The Clare Echo 27/02/25

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Feb 27 2025

Farewell, our beloved Bishop Willie

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BISHOP WILLIE WALSH died as he lived, getting on with the business of things, not hanging around, just moving on with intent and clear directon.

Such were the remarks of Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan at Monday’s packed funeral mass at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis.

“During the week we were busy pray-

ing for the health and recovery of Pope Francis. While we were doing that a pastor cut out of the same cloth as the Holy Father stole away with no warning and less fuss,” the Bishop said.

Tributes have come in from across the globe for Bishop Willie since his sudden death with thousands of people attending his funeral.

More on p12-14 Photo by John O’Neill

Council questions authenticity of Save Ennis Town petition

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SAVE ENNIS TOWN presented “an empty box” to Clare County Council and not a petition of 3,700 signatures, a senior official for the local authority has claimed.

New correspondence obtained by The Clare Echo detail growing tensions between Clare County Council and Save Ennis Town, all centered around the Ennis 2040 Strategy.

Responding to requests for Save Ennis Town to have a meeting with Interim Chief

Executive of Clare County Council, Carmel Kirby and Acting Chief Operating Officer of Ennis 2040 DAC, Padraic McElwee, the Council assert that “an empty box” and not a petition containing 3,700 signatures was presented to them by the group in October 2023.

Acting Director of Economic Development, Seán Lenihan also listed as a condition for a potential meeting with Save Ennis Town that they must clarify the structure and membership of their group.

He questioned if Save En-

nis Town was “registered with the Charities Regulator” as a voluntary non-political group.

Chairman of Save Ennis Town, Gearoid Mannion expressed the group’s “deep disappointment at the content of the email reply” and called out an “incorrect” assertion that an “empty box” was presented to the Council.

Mannion also criticised the Council’s suggestion that any group seeking a meeting needs to comply with a number of terms. “It is our view that such pre-conditions border on an attempt to ex-

clude the views of the majority of the people of the town from being heard”.

Picutred Joan Duggan

Full Story p4

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Thursday, Nov 14, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

ANOTHER LOSS FOR CLARE HURLERS

Trial ‘It has blown my mind’ pedestrianisation international DJ Annie Mac of Killaloe Bridge to be introduced leads praise of Ennis Library

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

KILLALOE BRIDGE is to be peis a state of the art gorgeous turned down an MBE in destrianised for a trial period. massive new library and the 2022. During an appearance Agreement was reached on on The Late Late Show, she ONE of the most respected whole town are using it.

Friday between elected mem“It made me realise that explained why, “It was lovely international DJs has issued a bers of the Killaloe and Nenagh glowing endorsement of En- when you live between two to be recognised for servicMunicipal Districts and officials countries you get to see how es to broadcasting, I don’t nis’ new library. from Clare and Tipperary CounDublin born Annie Mac they differ, I couldn’t tell want to sit here and sound all ty Councils to pedestrianise the you any instance of a new lipompous, it was really nice. carved out a career as one of existing Killaloe Bridge for a trial But the language of that I the most popular presenters brary opening in London period. or England in recent had an issue with.

It’s quite on BBC Radio One while also These measures will be intromad, it’s like something touring the world as an in- times, it made me duced “a number of weeks after” feel like so happy for from another century. ternational DJ where she has the opening of the new bridge, Ennis and for Clare “It’s like. We want to earned a legion of fans. which will allow an interim pesubmit your name to In 2021, she left Radio One that those things riod when both bridges will opbe an honorary memafter seventeen years and also are happening. erate for vehicles, a spokesperI can’t speak ber of the Excellent debuted her first novel, Mothson for Clare County Council the Order of the British er Mother, set in Belfast which for confirmed. timeline for its w h o l e Empire.

It’s 2022 l LEARNING IN COMFORT: Matheo Boghi and Mark Sexton, Holy Family School, Ennis trying out the newlyThe opened DeValera became a Sunday Times bestintroduction will2,321sqm be announced o u n - County Library opened its doorslads, what is onthis Library in Ennis.

The brand new cDeValera to the public Monday morning. The seller. She has hosted popular closer to the opening of the new building Causeway comprises a public library over two floors which includes the local studies centre, a 100sqm art try”. language.

And also, podcastson Changes with Link, AnnieEnnis gallery and the Library headquarters Photo by Eamon Ward Shannon Bridge Crossing.

Macmanus andCounty Sidetracked Public engagement regarding with Annie and Nick, reunitplans for the 18th Century Killaing her with her old Radio 1 loe Bridge has been held in Killacolleague, DJ Nick Grimshaw. loe and Ballina in recent months.

A frequent visitor to Ennis Making Killaloe Bridge more where her sister lives, Anpedestrian and cycling friendly is Since 2015, Annie Mac Pre- I don’t want to be associated nie spoke on Oliver Callan’s

by Páraic McMahon confirmed in corre- Youth Worker with Clare the aim of the trial, its introducsents: Lost & Found Festival with the British Empire, I paraic@clareecho.ie RTÉ Radio One show about spondence issued Diocesan Service, tion is allowed under Section 38 has been heldtointhe St Paul’s Bay Youth did history in school, I know how impressed she was by the Cathaoirleach of Clare now of Clareabout Youth SerCHIEF EXECUTIVE of of the Road Traffic Act 1994. The Malta during the month that, and if they change €17m County Library which County Cllr and concluding it asI’d be really hapClare Countyopened Council, trial will also enable further deMay.Council, Macmanus was vice named the language was officially in NoAlan asO’Callaghan (FF) Chief Executive of Clareit, but right now, Pat Dowling is to retail and evidence of traffic flows the Festival Ambassador py to receive vember. on Monday County tireShefrom the“Being role next and pedestrian movements beof Malta morning. in 2018, and was Council. language wise, I just wasn’t said, in EnHis retirement will be“It by has been my privmonth. tween the towns to be gathered, presented with the award happy to (accept it). ” nis yesterday (Sunday), they comeMalta’s effective from Deilege to serve the CounDowling’s hadthere and for the social, economic and Minister for Tourism. have this newexit library cemberLiving 31. cil and the county for been expected but was tourism benefits to be measured. in London, she and it has blown my mind, it Ap p o i n t e d almost eight and a half to post in June years and it is my earnest 2016 on a sev- hope that I have made en year term, a positive contribution the Knockad- to the reputation and erry native ar- standing of the organrived in Áras isation and the counContae an ty. Working with Clare Feirme and rural de- Garden in Kilrush; and Chláir in Sep- County Council has rep- velopment with Kildare the most significant tourism project to be tember 2016 resented the pinnacle of Leader Company.

In 1983, he graduated undertaken in East Clare as Chief Exec- my career and I thank utive and has all the members, present with a degree in Euro- with the development since Novem- and former for their sup- pean Studies from the Inis Cealtra visitor cenber 2016 lived port and co-operation National Institute for tre. On two occasions Higher Education which during his tenure, Clare in Kilkee with during that time. his wife Rose.

“I look forward to ob- is now the University of County Council was The 61 year old serving the exploits of Limerick and during his named local authority of is a father of Clare County Council time there was placed the year.

He was also to the fore six. from my home in West on co-op at the United In March Clare and I wish you all Nations in New York in Lahinch’s hosting of 2023, he in- well for the future,” he and lived at the time the 2019 Dubai Duty formed the said in correspondence with his older brother Free Irish Open serving D e p a r t m e n t of elected members of Michael, who is now the as a major success.

Also under Dowling’s of Local Gov- the Council on Monday President and Chief Executive Officer of North- watch, the County Counernment and morning. the Public ApGlowing tributes were well Health. His second cil has voted to implep o i n t m e n t s made by county council- placement while in uni- ment the highest charge Service that lors at Monday’s meeting versity was in the Eu- of local property tax on he wished to of the Council where he ropean Parliament. He a consistent basis. He has avail of the op- also received a standing received a bronze medal always stressed the imfor exceptional achieve- portance of the Council tion of a three ovation. maintaining a balanced year extension Before moving to ment when graduating.

As Chief Executive of budget and noted his to his seven Clare, Pat was Deputy year appoint- Chief Executive for Lim- Clare County Council, pride at the local authoriment. Twenty erick City and County Pat oversaw the transfer ty never recording a defimonths on, he Council with responsi- of the Shannon Heritage cit during his tenure. He has announced bility for Social Devel- tourism sites to the lo- previously issued promhe is to retire opment. His first role in cal authority which he ises that issues at Blake’s from the role. It local government was in previously described as Corner would be solved means his first 1999 when he joined the “one of the biggest risks” during his term as Chief and last jobs Limerick Corporation, in the 125 year history of Executive and has been a were based previously he worked the Council. He was in- central figure in the crein Co Clare, with Clare Youth Service, volved in the multi-mil- ation of the Ennis 2040 having started National Youth Coun- lion euro redevelopment Designated Active Comof (St thePatrick’s Vandeleur (DAC).Lavelle Cian McNamara Pipe Band), Diarmuid Murphy Tulla Walled Pipe Band)pany and Michael his career as a (Achill cil of Ireland, Macra na

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

The Clare Echo’s Hurling coverage p30-34

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36C Abbey St., Ennis, Co Clare Call: 065 - 6719021

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

Dowling to retire as Chief Executive

PIPING UP IN SHANNON

(Achill Pipe Band) parade through Shannon Town Centre during the Wings Festival in Shannon Photo by Joe Buckley

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Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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Council wants to ‘authenticate’ petition before meeting Save Ennis Town group

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A WAR of words between Clare County Council and Save Ennis Town has reached boiling point over planned developments in the county town as part of Ennis 2040.

In new correspondence obtained by The Clare Echo, a senior official in Clare County Council questioned the authenticity of a petition presented by Save Ennis Town and set out terms and conditions to follow in order for a request to meet with the local authority to be considered.

Following reports in The Clare Echo last week that the County Council had failed to acknowledge a request from Save Ennis Town to hold a meeting, a response to the voluntary community group followed late on Thursday evening.

This response saw the Council question the authenticity of a petition with 3,700 signatures presented to then Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) in October 2023 following a silent march.

The correspondence also questioned the structure of the voluntary group and detailed procedures they must follow in order to meet senior Council staff.

Acting Director of Economic Development, Seán Lenihan issued the reply to Save Ennis Town Chairman Gearoid Mannion where he detailed that Ennis 2040 was “a means to counter” a slowdown in Ennis’ economic activity.

“As we are all aware from Banking and oth-

l Seán Lenihan outlined that he has not seen any copy of the petition in question

er third-party studies and data, Ennis isn’t and hasn’t unfortunately been performing in terms of economic growth as well as it should over many years now. The reasons are many and include changing shopping trends, lack of suitable office and retail accommodation, high rents, high energy costs, high salary costs, succession planning”.

Lenihan said the Council were only presented with “an empty box” not a petition of 3,700 signatures by Save Ennis Town. “You make reference to a petition of over 3,700 signatures. It would be appreciated if you would please advise me as to where I can get a copy of same to review and authenticate as it is my understanding that we didn’t actually receive a petition and that it was an empty box that was presented to Mayor Pat Daly at the time”.

Comments from Save Ennis Town that there were “overwhelming public opposition” to

plans to build on the car parks in Abbey Street and Parnell Street were ‘strongly refuted’ by the Acting Director.

“I would also refute your statement that meaningful consultation has not happened. While not directly involved with the project at the earlier stages myself, as an Ennis resident, it would be my view that extensive consultation and engagement has occurred in advance of the strategy’s adoption”.

He also disagreed with the view that there is “an information vacuum” surrounding Ennis 2040 and advised that Ennis MD councillors would be attending a behindclosed-doors briefing next week.

Before agreement could be made on a potential meeting with Save Ennis Town, Lenihan listed several terms and conditions that must be met. “We would be happy to meet and discuss the proposals with you and a representation from your group but in order to do so, and in

keeping with similar requests to other interest groups, we would need you to submit a few details relating to your grouping. Particularly, please confirm the identity and structure of Save Ennis Town Group. You mention in your letter that you are a voluntary non-political group so I am presuming that you are not a registered company with the Companies Registration Office and/or registered with the Charities Regulator.

If it is the case that you are an unincorporated entity, we would require details of the people who are members of the group.

“Furthermore, if you intend to operate as an unincorporated entity, we recommend that a constitution is approved by the members (if not already done so) and that the relevant officers (eg Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, etc) are appointed. This is necessary and important for our ongoing engagement. Once we have this important detail, we will then be in a position to further engage and provide relevant information, where available,” he added.

On Tuesday of this week, Save Ennis Town wrote to Interim Chief Executive of Clare County Council “to express our deep disappointment at the content of the email reply”. They argued that Lenihan’s reply failed to mention rates increases by the Council for Ennis businesses including rates harmonisation of approximately 18 per cent since 2014, and the impact of the recent

national re-valuation of Clare businesses. They also said “access to the town for potential customers to do business either blocked or made extremely difficult over the last seven years due to works by Clare County Council and other public bodies”.

Chairman of the group, Gearoid Mannion in the correspondence disagreed with Lenihan’s assertion that ‘meaningful consultation’ has occurred for Ennis 2040. He said the strategy was “researched and drawn up by a multi disciplinary team of international experts for Clare County Council, following a public tendering process. Councillors had no statutory role as they only could only note, not adopt, the finished document”.

Efforts from Save Ennis Town to have engagement with the Council and Ennis 2040 DAC have been ongoing since May 2023 “to no avail,” he detailed. “The promised report of the findings of a series of very well attended public engagement events about the Ennis 2040 DAC’s plans, held in early 2024, has not yet been made available over one year later,” he added.

Lenihan’s remarks on the ‘empty box’ are “incorrect,” Gearoid said.

“The box contained a letter outlining the concerns of those involved in the march regarding the future of Ennis town and detailed how, in compliance with our data protection obligations, the petition forms were retained in a secure location. At the time,

the petition forms were independently authenticated by a respected retired civil servant prior to being lodged in the vault of a solicitors practice in the town where they remain”.

Mannion continued, “There is a suggestion in the email that, in order to be granted a meeting with a local government senior official, Save Ennis Town, or any other concerned voluntary community group, drawn from civil society, should be either legally incorporated, a registered charity under legislation, or comply with several other pre-condi-

tions, before our voice will be heard.

“It is our view that such pre-conditions border on an attempt to exclude the views of the majority of the people of the town from being heard”.

He said the group has a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary and treasurer, and is approved by banking requirements to hold an account with formal meetings held and minutes taken. He added, “As a concerned, voluntary, community group we hope that the meeting we have requested will be facilitated as soon as possible”.

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

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Ennistymon Hub ‘a real success story’ - new study shows growth value of €3.8m

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNISTYMON’s DigiHub has a current annual total growth value of €3.8m and contributes €5.7m to the North Clare economy on a yearly basis.

Findings from an economic, social and community impact study of the Ennistymon Hub were presented at a sitting of Clare County Council’s Tourism Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC).

76 full-time jobs in both direct and knock-on employment opportunities have been created from the hub. Eight businesses of varying sizes operate permanently out of the hub.

Its current annual total value output is €5,700,433 which means it contributes just under €6m to the local economy each year.

Data from the study also detailed that the current annual total gross value of the Ennistymon Hub is €3,867,815 and the current annual total exchequer revenue is estimated at €586,679.

Since its opening in December 2019, the €2m hub has helped to revitalise Parliament Street and has proven to be DigiClare’s most successful of its eleven hubs across the county. It was formerly a SuperValu building before its transformation. It has since been acquired by Clare County Council who are going to make use of the cottages at the rear of the building

as a headquarters for Cliffs of Moher staff.

According to Urban McMahon, Head of Digital Transformation with Clare County Council, “in the region” of 100 people contributed to the study. Alongside Kilrush and Ennis, the Ennistymon hub “is one of our strategic ones,” he outlined. €1.5m from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund assisted in the hub’s development. “It is very relevant that it opened in December 2019 because if you roll onto March 2020 when COVID hit, it generated a huge acceptance of the hub, people were familiar with it, it raised our profile in Clare. Due to the demand for additional facilities, we carried out a number of upgrades in 2022 to provide additional hot desks and flexible office pods”.

He confirmed there is 100 percent occupancy of the permanent office space in the hub with between 67 to 77 percent utilisation of the flexible office space based on 2023 data.

Hot desk users, permanent tenants in the hub, local businesses, community groups and representatives were interviewed as part of the study. McMahon said of their reasons for using the hub, “Access to fast quality high broadband was not the primary driver but rather improvements in work-life balance, mental health and wellbeing and connectivity with people”.

Urban said the facility has “rejuvenated Parliament Street, it offers a viable option for remote work benefitting locals and holidaymakers, it benefits the wider North Clare region with users enjoying activities such as surfing in Lahinch and it has provided benefits to Ennistymon as part of the broader development efforts in the town”.

All participants in the study reported a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing and their work-life balance from operating in the hub. A third said they benefitted from a reduced commute time, 67 percent said it was a highly important factor in enabling relocation, 89 percent said it increased their sense of belonging in the community and 89 percent said it has made them more frequent customers of local businesses.

“People are living locally and sourcing jobs locally, people are beginning to realise jobs can be done remotely by facilities like this,” Urban stated.

Recent severe weather events have also emphasised the hub’s importance, he said. From the period January 29th to February 9th the bookings were 151 in 2024 whereas for the same period in 2025 this figure jumped to 213, a percentage difference of 46 percent. “A lot of people that utilised the hub had never used it before, they didn’t re-

alise what was in there, we’ve seen a knock-on effect with our bookings going forward”.

He added, “It is a community enterprise hub, it is not specifically an innovation hub, a lot of businesses operating there are tech, marketing, bespoke design, project management, graphic design, web development, we support everybody community members and entrepreneurs”.

McMahon continued, “A significant portion of our bookings during summer months relates to bookings from non-regular users, 60 percent of bookings over two weeks from August 5th to 12th 2024 are non-regular users. These include tourists and holiday-makers visiting the area which is emphasising the importance of the

lSUCCESS STORY: Ennistymon Hub

hub in facilitating the so-called trend of workcationers who are seeking to combine leisure trips with remote working”.

Chair of the SPC, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) commented, “it is a success story. This piece of work needs to be in your face and sent back to the Government, it needs to show the impact of the RRDF, look at the multi-million euro impact it has delivered, I know the benefit of the facility”. He said a new trend has emerged where families with holiday homes and mobile homes in Lahinch “where they decamp for the summer with one parent dashing back to work, they can now include two weeks annual leave and work for two weeks while they are here”.

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Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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Friends of Ennis Hospital meet with HIQA review team

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MEMBERS of Friends of Ennis Hospital on Wednesday morning met with representatives from the HIQA review team where they said the provision of a model four hospital in Ennis should also include a maternity wing.

Ex Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) last May commissioned a review by HIQA into emergency care capacity in the Mid-West region. This review is tasked with determining there is a need for a second emergency department in the Mid-West.

Sean Egan who is heading up the review for HIQA met Angela Coll, Deridre Culligan and Marion McMahon Jones from Friends of Ennis Hospital (FEH) on Wednesday for a seventy minute meeting. He was hjoined by John Tuffy who has completed inspections at University Hospital Limerick and Maeve Sheehan. FEH made a submission to the HIQA review in August with a thirty page document.

Speaking to The Clare Echo following the meeting, Angela Coll described it as “very interesting and productive”. They presented data included in their submission plus new information collated in the final quarter of 2024 and the first six weeks of this year, they also discussed the provision of services in Clare including the local injury unit, medical assessment unit and Shannondoc while advocating for

additional hours and beds.

“Our focus was mainly on acute hospital services,” Angela outlined.

New findings discussed included that University Hospital Limerick (UHL) operated at 120 percent capacity in January 2025 when the recommended level is 85 percent.

