their website www.mwel.ie and purchased online, or by calling the shop on 065-6893400. These are guaranteed to be shipped to anywhere in Ireland within just a few days.
Why not pop in to enjoy the excitement with John and his team of staff, and grab yourself a bargain at Unit 1, Site 2, Riverside Retail Park, Quin Road, Ennis, V95 VH30.
PICTURED: John, Nicola & family at last year’s opening
Brian Pyne celebrating 20 years of excellence in County Clare
BRIAN Pyne Tiles has just celebrated 20 years in Business.
Established in 2004, we provide quality tiles, bathroom furniture, showers and laminate flooring along with a selection of trade products.
We want to ensure that our customers get the help and support that they need whether they are designing a new house or taking on a refurbishment project.
Our expert team are on hand to answer any questions you have and are available to help with design advice.
At Brian Pyne tiles we pride ourselves on Customer Service, and in 2024 won the Best Customer Service award by The Tiling Federation of Ireland. We have a range of options available with something to suit everyone including;
20mm Porcelain Paving
Designed to withstand the rigors of exterior living whilst maintaining stunning aesthetics, our 20mm porcelain paving solutions offer the perfect blend of durability and style.
Whether you’re creating a patio or pathway, our wide range of finishes and sizes allows you to craft the perfect outdoor oasis.
Exterior Wall Cladding
Crafted with precision and innovation, our wall cladding solutions offer unparalleled versatility, allowing you to transform any interior or exterior with ease.
From Natural Stone interlocking panels to porcelain brick replica, our range of finishes ensure that you’ll find the ideal match for your project.
Make your dream kitchen a reality with Frank O’Dea
by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
FRANK O’Dea Carpentry proudly leads the way in delivering bespoke, modern kitchens with unmatched craftsmanship from their base in West Clare.
A unique service for fitted furniture and joinery, Frank O’Dea Carpentry specialises in crafting highend bespoke kitchens built around the homeowner’s lifestyle and functional requirements.
Based in Doonbeg, Frank O’Dea Carpentry are authorised distributors for a range of luxury appliances including Liebherr, Bosch, and De Dietrich, ensuring your kitchen combines both style and functionality.
Ballyea resident and company director Frank has worked in construction all his life. Established as a one-man operation in 2007, Frank O’Dea Carpentry - who highly values employing locally - now boasts a 10-person team, manufacturing high-end, bespoke fitted furniture in his state-of-the-art workshop in Doonbeg.
Their comprehensive service covers everything from design and CAD modeling to the final installation, guaranteeing a seamless experience.
Frank tells The Clare Echo, “Our team of expert craftsmen make everything in our own workshop. We get in the high-quality materials and handcraft everything in the workshop.
“What we’re doing is very, very unique. While many kitchen fitters will sell what they can buy, we sell what we can make.”
Frank works with clients to make their dream homes a reality, working with the homeowner on the design process using his expertise and creativity.
He explains that the only limiting factor comes down to each individual’s budget, “You’re not limited by colour, texture, door sizes, patterns. Each kitchen is uniquely tailored to each individual client.”
From Quooker boiling water taps and Blanco sinks to Bora cooking systems and Neff appliances, Frank admits that kitchen design has progressed a lot in his 18 years in business.
“The kitchens that we sell are not just about a functional room, they’re about enhancing the experience of cooking, the kitchens we design, the appliances we use, enhance the experience of cooking.”
From solid wood worktops to granite, soft-close drawers, inte-
grated fridge freezers, microwaves, and more, Frank O’Dea offers a vast range of appliances and materials. Frank O’Dea Carpentry also provide a range of services such as fitted wardrobes, home offices, TV units and more.
The expert craftsmen are on hand to manage all aspects of design and project planning, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish.
Book a consultation today to learn more about their newest offerings and how you can create a kitchen that fits perfectly in your home.
For more information or a consultation, visit the website on https://frankodeacarpentry.ie/ or call 0879548385.
5 ways to add character to your new build
by Deirdre Coleman INTERIOR DESIGNER
BUILDING a new home is an arduous yet rewarding journey but often people are left with a home lacking character and feels unfinished.
Spaces that fall within a minimalist design aesthetic are typically defined by clean lines, limited ornamentation, a neutral colour scheme, and natural materials. There’s a thin line between a sophisticated, pared-back look and a bland, uninviting interior so if you’re looking to find a balance between simplicity and warmth, follow this step-by-step guide.
1. ARCHITECTURAL DETAIL
A few well-conceived architectural details can turn a bland room into a grand room. Start by pimping up your plain wall with panelling. The only materials you need are paint, wood trim, adhesive and filler. Not only does tongue and groove panelling add character and texture to a room, but slat wall panel also helps insulate and cover uneven walls. Whether you’re looking to add a modern twist, or a dash of period charm, wall panelling is simple and cost-effective. Panelling can be used throughout your home. It can add vibrancy to your living spaces, a feature wall at the entrance to your home, a stunning backdrop for your wall mounted TV or a striking headboard in the bedroom. You can
choose pre-finished wall panelswhich include acoustic soundproofing wall panels, wood wall panels, MDF wall panels, and slatted wall panels that offer myriad benefits to help you elevate your interior design. Apply to any wall in your home with Bostik glue, and you can completely transform the aura of your house in a matter of hours. Fluted/reeded wall panelling is trending right now. Team with a modern wall light to highlight this dramatic statement detail.