UHL had the highest average daily attendance at an emergency department of any acute hospital in the country in 2024 with a daily average of 240 attendances.

In the month of December, Ennis Hospital operated at an average of 115 percent occupancy when surge beds were in use for twenty eight of thirty one days that month.

Data strengthens the cause for choosing Ennis as the location for a second ED in the region, Angela argued. “Friends of Ennis Hospital are committed to fighting for a safe health service for the MidWest, which is why we know and understand that an emergency department cannot be opened in any of the current Model 2 hospitals in the HSE Midwest Region. We also appreciate that the population profile of the Mid-West, even with the approx. 500,000 predicted population over the next 10-15 years, is not sufficient to justify the re-opening of the three emergency departments which closed in 2009 either from a cost perspective or a patient safety one to say nothing of the difficulty in recruiting back staff for three additional emergency departments.

“Therefore, the logical choice is

one additional emergency department and the decision then becomes where. We know from data provided at the Regional Health Forum previously that 24.71 percent of patients who presented in the ED in UHL were from Clare whereas Limerick was understandably much higher at 59.18% and Tipperary patients accounted for 11.18%. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that the presentations in Galway University Hospital would be improved if Clare had its own ED as we are aware of Clare based patients who have travelled to Galway to avoid Limerick. This data, together with the population profiles, and the greater distance from the ED for patients from Clare indicates to us that the second ED should be in Clare as that is where more people live and that is where 40% of the population live more than 45 minutes from an Emergency Department”.

After consultations with a quantity surveyor and an engineer at the end of 2024, FEH were told the site of Ennis Hospital “is not large enough to provide the kind of hospital that would be needed to give a proper health service to the people of Clare for the next fifty years and beyond”.

A new model four in Ennis Hospital should also include a maternity wing, FEH have now said.

“When a new hospital is built in the Midwest the current UHL facility will be under less pressure for space and logically the mater-

nity hospital currently located on the Ennis Road should be moved to the Dooradoyle campus. Co-location of maternity hospitals with acute hospital services will lead to better outcomes for both mothers and babies. However, if the HSE plan to move maternity services to Dooradoyle we feel that the new Model 4 in Ennis should include a maternity wing.

“In 2022, over 1200 babies were born in Limerick to mothers who have a place of residence in Clare.

If we assume that Sligo covers all births for Sligo, Roscommon and

Leitrim that is a total of 1772, Cavan and Monaghan combined is 1826, Laois/Offaly 1857 yet again the HSE wants to put 3620 mothers from Clare and Limerick through one hospital, that is more than any other hospital in Rural Ireland, only Dublin and Cork are higher. So, if we assume that all stakeholders are committed to the provision of the best possible and safest health service for all of the population then that means long term planning for a Model 4 with a maternity hospital for Co Clare,” Coll concluded.

l HIQA REVIEW: Ennis Hospital

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Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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Council seek further information on plans for Clare’s first padel facility at old abattoir

by Mike Fitszgerald news@clareecho.ie

PLANS TO turn the Ennis abattoir into Clare’s first padel facility are on hold.

Clare County Council have requested further information to the planning application for gym and padel court facility on the Tulla Rd in Ennis. The proposed transformation of Keane’s Abattoir into a modern fitness hub, complete with five padel courts and an outdoor leisure area, has drawn support from local councillors but now faces a delay as the applicants have been ordered to provide further information.

Initial plans were to change the use of the abattoir to gym and carry out alterations to the building which would include an exterior leisure area, the construction of five padel courts, the demolition of the cattle shed, the addition of carparking plus associated site works and services.

Planning was lodged by Quin native Sean Hehir who is currently based in the United States of America.

Architects Hassett and Leydon state in their planning report that the development will help to generate employment opportunities as well as offering a mix of both commercial and recreational use for

gymgoers. The facility had hoped to attract both day and evening visitors to add to the area’s vibrancy. The abattoir is located beside the rail bridge on the Tulla Road on the main Limerick to Athenry line.

Both Cllr Mary Howard (FG) and Cllr Pat Daly (FF) made representations in support of the proposed development.

The planning report lists a number of benefits associated with padel courts. The application states

that “padel courts promote social inclusivity, as the sport is designed to be accessible to a wide range of age groups and abilities. This aligns with Ireland’s commitment to fostering community health and engagement. Additionally, padel’s smaller court size and doubles format encourage social interaction and team play, helping build stronger community connections”.

Padel Tennis or Padel is a racket sport of Mexican origin and is played in over 90 countries around

lPADEL FACILITY: Ennis Abbatoir

the world. The sport combines elements of squash and tennis and is played by the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham. It has been described as the fastest growing sport in the world with a facility opening in Limerick on January 24th.

The economic potential of the proposed development is also highlighted as the plans outline that, “installing a padel court can attract more members or visitors to sports clubs, leisure centres, or community parks, boosting local tourism and economic activity.

This aligns with Ireland’s goal to increase engagement in sport and recreation as outlined in government policies”.

Also included in the plans is the addition of 22 parking spaces at the site which the planning report states is necessary due to the provision of both five padel courts and gym facilities. “The proposed development ensures adequate parking to cater for the anticipated demand from both the gym users and the padel court visitors. This level of parking provision aligns with the recommendations in the Clare County Development Plan and will help to prevent any potential overspill parking or impacts on the surrounding road network”.

Clare County Council are seeking further information on the de-

velopment, however. The planning authority has requested the applicant to revise the site layout plan.

“While the proposed development is largely acceptable in principle, the planning authority has concerns in respect of a number of key items of the proposal in terms of compliance with the site zoning by reason of the layout”. Padel courts four and five together with four parking spaces are in a buffer space which needs to be amended, the Council detailed.

Further information is also sought with regards to an ecological impact assessment and a revised parking layout.

In a submission, Iarnród Éireann flagged the site’s proximity to the Limerick to Athenry line. While the rail provider has no objection to the development in principle, they have asked that a number of safety precautions be put in place.

They ask that “No building, including the proposed padel courts, shall be constructed within two metres of the boundary treatment on the applicants’ side. This is to allow for the applicant to maintain his / her building, without the need to enter railway property” and that “no additional liquid, either surface water or effluent shall be discharged to, or allow to seep onto, the railway property or into railway drains / ditches”.

Crowe abandons plans for Cratloe home but his sister applies for planning at same site

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

CLARE TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) has abandoned plans to build a family home at Heathmount, Cratloe after two failed attempts.

This is disclosed in a new planning application before Clare County Council lodged

by Deputy Crowe’s sister, Eimear who has now applied to secure planning permission for the same site at Heathmount.

Planning documents show that Deputy Crowe is to gift the site to his sister. As the current owner of the site, Deputy Crowe has provided a letter giving his consent for the application to be lodged.

They also state that Deputy Crowe owns a house elsewhere on the farm that belonged to his uncle who passed away in 2023.

The planning submission states that “it is Cathal’s intention to seek permission to either refurbish or extend this dwelling or seek permission to demolish it and rebuild a new dwelling on the site”.

Deputy Crowe first lodged plans for the planned home at Heathmount in January

2022, withdrew the application after encountering opposition and then re-lodged plans under his Irish name, C. MacConcradha in July 2022.

An Bord Pleanála refused planning permission to his application in September 2024 after Deputy Crowe disclosed to An Bord Pleanála that he owns another house in the area.

An Bord Pleanála refused planning permission after finding that Deputy Crowe’s need to live in the local area “can be met by property and land in his ownership”.

The board concluded that Deputy Crowe has not demonstrated that he meets the necessary ‘economic need or social need’ Now, Eimear Crowe is facing opposition to her own plans with the only objections lodged by individuals with addresses in Limerick and Rathgar in Dublin 6.

Planning consultant for Ms Crowe, Andrew Hersey has told Clare County Council “it is a cause of huge upset and stress for Eimear that the two people who are seeking to block her to build a dwelling house that she very much needs don’t even live in Co Clare”.

Mr Hersey states that “this is the only site available to my client which is to be kindly gifted to her in the event that planning permission is granted for the said development”.

Mr Hersey concedes that the site is located on a scenic route and within a designated ‘Heritage Landscape’ but states that the home will not be visible from the road.

In an objection, Michael Nugent & Co Solicitors of Sandford Rd, Ranelagh, D6 has told the council that “having twice sought and failed to obtain planning permission for himself and his family on this site, it now appears that Cathal Crowe’s sister, Eimear Crowe is the person seeking to build a home for herself”.

Mr Nugent says that coincidentally, Ms Crowe is seeking an almost identical house as Cathal Crowe was seeking to build for himself, on exactly the same site at the same location and being an almost identical design and which has been already refused

by An Bord Pleanála.

Mr Nugent states that the application “fails almost every measurement or test as set out in the Development Plan”.

He said, “It is a proposal for a one-off ru-

ral house in an area of special control. It is urban generated housing, a ribbon development and proposed to be sited on a scenic route”.

Matthew Broggy’s intervention in Ms Crowe’s planning bid comes 45 years after Mr Broggy’s father, Noel objected to plans

by Ms Crowe’s parents, Michael and Irene Crowe to build their own dwelling home.

Noel Broggy opposed the Crowes’ 1979 planning application over a disputed right of way concerning a strip of land adjacent to the Crowe home at Meelick.

Matthew Broggy objected to Deputy Cathal Crowe’s application and in the objection to Eimear Crowe’s house plan, architect, Michael Leahy for Mr Broggy with a Rathkeale, Limerick address has stated that the Council rural housing settlement policy has been introduced to protect areas under pressure from urban, random and un-co-ordinated development “and it should be implemented in this case”.

A decision is due on the application next week.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2024

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Great Ennis 10k & 5k set for eighth edition The running community is gearing up for an event taking place in Ennis on April 6, 2025, the Great Ennis 10k and 5k.

The event is in its eigth year, and the organisers say they are working enthusiastically to make it the best one yet.

Organised by local athletics club, Ennis Track A.C. the inaugural event was a five-mile road race held in 2016, to coincide with the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Ennis.

The event was held again in 2017, adding 1.214 miles to make up the classic 10k distance.

Last year saw the addition of a 5k race option, which proved very popular, with a total of more than 300 finishers between both races.

This year, to cater for all the family; there will be a ‘Kids 2k Forest Run’ in Lee’s Road on March 28 at 6pm, as a prelude to the main event on April 6.

The organisers are delighted to welcome Keith Whyte Tyre Services t/a Pat Foudy & Daughter on board as one of

two main sponsors for 2025.

Keith, a former Irish International Ultra Runner and Ennis Track A.C member with a passion for running and athletics, has represented Ireland several times at senior level in World, European and Home Nations competitions and is the course record holder for the Dingle Ultra Marathon.

Among Keith’s many successes are winning the Antarctic 100K in 2015, setting a new

course record of 9hrs 25mins, and winning the 100K De la Somme race in France that year, setting an Irish record.

While he has been out of training in recent times, he plans to don his running shoes again on April 6.

The second sponsor of the Great Ennis 10k and 5k is the Temple Gate Hotel. The Ennis hotel has recently been taken over by Dermot Kelly and John Gavin, owners of

the award-winning Shannon Springs Hotel in Shannon. The Temple Gate had been owned and operated by the Madden family for several decades.

For those interested in clocking fast times, both the 5k and 10k races are chip timed. The 10k route takes place on country roads around Drumcliffe, Templemaley and Larchill, while the 5k is an out-and-back course, with the turnaround point just after Drumcliffe cemetery. Runners and walkers of all abilities are welcome.

Proceeds from the Great Ennis 10k and 5k will go towards the club’s expansion project as well as towards the training and development of young athletes.

If you wish to support the club’s expansion project you can do so by visiting ennistrackathleticclub.com/index. php/donate/.

To register for the Great Ennis Run, scan the QR code.

News

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ADVERTORIAL

Cooney announces countywide programme of constituency clinics RECENTLY elected Clare Fine Gael Deputy Joe Cooney has announced a countywide programme of walk-in clinics over the next four months.

33 Clare towns and villages have been included in the schedule for the months of March, April, May and June with additional locations to be added in the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, Deputy’s Cooney also is inviting walk-ins and appointments at his newly established Constituency Office at Lower Market Street in Ennis on weekdays from 10.00am to 4.30pm.

Bookings can be made via the main office at 065-6797676 or joe.cooney@oireachtas.ie.

The office, which is located in the premises formerly occupied by An Post, will be officially opened this Friday afternoon by the Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Minister for Defence, and Leader of Fine Gael, Simon Harris T.D. According to Deputy Cooney, “With a fantastic team behind me, I look forward to hearing from members of the public and others across the Clare Constituency during the coming weeks and months. I will be expanding the reach of my clinics to other towns and villages as we move through 2025.

“The West Clare, North Clare, Killaloe and Shannon area clinics will take place on the first, second, third and fourth Friday of the month respectively.”

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

News

Daily college commute taking its toll on Clare students

by Michael Fitzgerald news@clareecho.ie

ADDITIONAL costs, unreliable public transport and being left out of the social experience are some of the feelings experienced by Clare third-level students forced to travel hours each day to college due to shortage of accommodation.

Shortage of accommodation and high costs for each semester is forcing many third-level students from Clare to commute daily to institutes such as the University of Limerick, University of Galway, Mary Immaculate College and TUS. Figures from the Central Statistics Office from 2022 indicate that 201,200 students are travelling to college daily with the bus being the most popular form of transportation, followed by the car.

Daily commutes to college is taking its toll on Clare students. Jack Finucane, aged 20, is studying computer science at UL and says that commuting causes him to miss out on a lot. “You can’t join societies or anything like that because all their events are on late at night and I don’t want to be hanging around for hours after my lectures”.

Engineering student, Cian Pyne aged twenty admitted he was unable to pursue swimming and basketball in college due to the same reasons. “A lot of stuff isn’t on until nine o’clock at night so it’s definitely not convenient”. He says he found the commuting especially hard in first year.

“It was a lot harder in first year like it was tough going there for a while now”.

The social side of college life also suffers Jack says, “Even on nights out, I have to stay over with friends, which is less convenient obviously”, adds the Clarecastle native. As a result, students can feel like they are missing out on a core part of the college experience. Annual events such as the student races or charity week can become hard to facilitate and leave students feeling left out.

The actual cost of travelling each day is another impact on the lives of commuter students, especially those who drive. Jack says that he spends “At least €60 on diesel and €4.60 a day on the toll both ways”, costs which can easily pile up by the end of the semester as he travels to and from his home in Clarecastle. “The money is definitely the worst part of it. The cost of driving is bad enough but sometimes you go into college as there’s nowhere to park so you’ve to pay again to get into the car park”.

Ennis native Cian also mentions the cost, saying “At the moment I use a combination of car-pooling and the bus so it’s about €20 or €21 a week”. He said the unreliability of public transport is another frustration. “Early in the morning it’s not too bad but if you’re getting it around 11am or 12pm it is always thirty or forty minutes late,” he added.

Daniel Smith (20) studies law and is originally

from Lissycasey but now lives in Ennis. “The only real complaint I have with the public transport is how

man continues. On one occasion he was due to take part in a mock trial that carried significant weight

of student parking in UL. “Having accommodation would be easier. It’s hard to find the energy to study

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Cian Pyne at home in Ennis

inconsistent and unreliable it is, plenty of times the bus can be very late or even not show up at all. It’s something you need to factor in when planning,” he said.

“Due to buses not being on time or not arriving it can lead to you being late to lectures or missing them entirely so it can definitely have an effect on your academics”, the Lissycasey

for his grade. The bus Daniel needed was over an hour late which as a result caused him to arrive just in time for trial, causing considerable stress.

This sentiment is shared

by Jack who says he finds it hard to study after the journey each day which can sometimes take as long as two hours going and return due to traffic and lack

Photo by Tom Micks

when you’ve been driving all day. There’s days where I’m in there from 9-6 so it’s harder, there’s no library at home”. Cian also says he finds the commuting effects his study as it can be difficult to put the required time and energy into his intensive course, especially with the large number of lab reports he has to complete.

Man appears in court of alleged rape of minor in West Clare

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A 26-year old man has appeared in court charged with the rape of a female in West Clare more than a decade ago.

At Ennis District Court, Sgt Frank O’Grady confirmed to Judge Alec Gabbett that the complaint was a minor - aged less than 18 at the time of the alleged rape offence on a date unknown between November 2nd 2011 and May 23rd 2014.

Sinn Féin want Harris to make statement on Conway

During the date range of the alleged rape offence, the accused who has a Limerick city address was aged thirteen to fifteen.

Along with the charge of rape, the accused - who can’t be identified for legal reasons - is also facing two counts of the sexual assault of the female on dates unknown between November 2nd 2011 and May 23rd 2014.

Sgt Frank O’Grady that the DPP has directed that the case is to go forward to the Central Criminal

Court for trial.

Sgt O’Grady said that there was no objection to bail for the accused.

Judge Gabbett said to the accused man he will appear before the Distinct Court again for a Book of Evidence to be served.

He said that due to the serious nature of the allegations that the case will then be returned to the Central Criminal Court.

Judge Gabbett told the accused that reporting restrictions have been imposed in the case.

He said, “As always you are innocent until proven guilty and the case is to go to the Central Criminal Court, likely to be in Limerick but could go to Dublin”.

Judge Gabbett granted legal aid for two counsel to represent the accused in the Central Criminal Court. Sgt O’Grady confirmed that the investigating Garda in the case is Det Garda Cathy Burke.

Judge Gabbett remanded the accused on bail to March 26th to Ennis District Court.

A DÁIL motion has been submitted by Sinn Féin urging the Tánaiste and leader of Fine Gael, Simon Harris (FG) to make a statement on Clare Senator Martin Conway (IND).

Sinn Féin have requested that the motion be placed on the Dáil order paper which would result in a debate on the matter during the party’s private members time.

In their motion, Sinn Féin detailed that Fine Gael completed an internal investigation into the inappropriate behaviour of a sitting Senator towards a female member of staff and a subsequent substantial sum of money was donated to a charity in the aftermath of their investigation.

Conway was selected by Fine Gael with the backing of the party leadership on two occasions following the investigation, Sinn Féin flagged. They said there are many outstanding questions in relation to the nature of the inappropriate behaviour and the actions of Fine Gael.

After Ennistymon native Conway confirmed he had been arrested by Gardaí in Dublin for intoxication, Fine Gael launched a disciplinary process, he failed to inform the party at the time of his arrest on January 22nd.

In his only statement on the matter, Martin outlined that he was arrested “for being in an intoxicated state due to consumption of sleeping tablets and alcohol”. He was released without charge.

An inquiry cited by Sinn Féin in their motion took place in 2020 after an incident in 2018.

Conway had been accused of acting in an inappropriate manner with a female Oireachtas staff member working for a Fine Gael politician in a bar in Dublin.

In a statement, a Fine Gael spokesperson said the accusation was “put to the person concerned” [Senator Conway] and that he “subsequently apologised”. This apology “was accepted” by the female staffer and no further action was taken by Fine Gael.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

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Contributors

March gardening will bring early potatoes and colourful dahlias

IN THE blink of an eye, we say goodbye to February and welcome March with longer days and brighter evenings ahead.

Its an exciting month with lots of deliveries arriving and people are ready to start work in the gardens.

With lots of you getting the garden ready over the last month, one of our popular products at the moment is Soil Enricher it’s a natural way to improve soil structure and increase fertility, it improves soil aeration, texture and structure so it’s adding rich organic matter to the soil. It’s on special offer now.

Dahlia bulbs are now in stock and we have some lovely variety to choose from some of my favourites are Bishop of Leicester and mystery day.

There are so many lovely flowers to choose from. Dahlia tubers can be started in pots or sowing directly into the ground. Make sure they have plenty of light and a good multipurpose compost. To feed them us a liquid

plant food high in Phosphorus and potassium during the growing season and once they have established to keep the flower period going.

Seed potatoes and onion will be arriving soon, The early potatoes like Sharpes Express, Homeguard and Duke of York will soon be available.

British Queens are called Second early these are planted traditionally in March. The main crop potatoes are Rooster, Records, and Kerr Pinks these are just to name a few they varieties have expanded so much over the year s the choice is amazing. These main crops are traditionally planted in April.

Some people like to get their preferred variety early and have them chitted this just means they start to shoot out. So, if you want to be prepared and make sure to buy your favourite potato while selection is available.

There are lots of colour plans available if you need pots filled. I know confirmations has started and its nice to have pots done

upfor the occasion. You’re welcome to bring in pots and we can fill them for you saving you time.

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“Welcome March! May this month bring you joy, growth, and new opportunities”

12

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

News

‘We were busy praying for of same cloth stole away

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS CATHEDRAL was at full capacity on Monday as the people of Clare and further afield came out in their droves to celebrate the life of their beloved Bishop Willie Walsh.

Rain fell on mourners as they arrived in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Ennis but the sun shone as the remains of Bishop Walsh were buried in the church grounds.

They came in their droves from all walks of life, representing the community, culture and sporting institutes which Bishop Willie had such an influence on, going beyond his sixteen years as Bishop of Killaloe and sixty six years in the priesthood.

Bishop of the Killaloe Diocese, Fintan Monahan was chief celebrant. Concelebrants included Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA of

Cashel and Emly, Bishop Ger Nash of Ferns, Father Laurence Walsh OCSO of Our Lady of Silence Abbey, Roscrea, parish priest of Ennis Fr Tom Ryan along with other bishops and priests in attendance.

A message of sympathy from Cardinal Pietro Parolin on behalf of Pope Francis noted that the Pope was “saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Emeritus William Walsh, and he sends condolences to you, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Killaloe. Recalling with gratitude the kind and gentle way with which he carried out his many years of Episcopal Ministry, His Holiness commends the late Bishop’s soul to the mercy of Christ the Good Shepherd”.

Colonel Stephen Power, an aide de camp to President Michael D. Higgins was in attendance. Among the mourners from the political sphere were Mayor of Clare, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan

(FF), Junior Minister Timmy Dooley TD (FF), Deputy Joe Cooney (FG), Cllr Pat Daly (FF), Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF), Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG), Cllr Michael Begley (IND), former Clare TD, Dr Michael Harty (IND) and senior officials of Clare County Council including Director of Tourism, Siobhán McNulty and Acting Director of Economic Development, Seán Lenihan.

Musician and storyteller Christy McNamara, RTÉ GAA correspondent Marty Morrissey, founder of Clare FM Caimin Jones and ex Clare Champion reporter Tony Mulvey were among those well known in cultural circles present. Students and staff from Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg and St Flannan’s College joined the many mourners which included close to one hundred priests. Condolences were sent by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and Archbishop Diarmuid Farrell.

From the world of sport, two-time All-Ireland winning Clare manager, Ger Loughnane, twotime All-Ireland winner Jamesie O’Connor, All-Ireland winner and former Clare manager, Cyril Lyons, long-standing Clare GAA sponsor Pat O’Donnell, ex Clare hurlers John Callinan and John Russell plus current Clare footballer Ikem Ugwueru were all in the Cathedral to pay their respects.

Music for the liturgy was led by the Cathedral Choir which included members of the Forever Young Choir of which Bishop Willie was a founding member.

In his homily, Bishop Fintan Monahan noted, “During the week we were busy praying for the health and recovery of Pope Francis. While we were doing that a pastor cut out of the same cloth as the Holy Father stole away with no

A packed Ennis Cathedral for the funeral of Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh and inse Monday’s funeral

13

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

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News

Pope Francis & pastor cut with no warning & less fuss’

et the family of the late Willie Walsh at

Photo by John O’Neill

warning and less fuss.

Willie Walsh died as he lived, getting on with the business of things, not hanging around,

just moving on with intent and clear direction”.

Walsh’s acclaimed autobiography was aptly

titled ‘No Crusader’, “in his typical, understated, yet very effective, way he was a profound and effective crusader, winning people over to genuine Christian values through kindness, understanding, listening, generosity, care for the poor, the marginalised, people struggling and suffering in life. He did this through his unstinting work with the Traveling Community, his pastoral outreach to survivors of abuse, the sick, the vulnerable, so many w h o availed of his spiritual outreach as a true pastor of Jesus Christ.

“I just got to know Bishop Willie personally eight and a half years ago on coming here to Ennis.

His warmth, kindness and ever available wisdom was such an asset

to help settle in. Even though he immersed himself in enjoying a richly deserved retirement with so many hobbies, interests and such a wide circle of friends and his most beloved family - he was always available to help out and offer a word of advice if requested,” Bishop Monahan stated.

He recalled a recent car journey they shared, “The fact that Willie and I were both struggling with the challenges of hearing loss – he often joked of the advantages of not being able to hear certain things being an actual advantage and a plus in the life of being a bishop. On a recent trip in the car – we had an interesting experience, with me driving, obviously on the right and Willie being on my left.

He was deaf in the right ear and me in the left.

Nonetheless, we had a delightful journey, with much talk and neither of us having much of a clue what the other was saying”.

Bishop Monahan commented, “As a bishop he led with vision and clarity encouraging pastoral planning to address urgent needs establishing the cluster system, empowering lay people, adult faith development, scripture exploration, support for marriage through his work with Accord, improving the role of women in the Church, youth ministry, pilgrimages, outreach to the poor in the developing world in Africa, South Africa and of course at home”.

He continued, “Willie was a radical in the true sense of the word.

He challenged unquestioned beliefs, the accepted mores of society and in doing so stripped them back to their origin, measuring them up against what he believed was the core of the Gospel, Cineáltas Chríost, the Gentleness of Christ. Being frequently out-spoken, he stirred things up. This sometimes ruffled feath-

ers, was occasionally misunderstood, upset a few and others saw it as an effort to overturn hard earned orthodoxy.

However Willie, often in thinking out loud - did this with raw honesty, integrity, conviction and belief that his exploration, questioning was a legitimate response to arriving at the divinely revealed truth using the gifts that God generously bestowed upon us.

“The day before he returned to God I had made arrangements with him to meet on Saturday morning at 9.30am and record a video message of Hope, part of the series of Lenten videos for the Jubilee Year of Hope.

He was very enthusiastic and looking forward to doing that. I had suspected, considering his passion for hurling that his hopes would be around retaining the All-Ireland crown and prolonging the joy and delight of being victors.

However, on Wednesday evening last beside

his armchair a copy of his own book was opened with a marker in the chapter on Christian Hope”.

Prayers of the faithful were read by his nephew Willie Walsh, Aoife O’Reilly, Kira Burke, Dónal Ó hAiniféin, Sam Walsh and Karina Kirby. A reflection was delivered by Michael Kirby with Lucy and Sophie Kirby, grand-nieces of Willie delivering a version of A Mhuire Mháthair on the harp.

Willie’s niece Miriam Burke issued her thanks to Bishop Fintan, the clergy, the choir, cathedral staff, undertakers Daniel Kennedy. “While we loved uncle Willie, he was our family, we were always award that we shared him with another family, the Diocese of Killaloe”. She said her uncle lived his life “with purpose; joy and above all humility.

We are incredibly fortunate to have shared in his life”.

Beloved Willie Walsh dies aged 90

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

WILLIE WALSH, the former Bishop of the Killaloe Diocese has died unexpectedly.

He died at his home in Ennis late last Wednesday night, a month after celebrating his ninetieth birthday.

A native of Roscrea in Tipperary, he was the youngest of six children, Willie spent his entire priesthood ministering in Ennis, Co Clare, in St Flannan’s College, in the Cathedral Parish, as Bishop of the Diocese of Killaloe from 1994 to 2010 and in retirement in recent years.

Walsh studied for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College Maynooth and the Pontifical Irish College in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome on the 21st February 1959 by Cardinal Luigi Traglia. After ordination, Bishop Walsh returned to the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome for

further studies where he was awarded a Doctorate in Canon Law. He had a long association with St Flannan’s College in Ennis, where he attended as a boarder in the 1950s. He was appointed to the staff in 1963 and taught Maths, Science, Physics and Religion for 25 years until his appointment as curate at the Cathedral in Ennis in 1988. In 1990, he was appointed as Administrator of the Cathedral and held that position until he was appointed as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese on the 21st June 1994.

Bishop Willie’s Episcopal motto was Cinéaltas Chríost (The Gentleness of Christ) and his ministry radiated that in his care for the poor, survivors of abuse, anyone who was in trouble and people struggling in life.

Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan said, “There is profound sadness in the diocese of Killaloe with the news of

the death of Bishop Emeritus Willie Walsh”. He added, “He was dearly loved by the many whose lives he touched in his extraordinary pastoral ministry.

A deep love for hurling was evident throughout his life, this marked by his involovement with teams in St Flannan’s College and Clare.

Indeed as recently as last Saturday, he attended the Croke Cup quarter-final where St Flannan’s were defeated by Presentation Athenry in Gort.

Bishop Walsh was one of the founder members of the Catholic Marriage Advisory Council, (later to become ACCORD) in the Diocese of Killaloe.

During his time as Bishop he worked tirelessly to promote reconciliation and healing and gained worldwide attention for his Pilgrimage of Reconciliation during Advent 1999, when he undertook to walk across

the Diocese from Loop Head to Kinnity as a sign of solidarity and repentance to all who had been hurt.

His time as Bishop encountered challenges and he previously spoke of the difficulties he faced over the involvement of several Catholic Church priests in child sexual abuse. He undertook a walk across all parishes of the diocese at the turn of the millennium seeking forgiveness for the actions of the church in relation to child sexual abuse.

Bishop Walsh was described by Parish Priest of Tulla and Communications Officer with the Diocese of Killaloe, Fr Brendan Quinlivan, as the most gentle of men and a steady and consoling presence for the people of the diocese, particularly those experiencing any kind of struggle or sadness.

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Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Bishop Willie left the Killaloe Diocese in a better place

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AT THE time of Bishop Willie Walsh’s ordination in October 1994, predictions were made that it would be a new era; while at his funeral this week he was described as a priest cut from the same cloth as the Pope.

In the hours before his sudden death last Wednesday evening, Willie was planning a trip to Italy and ironically he was dining on pasta when out for lunch with a close friend last Tuesday.

He maintained a sharpness to the very end and a sense of endearment from the public which in 21st Century Ireland has become a rarity - but that’s just it, because Willie Walsh was one of a kind.

His views have been gathered to stand the test of time in his memoir ‘No Crusader’ which was published in 2016.

Indeed he admitted that it “was with mixed feelings that I undertook the task”. He added, “Despite my initial reluctance I have to admit that while the task was not easy, it was an enriching and at times a therapeutic experience. It brought me to places in my mind which I hadn’t visited for more than half a lifetime”.

Reflecting on his retirement, he wrote, “I retired as Bishop of Killaloe in August 2010 at the age of 75.

I welcomed my retirement and the immediate lifting of the weight of responsibilities that being a bishop en-

tailed. I now had more time for new and old pastimes as well as being able to spend more time with my family and friends. It was lovely and I embraced it fully. Then in November 2013 I underwent a serious health setback which I thought at the time was life-ending. The grace of God, good doctors, nurses, supportive family and friends helped me through a long recovery period. The setback wasn’t life-ending but it was to some degree life-changing.

I found myself growing more reflective and cherishing my remaining years all the more”.

Growing old was to be embraced, he believed. “I was looking at cards recently for a friend who was celebrating his 60th birthday. The caption on one of them read, ‘when the good years are over the better years begin’, I’m not sure that all of us would agree that the better years are the years when the bones begin to creak, when the glasses you have searched for are on you and when you are not sure whether it is Mary or Patricia, even though you have known Geraldine for years.

Growing old does present its difficulties but it also brings its blessings and its opportunities”.

He added, “I see with a little envy at times the joy of grandparents in the lives of their grandchildren, I continue to be a member of a seniors’ choir and it is proving to be very enjoyable, even

l Angela Gough Photo by John O’Neill

though I always had the impression that I couldn’t sing.

The requirement for membership however is not that you can sing but rather that you are old enough.”

Choosing a life in the priesthood brought him a sense of gratitude. “There are lots of ‘might have beens’ like choosing a different way of life. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have married, have had children and now have the joy of grandchildren in my old age.

But would life have been happier if I had chosen a different path. All I can say at this point is that priesthood has been kind to me.”

When he looked to the future, Willie was more than content to leave it in God’s hands. “I have a strong conviction that as we grow older, the God whom many of us were taught to fear in our earlier years has become a God

who is kind, compassionate and living. It is against that belief that I lay aside any regrets, ask forgiveness for my failures and happily leave my future in God’s hands”.

Angela Gough speaking at Sunday’s evening prayer for Bishop Willie recounted, “Like so many others I was lucky to have known him and been loved about him, that was the thing about Willie, you didn’t have to be special or important to be made feel important”.

She recalled first meeting him at the age of 11 and had fond memories of how he was a frequent visitor to their family home where conversations went beyond hurling “since we weren’t much use at debating its finer points” so topics instead included faith, social justice and his own life and Ministry. “What stands with me is how he spoke with

us, he really listened, what we as children had to say was just as important as the adults”.

Bishop Willie was “a priest of the people in the truest sense,” Angela said. “Whether it was in the front room, the classroom or on the pitch he had a way of making you be seen, he saw the best in us and it helped us to see it in ourselves.. Willie didn’t make a big deal of things, he just got on with it, when he opened the Bishop’s Palace to Travellers it wasn’t a statement, it was just what he felt was right, when he undertook a three-week walk for reconciliation it was him showing what leadership meant”.

At his ordination, then Taoiseach Albert Reynolds (FF) was among the congregation while for his retirement in 2010 the Taoiseach Brian Cowan (FF) noted that Willie and Len Gaynor were the only Tipperary men that could claim ‘honorary Clare man status’. In a tweet last week, current Taoiseach, Micheál Martin (FF) stated, “Bishop Willie Walsh was a thorough gentleman, who supported those in need and people on the margins of our society. He held a strong belief in the power of reconciliation. A lifelong lover of the game of hurling, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him”.

In 1994 when he was ordained Bishop, Willie was a selector with the Clare se-

nior hurlers. Each of the 59 parishes in the Diocese of Killaloe were represented while music used in the ceremony was from Irish musicians composed from 1974 to 1994.

A vow was given by Bishop Willie at his ordination to never use the pulpit to tell people how to vote, this was in advance of the Divorce Referendum. Newspaper reports at the time detailed his ordination ‘ushered in a new era for one of the largest dioceses in the country’.

Willie stated in an interview on the day of his ordination, “it is not my church or the church of the priests, it is our church all of us together”.

Fr Harry Bohan in a homily at the ordination said of Willie, “he is a humble man, a man with a deep and profound compassion”. He added, “his leadership will be sustained by two great Christian qualities, kindness and compassion...he will teach by what he says”.

Reacting to Walsh’s retirement in May 2010, then Clare TD, Tony Killeen (FF) admitted, “I always felt proud of him when he was speaking in the national media, dealing with difficult issues sensitively and with great humility”.

Walsh stayed through to his episcopal motto, Fr Gerry Kenny maintained. “The core of his beliefs are summed up by his motto ‘Cinéaltas Críost’, the kindness of God”.

HSE suffer fresh setback in St Flannan's College scheme

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THE Health Service Executive (HSE) has suffered a fresh setback in its plans to advance its contentious €25m community hospital on diocesan-owned green space at St Flannan’s college.

This follows An Bord Pleanala pushing back the deadline to confirm that there is Uisce Eireann capacity to accommodate the 100 bedroom hospital plan to June 5th.

In the long planning saga, the appeals board had initially told the HSE that it must provide confirmation of Uisce Eireann capacity

by February 17th otherwise it will dismiss the case.

The appeals board stated that it was seeking confirmation in light of a December 2024 update on the National Wastewater Treatment Capacity Register.

The register reported that Uisce Eireann’s Clareabbey Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP), which serves that part of Ennis, has no spare capacity at present but that there is a WWTP Project Planned/ Underway.

Clare Co Council granted planning permission for the hospital in May 2023 in the face of strong local opposition.

However, the HSE’s challenges in

securing planning permission for the hospital from the appeals board are underlined in a separate planning application by a private developer for 75 residential units at a nearby site in Tobertaoscain, Ennis.

In a recent letter to applicants, Datcha Construction Ltd, the Council has stated that as the Uisce Eireann Wastewater treatment capacity register indicate the Clareabbey Waste Water Treatment Plant as having no spare capacity, it is not clear to the Council as to how the site can be adequately served by the

public sewer.

The Council has told the applicants to liaise with Uisce Eireann on the timeframe - where available - of the upgrade to the Clareabbey WWTP. The Council states that it considers the resolution to this issue is critical to progress the application.

The HSE hospital plan was stalled after St Flannan’s College’s own Board of Management and Staff Members of St Flannan's College lodged separate third party appeals to An Bord Pleanala in their joint

bid to try to prevent the 100 bed hospital on the seven acre green field college site getting the planning go-ahead.

Already, celebrated Clare All-Ireland winning hurlers amongst St Flannan’s College staff, Tony Kelly, double All-Ireland winner with Clare from the 1990s and well known hurling pundit, Jamesie O’Connor and key member of the 2013 Clare All-Ireland winning team, Brendan Bugler appended their names to a 75 strong group staff objection to the planned hospital lodged with Clare Co Council.

The HSE application was only made possible after it received the consent from landowners, the Diocese of Killaloe to lodge the planning application.

The diocese - led by Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan - has agreed to sell the lands to the HSE subject to planning permission.

A total of six third party appeals have been lodged against the Clare Co Council grant of permission.

Others to lodge appeals are ‘Jim and Mary Wylde and others’ and individual appeals from Sean Walzer, Maura Walzer and Patrick Walzer.

On behalf of the HSE, planning consultants, Tom Phillips+Associates lodged a response to the third

party appeals with An Bord Pleanala in June 2023.

However, it was only on November 8th last that the appeals board wrote to the appellants and the Council to ask them to respond to the points raised by Tom Phillips + Associates.

The appellants and the Council had until November 25th in which to reply to the appeals board.

In the appeal lodged on behalf of the college Board of Management, a diocesan colleague of Bishop Monahan, School Principal Fr Ignatius McCormack told the Council that “other suitable sites, which do not cut across existing intensive use by a large proportion of the youth of the area must be available".

Fr McCormack went on to state that “it surely cannot be the case that the provision of proper healthcare and the provision of sporting facilities for the youth of the area must be placed in conflict.”

In their objection, the staff told the Council that the hospital proposal “will have a seriously negative impact on the student population of St Flannan’s College”.

The staff stated that St Flannan’s College for the past two academic years has had its two largest ever enrolments with 240 1st Years each year.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

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Contributors

A Flavour of Clare Wellness Clinic

AT CLARE Wellness Clinic many therapies are used in the treatment sessions.

Therapies include Kinesiology, Reiki, Reflexology, Acupressure, BioMagnetic Pair Therapy and Mindfulness & Positive Psychology. These therapies can be used individually but I find when used together are most effective.

In my holistic approach, I address the whole system rather than just focusing on an individual part. This approach recognises that each component is interconnected and cannot be fully understood in isolation.

Holistic health considers the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing of a person. The aim is to treat the root cause of issues, rather than just alleviating symptoms. A holistic approach emphasises balance, interconnectedness and the importance of addressing all aspects of a system to achieve optimum health.