2. ADD SOMETHING OLD
I like to source vintage pieces and pepper them into a contemporary build as they add so much personality and warmth.
Whether it’s antique lamps, artwork, rugs or furniture, a mix of old and new adds charm to a home. If everything is the same style, it can feel too matchy-matchy. A few modern pieces combined with vintage make a space feel as though you’ve been curating it for years.
Large vintage dressers or sideboards can be perfect in entryways, living rooms, or dining rooms. They are great for storage and hiding away items you may not want out in the open. Consider decorating your piece with modern artwork or modern accessories. This will make for a more eclectic vignette and will bring a more modern feel to your space. Getting the proportions of each piece right is important to how furnishings relate
to one another. Oversized designs are generally better than undersized ones. Pendant lighting, for example – some of the most impressive designs combine vintage chandeliers and classical mirrors with contemporary seating. Be creative with furniture and create a unique look by upcycling vintage pieces. If you have inherited a vintage piece of furniture, try finding a few accessories from the same era to tie it in.
3. WARM UP CONCRETE FLOORS
Polished concrete floors are a fabulous design decision - eco-friendly, naturally heat controlling, waterproof, hypoallergenic and durable when it comes to kids, pets and heavy traffic. But it needs to be balanced with the warmth of wood. In a kitchen area add wood through furniture, a wooden kitchen or a wooden wall feature. Add a secret door to your slatted wall leading to your pantry and you’re seriously bang on trend. Soften the look further with curved elements in your seating to give an austere, industrial look a more approachable finish. Live plants are a perfect way to tone down the polished concrete and add in a layer of nature. Colours on the warm spectrum can stop the space from feeling too industrial, especially autumn tones such as oranges, reds, blues and golds. Think about incorporating pendant lighting with warm tones. Pattern, bold colour and texture look great on concrete. A sisal rug with a border or a large pattern, for example, works incredibly well.
4. LAYER… THEN LAYER SOME MORE
We all know that the secret to the success of a rich, characterful scheme is layering. So what is layering in interiors – and how do you approach it? Each element in a space –paint, wallpaper, lighting, flooring, soft furnishings,
furniture, accessories – is a layer. Without an interior designer at your side, the intricacies of texture is an area that is easy to overlook. Texture can come through in a host of ways, so don’t forget the impact that the following can have: matte versus glazed accessories on a bookcase, book spines stacked on a side table aside a sculpted glass lamp base, a polished granite fireplace hearth with a tasselled rug in front of it, or even wall treatments and artwork that have the ability to make the walls feel multi-dimensional. Materials such as wool rugs and woven baskets are a great way to add texture, and, akin to light needing shade, textures must be contrasted too.
5. DON’T BE AFRAID OF COLOUR
The common belief is that a new build can only be such if it's done without colour, in black and white. Perhaps that's an opinion based on the idea that to have a feeling of space, everything must be white. I still love white walls and if you're someone like me who really can't live with bright colour then it's a no-brainer that you're not going to go all out with brash colour, but remember that there's a broad
spectrum of muted colour you can play with - the so-called 'New 'Neutrals'. Colour works best in a modern, minimalist home when it's used in block. By that I mean using the colour across each wall (no feature walls please). It's up to you whether you paint the woodwork and skirting the same shade (I prefer to) but having the confidence to use that one colour across the whole room will have a greater impact on how it feels.
I am obsessed with the effect earthy tones have on a space. It's gives a sense of depth and warmth and looks amazing with pale and black wood. From terracotta, rust and reddish brown, what was once a trend in the 80s is back but without the rustic connotations. Use a flat matte finish on walls and woodwork and pair it with furniture with clean, contemporary lines. Earthy colours are easier to live with, both visually and emotionally as they look and feel like nature which grounds us. Try not to brighten spaces devoid of natural light with lighter colours, as they will just end up looking grey and dull. Instead, these warmer, earthier colours will ooze sophistication.
‘Something Clare can be proud of’ – Campion Insurance rebrand takes effect in Ennis
by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
CAMPION Insurance’s expansion in County Clare has been rubber-stamped with the rebranding of the iconic Munstergroup branch in Ennis.
In October, 2024, it was announced that Munstergroup Insurance became the 19th Irish brokerage acquired by the rapidly growing insurance intermediary PIB Group Ltd (‘PIB’).
The business, formerly owned by Pádraic McNicholas, was acquired through Campion Insurance, which leads PIB’s Irish division.
Now employing almost 90 people in Ennis alone, Campion is operating at the former Munstergroup building on Bindon Street along with Bridge House at Bank Place, from where the commercial department and financial services department are now operating.
The rebrand to Campion Insurance in Ennis has been led locally by Michael Henchy, Manager of the newly-rebranded outfit.
Michael told The Clare Echo he is excited to lead Campion Insurance in Ennis through this growth phase “and make it into something Clare people can be proud of”.
“There is a great team here and we have spent the last number of months preparing for the move. Campion Insurance are one of the biggest financial services and insurance providers in the country, employing about 550 people and now with the two Ennis offices under the same Campion Banner, there will nearly be 90 people employed by the company in Ennis town.”
Michael told The Clare Echo there are in the region of 40,000 policy holders through the
Ennis office, explaining that Munstergroup customers will not be impacted by the switch. He notes that the same team will remain in place and that operating as part of a large-scale business such as Campion will give customers greater access to a range of products and ser-
vices. “Face to face or on the phone, it is the same service, same story but just a different name over the door.”
Campion Insurance remains committed to bringing employment to Ennis Town Centre, with Michael stressing plans to make Campion
in Ennis “a real hub for our business in Clare. “ We want to get more people in , to train them , and let them learn new skills, whether it is good customer service or progression towards insurance qualifications.”
Employees of Campion Insurance are supported in their career journey, with supports on offer for those looking to sit in-house exams or pursue a financial services degree. “It is a fantastic opportunity for people who are thinking of what they want to do but maybe couldn’t afford to go to college or didn’t want to go to college and it’s the best of both worlds that way,” explains Michael.
A resident of Bunratty where he is raising his young family, Michael was introduced to the insurance industry by his father Michael Senior, originally from Fountain Cross. A former rugby player with Garryowen and a member of Lahinch Golf Club and Sixmilebridge GAA Michael is immersed in County Clare and enjoys spending time in the water at Lahinch. He adds that customers will continue to experience a high level of service at Campion Insurance, Ennis. “We take such pride in having such a thriving hub in the county. If we look after our customers, they will look after us and visa-versa. We would be very focused on being loyal towards our customers and try and support the Clare people as best as we can.”
He added, “I would like to sincerely thank all the team here in Munstergroup for everything they have done up until now and we, as Campion Insurance, look forward to looking after the people of Clare in the future.”
Campion Insurance Limited trading as Campion Insurance, PIB Global and Bestquote.ie is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Clare Crusaders & Little Blue Heroes chosen as Shannon Airport Group’s charity partners for 2025
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
CLARE CRUSADERS and Little Blue Heroes have been selected by the Shannon Airport Group as their chosen charities it will be support this year.
Last year, the Shannon Airport Group raised €100,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland and Milford Care Centre.
Employees have committed to rolling up their sleeves once again with a series of fun and innovative events to raise money throughout the year for these deserving charities.
Each year, employees nominate and vote for charities to benefit from a 12-month fundraising campaign. Since its ten years in existence, The Shannon Airport Group fundraising efforts have seen over €500,000 raised for deserving charities all over Ireland.
Charities to have benefited over the decade include: the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland; the Samaritans; Tipperary, Limerick & Clare for Cystic Fibrosis (TLC4CF); Milford Care Centre, Limerick; the Children’s Arthritis Network (ICAN); Ábalta Special School in Galway;
Share a Dream Foundation; the Children’s Health Foundation; Sláinte an Chláir (Clare Cancer Support) and the Clare Crusaders.
During that time dedicated staff have organised fashion shows, bake sales, raffles, cycling challenges, pub quizzes, sponsored walks, hurling events, and various local and business community events.
CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine noted, “These partnerships highlight the Group’s commitment to supporting organisations that make a significant impact on communities, and I am so proud of all our employees who devote their time and energy to raise much needed funds for these deserving charities. I am looking forward to seeing what initiatives the team come up with this year”.
Co-founder and managing director of the Clare Crusades Clinic, Ann Norton stated, “Partnering with the Shannon Airport Group means so much to us. It’s a partnership rooted in community, compassion and a shared commitment to supporting local families. With their backing, we can continue providing free, life-changing therapies to children who need them most”.
lCHARITY PARTNERS: Shannon airport group with Little Blue Heroes and the Clare Crusaders
lCAMPION INSURANCE EXPANSION: Michael Henchy, Manager of Campion Insurance Ennis
'WE NEVER GIVE UP' SAYS TIGERISH HOGAN
by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie
CLARE’s tigerish defender Adam Hogan has said the fight within their panel ensures they never give up.
Young Hurler of the Year, Hogan delivered another stirring display in saffron and blue on Sunday as Clare’s hurlers came from twelve points down at half-time to secure an opening round draw with Cork in the Munster SHC.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Feakle defender reflected on Clare’s memorable comeback.
“There is always hope. Last year in Páirc Uí Chaoimh we were eight points down at half
time but in the second half we came back and won it, It shows the fight in the group, we never give up. I am happy with a draw given where we were at half time”.
He believed Clare reigned supreme when it came to winning puckouts in the second half.
“We knew we were better that what we showed in the first half when we didn’t play to our potential. We had to work the ball up, we had the wnnd but we had to work through the lines.
"We dominated the puckouts in the second half and that was a great platform for us to get the scores”.
A blistering start to the second
half where Clare notched 2-1 without reply “lifted the team. We needed a bit of a confidence booster but they came back and got on top again but by God we came back and kept fighting and in the last ten minutes I don’t think they won a puckout”.
Hogan stressed that Clare need to improve as their fight in the competitive provincial round robin kicks on.
“We have a lot of work ahead of next week. We have to right the wrongs from today.
"In the first game it’s crucial to get a bit of momentum, Waterford will be a savage challenge, it will be a hostile environment. We know how good
they are.
"They showed great form against Offaly in their recent league final win.
"We will have to bring out A game and show a 10 per cent improvement to get a result down there. Hopefully we can do that.