Kinesiology is the study of the mechanics of bodily movements. Kinesiology works on the body in 4 different areas- electrical, emotional, physical and nutritional. It uses muscle testing to obtain biofeedback on different organs of the body to give an indication of imbalances in the body. From the information received from muscle testing,

kinesiology tools and techniques derived from Chinese medicine are used to redirect the body into optimum health. I find kinesiology is most beneficial for support of emotional and nutritional issues, especially in children.

Reiki is a form of energy. It is based on the idea that we all have an unseen “lifeforce” energy which flows through our bodies. Reiki is used by placing hands over the body to allow the persons aura and personal energy to adjust and balance alleviating stress, anxiety and depression. Reiki can also be associated with a spiritual enlightenment. Reiki is beneficial for the removal of grief, releasing stress, and gives an overall sense of grounding and relaxation.

Reflexology is a gentle technique used by applying pressure to the feet, hands or ears.

It is also known as zone therapy where the organs of the body are reflected on the feet.

Particular reflexes on the feet present imbalances on the rest of the body. A visual alone of the soles of the feet can give a great indication to the health of the body. Moreover, specialised streams of reflexology are available at the clinic including palliative care reflexology, maternity reflexology, fertility reflexology and oncology reflexology.

Acupressure is a milder form of acupuncture with the use of hands on the various points along the meridians of the body.

Acupressure stimulates and releases stress and muscle tension throughout the body. It is a beautiful therapy used in Clare Wellness Clinic to encompasses and enhance treatments.

BioMagnetic Pair Therapy is a natural approach aimed to restore the normal internal environment by using medium intensity magnets to balance and equalise the pH balance of the body. The negative and positive forces of magnets are used to negate harmful bacteria, viruses, funguses parasites, toxins and other harmful factors. The use of magnets on the body is truly underestimated with the benefits being many such as release of pain, relaxation and movement of energy in the body.

Energy, Mindfulness & Positive Psychology is used in Clare Wellness Clinic as part of combination treatments and also in both private and group mindfulness classes. The effect of using mindfulness is like turning on a torch a dark room. Having the tools of mindfulness can help people to see their lives in a different way and can be a refreshing perspective on life.

Each person is individual and presents with different needs at Clare Wellness Clinic. A programme including a combination of the various therapies is created for each person. The first wealth is health, encompassing mind, body and soul.

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Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Contributors

​Céad slán leat a Easpag Willie Walsh Imeachtaí/Events:

Macalla an Chláir

l INIS - COIS NA HABHNA – Dé Luain, 7-8pm, Irish Classes, all levels. Contact An Clár as Gaeilge: 065-6864474 l CILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar l LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach l Clare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM l CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm l INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Máirt ag Zest 11am, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), Dé hAoine The Market 11am, agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com l LUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389. l AN SCAIRBH – Lón i nGaeilge, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé An Gáirdín, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA Chuir mé aithne ar an tEaspag Walsh os cionn scór bliain ó choin ag taispeántas ealaíne de chuid Mick O’Dea RHA in Inis Oírr. Ba é an tEaspag a sheol an taispeántas álainn sin go hoifigiúil. Ba dheas ansin, blianta fada ina dhiaidh sin, nuair a bhí mé i m’Oifigeach Pleanála Teangan leis An gClár as Gaeilge, castáil leis aríst ag ócáidí Gaeilge agus go minic timpeall ar an áit ina bhfuil mé i mo chónaí mar ná raibh sé fhéin ina chónaí ach siar an bóthar píosa uaim. Aireoidh muid ar fad uainn é, go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam.

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com

lMé fhéin agus an tEaspag Willie Walsh i Centra Ryan’s in Inis Oíche Nollag anuraidh

Thought for the week - A true servant forever friend United Fall’s

Night Dances is coming to glór stood by our side in our times our joy and halves our sorrows.” upon you. I will be concerned

Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY LET ME start this thought for the week by offering my sincere prayerful condolences to the priests, religious and all the people of the Diocese of Killaloe on the sad passing of their dear amazing beloved friend, Bishop Willie Walsh, “a true servant forever friend” to the Diocese of Killaloe and to the church in Ireland and worldwide and especially to the poorest of the poor and those most in need in our world.

Friends come in all shapes and sizes. They may be someone we met as a child, a classmate at school, someone we met at work or through other friends. They may be friends who live at a distance in another country or virtual friends we’ve made online.

Whoever they are, however we met them, there is a special connection based on a shared history and interests, enjoying doing things together or simply talking and understanding each other.

Friends are there to help us at difficult times and to celebrate the good times.

Doctors say that friends are very important for both our physical and mental health at all stages in life. The importance of friends in our lives is immense.

Friends play a significant role in everyone’s life. Whenever we say the word “friend”, it makes us nostalgic about the person who

of need. With whom we share our sorrows, happiness, in the company of whom our joy doubles and the one who halves our misery.

Friendship has been by far one of the greatest blessings in my life.

But good friends do more than encourage us. They challenge us. A good friend can be honest with us if they see us heading in the wrong direction. Sometimes they challenge us with words.

But most often friends challenge us simply by the witness of their own good example. When I see my friends dealing with the stresses and problems of everyday life, I am inspired to face my own challenges with greater courage and equanimity. People of all age groups need friends, no matter if they are rich or poor.

Everyone seeks the company of a person with whom they can share their heart and their life.

We all long for true friendship.

But, what is true friendship?

For me a true friend is someone who shows love and care at all times and who walks in when the whole world has walked away. True friendship is when the other person encourages you to be all you can be and challenges you to become the best version of yourself, and vice versa.

I believe friendship is the most genuinely humane relationship of which we are capable. To be understood and appreciated for oneself is a vital experience in life, strengthening our will to live in seen and unseen ways. As the saying goes, “friendship doubles

Nothing brings deeper satisfaction or more lasting reward than the effort to be a true friend to another person and to walk in when the whole world might have walked away in a person’s life that needs a true friend at that time.

Friendship is about those special people who are part of our lives and who have never left our side. Friendship is about people who believe in us and in whose goodness we believe. Friendship is about people who really care about us, just as we really care about them. Friendship is about loyalty, honesty, love, care, trust, commitment and sharing. When we spend time with friends, we feel good about life. We feel the special warmth that characterises real friendship. We feel natural and spontaneous, with no need to feel tense or defensive. Friends always listen with heart and they are always honest with us even though they know that the truth is what we may not be what we want to hear.

Thought for the week As your thought for the week, look around you and truly cherish those special people and friends that are part of your life and always remember that friendship can be a true place of refuge and is one of life’s most wonderful blessings.

Let me finish this thought with a prayer I say for my friends, “I will pray for you, my friend. I will name you in my heart before God and ask all His blessing be

for your rising and your daily mood. I will be sympathetic to your personal needs and desires in each day of your life. I will wish you well in your learning, or your work, in your domestic round and your leisure. I will think of you at the close of each day and pray that God’s peace be with you. If you have been especially kind or helpful to me then I will make my gratitude known to you. If you are in trouble or difficulty of any kind, or simply tired and worn down, I will do all and anything I can to lift your spirits. I will ache for you in your sorrows and disasters and rejoice with you in your joys and triumphs. I will love and care for you as I love and care for myself.

Amen.”

So always remember that a friend is someone who walks in when the whole world has walked away. Be thankful and cherish those true friends that are part of your life and understand that we all need help and support now and then. Please remember that Friendship is one of the most beautiful, most powerful, and most valuable treasures in life. It is your true wealth. A song that I listen to regularly is , ‘The Servant Song’ but instead of using the word Servant I replace it sometimes with the word Friend and it reminds me to always pray and be thankful for the gift of friendship in my life.

GLÓR is delighted to welcome United Fall’s Night Dances to the stage this March.

Night Dances is a bold series of four dance vignettes created by one of Ireland’s most exciting choreographers, Emma Martin, in collaboration with the performers and pounding music of Daniel Fox (Gilla Band).

The show played to rapturous response at Dublin Theatre Festival 2021, Edinburgh Fringe 2022 and Dublin Dance Festival 2024, and now come to Clare as part of a national tour.

Night Dances is a series of dances that express the invisible, energetic, connective tissue that joins us. Created

by Emma Martin in collaboration with dancers Robyn Byrne, Aoife McAtamney, Ryan O’Neill, Jessie Thomson, and Jonas Krämer, with live music by Daniel Fox (Gilla Band), it features a cast of ten intergenerational dancers and a live band.

Night Dances is love-letter to dance. Inspired by the simple act of dancing, it’s a celebration of dance culture from clubs to competitions to ceremonial. Revelling in a promiscuity of styles and images, Night Dances expresses fury, rebellion, hope and freedom through raucous choreography, rumbling bass and a desire to reconnect us to the simple power, unity and beauty of people dancing to music.

lNight Dances

Photo by: Ros Kavanagh

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

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Arts & Culture

Arts &Culture

17

Hurling meets theatre in Cathal Shannon Musical Ryan’s one-man play ‘Pucked’ Society’s Cry-Baby: a rock & roll triumph

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

THE SHANNON Musical Society’s production of Cry-Baby has come to a close, and what an incredible run it was. From February 16 to 22, audiences were treated to a high-energy, rockabilly-infused spectacle that left a lasting impression.

The show, which brought the wild, rebellious world of John Waters’ 1990 cult classic to life, was filled with humor, catchy tunes, and fantastic performances that had the crowd engaged and entertained from start to finish.

Cry-Baby took audiences back to 1950s Baltimore, where teenage delinquent Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker (Eoin Mann) leads the Drapes—a group of rebellious outsiders. When he falls for Alison Vernon-Williams (Julita Fox), a rich, square girl desperate to escape her perfect life, the two navigate love, rebellion, and a battle

between the morally uptight Squares and the carefree, rule-breaking Drapes.

Under the direction of Tony Finnegan, the cast of Cry-Baby delivered standout performances that captivated the audience. Mann’s portrayal of Cry-Baby, with his Elvis-inspired persona, was a highlight, as was Julita Fox’s portrayal of Alison, who brought both humor and depth to the role of the wealthy girl seeking excitement. Shauna Byrne’s performance as the lovesick character chasing after Cry-Baby was described by an audience member as “delightfully demented.”

The choreography by new team member and West end performer Stephen O'Ríain, was a dynamic force, bringing the show’s rockabilly vibe to life with vibrant dance routines. Musical Director Carmel Griffin, a Shannon Musical Society veteran along with Finnegan, helped bring the catchy, upbeat score

to life with stunning vocals from the cast.

“The feedback we received from the audience was incredible,” said Luke McEvoy PRO and member of the society. Luke was cast as a member for “The Drape Ensemble” in this years production. “Every night was a blast, and the talent on display was just exceptional. We’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished” For those who had the chance to catch Cry-Baby, the production was undoubtedly a night to remember. Speaking to an audience member after opening night The Clare Echo was told “ It was a vibrant show with an energetic young cast. They popped off the stage with energy and talent. The tongue in cheek comedy and the amazing singing and dancing made this show a wonderful night out.”

CATHAL RYAN, a Tipperary native whose love for GAA runs as deep as his passion for acting, recently brought his sell-out, one-man show ‘Pucked’ to Glór Ennis on Wednesday February 26.

After its triumphant debut in 2022, “Pucked” returns to the stage for a second 13 show run, offering a humorous yet thought-provoking exploration of the world of GAA, ambition, and masculinity.

“Pucked” tells the story of Matty Daly, a young and ambitious hurler, whose sole dream is to play for his senior club team. However, when Matty finally gets the call-up, he soon learns that playing senior isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

Written and performed

by Cathal Ryan, “Pucked” features Ryan in the role of Matty, as well as 30 other characters, each portrayed with energy and wit in a whirlwind 80-minute performance. With direction from Jack Riordan, Ryan transforms between each character before the audience using movement sequences, facial expressions

and physical acting techniques.

“The majority of it is me kind of jumping back and forth between characters.

And what’s brilliant about Jack’s direction is he’s put in a couple of movement sequences or there’s one stage where I play a match all on my own,” explained Ryan speaking to The Clare Echo ahead of Wednesday’s show. “I think that’s the biggest thing about doing a one man show is trusting the audience and knowing that you don’t have to spell it out for them, that they will catch on to which character you are pretty quick.”

Following the success of the play’s first run, Ryan hopes that this time round more “GAA heads” will give the show a chance.

“I think GAA people really have resonated with it and it’s that thing of like, we just want GAA people to give it a chance and to try a night at the

Seachtain na Gaeilge events

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

lSHANNON MUISICAL SOCIETY: The cast of Shannon Musical Society’s 2025 production “Cry-Baby”

CLARE County Council are celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge with a full schedule of events running from March 1 to March 17.

Seachtain na Gaeilge 2025 promises a rich programme of events, ensuring everyone can participate in the festivities.

The celebrations will start with children’s storytelling as Gaeilge in the Shannon Farmhouse at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park with MacDara Ó Conaola. Storytelling will take place every hour on the hour between 11am-4pm on March 1-2, 6-9 and 13-17.

On March 6 Ciarán’s Bar in Ennis will host an evening of Irish language board games.

March 7 will see renowned singer from the Aran Islands, Pádraig Jack perform in Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee.

A Panel discussion on the Report of the Coimisiún na Gaeltachta 1925 and its implications for the Irish language in County Clare will take place in the Temple Gate Hotel in Ennis on March 14.

For more information on all events head to www.clarecoco.ie.

theatre, it won’t hurt and see how much they might enjoy it.”

Pucked is a brilliantly written, witty comedy that encapsulates the chronically Irish feeling of loyalty to the Gaelic games institution. With set and costume by Jack Culligan, lighting by Eoin Lennan and sound by Mick Stapleton the one man production provided audiences with 80 minutes of nonstop entertainment while also sneaking in an important moral message.

With two shows still to go in Limerick before heading to the East Coast of Ireland to complete the tour, there is still a chance to catch a viewing of this must-see show.

Pucked will be in The Belltable in Limerick on February 27 and 28. lPUCKED: Actor and writer Cathal Ryan

18

Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Drive safely every day - key takeaways from National #SlowDown Day WEDNESDAY February 25 marked Natioal #SlowDown Day, this campaign by the Road Safety Authority highligted the key messages surrounding speed and road safety.

National #SlowDown Day aimed to encourage a national conversation on speed and road safety, highlighting the impact of speeding on road safety, and promoting compliance with speed limits across Ireland. Despite the day’s focus on speed enforcement, the lessons from the event are something we should all carry with us beyond the 25th.

Here are essential driving safety tips to consider every time you hit the road: 1.Respect Speed Limits It’s crucial to always adhere to posted speed limits. These limits are carefully set to reflect the conditions of the road and potential hazards. By sticking to the speed limits, you reduce the risk of accidents and give yourself more time

to react in an emergency.

2.Adjust Speed for Conditions Speed limits are set for optimal conditions, but weather, traffic, and road conditions can change rapidly. It’s essential to adjust your speed according to these conditions. Rain, fog, or icy roads require slower speeds, and driving too fast in these situations can lead to disastrous outcomes.

3. Pedestrian Safety: Understand the Impact Speeding is particularly dangerous in areas with high pedestrian traffic. Research shows that the faster a vehicle is traveling, the higher the risk of fatal injury for pedestrians. At 30 km/h, the chance of survival is 90%, but that number dramatically decreases at higher speeds. Always drive cautiously near schools, parks, and pedestrian crossings.

4. Plan Your Journey to Avoid Rushing One of the leading causes of

speeding is rushing to get to a destination. By planning your journey ahead of time and allowing yourself enough time to reach your destination, you can avoid feeling pressured to drive too fast.

Remember, arriving safely is more important than arriving quickly.

5. Employer Responsibility for Road Safety For employers whose employees drive as part of their work, it’s essential to promote good driving practices. This includes allowing sufficient travel time, avoiding contact with employees while they’re driving, and fostering a culture of safety. Employers play a critical role in ensuring the safety of employees on the road.

6. Understand the Consequences of Speeding Speeding not only reduces your ability to react in time, but it also increases the severity of an accident if one occurs. The higher the speed, the greater the potential for devastating consequences. Nation-

al #SlowDown Day was a reminder that reducing your speed can save lives.

7. Ongoing Enforcement and Education In 2024, over 145,000 Fixed Charge Notices were issued to drivers exceeding speed limits. This high

level of enforcement demonstrates the ongoing efforts to promote safer roads. However, enforcement alone is not enough. Road safety requires all of us to be proactive, adjust our driving habits, and be mindful of others on the road.

North Clare

Organ walking on the wild side to appreciate nature’s beauty

by Mike Fitszgerald news@clareecho.ie

EXPLORING THE BEAUTY of Clare’s nature and wildlife “is almost a kind of mediation” and has given James Organ an appreciation for what surrounds him.

It was during the depths of lockdown that James Organ first decided to start his nature and wildlife page on Instagram, organ.outdoors which has over 500 followers.

The Corofin man says that he first started the page under an anonymous name, “because I didn’t want anyone else seeing it. I started it just as a way to share the photos I had taken. I live in the middle of nowhere and it was just me my family and the wilderness so I’d no choice but to go outside”.

Organ says he chose photography as it was the easiest way for him to get his message across. If people could recognise the beauty of Ire-

land and Clare’s nature visually, they would surely begin to appreciate it more.

“I always appreciated nature before COVID but I didn’t appreciate what we had around us in Ireland.

I was at home, alone, in the middle of nowhere and couldn’t see my friends.

I had no choice but to go outside. I’ve upgraded my equipment a small bit since then”, he laughs.

The twenty year old is currently on placement from UL, where he is studying to become a PE and geography teaching.

He also finds out time to line out with Corofin in hurling and football while he was part of last year’s Clare U20 hurling panel.

“My evenings are all gone playing sport”, he acknowledges but Organ says he still finds solace in his photography and outdoor excursions.

“It’s very peaceful, like it’s almost a kind of meditation when the sun is shining.

Sometimes its shining any-

way”, he jokes. “I find I’m able to take my mind off things completely whereas before I would’ve obsessed over sport a bit too much.

I remember when I put my name on the page first someone said to me ‘Oh I didn’t

realise you did other stuff with your life, I thought you just played hurling’”.

James’ best experience so far is clear. In September 2024 he swapped the Burren for Tanzania and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s

lBEAUTY OF CLARE: James Organ

highest mountain. Spurred on by an advertisement he saw in college, he undertook the necessary preparations, raising over €5000 through bucket collections and a table quiz.

“It was something I always had on the bucket list. I can remember when I was a child seeing a picture in the paper of some lads who had climbed it and thinking how ‘incredible would that be’’”.

On the climb itself, Organ says “It’s without a doubt the toughest thing I’ve ever done. Altitude sickness is no joke”, he warns. “You have to take your time to climatise. I got hit with the altitude sickness very bad like. We could only get three hours sleep before the summit climb so obviously that wasn’t ideal. There was 25 on the climb and seven had to go down. I was the next to go down but I said to myself that I wouldn’t let that happen. I said to myself ‘James, your either going to die on the mountain or get to the

top’,”. Luckily, he achieved the latter.

The Corofin man says he doesn’t know what the future will hold for him. “It’s hard to know, photography is such a difficult thing. I love doing photography but it’s weird now with AI like it’s hard to know which way it’s going to go in the future.

I’d like to do anything about nature that’s going to get me places in the future and maybe keep the page going as a side hustle.

“Today it seems like nobody knows anything about nature. I’m only twenty like and if I met someone I tend to know a lot more about nature then them. My knowledge is only increasing so hopefully that will get me places. It already has too, I’ve been asked to do talks which I love, I love sharing my knowledge with people.

The thing that most people don’t appreciate is the wildlife that we have around us in Ireland”, he concluded.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

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19

Ennis

Ferns family reflect on ‘amazing memories’ from Ireland’s Fittest Family

by Kaitlyn Ferns news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ Ferns family finished as third place finalists in the twelfth series of Ireland’s Fittest Family.