“We will look during the week to see where we can improve and we will look at Waterford’s game. It’s sit down, feet up now and relax after today,” Hogan said shortly before leaving Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg.
PICTURED: Adam Hogan holds onto the sliotar as Alan Connolly keeps him under pressure
'Clare were disrespected'
by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie
CLARE were shown “a lot of disrespect” in the build-up to the start of the Munster senior hurling championship according to selector Ken Ralph.
Speaking following Clare’s dramatic 3-21 2-24 draw with Cork in Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg, the Clarecastle clubman said he felt “time was well up” before Ciaran Joyce won a free for Cork which Declan Dalton converted to see the sides finish level.
“What a finish. I actually thought we had them beaten, I thought he should have blown it up after the last free, I thought time was well up. They got a chance and we probably would have taken a draw at half time,” Ralph reflected.
Before the sliotar was thrown in for the start of the championship, Clare had been wrongly written off by many, the selector maintained.
“There was a lot of disrespect for the last couple of weeks that we were only coming here to make up the numbers. We are All-Ireland champions and obviously in a lot of people’s eyes it was a fluke. Well it wasn’t a fluke, we put a lot of work in the last five years to win an All-Ireland and some of the commentary in the lead up to this game was. to say the least, not right”.
Camogie: Rebels brush Clare aside
MUNSTER SNR CAMOGIE SEMI-FINAL
CORK 2-22
CLARE 0-10
Venue: Zimmer Biomet Páirc Cíosóg, Ennis
Compiled by Seamus Hayes
STORY OF THE GAME
CORK
Frees For: 7 (4/3)
Wides: 5 (3/2)
Scores from play: 2-17
Spread of scorers: 9
Top scorer: Clodagh Finn (1-3)
Own puckouts won: 10 out of 13
Bookings: None
CLARE
Frees For: 9 (6/3)
Wides: 3 (2/1)
Scores from play: 0-4
Spread of scorers: 5
Top scorer: Aisling Cooney (0-4 3f)
Own puckouts won: 14 out of 27
Bookings: None
REFEREE: Donnacha O’Callaghan (Limerick)
Photo by Gerard O’Neill
l Aoife Anderson tackles Maebh Murphy
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
l Paul Corry scored two goals for Sixmilebridge
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
LOCAL TALENTS MAKE WAVES AT JUNIOR SURFING EVENT
CLARE surfers took top rankings at round 2 of the Irish Surfing Junior Tour which held in Lahinch earlier this month.
After a five-year hiatus, stop 2 of the Junior Tour was held across Saturday and Sunday (April 12-13) to allow for the best possible conditions, for the field of over 80 entrants competing from U14 right up to U18 in both boys and girls.
The contestants utilised the building swell that was forecast for the weekend with Saturday seeing the completion of the longboard division in perfect conditions.
With all the early rounds completed in Saturday's growing swell, Sunday saw finals day contested in a building swell providing 3ft plus waves, perfect for all the competitors who had travelled to Lahinch from around the country representing their clubs, showcasing their skill and technique throughout the day. Clare was well represented in the weekend's events with three athletes winning medals. Lahinch local and former U14 Irish champion Conor Moroney (16) took first place in a highly contested U18 boys division. Five-time Irish
l Pictured in action (main) is Joshua Karbus; at the medal presentation (right) is 1st: Imari Hearn (Red); 2nd: Sadie Shalloo (green); 3rd: Maria Butler (blue) and 4th:Anna Roberts (yellow); and (far right) 1st: Conor Moroney (red); 2nd: Darragh Gilmartin (yellow); 3rd: Nicholas Howley (green); 4th: Daniel McSharry (blue)
All photos by lighthouse.industries
champion Joshua Karbus (15) secured another title for Lahinch, putting down the highest scoring wave in the U16 boys final. Sadie Shalloo (16) from Kilrush came 2nd in the U18 girls division. Sadie holds two national titles and represented Ireland in the ISA junior world games 2023 and Eurosurf junior 2022. A representative
from Irish Surfing Association said; “We would like to give a huge thank you to West Coast Surf Club for welcoming the event back to Clare, all the judges who put in two long days, all the volunteers who helped, the parents and families for the support and most importantly the surfers for putting on a great weekend of surfing.”
Clare Cup heats up as semi-final stage arrives
SEMI-FINAL action in the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup takes place this weekend with Bridge Utd, Fair Green Celtic, Newmarket Celtic and Tulla Utd all vying to qualify for the final.
Frank Healy Park hosts both games with Newmarket Celtic versus Fair Green Celtic kicking off at 7pm on Friday while Bridge Utd vs Tulla Utd has a 4pm start on Saturday.
The domestic soccer season is rapidly drawing to a close and come this Saturday evening the way will be clear for the Clare cup final.
Three of the sides involved, Newmarket Celtic, Tulla United and Bridge United are still in the running for league honours also while Fair Green Celtic, the newest of the clubs involved, have already secured promotion to the Premier Division for next season.
At the time of writing Fair Green Celltic had one training session remaining before finalising plans for Friday’s clash with Newmarket.
David Smyth and Ross McCarthy are currently on the injured list while there are major doubts about the availability of very experienced Colin Smyth due to work commitments. Should he be unavailable for the clash with his former club it would represent a massive loss for the Ennis club who are captained by Jack Walsh and managed by Richie O’Grady.
New players, Hubert Kantecki and Dario Fernandes who joined the club this year have been making a strong impression as has Sean Perrill who is in his second season, he formerly lined out with Ennis Town FC and Newmarket.
Lads that have been with the team since the start such as Pa Sherlock, Dean Coughlin, Eddie Shaw, Sean Corry, Bruce Piggott, Lee Clohessy, Shane Browne, Ethan Coote and Ruiari
Norrby have improved each year. New signings this season that have strengthened the squad include Tomasz Zajas, Garry Higgins and goalkeeper Liam Deasy.
According to assistant manager Thomas Leahy, “to win on Friday and get to the final would be a dream come true against such an iconic team as Newmarket Celtic, their history speaks for itself and they are one of the best teams in the country”.
Leahy told The Clare Echo, “after gaining three promotions in three seasons and to be a Premier team next season after winning two league titles and three league cups along the way we won't be there to make up the numbers and we will be looking to go one better than our semi-final appearance in our first season against Avenue”.
Arguably Newmarket Celtic are the most experienced of the four clubs still in the hunt for cup honours. Managed this year by former player Eoin O’Brien, he is not taking anything for granted. “Fair Green are a formidable outfit, with experienced players who played with Avenue, Newmarket and Ennis Town. They have won three successive promotions and will be in the Premier Division next season”, he said.
Newmarket Celtic, who are also in the running for the Premier Division title, will be without Kevin Harnett and Ethan Fitzgerald for Friday’s semi-final due to injury. Celtic are captained by former Sheffield United player, Harvey Cullinan and their side also includes the vastly experienced Eoin Hayes who has struggled with injury this season, goalkeeper Shane Cusack, the hard-working Jack Kelly and winger Dean Hegarty. “We are up against a strong side and we certainly won’t be taking
anything for granted”, O’Brien said. It’s already been a great season for Tulla United but all involved with the club want to make it an even more successful one. Youths cup title holders, they are back in this season’s final at that level while they recently captured the youths league. Their ladies have already won their league title, getting to the Clare Cup final would represent another step forward for the East Clare club.
Their team for Saturday’s semi-final tilt with Bridge United won’t be finalised until after their training session on Friday evening. “We have a few lads doing exams throughout this week while Jack McSweeney is doubtful due
to injury and we will have to assess this on Friday”, team manager Mike Moloney said.
Tulla United are captained by Dara Ryan and their side includes Daragh Corry, an Oscar Traynor winner with Clare and one of the team’s most experienced members. Shane Fogarty is involved with the coaching of the team as is Eoin Kilker and Aaron Curtin. “The majority of our squad has come through the club’s youths section and we are trying to make a bit of history and follow on the success of the youths and ladies teams”, Moloney stated.
Bridge United must plan for their semi-final clash with Tulla United on Saturday without the injured Kyle Kirby while doubts remain about the fitness of Liam Flynn who has been out through injury for the past six weeks.
Currently in the driving seat for Premier Division honours, each game has huge significance for the Sixmilebridge club, manager Mark Culbert outlined. “The more big games the better at the end of the season. We have six league games left and every game is massively important. Lads can’t wait for Saturday, we had a great training session tonight after a disappointing loss to Avenue in the league at the weekend. We have been so close and lads want to get over the line.
“Last year we were a couple of minutes away from a place in the final but we went out in somewhat controversial circumstances. We were 1-0 up and we were awarded a penalty but we were penalised for offside, lost the penalty and they went down and got a penalty to level and then they scored in the next attack. We hope to use that as motivation and go one further this year. It’s been a long time since we were in a cup final and nearly 40 years since we won, Tulla will be a massive test”.
l IN THE HUNT: Tulla Utd manager Mike Moloney
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH
I RECENTLY travelled to the Regnum Carya Golf Resort in Belek, Turkey to play in the annual Pro Am the resort hosts.
I had heard about this tournament through a French golf pro friend who highly recommended I partake. The hotel is an all-inclusive resort and I now have a new favourite golf destination. Our trip cost €2,950 in total for our hotel and six rounds of golf including our entry into the pro-am. On top of this cost flights including all our luggage from Dublin to Antalya Airport was €420.
I love all-inclusive trips; you never spend too much except for whatever tips you decide to give and this trip was no different. There were a few restaurants on site that were additional and we sampled the steakhouse which had some of the best steaks you can possibly purchase, cooked to perfection. Also, on site was sever-
al bars including an Irish bar and a sports bar where we watched the Masters. Also on site was an arcades room, cinema room, bowling hall, jewellery store, clothing stores, you name it... One of the coolest features is every villa on the resort has a swimming pool out the rear of their villa.
Our daily routine was to get up around 8am and walk four to five minutes to the hotel buffet. The buffet hall is one of the largest I have seen at any hotel they even had separate rooms for cheese, sausages, breads and all your fruit choices from all around the world. There was a pastry area with hundreds of pastries beside the chef who would cook you anything you wanted with eggs. After breakfast I would head back to my room and grab my clubs and stroll to the golf course which was only 300 meters from my villa. The range was full with practice balls and there was a long 120-yard chipping and putting green available.