After nine months of waiting, the Ferns family can finally share all the details of their experience and their final outcome. In this exclusive for The Clare Echo, Kaitlyn, the eldest of the Ferns children shared her memories and highlights of the competition.

Ireland’s Fittest Family was one of the best experiences of my life so far.

Thinking back to when myself and my family found out we made it through to the final sixteen, I can’t help but feel so proud of how far each of us have come since then.

Along the way, we have each experienced things outside our comfort zones, faced our fears and had great craic amongst it all.

I am so incredibly proud of my Dad, Bobby and Jaime for all of the hard work and dedication they each put into everything they did. Still to this day, we talk about how unbelievably proud we are of Jaime for facing her fear of water and going up on that bar in hang tough.

She truly is an inspiration to people and she showed that you can do anything you put your mind to. She also got to show the country her in-

fectious personality with her brilliant one liners.

We have made unbelievable memories together as a family and I will always look back on this time so fondly. The memories of driving up to our hotel the night before, talking about what events we may face in the morning and

re-watching previous seasons of the show in the hotel room because we were just so excited, will always stick out to me.

I am forever grateful for this unique opportunity to bond with and spend time with my family, there really is nothing like it.

The show was filmed

over the course of the summer and we were on the road the whole time (not a bad complaint!) so that meant we had to leave our Mom at home with the dog a few times but she was incredibly supportive throughout the whole thing and was our rock. She was always there

lTHIRD PLACE: James Ferns and his children Kaitlyn, Jaime and Bobby

to come home to and we couldn’t wait to give her a big hug and tell her everything we experienced when we got home.

Reflecting on our involvement in Ireland’s Fittest Family, my Dad James said, “From my Ireland’s Fittest Family journey, I will take the amazing memories that I had with my three incredible, amazing kids. I will treasure them for the rest of my life and I am so grateful beyond words”.

For Bobby, “Ireland’s Fittest Family was one of the best things I ever did, I would recommend it to any family to do together, not just for the fitness side but for all the amazing memories you make with your family”.

Jaime recalled, “Ireland’s Fittest Family was a journey I always faced with my bravest face. For each event, I always made sure to push myself to my limit to try to make my family proud. I was so happy to meet my new bestie Davy and get him to help me with everything. This journey was incredible and I can’t wait to do it again”.

It truly was an unforgettable experience and to come third place is unreal.

We made the podium. You never know, we might give it another whirl someday and bring it home for Clare.

Resurgam and Ennis Cathedral Junior Choir present ‘Lusitano: Travels & Tributes’

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

RESURGAM, Ireland’s premier project-based professional vocal ensemble, will team up with Ennis Cathedral Junior Choir to present a remarkable concert of sixteenth-century polyphony by Vicente Lusitano and his musical circle, titled Lusitano: Travels & Tributes, on Sunday, March 2 2025, at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis.

The concert will take place at 6:00pm and promises to be a stunning exploration of rarely performed works from this fascinating period of musical history.

The singers of Resurgam will include sopranos Aisling Kenny and Charlotte O’Hare, altos Mark Chambers and Stephen Wallace, tenors Christopher Bowen and Rory Lynch, and basses Jeffrey Ledwidge and Paul McGough.

The concert is part of Resurgam’s outereacch programme, to help the development of youth choirs.

Ahead of the performance there will be a panel discussion about Lusitano’s influence and impact on the music of his time, as well as the development of the children’s choir, followed by a Q&A with the audience.

Tickets for the event are €15 for full price, €10 for concessions, and €5 for students. They are available for purchase at the door, or in advance via Eventbrite.

NOTES

Specsavers Ennis travels to Kolkata Bingo night

OPTOMETRIST at Specsavers Ennis, recently travelled to Kolkata, India, to provide crucial eye care in aid of The Hope Foundation.

Riya Rose Mathew joined a team of Specsavers volunteers to provide eye care, working in The Hope Hospital Eye Clinic and visiting local communities. This vital work is part of Specsavers' ongoing partnership with The Hope Foundation, which has raised over €200,000 this year, contributing to a total of more than half a million euro since 2017, dramatically impacting the lives of Kolkata's most vulnerable.

During their week-long trip, the team of expert Opticians gave eye checks to 3,120 patients, dispensed over 2,203 glasses,

and in more severe cases, referred patients to Hope Hospital for surgery. For most of these people this was their first time ever seeing an Optician and availing of the basic of eye

health care that we often take for granted here in Ireland.

Riya Rose highlighted her gratitude for the trip: ‘I'm so grateful for the opportunity to re-

lA VISION OF HOPE: Riya Rose and other Specsaver volunteers

turn to Kolkata with The Hope Foundation this year. Their work alongside street communities is truly transformative, changing lives for the better. It was a privilege to witness the impact of our support, especially the gift of sight we helped provide to hundreds. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this possible.’

For the people seen by Specsavers on this trip to Kolkata, having glasses can be a life changing tool, be it to help in their education, help them to obtain work to support their families or simply to enjoy the everyday Among the patients seen at the clinic was a young cricket player, fearing he'd have to abandon his beloved sport due to worsening vision. His

sight issues, impacting his ability to see the ball, were addressed, allowing him to continue playing the game he loved.

At the end of their week-long volunteering trip, Specsavers presented a cheque of €200,000 to founder of The Hope Foundation, Maureen Forrest. This significant donation will play a vital role in sustaining the eye care clinic in Kolkata.

Maureen Forrest, Founder of the Hope Foundation explains ‘this programme is the difference between life and death to people who can’t feed their families.’

She continues: ‘Vision is everything to people and for us to be able to support them in their

fudraiser for St.Anne’s School

The parents association for St Anne’s School is organising a fundraiser to support the funding of new play and sesnory equiment.

The St Anne’s School supports children with mild learning disabilities.

A fundraising Bingo night is taking place this Sunday 2nd of March in the Woodstock Hotel at 7pm . Doors will open at 6pm . Prize money €1500 and spot prizes. Bingo books are €20 including jackpot.

Cathal Lyons aged 14 has attended St Anne’s school for the past 10 years. Cathal has flourished in the school. Cathal requires teacher and special needs assistance supports to participate and help grow his confidence. As parent’s , his mum Laura says “ we are delighted to support the school in getting additional therapeutic supports and equipment for the children who attend the school “

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Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Regional News Feakle sisters to Plans for 39 new houses perform on TG4 EAST CLARE

in Tulla on hold

by Mike Fitszgerald news@clareecho.ie

PLANS FOR 39 HOUSES to be built at a site on Church Road in Tulla have hit a snag with Clare County Council.

The planning authority has requested further information in relation to the proposed development located just off Chapel Street in the East Clare village.

Objections range from fears of substandard fencing to potential disruptions to funeral services, leaving the future of the housing scheme uncertain.

Woodhaven Developments Ltd had lodged plans to build thirty nine houses in Tulla. This was to be comprised of thirty two two-storey semi-detached dwelling houses, two two-storey detached dwelling houses, four single storey semi-detached dwelling houses and one detached single storey dwelling house.

Construction firm Woodhaven are currently developing lands in Cluain Fia Crusheen, Radharc an Chnoic Tulla and Radharc an Dun Shannon.

The company has completed developments at Creggaunnahilla Clarecastle, Ballymacaula, Ennis,

Cluain Fia Crusheen, Radharc an Dun Shannon resulting in 265 plus new housing units over the last eight years. They have a further 160 units under construction in Clare at present.

The company also outlines the economic impact of the Tulla development as they estimate that work will be completed within 30 months, allowing for an investment of over €13million and the creation of at least 46 jobs.

The planning authority has found issues arising from a lack of proper road signage in the plans and has ordered that “a detailed signing and lining plan is required which must be in accordance with the Traffic Signs Manual. The internal junctions, shown hatched on the Site Layout Plan, must be raised tables. Revised levels and proposals are required”.

A number of people have also objected to the proposed development. Chartered engineer Michael Duffy of Kilfenora has issued an objection on environmental grounds. A number of issues related to waste management have been highlighted. “The application does not indicate the volume and/or tonnage of C&D waste arising from

by Lisa Mullaly

the proposal. The application does not state the volume and/or tonnage of waste to be removed from the proposed site. The application does not designate any licensed or certified waste facilities to be used”.

The site’s original owner, Michael O’Halloran, has objected to the development over a border dispute on the north side of the site. While not opposed to the proposed development in principle, Mr O’Halloran feels that the materials used to fence off this section of the site are of insufficient quality and that the timber panels and concrete poles “will rot within a few years, and are therefore not suitable for use at this location”.

James O’Halloran, proprietor of O’Halloran Funeral Directors in Tulla, has also expressed boundary concerns, relating to the proposed houses potentially encroaching onto his premises. He also stated “I demand that no rock breaking or machinery is operating during the time that a funeral would be taking place. This is out of respect for the dead and mourning families”.

Woodhaven Developments Ltd have yet to provide the further information requested.

WEST CLARE

Inis Cathaigh Feis Ceoil RAGHNAID Griffin from Miltown Malbay is the overall champion of Inis Cathaigh Feis Ceoil.

The competition took place Saturday February 22 at the Adult Education Centre, Kilrush Co Clare. Over 200 competitors from Clare, Limerick, Kerry, Tipperary, Offaly and Waterford took part.

The other shield champions were: Peig Martin Singing Shield: Ruairi O’Doherty. Clarecastle, Mick Eustace Fiddle Trophy: Bronagh Griffin. Miltown Malbay, Tom Rynne Accordion Trophy: Rebecca Horan. Limerick, Kilrush Harp Trophy: Raghnaid Griffin. Miltown Malbay, Noel Bermingham Banjo Trophy. Saoirse Enright.

Kerry, PJ Crotty Flute trophy: Rachel Townsend. Clohanbeg,

Peadar Crotty Slow Airs Trophy: Nancy O’Connor. Kerry, Mrs Crotty Concertina Trophy. Ra-

ghnaid Griffin. Miltown Malbay, Inis Cathaigh Tin Whistle Trophy: Thea Harvey. Cooraclare.

lBack Row: Ruairi O’Doherty, Bronagh Griffin, Nancy O’Connor, Rachel Townsend. Front Row: Saoirse Enright, Thea Harvey, Rebecca Horan, Raghnaid Griffin.

lisa@clareecho.ie

FEAKLE SISTERS, Edel & Orla Cusack will take to the stage in TG4’s top entertainment show Réalta agus Gaolta makes it return.

The Sunday night programme showcases the talents of the countries best musical fmailies as they compete to be crowned the

most talented family in Ireland.

The sisters from County Clare will feature on this seasons fourth episode on March 2.

Judging the families are champion sean-nós singer Irial Ó Ceallaigh and award-winning broadcaster Sinéad Ní Uallacháin.

Each week they’ll be joined by a special guest judge. The show will be hostd by Ireland AM broad-

lSISTER ACT: Edel and Orla Cusack with Síomha Ní Ruairc

NOTES Tulla St.Patricks Day Parade Tulla’s St Patricks Day parade will take place on Sunday March 17 starting at 4.30pm.

This years theme is “Icons and Legends”. Entry to parttake in the parade is free. Individuals, groups, floats and vintage vehi-

cles are all welcome to take part.

The parade will be led by the Tulla Pipe band. The parade route is from St Mochulla’s national school, up the main street and past the library.

Labasheeda Peninsula 10km walk/run THE ANNUAL ‘Labasheeda Peninsula 10km Walk/Run’ takes place in Labasheeda on Sunday, March 9 starting at the Community Centre at 12 noon.

The route around the ‘Battery Peninsula’ as it is commonly known in Labasheeda, provides magnificent views of the Shannon estuary and Clonderlaw bay and across the river to Limerick and Kerry for those who take part in this fundraising event.

The walk/run which has been in existence for almost 25 years has more recently been known as the Patricia Corbett Memorial Walk/ Run in memory of Patricia who passed away over 20 years ago.

The family has thanked the community for keeping Patricia’s memory alive through the walk/run over this period of time.

Now known as the ‘Labasheeda Peninsula 10km Walk/Run’ the same route will be followed for all enthusiasts and newcomers starting and finishing at the local Community Centre where refreshments will be served afterwards.

The building will undergo a significant refurbishment this year following the granting of almost €194,000 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to develop the ‘long aisle’ section, reopening the magnificent church windows and developing the inside to be a more functional area. The funds raised will assist with the upcoming works which will require additional finance from the community.

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21

Shannon

Shannon based Halal meat operator agrees to pay €16,931 debt to another meat firm

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON based Halal meat plant operator, Asba Meats has agreed to pay unpaid debts and costs of €16,931 to another meat firm after its owner was ordered to attend court.

At Ennis District Court, solicitor for Town and Country Meats Group Ltd, Stiofan Fitzpatrick said that he met with the owner of Asba Meats Ltd before court where it was agreed that Asba Meats would pay the debt through one upfront payment followed a number of payments to be made weekly.

Mr Fitzpatrick said, “I spoke to the debtor this morning in the lobby outside court. He has reached agreement in relation to payments and the following can be made an order of the court”.

Fitzpatrick continued, “He is to pay €2,000 today and €1,000 every Friday until the sum of €16,181 and costs of €750 have been paid”.

In January, Judge Alec Gabbett

made the order that the owner of Asba Meats Ltd attend the February court commenting that the court has been “led a merry dance” by the company in the past.

In December in a separate case, the Agri-Food Regulator recorded its first conviction for a breach of the unfair trading practices (UTP) Regulations against Asba Meats at the same court.

The case concerned Asba Meats Ltd over the non-payment of €10,059 for cattle delivered to the slaughter plant by a west of Ireland farmer, Pat McGrath.

In relation to the monies owed to Town and Country Meats Group, solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick previously told the court that his client had obtained judgement against Asba Meats.

The summons directed that Asba Meats attend after Town and Country Meats Group had obtained an order in the circuit court on June 4th 2024 and that the company recover €16,181 from

Asba Meats along with €750 in costs and expenses.

The court documentation states that Town and Country Meats Group claim that the order has not been complied with and the total now due is €16,931.

A court summons was issued last November for a representative of Asba Meats to attend under the Enforcement of Court Orders Act concerning the Town & Country Meats Group case but no one from the company attended.

Judge Gabbett issued his own order for the attendance of Asba Meats to the February court.

Recently filed accounts show that Asba Meats Ltd recorded post tax profits of €138,813 for 2023.

Numbers employed by the business increased from 44 to 55 in 2023.

Accounts presented to the court previously showed that Asba Meats Ltd recorded revenues of €11m for 2022. lASBA MEATS: Shannon based Halal meat operator

Shannon Airport engineering showcase expected to draw crowd of 2,300 plus OVER 2,300 people are expecting to attend an engineering showcase in the departures hall of Shannon Airport.

Preparations are in full swing for the 2025 Explore Engineering Showcase at Shannon Airport, marking a decade of inspiring engineering talent in the Mid-West. Taking place on March 6th, the events brings together students, educators, and engineering industry professionals to celebrate innovation, creativity, and problem-solving in engineering.

Explore Engineering is an industry-led initiative supported by education and training providers. Covering the Mid-West Region, the initiative is dedicated to increasing the quality and quantity of engineering talent available in Ireland.

At the Explore Engineering Showcase, students will have the opportunity to meet sixty plus engineering companies in the Mid-West, engage with industry experts and STEM professionals, discover new pathways in engineering and technology.

Fiona Murphy from Modulacc, a member of the Explore Engineering organising committee said there has been a seventy percent increase in engineering graduates from the Mid-West region’s two main educational institutes in the past seven years. “We are

lEXPLORING ENGINEERING: Event in Shannon airport

thrilled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Explore Engineering Showcase. Over the past decade, this event has grown tremendously, and we are proud to continue inspiring the next generation of engineers.

Our goal is to provide students with the resources and connections they need to pursue successful careers in engineering. The benefits of the event have been far-reaching”.

She added, “Last year’s event at Shannon Airport’s Departures Hall attracted over 2,300 attendees, and we are expecting similar numbers this year, if not more.”

Speaking about the Airport’s role in the event, Mary Considine, CEO of the Shannon Airport Group commented, “This event not only showcases the incredible talent in the Mid-West but also emphasises the importance of fostering innovation and creativity in engineering. We are committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the growth and development of our region, and this unique event allows students to directly engage with companies and see first-hand the amazing work they do. These companies play a crucial role in inspiring the next generation to consider engineering as a career path. Given the intrinsic link between engineering and aviation, this event represents a perfect partnership for us”.

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Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Regional News

Gort & South Galway

Galway Libraries project wins gold

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A UNIQUE Galway libraries project aimed at promoting community participation, social inclusion, and the protection of heritage and the environment has been named overall winner of an All-Ireland competition.

‘Fish and Chips – sustainably!’ has won the ‘Best Environmental/Ecological Project’ in the LAMA (Local Authority Members Association) Community & Council Awards, which were announced at a gala awards ceremony held in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork on Saturday night.

Nominated by Galway County Council, the outreach project adopted a multidisciplinary approach to cultivate and actively engage with enterprises, communities, voluntary sectors, third level institutes and the research community.

Galway Libraries developed programming that encompassed ‘Science from land to sea’ as the driving theme for programme delivery with workshops, interactive sessions, coding and VR experiences for children of all ages about the importance of marine life, biodiversity and the impact of pollution.

The project also combined an EU-led expedition that involved ocean exploration led by the Tara Ocean Foundation and Tara Oceans Consortium with land-based mobile research units whose primary focus was on educational awareness and citizen engagement Now in its nineteenth year and considered the Oscars of the Local Government sector, the award scheme hosted by LAMA and IPB Insurance recognises and celebrates communities and the country’s 31 local authorities working together. Three other local

projects were shortlisted in separate categories in this year’s awards scheme but were unsuccessful in their bid to claim the top prize.

Leenane Development Association was shortlisted in the ‘Collaboration and Leadership’ category has for the key role it has played in the development of the age-friendly Leenane Community Park, which features accessible walkways on a disused plot overlooking Killary Harbour.

Shortlisted in the ‘Best Mental Health’ category, Positive Ageing Week Local Heroes is a joint initiative of Galway City and

County Councils, COPE Galway, Galway City Partnership, Galway Rural Development and Galway Libraries.

Portumna-based Solar Structures was shortlisted in the ‘Best Micro Start-up’ category for its work to develop and implement innovative solutions for clients who want to install solar panels which do not fit a ‘standard solution’ template. The company commenced trading in 2022 following receipt of training, funding and business supports from LEO Galway. The company has since created 6 fulltime and 1 part time positions and plans further growth in the coming

lFISH AND CHIPS SUSTAINABILITY: a Bee Bot coding session being carried out with primary school children under the age of five to engage with ‘Bees’ and witness environmental changes that impacted their life cycles

years.

Congratulating Galway County Council and Galway Libraries on the award win, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Martina Kinnane (FF) said, “Youth engagement in the areas of environmental awareness, biodiversity and the role we all play in protecting both marine and land environments is of extreme importance in today’s world. This project shows real commitment from Galway Libraries and Galway County Council to empower communities through awareness and provide opportunities for collaboration and meaningful open discussion”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “Galway Libraries offer significant opportunities across the County to engage with core issues such as ecology, environmental impact and climate change. The delivery of the strategic aims of the Council are aligned in this project and showcase the innovation and creativity of library staff in supporting communities while delivering on national agenda”.

Eileen Ruane, Director of Services said, “The aim of the engagement was to showcase that all citizens have a responsibility to ensure that their actions cause less damage to the landscape around. Utilizing the thematic approach to programming and combining extensive collaboration with research organisations projected Galway Libraries as a key component is community participation and engagement”.

She added, “The innovative use of STEAM methodologies and experience led programming ensured that opportunities were available to everyone regardless of age.