After a bit of practice, we
would then head to the first tee to play in our event. The event was a combination of a singles card, team of four with the best two scores and a scramble so it was a fun event.
The course itself was immaculate and fully floodlit if you fancied additional golf by night. It was a course designed to not just hit the fairway but to hit the right side of the fairway because at times you have tall trees that you have to manoeuvre around or try to hit over. It was a tight course with
plenty of water for your approach shots so if you were struggling with tee shots you would be punished.
After the 10th hole there is a halfway hut where the chef would have a selection of wraps, nibbles and drinks. The cart was also fully stocked and both are all included in your all-inclusive package. After your round there is a huge buffet on offer with the best salmon, veal, lamb you have ever eaten as well as a huge spread of sides.
The dining area at the
High scoring in East Clare
by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie
EAST CLARE GC:
The Easter open team of three competition produced some impressive scores. The ladies section was won by Helen Downey, Kay Grimes and Pauline Nugent with 67 points and they were followed by Maria Kennedy, Geraldine Finnegan and Ann Harte. with 63 points.
In the men’s competition the winner were John Carmody, Keith McInerney and Chris Whitycombe with 69 points three ahead of Martin and Brendan McInerney and Colm Kelly. In the mixed section the winners were Michael Hayes, Ger and Margaret Hoey with 70 points followed by Bryan and Maureen Clune and Helen Stewart with 64 points.
In last week’s open singles the winner was Flannan McMahon (29) with 41 points followed by Batt Skehan (18) with 39 points. The gross was won by Keith Farr (2) with 34. The ladies Wednesday competition was won by Brid Hayes, Deirdre Tuohy and Deirdre O'Neill from Teresa Bradley Mary Farrell and Colette Ward with third spot filled by Mary Brennan, Mary Healy and Pauline Nugent.
In the senior men’s competition the winners were Willie Roche, Jackie McHugh and Tony Nelson from Noel Earley, Jim
Willis and Michael Heffernan with third spot filled by Jonathan Walsh, John Torpey and Jim Bradley.
KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:
The annual Fr Pat Malone 18 hole ladies singles stableford competition took place last week when Nicola O’Leary (27) emerged as the overall winner with 44 points.
The category winners were Mary Lyons (21) with 41 points, Edel Crowley (24) with 43 points and Ursula Lineen (31) with 40.
The Clare Oil open singles was won by Billy Clarke (16) with 42 points with second spot filled by Leroy Crowe (12) with 40 points. Declan O’Donovan (8) was third with 38 points while the gross was won by Michael F Ryan with 32. Category winners were Pat Brennan (9) with 36 points, Cyril Kelly (16) with 34 points and Mark Cottam (17) with 37 points. Michael J. Hogan won the front 9 with 19 points and the back nine was won by Tom Browne with 21.
WOODSTOCK: Last week’s open singles was won by Cathal O'Sullivan (10) with 42 points with second filled by Barry Ward (17) with 38.
In the Easter weekend’s club singles the winner was Patrick O'Donoghue (29) with 65 followed by Bernardo Kelly (5) with 68 with third spot filled by Frank Landy (15) with 70. In the v par competition
clubhouse is on a high point that overlooks the entire 18th hole which is a stunning hole surrounded with bunkers and a large lake that runs up along the final fairway.
After this meal you have a few spare hours before dinner where I used to hit the gym or go practice my short game on the huge chipping and putting green.
Dinner then was a vast spread of food from Indian, Chinese, pizzeria, steaks, shellfish, several types of fish to pretty much any food you could think of. The waiters would serve you at your table again with as many bottles of wine as you desired. It truly was the best all-inclusive experience I think you could find anywhere in the world.
The service also throughout the whole resort was beyond what you would hope for. From the moment you arrive you are assigned a duty managed who is available at any stage to cater for anything you need.
While we were on site the Turkish president arrived and stayed at the hotel for two
l LAHINCH: Marjorie Ahern and Martin O'Sullivan beginning of their year as Club Captains at Lahinch
the winner was Michael Coughlan (22) with +6, who was one ahead of Ollie McNamara (16) who pipped Michael Foley (19) for second on the back nine. The Easter Monday Texas scramble was won by John and Cathal Clune with 44; they won on a countback from Kieran Dromey and Nicholas Germaine.
DROMOLAND: Michelle McCarthy was the winner of the ladies 18 hole stableford competition with 37 points. She had two to spare over Cora O’Toole with Trish O’Brien, also with 35 points, in third spot.
Siobhan Doohan won the ladies 9 hole stableford competition with 20 points, two more than Sinead Burke Keogh with Niamh McDermott a point further back in third spot.
Seamus Mungovan won the men’s stableford competition with 42 points followed by Niall Woods who had a similar score. Sam Kaghazchi was third and he also scored 42 points. The gross was won by Éanna McMahon with 40.
GORT GOLF CLUB:
The masters open singles over the Easter Bank holiday, sponsored by Gort Road Tyres, Ennis, was won by David Callinan (9) with 42 points. The category winners were Padraic Landers (7 with 37 points, Declan Grimes (16) with 40 points and Owen O’Donnell (26) 40 points. The gross was won by Joe Moran (+1) with 37 points. David Callinan also won the Easter Monday singles with 40 points.
nights. Security was heavy for those three days but it did not take away from any aspect of our stay.
On our final night we were invited to a gala dinner at the ocean view restaurant where we were treated to some local dancing with almost a dancer for every table. The food was just incredible; I chose two fillets of steak with some pork chops and salads and the flavours have me salivating thinking about them.
Although our event is only on once or twice a year, I do highly recommend visiting Belek in Turkey for an unforgettable golf trip. Whether it is a lads golf trip, or a family trip this resort caters for everyone's needs. It is one of the only resorts I have been to that you can cater for everyone. I know for certain I will be back myself here very soon Look out for the Turkish Open on the DP World Tour in May, this resort is hosting the tournament so you can see for yourself how incredible the course is on Sky Sports.
Hall of fame award for JP from Limerick/Clare GOBA
by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie
A PACKED Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night saw the 2025 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial come to a head as the night belonged to Faypoint Ranger as he completed a clean sweep in the classic.
This was the third Kirby triumph in four years for trainer Graham Holland, the winner's time was 28.05.
On the night, officers from the Limerick/Clare GOBA presented JP McManus with the hall of fame award. McManus and his wife Noreen are the sponsors of the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial.
It was a good night for the VHR syndicate from Kilmaley as their charge Highview Ben was the winner of The Jonbon Mini open Race worth €2,000 to the winner; syndicate members include Garry and Damien Pepper from Feakle, Clarecaste’s Tommy Hegarty and Seanie McMahon of Newmarket-on-Fergus. At the same venue last Thursday, Aqua Bolt took the honours in an A6 graded contest with a 29.44 victory, owned by Tulla’s Michael McNamara.
Fresh from a hat-trick of victories last week, Myles Cummins and Breda Casey from Newmarket-on-Fergus recorded a double, Snuggie Jasper made it two wins on the bounce and a remarkable 21st career win and the double was complete with Tiermana Sky who recorded her first career win in 29.53.
In the finale of the day, Inislosky Edwin took the honours for Mary Crotty from O’Briensbridge
in a time of 28.89, this was career win number three.
In the opening semi-final of the Bet on the Tote Novice Stake in Galway on Friday, the Keating Syndicate of Ennis-owned Kilwest Diva made sure the Banner County had bragging rights as the daughter of Ballymac Anton and Burgess Millie proved seven and a half lengths to good for Annaghdown Zita in 29.58.
Narrowly denied in the top graded A2 contest the Declan McDonagh kennel of Liscannor gained some compensation in the S8 graded sprint contest as the Paul Reid & Paul Horig owned Plagiarism (Ballyhimikin Jet-Galadriel) came through along the inner up the home straight to claim a length and a half success over Burnpark Maestro in 19.96.
All six runners were away on terms for the S4 graded affair with the Harper Ward of Spanchill owned Mirabel the first to break rank on the run towards the opening bend, an advantage she maintained to win in 19.51.
Saturdays night's card at Collage Road featured the W.G.O.B.A A5 525 Final which saw former Clare residents John Collins and Albert Long take the lion’s share of the prize as they enjoyed a one-two curtesy of litter sisters Brickhill Rosie and Brickhill Aurora from the Ballymac Bolger-Twentylittletoes litter with Aurora proving three and a half lengths too good for her sister in 29.19. The finale was also an A3 graded contest which was won by the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained Laois Lightening in 29.63.
l Pádraig doing his stuff on the 10th tee
(maltipoos) Microchipped
Conneely (née Galvin), Elizabeth
Crotty, Shona
Alan Shannon
, Cyril Miltown Malbay O’Connell, Joseph (Joe) Lahinch
Walsh (née Doyle), Pauline
, Kathleen
, Martin
Keane, Gerard (Gerry)
, John
O’Dowd, Cyril
Stapleton, Joseph (Joe)
Recent Deaths
Barefield Collins (nee Doolin), Kathleen (Kathy)
Duggan, Paschal
Russell (nee Lynch), Bridget
Tuohy (Courtney) Hilda Ennis
Barron (nee Lillis), Carol
Black, Colin Robson
Clancy (nee O’Connell), Marian Shannon Dempsey (nee Lynch) Mary Anne
, Gerry
Hegarty, Michael
, Michael
Mulcahy, Fr. Sean C
, Michael (Haulie)
, John
Broadford
McInerney, Patrick Joseph
Kilrush
and reliable service guaranteed.
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U KIRBY COLLOPY
Acknowledgement
The family of the late Kathleen Kirby Collopy, late of Bunratty and Quin, Co. Clare, would like to thank all those who sympathised with them on their recent sad bereavement, we would like to thank all those who attended the funeral at McMahons Funeral Home, mass and burial, thank you to the staff of ward 6B Limerick University Hospital, and staff of Milford Care Centre, A special thanks to all our friends and neighbours for all the support and kind words during this difficult time. Thank you for all the mass cards and condolences that we received. A sincere thank you to Fr. Albert for a beautiful mass. As it would be impossible to thank each one individually, we hope this acknowledgment will be accepted by all in grateful appreciation. The holy sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Month’s Mind Mass will be offered on Saturday 26th April at 6pm Our Lady of the Wells Church Clonmoney, V95RX45
The Clare Echo Quiz
1. How many times have Clare won the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship?
2. The GAA was founded by Clare man, Michael Cusack. In what year was it founded?
3. How many All Star awards did legendary Clare hurling goalkeeper Seamus Durack win?
• One
• Three
• Four
4. Clare’s home soccer pitch is known as the County Grounds. What was it formerly called?
• Digifone Park
• Abbey Park
• Frure Park
5: Who is the Clare Ladies Football manager?