Staff in our libraries showed initiative and creativity in delivering this project, while acutely aware of community need”.

Over €340k for Galway projects in Community Recognition Fund

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FIVE towns and village across Galway are to benefit from a government fund to support communities that have welcomed families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries in recent times. €341,983 has been allocated under the Community Recognition Fund for the purpose of upgrading a range of community-based amenities.

Managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht through the ‘Our Rural Future and Project Ireland 2040’ programme, the Fund aims to support

the development of facilities that will be used by all members of the community with funding allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new community arrivals.

There are six Galway projects in receipt of funding.

They include the upgrade of the public playground at Ballinasloe Leisure Centre (€50,000), an upgrade of the public playground at Hymany Park/Esker Fields in Ballinasloe (€50,000), the development of a Multi Use Games Area at Ionad Pobail an Mháma in Maam (€85,651), the delivery of an inclusive play and accessibility area at Corribdale Community Park in Oughterard (€50,000), the provision of

community walkway enhancements and an energy efficiency upgrade at Carnmore Hurling Club and the Community Centre in Baile Chláir (Claregalway), and the upgrade of audio-visual equipment at Kinvara Community Centre (€53,402).

Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Martina Kinnane (FF) said, “This a wonderful day for those communities who have received an allocation of funding and demonstrate the hard work being carried out by our many local voluntary groups to ensure new arrivals to their communities receive a warm welcome. The funding allocations are a wonderful example of what can be

achieved when people come together for the benefit of their local community”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council commented, “Galway County Council is proud to be able to support our communities in securing allocations under his funding scheme, which recognises the unique value and contributions made at community level by voluntary and community groups.

Supporting these projects will bring real value to the communities involved”.

“This allocation represents the coming together of community leaders, multiple local groups elected members and Council staff, to help identify and devel-

opment projects that will have an amenity and social impact which will benefit the relevant local communities and local residents for

many years to come,” stated Jackie Carroll, Director of Services, Rural, Community Integration & Environment.

lCOMMUNITY RECOGNITION FUND: Kinvara Community Centre is one of the successful projects

23

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24

Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Green Clare

€136,400 in Grants Awarded for Water Quality Projects in Clare Clare has been awarded €136,400 by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) to fund Water Development projects in the county The LAWPRO is working on behalf of Ireland’s 31 local authorities to protect and restore good water quality. Overall, €1,047,265.26 has been awarded across 54 projects in 24 counties under the ‘Community Water Development Fund Open Call 2025’.

Under the fund local communities and groups were invited to apply for financial assistance to support the delivery of projects and initiatives to enhance local water bodies and benefit water quality and biodiversity.

In Clare the following projects were awarded funding: lTulla District and Coarse Angling ClubSmart Network Water Quality and Mediation of Lough Clondroney (€15,000). lBallyea Development Association- Outdoor classroom with associated biodiversity garden and river observation platform with river restoration and rewilding (€19,400). lBroadford Development Association Limited C.L.G.- River Conservation on the Broadford River (Glenomra River) (€25,000). lCarrigaholt Development AssociationCarrigaholt Biosphere Park (€32,000). lLough Grainey Nature Sanctuary- Na-

ture Based Solutions for the River Grainey (€10,000). lRestore Ballymacraven River Association CLG- Restore Ballymacraven River System, Ennistymon, North Clare (Phase No 2) (€35,000).

Since 2018, on behalf of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, LAWPRO has made over €3.7m available through this funding scheme to communities, assisting in the implementation of the Water Framework Directive through Ireland’s Water Action Plan. The funding provided annually has also increased significantly during this period, from €185,800 in 2018 to over €1 million in 2025.

Types of projects approved for funding under this year’s open call include: lRiver conservation, restoration and rehabilitation initiatives. lNature-based solutions projects. lPreparation of reports: feasibility studies, habitat management plans, ecological surveys, and hydromorphology studies.

Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD welcomed this announcement: “This funding, of over €1 million, is an investment in the protection and restoration of good water quality nationwide. The Community Water Development Fund provides vital support to the tre-

lWATER QUALITY PROJECTS: €136,400 for Clare projects

mendous efforts of local communities and voluntary groups around the country who work hard to raise awareness of their local rivers, lakes, streams and biodiversity.

“Each and every project supported plays a part in achieving our collective goal to improve water quality under the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.”

Commenting on the 2025 fund, Director of Services for LAWPRO, Anthony Coleman said: “I’m delighted to announce over €1m in grants under the Community Water Development Fund 2025, our largest fund to date supporting local community driven projects in Clare and nationwide that will go towards improving water bodies.

LAWPRO was set up to coordinate and support efforts to achieve good water quality and these types of projects are at the heart of what we do. Community engagement is

fundamental in dealing with local issues and the fund empowers groups to take action to benefit their local water bodies and the surrounding environment.

Providing financial support to community groups to develop and grow is an important step in achieving water quality.”

As well as the Community Water Development Fund, LAWPRO also supports community groups and organisations through its Catchment Support Fund and Small Grants and Events Scheme.

Launched in 2024, the Catchment Support Fund awarded €500,000 last year towards the core running costs of non-governmental organisations working in the area of water quality. Whereas the Small Grants and Events Scheme allows community groups to apply for funding to cover small scale initiatives and events related to water quality.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

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Green Ireland

25

Cooney calls for more action in first Dáil address

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

IT IS time for less talk and more work when it comes to reviewing forestry standards, a Clare TD has said.

Referencing the impact of the recent storms in his maiden Dáil speech, Joe Cooney TD (FG) said trees were the cause for more than eighty percent of the issues with power lines following Storm Éowyn.

He stated, “In more than 80% of the power line issues, believe it or not, the cause was trees. One person in the west Clare area told me that of 40 reported line breaks that were responded to, 35 were tree-related in forestry where the setback distances were either totally inadequate or not managed.

Currently, the forestry standards manual provides for a setback corridor that is 20 metres wide for 10 kV and 38 kV lines. This means a pathway that is 10 metres wide either side of the pow-

er lines through forestry where trees are growing to a height of 15 metres and 20 metres, and more in some cases.

“Within these setback corridors, trees are not permitted to exceed a height of three metres. In many cases, even from a casual drive-by, it can be seen these standards are obviously not being managed by some landowners. Even the responsible ones agree the setback distances are inadequate. The figures clearly do not add up. The results are there to be seen in the vast number of premises left without power after the recent storm”.

Cooney called on the Minister for Agriculture to review the setback distance to recognise the discrepancy between the height of the trees and the space between them and the power lines.

This he said would create “a fast-track process to grant landowners a felling licence to clear corridors in a timely

manner to prevent history from repeating itself; resourcing the forestry service properly so it can undertake more inspections, stronger enforcement actions and preventative measures such as issuing felling licences more promptly; and, finally, including legislation that enables the ESB or telecom companies to clear set-back corridors in cases where no action is being taken by the landowners and to attach the costs of doing so against the value of the forestry”.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Michael Healy Rae (IND) said Cooney “has worn a path to Agriculture House and has been on to me and my officials”.

He stated, “As Deputy Cooney correctly stated, the existing legislation and corridors have failed, which is simply not good enough.

Last week, the Ministers, Deputies Heydon and Darragh O’Brien, and I met se-

nior people from the ESB to discuss the corridors that are in place and what needs to be created in the future to ensure that situations such as we had will not occur again. It will involve, we imagine, changing legislation. Everybody believes the ESB has far-reaching legislative powers to go into land and do what is required to protect the power lines but it does not. New legislation potentially needs to be brought in. It would, of course, go through the Houses of the Oireachtas swiftly as everybody would support it because it would be for the betterment of the people of the country”.

In response, Deputy Cooney commented, “I hope action will be taken sooner rather than later.

There is also a serious issue as regards Internet connections and phone lines. I hope further consultation will take place with National Broadband Ireland and Eir because I am aware of

businesses and residents in certain parts of my county and the west where phone lines and Internet services are still out. That is not good enough in this day and age.

We are all well aware of the importance of Internet and phone lines, especially for elderly people. I am aware of one elderly woman of 92 years of age who has a mobile phone but, unfortunately, no network cover and her landline is not working.

Luckily enough, the neigh-

lJoe Cooney (FG)

bours are calling to help her out, but she is now almost five weeks without those services”.

Cooney added, “As far as I am concerned, now is the time for less talk and more action. Consumers do not want to have to experience the same difficulties they have experienced over the past five weeks. After the recent storm, the lessons have been learned. It is now time to deliver”.

26

Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

News

An Clar Plumbing Supplies open their

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

A NEW family-run plumbing supply store, An Clar Plumbing Supplies, has opened its doors.

The shop, located in Tracklands Business Park, is owned and operated by Kenneth and Kate Clohessy, a couple from Clare with a passion for serving their community.

Kenneth, an Ennis native who has previously worked in FHB Building Supplies in Shannon and behind the plumbing counter in Chadwicks in Ennis, is using his expertise and experience to set up his own shop which caters not only for professional tradespeople but for the general public also.

Lissycasey residents Kate and Kenneth understand that walking into large building supply shops can sometimes be intimidating and overwhelming.

The couple hopes that An Clar Plumbing Supplies will be a welcoming and accessible place, providing every customer with the same hands-on experience.

“We’d like to think that when somebody comes in regardless of if they are a big contractor or just someone looking for a washer and they don’t know what they are looking for, we can help them and we can make them feel like they

were listened to,” said Kate, who is originally from Connolly in West Clare.

The store offers a variety of products, including shower trays, shower doors, kitchen sinks, taps, and more, catering to both large and small renovation projects.

“If they are doing a renovation, they can come in and talk to us,” Kate says, noting that the shop has a range of catalogues for customers to browse through.

“If we don’t have it in the shop, we can get it.”

The Clohessys are focused on providing a personal and handson experience for all customers, whether they are spending five euros or five thousand.

“We’d hope we’d be a bit more hands-on regardless if you are spending five euro or five thousand euro; we try to treat you the same.

Everything counts to us,” Ken says, emphasising the importance of personalised customer service.

“If we can’t get something for you, I will find out who can. I have no problem passing business to other local businesses in town.”

The store is also designed with accessibility in mind.

“As you can see from around the shop, it’s quite open. You can see that everything is on display, so you don’t have to feel uncom-

l Kenneth and Kate Clohessy behind the counter at An Clar Plumbing Supplies in Tracklands Business

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

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doors at Tracklands fortable about coming in and not being sure about what you require,” Ken explains.

With clearly labeled products, customers can browse at their own pace, and the Clohessys are always ready to offer assistance if needed.

With a focus on being accessible and approachable, An Clar Plumbing Supplies is quickly becoming a trusted resource for both professionals and local homeowners alike.

Park and (right) ready to welcome customers outside their new premises in Ennis

News

27

28

Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Business

Business Armada Hotel named local business of the year

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THE ARMADA HOTEL in Spanish Point has been named as the local business of the year at the Irish Times Business Awards.

Community impact, resilience and commitment to sustainability as Ireland’s first B Corp-certified hotel were among the reasons why the Armada took the accolade.

Winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges chaired by Anne Sheehan, Executive at Microsoft.

Owner of the Armada John Burke spoke of the meaning behind the award in demonstrating the resilience of hotels to overcome challenges and the hospitality industry’s creativity and innovation in navigating adversity.

Burke stated, “At the Armada, we take immense pride in what we achieve every day, but we also see endless potential to further develop and enhance our standards. We are deeply rooted in a community we are proud to belong to, and we recognise that without the support of this community especially in the early days we wouldn’t be where we are today”.

He said, “This award is a testa-

l ARMADA: Bernard Cahill, Head of Impact and Brand- Armada, Frank Minogue, GM - Armada, John Feeney, Chief Executive of Corporate and Commercial Banking at Bank of Ireland, Noralynne Murrihy - Director of Rooms- Armada.

Photo by: Julian Behal

ment to the hard work and dedication of the entire Armada team.

We are fortunate to have a talented and diverse team of over 200 people, with 80% living locally and actively contributing to the social and economic vitality of the area”.

As Ireland’s first B Corp certified hotel, The Armada has been enabled to set new standards in hospitality. The B Corp certification emphasises environmental sustainability and social impact.

“We chose the B Corp framework because it challenges us to go beyond profitability and focus on creating a positive impact on our community and environment. We feel it holds us accountable while encouraging transparency about areas we are still working to improve,” John explained.

A standout aspect of the hotel’s B Corp journey has been its contribution to local economic development. 80% of its staff residing within ten kilometres of the hotel and 76% of its 248 suppliers located within a 100 kilometre radius. Burke commented, “Our people and place are what make us unique. I believe our team’s warmth and their dedication to go above and beyond for customers are some of the reasons our guests

return”.

Its commitment to the community was evident during Storm Éowyn when it offered accommodation to vulnerable individuals, provided showers to over 500 people, and created a welcoming lounge and leisure space with refreshments for the local community.

The Irish Times Business Awards are held in association with Bank of Ireland. The award was presented at a prestigious ceremony in the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin.

Recently, the Armada secured first place across all categories of Irish hotels for sustainability at the Gold Medal Awards for the Irish hospitality industry. It took second place among Ireland’s four-star hotels, and third place for casual dining with its Ocean Bar.

Profits of Ennis based TTM Healthcare surge by 32%

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS businessman, Brian Crowley shared in a €8m dividend payout with other shareholders in his TTM healthcare recruitment group as pre-tax profits last year increased by 32 percent to €11.55m.

New consolidated accounts filed by the Ennis headquartered TTM Healthcare Ltd show that the company’s pre-tax profits increased to €11.55m as revenues rose by 11 percent from €116.88m to €130.36m in 2023.

The directors confirm that in a post balance sheet event on January 24th this year, the company directors approved a €8m dividend to be paid to shareholders, Mr Crowley’s TTM Holdings Ltd along with Annecy Lake Holdings Ltd and Annapam Ltd. The group operates in Ireland, South Africa, the Middle East, UK and Northern Ireland. The group has subsidiary operations in the UK, Poland, Germany and India.

The business is led by former Irish boxing international, Brian Crowley and

the directors state that sales increased by 12 percent as a result of many strategic initiatives during the financial year.

Mr Crowley is also a former EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist and the directors state that operating profits increased by 35 percent from €9m to €12.12m “as a direct result of both organic and prior year acquisitive growth and significant investment in people, service development and capital over the last three years to enable sustainable growth across our group”.

The company recorded pre-tax profits of €11.55m after paying out interest payments of €571,925.

The group recorded post tax profits of €9.78m after incurring a corporation tax charge of €1.77m.

Numbers employed by the recruitment firm last year increased from 1,878 to 2,101 as staff costs increased from €88.04m to €96.75m. The 2,101 were made up of 1,882 locum and healthcare workers and administration workers of 219.

On the company’s future developments, the directors

state that the group continues its ambition to grow operations.

The group’s shareholder funds last year totalled €39.18m that included accumulated profits of €37.7m.

Cash funds increased sharply from €12.32m to €19.18m.

The operating profit also takes account of combined non-cash depreciation and amortisation costs of €2.25m.

Profits were also boosted by a €225,455 gain from an unspecified insurance claim.

Directors’ pay totalled €182,794.

Separate consolidated accounts filed by Mr Crowley’s Brian Crowley Holdings Ltd, which include TTM Healthcare revenues, show that revenues totalled €142.39m for 2023. The revenues include the revenues of Odyssey Social Care which provides quality residential care to young people in partnership with TUSLA.

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

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

Clare Tourism is now hiring for • Digital Marketing Executive HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION: If you are interested in applying or wish to obtain further information about the position, contact the HR department at careers@claretourismdev.ie or email your CV with a cover letter to careers@claretourismdev.ie.

Closing date for applications is Thursday, 20th March 2025, at 5pm.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

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Business

29

Enterprise Mobility opens new Ennis branch ENTERPRISE Mobility, a leading provider of mobility solutions, has announced the opening of its newest branch in Ennis, County Clare.

This expansion marks an exciting step forward for Enterprise Mobility as it continues to grow its presence across Ireland.

Located at Kilrush Road, the new branch offers a wide range of vehicles to suit the needs of its customers, whether they need a replacement vehicle or if they want to explore the beauty of Clare. With this new location, Enterprise Mobility aims to provide both locals and tourists with access to reliable and flexible transportation options.

This opening is part of Enterprise Mobility’s expansion throughout Ireland, following the recent opening of a state-of-the-art FlexE-Rent facility in Limerick, as well as new branches in Sligo, Letterkenny and Cavan.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State Timmy Dooley said: “I am delighted to officially open the latest Enterprise Mobility branch here in Ennis which will provide a fantastic service to people from the areas and visitors from further afield. This investment not only creates jobs, but it also enhances our town’s appeal as a tourist destination by providing essential services.

These services will provide a crucial link to our key natural attractions like Loophead Lighthouse, the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the wonderful Lough Derg region,

while also giving people flexibility to explore more of what Clare has to offer. I want to wish the entire team at Enterprise Mobility every success in the future.”

Brendan Grieve, Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Mobility in Ireland, said: "Ennis is such a vibrant town with so much natural beauty surrounding it, and we are really excited to bring our mobility services to our customers in County Clare.

Our team in Ennis are looking forward to supporting both residents and visitors by offering improved access and flexibility for vehicle and travel needs.

This new branch shows our commitment to communities across Ireland as well as our ongoing long-term investment in the West of Ireland."

The new facility in Ennis, constructed by local contractors PBC Ltd., will create new jobs, while also allowing opportunities within the prestigious Graduate Management Trainee Programme offered by Enterprise Mobility. The new branch not only offers customers the prospect of car-rental, but Enterprise’s Car Club will also be available for short-term rental, 24/7.

lENNIS BRANCH: New Ennis team with Cllr Timmy Doole (FF)

Four County Clare MACE stores receive award for excellent retail standards FOUR County Clare based MACE stores have won MACE Exellence Awards.

Representitives from each store were presented with their awards at a ceremony which was held in Lawlor’s

Hotel, in Naas in Co Kildare, and hosted by BWG Foods, owners and operators of the MACE brand in Ireland.

These locations were chosen as recipients f the awards in recognition of achieving

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

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. Only applications completed online will be accepted.

• Climate Action Officer Closing date: 12 Noon Tuesday 25th March 2025 Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scríobh chugainn as Gaeilge más fearr leat.

exceptional standards in retailing, which was held in Lawlor’s Hotel, in Naas in Co Kildare, and hosted by BWG Foods, owners and operators of the MACE brand in Ireland.

This year’s MACE Excellence Awards, held in association with Solution Management Associates (SMA) are only awarded to MACE stores that pass an intensive year-long inspection, including two unannounced audits in addition to an SMA Audit, as well as a BWG Foods Safety audit in conjunction with the globally recognised Assurance Partner, LRQA. The Co. Clare stores who received a MACE Excellence Award are: Cathal Talty, Talty’s MACE Lissycasey Joe Greensmith and Anne Keyes, Greensmith and Keyes’ MACE Lahinch Road, Ennis Thomas and Karen Whelan, Whelan’s MACE Kilrush MACE Inver, Gort Road, Ennis Congratulating the winners, Keith Crawford, MACE Sales Director, said: “As Ireland’s longest serving convenience symbol

brand, MACE retailers have a well-established commitment to outstanding retail standards and customer service. The recipients of this year’s MACE Excellence Awards continue to set the benchmark for the brand and marketplace overall.

Congratulations to Cathal Talty and the Talty family, Joe Greensmith and Anne Keyes, Thomas and Karen Whelan and all in MACE Inver and their teams for all they do in their local communities.”