• Wayne Freeman
• Colm Collins
• Graham Shine
6. What was the final score in the 2024 Senior Hurling Championship final between Clare and Cork?
• 3-28 to 1-34
• 3-29 to 1-33
• 3-29 to 1-34
7. Who was manager of The Clare Senior Hurling team when they won the All Ireland in 2013?
• Brian Lohan
• Davy Fitzgerald
• Gerry O’ Connor
8. Which Clare man has the County’s only football All Star award?
• Seamus Clancy
• Odhran O’Dwyer
• Martin Daly
9. What year was Clare Camogie founded?
• 1931 • 1934
• 1937
10. What Clare Hurler won the 2024 All Star for hurler of the year?
• Shane O’ Donnell
• Tony Kelly
• Peter Duggan
Graham Shine
Digifone Park
Clare and Cork supporters enjoy the atmosphere in Ennis prior to throw in last Sunday and (right) a Clare fan cheers on Brian Lohan’s men
Photos by Gerard O’Neill
THIS WEEKS PUZZLES APR 4th
Best Daily Word Search: 4 April 2023
THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Apr 24
WORD SEARCH
HOW TO PLAY
Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.
The Clare Echo Crossword
ACROSS
1. Adversary(8)
6. Nervous twitch(3)
9. Swimming stroke(5)
10. American reindeer(7)
11. Ignorant, not cognisant(7)
13. Lifeless(5)
14. Apprehensive, edgy(6)
15. Exploding firework(6)
18. First sign of the zodiac(5)
20. Mean, medium(7)
21. Immediate(7)
22. Power(5)
23. Information(3)
24. Reject(4,4)
DOWN
2. Appease, pacify(7)
3. Lubricant(3)
4. Surpass(6)
5. Bring to an end(9)
6. Board(5)
7. Forgeries(12)
8. Amassing(12)
12. Helper(9)
16. Scottish city(7)
17. Fried fish coating(6)
19. Norwegian dramatist(5)
22. Wet soft earth(3)
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL
Further Information/ Revised Plans
Planning Ref: P24/60432
Location: Wuthering Heights, Kilmore, Co. Clare
Development Description:
The development will consist of change of use from existing derelict public house for use as a dwelling house. Permission is also being sought for the following to facilitate the change to a dwelling house.
1) Renovation of an existing building to include elevational changes.
2) Demolition of an existing single story extension to the rear.
3) Construction of a 2 storey extension to the rear.
4) Construction of a two storey extension to both sides.
5) Provision of 3 number rooflights to the rear of existing roof slope and
6) All associated site development works.
Take notice that Gordon Daly has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P24/60432
This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL
Rathclooney, Crusheen Co. Clare
Take Notice that I Christopher McCarthy intend to apply to Clare County Council For Permission for the Construction of a Dwellinghouse, Garage, Proprietary Waste Treatment Plant & Bored Well and to utilise & improve existing entrance and farm access road to serve proposed dwelling including all ancillary site works at 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 of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during it’s 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 COUNTY COUNCIL
ROUGHAUN, KILNABOY, CO. CLARE V95 Y5PD
Please take note that James and Debbie Neylon intend to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission for the construction of an extension and modifications to an existing dwelling house, the demolition of external storage shed, and all associated site works at Roughaun, Kilnaboy, Co. Clare V95 Y5PD
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISHEEN, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE
Take notice that Martin & Jackie Corbett intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct an extension to the side of an existing dwelling house and carry out alterations to the existing dwelling along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed
fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL
Calluragh West, Ennistymon, Co Clare
Take notice that Michael Commane intends to apply for permission to demolish the existing derelict dwelling and to replace it with the new dwelling, install a wastewater treatment system, & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. This application is in lieu of Planning granted under reference P22/871.
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
2 Clahane, Liscannor, Co Clare. V95YD77
Take notice that Cam Smith intends to apply for planning permission to construct a new garage/storage shed & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours.
A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, 14 Saint Munchin’s Drive, Shannon Banks, Corbally, Limerick, Co. Clare.
Take notice that P. & A. Clancy intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to alter Condition No.2 of P24/356. This will involve having a separate vehicular access to serve the proposed development at the above address.
That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, Quilty East, Quilty, Co. Clare
Take notice that W. & E. Walsh intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a dwelling house, garage and proprietary waste water treatment system along with ancillary site works at the above address.
That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION NATURA IMPACT STATEMENT
Luogh North, Doolin, Co Clare
Planning Reference: 24/396
Received on 27/11/2024; Permission to build a new dwelling, garage, install a wastewater treatment system and all other associated site and ancillary works at Luogh North, Doolin, Co Clare.
Take notice that following a requirement of the Planning Authority, JohnJo Whelan will be lodging a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in respect of planning application P24/396. This NIS will be available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority of Clare County Council, Aras an Chlair, New Road Ennis, Co Clare, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the NIS 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 Natura Impact Statement and a copy of this public notice.