Operated by independent

retailers, MACE’s nationwide network includes local community stores as well as forecourt shopping and urban stores, with more than 155 MACE stores located throughout Ireland.

lTom Fleming, MACE Regional Operations Advisor; Cathal Talty, Talty’s MACE Lissycasey; Joe Greensmith and Anne Keyes, MACE Lahinch Road, Ennis; David O’Brien, MACE Inver Gort Road, Ennis and Liam Attridge, MACE Regional Manager

30

Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

CLARE STILL WITHOUT FIRST VICTORY NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1

PLAYER WATCH: Rory Hayes (corner back) Minutes played: 70 (all) Possessions: 4 (3/1) Passes: 4 (3/1) Long Pass: 1 (1/0) Short Pass: 3 (2/1) Hand Pass: 2 (1/1) Hurley Pass: 2 (2/0)

CLARE 1-17 WEXFORD 1-23 Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME CLARE Frees for: 15 (6/9) Wides: 6 (3/3) Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 1-9 Top scorer: Aidan McCarthy (0-8 7f 1’65) Bookings: None Own puckouts won: 25 from 36 (69%) SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

WEXFORD Frees for: 16 (8/8) Wides: 12 (7/5) Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 1-13 Top scorer: Cian Byrne (0-9 6f 2’65) Bookings: Seamus Casey (24), Jack O’Connor (36).

Red Card: Cian Byrne (66) Own puckouts won: 18 from 24 (75%) REFEREE: Thomas Gleeson (Dublin)

Tackles: 5 (3/2) Turnovers for: 3 (2/1) Turnovers against: 0 Frees for: 0 Frees against: 0 Hooks: 0 Blocks: 2 (0/2) l Mark Rodgers tries to jinx past Jack McRedmond and Kevin Foley

'Clare haven't been consistent for 70 minutes'

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

STRUGGLES to produce a consistent seventy minute performance is jumping out at Clare’s management as an area to rectify following their three defeats in the Allianz National Hurling League.

Clare went to Cusack Park on Sunday for their third outing in this season's league “hoping to win but Wexford performed better than us on the day and won and that’s it”.

So said Clare coach and selector Brendan Bugler shortly after the final whistle and just before he put the members of the panel not involved in Sunday’s game through a training session.

The Whitegate native acknowledged “this was a really important game for both teams. We had lost our first two games and they had lost a few also”.

The St. Flannan’s College teacher noted, “we got off to a good start but we have to be consistent for 70 minutes and we weren’t, we were for 10 to 15 minutes and our second half was really poor. We will have to address it now on the training field on Tuesday and Friday night ahead of next Sunday’s game”.

Clare’s next game is against their Shannonside neighbours and arch rivals Limerick on Sunday (throw in at 15:45 at Limerick's Gaelic Grounds).

According to the wing back on Clare’s All-Ireland winning team back in 2013 “it’s important to get game time into lads. They are working really hard in training but nothing replicates match situations like today”.

Asked about the overall injury situation in the camp given that quite a number of players have missed league action to date because of injury he said, “that’s the hand we have been dealt.

Other teams have had a lot of injuries before.

We just have to get on with it, others have got on with it and we will have to do the same”.

SCAN HERE FOR PLAYER RATINGS

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Four players dropped from Clare senior hurling panel

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BRIAN LOHAN and his management team have let four players go from the Clare squad in the middle of the Allianz National Hurling League.

Two of the panellists were part of the extended All-Ireland and National League winning squad of 2024.

Clare, lining out far from fullstrength, have yet to pick up a win in this year’s league with successive defeats to Kilkenny, Galway and Wexford, two of these ties taking place on the county’s home ground in Cusack Park.

Prior to Sunday’s six point loss to Wexford, the Clare panel was cut by four with Clonlara duo Dylan McMahon and Páraic O’Loughlin plus Keelan Hartigan and Rian Considine dropped from the panel. For Hartigan and Considine, it is the second time in just over twelve months that they have been cut from the Clare squad by Lohan.

Neither of the quartet were given the opportunity to impress in the National League this season before their exits. O’Loughlin, Hartigan and Considine were all listed as substitutes in the two point defeat to Kilkenny in the first round and the 2-21 0-20 loss at the hands of Galway in Pearse Stadium for the third round while McMahon has been sidelined with injury.

Both McMahon and O’Loughlin were part of the Clare squad last season as they won both the National League and All-Ireland championship. The duo did not receive game-time in either the 2024 league or championship.

Considine was one of four hurlers added to the squad for this season along with Shane Woods, Ian Macnamara and Daithí Lohan.

Hartigan was added at a later date in December when injuries began to mount within the panel.

McMahon made his first appearance for the Clare seniors last year when coming on in additional time for Darragh Lohan during the 2-21 1-19 defeat to Limerick in the Munster Senior Hurling League played in Clarecastle. He was given a starting spot at wing-back for the third round with Cork and was replaced on fifty eight minutes in the 1-24 0-24 loss.

Dylan was centre-back on the Clonlara team crowned Clare SHC champions in 2023, excelling as Donal Madden’s side lifted the Canon Hamilton. The twenty three year old was centre-back on the Clare minor side in 2018, he was wing-back on the Clare U20 sides in 2019 and 2021 while filling the centre-back berth in 2020 and had been viewed as a potential long-term option in Clare’s half-back line. A Minor championship winner in 2018, he is still recovering from a serious leg injury sustained in Clonlara’s 2-18 0-21 quarter-final exit at the hands of Sixmilebridge.

Full-back for Clonlara for that last eight encounter in September was O’Loughlin. He had been wing-back on the side a year previous as they won the Clare SHC for the first time in fifteen years.

He first played senior championship for his club in 2015 and has lined out in numerous positions for the South-East Clare side including between the posts and in

l Brian Lohan

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

the half-forward line.

At inter-county level, Páraic played for Clare at minor and U21. He came on as a substitute for Clare’s U21s in the 2017 semi-final, scoring a point after his introduction on forty two minutes for the injured Rory Hayes who was at wing-back.

A year later, he came on at corner forward for Joe Carmody with twenty one minutes played in what was a heavy 3-18 0-13 quarter-final defeat to Limerick, a result which marked the end of John Carmody’s two year tenure in charge.

Cratloe’s Considine was part of the Clare squad for the entire 2019 season under Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor. He was let go by Lohan in January 2024 after failing to get game time in the Munster Senior Hurling League. Rian was the third highest top scorer in last year’s

club championship, he clocked up 2-33 as Cratloe reached the semi-finals where they were beaten by eventual champions Feakle.

In 2018, he won a Dr Harty Cup medal with Ard Scoil Rís and has represented UCD in the Fitzgibbon Cup. At inter-county level, he was part of the Clare minor side in 2017 which reached the All-Ireland quarter-final and lost to Munster final while he represented the U20s in 2019 as they exited to Cork 0-24 0-15 in the provincial semi-final, Sean Doyle serving as manager during Considine’s time at minor and U20.

Part of the UL squad crowned Fitzgibbon Cup champions less than a fortnight ago, Hartigan also makes way from the panel.

The Scariff midfielder had been part of a very competitive UL panel for the past two seasons.

He was midfield for Terence Fahy’s Clare U20s in 2023 as they reached the Munster final. In last year’s Munster Senior Hurling League, he was introduced as a substitute in both of Clare’s games, getting twenty two minutes against Limerick and twelve minutes versus Cork, scoring 0-1 in the Limerick game.

At club level, he has been a central player for Scariff since their return to the top tier which has included runs to the semi-final in 2023 and quarter-final in 2024.

He is the holder of two U21A championship medals with Scariff/Ogonnelloe.

Clare’s next clash in the Allianz National Hurling League is this Sunday where they face the familiar foe of Limerick at 15:45 in TUS Gaelic Grounds.

31

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

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Sport

Excellent Ennistymon secure All-Ireland final ALL-IRELAND PPS C SEMI-FINAL

ENNISTYMON COMMUNITY SCHOOL 1-13 ST PATRICK'S KEADY 2-06 Venue: St Croan's GAA Grounds Compiled by Ivan Smyth

STORY OF THE GAME ENNISTYMON COMMUNITY SCHOOL Frees for: 13 (8/5) Wides: 6 (4/2) Spread of scorers: 3 Scores from play: 1-10 Top scorer: Conor Burke (1-10, 0-3 frees) Bookings: Donncha O’Dwyer (29), Alex Leyden (36), Dominic Griffin (40) Own kickouts won: 12 (3/9)

l Conor in action for St Breckan’s

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Tara Rynne, Ennistymon CS joint manager:

“I’m so proud. It was a titanic battle. There was ten minutes left, and it was level.

I didn’t know what was going to happen. I could barely watch it but thankfully we pulled through in the end to win by four.

“I guess before we started, we would have taken being four points up at half time.

We were a bit weary because we were seven up the last day and we were going

Shannon takes on role of Clare GAA talent lead

ST. PATRICK’S KEADY Frees for: 9 (5/4) Wides: 8 (0/8) Spread of scorers: 4 Scores from play: 1-5 Top scorer: Liam Rafferty (2-0, 1-0 penalty) Bookings: Anthony Brady (30), Tom Fox (38) Own puckouts won: 13 (8/5)

REFEREE: Brendan Healy (Roscommon)

playing in to the wind and we didn’t do as well as we had hoped. Today we were just going out not just to protect the four point lead but also to put scores on the board.

“Conor (Burke) had an absolutely unbelievable game. Fair play to him. In the second half the ball had to be worked into him, so it took a whole team effort to keep control of the ball and keep possession. Thankfully that

l Colm Breen of Ennistymon

Photo by John Sheridan

worked out.

“I think eventually when they did level it we got a point soon after it so that settled us a little bit because the time was running out. When they levelled it that was tense.

“In the first half we probably had a few wides from ball being kicked in and it was overrunning because of the wind, We learned from that at half time and knew what we had to do. We knew they were going to kick it and aim for the full forward so we just mopped it up with a sweeper and then we had

the outfield players to bring it down the wings.

“It has all come so quickly.

The Munster final was last week, the semi final was this week and the final is in two weeks. There has been great excitement and a great buzz for these matches SCAN HERE FOR so I can MATCH REPORT only image the next two weeks will be the same thing”.

DOONBEG UNBEATEN IN O'GORMAN CUP l Keelan Guyler offloads the ball

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

DOONBEG and Naomh Eoin recorded wins in the second round of the O’Gorman Cup. Holders Doonbeg made it two wins from two outings in this season’s O’Gorman cup when they accounted for Ennistymon at Lahinch this Saturday. The final score was 0-14 to 0-13. Sean Conway finished as top scorer for Doonbeg, Mikey Tubridy, Kevin McInerney and

Burren Eye Photography

James Killeen did well for Doonbeg.

Ennistymon led 0-10 0-6 at half time.

Meanwhile Naomh Eoin got their first win of the campaign when they proved too strong for Kildysart, winning on a scoreline of 2-13 to 0-14.

Goalscorer for the winners in this one was Owen Lynch, one coming from the penalty spot.

Monday's scheduled game between Wolfe Tones and St Joseph's Miltown did not take place due to an unplayable

Photo by James Downes

pitch in Shannon.

Round 3 of the competition takes place on Saturday (March 1st) with all games commencing at 16:00. Kildysart host Ennistymon with Pat Keane as referee, Naomh Eoin make the long journey to Shannon to face Wolfe Tones with Niall Quinn as the man in the middle while Doonbeg welcome St Joseph's Miltown to Shanahan McNamara Memorial Park where John O'Connell is the match official.

LISDOONVARNA’S Conor Shannon has been appointed as the new performance and talent lead with Clare GAA. Shannon was appointed to the role in December but until took on the post in the past fortnight after finishing up with the Camogie Association where he had been Club and Education Coordinator. Among his achievements here were an involvement in launching the Camogie Association’s playing time charter to try address dropout and improve player retention.

He succeeds Rob Mulcahy who was Clare GAA’s first-ever Performance Lead when he took on the mantle in August 2023. The Kerry man had been head of athlete development and a sport scientist with Clare GAA since May 2019, spending five years as S&C coach with Colm Collins’ county senior footballers.

Mulcahy became Head of Athletic Development with Setanta College in August 2024 so Conor’s addition to the coaching ranks of Clare GAA fills a vacancy that had existed for six months.

An intermediate championship winner with St Breckan’s in 2019, Conor is currently part of their senior side, featuring predominantly in the half-forward or half-back line. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Sciences and a Masters in Strength and Conditioning.

During James Murrihy’s two year stint as Clare intermediate ladies football manager, Conor was the team’s sport scientist and S&C coach. While recovering from an ACL injury, he also served as S&C coach with the Limerick U20 footballers.

From October 2020 to May 2023, he worked with Laois GAA as Head of Hurling Development and also as an S&C coach and sport scientist.

Since October 2023, he has been involved with Terence Fahy’s Clare U20 hurlers as athletic development coach.

Last year was his first involved as S&C coach with the Inagh/Kilnamona senior hurlers who exited the semi-finals of the 2024 Clare SHC on penalties and lost the Clare Cup final to Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Speaking at Clare GAA’s Convention in December, Micheál Duffy confirmed that his fellow North Clare man was successful in his application for the post. “It was a very competitive race to find Rob’s replacement, there was eight initial interviews and five people shortlisted and Conor came out on top”.

RARE AWAY WIN OVER WEXFORD FOR CLARE NATIONAL CAMOGIE LEAGUE

l Abby Walsh

SCAN FOR REPORT

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

32

Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Parish compete in West Kerry PLAYERS from Doora-barefields senior and junior ladies teams travelled to Dingle in Co.Kerry last weekend to compete the Lidl Comórtas Peile Páidí Ó Sé.

Over 500 players from all across the country togged out over the weekend to compete in the tournament which was spread across five West Kerry venues.

In the Senior Women’s competition the Doora-Barefield girls took on last year’s winners, Burrishoole of Mayo with a full-time score of 2:6 to 1:7 The Clare team didn’t let the loss knock them, as they went on to beat Crosserlough of Cavan. A first half goal from new-comer Karen McMahon and two goals from Katie Laws in the second half left the Doora-Barefield team with a final score of 5:8 to 3:2. Unfortunately the win was not enough to get them into the final.

Although it may have been a disappointing end, Doora-Barefield put out a great performance making their mark on the infamous Comórtas Peile Páidí Ó Sé.

l (back row l-r): Aoibhionn O’Loughlin, Síofra Ní Chonaill, Ellis O'Flaherty, Karen McMahon, Ava Morrissey, Aisling McDonagh, Millie Hadden, Katie Laws, Fiona Touhy, Lisa Mullaly, Chaoilfhionn Ní Chonaill, Aine Jones, Lyndsey Clarke, Aisling McMahon, Katy Callahan; (front l-r); Aisling Reidy; Meave O’Connor; Sophie Leahy, Roisín Fowley, Laura Butler, Muirne Ní Chonaill, Eimear O'Loughlin, Holly O'Loughlin, Rachel Daly, Anna Courtney

Munster minor success for Clare

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

AT THE Munster handball doubles finals last week, Clare captured two titles with victory in the minor boys and girls deciders.

There was disappointment form Conor Cooney and Niall Bolton in he intermediate doubles final as they went down to the Cork pairing of Shane Hedigan and Gearoid Healy).

The boys minor doubles final was an all Clare affair and here Matthew Coughlan and Donnacha Crotty defeated Donnacha Cantwell and James Brooks.

In the girls minor doubles final Clare’s Claire Minogue and Isabelle McInerney beat the Tipperary pairing of Clodagh Shinners and Sophie O’Meara.

Meanwhile in the masters doubles semi-final he Clare pairing of Ray Stewart and Donal Madden) overcame Cork’s Andy Murphy and Michael Buckley. In the final they will take on the Waterford pairing of Philip Butler and Gary McCarthy.

Clare winners In the Clare singles masters final Mike Baker (Kilkishen) accounted for Shane Walsh (Tuamgraney) while in an all Clarecastle masters plate final, Stephen Malone defeated Mike Kennelly.

Munster Juvenile A Championships Clare contested 20 juvenile A Munster finals from 12-17 years over the weekend and won 11 gold medals maintaining their place at the top of the eaderboard over the past three years.

Winners in the 14-17 ages will now go forward to All-Ireland semi- finals in Croke Park on March 8 with the finals scheduled for the following day, Marh 9, at the same venue.

The Munster results are: Girls U12 Doubles: Saoirse Frost (Kilkishen)/Annalise Hogan(Kilkishen) dft Cork, Mia Buckley/Keley White Girls U13 Singles: Anna Madden (Tuamgraney) dft Róisín O’Riordan, Cork Girls U13 Doubles: Samantha Vaughan (Toonagh)/Anna Brooks (Clooney-Quin) dft Shauna Dennehy/Lucy O’Connor, Cork Girls U14 Doubles: Tracy Tuohy (Kilkishen)/Ali Donnelly(Clarecastle) dft Aisling Ryan/Jenny Talbot (Tipperary) Girls U16 Singles: Tara Lucas (Toonagh) dft Lily Parks(Tipperary) Girls U16 Doubles: Ellie Frost (Kilkishen)/Chloe Hannon(Kilkishen) dft Grace Murphy/ Freya Mortell(Cork) Boys U12 Doubles: Jack McMahon (Clooney-Quin)/Gearoid MacDonnacha(Kilkishen) defeated Cork, (Daragh Curtin/Tadhg Mulcahy Boys U14 Doubles: Daniel Madden (Tuamgraney)/Cillian Howard(Tuamgraney) dft Sean Tierney/Tiernan Dillon, Tipperary Boys U15 Doubles: Charlie Collins (Tuamgraney)/Sean McGee(-

Bridge Utd braced for 'huge' outing

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Clooney-Quin) dft Alex O’Dwyer/ Billy Murphy, Tipperary Boys U16 Singles: Sean Considine (Clooney/Quin) dft Josh Moroney (Tipperary Boys U17 Singles: Paddy Sweeney (Clarecastle) dft Cork, Will McElliott Egan Girls U12 Singles: Emily Monaghan, Tipperary dft Ella Kirby (Newmarket) Girls U14 Singles: Molly Joyce (Tipperary), dft Sinead Doyle(Tuamgraney) Girls U15 Singles: Lucy Anne Cleary (Tipperary) dft Jane Hogan(Kilkishen) Girls U17 Singles: Sarah Williams (Tipperary) dft Ella Crotty(Tuamgraney) Boys U12 Singles: Cillian Healy, Cork dft Cian Donovan (Kilkishen) Boys U13 Singles: Conal O’Connor, Cork dft Eliah Kenny (Newmarket-on-Fergus) Boys U13 Doubles: Jim O’Mahony/Tadgh Malone, Tipperary dft Iarla Kelleher (Tuamgraney)/Darragh Donovan (Kilkishen Boys U16 Doubles: Cork, Jack Hennessy/Sean Dee dft Eoin Shanahan (Kilkishen)/Jack Cahill (Clooney-Quin) Boys U17 Doubles: Cork, Micheál Enright, Zach Daly dft Cathal Noonan (Toonagh)/Liam Óg O’Meara (Tulla).

A PLACE in the Munster junior cup semi-final awaits should Bridge United AFC overcome Cork side Coachford on Sunday.

The Sixmilebridge club will have home advantage for the game which kicks off at 2p.m. They are the only Clare club still in the hunt for honours outside the domestic scene this year so it is understandable that followers of the game in the county expect to see a record attendance on the Shannon Rd for Sunday’s game.

“It’s a big occasion for the club and a big game for us.

Coachford beat a fancied Avenue United side in the last round. They are a strong physical team”, Bridge Utd manager Mark Culbert told The Clare Echo.

This is the first time in the club’s history that they have reached the last eight in this prestigious competition.

Culbert outlined, “We have got to the latter stages at youths, under 17 and under 16 levels but to be here with our adult team is new ground. It shows the progression being made by the club”.

They go into Sunday’s game with a clean bill of health. “There are one or two niggles but we expect to have a full squad from which to select our starting team”, the manager added.

Bridge United have won four games to get to this stage of the competition and they have yet to concede a

goal. They recorded 1-0 wins over fellow Clare sides Newmarket Celtic and Tulla United before coming away from Clonmel with a 3-0 win. In the quarter final they scored a 1-0 win over Dungarvan, Liam Buckley netting the winner in the dying stages.

Understandably, they are hoping to keep another clear sheet on Sunday. The side is captained by goalkeeper John Mulready, one of the team’s most experienced players. After a number of seasons with Limerick side Janesboro, he returned to his native Sixmilebridge club where he has continued his excellent form. An outstanding goalkeeper, he is also noted for his leadership qualities.

In addition to the captain, Bridge United will also be looking to Ger Myles, Scot Kirkland, Eric Carr, Filip Mostowy and Alan Mulready to lead the way on Sunday.

“This is huge for the club, it’s great for the committee and all involved and it’s all systems go for Sunday. If we put in the performance we know we have, then we can progress. We know Coachford are very good and that they will be a handful but we have played well to date and hopefully that will continue on Sunday”, said manager Culbert.

Because of their progress in both the FAI Junior Cup (they reached the last 16) and the Munster competition, they are well behind in the number of games they have played in the domestic

league. “We only have four Clare league games played and it will be a while before we know where everyone stands in the domestic competition”, he said.

For now the whole focus is on Sunday’s clash with Coachford and all involved in Clare soccer will be wishing Bridge United well as they chase a Munster semi-final spot.

PICTURED: Filip Mostowy

Photo by Joe Buckley

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Feb 27, 2025

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Sport

33

Ennis Tennis Club women are crowned Munster champions Fitzgerald's late basket secures national title

AN OVERTIME winner from Covenant Joy Fitzgerald helped St. Flannan’s All-Ireland Under 16C girls clinch victory over St. Attracta’s in the Girls Schools League Final.

The late point from the captain saw St Flannan’s snatch victory 41-40 in overtime and break St. Attracta hearts in a thrilling contest. Fitzgerald notched up 18 points on the day, claiming the cup as well as the MVP award.

The Ennis side flew out of the traps with a free throw from Fitzgerald and two points from Derrin Healy although St. Attracta’s led 8-7 when the first buzzer sounded. Aine Omofio and Fitzgerald fired Flannan’s ahead after play resumed. Scores from Siofra McGuiness and Rachel Frain levelled the game for the Sligo side, leaving the game tied at 16 points a piece at half time.

St Attracta’s then stormed into the lead in the third quarter as the Tubbercurry school quickly racked up five unanswered points. St. Flannan’s fought their way back thanks to a free throw and more points from play from Fitzgerald. The score was 2521 in favour of the Sligo side going into the game’s final period.

The usual suspects helped Flannan’s to claw their way back into the game as Derrin Healy, Omofio and Fitzgerald all contributed to the Clare side’s three point lead with 42 seconds left on the clock. Victory would not come that easy however as Attracta’s McGuiness scored a spectacular three pointer to send the game into overtime.

Omofio scored twice to put Flannan’s ahead but Orlaith Scanlon and McGuiness quickly put the Tubbercurry side back on top. The Ennis girls were given a lifeline near the end however as Omofio was fouled and converted the first of her two free throws. Covenant Joy Fitzgerald then soared to score the rebounding second, winning the game in the most dramatic of circumstances.

St Flannan’s Head Coach and maths teacher Darren Scully said afterwards, “I went through a rollercoaster of emotions in that game, but I’m absolutely delighted for all the girls. We’ve talked a lot about the mental game, about how we don’t ever want to drop our heads and how we want to keep going, because we know we’re good enough to win any game”.

“Big players step up at big moments and I knew we had a lot of big players out there, and any one of them could have stepped up. It was just in that moment; Covenant was the one”.

St. Flannan’s College: Sophie Nagle, Aoibhinn McMahon, Sara Teodorowicz, Covenant Joy Fitzgerald (capt), Kayla Moylan, Kadi Diallo, Derrin Healy, Aine Omoifo, Caoimhe Ryan, Chloe McArdle.

Top Scorers: Covenant Joy Fitzgerald (18), Aine Omoifo (9), Derrin Healy (6).

l (top) Ennis MD6 Novice Finalists LR: Frank Monaghan, Alan Malone, Karen Higgins(President Munster Tennis), Joe Noonan, Paul Fitzgerald; (above) Ennis Grade 5 Winners Clara Malone, Katja Wittmer, Karen Higgins (President Munster Tennis), Susan Gavin, Aine Hussey

THE Ennis Tennis Club Women’s doubles team are Munster Champions after winning the 2024-25 Winter League.

Consisting of Katja Wittmer, Susan Gavin, Aine Hussey and Clara Malone, the Ennis Grade 5 outfit beat St. Michaels Tennis Club of Cork in the finals which took place in Nenagh Tennis Club on Sunday, February 23.

Battling gale force winds, they ensured a thrilling final for all of the spectators; with both teams at 2 matches apiece, they played an epic super set to seal the deal, winning 6-2.

Ennis emerged as winners of the competition which saw 29 teams from across Munster battling it out.

Meanwhile, the Ennis MD6 Novice team played a Whitechurch side who they had already met twice in the group stages, with close results on each occasion. Monaleen made up the third team in the league group stages where the first match was played back in early November.

The Ennis pairings were made up of Alan Malone & Joe Houlihan and Frank Monaghan & Paul Fitzgerald, the latter being a substitute for the absent Oliver Gavin.

After three matches, played in ideal conditions, the score was 2 - 1 to Whitechurch, with Alan & Joe being a set down in the fourth match. The pairing battled back to level the sets after a tie break, and won the third set 6 - 4.

This resulted in the match going into a Super Set where Paul Fitzgerald teamed up with Alan Malone. Against a strong Whitechuirch pairing, the Ennis men lost out in the end after an entertaining final set.

Much fun was had along the way throughout the League, with the Novice competition being an ideal format for tennis beginners to become acquainted with the competitive side of Winter League tennis.

Clare dogs in hunt for Connacht Derby Title

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

Friday night’s Galway card was dominated by the opening round heats of the Kilcolgan Castle Connacht Derby which carries a €9,000 winners prize.

In the opening heat Laois Lightening began well from his trap five berth and although the Gordon Vaughan owned son of Ballymac Anton and Old Treasure headed straight for the rails he still held the call by half a length from Droopys Bro as they rounded the bend.

Tracking well around the opening two bends, the Donal Duggan of Tulla trained Laois Lightening led Peteles Express by three lengths with a further six back to Droopys Bro racing along the back straight .From the third bend though the winner was leader was home and hosed as he scored by three and a half lengths in 30.98.

In heat three, the Joseph Ward of Spancilhill owned Eastern Express was smartly into his stride from his trap one berth and racing towards the opening bend he led Lady Aston by over. A length with Dutchie in third place as they began the turn into the back straight.

Racing down the back Eastern Express was making the best of his way home and the son of Ballymac Bolger and Jet Stream Debit led

Lady Aston by two lengths exiting the far side and digging deep on the run in prevailed by a length and three parts from Dutchie in 30.44.

There were three mini-stake finals down for decision on Saturday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium Tipperary trainer Vincent McKenna has his runners in tremendous form at present and he landed another win in this A4 graded contest as the Pat Hogan of Ennis owned Aulton Joxer never saw another rival as he defeated the staying on Springwell Jon by four lengths in 29.38. The winner trapped well from his one box and racing towards the opening bend the son of Ballymac Cashout and Jumeirah Genie led Crokers Promrsoe by a length but that soon became four lengths entering the back straight . Striding clear out front Aulton Joxer was in control as he gradually drew clear of his rivals from the halfway point to register career win number two.

In the concluding A4 graded 525 yards contest Guideys Bullet, Drombeg Max and Petes Noah were all away well with Guideys Bullet tracking well around the opening bend to lead into the back straight with the Peter Russell of Shannon owned Petes Noah running right round the outside to entering the back straight half a length adrift of the leader . Racing past the halfway point Petes Noah

went to the front and led by over a length exiting the back straight and despite maintains a wide berth between the two bends the Donal Duggan of Tulla trained son of Burgess Bucks & Notimetotalk was home and hosed turning for home as he defeated Guideys Bullet by three & a half lengths in 29.47.

Last Thursday’s afternoon meeting at Limerick Greyhound Stadium proved to a be a fruitful one for Clare owners with six of the twelve races on offer coming home to the Banner, it was magnificent afternoon for the father and son team of Michael and Donnacha McNamara from Tulla as they recorded a treble of victories, Litter brothers Yuri and Pampas, sons of Dromana Bucko and Rockalong Aqua duly obliged in 29.22 and 29.61 respectively and their half-brother Daystar, a son of Malachi and Rockalong Aqua recorded his sixth career win in 29.53.

The opening contest a graded A5, was won by Syds Star for the Ballyalla based C Start Syndicate, trained by Newmarket on Fergus’s Myles Cummins this son of Droopys Sydney and Annual review landed career win number 13 in 29.73.

The third race an A5 contest went to Tulla’s Donie Duggan and Knoppogue Blue in 29.15, a homebred daughter of Magical bale

and Notimetotalk, this was her eighth career success Parteen’s Joe Collins was in the winner’s enclosure with Shanakyle Turbo who recorded his first career success in 29.71, he is a son of Ballymac Cashout and Moment in Life.

On the coursing front The Tipperary and district Meeting held in Galbally last weekend displayed all that is positive about regulated coursing with magnificent hares and an electric atmosphere throughout the weekend, it proved fruitful for both North and West Clare as Moher Princess won the Latin and Emily Puppy stake for Peter Scales and Declan McDonagh and Castle King won the Con Ryan Memorial Cup for Kilkee duo Kieran McGrath and David McNamara.

Sympathies are extended to the Browne and Grogan families on the recent passing of Mary Browne from Burnpark, Leitrim near Kilmihil. The Browne clan have been steeped in the Greyhound community in Clare for generations and in the past Mary with her late husband Michael had many a champion greyhound come from their Burnpark kennels, to name a few 1984 Oaks Winner Burnpark Sally, 1986 Puppy Derby Winner Burnpark Black and the 1996 Scottish Derby Winner Burnpark Lord.

34

Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH FOR golfers who prefer to focus on their game rather than carrying their clubs, electric golf trolleys have become an essential part of modern golf.

Brands like Motocaddy, PowaKaddy, and MGI have developed high-quality trolleys that combine convenience, compact storage, and cutting-edge technology to suit all levels of golfers.

Whether you need a simple, no-fuss trolley or a high-tech model with GPS, there is an electric trolley to match your needs and budget.

For those looking for a simple electric trolley without extra features, models start from €599. These entry-level trolleys offer the key benefit of taking the strain off carrying a bag or pushing a manual trolley, making them perfect for golfers who want to conserve energy during

their round. Twenty plus years ago a physio advised me to get an electric trolley, her advice always stuck with me and it was that you are still getting the same workout walking with an electric trolley, but you are saving your back muscles and discs long term from the damage caused from carrying a bag or pulling a trolley. While the basic trolley models don’t include a built-in screens or GPS, they are reliable and efficient, allowing golfers to enjoy their game with minimal effort.

A major concern for golfers when purchasing an electric trolley is storage and transport. Leading brands have addressed this by designing compact folding trolleys that fit easily into the boot of a car.

• Motocaddy’s M-Series Compact Range folds down neatly, making it an excellent choice for those with limited car boot space.

• PowaKaddy’s CT6 / CT8

l Trolleys have become an essential part of modern golf are some of the most com- without taking up excessive pact trolleys available, fold- space. ing 35% smaller than stanFor golfers who want an dard electric trolleys. extra edge on the course, • MGI Zip Series offers GPS-enabled trolleys proa unique "zip fold" mech- vide real-time distance anism, making setup and data directly on a screen. storage incredibly conve- Brands such as Motocaddy, nient.

PowaKaddy, and MGI have These compact designs incorporated high-tech GPS ensure that golfers can eas- systems into their premium ily store their trolley at home models. and transport it to the course Accurate Distances at

Woodstock Golf Club mourns loss of founder Sheila Guerin

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

WOODSTOCK GC: Woodstock Golf Club was closed throughout the weekend and up to an including Tuesday following the death of Sheila Guerin (nee Garvey) who, together with her husband Christy developed the course.

A retired teacher at Ennis Community college, Sheila died on February 21 at University Hospital Limerick.

Understandably proud of the development, Sheila loved meeting members and visitors at the club.

She is survived by her husband Christy, daughters Shirley, Avril, Hazel and Leslie, and their families.

Sheila’s remains lay in repose at Murphy’s funeral home in Kilmaley on Monday evening and following requim mass at Ennis cathedral on Tuesday, she was laid to rest in Drumcliffe cemetery.

Members and officers of Woodstock Golf Club formed a guard of honour be-

l Sheila Guerin sadly passed away last week fore and after the fu- was won by Nick neral mass.

Obolewicz, Kieran KILRUSH GOLF McNamara and Batt Skehan from JonCLUB: In week two in the athan Walsh, Jim Johnson's Bar Spring Willis and Ger Shortt series open qualifier with third place filled at Kilrush the winner by Sean Ahern, Pat was Michael Shan- McNamara and Willie non Snr (16) with 29 Roche.

Last Saturday’s points and he was two ahead of Michael men’s 14 hole stroke competition was won Miniter (9).

by Brian Stritch (13 EAST CLARE: with 48 from Teddy The ladies O'Hanlon (13) with 51 Wednesday compe- and Seamus O'Dwtition at East Clare yer (26) with 52. last week was won

by Brid Hayes, Pau- ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Entries for the Cyrline Nugent and Kay Grimes from Mary il Walshe, Knox and Brennan, Trish Kerr Koley cup competitions for men at Ennis and Noreen Doyle.

Last week’s senior golf club are now bemen’s competition ing accepted and en-

try sheets are posted on the club’s notice board.

The men’s singles stableford competition at the weekend was won by Brian Tuohy (41) with 47 points. In second place was Raymond Power (16) with 40 points. The gross was won by Alfred Jones with 31 points.

Mary T. McMahon (14) was the winner of the ladies 13 hole stableford competition at Ennis with 26 points. She had two to spare over Peg Hanrahan (16) with third spot filled by Anne Kelly (25) with 23 points.

The 8 hole competition was won by Carmel Verling(11) with 20 points, two ahead of Martina Corbett (21) with Irene Jordan (22) in third place with 16 points GORT GOLF CLUB: Niall O’Shaughnessy (13) won the 18 singles stableford competition at Gort on Saturday with 40 points.

The gross was won

by Noel O’Shaughnessy (9) with 31 points.

a Glance – A built-in GPS screen provides distances to the front, middle, and back of the green, as well as hazards. This eliminates the need to check a separate device or use a rangefinder, allowing golfers to make faster club selections.

It is also an incredible feature when you are playing a course for the first time. The GPS shows you the full hole shape and distances from the tee box along with all the hazards on the hole so you can now play courses stress free even if you have never played them before.

For those golfers who love gadgets I highly recommend a remote-controlled trolley. I bought the new MGI remote trolley late last year and I have to admit although it is the dearest of the three brands it works off a gimble and it stays on a straight line even if the trolley is on a severe slope. It is an absolute dream to use especially at the moment playing in the

cold I can keep my hands in my jacket pockets and steer my trolley without having to leave the warmth of my jacket meaning I can play golf regardless how cold it maybe.

All electric trolley models come with a 2yr warranty on the trolley and the charger and when you register your new trolley, they will offer you a 5yr warranty on your new battery. My advice is simple to everyone, once your 5yr warranty is up sell your trolley online and upgrade to a new model. Using this method your old trolley is still worth buying and you will always have a trolley that holds a warranty.

We also have a local electric trolley service expert Frank Keane of FK Trolley Repairs in Ennis who is the service agent for Motocaddy, Powakaddy and MGI whether they are under warranty or out of warranty Frank will get your trolley back on the road.

35

Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

CAHERMACLANCHY,

DOOLIN Take notice that L. Mantoan intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain barbeque area at the above address.

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

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

receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL I Aidan Kelly Agricultural Design & Planning Services (ADPS, 085 7466211, www.adps. ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of my client Riverside dairy farm ltd.

Permission to construct cubicles shed with slatted tank and all associated site works at Clonmoney West, Bunratty, Co. Clare.The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE CO COUNCIL SCALPNAGOWN, BALLINRUAN Permission is sought to Alter, Extend & Refurbish existing Dwelling House including all associated siteworks and services.

Applicant: James Daffy 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 a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO COUNCIL MANUSMORE, CLARECASTLE. Permission is sought to construct (ALA) ancillary living accommodation, connection to existing wastewater treatment system including all associated siteworks and services.

Applicant: John Duggan.

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 a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO COUNCIL CLASHDUFF, O’CALLAGHAN’S MILLS. Permission sought to construct an agricultural slatted shed including all associated siteworks and services.

Applicant: Con Duggan.

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 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 BALLYNEVAN SIXMILEBRIDGE CO. CLARE Take notice that we, Laura Murray & Sam Conlon, intend to apply to Clare County Council for permission for the construction of a dwelling house, garage, entrance, and proprietary waste treatment plant, including

all ancillary site works, at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority 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 application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 33 SHANNON PARK, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Paul and Joanne Cullinan intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct an single story extension to the rear and a two story extension to the side of their dwelling house and to widen the entrance to the property to allow additional parking at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, New Road, Ennis, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOUNTRIVERS, DOONBEG Take notice that T. Neenan intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain first floor area of house No 2A (Planning Ref No P03/612) at

the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLINGADDY EAST, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE. Take notice that Anneliese Gerlach and Michael Davenport intend to apply for permission to revise the plans previously granted under reference P22/478 & 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 KILCORNAN, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE, V95 T6P0.

Take notice that Geraldine & Michael Mc Guane intend to apply for retention permission for the storage shed and the extensions to side and rear of the dwelling house & 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

Planning

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.

36

Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

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38

Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 THE CLARE ECHO

Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz Approximately how many kilometres is the Ardnacrusha Plant from Limerick?

2km 5km 2.4km

3.

When did construction of Ardnacrusha begin?

1933 1945 1925

4.

Who was Taoiseach at the time of construction?

Eamon DeValera W.T. Cosgrave Michael Collins

5.

What year was the ESB established in?

1921 1935 1927

6.

The station at Ardnacrusha generates what kind of power?

Hydroelectric Coal burning Peat burning

7.

At its peak, how many workers were employed during construction?

5200

10000 4000 8.

9.

How much did the scheme cost when it was first decided upon? £10m £5.2m £7m

10. Around 150 skilled workers and engineers spent time in Ireland during the construction of Ardnacrusha but where were they from?

Switzerland France Germany

Scan here to see what’s on

ANSWERS

Quiz by Michael Fitzgerald 6. Hydroelectric 7. 5200 8. £5.2m 9. 2% 10. Germany

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Movies to see this week

Although it produced 80% of Ireland’s electricity in 1935, how much of the nation’s electricity does Ardnacrusha produce now?

2% 10% 5%

Siemens 2.4km 1925 W.T. Cosgrave 1927

2.

What German firm built Ardnacrusha?

Audi Siemens Mercedes Benz

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

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

Last weeks Answers . Exclamation mark missing on sign (right) . Question mark missing on sign . Persons glove different colour (front) . Hart missing on Eddie’s jacket

. Y missing on sign (left) . Hand missing in background . Symbol missing on sign (right)

Charlie McGuckin and Mark Rodgers battle as the banner lose to Wexford

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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39

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THIS13WEEKS Feb 27th Best Daily Word Search: FebruaryPUZZLES 2023

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WORD SEARCH

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS

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's not too ur coffee .

bruary 2023

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not too coffee